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Series and may include references to older content such as web classes, events, promotions, or links that are no longer active or available. While the conversation and insights still hold value, please note that some information may be outdated.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

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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.

Click Here for the Show Notes

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dave to demystify one of the most powerful strategies in real estate investing: the 1031 exchange. From how it works, to why it’s been around for more than a century, to the step-by-step process investors should follow before they sell a property—Dave breaks it all down in a way that’s simple, practical, and surprisingly fun. We also dive into real client stories, financing hacks, timeline tips, and how the right team can save you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to build your portfolio, this episode is packed with game-changing takeaways you won’t want to miss.

If you’re thinking about exploring your own 1031 exchange strategy, be sure to reach out so we can help you run the numbers and connect you with the right experts.

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

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

SUBSCRIBE on iTunes

If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to TBT: Ask Marco - What Should We Pay Ourselves From Our Rentals?

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

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#LearningRealEstate #AskMarco #PassiveRealEstateInvesting #Turnkeyproperties #RealEstatePodcast #Investment #investors #RealEstateInvestors #RentalProperties #TurnkeyProperties #NoradaRealEstateInvestments

Click Here for the Show Notes

Today’s Throwback Thursday episode of Passive Real Estate Investing brings back a listener favorite that’s just as relevant now as when it first aired. In this episode, Marco revisits a great question from Victor, a new investor who—along with his sister—recently closed on their first three seller-financed rental properties. Victor asks when investors should start paying themselves from rental income and how much is appropriate. Marco uses this as a springboard to clarify how to correctly calculate NOI, how to think about expenses, and how to align your payout decisions with your overall investment strategy. He also breaks down the difference between focusing on cash flow now versus reinvesting for rapid portfolio growth, plus how the “snowball” method of mortgage payoff can speed up your journey to financial freedom.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a fellow investor, and leave a review—your feedback helps us reach more people on the path to passive income.

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Throwback Thursday Episode (The episode originally took place in the year 2021)

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 5 Insurance Mistakes Costing Investors Thousands (and a St. Louis Market Update)

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

The episode explores the critical role that insurance plays in real estate investing, particularly for rental properties. The conversation covers the types of policies investors should understand, emphasizing liability coverage and the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost, along with noting that wind and hail coverage is typically included. It also highlights the St. Louis real estate market, known for its affordability and strong rental demand with more than half of residents renting their homes. The discussion reinforces the importance of strong property management, thorough tenant screening, and careful expense control as essential elements for protecting investments and maximizing cash flow.

If you’re looking to strengthen your own investment strategy, dive into the full episode to gain deeper insights and start applying these proven practices to your portfolio.

For personalized guidance or support with your next investment, contact us today.

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

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

SUBSCRIBE on iTunes

If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to TBT: Ask Marco - Should I Pay Off My Rentals?

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

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#LearningRealEstate #AskMarco #PassiveRealEstateInvesting #Turnkeyproperties #RealEstatePodcast #Investment #investors #RealEstateInvestors #RentalProperties #TurnkeyProperties #NoradaRealEstateInvestments

Click Here for the Show Notes

In today’s episode, we tackle an important question from listener Lindsey: “Should I pay off my rentals?” Lindsey already owns multiple duplexes and a quadplex, but she’s wrestling with a common dilemma—keeping debt low versus using leverage to accelerate passive-income growth. We break down key factors like your goals, timeline, equity, and the role of good debt to help you understand when paying off properties makes sense and when growing your portfolio may be the faster path.

If you enjoy episodes like this, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next one. Tune in now!

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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 The New 50-Year Mortgage: Genius Strategy or Financial Trap?

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 this episode of Passive Real Estate Investing, Melissa Nash and seasoned lender Aaron Chapman break down the headline everyone’s talking about: the 50-year mortgage. They dig into how this could impact affordability, cash flow, inflation, and long-term leverage—and why waiting for “perfect timing” could leave investors completely sidelined. With clear, no-nonsense insights on market demand, refinancing strategy, and smart acquisition moves, Melissa and Aaron outline exactly what investors should be doing right now to stay ahead.

Don’t miss this one—listen in, then book a strategy call to start mapping out your investment plan today.

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

See our available Turnkey Cash-Flow Rental Properties.

SUBSCRIBE on iTunes

If you missed our last episode, be sure to listen to TBT: Ask Marco - Long or Short-Term Rental?

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

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

#LearningRealEstate #AskMarco #PassiveRealEstateInvesting #Turnkeyproperties #RealEstatePodcast #Investment #investors #RealEstateInvestors #RentalProperties #TurnkeyProperties #NoradaRealEstateInvestments