My feud with “Section 8 Karim”, Fannie & Freddie privatization, & how crypto is infecting TradFi

My run-in with Section 8 Karim reveals how the information you see online can be warped and manipulated. Plus, the looming privatization of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac — and why is crypto still a thing?

January RIA Roundup: 2024 Year in Review, Best Cash Flow Markets, & My 2024 Portfolio Results

A review of the key themes that drove the biggest news in 2024, in real estate and beyond. Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about debt.

Nov/Dec RIA Roundup: Rental Property Maintenance Costs, Avoiding Estate Taxes, & Mocha Mousse

What is the TRUE cost of maintaining rental properties? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about health “care”.

October RIA Roundup: How to Make Rentals Passive, Mr. Money Mustache on the Economy, & Voting

How passive are rental properties, really? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about the voting process.

September RIA Roundup: Buying vs. Renting, Interest Rate Cuts, & The Common Good

Is buying or renting your primary residence the better financial choice? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about how business and government both have a role in promoting the common good.

August RIA Roundup: Cash Flow vs Appreciation, $1M Starter Homes, & Playing the Long Game

Cash Flow vs Appreciation is one of the oldest debates in real estate. But which will actually make you more money? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about playing the long game, in investing and in life.

July RIA Roundup: Build-to-Rent, Record Heat, & Why I Love the Olympics

Build-to-Rent is growing fast. Should you be adding build-to-rent properties to your rental portfolio? Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about why I love the Olympics.

June RIA Roundup: Home Insurance Chaos, Interest Rate Cuts, & A Big Move

The home insurance industry is facing a reckoning. What will it mean for rental property investors? Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about moving -- to a new city, and into a new stage of life.

May RIA Roundup: Institutional Investors, Build-to-Rent, & Economic Facts vs. Fiction

Are hedge funds buying up all the houses and driving up home prices? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and why Americans have their economic facts all wrong.

March/April RIA Roundup: Section 8, Realtor Fees, & The Real Risks of AI

A close look at Section 8, and the coming changes to realtor fees. Plus the latest REI news & insights, and an essay about how Jon Stewart got the risks of AI all wrong.

February RIA Roundup: How Did the Pandemic Impact Rental Markets?

How did the pandemic impact home prices and rental rates in popular rental markets? Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about cooperation -- in real estate, and in global affairs.

January RIA Roundup: 2023 Year in Review

A review of the seven key themes that drove the biggest news in 2023. Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about the artifice of online gurus.

December RIA Roundup: How Far Will Mortgage Rates Fall?

After a relentless climb, mortgage rates have recently been falling rapidly. Will mortgage rates keep falling? Plus the latest REI news & insights, and a reflection the deep value of relationships.

November RIA Roundup: The Real Estate Brokerage Conspiracy

A discussion of the successful lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors and other brokerages that could change how real estate is bought and sold. Plus a latest REI news & insights, and an essay about the ethics of rental properties.

October RIA Roundup: Buying vs. Renting

A look at the age-old question: is it better to buy or rent? Plus the latest REI news and insights, and an essay about the power of habits.

September RIA Roundup: The Incredible Growing Home

Homes have been growing in size for decades -- but is that trend reversing? Plus the latest REI news and insights, and an essay about our obsession with staying busy.

August RIA Roundup: The Mortgage Lock-In Effect

How higher mortgage rates are locking sellers in place, which is supporting home prices despite falling demand. Plus the latest REI news and insights, and an essay about work vs. life.