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.

Thinking about investing in Alabama real estate? Before you hand over the keys, know what could go wrong — and how to protect your property. In this episode of the 256 Investor Podcast, host Joshua Davis (JD) sits down with Sarah Taggart, a seasoned eviction attorney based in Huntsville, AL, to demystify the eviction process, legal timelines, tenant red flags, and the financial risks landlords often overlook.

• What’s the actual eviction timeline in Alabama?

• Can a tenant really cost you $14,000 in damages?

• Why some "professional renters" are gaming the system

• The one thing more costly than an eviction

• When it’s time to walk away from a bad investment property

Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode gives you unfiltered, practical legal insight from someone who’s been in the courtroom for nearly two decades.

Don’t miss this candid, high-impact conversation.

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

In this inspiring episode of The 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits down with former minister turned real estate investor Steve Albanese to explore how faith, family, and financial foresight led him to build a successful rental portfolio in Georgia and Alabama. Steve shares his journey from planting churches in Georgia to learning the power of rental income, the boodle fund, and mastering the 1031 tax-deferred exchange to grow his real estate investments.

Whether you're a new investor or looking to scale, this episode delivers real-world insights on:

• Using 1031 exchanges to grow wealth tax-deferred

• Buying foreclosures and courthouse step auctions

• Managing rental properties yourself vs. hiring a property manager

• Leveraging equity for real estate acquisition

• Living off rental income in retirement

• The role of faith and persistence in long-term investing

If you're interested in real estate investing, passive income, or learning how to start with just one duplex, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartwarming stories that will motivate and educate.

In this episode of the 256 Investor Podcast, host JD sits down with Madison County Tax Assessor Cliff Mann to demystify the world of Alabama property taxes. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, Cliff breaks down the essential info you need — from homestead exemptions, second home tax rates, and common assessment mistakes to how property taxes are calculated and paid in arrears.

They also cover:

• How to properly file exemptions to avoid overpaying taxes
• Why real estate agents and investors should always verify tax class status before closing
• The importance of updating mailing addresses and property ownership records
• How Madison County is leveraging technology and staff training to improve service
• What out-of-state investors should know about Alabama's low property tax rates

If you're investing in Huntsville or anywhere in Madison County, this episode is packed with local insights to help you avoid surprises, save money, and build a smarter portfolio.

Tune in and learn how to navigate Alabama's property tax system like a pro.

In this episode, host Joshua Davis sits down with Geoffrey Middleton, a seasoned real estate attorney with over a decade of experience practicing in Alabama and Tennessee. Whether you're just getting started or scaling your portfolio, Geoffrey breaks down the legal essentials every investor should know.

Geoffrey explains why forming an LLC is a must to shield personal assets and how the rules differ between states like Delaware and Alabama. He dives into Series LLCs, foreign registration, and the crucial Certificate of Compliance needed for smooth property transactions in Alabama.

Learn how to pair LLCs with the right insurance coverage, why your operating agreement needs a “divorce clause,” and how to avoid title issues that can derail closings. Geoffrey also shares how to save money on title policies and navigate complex title situations.

From crafting solid purchase contracts to understanding a lender’s role in the closing process, this section unpacks the legal side of financing. Geoffrey also touches on trusts as alternative ownership vehicles, comparing revocable and irrevocable options.

If you’re buying occupied properties, don’t miss Geoffrey’s breakdown of Alabama landlord-tenant laws, lease takeover limitations, and how to handle problem tenants or squatters. He also covers key clauses every lease should include.

To wrap up, Geoffrey outlines how 1031 exchanges can help investors defer capital gains and build long-term wealth. He also shares beginner-friendly strategies like house hacking and highlights key tax benefits for heirs.

In this episode, host Joshua Davis sits down with insurance expert and real estate investor John Wood to break down the often-confusing world of insurance for property investors. With a unique background in both engineering and insurance, John shares invaluable insights drawn from his years of experience owning an Allstate agency and now serving as a silent partner in an independent insurance firm.

From converting a primary residence into a rental to navigating DP3 policies vs. traditional homeowner’s insurance, John outlines what investors must know to stay covered and compliant. He dives into why renters insurance is critical, how landlords can protect themselves, and what red flags to look for when choosing an insurance provider.

The conversation also touches on complex topics like emotional support animals, roof claim denials, and the challenges of insuring commercial and multi-family properties in today’s volatile market. John also shares his outlook on Huntsville’s real estate growth, highlighting the impact of major developments like the FBI headquarters relocation and Space Force expansion.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with real-world tips to protect your assets and boost your long-term strategy.