Tyler Wilson is a guru in his field of lending money, but it was a long road with difficulties and tough lessons to get there. Tyler shares with JD his story of building a real estate portfolio from nothing, failures, successes and the ups and downs of the financial industry over the past 20 years.

Tyler breaks down everything from market cycles, mid-term rentals, DSCR loans, and Fannie/Freddie updates, to how investors should position themselves ahead of 2026 rate drops. He also shares personal stories — including buying his first home in the 2007 crash — and the strategies that helped him build his own portfolio.

Whether you're a new investor or scaling to 10+ properties, this episode provides the exact market insights, zip code strategies, lending hacks, and AI-powered forecasting tools that can level up your investing decisions in North Alabama and beyond.

00:00:17 | The Future of Homeownership: 3D Printed Homes & Smart Homes

Predictions about automated homes, consumer–property interaction, and tech-driven lending.

00:01:11 | Tyler Wilson’s Background & Entry Into Lending

Finance degree, buying his first home in 2007, and how the housing crash guided him toward becoming an advisor.

00:03:03 | Comparing the 2007 Market to Today’s Lending Standards

NINA loans, zero-down loans, and the shift toward stricter post-crash regulations.

00:06:09 | Investment Windows: Why 2024–2026 Is a Key Opportunity

Why Tyler believes we're entering a “sweet spot” for buying.

00:08:18 | Cash Flow vs Appreciation in North Alabama Zip Codes

Breakdown of Huntsville, Madison, Research Park, and Cummings Corridor strategies.

00:08:59 | Vacancy Rates, Inventory Trends & Sub-$250K Homes Returning

140% increase in affordable listings and why older Huntsville homes are back on market.

00:10:45 | How to Forecast Appreciation Using Investor Tools

Tyler shares analysis methods using zip codes & MLS data.

00:13:09 | Why Rates Dropping Will Trigger a Market Surge

Explaining pent-up demand and why waiting may backfire.

00:18:08 | The Role of AI in Mortgage Efficiency & Job Disruption

Industry shifts, Amazon layoffs, and efficiency gains.

00:20:58 | The Loan Officer vs Mortgage Advisor Difference

Why loan officers may be replaced — but advisors won't.

00:22:46 | Building a Strong Lending & Investing Team

Importance of long-term lender relationships, title companies, insurance partners, and financial planners.

00:39:40 | Traditional Loans vs DSCR, Non-QM & Hard Money

When to use each, risks, benefits, and why traditional lending builds long-term wealth.

00:41:19 | Hard Money Lending Risks for New Investors

Loan sharks, prepayment penalties, and why beginners should avoid it.

00:35:00 | How Tyler Built His Own Portfolio & Uses Equity Strategically

Using HELOCs, appreciating markets, and smart leverage to climb the property ladder.