When it comes to investing in real estate, getting started is the hardest part. This has always been true, but it’s even more evident in an economic climate that puts homeownership out of reach for so many. If you can barely afford to buy your own home, how can you begin to consider saving up to invest in real estate?

You may know that REI Nation specializes in single-family investment properties, but you may not know that we deliver both recently renovated and build-to-rent options!

Housing affordability has been a big problem in the U.S. real estate market as far back as the Great Recession. Signs aren’t pointing to relief, even as economists predict a major market correction in 2023. The fact of the matter is this – the United States needs between four and five million more homes than it has right now.

Due diligence is a simple concept to understand but challenging to execute. It’s anticipating and mitigating risk, gathering accurate facts and data for informed decision-making, and doing your best to ensure you’re building your wealth and managing risk exposure.

No matter what season you're in as an investor, REI Nation is ready to partner with you toward your financial goals. 

Real estate investors all know that resident retention is essential. Property vacancies are costly not only for the lack of rental income but also for the costs associated with filling that vacancy. Reducing turnover is often a matter you can control and adjust as you go. Sometimes, however, investors hurt their chances from the start.

The state of the U.S. real estate market may have you questioning whether or not investing in real estate is worth it. Let’s get this out of the way: every stage and season of the market carries distinct challenges and advantages. It doesn’t benefit your portfolio to wish for a bygone era.

We've done all the hard work to make it simple for you to invest.

The threat of economic recession can mean devastation for traditional investors. Losses in the stock market can be so dramatic that those on the cusp of retirement may never recover in their lifetime. But that shouldn’t mean that investing is out of the question – only that we’ve got to prioritize investing in the right things.

Who doesn’t love scoring a great deal? While this approach works for the sale rack, it’s not so wise where rental properties are concerned. Real estate investors, from newbies to old pros, know the temptation of a “great” deal. We’ve been there, done that – and know from experience that cheap properties don’t build world-class portfolios.

When you invest with REI Nation, you have everything you need to grow your portfolio with confidence: quality properties in viable markets that have recently undergone thorough renovations, leased by residents who love where they live! 

For some, the real estate market has been profoundly confusing. No one could anticipate, after all, the radical impact the pandemic would have on the market. It seems like real estate is frustratingly stubborn in the face of attempts to quell raging prices. The seeming unpredictability of the real estate market may deter some people from joining the fray as buyers and investors.

What a strange year it’s been for the real estate market! Nothing about the Spring buying season worked, interest rates put a damper on everything, and investors felt the market squeeze. Thankfully, the trends and data we’re seeing point to the beginning of the end of this real estate slump.

We've done all the hard work to make it simple for you to invest.

What makes a real estate investor successful? There are plenty of arguments to be made, ranging from knowledge and experience to sheer luck. So much success in the investment world, however, is directly connected to your attitude.

At REI Nation, we value property management because we're investors ourselves. Our processes are designed to maintain and care for your properties as if they were ours, because that's exactly how we got started!

However, if you're continuing your search for the right fit to manage your properties, we highly recommend you do your due diligence. 

Real estate investors choosing to sit on their hands in wait for a market crash will be sorely disappointed. Investors must adapt their strategies for any and everything the real estate market brings to the table, favorable and otherwise. We can always wait and hope that conditions will take a turn for the ideal, but that’s not a reliable investment method.

Ready to discover your next investment property?

Right now, investors want to ensure that any property they own or acquire maximizes its potential. After all, the investment market is less forgiving these days. Every decision counts!

The misconception is that people rent because they have no other option. Either they’re terrible with money and can’t save due to debt and spending, or they don’t earn enough in the first place. This hasn’t been the case for a long time.

Hello spring! Temperatures are warming up, and so is the real estate market! 

While certain aspects of investing in real estate can be electric and exciting, the bulk of your investment strategies should be boring. If you’re always on a real estate roller coaster that thrives on hype and risk, you’re not going to achieve what you need for lasting investment success.

Business Insider reports that fraud within the real estate industry is on the rise. This increase is likely a reaction to a somewhat hostile housing environment. Buyers and sellers are feeling desperate, and that desperation is something unsavory characters will take advantage of. Unfortunately, these aren’t all scams we can see a mile away.

We're in the final days of our Triple 7's Offer, so now is the time to lock in your next investment property—like this recently renovated single-family residence in Memphis, Tennessee!

The real estate market as we know it seems to be settling into a “new normal,” where sellers recognize their need to make concessions and price adjustments and buyers have reluctantly accepted higher mortgage rates. That’s not to say that things won’t change – the market will continue to correct, albeit slowly.

We get it – investing in an uncertain economy is nerve-wracking. You don’t know what to expect. It feels like there’s a genuine possibility of losing everything. While there will be challenges, investors can’t allow fear to stop them from building their wealth.

For nearly twenty years, the slogan of Dallas, Texas, has been "Live Large. Think Big." Sounds like great advice to us!

