Investing in Real Estate with Clayton Morris | Investing for Beginners

For years now, the US has been in the depths of a housing shortage, specifically an affordable housing shortage. From a basic economic standpoint, a normal, balanced housing market should have about a 4-6 months’ supply available of houses. Anything less than that is considered a housing shortage. On today's show, you're going to learn how vast the housing shortage is. We're going to talk about some of the major contributing factors to this shortage and how new construction real estate investing can help remedy this situation.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

If you own a rental property that needs constant repairs and maintenance, what should you do? Is it better to sell a high maintenance property, or is there a better way to deal with it? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate. Today I'm answering three of your great questions on dealing with repetitive repairs, turning your first home into a rental property, and the rules on using a property in your self-directed IRA.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

The affordable housing crisis keeps getting worse and worse. It was recently reported that New York City rents are so high, that less than 5% of rental units are affordable for the average salary. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to dive into what's going on with housing costs across major US cities, mainly New York City. You're going to learn about how the price of rent has risen in recent years, the future of the affordable housing crisis, and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

If you want to use a HELOC to pay off your mortgage, the easiest way is to utilize your HELOC as a checking account. But where can you find these types of HELOCs? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore episode of Investing in Real Estate! Today's Q&A episode features three of your great questions about finding HELOC products, rental companies, and how to buy rental properties inside a self-directed IRA.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Over the last several decades, the American retirement system has shifted immensely. Working hard used to result in guaranteed retirement income through a pension plan. But today, a pension plan is no more -- and Americans are left with a shell of a retirement plan. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to cover the history of the pension plan, why the 401k doesn't work on its own, and what you can do instead to create a retirement plan that works for you.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

How can you teach your children financial intelligence? What are the best resources you can arm yourself with in order to pass down important lessons about money? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate! This episode features three of your great questions about financial education resources, minimizing high taxes, and deciding what to do with a highly appreciated property with low cash flow.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Due to the state of the economy, Americans have reported being worried about money, cutting back their spending habits, and even dipping into their retirement funds just to make ends meet. On today's show, we're going to unpack what's going on with the average American consumer. We're going to talk about the state of credit card debt in the US, how interest rates are impacting the average American, and the truth about how people are managing their finances today. And most importantly, we're going to cover what to do if you're becoming increasingly worried about money. It's all here on this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

What are the best states to buy rental real estate? And what makes a rental market profitable? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of investing in real estate! On today's episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering three of your great questions. We're going to cover topics like rental markets, buydown credits, and how a banking collapse could affect your portfolio.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2025

On today’s show, we’re going to talk about one of the major tax savings strategies that all real estate investors need to know about: the 1031 exchange. All real estate investors need to have this information in their back pocket, because you never know when you might need it. You're going to learn about the basics of a 1031 exchange and how it works. We're going to cover the major benefits of this strategy, who it's for, and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Our audience asks the best questions, and on today's show, I'm going to tackle a few of them. On this encore episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'll be answering three of your questions on various real estate topics. This Q&A episode features three great questions on topics like investing with a high debt-to-income ratio, how to decide if you should pay off mortgages, and buying a property with a solo 401k.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2025

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: the middle class is dead. The last several years have presented hard economic times for the American people. With high inflation, elevated housing costs, and the rising prices of everything, it's never been harder to remain in the middle class. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to unpack why the middle class is shrinking and what you can do to protect yourself in an ever changing economy.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Insurance is a critical piece of owning and protecting any piece of real estate. Is it a good idea to self-insure your rental property? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate! On today's show, I'm answering three of your great questions about self-insurance, self-directed IRAs, and how to invest in US real estate from Canada. We'll also talk about living the life you want now, the importance of being empowered in your financial freedom, and more.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2025

For years, we’ve been in an affordable housing crisis. Since the great recession, there has been a massive shortage of homes. Builders, of course, have been hesitant to build in droves since getting burned in 2008 and 2009. And we know that in the past few years, the prices of everything have risen dramatically. This includes lumber, land, and labor. It has become very expensive to build a home. Then, there are interest rates. Higher interest rates over the past couple years have put a massive halt on home sales across the country. Today we’re going to talk about the critical connection between interest rates and the housing crisis we’re seeing across the United States.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Today's first caller used a Veterans Affairs loan to house hack. What's the best way for him to grow a strong real estate portfolio? On today's show, I'm answering this great question, and more! This encore Q&A episode features three of your questions on investing with a VA loan, vacancy rates in our rental markets, and my take on the possibility of a global banking crash. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful questions, and I hope you enjoy this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

