Advertise on podcast: 🎙️ Local Real Estate Developers

What if you could boost investor returns while bringing new development to your community? In this episode of the Local Real Estate Developer Podcast, Kristi Kandel sits down with Coni Rathbone, a real estate and securities attorney with 38 years of experience, to break down Opportunity Zones and how developers can use them to unlock tax advantages, attract capital, and make projects more profitable. Coni explains the shift to Opportunity Zones 2.0, new incentives for rural development, and how projects of all sizes can benefit. She also shares why choosing the right property, structuring deals correctly, and working with experienced legal and tax professionals can make or break an investment. From small multifamily deals to large-scale rural developments, this conversation reveals how smart planning and the right incentives can help bring projects to life. Bold Truth: Tax benefits won't save a bad deal. Find the right opportunity, build the right team, and create something your community actually needs. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/I8L9LqG4IL4 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Coni Rathbone Website: https://rathbone-law.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coni-rathbone/?isSelfProfile=false #localrealestatedeveloper #opportunityzones #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #ruraldevelopment #realestateinvesting #localinvesting #buildlocal #economicdevelopment

What started as a search for a mountain vacation rental turned into an ambitious 26-acre hospitality development in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Ian Joseph shares how he went from real estate investing and commercial banking to building an A-frame, renovating a 26-acre property, and creating Branch Berkeley Springs, an 11-unit micro resort centered around nature, connection, and local hospitality. Along the way, Ian faced zoning restrictions, construction challenges, financing delays, and plenty of roadblocks—but each challenge forced him to rethink the project and make it better. His biggest lesson? You don't have to build alone. Find the right people, build relationships, listen to the community, and let the obstacles shape a better project. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/-kv-1LASY-M 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Ian Joseph Website: https://staywithbranch.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoseph.co/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #hospitalitydevelopment #microresort #smalltowndevelopment #buildlocal #berkeleysprings #westvirginia

What happens when a small-town investor sees opportunity in a property everyone else overlooked? Eddie Gonnella started investing in 2019 with small BRRRR deals, a foreclosed house, and a $75K tax foreclosure that taught him one thing quickly: cheap properties often come with expensive problems. Those lessons eventually led Eddie to an abandoned 1940s iron workers camp in Maine. He transformed it into a 10-unit lakeside hospitality property, navigating creative financing, local banking, septic and water challenges, shoreline regulations, zoning, and permitting along the way. Now, Eddie is taking those lessons into his next 8-acre resort project, proving that development is often about asking the right questions, doing the homework, and solving problems as they come. From due diligence and financing to working with local officials and building a team, this episode is a real look at what it takes to go from investor to developer. Eddie’s advice? “Vacuum the truck.” Start with the next step, learn by doing, and keep moving. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/W_5xlw87oXk 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Eddie Gonnella Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getogether.stays/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #realestateinvesting #localdeveloper #commercialrealestate #hospitalitydevelopment #maine #mainerealestate #smalltownrealestate #realestateinvestor #propertydevelopment #buildlocal #communityfirst #localownership #realestatepodcast

What if the biggest opportunity in real estate is right in your own backyard? Andy Warnock spent nearly two decades in commercial real estate finance and built a portfolio of nearly 2,600 apartment units. Along the way, he learned through failed deals, the 2008 crash, partnerships, insurance mistakes, and plenty of hard-earned lessons. Today, Andy is focused on transforming small-town communities through mixed-use development, restaurants, golf lounges, basketball facilities, retail, and gathering spaces. In this episode, he shares why relationships matter, how to structure partnerships, why patience is essential, and how his E + R = O mindset—Event + Response = Outcome—helps him navigate challenges. The truth: You don’t need millions to start. Learn the business, build relationships, solve problems, and play the long game. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/mgC8sO-CN3U 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Andy Warnock Website: https://westwoodcollective.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-warnock-4398883/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #localdeveloper #realestateinvesting #smalltowndevelopment #mixedusedevelopment #redevelopment #buildlocal #developlocal #commercialrealestate #ohiorealestate #communityfirst

What happens when you don't have deep pockets or a massive team but refuse to walk away from the opportunity? Will Hanrahan found a one-acre industrial property on Facebook Marketplace and bought it for $435,000. He didn't have the full vision figured out. He just knew the location had potential. Through zoning research, adaptive reuse, Brownfield programs, local funding, and strong relationships, that overlooked property became The Rail Yard, a $7.5M mixed-use development with 32 residential units and commercial space. Will shares the real lessons behind raising capital, working with local government, finding the right investors, navigating environmental challenges, and staying scrappy when the deal gets complicated. You don't need the biggest team to build something meaningful. You need the courage to start, the relationships to keep moving, and the persistence to finish. This episode is for anyone who wants to become a local developer and build projects that improve their community. 🔗 Full Episode: How a First-Time Developer Built a $7.5M Project Without a Big Team | EP#72 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Will Hanrahan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/railyardlex/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #localdeveloper #realestateinvesting #housingdevelopment #propertydevelopment #adaptivereuse #kentuckyrealestate #buildlocal #localdevelopment #realestateinvestor #realestateentrepreneur