Tax Day is upon us! If you haven’t started working on filing for 2022, you may officially be procrastinating. We get it – taxes are never fun, even when you have a CPA doing the heavy lifting for you. With that said, you can make tax season a little less painful by leveraging your real estate investments to reduce your tax liability!

According to Warren Buffet, "be greedy when others are fearful." And there's plenty of fear in the real estate world. There's still ongoing debate about whether we're going to see a correction or a crash, how rising interest rates (yes, they're expected to get higher) will impact buyers, and if real estate is worth it anymore.

They're all recently renovated single-family residences, with quality residents signed into two-year leases!

Investing in anything can be stressful if you allow it to be. While some investments are naturally riskier – and thus, generate more stress and uncertainty – investing in single-family rental properties is one of the less risky moves you can make.

Stability tends to be an undervalued trait in investment assets. Though this seems counter to the nature of investing, investors are guilty of chasing the highs of the industry. Whether it’s knowing that high risk yields high rewards or simply the human need for a thrill, we’re attracted to high-octane investing.

Spring showers are no match for our renovations team, who recently finished their top-to-bottom, detail-oriented work on this single-family residence in Memphis, Tennessee!

Building a real estate investment empire isn’t about owning the most properties, charging the highest rates, or investing in the most luxurious markets. Success as an SFR investor comes through a high level of service and consistency. Your greatest asset apart from your properties is the people inhabiting them.

Axios reports that the real estate market is rising from the dead as buyers and sellers make peace with challenging market conditions. Trends currently reflect increasing sales volume and much-needed signs of life.

Dallas-Ft. Worth has a massive population that skews towards young families. This property is the perfect example of a single-family rental that meets quality residents right where they are!

Buying investment properties is a process. If you’ve ever purchased a home with bank lending, you know just how it is – a complex process of sending, signing, and receiving documents. Then there’s the appraisal, closing, and everything happening behind the scenes.

Despite the ups and downs of the real estate market over the past few quarters, the single-family rental market has been on fire. Even though the tide of the market seems to be shifting in favor of buyers again, a robust seller’s market, oppressive asking prices, and tight inventory have left many looking to rent not just for the present, but for the long term.

Every successful real estate investor is supported by the unsung heroes of the industry: financial and portfolio advisor, property managers, contractors, and turnkey professionals. Not only do far too many investors neglect the wealth of professional resources at their disposal, but they don’t always make the most of the ones they have.

There’s an ongoing debate among economists about the state of the real estate market. While the first months of the year give us some idea of where we’ll be throughout 2023, some are still fearful that the market will crash. After all, we’re coming off unprecedented highs, through inflation, and into a recession.

There's a reason why we call Memphis home!

Everyone has their reasons for investing in real estate but investing for retirement is by far the most common. That’s for good reason, too – real estate is widely regarded as the best way to build passive wealth!

When you partner with REI Nation for your investment property purchase, you'll enjoy better returns on every property, every time. Now, it's time to hit the jackpot with REI Nation's Triple 7 Offer.

If you look at the headlines, you’ll see people questioning the wisdom of investing in real estate in the current market climate. And we won’t lie, things are different now. And while “different,” may mean pivoting to address new challenges, it doesn’t make investing in SFRs any less valuable than it always has been.

Little Rock has become one of our most popular markets for investors looking for reliable, long-term investment properties to add their portfolio. 

Though inflation-fighting mortgage rates have helped the real estate market cool in recent months, it doesn’t mean the market is a breeze to buy in. Due to low inventory and specific, individual market factors, there’s still a risk of getting involved in bidding wars and overpaying for a property.

The “Housing Theory of Everything” proclaims that housing is the single biggest factor driving our economic climate, including the persistence of wealth inequality. Those who own homes and other properties are ahead of the average American, as they can establish and grow equity. Real estate has long been the greatest generator of generational wealth, and that hasn’t changed.

Little Rock is one of our hand-selected markets, prime for long-term investment due to its steady economy and central location. 

While there’s no doubt that real estate is one of the best investments you can make, too many newbie investors go into it without considering the risks. They think because they own their own home or have rented in the past, they know what they’re looking for.

No matter your financial circumstances, inflation is taking a toll on all of us. If you’re investing in real estate, you’re off to a good start in protecting your wealth from shrinking. After all, real estate is a hedge against inflation! However, it’s not enough to grow your wealth through equity and appreciation.

Investors would be hard-pressed not to see the value in DFW real estate. Bustling with energy, innovation, and exponential job and population growth, this is an investment market that continues to defy the odds. 

Remote investing used to be a scary concept. Investors wouldn’t dream of taking a chance on a market thousands of miles away! But today, we’re more used to distance than ever. Technology shrunk that gap, and that means that investing from a distance is safer and more accessible than ever.

The most successful real estate investors know that you must utilize every advantage at your disposal. One of those advantages is in utilizing a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) to invest. Here’s why you, too, should consider using an SDIRA in your real estate investment strategy.

The 28 million Americans hoping to buy a primary residence in 2023 are in for a rude awakening, according to a telling NerdWallet survey. According to the data, these homebuyer hopefuls are looking to spend an average of $269,200 on a home.

