The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/d-isz-bjPZc When people talk about “market uncertainty,” they usually focus on interest rates, home prices, or whether now is the “right time” to invest. But for landlords, the bigger challenge right now is something else entirely: margin compression. In this episode, Chris McAllister and Laci LeBlanc break down why rental profitability has become harder to protect in 2026—and what smart investors are doing differently because of it. Across the country, landlords are being squeezed by rising insurance costs, higher taxes, more expensive maintenance, slower rent growth, and tighter operating margins. The easy wins of the…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/FIjSV8-a1YI When investors say they’re “looking at Florida,” they usually mean one of three things: vacation rentals, retirement markets, or appreciation-driven speculation. The problem? Florida isn’t one market—and treating it like one leads to bad decisions. In this episode, Chris McAllister, Laci LeBlanc, and Space Coast Owner Advisor Rena Smith break down what actually makes Florida’s Space Coast different—and why that difference matters for long-term rental investors. Unlike other parts of the state, the Space Coast is driven by aerospace, defense, and engineering employment. That creates a fundamentally different renter profile, demand pattern, and operating…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/QDKA8uDltzM Not all markets are created equal. In this episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook, Chris McAllister sits down with Laci LeBlanc to break down a common misconception in real estate investing: the idea that choosing the “right” market guarantees success. Because here’s the truth: most investors aren’t struggling because they picked the wrong market… they’re struggling because they misunderstood how that market behaves. This conversation reframes what makes a market valuable. Ohio isn’t “safe” — and that’s exactly the point. It’s predictable. And for long-term rental investors, predictability is what allows you to plan,…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/23Al07Gdzn8 Not all metrics are created equal. In this episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook, Chris McAllister sits down with Laci LeBlanc and Gretchen Mitchell to break down the numbers that actually matter — and the ones that don’t. Because here’s the truth: most property management companies track what’s easy… not what’s useful. This conversation goes beyond surface-level dashboards and into the real operational metrics that shape decisions, influence behavior, and ultimately determine landlord profitability. From owner churn and rent collection to days on market and maintenance performance, this episode pulls back the curtain on…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/NwCEjhwS2VQ Real estate investing doesn’t move in a straight line — it moves in seasons. In Part 2 of this two-part series, Chris McAllister and co-host Laci LeBlanc shift from strategy to tactics and break down what disciplined investors do when the market feels slow, tight, or “stuck.” You’ll hear practical, investor-tested ways to stay profitable in a dry season — including how to optimize the portfolio you already own (vacancy, maintenance, vendor contracts, and debt), how to build liquidity so patience actually has power, and how to expand your pipeline through relationships that surface…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/mZa9j5Q99Rc You might be a real estate investor and not even know it. Maybe you tried to sell your house but didn’t get the offers you wanted. Maybe you’re sitting on a mortgage rate that’s too good to give up. Or maybe you just inherited a home and don’t know what to do next. In this episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook, Chris McAllister and co-host Laci LeBlanc talk directly to the accidental landlords — everyday homeowners who suddenly find themselves with an extra property and an opportunity. You’ll learn how to shift from homeowner to investor mindset,…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWQ8pbCFUXs In this annual State of the Union–style episode, ROOST Founder & CEO Chris McAllister reflects on a pivotal year of rebuilding, professionalization, and strategic positioning—and lays out a clear, grounded vision for 2026 and beyond. Joined by ROOST’s Marketing Director and longtime podcast partner Laci LeBlanc, Chris breaks down what actually moved the needle in 2025—not buzzwords, not vanity metrics, but real operational upgrades that improved owner profitability, team effectiveness, and long-term scalability. This is not a highlight reel. It’s a candid operating report from inside a real, growing real estate company—what worked, what…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/EGJHTjlIX5I Real estate investing doesn’t move in straight lines — it moves in seasons. In this episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook, Chris McAllister and Laci LeBlanc break down how experienced investors recognize buying seasons, neutral seasons, and seller seasons — and why the biggest mistakes happen when investors fight the season they’re in. You’ll learn how to read the market using three simple “dials,” why patience is an active discipline (not laziness), and the six mindsets that separate investors who survive cycles from those who build real wealth across them. Whether you’re frustrated by…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast https://youtu.be/_k8sYjB0NCg Unit turns and maintenance aren’t glamorous, but they are where landlord profitability is won or lost. In this episode, Chris, Gretchen, and Brad break down R&M 2.0 — ROOST Real Estate Co.’s structured approach to maintenance and unit turns. You’ll hear how ROOST’s systems reduce vacancies, control costs, and give owners clear choices about how to manage their properties. From handling emergencies in occupied units to speeding up the turn process when tenants move out, R&M 2.0 is designed to protect your bottom line while keeping tenants satisfied. The team also explains the two levels of…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the twelfth and final episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager.” Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In the final installment of the What to Expect from Your Property Manager series, host Chris McAllister, alongside co-host Laci LeBlanc and ROOST Property Management Director Gretchen Mitchell, wraps up a year-long exploration into every aspect of working with a property manager—or being your own. This comprehensive episode is a deep-dive recap of the key lessons from the series and offers a clear framework for landlords, whether you’re…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the eleventh episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager.” Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In this episode Chris, Laci, and Gretchen walk through one of the most critical steps in managing your rental portfolio: interviewing a prospective property manager. This episode offers a practical guide for landlords evaluating prospective property managers, including what to ask in interviews, what to look for in a property management agreement (PMA), and how to ensure a smooth onboarding process. Plus, Chris, Laci, and Gretchen share the…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the tenth episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager.” Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In this episode, we’re breaking down the fees property managers charge, why they exist, and how they contribute to the overall success of your rental investment. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of the common fees property managers charge, what services those fees cover, how to evaluate whether you’re getting value for what you’re paying, and how property managers structure their fees and…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the ninth episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager.” Click here to view all the episodes in this series. One of the best parts of working with a good property management company who is committed to your joint success is their ability to help you expand your portfolio in a strategic way. After all, arguably the biggest challenge for real estate investors is identifying profitable properties. In this insightful episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast, Chris McAllister and Morgan Cole, founder of Rescover. Rescover is a…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the eighth episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager” with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In this insightful episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast, Chris McAllister, Laci LeBlanc, and Gretchen Mitchell sit down with accounting expert Jill McGregor to demystify the financial side of property management. This episode is packed with actionable insights for both property owners and property managers, focusing on the critical role of accurate accounting, trust account…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the seventh episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager” with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In this insightful episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast, Chris McAllister, alongside co-hosts Laci LeBlanc and Gretchen Mitchell, delves into the critical role of tenant relations in property management. They discuss how strong tenant relationships impact profitability, reduce turnover, and ensure consistent rental income. Drawing on their experience at ROOST Real Estate Co, the team…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the sixth episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager” with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. Chris McAllister, joined by co-hosts Laci LeBlanc and Gretchen Mitchell, dives deep into the importance of a clear and non-discriminatory tenant screening process and break down how to ensure your property manager is following HUD’s updated tenant screening guidelines, issued in April 2024. While the topic may seem dry, it’s critical for any landlord or property…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the fifth episode of our 12-part series called What To Expect From Your Property Manager with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. In this episode, we’re tackling a question every landlord wants answered: “Will They Rent Your Property For Top $$$ FAST?” Minimizing vacancies is crucial to maximizing your profitability as a landlord. But how can you ensure your property manager is up to the task? This episode breaks down the essential steps that can help your property…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the fourth episode of our 12-part series called What To Expect From Your Property Manager with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. Welcome back to The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris McAllister, Laci Leblanc, and Gretchen Mitchell will explore the critical role of controlling rehab and maintenance costs in maintaining landlord profitability. Join us as we take a deep dive into: The importance of proactive decision-making and tenant selection to prevent costly repairs down…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the third episode of our 12-part series called What To Expect From Your Property Manager with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. Welcome to The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast! In this episode, hosts Chris McAllister, Laci Leblanc, and Gretchen Mitchell dive deep into the importance of meeting your property management team before making any commitments. In “Meet The Team THEN Decide,” we explore the foundational role of trust in managing your valuable assets. We’ll discuss the value of…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the second episode of our 12-part series called What To Expect From Your Property Manager with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. Whether you are your property