Affordability isn’t just about prices — it’s about what we build, where we build, and whether the numbers actually pencil.

In this episode of the REalized Gains Podcast, Steven Tran and Jordan Lee sit down with Mike Nuss (Rarebird, Investor Lab, Deal Junkies) for a deep dive into Portland real estate development, middle housing, and why the future of housing in Oregon is being shaped by zoning code, cost-to-build realities, and market psychology.

Mike shares his journey from real estate appraisal to development, lessons from the Great Recession and a failed partnership, and why he built businesses around education-driven investing. Then we get tactical: how Rarebird evaluates projects, why cottage clusters and smaller detached homes can be an affordability solution (without government subsidy), and what most investors misunderstand about cash flow vs. P&L vs. balance sheet.

You’ll also hear Mike’s perspective on:

Why “highest and best use” and zoning code drive everything

What a “cottage cluster” actually is (and why neighbors push back)

Build-to-sell vs. build-to-rent underwriting in today’s market

How interest rates changed the affordability equation

Why most developers fail: running out of money + misjudging absorption

Scaling with systems like EOS / Traction and the “right people, right seats” concept

If you’re investing in Oregon, curious about Portland infill, or trying to understand what middle housing laws mean for your lot — this one is packed.

Guest: Mike Nuss

Companies: Rarebird, Investor Lab

Host handles: (add your links)

Watch / listen / subscribe for more Oregon + Washington real estate & investing conversations.

#PortlandRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #OregonRealEstate #RealEstateDevelopment #MiddleHousing #CottageCluster #ADU #InfillDevelopment #HousingAffordability #InvestorLab #Rarebird #MultifamilyInvesting #BuildToRent

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Airbnb isn’t “easy money” anymore — competition is real, and standing out takes an actual system.

In this episode of the REalized Gains Podcast, Steven Tran and Jordan Lee sit down with Don Luong (Portland native; lending professional turned short-term rental operator) to break down what it really takes to build and manage a profitable Airbnb portfolio in the Portland metro.

Don shares his playbook for evaluating a new Airbnb market (including how he studies comparable listings, upgrades the guest experience, and validates demand with tools like AirDNA), plus the operational reality of running 6–7 listings across Beaverton, Hillsboro, and beyond. You’ll hear how he scaled from using a 25% property manager to self-managing with systems, cleaners, and dynamic pricing (PriceLabs), why interior design + pro photos matter more than most hosts admit, and how minimum-night rules + pricing strategy can reduce party risk while improving guest quality.

We also get into Portland’s STR regulations vs. Washington County flexibility (one reason Don focused on Beaverton), the types of guests that actually book suburban Airbnbs (family visits, remodel displacement, insurance stays, visiting colleges), and the difference between short-term rentals vs. mid-term rentals for steady cashflow.

If you’re thinking about buying your first Airbnb, turning a primary residence into a short-term rental, or hiring a co-host/property manager — this episode will save you months of trial and error.

Guest: Don Luong — Stumptown Rental Homes

Website: StumptownRentalHomes.com

Topics covered: Airbnb strategy, Beaverton & Hillsboro short-term rentals, pricing, cleaning ops, reviews, risk management, and scaling a co-hosting business.

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In this episode of the REalized Gains Podcast, Steven & Jordan sit down with Jayselle Poblete to talk about her journey from working in real estate development in Washington, D.C. to relocating to Portland and ultimately starting her own HVAC company, Stellar HVAC.

Jayselle shares what it was like transitioning between markets, continuing her career in development, and making the pivotal decision to build a business that gave her more flexibility and time with her daughter. She walks through the realities of starting an HVAC company, from learning the technical side of the industry to managing operations, hiring, and growth.

This conversation dives into the intricacies of the HVAC business, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to step away from a traditional career path to build something of your own. Jayselle’s story offers valuable insight for anyone considering starting a service-based business or balancing career ambition with family priorities.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone curious about building a business from the ground up, this episode is packed with real-world lessons and honest perspective you won’t want to miss.

#REalizedGainsPodcast #Entrepreneurship #HVACBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #PortlandOregon #BusinessOwnership

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