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Comfort To Courage


Mar 30, 2026

Episode Summary
What if one overlooked U.S. market could deliver cash flow, appreciation, and turnkey simplicity all at once? In this episode, Jen Josey sits down with Voytek Mardula and James Lloyd to uncover why Detroit real estate investing is rapidly becoming one of the most compelling opportunities for investors seeking passive income, portfolio growth, and scalable wealth.

With over 600 renovated homes, $100M+ raised from private investors, and thousands of guest stays managed, Voytek and James share how they built a data-backed turnkey investing model that removes the guesswork. They break down B-class neighborhood selection, Section 8 stability, short-term rental cash flow, BRRRR opportunities, and why Detroit’s revitalization, tech expansion, and tourism growth are creating powerful tailwinds. You’ll also hear how investors can start with as little as $30K–$50K and potentially scale into multiple cash-flowing properties.

This episode is essential for real estate investors who want passive income without managing rehabs, out-of-state investors looking for strong cash flow markets, and high-income earners seeking tax-advantaged short-term rental strategies. If you’re tired of low cash flow, high prices, and oversaturated markets, this conversation reveals why Detroit may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

5 Powerful Takeaways
• Why B-class neighborhoods in Detroit outperform cheaper areas with stronger appreciation and longer tenant retention
• How turnkey real estate investing removes renovation, management, and financing barriers for out-of-state investors
• The surprising stability of Section 8 rentals and why many investors use them for consistent cash flow
• How short-term rentals in Detroit are producing above-average returns due to tourism growth and hotel shortages
• Real examples of BRRRR-style equity creation where investors refinance and pull out capital to scale faster

About the Guest
Voytek Mardula is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience scaling high-volume operations across multiple industries. He has closed more than 600 home sales, raised over $100 million from private investors, and previously built and exited a 300+ door property management company in the Detroit area. Today, he focuses on data-driven turnkey real estate investing and operates a leading short-term rental management division across the U.S. and Canada.

James Lloyd is Vice President of Sales at US Properties and brings more than 25 years of experience in hospitality and sales leadership. He specializes in investor relations, marketing strategy, and helping clients understand turnkey real estate opportunities. Together, they provide full-service investing solutions including acquisition, renovation, financing guidance, and management for long-term and short-term rental portfolios.

Resources & Websites Mentioned
• https://usproperties.ca

00:00 REIGN Podcast Intro
00:53 REIA Shortcut Tips
03:44 Meet Today’s Guests
05:22 James Origin Story
07:18 Voytek Background
09:38 Discovering Detroit
13:09 Why Detroit Now
15:26 US Properties Turnkey Model
17:11 Neighborhood Strategy
20:50 Deal Walkthrough Financing
23:53 BRRRR and Rate Outlook
24:17 Equity Capture Turnkeys
26:36 Section 8 Demand Detroit
29:06 Section 8 Myths Risks
31:30 Diversify With Airbnbs
34:14 Why Invest Detroit
36:28 How To Get Started
38:51 Badass Book Advice
42:02 Drive Goals Systems
48:00 Defining Success Wrap
 

🔗 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.