Jan 19, 2026
In this
episode of the Real Estate Investor Growth Network Podcast, host
Jen Josey welcomes back her “work husband” and REIGN Coach, Bud
Evans. Bud shares his journey from a career in the military and
public service to building a multimillion-dollar real estate
portfolio and leading a veteran-focused property management
company. The conversation is packed with actionable strategies,
real-world stories, and a healthy dose of humor as Bud and Jen dive
into the systems and mindsets that drive success in real estate
investing.
Bud
details his rigorous tenant screening process, including his unique
100-point scoring system and the integration of AI tools to
streamline and safeguard property management. He emphasizes the
importance of consistency, documentation, and systems—not just for
legal protection, but for scaling a successful rental business. Bud
also shares tips for landlords on lease clauses, maintenance
responsibilities, and how to create standard operating procedures
using innovative tools.
The
episode wraps up with Bud’s “BADASS” insights, covering his
favorite books, advice, systems, and what success means to him. He
offers encouragement to take action, invest in education, and serve
others—values that have shaped his own journey. Listeners are
invited to connect with Bud for coaching, strategy sessions, or
just to soak up more of his hard-earned wisdom.
00:00 Introduction
to REIGN and Host Jen Josey
00:53 Badassery
Bestowment: Finding Distressed Properties on Zillow
03:22 Guest
Introduction: Meet Bud Evans
06:49 Bud
Evans' Journey from Military to Real Estate
11:35 Tenant
Screening: Importance and Strategies
15:35 The
100-Point Tenant Screening System
21:51 Incorporating
AI in Tenant Screening
22:40 Privacy
and Data Redaction in Tenant Management
23:29 AI
in Financial Verification
24:30 Scoring
and Approval Criteria for Tenants
25:09 AI
Success Stories in Tenant Screening
27:00 Impact
of AI on Vacancy Rates
27:36 Property
Management and Self-Management Tips
29:11 Creating
Effective Leases
34:47 Speaking
Engagements and YouTube Channel
37:51 Personal
Goals and Success Strategies
5 Key Takeaways
- Distressed Property Hunting: Use Zillow’s keyword search (e.g., “fixer,” “as is,” “needs work”), filter by days on market, monitor price drops, scrutinize listing photos, and check public records to find hidden investment opportunities.
- Tenant Screening Systems: Implement a 100-point scoring system covering income stability, credit, criminal background, rental history, and file completeness. Consistency and documentation are essential to avoid legal pitfalls.
- Integrating AI: Utilize AI tools (like ChatGPT) for analyzing tenant applications, redacting sensitive info, and verifying income-to-expense ratios. AI can catch details humans might miss and streamline decision-making.
- Lease & Maintenance Tips: Customize leases to your market, include clauses for property showings before move-out, set a $250 repair threshold, and require proper documentation for pets. Use tools like Scribe to document your processes.
- Service and Systems Drive Success: Bud credits his achievements to serving others, investing in education, and leveraging systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) for business growth and team alignment.
Guest Bio: Bud Evans
Bud Evans
is a retired Air Force officer, former police officer, and mayor
turned full-time real estate investor and business owner. He leads
Second Street Property Management in South Jersey, managing
hundreds of doors with a focus on affordability and service. Bud is
also the founder of AIM High Properties and Enlisted 2
Entrepreneur, where he helps veterans and first responders
transition into real estate. An educator at heart, Bud breaks down
complex investing topics into actionable steps and is a
sought-after coach, speaker, and advocate for systems-driven
success.
Books, Tools, and Websites Mentioned
Books:
- Traction by Gino Wickman (and other works by Wickman/EOS)
- The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Profit First by David Richter
Tools & Websites:
- Zillow (for property searches)
- County GIS/public records
- ChatGPT (AI for screening)
- Scribe (process documentation tool) — scribe.com
- EOS One (Entrepreneurial Operating System management) — app.eosone.com
- Quicken (personal budgeting)
- PetScreening.com (pet documentation)
- Bud’s YouTube: Enlisted 2 Entrepreneur
- Bud’s website: budevans.com
🔗 Learn More & Connect with
Jen Josey:
https://www.therealjenjosey.com
– Real
estate investing resources, podcast episodes, and
more.
👑 Join the REIGN
Mastermind:
https://www.reignmastermind.com
–
Network with real estate investors nationwide.
🔥 Stuff Jen Josey Loves
(Recommended Tools & Resources):
https://www.reignmastermind.com/resources
–
Handpicked tools, books, and services for real estate
investors.
📚 Buy Jen Josey’s Book: From
Beginner to Badass
https://a.co/d/bstKlby
–
Step-by-step guide to real estate investing
success.
🏠 Grow Your Rental Portfolio
with Jen’s Coaching:
https://rentalproppro.com/booking?am_id=reign
– Book
a session and scale your rental business.