Building Reserves (Difference Between Cashflow & Distributions)

Think your real estate portfolio is solid? What happens when rent stops, a tenant trashes the place, or you get hit with a $5,800 plumbing surprise out of nowhere? In this episode, Justin sits down with Mike and Dave to talk about the part of investing no one posts about on social media: reserves. Not flashy. Not exciting. But absolutely critical. Justin shares real stories from his own journey—including months with little to no payouts (even with paid-off properties), major turnovers, evictions, weather damage, and a painful $50K loss in a syndication deal. They break down how vacancies, CapEx (roofs, HVACs, water heaters), maintenance, and even slow property management timelines can crush unprepared investors. You’ll learn: Why reserves are non-negotiable if you want to last in this game How much you should actually keep per property (at 1, 5, and 10+ doors) Why scaling reduces risk and stress The crucial difference between cash flow and distributions When to hold back profits—and when it’s finally okay to take them How building reserves positions you for long-term wealth (and even tax advantages like REPS status) This episode is about staying calm when others panic, thinking long term, and building a portfolio that can weather any storm. If you’re serious about real estate—and want confidence instead of anxiety—hit play.