Episode 163

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Published on:

26th Mar 2025

Is Real Estate the Best Path to Financial Independence? | E163 Chad Carson

Is Real Estate the Best Path to Financial Independence?

As a die-hard index fund investor, I used to have a clear answer. But after researching Chad Carson’s “small but mighty” real estate philosophy, I’m starting to see the potential.

While I still prefer the hands-off nature of index funds, especially as I focus on growing my income - I can see real estate playing a role in my future. It offers steady cash flow, diversification, and even scratches my entrepreneurial itch.

When that time comes, I’ll be turning to Chad Carson’s content. With two decades of real estate investing experience, Chad knows how to find, analyze, and buy solid investment properties.

In this episode, Chad breaks down the fundamentals of real estate investing, including how to find quality deals in a high-priced market, red flags to watch for, and key financial metrics to evaluate before buying.

I learned a ton from this conversation, and I’m already looking forward to a part two.

Key Takeaways:

  • How real estate fits into Chad’s investment portfolio
  • Pros and cons of real estate investing
  • Finding quality deals in a high-priced market
  • Defining your "buy box" to focus your search
  • Red flags to watch for in properties
  • Key financial metrics to evaluate before buying
  • The “small and mighty” real estate philosophy
  • Aligning real estate with your life goals


Mentions:

Create Your Buy Box: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ORTQ_2S-mE

DealMachine: https://www.dealmachine.com/


More of Coach Chad Carson:

Real Estate Investing with Coach Carson: https://www.coachcarson.com/coach-carson-podcast/


More of The Struggle is Real:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

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About the Podcast

FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Want to achieve financial independence without missing out on the fun?

FI Minded is for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom, live life on their own terms, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey along the way!

Whether you’re just starting to think about financial independence or already deep into the process, FI Minded gives you the tools and inspiration to make FI a reality - without giving up the things you love.

Each episode, we’ll cover topics like:
*Financial Independence Strategies: Simple, actionable advice to reach FI faster (if that’s your goal).
*Work Optionality: Transitioning from the corporate grind (no more "one more year syndrome") to a life of freedom and flexibility.
*Lifestyle Design: How to build a life that aligns with your values, goals, and dreams.
*Stories from the FI Community: Real people sharing their journeys to FI and what they’ve learned.
*Fun with FI: How to save your future and enjoy your current life through CoastFI, mini-retirements, travel, or just making the most of your time.
*Fighting Burnout: Balancing saving for your future while staying mentally healthy.

Some of our past guests include:
Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jacking Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Diania Merriam (Optimal Finance Daily), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Erin Lowry (Broke Millennial).
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