On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Brian Tran, founding partner of 50 Hills, host of the Winners Club podcast, and a real estate investor with over 100 flips and a multimillion-dollar portfolio. Brian shares how his family's immigration story shaped his commitment to real estate, the early mistakes he learned from buying in tough neighborhoods, and how those lessons guided his long-term investing strategy.

Brian breaks down how he balances appreciation markets like California with cash-flow markets out of state, treating his portfolio the way a financial advisor would diversify assets. He also dives into the role of wholesaling and flipping as active income engines, the importance of delaying gratification, and why mindset—not capital—is the biggest barrier for new investors.

Listeners will hear practical guidance on getting started in real estate without shortcuts, why buying your first property matters more than perfect timing, and how treating real estate like a real business creates long-term freedom and stability.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Brian's parents' immigration journey influenced his approach to real estate

• Why buying in rough neighborhoods taught hard but valuable lessons

• How to balance appreciation and cash flow across different markets

• The role of wholesaling and flipping in building investable capital

• Why mindset and focus matter more than chasing quick wins

• How buying your first property creates long-term momentum

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Connect with Brian

Website: http://mrbriantran.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mr.BrianTran

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbriantran?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.briantran/

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - info@streamlined.properties

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.