If you're using AI tools in your real estate investing business—or thinking about it—you're not alone. Technology is reshaping how we analyze markets, screen tenants, and make investment decisions. But here's the thing: powerful tools require responsible use.

Why This Matters Now

AI can process mountains of data in seconds, spotting trends and opportunities we'd never catch manually. That's incredible. But AI also learns from historical data, and if that data reflects past discrimination or biased decision-making, your "smart" tool might be making unethical (and illegal) recommendations.

Three Quick Rules for Ethical AI Use

Keep humans in charge. AI should inform your decisions, not make them. Your market knowledge, gut instinct, and ethical compass still matter. When something feels off about an AI recommendation, dig deeper before acting.

Know what your tools are doing. If you can't explain how your AI screening tool selects tenants or values properties, that's a red flag. Black-box algorithms create liability. Choose transparent tools and verify their outputs.

Test for bias regularly. Run identical applications through your system with only protected characteristics changed. Different outcomes? You've got a problem that needs fixing before it harms someone or lands you in legal trouble.

The Bottom Line

Fair housing laws exist for good reasons, and AI doesn't give you a pass. In fact, using AI without proper oversight can multiply discrimination at scale ... Read More…

Video review and noted by Kimberly Weiss and summarized by Microsoft CoPilot. 

 🎥 Originally recorded on February 5, 2020, Bill Warner’s “Top 10 Inspection Myths” remains an insightful and practical resource for anyone navigating property acquisition. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this video cuts through the noise and exposes the misconceptions that can cost you thousands—or worse, leave you with a property full of hidden issues.

Even 5 years on from when Greater Dayton REIA recorded this video with Bill Warner, his myth-busting framework still totally holds up. Here’s why it’s still essential viewing today:

🔍 Myth #10: “The Bank Already Ordered the Inspection”

This one still trips up buyers because the terms appraisal and inspection are sometimes used interchangeably, when they are not the same. Warner clarifies the critical difference between an appraisal and an inspection:

• Appraisal = Value assessment based on visible features and market data.
• Inspection = Deep dive into the property’s condition, systems, and potential risks.

Banks care about collateral. You should care about what you're actually buying.

⚠️ Myth #9: “Inspectors Will Find Everything That’s Wrong”

Inspections aren’t X-rays. They’re designed to uncover major issues—structural failures, safety hazards, plumbing leaks—not every minor flaw. Concealed defects and co ... Read More…

 I attended last week’s meeting and noticed that many members described themselves as beginners who are trying hard but haven’t found success yet. The two most common challenges they mentioned were a lack of knowledge and a lack of money.

If this business were truly that complicated, I would never have achieved any success myself. When I got started, there was no internet and no personal computers—just a few books at the library by authors like William Nickerson, Robert Allen, and Albert Lowry. Interestingly, the advice in those books is still relevant today and echoes strategies found in real estate books from as far back as 1925: buy a house or small apartment building, renovate it, and rent it out. While the tools and methods for finding deals have changed, the basic concept remains the same.

The most important factor in achieving success in any field is a strong desire to succeed. But you should also ask yourself: Am I doing this just to make money, or do I actually enjoy the business? Many people who fail in real estate get involved because they fall for get-rich-quick pitches online. If you don’t enjoy the work, it’s unlikely to be worth your time or money.

Now, regarding money—there are plenty of people with wealth who are looking for a safe return on their investment. Have you considered simply asking?

If you're just getting started, I encourage you to reach out about the problems you're facing. Let’s work togeth ... Read More…

 🏢 National REI Summit 2025: The Ultimate Gathering for Real Estate Investors

Mark your calendars—October 30 to November 2, 2025—because Cincinnati, OH is hosting the nation’s longest-running real estate investor conference: the National REI Summit 2025. With over 40 years of empowering independent investors, this summit is more than an event—it’s a movement.

💼 Why You Should Attend

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, the National REI Summit offers a powerhouse lineup designed to elevate your game:

• 🎤 Top-Tier Speakers
  Hear from industry leaders who share real-world strategies that work in today’s market.

• 🛠️ Hands-On Workshops
  Roll up your sleeves and dive into sessions that help you level up your deals—from rehab estimating to creative financing.

• 🤝 Unmatched Networking
  Connect with serious investors from across the country. Build relationships, find partners, and grow your network.

• 📈 Actionable Insights
  Leave with tools, tactics, and confidence to navigate the current real estate landscape.

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets Available

Spots are limited, and early bird pricing won’t last long. If you’re serious about investing, this is your chance to lock in your seat before prices rise.

👉 Visit NATIONALREISUMMIT.COM to register and learn more.

🏙️ Why Cincinnati?

Cincinnati’s vibrant real estate market and central location make it the perfect host city ... Read More…

🎉 GDREIA’s 46th Annual Picnic: A Celebration of Community and Real Estate Success

The Greater Dayton Real Estate Investors Association (GDREIA) recently marked a major milestone—its 46th Annual Picnic! Held in a welcoming outdoor setting, this beloved tradition brought together over 70 members, guests, and local officials to celebrate nearly five decades of empowering independent real estate investors.