My general philosophy when it comes to real estate investing is that the credit score isn’t as big of a deal as people make it out to be. If you’re holding back on reaching your real estate goals because of a credit score, I think that’s a huge mistake. There are so many ways to work around a low credit score. However, it’s true that a higher credit score can benefit you in a number of ways. The higher your score, the easier it is to qualify for loans and get access to the best rates and terms. If you’re looking to improve your credit score, this episode is for you. You're going to learn about five specific ways you can boost your score!

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

If you have access to a big chunk of equity, how much should you tap into to grow your real estate portfolio? And what is the best product to help you reach your goals? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate! On today's show, I'm answering three of your real estate investing questions spanning topics like using home equity to invest, the mechanics of buying US rental properties from Canada, and the cost of setting up a self-directed IRA.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Thanks to skyrocketing home prices, American homeowners are flush with equity in their homes. It was reported that over 47% of mortgaged homes across the United States are considered equity rich. Today, we're going to talk about what this amount of equity could mean for the American homeowner. You're going to learn why now is a great time to leverage your home to buy a rental property, and how to do it. We're going to talk about specific lending products you can use, their pros and cons, and what to consider before you use this strategy.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

If you have a mortgage on a rental property that's owned by your self-directed IRA, how does the mortgage need to be paid? On today's show, we're going to answer this question — and more! This encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate features three listener questions on self-directed IRA payments, how to choose a landlord friendly state to buy investment properties, and what investors should consider about taxes when buying raw land.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

One of the best parts about buying real estate is that you don’t need gobs of cash to get started. In fact, I would argue that your creativity and your determination are more important factors than your savings account balance. All you need to do to get started is to secure a down payment on your first rental property and let the bank finance the rest. There’s no other asset type that you can buy with the banks money to grow your net worth and begin creating passive income. So on this episode, I’m going to help you brainstorm a few ways to fund a down payment on your next rental property.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Smart investors know that utilizing a self-directed IRA is an incredible way to build wealth and maximize your retirement. But is there a way to take a loan from your self-directed IRA in order to take advantage of further tax benefits? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! This encore episode of Investing in Real Estate features three of your questions on self-directed IRA rules, distributions, and getting into real estate as a beginner.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

A lot of people spend their lives hard at work, dreaming of the day that retirement comes around. If you’re lucky, you can claim Social Security benefits at the age of 62, and you can tap into your 401k or IRA without penalty at 59 ½. But what if you didn’t have to wait until you’re 60 years old to give up the daily grind and the dreary commute? What if you could travel when you wanted, without being tied to a work schedule? On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, we're going to discuss the major flaws with our society's retirement system and what you can do instead.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

My general advice is to rent the home you live in. But what about using the equity in your primary residence to buy rental properties? Today we're going to walk through the pros and cons of owning your home. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering three listener questions about owning vs. renting, using business credit, and how to best utilize your savings when investing in real estate. If you want to learn more about real estate investing, this episode is for you!

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

If you’ve ever wondered about how to actually build wealth through real estate investing, this one is for you. On today’s show, we’re going to dive into the main mechanisms that can help you build your net worth, accumulate cash flow, and live financially free. We’re going to cover the ultimate formula you need to build your roadmap to financial freedom, the one principle you need to know in order to be successful long-term, and the powerful four streams of income that real estate investing can provide. By the end of this episode, you’re going to have a solid foundation of knowledge on how to unleash the power of real estate investing. You might want to take notes for this one – let’s get into it!