At REI Nation, we always have a wide variety of single-family residences for our investors to choose from. 

One of the biggest mistakes turnkey investors can make is mistaking “passive” investing for “disengaged” investing. No matter what strategy you utilize, an owner-investor has a critical role to play – and that role comes with responsibilities.

We’re well into the first month of 2023. Though it’s still too soon to know exactly how the year will shake out for real estate investors, there are some clear market realities we must contend with. Even buy-and-hold investors who don’t depend on day-to-day market fluctuations must keep their fingers on the pulse of the market.

Not sure where to take your next investing steps? We've got you covered. 

Every stage of the real estate cycle – even recessions – provides opportunities for investors who know where to look. Your success in this business isn’t up to fate or the turning tides of the market. Ultimately, success comes down to how much you’re willing to work for what you want – and whether you take hold of the opportunities in front of you.

You may have noticed that the real estate industry seems to have taken on a tone of pessimism. Between tight inventory, rising interest rates, and the return of a buyer’s market, there has been no shortage of dismal and doomsaying headlines.

Investing better doesn't have to mean investing more.

If you’re a go-with-the-flow real estate investor, you’ll never reach your full potential. You can be perfectly comfortable with average results, but is that really what you want to be? Average? 

Although 23% of Americans believe that investing in real estate is the best way to build wealth – more than stocks, starting a business, or getting a side hustle – only 12% bought real estate in the last year.

As 2023 begins, we find ourselves looking ahead to the future. What opportunities will this new year hold? How should investors adjust their strategies, if at all? The uncertainty of it all can be unnerving, particularly for inexperienced investors who may not have taken an active part in the real estate market at each stage.

You asked, we answered!

2023 is likely to bring a real estate market shakeup. While our strategies will pivot, our ultimate goals will not – real estate is and has always been the best way to generate lasting, reliable wealth. Looking back at market statistics from the last year isn’t to say that things will continue along the same path – only that the market is always changing and always exists in a particular context.

We’re always evaluating the best way to secure our best financial future. There are countless strategies at your disposal – a hundred different assets to invest in and even more strategies to utilize. One of the most popular avenues of investment, however, is the stock market. While the S&P 500 has been on a rapid upward swing since 2020, 2022 saw a turn.

Did you know that REI Nation invests in a number of built-to-rent (BTR) neighborhoods across our markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alabama? 

Since 2003, REI Nation has helped passive real estate investors build quality investment portfolios in several of the top real estate investing markets in the U.S.

If there’s one thing we can say for ourselves, it’s that REI Nation has just about seen it all.

We were founded in 2003 – meaning the upcoming year will be our 20th anniversary! And in those twenty years, we’ve seen the market twist and turn from the 2008 Housing Crisis and Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic and all the ups and downs in between.

In this week's property update, we're bringing you to Birmingham with a round up of properties that put the "Home" in Sweet Home Alabama!

Birmingham is a city comfortably pulled in two directions, with growing suburbs as well as a growing downtown “renaissance.” Restaurants, shopping, and other business amenities are booming, while Birmingham retains an affordable cost of living for young professionals and families alike. 

At REI Nation, we love markets like Birmingham, and we're excited to share that we have both newly built and recently renovated properties available there now!

Take a look at just what we have in store, starting with the Willow Ridge neighborhood. And don't forget, this week is your last chance to take us up on our 2 FOR 2022 offer!

If someone asked you what the absolute essentials they need to know are for your industry, what would you say? It’s a question we’ve been thinking about. After all, there’s a lot you could say about investing in single-family rentals. What you need to know often goes together with dispelling some misconceptions about the industry.

Don't fa la la before following along on this property tour! Click to watch the introduction to a recently renovated single-family rental in Memphis, Tennessee, along with your tour guides Matt and Malorie.

Also, don't forget to scroll down to find out why now is the best time of year to invest with us!

It looks as though U.S. inflation is finally easing up. While that doesn’t mean we’re out of the economic woods, it does mean that we’re about to be less stuck in the tension between extreme inflation and market recession. That’s not to say prices are where they should be – but the intense squeeze of the market gives us a little breathing room.

Today we're taking a tour through a recently renovated property in a market we love: San Antonio! Click to watch the full video tour and continue scrolling for highlights of this and other properties we have available for purchase. 

The Fed may take away, but REI Nation is giving back with an end of year offer!

Close out 2022 right with this limited time opportunity from REI Nation.

On any investment property purchased between now and December 31, 2022, you'll receive 2% rate buy down or 2% closing costs credit AND 2% property management for 2 years!

With only a few weeks left in the year, it’s time for real estate investors to finish strong. You may be a passive investor, but as you know, passive doesn’t mean disengaged! Think of yourself as the captain of a ship. Your crew ensures you get to where you’re going, but you set the course.

You'll want to invest in the Sooner State sooner rather than later when you see this Tulsa beauty. Click to watch the full video tour of this recently renovated single-family rental property: 

The real estate industry has taken its fair share of lumps this year. We’re no strangers to the challenges brought by rising interest rates, inflation, recession, and big price tags. 

