In this insightful episode of The 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits down with Anthony Malone, a seasoned commercial banker with over 35 years of experience, to break down the essentials of real estate investing, commercial lending, and how to build a successful investor network in North Alabama. Learn the differences between Fannie/Freddie vs. commercial loans, why your LLC structure matters, the importance of underwriting guidelines, and how to leverage a team of professionals to scale your real estate portfolio.

Whether you're just getting started or scaling to multi-family units, this episode is packed with real estate investment strategies, bank loan insights, and cash flow underwriting tips that every investor should know.

Topics Covered:

• Commercial Real Estate Lending

• Real Estate Investment Strategies

• LLC vs. Personal Name for Property Ownership

• Building a Real Estate Team

• Underwriting Guidelines for Investors

• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac vs. Bank Loans

• Cash Flow Requirements and 1.2x Coverage Ratio

• 1031 Exchange for Portfolio Expansion

• Property Management and Location Analysis

• Investment Banking Relationships in Huntsville and Madison County

In this episode of the 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits downwith Huntsville native and serial entrepreneur Garrett Coyne to discuss his journey through real estate development, managing large-scale commercial real estate projects, and co-founding Hatch — a workforce development nonprofit helping young adults build self-sufficient lives.Garrett shares powerful insights on long-term rental investing, the evolution of the Low Mill neighborhood, local zoning regulations, and the impact of federal infrastructure like the FBI relocation and Space Command. Whether you're a new investor or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with strategies, trends, and inspiration for building a mission-drivenreal estate business.

✅ Perfect for: Real estate investors, Huntsvilleentrepreneurs, economic developers, nonprofit leaders, andanyone interested in Huntsville’s housing market and urbanrevitalization.

Topics Covered:

Real estate development in Huntsville AL

Investing in Low Mill and 35805 zip code

Long-term rental strategy vs. flipping

Workforce development and nonprofit leadership

Huntsville’s housing market trends 2024–2025

Short-term rental regulations in Huntsville

Commercial redevelopment of West Lawn Middle School

Hatch nonprofit and workforce readiness

FBI expansion Huntsville

Space Command relocation to Huntsville

Affordable housing Huntsville

Choice Neighborhood Initiative

Urban planning and revitalization in Huntsville

Investing during high interest rates

In this episode of The 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits down with seasoned real estate appraiser Natalie Jay of Definitive Valuations to uncover the truth behind the appraisal process—a step many real estate investors overlook until it's too late.

With over 20 years of experience, Natalie breaks down how appraisal standards have evolved post-recession, how home appraisals impact real estate deals, and what new and seasoned investors must know to avoid costly appraisal mistakes. From understanding how a sunroom, unfinished basement, or detached dwelling affects a property’s appraised value, to navigating hard money loans, FHA appraisal requirements, and the rise in foreclosures—this is a must-listen for anyone investing in real estate in today’s market.

Whether you're flipping properties, buying rental homes in North Alabama, or investing out of state, this episode gives you the edge you need to make smart, informed decisions.

👉 Topics Covered:

• Why real estate appraisals are crucial—even when paying cash

• How to prepare for VA, FHA, and conventional loan appraisals

• The biggest red flags real estate investors miss when evaluating properties

• What really goes into determining comparable value (comps)

• How wholesalers mislead buyers with inflated ARVs

• The impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and current appraisal regulations

• Tips for investing wisely in Huntsville's real estate market

📈 Whether you’re buying your first rental property or scaling your portfolio, this deep dive will sharpen your investment strategy and help you better navigate the real estate appraisal process.