🏡 A Gathering of Leaders and Learners

This year’s picnic wasn’t just about good food and sunshine—it was a vibrant showcase of community engagement. Attendees included prominent local officials such as:

• Willis Blackshear
• Andrea White
• Judy Dodge
• Phil Plummer
• Carolyn Rice
• Rodney Creech

Their presence underscored GDREIA’s growing influence and the importance of real estate investment in shaping Dayton’s future.

🍽️ Food, Fun, and Fellowship

From sizzling grills to heartfelt conversations, the picnic offered a chance for members to unwind, connect, and reflect on their shared journey. Families and friends mingled freely, enjoying:

• Delicious food and refreshments
• Engaging group activities
• A relaxed atmosphere perfect for networking

The event captured the spirit of GDREIA—where education meets camaraderie, and business blends with community.

🎁 A Dash of Excitement: Facebook Campaign Winners

Adding a fun twist to the festivities, GDREIA announced two winners from its Facebook Like & Follow campaig ... Read More…

🚌 Estimating & Rehab Bus Tour: A Hands-On Journey Through Dayton Real Estate

On June 20th and 21st, 2025, a vibrant green-and-red bus rolled through the streets of Dayton, Ohio—not as a sightseeing tour, but as a mobile classroom for aspiring and seasoned real estate investors. The “Estimating & Rehab Bus Tour” brought together a dynamic group of attendees for an immersive, hands-on experience in property evaluation and offer-making.

🔍 What Made This Tour Unique?

Unlike traditional seminars confined to hotel conference rooms, this tour took learning to the streets. Participants visited five real properties across Dayton, each offering a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With boots on the ground, they practiced:

• Estimating rehab costs with real-world examples
• Evaluating property potential based on location, condition, and market trends
• Making offers—with at least one offer submitted during the tour!

🛠️ Learning by Doing

The heart of the event was its workshop-style approach. Attendees didn’t just listen—they measured, calculated, and strategized. Guided by experienced investors and rehab specialists, they learned how to:

• Spot hidden costs and structural issues
• Prioritize renovations for ROI
• Use tools and templates for accurate cost estimation
• Navigate the offer process with confidence

🤝 Building Community

Beyond the technical skills, the tour fostered connections. Participants shared insigh ... Read More…

🏡 Real Estate Investing 101: From Curiosity to Confidence — A Must-Attend Workshop for Aspiring Investors

If you've ever wondered how to get started in real estate investing but felt overwhelmed by the jargon, the risks, or simply didn’t know where to begin, GDREIA has the perfect opportunity for you. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 12, 2025, because Real Estate Investing 101: From Curiosity to Confidence is here to demystify the process and empower you with the tools to take action.

📅 Workshop Details

• Date & Time: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 6 PM – 9 PM
• Location: Live Zoom Session
• Cost: FREE for all GDREIA members
• Audience: Beginners and returning investors looking to refresh their knowledge

📘 What You’ll Learn: The Business of Real Estate

This 3-hour session is packed with foundational knowledge and practical insights. Here’s a sneak peek at the curriculum:

🔹 Laying the Foundation

• How to start your real estate business
• Building your investment strategy

🔹 Property Fundamentals

• Evaluating properties effectively
• Finding and analyzing deals
• Running the numbers and mastering bookkeeping

🔹 Property in Action

• Marketing for tenant placement
• Becoming a responsible housing provider
• Exploring wholesaling, flipping, and exit strategies

🤝 Who You’ll Work With: Navigating the Industry

Success in real estate isn’t a solo journey. This workshop introduces you to the key players who wil ... Read More…

 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.

     As a beginning investor and newer REIA member, I haven’t had many opportunities yet to discover the potential impact of also being a National REIA and Home Depot ProXtra member.   I am a homeowner though, so of course I have things that break and appliances that wear down that I have to get fixed.  
     I’ll spare you all the messy details, but suffice it to say, my refrigerator recently became too much to deal with and sent me on the hunt for a replacement. I started immediately with a search on the Home Depot app, where I’m registered with my ProXtra discounts, and I wasn’t disappointed!  
     I didn’t need anything top of the line or anything, and with my discounts, I saved a whopping 33% off with ProXtra discount and found a solution under $500!  I also checked around at some major competitors and their prices for the same refrigerator, including discounts, still came in around $50-$100 more. 

Could I have gotten a used refrigerator somewhere else for less? Maybe, but who knows how much life would be left on a large, used appliance like this? Better to go new and trusted, and as both a homeowner and investor, I can really appreciate saving hundreds of dollars on my needs.

I didn’t have to anything special besides enroll and shop!   Greater Dayton REIA Members can enroll quickly by downloading the Home Depot app and following the instructions .pdf found in ... Read More…