Best George Gao Podcasts (2025)

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education 45:25

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1d ago45:25

45:25

Episode 043: Architecture, And: Nonprofit Design Education How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? This week, we revisit the world of social impact design and the work of a rising, mission-driven entrepreneur. Maya Bird-Murphy joins us to share her story of designing and growing her nonprofit, Chica…

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Mineral Rights 101: The Complete Guide w/ Vernon Henry 1:21:32

4d ago1:21:32

1:21:32

227: In this episode, I’m joined again by Vernon Henry, a land investor and former professional landman with over 20 years of experience in mineral rights. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/227) If you’ve ever bought or sold land and wondered, Do I own the mineral rights, or could an energy company drill on my property? This episode is for you. Vernon bre…

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Robotics 54:16

8d ago54:16

54:16

Episode 036: Architecture, And: Robotics How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Continuing our on-going series “Architecture, And”, we invite Brian Ringley onto the show to discuss his role as a construction technologist at Boston Dynamics. Brian is part of the team developing Spot, an agile mobile…

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Tyler Cauble's Debt-Free $400K Payoff From a $1K Investment 58:50

11d ago58:50

58:50

226: In episode 226 of the REtipster Podcast, I’m talking with Tyler Cauble, a commercial real estate investor and YouTuber flipping the script on the CRE game. Tyler started selling Cutco knives in college, dropped out, and built a massive portfolio without ever touching residential real estate. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/226) We dive deep into ho…

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Bonus Replay: Architecture, And: Film 51:55

15d ago51:55

51:55

Episode 019: Architecture, And: Film How are individuals using their training in architecture to explore diverse career paths? Guest: Rebekah Bukhbinder Rebekah Bukbinder is an Art Director working in film and television. She has collaborated on notable productions including The Mandalorian, Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, and The Da…

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Why Most Land Investors Are Struggling Right Now (2025 Mid-Year Market Update) 1:00:24

18d ago1:00:24

1:00:24

In this episode, I'm back with Neil Clements to deliver a brutally honest mid-year market update for 2025, especially for land investors. (Show Notes at REtipster.com) The market is shifting, and it's hitting even the top producers hard. Land sales are slowing, sometimes selling much slower, even at 20% below market value. We’re seeing funding dry …

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Bonus Episode: AISC Architecture Center 42:09

22d ago42:09

42:09

How can a deeper understanding of materials and a closer collaboration with builders reshape the way we design? In this special episode of Practice Disrupted, we spotlight a hidden gem for architects: the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). While AISC has long been a technical hub for engineers, the Architect…

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The Cookie That Closed a $150K Land Deal w/ Josh Pierce 1:03:47

25d ago1:03:47

1:03:47

225: In this episode, Ajay and I sat down with Josh Pierce, a fast-rising land investor who built a high-performing business from scratch in under two years. Josh went from having zero experience and no capital—literally funding the business on a credit card—to now running a team of nine and generating six figures in monthly gross profits. (Show No…

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200: 200 Episodes, Changing Practice, and What Comes Next 54:48

29d ago54:48

54:48

What happens when the disruptors pause to reflect on the disruption? For the 200th episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee welcomes back a very special guest: her original co-creator and former co-host, Je’Nen Chastain. Five years after they launched the podcast to challenge the conventions of architectural practice, they reunite for a milestone …

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Why ZipRent’s $150 Model Is Disrupting Real Estate w/ Arvand Sabetian 1:00:55

1M ago1:00:55

1:00:55

224: In this episode, I sat down with Arvand Sabatian, the founder of ZipRent, to discuss how he's transforming the world of rental property management. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/224) Arvand shared how his frustration with traditional property managers led him to create a tech-enabled, full-service solution that offers transparency, consistency, a…

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199: Architecture, And: Niknaz Aftahi on Tech, Equity, and Transformation 43:43

1M ago43:43

43:43

How can architects build more equitable, accessible, and tech-forward tools for the profession? This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Niknaz Aftahi, architect, technologist, and founder of AEC+Tech, to explore how design and technology intersect, and how a background in architecture can lead to reimagining the future of AEC inn…

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This $127K Land Deal Turned Into $700K?! How Does Luke Smith Do It?? 1:16:51

1M ago1:16:51

1:16:51

223: In this episode, I sit down with Luke Smith—land investor, and now commercial dealmaker—who shares how he’s evolved from flipping rural land to orchestrating massive deals in high-traffic retail locations. Luke breaks down how he took a $127K purchase and turned it into a $700K sale by leveraging buyer demand, traffic data, and reverse deal en…

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198: Architecture, And: Henry Gao is Empowering Creatives with Digital Tools 48:34