What happens when developers from across the country come together to share what they’re actually building? In Episode #70, Raphael Collazo and Kristi Kandel recap the first LRED developer meetup in Louisville, bringing together local developers, investors, city leaders, and industry professionals. They talk about the real lessons from touring active projects, learning from experienced developers, navigating city challenges, and building relationships that can lead to new ideas and opportunities. Because development isn’t just about knowing the numbers. It’s about knowing the people, the market, and your community. 🔗 Full Episode: What Happens When Local Developers Get in the Same Room? | EP#70 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin 🏢 LRED Meetup 2026: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/lred-meetup-2026 Connect with Raphael: 🌐 Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Connect with Kristi: 🌐 Website: https://kristikandel.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #localdevelopment #buildlocal #developlocal #realestatecommunity #louisville #tampa

What if you didn’t need years of experience, a massive network, or millions in the bank to become a developer? YJ Tung shares how he went from working in tech and marketing to taking on his first 37-acre development project near California’s Western States Trail. With his partner, YJ is developing Forestill Basecamp, a hospitality project featuring 10 modular cabins, saunas, cold plunges, and recovery amenities designed for trail runners and endurance athletes. Along the way, they’ve had to navigate permitting, due diligence, financing, marketing, and community partnerships. They even tested the concept with just $20 a day in Instagram ads and collected deposits from future guests before the project was built. This episode is a real look at what it takes to go from “I don’t know how” to “I’m doing it.” 🔗 Full Episode: Inside a First-Time Developer's 37-Acre Vision | EP#70 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest YJ Tung Website: https://foresthillbasecamp.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582172090154 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foresthillbasecamp Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youngjohntung/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #localdevelopment #realestateinvesting #realestateentrepreneur #propertydevelopment #buildlocal #communityfirst #localdeveloper #realestatepodcast #firsttimedeveloper

What happens when your first development project doesn't go as planned? After years in brokerage, Alan Sestito took the leap into development. His first project had potential but city delays, a reduced site plan, and unexpected setbacks quickly turned it into a real-world education. Instead of walking away, Alan adapted, leaned on his partner, and kept moving. In this episode, Alan shares the lessons behind his first project, the importance of strong partnerships, understanding your market, and why resilience matters when development gets messy. For anyone considering their first development project, Alan's story proves that experience doesn't always come before the deal. Sometimes, the deal is what gives you the experience. 🔗 Full Episode: 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Alan Sestito Website: http://www.sesresidential.com/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #localdevelopment #communitydevelopment #realestateinvesting #localdeveloper #smalldeveloper #infilldevelopment #developerjourney #buildlocal

What if you didn’t need millions of dollars or generational wealth to become a developer? In this episode, Kristi Kandel sits down with Kimberly Honea to talk about her journey from a small-town Oklahoma upbringing to hospitality, adaptive reuse, and launching her own development company. Kimberly shares the hard lessons behind taking the leap, learning construction and finance, finding the right partners and mentors, knowing when to walk away from a bad deal, and using incentives to make projects work. Most importantly, she explains why great development isn't just about buildings. It's about creating places that bring people together, support local businesses, and give communities a reason to thrive. 🔗 Full Episode: 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Kimberly Honea Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyhonea/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #adaptivereuse #localdevelopment #realestateinvesting #hospitalitydevelopment #economicdevelopment #buildlocal #communitybuilding #realestatepodcast #developerjourney

What if becoming a developer isn’t about having all the answers but having the courage to take the next step? In Episode #67, Raphael Collazo and Kristi Kandel get real about how they went from first-time investors and nervous beginners to building commercial projects and community-focused developments. They share the fear behind their first deals, lessons from finding lenders and partners, the power of starting small, and why local developers have a major advantage: they know their communities. But development doesn’t have to be a solo game. That’s why Raphael and Kristi created LRED to bring local developers, investors, lenders, and industry professionals into the same room to share ideas, solve problems, build relationships, and create opportunities together. You don’t need millions to start. You need the right people, the right knowledge, and the courage to take the next step. Join the LRED community and get in the room with people who are actually building. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/uP7TtgI_isY 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Connect with Kristi: 🌐 Website: https://kristikandel.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ Connect with Raphael: 🌐 Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #lred #lredmeetup #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #localdevelopment #realestateinvesting #commercialrealestate #realestatedeveloper #buildlocal #investlocal #realestatepodcast #realestatecommunity #developmentcommunity #realestateeducation

What if your community doesn't need another billion-dollar project... it just needs someone willing to care? For years, cities have chased mega-projects, outside investors, and expensive revitalization plans believing bigger budgets lead to better communities. But what if the biggest transformation starts with something much smaller? In this episode, urban planner and Ash & Lime founder Rik Adamski shares why thriving towns aren't built by waiting for someone else to invest, they're built by local people who choose to act. Drawing from decades of experience in planning, downtown revitalization, and community building, Rik reveals how vacant storefronts, walkable neighborhoods, third places, and incremental development can breathe new life into struggling communities. Inspired by movements like Strong Towns, Better Block, and tactical urbanism, he makes a compelling case that meaningful change doesn't require billions of dollars, it requires people who care enough to start. If you've ever looked around your hometown and thought, "Someone should do something," this episode is a reminder that someone could be you. 🔗 Full Episode: 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Rik Adamski Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikadamski/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping. #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #incrementaldevelopment #strongtowns #placemaking #urbanplanning #buildlocal #thirdplaces #downtowndevelopment #realestatedevelopment

