EPISODE 25

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Level Up Your Wealth: Stacy Schweighart on Real Estate Investing

Back by popular demand, Stacy Schweighart joins us again to break down the real path to owning investment properties—no matter your age, background, or experience level.

We dive into getting pre-approved with confidence, deciding when to DIY versus hire out, and choosing between long-term or short-term rentals.

If you’ve been curious about stepping into real estate investing, this episode gives you the roadmap.

**Listen to Higher Hope Episode 25**

“That is the key. How bad do you want it? Do you want to talk about it? Do you want to dream and say it would be so fun to have an AirBnB? Or do you actually want to do it?
~ Stacy Schweighardt

Who’s in this Episode?

Stacy Schweighardt – Stacy is married to Ben Schweighardt, and they have three sons. They own Schweighardt Concrete, LLC. They also have a history in real estate with both long-term and short term rentals.

Farah Stuebs – Podcast Assistant and Real Estate Agent at Shine Realty in Wisconsin

higher-hope-podcast-real-estate-investing-stacy-schweighardt-farah-stuebs

“I think that’s what sets people apart. Sure, you can say you’re interested in investment properties, but what actions are you going to take to get to that spot where it’s actually possible.”
~ Farah Stuebs

Steps for Getting Started in Real Estate Investing

Educate Yourself – about the process with podcastsa and books (ex. podcasts like Real Estate Rookie)
Get Lending – Start a Relationship with a Local Lender. Go to the bank and ask: What is it going to take for me to purchase a short- or long-term rental? How much will I need to put down?
1. Consider who you could partner with if you need to get to that number? It must be someone you trust fully and you have the same intentions & goals.
2. Is there another option for lending that would require a smaller down payment?
Know Your Numbers – know the numbers (how much you can afford, how much you’ll need to put down, etc.)
Find a Real Estate Agent – someone you trust to have your best interest in mind, you can work well with, and who will show you the right kind of properties
Let God Lead – pray, be patient, and see what doors God opens and steer clear of the red flags, trusting the doors that God doesn’t open too

“It can be intimidating to walk into a bank, but don’t be afraid to do it. They’re used to it. And what’s the worst thing they can say? ‘I’m sorry. I can’t approve you for a loan.’
Ok!? Now you know you’re going to have to get creative and do something else.”
~ Stacy Schweighardt

Long-Term Rentals vs Short-Term Rentals

There’s not a lot of monthly income from long-term rentals, but the goal with these is the long-term increased value of the property. The rent is slowly helping pay off the mortgage, while the property’s value slowly increases. Eventually, you’ll have a paid-off property that has increased in value. These are properties you plan to hold onto for a long time.

With short-term rentals, it’s similar. You can hold onto them for just a couple of years, then sell and collect your profit, or you can hold onto them for a long time. Either way, the goal is that over time, the rent helps pay off the mortgage while the property’s value increases.

Short-term rentals have the potential to earn more money. The rental may sit empty half of the year. There’s more day-to-day work required and have more potential tax benefits. They also require an investment of furnishings (ex. kitchen supplies, linens, furniture).

Long-term rentals don’t require as much day-to-day work because renters tend to stay for a long time, but they don’t typically earn as much income.

Invest in a property where you can drive by almost every day. If it’s too far away, it’s too hard to manage.
~ Stacy Schweighardt

3 Simple Real Estate Investing Tips:

If you or someone you know is handy, it’ll really helpful if you can do a lot of the work yourself. That’s where you’re going to gain the most equity.
If I were just getting started, I would buy a little two-bedroom fixer-upper. I would update it, try to make it a three-bedroom, turn around, and sell it. Then you have a little more in your equity pot to find the next thing.
You need a team. Things do go wrong over time, so knowing people who can do plumbing, electrician, repair appliances, etc. is important.

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginner Real Estate Investing

What’s the Best Market for Beginners: Local or Out of State?

Local. You don’t want a property that you can’t check on. Beginners should get one in their hometown or nearby so they can drive by regularly and check on it. If you get one out of state, you can’t check on it regularly. Plus, then you’re going to have to hire a property management company.

Should Beginners Buy Single-Family Homes or Multi-Family Homes?

That Depends. What is available? What are you approved for? What property does God bring that feels right?

Is it Better to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Leverage Your Equity to Grow

Leverage Your Equity to Grow. Let the mortgages simmer and let the renters pay the mortgage down. Pull the equity out of that property and go buy another one.

How Do You Know When to Sell vs. When to Hold Onto a Property?

They’re all learning opportunities. If God’s going to bring us an offer that’s going to allow us to cash out and grow in a different direction, then we’re open to that. Sometimes we’ve sold houses that we kind of regret later, but they’re all learning opportunities.

What is the Best Piece of Advice You’d Give Someone Who Feels Scared to Take the First Step?

Spend time praying about it. Think about how it’s going to affect you and your family. Consider how it could bless your family. If it’s feeling super overwhelming, then maybe it’s not the right thing. I wish I could say “Everyone can do this. But I don’t think it’s right for everyone. Sometimes it’s very stressful and overwhelming. So you should definitely pray about it and go from there.”

3 Mindset Musts for Real Estate Investors

Risk Tolerance – willing to take risks
Organization – there’s a lot to organize
Be Teachable – have mentors to talk through decisions with

Scripture Inspiration

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13

Faith and action go hand-in-hand. In life, in business, and yes, even in real estate.
~ Farah Stuebs

Keep your hope higher than your fears and your vision fixed on the one who provides.

Seek to serve Him and others, even with our investment strategies.

Links & Resources

Podcast Recommendation for Real Estate Investing: Real Estate Rookie
Listen to Stacy’s 1st Podcast Interview on Higher Hope Episode 11
Rocket Lawyer – RockletLawyer.com for drafting legal contracts, lease agreements, eviction notices
Concrete Business: Schweighardt Concrete
VRBO – Beach House on Rock Lake

Get this Podcast Episode

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: Higher Hope Episode 25
Listen to this episode on Spotify: Higher Hope Episode 25

Let’s Connect on Social Media

Follow Higher Hope podcast on Instagram: @higherhope.podcast
Check out Shine Realty on Instagram: @shinerealty_
Like & Follow Shine Realty on Facebook: Shine Realty

Higher Hope Podcast Cover Image host Adriane Stuebs

**About the Higher Hope Podcast**

Higher Hope shares heartfelt conversations with everyday people–moms, professionals, creatives–who live out their faith in every season of life. Whether you’re walking through a season of uncertainty or simply seeking inspiration, this show is here to uplift and remind you that hope is never out of reach.

Tune in and join a growing community grounded in faith, strengthened by stories, and united by the unwavering power of hope.

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