In this episode of the Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek sits down with Zach Lemaster, founder of Rent to Retirement, to discuss how turnkey real estate investing has evolved and why new construction is becoming an increasingly attractive strategy for long-term investors.
Zach shares his journey from serving as an Air Force Captain and practicing optometry to building one of the nation’s largest turnkey investment companies. Together, they explore market selection, passive investing, new construction versus rehabs, financing strategies, and why successful investing starts with understanding your long-term goals—not simply buying properties close to home.
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Overview
Zach Lemaster never intended to build a nationwide real estate company. Like many investors, his journey began after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad and purchasing a duplex using his VA loan while serving in the Air Force. House hacking and investing locally gave him a foundation, but frequent military relocations quickly showed him that investing outside his hometown could create far better opportunities.
That experience ultimately led to the creation of Rent to Retirement, a company that now helps investors purchase professionally managed turnkey properties across 18 markets throughout the United States. Zach explains that instead of encouraging investors to simply buy where they live, his team researches markets with strong population growth, landlord-friendly laws, diverse employment, housing shortages, and long-term appreciation potential.
A major focus of the conversation is why Zach has shifted heavily toward new construction over older rehab properties.
He explains that newer homes typically offer:
- Lower maintenance costs
- Builder warranties
- Higher-quality tenants
- Better appreciation potential
- Stronger rent growth
- Reduced unexpected capital expenses
Rather than building entire subdivisions, Rent to Retirement leverages its buying power by partnering with national builders to purchase inventory at wholesale pricing, passing much of those savings directly to investors. This often gives buyers immediate equity, lower financing costs, or additional capital to scale their portfolios faster.
Derek and Zach also discuss:
- Choosing investment markets intentionally
- Cash flow versus appreciation
- Building long-term passive income
- Financing strategies for investors
- Cost segregation studies
- Tax advantages of real estate
- Leveraging debt responsibly
- Why relationships and education matter throughout an investor’s journey
Toward the end of the conversation, Zach introduces his IDEAL Investing Framework, explaining that real estate wealth isn’t built through just one factor, but by combining multiple wealth-building advantages over time:
- I – Income (Cash Flow)
- D – Depreciation
- E – Equity Paydown
- A – Appreciation
- L – Leverage
Together, these components create compounding wealth over the long term.
One of the biggest messages throughout the episode is:
👉 Successful investors don’t simply buy properties—they intentionally build portfolios that match their long-term financial goals.
Key Takeaways
- Investing locally isn’t always the best investment strategy.
- Market selection matters as much as the property itself.
- New construction can reduce maintenance while improving long-term returns.
- Immediate equity creates stronger investment opportunities.
- Education should come before buying your first investment property.
- Real estate offers significant tax advantages.
- Leverage, when used responsibly, accelerates wealth creation.
- Consistency builds long-term financial freedom.
- Passive investing still requires intentional planning.
- Real estate is a long-term wealth-building vehicle—not a get-rich-quick strategy.
Relevant Topics Discussed
- Turnkey investing
- Passive income
- New construction investing
- House hacking
- Market selection
- Cash flow
- Appreciation
- Property management
- Cost segregation
- Tax strategies
- Financing investment properties
- Long-term wealth building
Why Should You Listen?
Listen to this episode if you:
- Want to build passive income through real estate.
- Are interested in turnkey investing.
- Wonder whether you should invest outside your local market.
- Want to understand new construction versus rehabs.
- Are looking for practical ways to scale a rental portfolio.
Whether you’re purchasing your first rental property or expanding an existing portfolio, Zach shares a thoughtful approach to investing that emphasizes long-term planning, education, and disciplined decision-making.
Important Links:
About Zach Lemaster
Zach Lemaster is the Founder and CEO of Rent to Retirement, a leading real estate investment company that helps investors build wealth through turnkey rental properties and investment education. With a background in pharmacy, Zach transitioned into real estate investing after recognizing its potential to create long-term financial freedom and passive income. Under his leadership, Rent to Retirement has grown into a nationally recognized company that connects investors with cash-flowing rental properties in high-performing markets across the United States.
The company provides end-to-end support, including market analysis, property acquisition, financing, property management, and ongoing investor education. Zach is a seasoned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and educator who is passionate about helping others achieve financial independence through strategic real estate investing. He is a frequent speaker on topics such as wealth building, passive income, portfolio diversification, and long-term investment strategies. Through his work, Zach has helped thousands of investors—from first-time buyers to experienced professionals—build and scale successful real estate portfolios while emphasizing sustainable, long-term wealth creation.