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Today's first caller has $200k in equity in his primary home. He's thinking about leveraging his equity in order to pay off a rental property. Is that a good idea? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! This encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate features three great listener questions on using equity to pay off debt, what to consider before you sell a rental property, and changes to the mortgage interest deduction in 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Today you’re going to learn about the main tenets of financial intelligence. This is the stuff you didn’t learn in school, and your kids won’t learn either, unless you take the initiative to teach them the value of financial education. I hope you’re ready to take notes, because I’m going to share ten foundations to financial intelligence that you need to know to build a better future for your family. Whether you’re a beginner or you just need some reminders to sharpen your skills, this episode is going to arm you with the skills and mindset shifts you need to create your own path to wealth.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Today's first caller has started making great returns by investing in real estate notes and he's paying down his student loan debt. What should he do in order to reach his ultimate goal of investing in real estate? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! This encore Q&A episode features three of your great questions on planning for financial freedom, accessing the equity of a rental property in an LLC, and how to get first position HELOC. Click play to hear my answers to your investing questions!

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

The best way to go broke is by following the American Dream, and here’s why: the American Dream is all about putting your family’s future in the hands of companies that don’t have your best interests in mind. For decades, Americans have been sold the same old song and dance: work hard, buy a house, and put money into a 401k until you retire -- but this system doesn't work On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, you're going to learn about how America's debt based society keeps you locked into liabilities, why today's retirement plans no longer work, and how to get the results you actually want.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Today's first caller has a good chunk of money to invest. Should he continue investing in his established rental market or buy a multifamily property in NYC? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore episode! This episode features three of your real estate investing questions on single-family vs multifamily, getting started with bad credit, and moving money from a 401k to self-directed IRA.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

There’s a lot of anxieties and hesitation surrounding investing in real estate in this current market. Today’s financial climate offers a lot of negativity – inflation, elevated prices, high interest rates, and more…But here’s what a lot of people forget: real estate is a tangible asset that offers protection against inflation. On today's show, you're going to learn about why real estate is an inflation-resistant asset, and how smart investors can win in every market. So if you want to win in today’s market and allow inflation to actually boost your net worth, this episode has five tips to help you reach your goal.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Today's first caller has a decent chunk of home equity available and a decent credit score. He's interested in buying his first rental property close to home. What's my advice for this scenario? On this encore Q&A edition of Investing in Real Estate, I'm taking three of your questions on buying rental properties in your own backyard, finding lenders for new construction investments, and calculating ROI.q

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

At one point in time, the American Dream was synonymous with homeownership. Today, there are many hurdles that are holding Americans back from homeownership – including the affordable housing crisis, housing prices, interest rates, inflation, and so much more. On today's show, we're going to discuss the reality of homeownership in the United States and why the cost of owning a home has risen exponentially in recent years. We're also going to discuss the role of build-to-rent real estate in the market.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Can you own rental real estate inside a retirement account like a self-directed 401k? On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering this question—and more! Today's Q&A episode features three of your great questions on buying real estate inside a self-directed 401k, how to determine how much money you need to buy real estate investments, and how to decide between using cash or leverage.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

There are so many targets on the back of the US Dollar, and it’s time to get prepared. Today we’re going to talk about the multiple factors that are threatening the dollar, and what you can do to secure your money and your future. On this episode, we're going to talk about the recent decline of the US dollar and the threats it is facing. We're also going to discuss the importance of buying tangible assets and more.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Is it possible to use multiple rental contracts in a single-family home? What are some factors to consider before you convert a home into a multifamily residence? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm taking three of your great questions on using multiple contracts, how to buy real estate in the US as an international investor, and ideas for utilizing home equity if you have a bad credit score.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2025

A post-pandemic study found that more than three-quarters of working age Americans have experienced inflation-related stress in recent years. And despite lowering rates of inflation, stress levels continue to rise. On today's show, we're going to unpack what's going on with inflation anxiety. We're going to talk about how rising prices and mental health, the future of the economy, and how to weather the storms of inflation. Click play on this episode of Investing in Real Estate to learn more!

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Smart investors are always thinking about building and protecting their wealth. In today's economy, what's the best way to protect yourself from the fluctuating value of the US dollar? On this Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering this question — and more! Today's encore episode features three of your great questions on preparing for a crash of the dollar, what kind of credit score you need to invest, and options for investing with a VA loan.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Today we’re going to talk about why saving money is a horrible strategy. In fact, saving up piles of cash might be the least financially intelligent thing you could do with your money in 2025. You're going to learn about the major downfalls of saving money. We're going to discuss smarter strategies for investing cash, and how to make more financially intelligent decisions instead of following the status quo. I hope you enjoy this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

