Real estate investing isn’t inherently difficult or complicated. Like many investors from my generation, we simply bought a house, made the necessary repairs, and rented it out. There were no computers, no internet—just a few books at the library, and that was about it.

We’re thrilled to announce two important updates within our vendor network at Greater Dayton REIA!

**Welcoming Our New Vendor Relations Chair – Paul Fiamengo**
A longtime member and seasoned investor, Paul Fiamengo is stepping into the role of Vendor Relations Chair. Paul brings a wealth of experience and dedication to strengthening the connections between our vendors and members. He looks forward to working with our current vendors and expanding the products and services available to our community.

For more details, visit our Board and Chairs page!

**Introducing Our Newest Vendor – Rodney Hines of Farmers Insurance**

We’re excited to welcome Rodney Hines of Farmers Insurance back as our newest vendor! Rodney has a long history of providing exceptional service and guidance to his clients, and we’re delighted to have him rejoin our network. Check out Rodney's offerings if you’re looking for reliable insurance solutions.

Learn more and connect with him directly on his website.

Are you interested in becoming a vendor with Greater Dayton REIA? Learn more about vendor membership here.

Join us in celebrating these exciting updates!

 Ever feel like you're putting in a ton of effort into your business or investments, but the results just aren't matching up? It's a common frustration, and it often leads to one major problem: burnout.

As GDREIA Vendor member, Chad Harris, discusses in his latest podcast, burnout isn't just about working hard; it's often the direct result of putting in effort and not seeing the desired outcomes. When we feel like we're spinning our wheels, it's natural to get discouraged!

The Common Trap (and The Real Solution):
Many of us believe that if we just work harder on everything, success will follow. We try to manage every detail, pursue every opportunity, and perfect every task. While dedication is crucial, this "scattergun" approach can be counterproductive.

The truth is, we don't have to put massive effort into all actions.   The real secret [...] lies in identifying the one or two key areas that will truly move the needle forward. Then, it's about applying "massive imperfect action" to those specific areas.

What is "Massive Imperfect Action"?

• Massive: This means significant, focused effort.

• Imperfect: This is crucial. It means not waiting for perfection to start. It's about taking action, learning, and adjusting, rather than getting paralyzed by analysis or the fear of not doing it perfectly.

• Action: It's about doing, not just planning or thinking.

Think of i ... Read More…

I remember when I attended my first seminar, and the speaker said you have to have a system and discipline. I knew what the system was because he was teaching it. But I did not know what the discipline was until I began to apply the system. The discipline is that you have to take the action to make the system work properly. Through months and years of trial and error, I now know what he meant by discipline. I had to discipline myself to always take action, even when I didn’t feel like it. Despite all the easier softer ways of doing things today, I still sometimes don’t feel like it. But I force myself to take action.

Many years ago, I found something on the internet that I printed and framed, and it is on my office wall. It’s called, the “7 Excuses”.  I can’t do it, I’m not feeling it right now, I’m too busy, I’m too tired, there’s no guarantee it’s going to work, I’m not good enough, and my luck sucks. I still to this day do not know who the author is, but I read that from time to time to keep me motivated. I always check to see if I’m making excuses. Let’s break it down.

I can’t do it: if that’s what I’m thinking, I’m probably right, but if I change it to, I can do it, I’m also right. I must program my mind that I can do it, then all I need to do is try, and if I run into a hurdle, I find a way around it and with some fine tuning, I find that I can do i ... Read More…

 When we see reports regarding the "Dayton" housing market, they usually include the entire area. But here is my report for those who invest in the city.

Trusts can be a powerful tool to have in your financial tool box. They can be a resource to help you build your financial wealth if you learn how and when to use them.

The first step is to understand the two main categories of trusts, revocable and irrevocable. When you use them, think of it as pulling a hand tool versus a power tool from your toolbox.

For example, a revocable trust is similar to a hand tool, relatively easy to set up and use. It is easier to administer and relatively inexpensive. A revocable trust can be changed easily and offers some asset protection.

