How Real Estate Changed My Life

S2E11 - Jace Myers & Brennan Harvey: What Property Managers Really Do: Two Interns Tell All

Welcome to another episode of How Real Estate Changed My Life! In this episode, we’re joined by Jace Myers & Brennan Harvey, two Texas A&M interns who spent the summer inside our property management operation.  They share insights on their expectations versus reality in property management, the value of hands-on experience in a small business, and the importance of effective communication with clients. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of working in property management, the learning curve involved, and the interns' future aspirations in the business world. If you’re a landlord, aspiring PM, or student eyeing a high-learning-curve internship, this episode is packed with playbooks, checklists, and pro tips you can use immediately. About McCaw Property: Full Service Real Estate Brokerage and Property Management Company We are helping clients find their home daily. Our investment professionals are motivated to provide income and capital appreciation to meet our clients' financial objectives. Investing in North Texas residential property provides the safest way to generate a stable and superior investment for many years. Our strategy is to identify and acquire residential income properties that, with the proper management plan, will provide reliable cash flow and capital appreciation. We thoroughly analyze each prospective property to fully understand the combined impact of location, timing, and demographics. Careful analysis plus insight gained through wide experience enables McCaw Properties to correctly forecast a property's future performance and determine its value. Only strong properties with true investment value are considered, ensuring solid returns for our investors. Timestamps: [00:00 - 01:39] Introduction [01:40 - 04:35] Internship Experiences at McCaw Property Management (Aggie 100 Career Fair) [04:36 - 06:49] Understanding Property Management [06:50 - 15:07] First projects at McCaw Property Management [15:08 - 19:34] The Value of Property Management for Clients [19:35 - 31:44] Learning and Growth in a Small Business Environment [31:45 - 38:43] Advice for Future Interns [38:44 - 44:36] Future Aspirations and Career Paths [44:37 - 47:16] Outro Connect with Kyle and his team! Apple: https://bit.ly/HRECMLApple Spotify: https://bit.ly/HRECMLSpotify iHeart: https://bit.ly/HRECMLiHeart Podbean: https://bit.ly/HRECMLPodBean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McCawPropertyManagement #podcast #1031Exchange #RealEstateInvesting #TaxStrategy #CapitalGains #DepreciationRecapture #QualifiedIntermediary #Reverse1031 #DST #TIC #WealthBuilding #LandlordTips #PassiveIncome #StepUpBasis #LikeKindExchange #internship #aggie100fair

S2E10 - LuAnn Blough: 1031 Exchange Masterclass: Basis, Boot, Debt, + the 200% Rule

Welcome to another episode of How Real Estate Changed My Life! In this episode, we’re joined by LuAnn Blough, a Regional Development Director at Exchange Resource Group, LLC. She’s on a mission to make the 1031 exchange simple, safe, and accessible—so everyday investors can defer taxes legally, preserve equity, and scale from one door to many. Luann breaks down the rules (in plain English), shares real-world examples, and shows you how to avoid the costly mistakes that can derail an exchange—covering basis, boot, debt, ID methods (3-Property vs. 200% Rule), timelines (45/180 days), reverse exchanges, DSTs, TICs, and more. If you’re a landlord, agent, or curious investor who wants to trade up without triggering taxes, this episode is packed with practical steps, checklists, and pro tips. About ERG1031 Exchanges: We strive to help maximize our client’s investment security and build future wealth preservation with tax deferred 1031 exchanges. As a nationwide Qualified Intermediary, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service in planning, structuring and facilitating your exchange. Providing all QI functions (document prep, secure holding of funds, timeline tracking, transaction support and education), we ensure our clients are comfortable and confident using a 1031 exchange while providing guidance through the 1031 exchange process. Timestamps: [00:00 - 02:41] Introduction [02:42 - 06:00] Understanding 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges [06:01 - 09:01] Calculating Capital Gains and Tax Implications [09:02 - 11:47] The Process of a 1031 Exchange [11:48 - 15:00] Identifying Replacement Properties [15:01 - 17:47] Reinvestment Goals and Tax Deferral [17:48 - 20:45] Reverse Exchanges Explained [20:46 - 23:53] Real-Life Examples and Success Stories [23:54 - 26:53] The Importance of Professional Guidance [26:54 - 38:48] Conclusion and Contact Information Resources: Regional Development Director at Exchange Resource Group, LLC https://www.linkedin.com/in/luannblough/ Phone number: 972863 1031 Email: luann@erg1031.com Connect with Kyle and his team! Apple: https://bit.ly/HRECMLApple Spotify: https://bit.ly/HRECMLSpotify iHeart: https://bit.ly/HRECMLiHeart Podbean: https://bit.ly/HRECMLPodBean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McCawPropertyManagement #podcast #1031Exchange #RealEstateInvesting #TaxStrategy #CapitalGains #DepreciationRecapture #QualifiedIntermediary #Reverse1031 #DST #TIC #WealthBuilding #LandlordTips #PassiveIncome #StepUpBasis #LikeKindExchange

