RCN Capital Blog

Uncontested Investing - Things To Know Before You Start Investing In Real Estate

Written by RCN Capital | 2:22 PM on October 21, 2025

Uncontested Investing Podcast - October 21, 2025

In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we’re getting into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) parts of real estate investing — due diligence. Whether you’re buying your first property or scaling your portfolio, your profit is made long before closing, and due diligence is how you protect it. We walk through a comprehensive investor checklist, covering everything from verifying disclosures, zoning, and title issues to assessing flood zones, insurance, and environmental risks.

We also discuss the power of local networking, using your professional partners wisely, and why your inspection reports and documentation can make or break your next deal.

If you’re ready to level up your investing game and avoid costly surprises, this episode gives you the exact framework for doing your homework the right way every time.

 

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Reviewing property listings and disclosures

02:31 Key objectives for due diligence

03:37 Verifying permits, renovations, and property records

04:20 Market analysis: comps, absorption rates, and upcoming development plans

05:36 Why clear title, liens, and ownership verification matter

06:34 Boundary disputes and surveys: ensuring your property lines are accurate

07:44 Structural and system inspections: roofing, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC

09:49 Zoning and code compliance: understanding setbacks, density limits, and regulations

11:45 Financial due diligence: taxes, assessments, and understanding true operating costs

12:29 Condo considerations: rental limits, HOA bylaws, and special assessments

14:34 Reviewing title insurance and old deeds

16:11 Environmental and site assessments: when to order a Phase I or Phase II

17:07 Real-life lessons from an old hat factory and contamination issues

18:34 Partnering with local experts: attorneys, inspectors, surveyors, and environmental specialists

20:32 Documenting and keeping records for recourse and resale value

22:30 Networking, organization, and how due diligence builds investor confidence

Quotables

“Try not to learn from your mistakes, learn from somebody else’s.”

“Due diligence is about unveiling the potholes before you drive over them.”

“Networking makes due diligence less overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Links

Website: RCN Capital https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast

  / rcn_capital

Email: RCN Capital info@rcncapital.com

Website: REI INK https://rei-ink.com/