What does it cost to work with Morris Invest? Are there fees or subscriptions associated with using our service? On today's show, I'm answering this question—and more! This encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate features three great listener questions on getting started in real estate, finding a law firm to set up LLCs, and how our process works at Morris Invest.a

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

If you really want to live financially free, the best thing you can do is to start developing multiple streams of income. There are many ways to go about this. You could start a business, set up a side hustle, or my personal favorite, invest in rental properties. Rental properties are an incredible passive income strategy because of this: real estate investing offers not one, but FOUR streams of income. On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, you're going to learn how to make four streams of income with one investment.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

What does a young (or new) investor need to know about getting started in real estate investing? What are the best resources to build your financial intelligence? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! On this encore Q&A episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm answering three of your questions. We'll cover topics like getting started investing with no money, how to invest with your life insurance policy, and how to invest in the US from Canada.a

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2025

As rates continue to drop, more and more homebuyers are trying to enter the housing market. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with buying a home to live in, but there is one thing a lot of homebuyers seem to overlook: a primary residence is not a performing asset. Today, we're going to have an important conversation on performing assets -- and where buying a home fits into the equation. You'll learn about assets, liabilities, and why you may want to put off buying a primary residence for now. I'm also sharing a few ways to convert your home into a performing asset. Don't miss this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

Today's first caller has $10k in reserves. What's the best way to get started investing with that amount of capital? On today's show, I'm answering this question, and more! This encore episode of Investing in Real Estate features three great listener questions on getting started investing with $10k, how to stay focused when your goal is to build wealth, and how to nurture your portfolio by weeding out underperforming assets.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2025

With multiple US regional banks failing in the last two years, and more on the horizon, it’s important to understand how this happened. On today's show, we're going to talk about the context surrounding bank collapses. Most importantly, you'll learn how to protect yourself from more impending bank collapses in 2025 and beyond.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Is it possible to get a home equity line of credit on a rental property? If so, what's the best way to find and utilize a HELOC? That's the first question I'm answering on today's Q&A episode! This encore episode of Investing in Real Estate features three listener questions on topics like finding a HELOC, how to start investing with bad credit, and how to learn more about using VA financing to buy rental properties. As always, I appreciate your questions and I hope you find my answers helpful on your investing journey.

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2025

Over the last several years, more and more homeowners have become interested in paying off debt, including their home mortgage. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss, and in this video, I'm sharing everything I know. You’re going to learn about different strategies you can use, which one is the most effective if you’re serious about making progress, and what you should consider before you start paying down your loan.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

Can investing in assisted living properties be profitable? And if so, what are some things to consider before buying senior housing? That's the first question I'm answering on today's show! This encore episode of Investing in Real Estate features three great listener questions on investing in assisted living properties, using private money to buy new construction rental properties, and how to pair a self-directed IRA with a non-recourse loan.

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2025

Many people have an idealized vision of retirement – just like you see on the commercials. You’ve been sold a lie of the American Dream, the 401k, and a cushy retirement by the beach. But this is not the reality of what retirement looks like for most Americans. On today's show, we're going to discuss the current state of retirement in the United States. We're going to talk about 401ks plans, inflation, and what you need to do if you want to retire comfortably. Click play to learn the truth agbout the retirement crisis!

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

Using retirement funds to buy real estate is a popular way to invest. Can you use annuity funds to buy rental properties? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode! On this episode of Investing in Real Estate, I'm taking three of your intelligent real estate questions. We're going to talk about buying real estate with annuity funds, fitting refinancing rental properties into a long-term strategy, and the logistics of investing in real estate notes from overseas. Press play to hear my answers to your questions!

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2025

It’s happening right before our eyes; America is becoming a renter nation. Gone are the days of the American Dream with the white picket fence. Buying a house has become out of reach for many Americans. On this episode, we're going to discuss what's going on with the housing market, why so many people are turning to renting, and what this means for real estate investors.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

As you might know, business banking has different standards than personal lending. Today's first caller asked, "what's the best way to get funding within an LLC? That's the first question I'm answering on this encore Q&A episode! Today's episode covers three of your great questions on getting funding in an LLC, buying turnkey rentals out of state, and using a VA loan to buy rental properties. Click play to hear my answers to your questions on this episode of Investing in Real Estate!

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2025