S2E09: Eva Zivanovic & Matt Speer: Why TrueMatch Scores Matter for Every Property Investor

Welcome to another episode of How Real Estate Changed My Life! In this episode, we’re joined by Eva Živanovič and Matt Speer, the visionary co-founders of PropertyManagement.com They’re on a mission to transform the property management industry by bringing transparency, trust, and objective data to property owners and investors across the U.S. Eva and Matt share their journey from developing a property maintenance app to creating the first-ever platform that rates and tracks property manager performance nationwide. Matt opens up about his own real estate investing story—starting with no money, managing 30 rental properties, and eventually building a successful property management business. Together, they’re building a resource to help owners find the right property managers and protect their investments. If you’re a real estate investor or curious about how to navigate the complex world of property management, this episode is packed with practical insights and fresh ideas. About TrueMatch™: TrueMatch is an advanced matching service that connects investors and homeowners with the ideal property management company for their specific needs. Using a sophisticated verification system and proprietary scoring algorithm, TrueMatch analyzes location coverage, property types, and performance metrics to identify the single best verified property manager for your investment. Our platform helps you make confident property management decisions based on reliable, transparent data and verified performance records. Timestamps: [00:00 - 04:40] - Intro [04:41 - 07:28] - Is Property Management Harder Than It Looks? [07:29 - 10:96] - Can You Trust Ratings? [10:07 - 15:36] - Beyond Stars: Inside the Real Scoring System [15:37 - 19:35] - Looks Can Be Deceiving in Property Management [19:36 - 25:17] - How Property Management Became a Legitimate Business? [25:18 -28:15 ] - Accidental Landlords and Real-Time Scores [28:16 - 31:30] - How Can People Find Propertymanagement.com  [31:31 - 37:59] - Smart Solutions for Property Management [38:00 - 44:45] - In-House vs. Outsourced Maintenance: What Works Best [44:46 - 49:54] - Value Over Price in Property Management [49:55 - 52:11] - Outro Resources: Property Management: https://propertymanagement.com/ Eva Živanovič’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evazivanovic/?originalSubdomain=si Matt Speer’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspeer/ Connect with Kyle and his team! Apple: https://bit.ly/HRECMLApple Spotify: https://bit.ly/HRECMLSpotify iHeart: https://bit.ly/HRECMLiHeart Podbean: https://bit.ly/HRECMLPodBean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McCawPropertyManagement #podcast #propertymanagement #entrepreneur #clarity #resolve #purpose #AggieEntrepreneur #growth #business #entrepreneurship #Aggie #growthmindset #fastgrowth #knowledgeispower #innovation #CollegeStation #jeff #texasamu

S2E08: Our Real Estate Story: Turning a Disney Trip into a Forever Investment w/Gerd Conner

