REI University

In this episode, real estate investor and entrepreneur Trevor Howard joins Chris Merz to share his journey from building a multimillion-dollar portfolio in his early twenties to losing it all—and coming back even stronger. 💪
They dive into how Trevor scaled to hundreds of doors, the lessons learned from failure, and the mindset shifts that led him to rebuild his empire through creative investing and resilience. 🏠

In this episode, real estate investor and educator Shona Lepis joins Chris Merz to share how she built lasting cash flow through mid-term rentals. They dive into her 16+ year journey in buy-and-hold investing, the shift to mid-term rentals, and how smart strategies can create freedom without the burnout of short-term hosting. 🏡

Discover the mindset, strategies, and lessons Sorcha Porter used to build a successful investing business in today’s competitive market.

In this episode, builder and developer Eric Thompson joins Chris Merz to dive deep into the world of middle housing and infill investing—and how overlooked city lots can become the foundation for scalable, community-focused real estate.
As the founder of Oregon Homeworks and the Snug cottage home brand, Eric has built over 250 homes across Portland and played a key role in shaping the city’s Residential Infill Project (RIP).
🎧 What You’ll Learn:
What middle housing is—and why it’s the future
How Eric identifies and transforms underused land into high-value properties
The zoning changes that are opening up huge opportunities for investors
Why small, smart homes are a big win for both returns and communities
Whether you’re a new investor, a seasoned pro, or just curious about building smarter—this episode is packed with insights on the real estate model that’s quietly transforming cities.

In this episode, Mel Dorman shares how she went from being a social worker with $500 to owning 34 rental units using seller financing. Recorded live at the Portland REI Meetup, this conversation dives into creative financing, building wealth without banks, and why financial freedom is possible for anyone willing to do things differently. 

In this episode, artist and entrepreneur Paul Troiano joins Chris Merz to share how he's transforming empty office spaces into vibrant creative hubs. They explore the intersection of art, community, and real estate—and how purpose-driven projects can deliver serious returns.

In this episode, join real estate investor and private money lender Rob Harden as he reveals the key strategies that helped him grow beyond 28 rental properties. Rob shares what worked, what didn’t, and how creative financing can unlock new opportunities. Plus, get a sneak peek into his 2025 game plan and insights on navigating today’s market. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable tips and take your real estate portfolio to the next level!

In this episode, we're diving deep into two of the most powerful strategies in real estate investing: seller financing and off-market acquisitions. Join us as we sit down with Jeff Stephens, an experienced investor and expert in creative financing, to uncover how these tactics can help you scale your portfolio and gain a competitive edge. Jeff breaks down the benefits of seller financing, how to approach off-market deals, and actionable steps you can take to find and close your next opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode is packed with insights that will transform your investment approach!
Tune in and get ready to master these game-changing strategies.

In this episode, Derek Sherell takes us through the world of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – compact, efficient homes that are changing the housing landscape. He shares his expertise on the design, construction, and impact of ADUs, exploring how they offer affordable housing solutions and create more sustainable communities. Whether you're considering building an ADU or just curious about their potential, this conversation is full of valuable insights.

In this episode of Commercial & Residential Real Estate Guide, real estate expert Brad Contreras shares his top negotiation strategies for closing the best deals. Learn how to source, negotiate, and secure winning deals in the competitive real estate market. Whether you're an experienced investor or a beginner, Brad's insights will help you elevate your real estate game. Tune in to master the art of negotiation!