The REAL Wealth Formula Podcast

How does an 18-year-old make $5,500 in less than two days? In this episode of Real Wealth Formula, Brad Hovis shares how his son closed his first wholesale real estate deal from his college dorm room. You’ll learn the exact strategy he used, why fearlessness made all the difference, and how you can take the same steps to start building wealth. Key Takeaways Wholesaling is one of the fastest ways t...

Wire fraud is one of the biggest threats facing real estate investors today. In this episode, Brad Hovis shares real stories of wire fraud attempts, including the time $180,000 almost disappeared. You’ll learn the simple but critical steps you must take to protect your money when sending and receiving wires. If you are investing in real estate, this episode could save you from a major financial di...

In this episode of The Real Wealth Formula, Brad Hovis sits down again with Rob Swanson to tackle a big question: How should new investors educate themselves on real estate? Rob shares how he taught his own kids the basics, the difference between buying property and buying a true deal, and why the most successful students always start with a clear "why." The conversation covers free vs. paid educa...

Is Airbnb a smart investment or a risky move? In this episode, Brad Hovis shares his real-life experience owning hotels and Airbnbs to break down the pros and cons of short-term rentals. He explains how oversaturation, local regulations, competition, and hidden costs can make or break your returns. If you’ve ever thought about jumping into the Airbnb market, this episode will help you decide if it...

Discover the truth about the 1031 exchange. This episode tackles a common misconception: that it helps you avoid income tax. Brad Hovis and Drew McCabe explain the difference between capital gains tax and income tax. Learn the six essential rules for a successful exchange. Find out why this real estate strategy is a powerful tool for building wealth. Key Takeaways A 1031 exchange defers capital ga...

Discover how to buy a hotel with no money down. Brad Hovis shares the incredible story of his Hotel Frisco deal, where he turned a creative finance strategy into over $2 million in profit. He reveals the exact steps he took, from leveraging creative finance to overcoming unexpected challenges. This episode offers a candid, detailed look at a high-stakes real estate investment, including the financ...

In this episode of the Real Wealth Formula, you’ll learn how to calculate ROI the right way. The discussion covers why ROI is often misunderstood, the difference between cap rate and cash-on-cash return, and why risk matters when comparing deals. You’ll also discover how to maximize ROI using leverage, human resources, and sweat equity. If you want to make smarter investment decisions and boost yo...

Are you a high earner still living paycheck to paycheck? This episode of The Real Wealth Formula is for you. Host Brad Hovis sits down with real estate expert Rob Swanson to talk about how to find and acquire off-market real estate deals. They discuss going beyond the traditional on-market approach and how to locate motivated sellers directly. Discover the strategies for finding distressed propert...

In this episode of The Real Wealth Formula, Brad Hovis breaks down the difference between simply doing real estate deals and building a real estate business. He shares why active real estate investing, when treated as a business, can create more consistent income, bigger paydays, and long-term scalability. Brad explains the four essential aspects of running any business, how to balance passive and...

This episode breaks down the BRRRR method for real estate investing. The acronym stands for Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat. Hosts Brad Hovis and Brian McClain explain how this strategy allows investors to build a portfolio with little or no personal capital. They share a personal story about their first successful deal, a long-term rental property they've held for over a decade. This p...

Late rent payments can hurt your cash flow and create unnecessary stress. In this episode, Brad breaks down practical strategies to manage them effectively. He explains why setting expectations from day one is critical, how to communicate with tenants about overdue payments, and when to offer flexible arrangements without putting yourself at risk. You will learn how to enforce your lease terms, ap...

Many believe you need huge amounts of cash to start real estate investing. The truth is different. In this episode, Brad Hovis shares practical strategies that require little to no money, including wholesale deals, lease options, subject-to financing, private funding, partnerships, and the BRRRR method. You will learn why education is your most valuable first investment and how creative techniques...

 If you are flipping houses, timing matters. In this episode, we talk about how market seasons can make or break your profit. Learn why selling in the right months can increase your returns and how to plan your projects to match buyer demand.     Key Takeaways Market timing affects property sales prices. Homes often sell for higher prices in spring and early summer. Selling in winter may reduce yo...

