Today Charles Goodwin is here to talk about how to broaden your investment portfolio with fix and flip real estate. Charles discusses how he transitioned into real estate investing and acquired around 50 single-family homes. He shares insights on the current real estate market, skepticism about lower rates, and predicts a slow grind towards affordability. Today we discuss...

• Charles Goodwin shares his background in finance, tech sales, and real estate lending, now serving as VP of Sales overseeing $6.5 billion in loan origination.
• He started investing in real estate after seeing family success and recognizing its potential as a wealth-building tool.
• The real estate market remains highly unaffordable, and Charles expects a slow grind with flat prices due to interest rates and supply constraints.
• The "lock-in effect" has kept inventory tight, as homeowners hesitate to sell and trade low mortgage rates for higher ones.
• Without a major economic event, he expects home sales to recover slowly over a five-year period rather than a quick turnaround.
• Mortgage rates remain high, driven by inflation expectations and bond market movements, with no return to 3-4% rates likely.
• The bond market's recent divergence from Fed policy shows that long-term rates can rise despite Fed cuts, affecting mortgage affordability.
• Fix-and-flip and rehab opportunities vary by region, with stronger markets in the Midwest and Sunbelt states, while Florida and Texas face challenges.
• Midwest markets like Cincinnati and Indianapolis offer better affordability, making them attractive for both flipping and rentals.
• Private lending has gained traction as banks and credit unions have pulled back, fueling continued investor activity.
• Charles remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that real estate cycles take time and affordability is the key factor shaping future trends.