AREI 35: Revitalizing a City in Opportunity Zones with Kyle Southard
Kyle was born and raised in Vogelbach, Germany. He is fluent in German, proficient in Dutch, and graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 2011, where he served as the President of the Jewish Congregation for three years. After a few tours as an Air Force Officer, Kyle returned to his alma mater as an Executive Officer and taught German to Academy cadets. While living in Colorado, he fell in love with real estate and realized his passion for sharing the joy of homeownership and real estate investing. Kyle’s long-term goal is to collaborate with local entrepreneurs to highlight Shreveport's rich history, low cost of living, vibrant daily life, and geographic advantages that make it the best city in America for younger generations to live and work. He is currently working on some developments in Shreveport, turning old buildings into vibrant living and working spaces that highlight the historical aspect of each building.
In this episode, Kyle talks about investing in opportunity zones. He breaks down opportunity zone investing and historic tax credit and talks about why understanding the community you invest in is crucial to getting closer to your real estate goals. Listen in!
[00:01 - 09:16] Opening Segment
Welcoming Kyle to the show
How he got into real estate investing
Making an impact on his community through real estate
[09:17 - 20:30] Investing in Opportunity Zones
What Kyle loves about investing in Shreveport, Lousiana
Real estate investing is community development
Why understanding the community you invest in is crucial
What are opportunity zones?
Opportunity zone investing and historic tax credit
[20:31 - 31:55] The Positive Impact of Vetting Ideas
What Kyle is working on right now in Shreveport
The importance of knowing your finances in property investments
How vetting ideas benefits everyone in the long run
Investing in downtown areas
[31:56 - 42:37] Closing Segment
Asking Kyle the Adventurous Four
How you can connect with Kyle
Memorable Quotes:
“That's another thing I love about real estate investing versus any other investment, you can really make an impact on not only the house you live in but the community you live in.” - Kyle Southard
“It was reaffirmed for me that real estate investing, real estate developing is really community investing and community developing. If you don't understand the community, you're putting yourself disproportionately at risk.” - Kyle Southard
“We learn by doing, so if you're not where you want to be, why not keep doing stuff to figure out how you can get where you want to be?” - Kyle Southard