What if one weekend could completely change how you see real estate development? REGISTER: https://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/lred-meetup-2026 In this episode, Raphael Collazo and Kristi Kandel share what to expect at the first-ever Local Real Estate Developer Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. From inspiring keynote speakers and adaptive reuse site tours to honest conversations about project failures, networking, and building stronger communities, this event is designed to help aspiring and active developers take the next step. Development isn't about having all the answers, it's about learning from people who are actively doing the work and building the relationships that help you overcome the inevitable challenges every project brings. The biggest projects don't start with millions of dollars, they start with someone willing to raise their hand, build relationships, solve problems, and believe they can make their community better. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/rlOOvACFSsU 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Connect with Raphael: Website: http://www.raphaelcollazo.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commercial_louisville/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcollazo/ Connect with Kristi: Website: https://kristikandel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #communitydevelopment #buildlocal #localdevelopers #adaptiveReuse #placemaking #commercialrealestate #urbanrevitalization #mixeduse #developerconference #realestateinvesting #affordablehousing #networking #louisville #kentucky #buildyourcommunity #localleadership #smalltowndevelopment #realestatepodcast

Raising capital doesn't always mean finding new investors. In this episode, Kaaren Hall reveals how self-directed IRAs can unlock retirement dollars to fund real estate development projects. Learn how developers can access an overlooked source of capital, build investor trust through transparency, and navigate the realities of partnerships, financing, and growing a development business. After losing her job during the Great Recession, Kaaren founded UDirect IRA Services and helped thousands of investors take control of their retirement savings. She shares how self-directed IRAs work, common mistakes to avoid, and why understanding this tool can open doors for both investors and local developers. This episode is for anyone who wants to raise capital more creatively, reduce reliance on traditional banks, and build projects that create lasting impact in their community. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/RSt6ZI5D6Tw 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Kaaren Hall Website: https://x.com/uDirectIRA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/ Instagram: instagram.com/udirectiraservices/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWAycexbDjYjHh8R8goug0A About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #communitydevelopment #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #selfdirectedira #privatecapital #capitalraising #commercialrealestate #realestateinvesting #localdevelopers

Most people wait until they have experience. Alex Martinsen built a team and started anyway.After exiting a successful construction business, Alex took on an entirely new challenge: building 100 affordable homes in his first year of real estate development.In this episode, he shares how relationships, partnerships, private capital, and a simple land acquisition strategy are helping solve one of America's biggest housing challenges. From finding deals through Facebook Marketplace to raising millions without traditional financing, Alex proves that taking action beats waiting for the perfect moment.If you're ready to stop making excuses and start building in your own community, this episode is for you.🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/KYfwscjcyv0📥 Developer Vault:http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optinGuestAlex MartinsenLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmartinsen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmartinsen_/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@landhomepackage About the ShowThe Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping#localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #affordablehousing #attainablehousing #communitydevelopment #landdevelopment #privatecapital #manufacturedhomes #buildlocal #realestatepodcast

What if one question could completely change your life? Renzo Sanio never planned to become a real estate developer. He started college studying physics, but everything changed after a professor asked him one simple question: "What do you build here, and why?" That question sparked an obsession that led him from winning a national real estate development competition to launching his own ground-up development just months after graduating college. In this episode, Renzo shares the real story behind building his first purpose-built vacation rental community with his business partner, Rajan Chida. From finding land on Zillow and raising capital without a track record to navigating permits, construction delays, tariffs, change orders, and the emotional highs and lows of development, Renzo pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to become a local developer. You'll hear how military discipline, relentless preparation, and the right partnerships helped him push through setbacks, why development is a "full-contact sport," and why solving problems, not avoiding them, is what separates developers from everyone else. Whether you're dreaming about your first project or already working through the challenges of one, this conversation is packed with practical lessons on finding opportunities, building the right team, managing risk, and creating projects that leave a lasting impact on your community. 🔗 Full Episode: https://youtu.be/OUBLXWlf9Ck 📥 Developer Vault: http://www.localrealestatedeveloper.com/developer-vault-optin Guest Renzo Sanio Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-tarsia-41a00613/ About the Show The Local Real Estate Developer Podcast is for locals who want to build in their own communities. Real projects. Real lessons. No gatekeeping #localrealestatedeveloper #realestatedevelopment #buildlocal #communitydevelopment #groundupdevelopment #vacationrentals #shorttermrentals #developerjourney #realestateinvesting #propertydevelopment #entrepreneurship #landdevelopment #buildingtogether #localdevelopers #podcast