When you buy a property like these, they come with our "2 for 2022" deal! 

Close out 2022 right with this limited time opportunity from REI Nation. On any investment property purchase between now and December 31, 2022, you'll receive...

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your portfolio, now is the time. You won't find a better opportunity to scale! This "2 for 2022" deal, combined with our First Year Maintenance Warranty, won’t last long.

Unlock this offer by scheduling a call with us, and be sure to mention which property caught your eye! Scroll down for a video tour of a Dallas-Ft. Worth property and a few additional single-family homes you won't want to miss...

Maybe investing in real estate is a new concept for you. Growing up, maybe your parents stuck to stocks or didn’t invest at all. And now that you’re in the rough-and-tumble financial climate of today, rife with inflation, recession, and unpredictability, you’re looking for a way to establish wealth not just for yourself, but to be the one who establishes generational wealth for your family. 

On this week's rental update, Nate shares October's numbers including an increase in rental rates and a decrease in move-outs. Listen in to hear what's coming in the months ahead!

When you buy a property like this one, it comes with our "2 for 2022" deal! 

Close out 2022 right with this limited time opportunity from REI Nation. On any investment property purchase between now and December 31, 2022, you'll receive 

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your portfolio, now is the time. You won't find a better opportunity to scale! This "2 for 2022" deal, combined with our First Year Maintenance Warranty, won’t last long.

Unlock this offer by scheduling a call with us, and be sure to mention which property caught your eye! Scroll down for a video tour and a few additional properties you won't want to miss...

The Fed may take away, but REI Nation is giving back with this early Black Friday offer!

Listening to real estate experts and economists lately, you’ll see that the writing is on the wall: if we’re not already in a recession, we’ll be in one soon. The past few years have been an economic rollercoaster, particularly for those of us in the real estate industry. After riding the wave of a white-hot market, it can feel as though an era of unprecedented growth is over.

When you buy a property like this one, it comes with our "2 for 2022" deal! 

Close out 2022 right with this limited time opportunity from REI Nation. On any investment property purchase between now and December 31, 2022, you'll receive 2% rate buy down or 2% closing costs credit AND 2% property management for 2 years!

If you’ve been thinking about expanding your portfolio, now is the time. You won't find a better opportunity to scale! This "2 for 2022" deal, combined with our First Year Maintenance Warranty, won’t last long.

Unlock this offer by scheduling a call with us, and be sure to mention which property caught your eye! Be sure to scroll down for a video tour and a few additional properties you won't want to miss...

Whether you're a new investor or looking to make an addition to your portfolio, you won't want to miss this fantastic build-to-rent (BTR) property, available now! Take a walk through a Tuscaloosa BTR neighborhood, and step inside an amazing property that's packed with features both residents and investors will love. 

Though some real estate investors would balk at the typical commission received by a property management team – usually around 8 percent – sharp investors recognize the real value in a great property management structure.

Whether you're a new investor or looking to make an addition to your portfolio, you won't want to miss this fantastic property, available now! Take a walk through this spacious, family-friendly home in Dallas-Ft. Wort that's packed with features both residents and investors will love. 

You’ve decided that you want to add real estate to your investment portfolio, but that’s just the beginning! 

We've got all treats, no tricks for our investors!  You won't want to miss this fantastic property spotlight, shared by your guides Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan and Client Success Manager Malorie Moore! Take a walk through an investment property in Memphis that has it all: curb appeal, a fabulous floor plan, and recent detail-oriented renovation!

What’s the best way to save for retirement? Unfortunately, many of our traditional strategies don’t cut the mustard anymore! Relying on pensions, Social Security, or personal homes as an investment isn’t enough. There’s good news, though – you can still build and earn passive wealth to fund your dream retirement. 

Get a behind-the-scenes look on a Memphis-area property with Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan and Portfolio Advisor Malorie Moore, who give you the inside scoop on the recent renovation we performed. Scroll down for more on this up-and-coming property!

If you’ve been paying attention to the real estate market news cycle, you’ve seen that the experts are finally seeing a turn in the market. For the past several months, correction efforts from the feds have seemed largely ineffective in bringing down the housing market’s fever.

On this week's rental update, Nate shares more about the hot streak our property management services have seen over the last few months, and what to expect in the weeks ahead. Listen up to hear what our most important job is! 

No matter what assets you invest in, your return on investment (ROI) is the metric that matters. ROI shows how profitable an investment is compared to purchase and operating costs. When investing in real estate, there are ways you benefit that aren’t reflected in pure profits.

Today, we are going on location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as project manager, Ben Hayes, gives us a sneak peek of a newly built property in the Easthaven neighborhood of Tuscaloosa.

This property is getting ready to hit the market soon. In the meantime, we've got two others in the neighborhood available now, rented with two-year leases! Contact your portfolio advisor or click the Get Started button to check them out.

The starter home is dead.