1M ago48:34

48:34

How can architects build creative careers in the creator economy? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee speaks with Henry Gao, architect turned digital creator, educator, and founder of Draw With Gao, a platform that teaches architects and designers how to leverage iPad sketching as both a creative outlet and a new revenue stream. Henry…

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He Was Laid Off Twice—Then Wayne Boerger Built a Land Funding Empire 1:14:44

2M ago1:14:44

1:14:44

222: I recently sat down with Wayne Boerger, a seasoned land flipper turned land deal funder who now runs Nordic Sky Capital. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/222) Wayne shares the incredible story of how two unexpected layoffs became the catalyst for launching a new chapter in land investing—moving from flipping to full-time funding. He breaks down what…

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197: Marywood University’s New Degree in Virtual Architecture 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

How can virtual architecture expand the role of the architect? In this week’s episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Ryan Scavnicky, better known as Scav, about the future of architectural education, immersive digital environments, and redefining what it means to design space. As the Assistant Professor at Marywood University and crea…

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Land Made You Money? Now Make It Work for You With This Strategy. 47:15

2M ago47:15

47:15

221: In this episode, I sit down with Liz Nowlin and Terry Kerr from Mid-South Home Buyers, one of the longest-standing turnkey rental providers in the U.S. We unpack why their approach to renovating houses and property management sets them apart. If you're a land investor searching for an exit ramp to more permanent and passive income, this might …

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196: Architecture, And: Kate Aoki on Exhibition Design 31:49

2M ago31:49

31:49

How can architects redefine experience through storytelling and space? This week on Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Kate Aoki, architect, educator, and founding partner of Golden Egg Creative, to explore how designers can blend architecture, storytelling, and community to create immersive, intentional experiences. With a career path that’…

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How Meir Shemtov Transformed a Steep, Unsellable Vacant Lot Into a Cash-Flowing Luxury Resort 1:11:26

2M ago1:11:26

1:11:26

220: In this episode, I sit down with Meir Shemtov to uncover how he turned an overlooked piece of sloped land into a luxury micro resort that’s booked solid. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/220) We dive into every stage of his journey: from acquiring a $200K hillside lot that nobody wanted, to working through the intense permitting process, to finding …

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195: Saving Modernism: George Smart’s Mission to Preserve Design History 34:51

2M ago34:51

34:51

How does a personal passion project become the world's largest archive for modernist residential design? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with George Smart, founder and CEO of USModernist, to explore how a personal interest blossomed into a vital national resource for architecture enthusiasts and professionals alike. Geor…

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What’s Coming for Real Estate? AI & Inflation Explained w/ Keith Weinhold 50:37

2M ago50:37

50:37

219: In this episode, I sat down with Keith Weinhold from Get Rich Education for a two-part deep dive into two major game-changers: AI and debt. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/219) First, Keith interviewed me about how AI is transforming real estate and business. I shared how I use AI every day to automate tasks, find hidden real estate deals, and make…

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194: Architecture, And: Bridging Design and Industry with Nima Balasubramanian 31:07

2M ago31:07

31:07

How can architects build better relationships with materials - and each other? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy i…

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The Unusual Formula Vernon Henry Uses to Evolve as a Land Investor 1:11:03

2M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

218: In this episode, I sat down with Vernon Henry—a land investor who came from the oil and gas industry, managing over $12 billion in transactions before switching careers. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/218) He shares how his deep knowledge of mineral rights and title gave him an edge. We dove into deal structure, creative finance, title issues, and…

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193: Architecture, And: Rochelle Mills, Shaping Community Stories 1:12:47

3M ago1:12:47

1:12:47

How can architecture build dignity, belonging, and home? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rochelle Mills, President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), to explore how architecture and development intersect with justice, memory, and transformation. Rochelle’s story weaves together the worlds of design, …

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The 90-Day Rule That Keeps Anshul Sharma's Land Business Thriving 1:06:14

3M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

217: In this episode, we sit down with Anshul Sharma to uncover how he built a multi-million dollar land-flipping business from the ground up (Show Notes: REtipster.com/217) Starting with just a few thousand dollars, Anshul scaled his company to 44 employees and is now closing huge land deals with double closings and subdivides—without even taking …

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192: Architecture Needs Radical Transparency 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

How can radical transparency redefine leadership in architecture? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee reconnects with Robert Yuen, CEO and co-founder of Monograph, to explore what he calls radical transparency - a bold leadership approach that challenges firm owners to rethink how they share information, build trust, and lead with cla…

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How to Scale a Real Estate Business Without Losing Your Life w/ Dustin Heiner 1:12:19

