Real Estate Club: Insights & Strategies for Success
By Jared Hottle | Published: 2025-02-20T16:24:50.982Z
I am excited to talk to the University of Northern Iowa Real Estate Club tonight! Some of my insights in the real estate industry and what makes a good life! I have to admit I saw a tweet from @StudenRentalPro on Twitter that is getting into the talk about being weird and living a good story.
The Making of a Great Salesperson
What sets apart top real estate professionals? Success in this field is not about luck—it’s about consistency, discipline, and mindset. Here are the core principles I live by:
- Consistent daily action – Small, repeated efforts compound into big results.
- A positive, short memory – Learn from setbacks, but don’t dwell on them.
- Understanding that everything is a lagging metric – What you do today impacts your future, not just the present.
- Integrity matters – Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Be a consistent communicator – Relationships are built on trust and transparency.
- Master the dichotomy of money – Balance short-term cash flow with long-term wealth-building strategies.
Real Estate Investing: Finding Your Competitive Edge
Investing in real estate is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Success comes from understanding key financial metrics and playing to your strengths.
Key Metrics to Know:
- Net Operating Income (NOI) – How much income your property generates after operating expenses.
- Cap Rate – The return on investment based on the property’s current value.
- Cash-on-Cash Return – How much cash you’re making compared to what you’ve invested.
Choosing Your Investment Path
Ask yourself: What type of real estate investment speaks to you? What’s easy for you to understand? Avoid the “Too Hard Pile” and focus on small, manageable steps to start.
Some beginner-friendly strategies include:
- House hacking – Live in one unit and rent out the others.
- Business hacking – Utilize real estate to lower business overhead costs.
- Incongruent bets – Take calculated risks with minimal downside.
Exploring All Asset Classes
There are opportunities in all segments of the real estate market. Here are a few areas to consider:
- Low-Income Housing – Addressing an ongoing demand for affordable rentals.
- Student Housing – A steady tenant base near colleges and universities.
- Historic Tax Credits – Incentives for preserving historic properties.
- Redevelopment & Opportunity Zones – Government-backed programs that offer financial benefits.
- New Construction – Meeting the needs of growing communities.
The Power of Small Failures
No one gets it right every time. The key to long-term success is learning from small failures and using those lessons to refine your investment strategy.
The Cedar Valley & Where I’m Headed
My focus is on continued success in retail and commercial sales while expanding into new development projects. I’m also actively involved in tenant and landlord representation, as well as project management. Real estate is an evolving industry, and I’m committed to staying ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts: Be Weird & Live a Great Story
At the end of the day, success in real estate isn’t just about numbers—it’s about embracing who you are, thinking differently, and creating a journey worth sharing. If you’re ready to take your real estate career or investments to the next level, let’s connect!
📩 Email: Jared@hottlerealestate.com
📞 Cell: 319-288-5382
🌐 Website: hottlerealestate.com