Welcome to another episode of How Real Estate Changed My Life! This time, we’re joined by Gerd Conner, a real estate investor whose journey blends smart strategy with heartfelt intention. Gerd didn’t just build wealth—he built a lifestyle, using short-term rentals to create unforgettable experiences for his family and guests alike. From renting his own vacation home to mastering tax strategies and building a strong community of fellow hosts, Gerd shares the ups and downs of his journey, how Disney unexpectedly played a role in connecting him to new opportunities, and why real estate isn’t just about profit—it’s about people. About THE Manatee Manor! Our family (and extended family) visited Windsor Hills in early 2020 – just before COVID swept the world off its feet – and we knew that we wanted to be here. Driving home from that first trip “To Disney”, we made a stop at Wakulla Springs State park to see the springs and the Manatees that migrate there in the winter time. If you are driving from out west on Interstate 10, this is an AMAZING side trip! Three generations of our family fell in love with the Manatees and it’s been “our” mascot ever since. Even when the Manatees migrate down the river in the summer time, the wildlife here is fantastic!   In the summer of 2020, our family moved into this fabulous community, and we spent the next year and a half enjoying Florida life, Windsor Hills life, visiting the theme parks, exploring the Florida peninsula, and remodeling our new home.   After nearly 18 months of preparation, our home is finally ready to share with others that are looking for that perfect spot to bring their families and enjoy this little slice of heaven. We know that you and yours will find the same welcome atmosphere that we found, and we look forward to our home being a part of your wonderful lifelong memories! Timestamps: [00:00 - 00:55] - Intro [00:56 -12:37 ] - Who is Gerd and How Did Real Estate Change His Life? [12:38 - 16:45] - What Did Gerd Do With the First House He Bought? [16:46 - 19:04] - Long-Term Rentals = Defense, Short-Term = Big Plays [19:05 - 23:56] - Creating a Stay That Feels Like Home—But Better [23:57 - 25:51] - The Hustle to Enjoy Your Own Rental Property [25:52 - 29:50] - From Arcade Dreams to Manatee Stickers: Marketing That Connects [29:51 - 33:03] - Break Even, Make Magic: The Real Reward of Hosting [33:04 - 36:32] - The Tax Hack That Changed Everything for Us [36:33 - 40:02] - Global Team, Local Impact: Scaling Smart with VAs [40:03 - 43:16] - How to Find Overseas VAs [43:17 - 48:09] - From Magic Kingdom to Border Closures—Our Wild 2020 Trip [48:10 - 50:59] - Why I Rented Instead of Buying—and It Paid Off [51:00 - 54:50] - Art, Real Estate & Unexpected Friendships in Orlando [54:51 - 59:35] - Competitors vs. Community: The Short-Term Rental Difference [59:36 - 01:04:17] - Outro [41:01 - 47:08] - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals: How Banks Determine Rental Income Potential? [47:09 - 50:53] - Leveraging Reviews and Data: How to Make Your Rental More Attractive? [50:54 - 52:50] - How Can People Reach Jeff [52:51 - 53:43] - Outro Resources: THE Manatee Manor -  https://www.themanateemanor.com/ THE Manatee Manor Airbnb:  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53624391?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=2b956498-ba67-4574-802a-f47ec18696d7 The Manatee Manor Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074627545063 Connect with Kyle and his team! Apple: https://bit.ly/HRECMLApple Spotify: https://bit.ly/HRECMLSpotify iHeart: https://bit.ly/HRECMLiHeart Podbean: https://bit.ly/HRECMLPodBean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McCawPropertyManagement #podcast #propertymanagement #entrepreneur #clarity #resolve #purpose #AggieEntrepreneur #growth #business #entrepreneurship #Aggie #growthmindset #fastgrowth #knowledgeispower #innovation #CollegeStation #jeff #texasamu #gerdconner #realestateinvestingjourney #shorttermrentalsuccess #disneyvacationhome #howrealestatechangedmylife #realestate strategy #shorttermrental #Airbnbtips #realestatecashflowstory #pandemicinvestingstrategy #AirbnbnearDisney

S2 E07: From Mortgage Originator to Short-Term Rental Success w/Jeff Chisum

Welcome to another episode of How Real Estate Changed My Life! This time, we’re joined by Jeff Chisum, a professional mortgage originator who specializes in short-term rental financing and is also a successful short-term rental owner. In this episode, Jeff shares his unique journey in the real estate space, focusing on how short-term rentals became a game-changer for both his career and personal wealth. He dives into the ins and outs of short-term rental financing, offers insights into building a portfolio, and explains how owning property in different locations has shaped his success. If you're looking for actionable advice on short-term rentals and real estate investment, this episode is a must-listen! About Jeff Chisum Jeff is a seasoned mortgage professional with a focus on short-term rental financing. As an owner and investor in the space, he brings a practical perspective to the table. Jeff’s expertise in both the financial and operational sides of short-term rentals has helped him build a successful portfolio and create lasting wealth. His story highlights the power of blending financial know-how with strategic real estate investing. Timestamps: [00:00 - 01:33] - Intro [01:34 - 09:29] - Who is Jeff and What Does He Do? [09:30 - 15:43] - Surprising Hurdles in the Home Prep Process [15:44 - 17:38] - Is Market Research the Key to a Successful Rental? [17:39 - 22:55] - What Does the Typical Short-Term Rental Investor Look Like? [22:56 - 26:30] - Second Home Mortgages: How Income Requirements Compare to Traditional Loans [26:31 - 30:20] - Referrals, Networking, and Tax Benefits: The Recipe for Short-Term Rental Success [30:21 - 38:43] - Managing a Property from Afar: How to Stay Comfortable with Remote Rentals [38:44 -41:00] - From Airbnb to Word of Mouth: How Guests Discover Short-Term Rentals [41:01 - 47:08] - Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals: How Banks Determine Rental Income Potential? [47:09 - 50:53] - Leveraging Reviews and Data: How to Make Your Rental More Attractive? [50:54 - 52:50] - How Can People Reach Jeff [52:51 - 53:43] - Outro Resources: Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-chisum-92063217/ The STR Home Financing Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-str-home-financing-podcast/id1658379195 Connect with Kyle and his team! Apple: https://bit.ly/HRECMLApple Spotify: https://bit.ly/HRECMLSpotify iHeart: https://bit.ly/HRECMLiHeart Podbean: https://bit.ly/HRECMLPodBean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@McCawPropertyManagement #podcast #propertymanagement #entrepreneur #clarity #resolve #purpose #AggieEntrepreneur #growth #business #entrepreneurship #Aggie #growthmindset #fastgrowth #knowledgeispower #innovation #CollegeStation #jeff #texasamu #jeffchisum