manager, you are already in a property management relationship, or you are thinking about hiring a property manager, this series help you set expectations for performance that can only positively impact your profitability over time. In this episode Chris, Laci, and Gretchen discuss being able to list and communicate your minimum…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This is the first episode of our 12-part series called “What To Expect From Your Property Manager” with Gretchen Mitchell, Director of Property Management for ROOST Real Estate Co. Click here to view all the episodes in this series. Whether you are your property manager, you are already in a property management relationship, or you are thinking about hiring a property manager, this series help you set expectations for performance that can only positively impact your profitability over time. Chris and Laci kick off this series with a discussion about getting clear in your mind…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast I’d like to introduce Rachael Schwalenberg to the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast. Last summer I was listening to the Evernest Real Estate Investor podcast while on the bike path and the guest that day was Rachael Schwalenberg of Columbus, Ohio. Now I listen to a lot of podcasts and I am not easily impressed but Rachael was amazing. She clearly knew the Columbus market inside and out. It was not a ‘rah-rah’ perspective either. It was nuanced, thoughtful, and in my opinion absolutely accurate. As soon as I got home I got on the Google…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast This episode is extra special because it also falls on the occasion of the 10 year anniversary of ROOST Real Estate Co. Listen as Laci and I recap 2023 and layout my key initiatives for 2024 and beyond. Show Highlights Chris celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Roost, discussing the company’s core values of being smart, passionate, supportive, and approachable, and how these have shaped the business’s success. Laci and Chris talk about the importance of professionalism in real estate, emphasizing the need for knowledgeable people to surround investors, buyers, and sellers. We navigate the challenges…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast In today’s episode, Laci and I talk about The Landlord Registration and Licensing Ordinance 23-36 enacted by the City of Springfield Ohio on January 31, 2023.In this episode we discuss the ordinance, the process by which it is being enforced, and the legal basis for pushing back on this infringement of property rights and ultimately tenant rights. I have serious concerns about this ordinance both as a residential real estate investor in the city, and as a licensed real estate broker managing investment property on behalf of our owner clients.These types of initiatives are being…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast In today’s episode, Laci and I talk about How To Choose The Right Tenant For Your Rental Property and the strategic, and tactical, steps you can take to ensure that your tenants not only pay the rent on time, but leave the property in as good or better condition than when they moved in.Whether you are an accidental landlord or a seasoned investor, I think you will find this episode thought-provoking and enlightening. Show Highlights In this episode we discuss the art and science of selecting the best tenant for rental properties, emphasizing the need…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast In today’s episode, Laci and I continue our conversation around the neighborhood standard and how this core landlord profitability concept relates to decisions around what amenities to add – or avoid adding – to your properties.Whether you are considering buying a new rental property or making some capital improvements to an existing property, I think you will find this episode thought provoking and enlightening. Show Highlights The concept of the neighborhood standard is essential in real estate investment. It helps determine which amenities to consider adding to your residential rental properties. It is advised to…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast In today’s episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook podcast, Laci and I give you a step-by-step guide to ensure your property is hitting the neighborhood standard without overshooting. We speak about grasping the nitty-gritty of the rental market, including how to pinpoint the rental rates that are just right for your neighborhood. Tune in for insights and strategies you’ve never heard of before, guaranteed to maximize your returns in the property investment game. Show Highlights Neighborhood standards play a crucial role in property investments. It’s important to ensure that your property meets, but doesn’t exceed,…

The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast Welcome to the very first episode of the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast. I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this new series than to share a discussion I recorded with Kristi Linebaugh of 90MinuteBooks.com about my book, The Landlord Profitability Playbook: The Eight Profitability Plays You Need to Automate Property Management and Get on With Your Life. There are a lot of great nuggets of information here and I hope you enjoy listening. Links Be a guest on the Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast. Download your FREE copy of The Landlord Profitability Playbook and learn how to…

Be a Guest on The Landlord Profitability Playbook Podcast! There is nothing I like doing more than working one on one with residential real estate investors interested in making their real estate work for them, and not the other way around. Whether you are just getting started or have amassed a sizeable portfolio, I want to hear your story. Join me on my podcast and together we will uncover the unique opportunities and advantages available to you in your market. Please tell me a little bit about yourself and why you want to be a guest and I will be…