A common way to use a revocable trust is a Land Trust which can hold investment properties and personal homes. Another common use is a Personal Property Trust which holds cars, boats and even notes. A living trust, used mostly for estate planning, can hold your personal home, assets, stocks and bank accounts.

An irrevocable trust is similar to a power tool because it is a little more complex to set up and operate. There are more rules to follow. It can cost more and can be permanent but it offers much better asset and privacy protection.

Common ways to use an irrevocable trust are an Asset Protection Trust and a Children’s or Special Needs Trust which can provide income for minors or people with special needs.

Another powerful way to use an irrevocable trust is an Installment Sale Trust which can help you defer taxes when selling assets or businesses.

When building a house, the right tools make ... Read More…

Landlords have always had the ability to woo business travelers to their rentals. 

But now that online travel agencies such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and TripAdvisor have gone mainstream, it’s easier than ever!

Let’s define a corporate rental as dwelling that’s lease directly to a company or a business traveler who has a housing allowance. If a company is paying for the rental, and not the tenant, then it’s a corporate rental. 

When a company pays their employees or contractors to work remotely, then that tenant: 1 – Will behave and not embarrass their employer

2 – Will have a binary attitude towards your rates. Either they are within their allowance, or they aren’t.

These two characteristics make business travelers the most lucrative and ideal people for your rentals.

The Opportunity

Business travelers find that with short-term corporate rentals, they are able to afford more home-like conveniences for less. They are able to cook healthier, have more privacy, and have a richer travel experience when they don’t stay at a hotel.

That’s why the trend in corporate housing is spiking. Especially when a traveler is on an assignment for 30 days or longer.

Extended stay business travelers actively search for houses and apartments to live in. Many want to live in neighborhoods and not off freeway offramps.

Now, is it possible that you could furnish a rental to accommodate corporate travelers? Could you earn hotel- ... Read More…

Indulge me in a fable, and see if it jibes with your current, or perhaps past, experience as a developing real estate entrepreneur:

You’re standing on a sidewalk with your nose an inch away from a brick. It’s a good brick. You’ve studied it for a while, and you’ve come to the conclusion that it’s reddish, rough, and surrounded on all four sides by parts of other bricks. You’ve looked at it long enough to decide that it’s a pretty great brick.

Someone walks by and asks, what are you doing? Looking at this brick, you reply.

Are you sure it’s a brick you’re looking at? the stranger queries. You might want to take a step back, because there’s more to see here than you think.

So, you take a step back, and you realize that he’s right: the brick you’ve been so obsessed with is just one of many. In fact, from your new perspective, you notice out of the corner of your eye that there’s also something else--a hole, with glass and wood in it. Is that important? What does it do? Should you spend any time finding out more about it?

While you’re wondering, another passerby happens along and asks what you’re doing.

I’m looking at all these bricks, and this weird opening, you explain.

No, step back: you’re looking at a wall, says your new friend. That’s a window, and it opens and closes to let air and light in, and that particular one needs to be replaced.

So, you do, and you ... Read More…

When it comes to rental property investments, choosing between short-term and mid-term rentals can significantly impact your strategy, revenue, and management style. Both offer unique benefits and challenges, depending on your goals as a host or investor. Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which model best suits your needs.

Short-Term Rentals: The Fast-Paced Income Generator

What Are They?

Short-term rentals typically include vacation homes, Airbnb listings, and temporary housing for tourists and business travelers. These stays usually last anywhere from a single night to a few weeks.

Pros of Short-Term Rentals

✅ Higher Revenue Potential – Nightly rates for short-term rentals tend to be much higher than traditional leases, which can result in significant income.
✅ Flexibility – You can block off personal stays, adjust pricing based on demand, and change your rental terms more frequently.
✅ Tax Advantages – In some areas, short-term rentals may qualify for special deductions or tax breaks compared to long-term leasing.
✅ Market Responsiveness – You can easily adapt to travel trends, peak seasons, and local events, maximizing profitability.

Challenges of Short-Term Rentals

🚫 More Hands-On Management – Frequent guest turnover means higher maintenance, cleaning, and customer service demands.
🚫 Regulations & Licensing – Many cities impose strict rules or even bans on short-term rentals, so checking local laws i ... Read More…