3M ago1:12:19

1:12:19

216: In this episode, I sat down with Dustin Heiner to discuss real estate investing, passive income, and business scaling. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/216) Dustin shares how he built a rental property empire that now funds his lifestyle, what he’d do if he had to start over, and how he teaches his kids to invest in real estate. We also discuss the …

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191: Architect, And: Clarence Kwan Architect turned Lifestyle Concierge 45:32

3M ago45:32

45:32

How can mid-career architects redesign their lives around joy and curiosity? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Clarence Kwan, an architect-turned-entrepreneur who spent three decades building a career in architecture and tech before pivoting to launch his own lifestyle concierge business, CK Curated. Together, they explor…

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Rent-to-Own: The Ultimate Real Estate Cheat Code w/ Zach Zimmer 1:05:22

3M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

215: In this episode, I sit down with Zach Zimmer, a real estate investor who built a 50+ property portfolio using the rent-to-own model. His approach to rental investing blew my mind—it’s low maintenance, highly profitable, and doesn’t require dealing with traditional tenants like most landlords do. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/215) In this episode,…

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190: Running a Regenerative Business Practice 56:05

3M ago56:05

56:05

What does it truly mean to run a regenerative business, not just design regenerative buildings? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Matthew Broderick, President and CEO of Ashley McGraw Architects, Susanne Angarano, Principal at Ashley McGraw and Founder of Vaysen Studio, and Josie Plaut, Associate Director of the Insti…

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Why Speed Wins Land Deals (and How Land Investors Can Automate It) 46:41

3M ago46:41

46:41

In this episode, we're launching Stride, our new CRM built specifically for land investors. We’ve spent the past year building this from the ground up to solve the problems we’ve both faced in our land businesses. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/CRM) Even if you’re not looking for a new CRM, this episode dives deep into lead generation, follow-up system…

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189: Architecture, And: Rico Quirindongo, Public Servant 40:26

4M ago40:26

40:26

How can architects shape cities through public service? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Rico Quirindongo, Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. After spending 27 years in architectural practice, Rico transitioned into civic leadership, where he now influences urban pol…

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Most Land Investors Ignore This Strategy—And It’s Costing Them Millions w/ Neil Clements 51:46

4M ago51:46

51:46

In this episode, I have a huge announcement—REtipster is officially launching a second podcast, The Real Deal with Neil Clements! (Show Notes: REtipster.com/BigDeals) Neil is an expert in land investing, real estate, and house flipping, and he’s bringing you the most valuable, no-fluff content in the game. Later in this conversation, Neil and I div…

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188: Amplifying Women’s Stories in Architecture with Jadyn Anderson 28:47

4M ago28:47

28:47

How can storytelling empower women in architecture? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee talks with Jadyn Anderson about the power of storytelling and advocacy in architecture. As a Master of Architecture student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and junior designer at Zimmerman Architectural Studios, Jadyn is deeply invested in…

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What a 1,000+ Acre Subdivide Taught Xing Gao About Land Development 1:18:02

4M ago1:18:02

1:18:02

214: In this episode, I sit down with Xing Gao, the founder of Elegment Land, to discuss his incredible journey from e-commerce to land investing. With over 20 years of experience in business consulting and real estate, Xing shares how he started his land business with $100 deals and scaled it to multi-million-dollar projects. (Show Notes: REtipste…

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187: Architecture, And: A New Language for Material Decision-Making 42:49

4M ago42:49

42:49

How a non-technical founder built a tech solution to transform material selection for architects. In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Vardhan Mehta, co-founder of AceLab, an AI-powered platform transforming how architects research and specify building materials. Vardhan shares his journey from practicing architect…

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The Red Flags of Real Estate Fraud You Can't Ignore w/ Russell Williams 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

213: In this episode of the REtipster Podcast, I talk with Russell Williams, a retired house flipper turned land investor. Russell shares his firsthand experience dealing with various types of real estate fraud, including title fraud, wire fraud, and fake checks. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/213) We dive deep into the red flags to watch for, how scam…

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186: CannonDesign’s Billie, An AI Companion Transforming Architectural Workflows 42:55

4M ago42:55

42:55

How can AI transform knowledge sharing and efficiency in architecture? In the latest episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping workflows in architecture firms. She is joined by Emily Lotterer, National Marketing Operations Leader at CannonDesign, and Joel Yow, Director of Digital Products, to discus…

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The Investment Strategy That Built a Real Estate Empire w/ Chris Clothier 57:18

4M ago57:18

57:18

212: In this episode, I sit down with Chris Clothier, co-owner of REI Nation, one of the nation's leading turnkey real estate companies. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/212) Chris shares his journey from grocery arbitrage to real estate mogul, explains the nuances of turnkey investing, and offers insider tips on what makes a successful rental property. …

