The Big Picture On Hard Money Loan Requirements: Hard money loans offer quick, flexible financing for real estate investors but come with high costs and strict requirements. If you need fast cash for a unique real estate project, hard money loans can close in days and...

G. Brian Davis
Brian Davis is a real estate investor and personal finance writer with over two decades in the real estate and finance industries. After graduating from University of Delaware in 2003 with two useless B.A. degrees and an even more useless minor in anthropology, he fell headfirst into real estate finance by accident.
Then he promptly went on a property buying spree from 2005-2008. It was what you might call a “learning experience,” all of the lessons expensive.
Eventually, Brian tired of landlording and unloaded his own portfolio of rental properties. But he still loved real estate as an investment, and today he owns fractional shares in over 2,000 units.
The difference? Nowadays he only invests passively in real estate.
Along with his wife and daughter, Brian spends most of the year abroad living by his own rules. He loves hiking, cooking, pairing wine with said cooking, scuba diving, and occasionally surfing (badly). And writing: he writes as a real estate and personal finance expert for Inman, BiggerPockets, R.E.tipster and dozens of other publishers.
Most of all, Brian loves showing others how they too can create their ideal lives through real estate investing and lifestyle design.
Reverse 1031 Exchange Timeline & Rules
The Big Picture On The Reverse 1031 Exchange Timeline & Rules: Unlike a traditional 1031 exchange, where you sell a property first, a reverse 1031 exchange allows you to buy the replacement property before selling the relinquished one. To comply with IRS rules,...
Most Profitable Niche Real Estate Investments You Haven’t Tried
The Big Picture On Profitable Niche Real Estate Investments: Consider strategies such as flipping rentals to hedge funds, investing in mid-size properties, or focusing on large apartment buildings for diverse opportunities. Niche markets like office real estate,...
Explained: Why Do Landlords Require Renters Insurance
The Picture On Why Landlords Require Renters Insurance: Renters insurance protects both tenants and landlords from various risks and liabilities. Landlords should require renters insurance as standard practice in lease agreements. Typical renter insurance coverage...
How to Screen Tenants: Essential Steps for Every Landlord
The Big Picture On How To Screen Tenants Effectively: Always collect and review rental applications, looking for red flags in housing history, job stability, and occupancy plans. Run thorough tenant screening reports, including credit checks, criminal background...
Best Way to Invest $10K — High Returns on Moderate Risk
The Big Picture On The Best Way to Invest $10K: The best real estate investment options are house hacking, syndications, crowdfunding, rental properties, BRRRR method, and REITs. Maximize employer 401(k) match, contribute to IRAs, invest in stock index funds, and...
Hidden Rental Property Costs: Low-End Units’ Cash Flow Surprises
The Big Picture On Hidden Rental Property Costs: Low-end rental properties often have hidden costs that are not reflected in standard cash flow calculations, making them appear more profitable than they actually are. Crime, vandalism, and mandatory repairs (especially...
Ways to Lower Your Real Estate Investment Risks as a Landlord
The Big Picture On Ways to Lower Your Real Estate Investment Risks: Focus on predictable rental income rather than speculative property value increases. Account for all costs, including vacancies, maintenance, and management, using the 50% Rule as a guideline. Conduct...
Highest-ROI Renovations to Do Before Selling a Home
The Big Picture On The Best Renovations Before Selling Your Home: Focus on curb appeal and first impressions, including updating the front door, landscaping, and power washing the exterior. Simple interior upgrades, such as painting, refinishing floors, and updating...
Secrets to Sell Your Property Faster: Proven Tips for Success
The Big Picture On The Secrets to Sell Your Property Fast: Sell your property faster by using professional photos and virtual tours, engaging neighbors, providing detailed listings, and strategically pricing for your local market. Accelerate your sale through...