Did you know that REI Nation invests in a number of built-to-rent (BTR) neighborhoods across our markets in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Alabama? 

You’ve heard the billionaire success stories, and you’ve seen the statistics. You know that real estate is the best way to build lasting, inflation-resistant wealth.

Join Portfolio Advisor Malorie Moore and Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan as they introduce us to a recently renovated property in Sweet Home Alabama!

You won't want to miss this transformation—we especially love that statement fireplace! Join us in thanking Birmingham renovation team member Adam Shackelford for the tour, and in welcoming this property's new residents who are moving in next week. 

Be sure to contact our team for more about rental property investing with us and our available properties under $200K—like this one! 

Sustainability is a term we hear most often in relation to environmental efforts rather than wealth management.

Join Portfolio Advisor Malorie Moore and Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan for a tour of a newly renovated "901" property! This is one "Transformation Tuesday" you'll want to see for yourself! Be sure to watch and contact our team for more about why available properties like these make for a great investment. 

Differentiating between the overhyped fads and the trends with promise and staying power isn’t always easy. Because technology progresses alongside human ingenuity, new investing methods crop up all the time.

Don't miss today's house tour from Portfolio Advisor Malorie Moore and Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan. They give you insights into the renovations that we recently performed on this Memphis-area property, and why it makes for a great investment! 

If you’ve retired or started seriously planning for retirement, you may think it’s too late to do any worthwhile investing. After all, passive investing can take years, even decades, to really pay off. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty to gain.

Today, Portfolio Advisor Malorie Moore and Rehab Market Manager Matt Rowan are taking you through a recently renovated Memphis-area property. Don't miss the features of this residence that make it a winner for residents and owners alike! 

Don’t get spooked by talk of a 2022 real estate market recession. Today’s market looks nothing like 2008 – and neither will its recession. Whether you find yourself worried or hopeful about the future of U.S. real estate, there are a few key things to know about today’s state of the market.

Whether you're new to investing, or simply want to explore options in your real estate portfolio, we're here to help you get the facts on single-family rentals (SFR).

Move over, Chris Clothier! Today, Malorie Moore and Taz Zettergren are taking over as tour guides, taking you through a recently renovated Memphis-area property. Don't hesitate to contact one of these two portfolio advisors to learn more about single-family residences we have available for purchase—just like this one! 

Don't miss out on the advantages of investing via the 1031 Exchange! Today, Chris Clothier discusses the incentives of doing so, and what he recommends to other investors like himself. Take a look, and scroll down for a quick how-to guide!

There’s a wide variety of ways to invest in real estate. And we can tell you from experience that not all those ways are equal. Nothing has made that more apparent than the comparison between buy-and-hold rental investors and house-flippers in today’s economic landscape.

In this exciting video update, Chris Clothier brings you behind the scenes on a local Memphis property that's been recently renovated. SPOILER ALERT it's available for purchase now but not for long!

As the United States (and much of the world) contends with decades-high inflation, investors may find themselves concerned about their portfolios. After all, major economic changes have a profound impact on not just our investments, but on life itself.

With this week's spotlight, we're including one of our most valuable resources, The Bank Book video. 

At REI Nation, we’re always on the lookout for new, exciting markets that best fit into our investor’s portfolios. Over the past few years, we’ve expanded our reach to include the likes of San Antonio, Texas, and three Alabama markets: Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Huntsville.

Don't believe the negative news! Mortgage rates are trending down and real estate investors are very active in this market.

In this exciting company update, CEO Kent Clothier brings listeners up to speed on a few key metrics that show just how opportune real estate investing can be—even now!  

You’re in an exciting position if you’re on the cusp of investing in real estate. There are endless opportunities before you – opportunities to build lasting wealth, earn passive income, and experience greater financial peace of mind.

Check out our most up-to-date selection of properties available for investors to purchase NOW! 

Chris Clothier, partner at REI Nation, gives investors a 6-month rental update and discusses all things real estate.

Before you can start generating rental income from your latest property acquisition, you’ve got to go through the process of buying the rental property. That process can be a challenge all on its own – particularly when there are so many financing strategies to consider!

Check out our most up-to-date selection of properties available for investors to purchase NOW! 

Curious about what REI Nation's take is on current investment trends? Don't miss this real-time Q&A video with Kent Clothier, who tackles your top questions as a real estate investor in today's market. 

Watching the real estate market from the outside, you might be led to believe that the good times are at the end of their roll. And while rising interest rates, high prices, and other demanding conditions in the real estate market could reflect that across various sectors of the industry, it hasn’t been true of one vital, investor-centric niche: the single-family rental.

Check out a selection of newly renovated properties available for investors to purchase NOW! 

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

From passing by, the word that would have come to mind when seeing the original state of the property? Dingy. Dated colors did the brick no justice, and the same was true when going inside as well. Thankfully, we knew just what to do to banish the less flattering features of the 70's in this residence. 

REI Nation is serious about helping passive investors find quality single-family rentals. That's why we're not waiting for supply to catch up to demand!