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185: Architecture, And: Michael Ford on Hip Hop, Innovation, and Representation in Practice 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

How can hip hop and architecture create a more inclusive future? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Michael Ford, architect, entrepreneur, and founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camp. Known as "The Hip Hop Architect," Michael has dedicated his career to increasing diversity in architecture by using hip-hop as a tool f…

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The $450K Per Acre Goldmine in Land Development w/ David Hansen 1:09:57

5M ago1:09:57

1:09:57

211: In this episode, I sit down with land development expert David Hansen to dive deep into the fascinating world of wetland banking, nutrient offset banks, and conservation easements. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/211) Learn how to turn environmental challenges into lucrative opportunities, including how to spot, develop, and profit from wetland cre…

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184: Lattice over Ladder, A New Model for Leadership in Design 47:50

5M ago47:50

47:50

How can firms rethink leadership to create more equitable career paths? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore a new approach to leadership development in architecture with the team from FIFTEEN Architecture & Design. Firm founders and team members share how they’ve challenged traditional hierarchies by implementing a flexible, inclusive…

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The Surprising Reasons Why Your Land Isn't Selling w/ Robin Seib 1:11:30

5M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

210: In this episode, I sit down with Robin Seib, founder of Onlinelandmarket.com. Robin shares his journey from burnout in Germany's construction industry to becoming a U.S.-based land-selling expert. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/210) We dive into his proven strategies for selling land faster, including how he uses seller financing, the importance o…

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183: Architecture, And: Creative Director Obiekwe Okolo 43:24

5M ago43:24

43:24

How does an architectural background shape a career in creative direction? Architecture teaches more than just how to design buildings—it shapes the way we see, think, and create. In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee sits down with Obiekwe "Obi" Okolo, a Nigerian-American photographer, multimedia artist, and creative director at Bitter…

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Dave Denniston's $4M Land Empire Blueprint (and an Unmissable Event) 1:14:48

5M ago1:14:48

1:14:48

209: In this episode of the REtipster Podcast, Dave Denniston discusses the ins and outs of running a multi-million dollar land business. We explore how to scale effectively, the role of AI in growing a land business, and the surprising marketing strategies that still work in 2025. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/209) We also dive into the Land UnConfer…

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182: Rethinking Firm Structure & Sustainable Home Design 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

How can small architecture firms innovate for a sustainable future? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Carina Coel, Founder and Principal Architect of Restructure Studio, and Alexandra Chaves, Project Manager at the firm. Together, they share how their firm balances custom and pre-designed home offerings, embraces flexible work…

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How Logan Fullmer Makes Millions On Properties No One Else Wants 59:05

5M ago59:05

59:05

208: In this episode, I sit down with Logan Fullmer again to explore his innovative real estate strategy of buying properties with title issues, tax delinquencies, and other problems that scare off most investors. Logan shares how he systematically solves these challenges, creating value and making impressive profits in the process. (Show Notes: ht…

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181: Architects, Innovators, Podcasters with Michele Grace Hottel 45:20

5M ago45:20

45:20

Reflections on podcasting, leadership, and the future of the profession. Season 10 of Practice Disrupted begins with a twist as host Evelyn Lee shares the microphone with special guest Michele Grace Hottel, architect, advocate, and host of I’ve Never Met a Woman Architect Before. Together, they reflect on the growth of their podcasts, the evolving …

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From Corporate Life to Land Deals: Andy Rouse's Journey 1:11:24

5M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

207: In this episode, I sit down with Andy Rouse, a full-time Texas land buyer who left his corporate job to build a thriving land-buying company. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/207) Andy shares his journey, from his first land purchase to scaling operations with a data-driven approach and a growing team. We also dive into a pressing issue in the land …

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Bonus Replay: [Re] Creating Your Career in Architecture 49:11

6M ago49:11

49:11

How do you rethink a career in architecture to get unstuck? Guest: Laura Weiss Founder at Design Diplomacy As a professional coach, facilitator, mediator, and consultant, Laura Weiss helps creative leaders engage in powerful conversations that drive change. A former licensed architect, Laura spent a decade with the global design firm IDEO as a Prac…

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Land Investor Market Update January 2025 48:25

6M ago48:25

48:25

Neil Clements and I dive into the January 2025 land market update in this episode. We discuss the aftermath of 2024, how the recent election impacted land sales, and what land investors should anticipate for the coming year. (Show Notes: REtipster.com/jan2025) Learn about interest rate trends, migration patterns, and how the current economic climat…