The Investing in Iowa Show

What do football coaching and real estate have in common? For Jared Hottle, everything. In this inspiring episode, Neil Timmins sits down with Jared—a former college football coach turned real estate agent and investor—to uncover how discipline, strategy, and resilience on the field translated into success in the property game. From buying his first duplex during the 2020 uncertainty to scaling a...

What happens when a residential carpenter discovers a passion for restoring the past? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Hildreth, a seasoned contractor whose journey took him from building suburban homes to reviving iconic landmarks like Des Moines' Val Air Ballroom. Mark dives into the nuances of historic renovations, the ripple effect of rising interest rates, and why understanding client e...

How does a preacher's son go from painting houses and analyzing startups to building a thriving real estate investment business? In this episode, Dave Ferris shares his unconventional journey into real estate—starting with side hustles and ending with a full-time investing career. He opens up about the lessons learned during the 2008 financial crisis, why cash flow is king, and how strong partners...

What does a Gyro stand, a vineyard, a bar, and a multimillion-dollar portfolio have in common? They're all chapters in Todd Millang's real estate story. In this episode, Todd shares how he went from a curious college student to Senior VP at CBRE, unpacking the highs, lows, and everything in between. From restaurant ownership to farmland investing, Todd's journey proves that relationships, resilien...

What do a gym whistle, short-term rentals, and house hacking have in common? For Ryan Hoover—broker, investor, and all-around real estate enthusiast—they're all key stops on the journey from PE teacher to powerhouse property pro. In this episode, Ryan dives into the decisions that changed his life, the lessons he learned from growing up on a farm, and how he turned hustle, humor, and heart into a...

What happens when a trusted real estate attorney takes the reins of one of Des Moines' most influential development firms? You get Gerry Neugent—visionary leader, community builder, and strategic thinker. In this episode, Gerry opens up about his transition from practicing law to leading Knapp Properties through decades of growth, market shifts, and city transformation. With a deep commitment to l...

What do you get when an agricultural engineer mixes hustle, strategy, and a bit of "Rich Dad Poor Dad" wisdom? Chad Daniel. From a small-town Iowa upbringing to leading a growing real estate investment group, Chad shares how he turned his commute-time audiobook inspiration into a diversified, multi-state portfolio. In this episode, he unpacks the power of collaboration, the challenges of shifting...

What happens when a successful roofing entrepreneur from Canada dives headfirst into the U.S. real estate market? Brian Audia is living that answer. In this episode, Brian shares how he transitioned from a multimillion-dollar contracting business to building a thriving real estate investing operation in the Midwest and Southeast. From note investing and creative finance to remote renovations and m...

From long hours in the food industry to flipping houses and building a real estate empire—Bexaida Dominguez proves that all it takes is courage, creativity, and a commitment to community. In this episode, Bexaida opens up about her bold leap into real estate, her first wholesale deal, and how she's now helping others unlock financial freedom through innovative strategies and fearless action.   Wha...

What does it take to breathe new life into an entire town? Real estate power duo Dwan Bent-Twyford and Bill Twyford are proving that with the right strategy, vision, and perseverance, it's possible. In this episode, we dive into their ambitious revitalization of downtown Clinton, Iowa—how they're leveraging opportunity zones, building generational wealth, and turning real estate into a tool for co...

What happens when a professional motocross racer trades his dirt bike for deeds and rental properties? Gavin Faith did just that—transforming his competitive drive into a thriving real estate career.  In this episode, he shares how he went from championship races to cash-flowing properties, the lessons he carried over from motocross, and how he's building long-term wealth through smart investing....

How do two former car salesmen build a $6M real estate portfolio? In this episode, Matt Young and Tony Romeo share the story behind their transition from car sales to real estate success. They dive into their strategies for Airbnb properties, wholesaling, and creative financing, revealing how they capitalized on opportunities and built systems to scale their business.   Matt and Tony aren't afraid...

