Built For This Show

In this episode of The Built for This Podcast with Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane, meet Kansas City entrepreneur and real estate investor Troy Paul, whose creative approach to property development proves that vision and innovation can turn even the most unconventional ideas into thriving investments.
Troy shares how his construction background led him from house flipping in the 1990s to building Kansas City’s first apartment complex made from shipping containers. He explains how his entrepreneurial mindset helps him see opportunity where others see risk—and why what “smells like money” to him might make other investors run for the hills.
Listeners will learn how Troy built long-term wealth through multifamily investments, what gives him a “competitive edge” in the market, and how mindset shifts can unlock new levels of creativity and confidence in real estate. From overcoming termite-infested foundations to managing remote Airbnb properties, Troy’s story is full of real-world lessons about grit, innovation, and thinking like a business owner.
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

What really happens when you buy your first investment property? Diane Jaques joins Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane to share what she’s learned from stepping into real estate after years of success in marketing and sales. From navigating her first property in Pittsburgh to managing tenants from Massachusetts, Diane’s story is full of valuable lessons for anyone ready to take action on their first deal.
In this episode, Diane opens up about:
How her family’s roots in homebuilding inspired her love for real estate
Why she wanted to diversify beyond stocks and build a legacy for her kids
How her sales and listening skills give her an edge when building relationships
What her biggest first-property mistakes taught her about property managers, due diligence, and tenants
How she’s turning challenges into systems for long-term success
Her next goal: exploring co-living as an affordable housing solution
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

In this inspiring episode, hosts Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane sit down with Ian Grodman, who shares how his 30-year legal career gave him the tools to navigate the complex world of real estate. Ian talks about the moment he decided to invest in property for a better retirement and how his legal background gives him a unique edge — especially when it comes to contracts, negotiations, and avoiding costly mistakes.
Listeners will hear Ian explain key legal terms like indemnification in plain language, and how understanding them can save deals (and your wallet). He also shares his passion for improving communities through affordable housing and programs for first-time homebuyers.
From investing in Alabama tax lien properties to creating homes for families in need, Ian proves that being “built for this” means using your gifts — whatever they are — to make a difference.
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

In this energizing episode, hosts Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane sit down with Davis H. Son, a passionate real estate investor and founder of Luminest Homes. Davis shares how a second reading of Rich Dad Poor Dad ignited his obsession with real estate and how he transitioned from brand marketing into full-time investing. Now managing eight furnished rentals and scaling his property management business, Davis explains what sets his client-first approach apart.
Expect a conversation filled with entrepreneurial fire, honest challenges, and valuable lessons learned from flipping homes and navigating contractor relationships. Davis shares how his background in marketing, a sharp focus on hospitality, and a knack for staying grounded during chaos are the foundation of his growing success.
Whether you’re a new investor or seasoned pro, this episode is full of inspiration and insights to keep you focused and fired up.
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

What if your biggest real estate investing edge had nothing to do with tools, money, or even experience?
In this insightful episode of Built For This, we sit down with seasoned investor Aaron Cox, a Jacksonville-based real estate veteran with over 40 rentals and a construction background. You’ll be surprised to learn that his "unfair advantage" has nothing to do with swinging hammers—and everything to do with something far more human: relationships.
Aaron opens up about why people skills are more powerful than property skills, the unexpected downside of having a construction company, and why repeatable systems—not brute force—build wealth. From navigating rising interest rates to managing C-class properties in tough economic times, Aaron shares the mindset and tactics that have helped him weather multiple market cycles since 2001.
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

What happens when a nurse leader leaves healthcare to jump full-time into real estate investing? In this episode of the Built For This Podcast, hosts Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane sit down with Angie Tonini, a Louisville-based real estate agent and midterm rental investor, to explore her inspiring journey.
Angie shares how her background in nursing taught her to serve, listen, and solve problems—skills that now guide her in connecting people to real estate solutions. From her first steps into investing to building a portfolio of midterm rentals for traveling nurses, Angie is focused on creating safe, welcoming homes while also building a legacy for her children.
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

In this inspiring episode of the Built For This Podcast, Alissa and Andrea welcome international real estate investor, property manager, and licensed realtor Natalie Spielmann. Natalie shares her global journey from Ukraine to Germany, and now to Florida, where she's built a thriving real estate career wearing every hat imaginable—from Airbnb superhost to investor to landscaper when needed!
Listeners will learn:
How Natalie leveraged international experience to build a strong real estate portfolio in the U.S.
The risks and rewards of luxury real estate in Florida
Why investing during high interest rates may still be a smart move
Her “three-year salary rule” for residential purchases
How reading people and asking the right questions gives her an edge
What resilience really looks like in the property investment world
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of the Built For This Podcast, hosts Alissa and Andrea sit down with Karrin Miller, a Charlotte-based real estate investor with a heart for community. Karrin shares how her background in nonprofit and higher education sales shaped her into a landlord who leads with compassion and practicality.
From buying her first duplex with little experience to managing multiple properties with the help of nonprofits and a flexible property manager, Karrin opens up about the wins, challenges, and lessons of investing in Section 8 housing. You’ll hear real stories—some tough, some heartwarming—and learn how people skills and patience can be powerful tools in real estate.
This episode is a must-listen if you’re curious about real estate investing with a mission, managing tenants with care, and why knowing your zip code really matters.
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

What does it take to go from buying empty lots to becoming a trusted relationship lender in real estate? In this episode of Built for This, hosts Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane sit down with Christy Osterkamp to talk about her journey of evolving as an investor and building meaningful connections along the way.
Christy shares how she started with raw land in California, grew into owning 14 turnkey rentals, and ultimately discovered her true passion—private lending. With her administrative background and eye for detail, she has carved out a niche as a “lead lender,” bringing together co-lenders and borrowers in win-win partnerships.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
Why Christy chose lending over traditional real estate investing
How she uses what she calls “magic math” to create strong returns
The biggest challenge she faces in reaching potential co-lenders
The personal inspiration behind her brand, The Note Connectress
Her exciting plans for the future, including combining real estate networking with travel
 
------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!

What does it take to keep moving forward in real estate, even when the path isn’t always clear? In this episode of the Built For This Podcast, hosts Alissa Bickar and Andrea Lane sit down with Biz Wallace, a marketing professional turned investor who has built a portfolio one unique step at a time.
Biz shares how she became an “accidental landlord,” how an unusual investment in a parking space turned into an unexpected win, and why her energy, curiosity, and network have been key to her success. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned from both wins and challenges, and how her refusal to sit still has shaped her investing journey.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep momentum in your investing career—or how to turn chance opportunities into lasting success—this conversation is full of inspiration and practical insights.
 
 
-------------------------------------------------------- Be A Guest Are you a single family home real estate investor or landlord with insights to share? Apply to be a guest on https://builtforthisshow.com/guest and share your expertise with a wide audience eager to learn about you!