Investors are no doubt feeling the economic pressures of inflation, rising interest rates, and a challenging housing market. Of course, with rental rates also on the rise, it can offset some of the squeeze on your profit margins.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee. 

The 1950's kept a strong presence in the original state of this property, and all efforts to bring it up to date were left unfinished by the time we acquired it. From the pastel blue bathroom to the many types of (again blue!) flooring throughout the house, it was high time this house got a do-over!

Let’s cut to the chase: when you want to succeed as a real estate investor, there are just some things you’ve got to do. You’ll come across lots of tips and tricks for making your rental properties work, but we’ve got the absolute essentials.

We’ve become accustomed to tales of a fiercely competitive real estate market. Although that competitiveness has eased in recent weeks as interest rates rise, properties are as expensive as ever. As a result, the competition isn’t ending with the traditional housing market.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from St. Louis, Missouri. 

There was a lot of appeal to the original state of this property: large fenced-in yards, open-concept living spaces, and great use of the limited square footage. These features, however, were drowned out by others that were dingy and outdated, including choppy wood paneling and inconsistent flooring. 

Right now, it seems as though the real estate market is too unpredictable to take any risks. Maybe you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate, but the timing doesn’t seem right. While it’s impossible to eliminate an investment’s risk, investing in turnkey single-family rentals is one of the best choices you can make for your financial future.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas. 

This 90's ranch-style residence had a lot to offer: a spacious yard, solid brick facade, and well-built cabinets in the kitchen. However, everything in between needed a bit of TLC! 

The housing market slowdown is on its way. Both rising interest rates (topping 5% for a 30-year-fixed rate) and inflation have Americans thinking twice about buying a home, especially for the first time.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

This brick bungalow has had a charming exterior from the start—if in need of a refresh for the roof and shutters. Inside, however, its dated features and worn out surfaces were cause for concern. 

Some of the newest real estate markets in our repertoire at REI Nation are in the great state of Alabama: Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Little Rock, Arkansas. 

This spacious single-family appeared deceptively compact from the outside. Dingy colors on the exterior, plus a makeshift outdoor oven in the side yard, added up to disaster! Inside, half-hearted efforts to renovate left the living spaces segmented, when the bathrooms were in the most need of an update! 

On the cusp of the summer home-buying season, it’s becoming more and more evident that the housing shortage poses a problem for the average buyer. In fact, there’s a shortage of some 5 million homes across the nation. 

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee. 

Hidden by a wrought iron fence and an old trellis, the unassuming original state of this property hid its potential well. Inside, that potential was buried under decades of left-behind junk. Thankfully, this mess was nothing our team couldn't handle! 

Although increasing mortgage interest rates have begun to cool the costs of the real estate market, buyers and homeowners are finding themselves going to extremes to keep costs in check.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from San Antonio, Texas. 

You might've missed this house in its original condition, obscured as it was by overgrown trees and bushes that ran nearly the full length of the house! Inside, however, the empty spaces seemed to echo with dated motifs: wood paneling, patterned wallpaper, and off-putting colors left and right. Thankfully, our team knew just what to do to take this property back to its roots. 

If you’re reading this, you’re either interested in or already investing in buy-and-hold rental properties. You’re in this thing for the long haul.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

We love showcasing our newest markets in Alabama, and are particularly proud to share this ranch-style single-family residence based in Crimson Tide country. We saw a lot of potential in this family-friendly property, as dated as it appeared in its original condition.

We’re all feeling the effects of inflation in the U.S., but if you’re looking to buy real estate or currently own real estate, you’re feeling – or fearing – the impact of the central bank’s primary inflation-curbing strategy.

On this week's rehab walkthrough, Matt is joined by Kendall McKinney on a tour of this beautiful home in Cordova, TN!

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from St. Louis, Missouri.

From the outside, the original condition of this single-family residence told the story of a simple split-level. Inside, however, was identity crisis! Unfinished flooring, mix-matched walls, and unfriendly bathrooms made this seem like more of a cautionary tale. However, it didn't take long for our pros to take away the shock value and add new, usable features for a resident to have their fairytale ending. 

At one time, it was thought that owning a home was a great investment. While this is true in a sense thanks to real estate being a hedge against inflation, your home alone isn’t something to hang your financial hat on. The truth of the matter is more complex: appreciation rates shift based on national, even global, economics, market-specific characteristics, and individual property qualities.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

You might say this simple ranch was stuck in the past. Dated colors and fixtures were to be found in every room, including a bubblegum pink bathroom! We were happy to bring this 60's wonder into the present for a resident to enjoy long into the future. 

Although we know that investing in real estate online offers unprecedented access to the many potentially lucrative markets and opportunities, it isn’t a sure thing. Unfortunately, as with any business, there are those out there looking to make a quick buck – even if it comes at the expense of honest investors who worked hard to get where they are.

By the time you retire, you should be a real estate investor. You aren’t required to retire early to be successful. In fact, your investments don’t even have to totally unlock the coveted “financial freedom” raved about by the top voices in the industry.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee.