Podcast In this episode of the Real Wealth Formula Podcast, we dive into the question: Is now a good time to invest in real estate? The short answer is yes, it always is. Whether you're considering long-term buy-and-hold strategies or short-term flips, understanding market dynamics is key. We discuss strategies that work in today’s market and how you can approach investing, whether you’re a passiv...

 In this episode of Real Wealth Formula, Brad Hovis and guest John Webb dive into the question: What local markets work for real estate investing? They break down how to evaluate markets using price-to-rent ratios, distressed inventory, and neighborhood quality. From success stories in Memphis and St. Louis to wild experiences in challenging neighborhoods, they reveal the art and science behind ch...

In this episode, we break down the decision-making process for real estate investors on whether to self-manage their properties or hire a property management company. We cover key factors like personality, finances, and the legal side of property management. Key Takeaways: Personality: Can you handle tough decisions like evictions? Financials: Consider if giving away a large portion of your profit...

Finding reliable contractors is crucial for real estate success. In this episode of Real Wealth Formula, Brad Hovis explains how to build a strong contractor team without overpaying or burning bridges. Learn how to recruit trustworthy trades, pay them fast, and create lasting relationships that keep your projects on track.   Key Takeaways: Referrals from investor buddies as the top source for reli...

In this episode of the Real Wealth Formula Podcast, Brad Hovis sits down with seasoned investor Matt Sanchez to dive deep into how to buy real estate at foreclosure auctions, evaluate deals, and create long-term wealth through cash flow strategies. Matt shares his 40+ years of experience, including tips on bidding tactics, analyzing liens, and avoiding costly mistakes.   Key Takeaways: Step-by-ste...

One wrong move with your LLC could cost you everything. Brad Hovis exposes the biggest mistake new investors make with LLCs and how to avoid it. Learn when you actually need one, and how to set it up without getting ripped off. This episode will change how you structure your deals from day one.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The difference between LLCs taxed as S Corps and asset protection entities How to legall...

Brad Hovis and Brian McClain reveal what most people won’t tell you about being a licensed investor. From hidden liabilities to powerful deal advantages, they expose the real pros and cons of crossing into the agent world. Watch this episode and learn what it takes to play both sides without getting burned.   KEY TAKEAWAYS The surprising reason you don’t need a license to win as an investor When a...

Brad Hovis strips rental property analysis down to what matters: real cash, real numbers, and real-world thinking. Discover how most investors blow it on vacancy and maintenance. This episode helps you break through the noise and buy with confidence.   KEY TAKEAWAYS A harsh truth about Section 8 rentals most investors don't consider Real cost of vacancy (especially with a mortgage) The myth of the...

Think multifamily is the fast track to wealth? Think again. Brad Hovis reveals why single-family homes often outperform, with fewer headaches, lower vacancy risk, and more exit options. If you're just starting out, this episode gives you the clearest path forward.   KEY TAKEAWAYS Why single-family tenants stay longer and why that’s a hidden superpower An Excel trick that makes you buy a terrible m...

From walk-off grand slams to walk-in rentals. David Bote reveals how he turned MLB paychecks into lasting wealth. He shares the behind-the-scenes playbook, including hoarder house flips, debt-free investing, and helping renters become homeowners. Tune in now to learn how he built real cash flow after baseball, and how you can too.   KEY TAKEAWAYS How a trashed “hoarder house” turned into a high-qu...

In this episode, Brad reveals how to choose the right market based on your strengths, strategy, and buy box, not hype. From rent ratios to investor activity, this episode shows you how to find real deals, not just properties. This episode gives you the framework to choose wisely, so don't miss out.    KEY TAKEAWAYS The quiet power of lease-to-own vs. fix-and-flip How rent-to-price ratios can make...

Still waiting for the "perfect" deal? You're already losing. Kal Murib reveals how he built a 16-property portfolio without chasing discounts, just relationships, timing, and guts. From creative financing to tenants who stay for decades, this episode is a masterclass in playing the long game in commercial real estate. So, don't miss out!   KEY TAKEAWAYS Why waiting for deals is costing you more On...