From a small-town upbringing in Iowa to making waves in the real estate industry, Tyler Dingel's journey is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of mentorship. We dive into the lessons he learned from early career struggles as a new broker to multimillion-dollar deals, uncovering the mindset and strategies that have fueled his success. Success is more than numbers—it's abou...

What if your 9-to-5 job was actually a stepping stone to financial freedom?  That's how Matt Henick approached his transition from corporate finance to real estate investing.  With a strong strategic approach, Matt grew his business to 60 rental units—all while maintaining a full-time job. In this episode, he shares the key lessons he's learned along the way, from investing in high-quality renovat...

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a steady 9-to-5 to full-time real estate investing?  Adam Romano made that leap after sharpening his sales skills at Pella Windows and Doors in Clive. Since then, he's rolled up his sleeves and gained hands-on experience in nearly every corner of residential real estate. In this episode, Adam dives into the value of mentorship, the importance of learn...

Richard Hurd needs no introduction in Des Moines. He's left an indelible mark on the face of Iowa's capital city. But what you might not know is the gritty story behind Hurd Real Estate—and how Richard built it from the ground up. Over his career, he's personally owned and developed more than $1B in commercial real estate. Richard takes us back to his early days in real estate, flipping houses, ba...

Jacquelyn Duke grew up learning business and entrepreneurship on her family farm, but never imagined she'd end up in real estate. Yet, her diverse experiences—ranging from legislative correspondent to paralegal, educator, and labor doula—prepared her for the closing table. In this episode, Jacquelyn shares how her unique background makes her a better Realtor and investor today. She also offers pra...

How does a guy who started by working at Urbandale Water end up owning over 300 acres of prime land? Sean Asada proves that with determination, real estate investing success can take many forms. Listen in to hear about Sean's unconventional path—from replacing water meters and flipping cars for cash to becoming a broker-owner. His real estate investment of choice? Land. Whether it's recreational g...

What do coffee, cattle, and real estate have in common? Colin Panzi. In this episode, we're talking to Colin—a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the guy behind some seriously cool businesses. Colin's not only a broker and team leader at the Ankeny Real Estate Group, but he's also an investor in the Northern Vessel Coffee Company and the Winterset Sale Barn. In this interview, Colin opens up about...

Dan Rozga was serving as a High School Student Pastor when he decided to launch his real estate career. In this conversation, Dan reflects on the motivation for his career change, the hurdles he faced during his first year, and the invaluable lessons he's gleaned from his investment journey. From the power of strategic financial planning to the importance of nurturing genuine client relationships,...

Listen in as Sam Brant takes you through his unique journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a successful real estate investor. With roots grounded in a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach, Sam shares the lessons he's learned along the way—from flipping properties to managing rental portfolios. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a business, how partnerships have pl...

Seth Walker shares his journey into the real estate world, from his early struggles as a realtor to becoming a successful property manager and investor in Des Moines, Iowa. With a focus on education through experience, Seth discusses his investment track record, including apartment buildings, farms, and his exciting new venture into Airbnb.  Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the local ma...

Sarah Pell knows how to make real estate work—whether it's scaling short-term rentals, flipping properties, or securing consistent returns for her investors. Tune in to hear how she transitioned from teaching to building a successful real estate business, all while living life on the road. Packed with valuable tips and lessons learned, this episode is a masterclass in creative real estate investin...

Join cost segregation expert Joseph Viery as he demystifies the powerful tax benefits of accelerated depreciation in real estate. In this insightful episode, he offers practical tips on how investors can maximize their income through strategies and a deep dive into the nuances of tax codes. Don't miss this essential listen for any real estate investor eager to unlock significant financial advantag...

Ryan Irwin's story is a testament to the power of transferring skills across industries. Hear how this bodybuilding coach parlayed his passion for fitness into a successful coaching business and a growing real estate portfolio, and discover the mindset shifts that fueled his transformation.     What you'll learn from this episode The importance of accountability and momentum in achieving fitness a...