See if you can spot the cow amongst the pictures we've shared!

Ryan Flannery takes us on a tour of a recently renovated home in Lewisville, TX!

The main hope for rising mortgage interest rates was that, in response, real estate prices would cool. Rising interest rates have been a point of concern for investors and average homebuyers alike – with housing more expensive than ever, even a marginal rate increase could mean thousands more paid in mortgage interest.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Houston, Texas.

The original state of the property was confusing to say the least, with multiple angles and overgrown landscaping that obfuscated the walkways and overall outdoor use. Inside, dated decorative features, including busy wallpaper and tile countertops, were overdue for a fresh start. 

On this week's rental update, Nate recaps the month of March – another record-breaking month for REI Nation. Last month saw 217 new leases signed with lease renewals reaching 250. Nate discusses the current rental market trends and rental rates increasing 8.9% for lease renewals.

If you look at any real estate headlines, you’re likely to see more than your fair share of negativity and doomsaying. It’s not that we blame people for putting out this content: negativity drives clicks.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hiding behind so-so curb appeal and under years' worth of clutter was a property full of potential. Scroll down to see the before-and-after photos for yourself! 

Our Director of Renovations, Matt Rowan, takes us on a tour of a recently renovated home in Memphis, TN!

Although real estate remains one of the best investments you can make – particularly if you’re looking to beat inflation – buying investment properties demands more due diligence than ever simply because of intense market conditions.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

We knew a quality resident would fall in love with the stone exterior and spacious yards that come with this property. It just needed a little updating to let the best features shine! 

The hot real estate market has its pros and cons. In 2021, the average home price grew by 20%. Far above the norm. For those who already own real estate, that’s great news. For those looking to buy? It could be a big opportunity as well as a big challenge.

On this blog, we often point to the various factors that indicate a worthwhile investment market.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas.

Under the jungle of overgrown bushes and weeds, and behind the 80's wallpaper and paneling, lay a fantastic investment property. The key to bringing out the potential in this single-family rental was to highlight its noteworthy features: generous outdoor spaces and storage, and unique two-floor living spaces within.

With so many investment markets to choose from, figuring where to buy rental properties can be a daunting prospect. While investors can find opportunities just about anywhere, your choice of market can make or break your wealth-building efforts.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee.  

This large, eye-catching property had many things going for it. One thing it didn't? An old biohazard of a pool! Inside, loud colors and worn-down flooring pulled focus from some amazing architectural features. However, we knew that with a little TLC this property could be the talk of the town. 

During times such as these, we may feel more “stuck” than ever. Whether you’re weathering financial hardship, uncertainty, or waiting to make money moves until your confidence in the market returns, you still have opportunities to invest in and enrich your life. For real estate investors at every skill level, a continuing education is crucial. 

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mid-century sentiment was written all over this property, with large windows and pastel colors around every corner. Outside, a shaky addition obstructed the view of a gorgeous backyard, and the dark, cluttered basement was more of an obstacle course than a space-saver. No worries! Our team made quick work of this renovation, and now it's a contemporary, comfortable home for its residents. 

On this week's rental update, Nate recaps the month of February – a great month for REI Nation with record highs and lows. Last month saw 167 new leases signed with lease renewals reaching 320 and move outs at a record low of only 81 total. Nate predicts that these trends will only continue in the month of March.

Do you have your finger on the pulse of the real estate market? Predictions may be tough to make, but preparations are not. Here’s what you need to know going into the Spring real estate market!

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Birmingham, Alabama.

This may look like a straightforward three bed, two bath home, but the designers of this Birmingham property made the most of every nook and cranny of its 1,162 square feet! That's why we knew we had to bring our A-game to this renovation, and make this property feel as spacious and homey as it was originally intended.

When people ask when they should invest, our answer has always been “as soon as possible.” The current state of the real estate market – record-high prices, an inflated economy, supply chain issues – may have you questioning whether now is still a good time to invest.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from San Antonio, Texas. 

With a smaller property, every square inch counts! That's why we liked the layout of this Texas ranch-style house, with lots of open living spaces and multi-level yard space as well. However, we couldn't help but notice some critical updates needed to make this a safe and comfortable home for a future resident!

When you’re a green real estate investor, it’s not always obvious what is and isn’t a good investment opportunity. In fact, even experienced investors can be bamboozled by a bad property or a shady deal. With inflation the highest it’s been in decades, you have more to lose by taking on the wrong investment.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A little care went a long way—and a lot of care even longer—in this fixer-upper. With an accessible ranch floor plan, and great yard space, this property had a great deal of potential. However, faded colors and dated features were just one of the many tells that the house was ready for a transformation. 

Real estate investment is the top choice for the wealthy worldwide. If you want a piece of that pie, getting started is easy but succeeding is another matter entirely!

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee.

Though a little older than some of the more recent "transformations" we've shared, this property held so much potential we couldn't pass it up! In addition to its curb appeal, the back yard—complete with a courtyard and barn-like garage with storage and a powder room—would impress any resident. With a little TLC added in, of course! 

