In this episode, we sit down with Philip Giudici, a Des Moines native who took the road less traveled—from knocking doors in Arizona to flipping distressed homes back in Iowa. Philip opens up about the hard-earned lessons from his early sales grind, why adaptability is every investor’s secret weapon, and how reading people is just as important as reading the market. If you’re looking to sharpen your sales edge, spot hidden real estate opportunities, or just hear how persistence pays off, this one’s for you.

• How door-to-door sales taught him resilience and quick thinking

• Why reading people, not scripts, helps close deals

• Why distressed properties aren’t problems, they’re potential

• How he uses property data to uncover off-market deals

• Why mentors are the secret key to growth
  
  

Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Philip Giudici graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2016 before heading to Arizona State University. He spent eight years sharpening his sales skills in Arizona—starting in door-to-door work—before diving into real estate wholesaling, flipping, and investing full-time. Now back in Iowa, Philip is focused on scaling his real estate ventures, helping sellers navigate distressed situations, and building a reputation for hustle, heart, and integrity in the Midwest market.

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/philip.giudici.2025

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/giudiccii/

What happens when small-town work ethic meets big-city finance? In this insightful episode, Neil Timmins chats with Derek Vander Veen—a commercial finance professional by day and a passionate real estate investor by night. From milking cows on an Iowa dairy farm to structuring deals and scaling a rental portfolio, Derek shares how curiosity, discipline, and long-term strategy helped him turn a side hustle into a serious investment journey. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to scale smart, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Derek’s “one or two properties per year” strategy proves that real estate wealth can be built methodically and sustainably.

• Managing his own properties helped Derek sharpen his investor instincts and control cash flow—especially in the early years.

• Using low-down-payment financing options like FHA helped Derek jumpstart his portfolio without waiting years to save.

• Derek uses tools like Zillow, Rentometer, and investor feedback to dial in accurate, competitive rents in his markets.

• Derek’s evening commitment to reading, researching, and networking shows that a full-time job doesn’t have to slow down your investment dreams.

About Derek Vander Veen:

Derek Vander Veen is a commercial real estate finance professional and part-time single-family investor with properties in Kansas City and Des Moines. Originally from northwest Iowa, Derek’s roots in agriculture taught him grit and hard work, which now fuel his passion for building a rental portfolio alongside a thriving finance career. With a strategy rooted in consistency, Derek has built his portfolio one deal at a time—with long-term vision and a strong foundation in personal growth and financial literacy.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-vander-veen-28901b29/

What do football coaching and real estate have in common? For Jared Hottle, everything. In this inspiring episode, Neil Timmins sits down with Jared—a former college football coach turned real estate agent and investor—to uncover how discipline, strategy, and resilience on the field translated into success in the property game. From buying his first duplex during the 2020 uncertainty to scaling a portfolio of 36 doors and a storage facility, Jared’s story is a must-listen for anyone looking to pivot into real estate with purpose and grit.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Jared’s pivot from coaching to real estate after his football program was shut down shows how unexpected turns can launch fulfilling new paths.

• Just like in sports, small, consistent efforts in real estate—especially during early mornings or off-hours—compound over time.

• Jared’s leap into duplexes in Waterloo during COVID laid the foundation for everything he’s built since.

• From trailer parks to storage units, Jared’s success is rooted in community connections and creative deal structuring in a Midwest market.

• Whether it’s leading a team or managing tenants, Jared brings a game plan, discipline, and long-term mindset to every deal.

About Jared Hottle:

Jared Hottle is a real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur based in Waterloo, Iowa. After spending nearly a decade coaching college football, Jared returned home in 2019 to start a new chapter. Fast forward five years, he’s now the owner of 36 rental units, a storage facility, and a steady stream of investment transactions totaling $5–7 million annually. Jared is passionate about educating others, giving back to his community, and building generational wealth through strategic property investments.

Contact Info:

Website | https://www.hottlerealestate.com/

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@jaredhottlere

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/JaredHottleRealEstate/

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredhottle/