In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the gritty realities of working with contractors in the real estate world. From navigating the maze of hiring reliable professionals to managing unexpected project hurdles, Jay and I share our firsthand experiences and hard-earned lessons. We talk candidly about the journey that led us to start our own construction company, why planning is crucial, and how to avoid common pitfalls whether you’re flipping your first home or managing multiple properties.

We also explore what it really takes to maintain control over your projects, including creating working interviews for new hires, understanding local permit requirements, and mastering change orders. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice and cautionary tales to keep your investments on track and on budget.

Key Takeaways

1. Have a Clear Plan Before You Start – Know what you want, document it, and communicate it clearly to avoid missteps and unexpected expenses.

2. Vet Your Contractors Thoroughly – Ask for referrals, set expectations early, and consider working interviews to gauge skills before handing over projects.

3. Local Rules Matter – Understand your city or county’s licensing and permitting requirements to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why every investor needs a plan before hiring a contractor

[2:27] - Our motivation for launching a construction company

[5:03] - The importance of change orders and clear communication

[6:22] - Growing our construction team and the challenges that came with it

[7:16] - Teaching our daughter real estate by flipping a house for her first car

[9:20] - Tips for coordinating multiple contractor bids in a tight schedule

[10:05] - A shocking price range example from a Florida roof replacement

[11:05] - What to expect when paying contractors and protecting your investment

[12:39] - How we train and test contractors with a hands-on working interview

[13:10] - Knowing your city’s permit rules and licensing requirements

[15:30] - Why defining your renovation plan adds value and saves money

[18:24] - Small planning details that could cost big money if overlooked

[22:22] - Final thoughts on due diligence and sticking to your plan

Links & Resources

• Connect with us: Jay@jandannieadkins.com | Annie@jandannieadkins.com

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In this episode, Jay and I dive deep into how we set intentional, actionable goals for our personal lives and businesses—and how you can do the same. We’re not about vague resolutions that fizzle out by February. We’re talking about creating a vision with real, measurable steps and accountability to actually get things done.

Whether you’re balancing business with family, trying to rediscover your purpose, or looking to reframe your mindset to “How can I?” instead of “I can’t,” this episode will inspire and challenge you. We share insights from our own lives—including flipping houses, building lifestyle-driven businesses, and helping our daughter buy a car with her own real estate deal! Plus, we introduce our “Wheel of Life” framework to help you evaluate and align every area of your life with your vision.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:27] – Why we avoid resolutions and set measurable goals instead

[2:30] – Using accountability groups and coaching to stay on track

[5:41] – Building flexibility into your business and life

[9:20] – Flipping your mindset from “I can’t” to “How can I?”

[12:05] – Teaching our daughter how to flip a house to buy her first car

[14:17] – Why manifestation requires work, not just intention

[18:20] – A coaching story: how cutting Starbucks led to quitting a job

[21:21] – Why we turned down big real estate deals for a balanced lifestyle

[23:12] – The 8 key life categories in our Wheel of Life

[30:03] – Turning spiritual habits into daily rituals

[33:15] – From running half a mile to an Ironman: Jay’s fitness journey

[36:08] – Mike shares his health journey and ditching bread & dairy

[44:13] – Goal stacking: combining family time with wellness habits

[47:43] – Money, business, and how to align income with your values

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Vision beats resolution – Resolutions often fail, but a clear, actionable vision sets the foundation for sustainable success.

2. Accountability accelerates growth – Sharing goals with a group or coach creates real momentum and follow-through.

3. Flexibility is freedom – Building a lifestyle-focused business means you can show up for your family and your goals.

4. Mindset matters – Replacing “I can’t” with “How can I?” opens new paths and possibilities.

5. Goals require strategy – Big goals need micro-steps, measurable waypoints, and intentional planning to become reality.

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In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, Annie and I dive into the essential foundations of creative financing. If you’ve ever been confused by terms like “lease option,” “land trust,” or “subject to,” you’re not alone—and this conversation is here to bring clarity. We break down these powerful strategies, share our personal experiences using them, and offer practical tips for getting started the right way.

Whether you’re a real estate newbie or brushing up on your investing toolkit, this episode will help you understand the legal ins and outs, common pitfalls, and the real opportunities that creative financing offers. Tune in to hear how we structure deals, protect ourselves legally, and tailor each approach to meet different seller and market needs.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:10] - Defining lease options and why they’re a powerful entry point in creative financing

[2:56] - Legal changes around sandwich leases and how we’ve adapted

[4:30] - Using lease options for rentals and Airbnbs

[5:00] - Understanding land trusts and the benefits of shared ownership

[6:43] - Gaining control through trustee roles and trust structure

[8:15] - Explaining land contracts and how they work as contracts for deed

[10:04] - Using land contracts to avoid large down payments

[10:21] - What “subject to” financing means and when to use it

[11:26] - Quick overview and how we’ll explore each method further in the course

5 Key Takeaways

1. Lease options give you control without ownership, allowing flexible terms and early cash flow opportunities.

2. Sandwich lease options are no longer legal in some states—always confirm your local laws.

3. Land trusts enable shared control and privacy, making it easier to structure creative partnerships.

4. Land contracts (or contracts for deed) offer a pathway to ownership without hefty down payments.

5. Subject to financing allows you to take over properties with existing mortgages—just be sure to understand the risks and terms.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review. Don’t forget to share it with someone you know who’s looking to build wealth through real estate. We’ll see you in the next one!