We’re well into the new year by now. The real estate market has remained much the same (after all, the turn of the calendar doesn’t change anything overnight!) but there are still big considerations for real estate investors.

On this week's rental update, Nate recaps the month of January and discusses the recent ice storm that hit Memphis and its effect on the area.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Don't sleep on little brick homes like this one! They hold massive potential as investment properties. This moderately sized ranch-style home was ready for an update, from the 70's exterior to the dark and dingy interior. Nothing our team can't handle! 

It’s no surprise that people are looking to capitalize on the real estate market without actually shelling out the cash necessary. After all, with the majority of U.S. markets seeing double-digit appreciation in the last year, buying property is more expensive than ever.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Houston, Texas.

We can't help but see potential in forgotten old houses like this one. From the unique curb view to the bountiful windows, this property was destined for a quality resident—with a bit of TLC, of course. 

At the foot of the Ozark mountains sits the proud city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. As the second largest city in the state, Tulsa has a storied history as a titan of the energy industry and the cultural and arts hub of Oklahoma.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from St. Louis, Missouri.

What was eye-catching about this property were the large windows on nearly every side of the house. Inside, however, you could say it was stuck in the past. Overly pink and precious in some places, and primitive and sparse in others, this property was in need of a head-to-toe do-over. 

If you live in the United States, you’re feeling the pains of rising inflation. In December, U.S. inflation hit a rate of 7 percent for 2021 – the highest it’s been in forty years. You’ve likely felt its impact in your day-to-day life, from the gas pumps to the grocery stores.

On this week's rental update, Nate recaps the month of December and recaps 2021's final numbers providing an overall picture of last year's success. He then goes into REI's plans for the new year.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

This property was a stunner from the start. A spacious ranch with unique architectural details, we could see the potential clearly, even through some of the outdated features inside. Each room had a remnant of 70's style, with dark beams and cabinets, wood paneling, and teal bathroom tile. Our team was more than up to the challenge of bringing this beauty up to date.  

Most people who invest in anything are after passive investments. Active investors must dedicate considerably more time, energy, and expertise to building their portfolios. Those are things that people don’t often have – and building wealth can’t wait until you have them.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Memphis, Tennessee.

You would never know that this monster rental property was down to the very studs when it was purchased by REI Nation. But we saw potential in this DIY-gone-wrong, and with the help of our team of expert renovators and local contractors turned it into fantastic home a fit for a large family.

As 2021 came to a close, The New York Times published a piece entitled “The Pricey California Market? In 2021, It Got Pricier.”

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Birmingham, Alabama. 

This spacious property held a great deal of potential, if you could see it through all of the brambles and fencing! Despite the overgrown exterior, the interior was in decent—if not outdated—shape. Stained flooring and less-than-functional features were in need of replacing, certainly. Thanks to our team of renovators and local contractors, now this beauty is resident ready! 

It's never too early to start prepping for tax season. For real estate investors, filing taxes can be a complicated and frustrating process, so the sooner you get started, the better off you’ll be. Get your financial house in order and take advantage of every tax benefit, break, and exemption you can!

If you’ve been following along for a while, you may remember when our VP of Texas Operations, Ryan Flannery, recorded a video of a home assessment he completed in South Arlington. Fast forward a couple months and he’s back, but this time he's taking us on a tour of all the work REI Nation has done on the home and how it's become resident-ready!

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas. 

If it wasn't clear we'd landed in Texas, perhaps the stars on the double garage doors of this property might have given us a clue. In its original state, the exterior of this property was styled as a true rancher with dark red and brown features leading up to the front door. Inside, more red hues and wood panel overload were there to greet you. Old flooring and outdated colors added to the hectic feel of the residence. It was certainly due for a do-over. 

For the real estate investor, the grind never really stops. As we look ahead to the new year, knowing what goals to set – and how to achieve them – is paramount to your success. After all, no one wants to fall prey to the slogging cycle of failed new years’ resolutions.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Split-level homes make for a fun challenge: how to give it a modern update without losing all of its 80's character? The combination brick and blue siding made for lackluster curb appeal, and though there was evidence of a well-tended garden it had been buried in let-go landscaping. Inside, dated and dark features made the home feel closed in. With a little elbow grease, however, this home has a whole new flair. 

The past two years have brought us a wildly unpredictable world. Let’s be honest, a lot of us are still on edge! The pandemic has stoked public health concerns, wild political debates, financial turmoil, and an unpredictable – if surprisingly high-performing – real estate market.

This week’s Transformation Tuesday is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The original state of this residence was modest, and perhaps a little messy. Clunky carpets and mismatched colors did no favors for the exterior or interior. Now, residents can enjoy a bright, warm home for a long time! 

Take a peek as Mark Anderson, Director of Renovations, walks us through a 1,361 sqft. new-build in Little Rock, Arkansas. This property, located in a neighborhood that has 10+ REI Nation new-build homes, has all the bells-and-whistles including vinyl plank flooring, granite countertops, and stainless steal appliances.