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…

 Cincinnati, OH — October 30 – November 2, 2025

This year’s National Real Estate Investing Summit brought together the best minds in real estate at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio — and it didn’t disappoint. For four packed days, investors from across the country came ready to learn, adapt, and make the deals that will shape the next wave of real estate success.

Hosted by OREIA (Ohio Real Estate Investors Association), this 40-year tradition remains the Midwest’s biggest and most respected investor gathering. From high-level keynotes to hands-on workshops, it offered one clear message: what worked two years ago won’t work tomorrow — but the right strategies still win big.

The Market Has Changed — and So Have the Rules

Interest rates, insurance costs, and property taxes are all up. Margins are tighter. But this year’s Summit made one thing clear: there’s opportunity everywhere for those willing to adjust.
Sessions focused on:

• Creative deal structures — seller financing, sub-to, lease options, and partnerships.

• Emerging asset types — shared housing, mid-term rentals, and notes.

• Tax-smart investing — strategies for keeping more of what you earn.

• AI and automation tools — streamlining lead generation, property analysis, and marketing.

For Greater Dayton REIA members, these sessions hit home. The conversations around co-living and mid-term rentals are e ... Read More…

In today’s high-interest housing market, RetroRate is helping buyers and sellers rediscover the value of assumable mortgages—home loans that can be transferred from seller to buyer, often at significantly lower rates than current offerings.

 What RetroRate Does RetroRate’s software scans public listings on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com to identify homes with assumable mortgages. These loans, often backed by agencies like the VA or FHA, can offer monthly savings of over $1,000 compared to new mortgages—especially for homes purchased or refinanced during the 2–3% interest rate era.

 Market Impact Across 10 states, RetroRate found that 22% of listings had assumable loans, averaging 4.42% interest. The company also offers a concierge service—charging 1% of the purchase price—to guide both parties through the complex assumption process.

 Challenges to Consider

 Why It Matters for Investors and Agents Assumable mortgages can be a strategic tool for affordability and ne ... Read More…

www.firstohiotitle.com
Who is FinCEN? FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) is a bureau of the U.S. Treasury tasked with protecting the financial system from money laundering, terrorism financing, and other financial crimes.

 What’s Happening on December 1, 2025?

 What Does It Cover?

• Non-financed (cash) purchases of 1–4 unit residential properties
• When the buyer is a legal entity (LLC, Corporation, or Trust)
• Includes sales, gifts, and some transfers unless exempt

 What Must Be Reported?

• Property address and details
• Name of the buyer (transferee) and their beneficial owners
• Purchase price and payment method
• Name of the seller (transferor)

 When Is It Due?

• 30 days after closing, or
• The last day of the following month

 Why It Matters to Realtors

• Entity buyers may need extra time to gather documentation
• Title or closing agents may request info from you or your client
• Understanding the rule helps prevent delays and confusion

 What Realtors Should Do Now

• Ask early: “Is your buyer using a trust or LLC?”
• Inform clients that ownership details may need to be disclosed
• Partner with title companies familiar with FinCEN rules
• Stay updated as more ... Read More…

Co-living—once a niche concept—is now a thriving lifestyle choice for many seeking affordability, community, and flexibility. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast, a social entrepreneur, or just someone passionate about creating intentional living spaces, Ohio offers fertile ground for launching your own share house.

Here’s how to get started.

🏠 What Is Co-Living, Really?

Co-living is more than just roommates sharing rent. It’s a lifestyle built around shared values, communal spaces, and often, curated experiences. Think private bedrooms with shared kitchens, living rooms, and maybe even co-working areas. In Ohio, this can range from informal arrangements to structured group homes with services.

📍 Why Ohio?

Ohio is a hidden gem for co-living ventures. With its mix of affordable housing, vibrant small cities, and supportive business ecosystems, it’s ideal for launching a share house. Cities like Tipp City, Cuyahoga Falls, and Bowling Green offer safety, charm, and community—all essential ingredients for successful co-living.

🧾 Legal Basics You Need to Know

Before you welcome your first housemate, make sure you’re on solid legal ground:

• Occupancy laws: Ohio requires at least 70 sq ft per person in single rooms and 50 sq ft in shared rooms.
• Zoning rules: Some cities limit the number of unrelated people who can live together. Columbus, for example, caps it at three.
• Licensing: If your co-living space offers services (lik ... 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…

🚌 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…

Property inspections play a crucial role in the real estate process, providing valuable insights into the condition of a home and helping both buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Two common types of property inspections are pre-purchase inspections, conducted by buyers before closing a deal, and pre-sale inspections, initiated by sellers before listing their property on the market. Understanding the key differences between these two types of inspections is essential for navigating the real estate landscape effectively. Let’s explore the distinct characteristics of pre-purchase and pre-sale property inspections.

Pre-Purchase Property Inspections:

Pre-purchase property inspections are conducted by buyers as part of their due diligence before finalizing a home purchase. These inspections aim to uncover any hidden issues or defects in the property that may impact its value, safety, or livability.

Key differences of pre-purchase property inspections include:  
Buyer-Initiated: Pre-purchase inspections are typically initiated by the buyer to assess the condition of the property they are interested in purchasing. Focus on Buyer’s Interests: The primary focus of pre-purchase inspections is to protect the buyer’s interests by identifying any potential problems that may affect their decision to proceed with the purchase. Negotiation Tool: Inspection findings from pre-purchase inspections c ... Read More…