About this episode
Every real estate investor has at least one deal they would redo if given the chance. Some teach expensive lessons. Others leave scars. In this episode, Brian Hamrick shares a live panel recording from the 2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, where three experienced investors pull back the curtain on their toughest deals and what they learned the hard way. This is not theory. These are real properties, real numbers, real mistakes, and real consequences. Panelists Featured Ramond Harris – Detroit investor and founder of Harris Family Contracting, sharing the realities of rehabbing in high-risk neighborhoods and managing theft, vandalism, and city challenges. Brooke Veltkamp – Newaygo County investor walking through extreme fixer projects, budget blowouts, and why buying right still matters more than anything else. David Hall – Lansing-based investor, broker, and coach breaking down due diligence failures, permit issues, and why "new" does not always mean "good." Topics Covered Buying properties with hidden deferred maintenance When zero-down and creative financing deals go sideways Fires, theft, vandalism, and city enforcement surprises Roofs, plumbing, HVAC, and inspections that were missed How long projects really take versus the original plan When luck saves a deal and when it does not Risk versus reward in changing market conditions How experienced investors recover, pivot, and move forward Why This Episode Matters This panel is a clear example of what you get at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference. Experienced operators sharing real decisions, real consequences, and what they would change if
