Click Here for the Show Notes

In this episode, Marco responds to a thoughtful question from Chris, a 23-year-old mechanical engineer eager to begin his real estate investing journey with an eye toward long-term time freedom. With $30,000 saved and an interest in low-cost, cash-flowing rental properties, Chris asks what approach makes the most sense for a first investment and which markets to focus on.

Marco breaks down the important distinction between “cheap” and “low-cost” properties, explains how neighborhood classes impact tenant stability and returns, and explores the trade-offs between cash-on-cash returns, net cash flow, and long-term appreciation. Using real-world property examples across multiple markets, he walks through how investors should compare deals beyond price alone and think strategically about risk, returns, and goals.

This episode offers practical, high-level guidance for new investors looking to make smart, informed decisions as they get started.

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Throwback Thursday Episode (The episode originally took place in the year 2020)

This episode is part of our Throwback Series and may include references to older content such as web classes, events, promotions, or links that are no longer active or available. While the conversation and insights still hold value, please note that some information may be outdated.

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If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to TBT: Ask Marco - How Important is it to Invest Locally?

Download your FREE copy of: The Ultimate Guide to Passive Real Estate Investing.

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

Our team of Investment Counselors has much more inventory available than what you see on our website. Contact us today for more deals.

Click Here for the Show Notes

Today’s question comes from Daniel, a new real estate investor wrestling with a concern we hear all the time: Do you need to live near your investment properties to be successful? In this episode, Marco breaks down why proximity is often overrated and why smart investors should think beyond their backyard. Using a simple stock market analogy and real-world examples, he explains how real estate markets across the U.S. operate independently—and why being “market agnostic” can unlock better cash flow, stronger returns, and more stability, especially if you live in an expensive coastal city. You’ll learn when investing locally does make sense, when it doesn’t, and the key fundamentals to focus on instead, like population growth, job trends, inventory, and building the right team on the ground. If you’re worried about investing long-distance or holding yourself back waiting for the “perfect” local deal, this episode will challenge your assumptions and give you clarity.

Listen now to learn how to invest where the numbers make sense—not just where you live—and take your next confident step as a real estate investor.

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Throwback Thursday Episode (The episode originally took place in the year 2020)

This episode is part of our Throwback Series and may include references to older content such as web classes, events, promotions, or links that are no longer active or available. While the conversation and insights still hold value, please note that some information may be outdated.

--------------------------------

If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to TBT: Ask Marco - When Should You Sell a Rental and Buy Somewhere Else?

Download your FREE copy of: The Ultimate Guide to Passive Real Estate Investing.

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

Our team of Investment Counselors has much more inventory available than what you see on our website. Contact us today for more deals.

Click Here for the Show Notes

In today’s Throwback Thursday episode, Marco dives into a great question from listener John, who wants to know when it actually makes sense to sell a rental property—especially through a 1031 exchange—and reinvest in a stronger market. Marco breaks down the few, but important, scenarios where selling is smart: major market shifts like job or population declines, a weakening rent-to-value ratio that drags down cash flow, and the big one many investors forget—when your depreciation clock runs out after 27.5 years. He also explains how to compare your current property’s performance with what your equity could earn elsewhere, and why transaction costs matter but rarely change the big picture. If you’re wondering whether to hold, sell, or shift your portfolio for better returns, this episode gives you the clear framework you need.

Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real-world investing insights every week!

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Throwback Thursday Episode (The episode originally took place in the year 2020)

This episode is part of our Throwback Series and may include references to older content such as web classes, events, promotions, or links that are no longer active or available. While the conversation and insights still hold value, please note that some information may be outdated.

--------------------------------

If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to How I Deferred Over $150,000 in Capital Gains Taxes using a 1031 Exchange

Download your FREE copy of: The Ultimate Guide to Passive Real Estate Investing.

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

Our team of Investment Counselors has much more inventory available than what you see on our website. Contact us today for more deals.