Hey, it’s Jay and Annie here, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive deep into the evolving world of house hacking—what we’re calling “House Hacking 2.0.” With housing prices and interest rates reaching new heights, creative solutions are more essential than ever. We’re sharing innovative strategies for maximizing your property’s earning potential, including the rise of ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), room rentals, and even boarding house setups.

You’ll hear real-world stories from our coaching clients who are successfully living for free—or even profiting—by renting out parts of their homes. We’ll also break down what to watch out for, from zoning regulations to managing utilities, and offer guidance on getting started with little or no money down. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to optimize your current property, this episode is packed with insights to help you rethink your living space as a wealth-building tool.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Why ADUs are the future of house hacking

[2:54] - Renting to traveling healthcare professionals via Furnished Finder

[4:01] - Real-life case studies: room rentals and converting a home into a boarding house

[6:22] - The responsibilities and expenses of managing a room-by-room rental

[10:09] - The “starter pack” approach to Airbnb amenities

[11:26] - How buying multifamily units can let you live rent-free

[13:02] - Zoning restrictions and why checking local regulations is critical

[14:07] - Using grants and low-down-payment loans to buy investment properties

[17:31] - Creative financing strategies: lease options, land contracts, and subject-to deals

[22:26] - Zoning variances and how to navigate approvals for ADUs and conversions

5 Key Takeaways:

1. ADUs are on the rise – Converting garages, basements, or sheds into livable rental spaces offers a low-risk, high-reward way to house hack.

2. Short and mid-term rentals – Platforms like Furnished Finder cater specifically to traveling professionals and can generate steady income with more control over your tenant selection.

3. House hacking isn’t just for the young – From young adults to families, creative strategies like room rentals and owner financing are being used across generations.

4. Check your zoning laws – Always confirm what’s allowed in your area before investing in ADUs or multifamily properties. A missed regulation could double your rehab costs.

5. Creative financing options exist – You don’t always need a bank. Strategies like seller financing, lease options, and subject-to deals can make owning property more accessible.

Closing Note:

If this episode gave you some fresh ideas or helped you see your property in a new light, do us a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast! And don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to make their home start working for them. See you next time on The Real Estate Ride!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into a transformative conversation about the power of creating a clear, compelling vision for your life. Annie and Jay pull back the curtain on how they crafted their personal vision—from working 80-hour weeks to living a life with balance, purpose, and freedom. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unclear about your next steps, this episode will help you start building a blueprint for the life you truly want.

We unpack how to use the “Wheel of Life” to assess where you are and where you want to go, and how to turn dreams into actionable goals. We also share personal stories, real-life setbacks, and the mindset shifts that made it all possible. Whether you’re new to vision planning or ready to update yours, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help you live intentionally and on purpose.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:27] - Exploring the staggering stat that 83% of people don’t set goals—and why writing them down is a game changer

[5:00] - How Oprah Winfrey uses vision boards and neuroscience to manifest her goals

[8:05] - Annie and Jay share their journey from burnout to balance, living their original vision of 25-hour workweeks and five weeks of vacation

[14:44] - Understanding and using the “Wheel of Life” to evaluate the key areas of your life

[20:18] - Real talk: why you shouldn’t limit your vision by current circumstances like money or time

[25:09] - The power of public accountability and how it helped Annie transform her health and fitness

[33:40] - Why you should remove filters like job schedules and income limits when designing your ideal calendar

[41:12] - Goal stacking: how to blend life goals for maximum impact and fulfillment

[45:32] - Writing your vision in the present tense and tapping into your emotional “why”

[52:12] - Breaking down big dreams into weekly actionable tasks for long-term success

5 Key Takeaways

1. Write It Down: You’re 30 times more likely to succeed when your goals are written and reviewed regularly.

2. Think Without Limits: Create your vision without financial, time, or current reality constraints—your only limit is your mindset.

3. Use the Wheel of Life: A powerful tool to assess and improve all areas of your life, from health to personal growth.

4. Build Accountability: Sharing your vision with coaches or peers dramatically boosts your follow-through and success.

5. Action Triggers Progress: Break down your vision into small, specific weekly actions to steadily move toward your goals.

Links & Resources

• Contact: Annie@jayandannieadkins.com | Jay@jayandannieadkins.com

• Tools Mentioned: Wheel of Life assessment, Calendar Exercise, Vision Writing Templates

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. Share it with someone who’s ready to start living with purpose. Let’s build your dream life—together.

Hey there, it’s Jay and Annie! In today’s episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into the many creative and practical ways you can fund both the purchase and rehab of your investment properties. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding your financing options is crucial to scaling your real estate business — and keeping more of your own money in your pocket.

We’re sharing everything from private money strategies and 401(k) rollovers to HELOCs, partnerships, and hard money lenders. We talk about real-life examples, mistakes we’ve made, and the smarter methods we use now that we wish we knew when we started. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into a deal with zero of your own cash or how to structure win-win terms with a lender, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional banks are often not the most efficient or cost-effective way to fund investment properties — explore private lenders and alternative options.

2. You can leverage retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and equity in your home or others’ to fund real estate deals creatively.

3. Vetting your lender thoroughly can save your deal — a reliable lender can make or break your transaction timeline and credibility.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:14] - Why we rarely use traditional banks anymore

[3:06] - Cash is king — but it doesn’t always have to be your cash

[4:25] - Using old 401(k)s and self-directed retirement accounts for funding

[7:39] - Leveraging whole life insurance policies for real estate investing

[10:02] - Understanding and using HELOCs creatively and safely

[14:44] - The power of partnerships and joint ventures when you have no capital

[18:29] - What to look for in a trustworthy hard money lender

[21:06] - Typical loan terms, down payments, and interest rates across lenders

[23:00] - Traditional banks: when they make sense and when to avoid them

Links & Resources

• Quest IRA (Texas-based)

• Kingdom Trust (based in Wyoming/Kentucky)

• Hard money lenders mentioned: Wildcat Lending, Fund That Flip, RCN Capital

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• If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review — and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to take the leap into real estate investing. Catch you in the next episode, and as always, happy house hunting!