164: Investing in Inspired Lifestyles for Adventurous Souls with Mike Cobb

Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

Many dream of purchasing international properties, whether for their own use or rentals. Knowing the right questions to ask and understanding how to navigate the buying process in an international location is critical.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Mike Cobb, CEO of ECI Development, one of Latin America’s most exciting, diversified resort development companies providing inspired lifestyles for adventurous souls. Mike’s career in international real estate began 30 years ago when he took a trip to Belize. Mike is also the author of “How to Buy Your Home Overseas: And Get It Right the First Time!”

As Jonathan and Mike begin their conversation, Mike explains how he initially started buying properties in Belize, ultimately creating a mortgage company and a bank. Mike outlines how he and his business partner began developing properties in Belize and beyond, how relationships with local bankers and developers contributed to the business's success, and two reasons he likes the tough regulatory market in Belize. You’ll hear why you must clearly define who your customers are to provide the product they want, the buyer shift and the factors behind that, and how medical tourism influences developments in countries like Belize. Finally, Jonathan and Mike explore the positive impact real estate development can have on a local community, Mike’s advice for buying in another country, and what his book offers those who want to purchase international property.

If you’ve ever toyed with buying a home in another country, you won’t want to miss Mike Cobb’s expert advice backed by years of experience in Latin America.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Mike Cobb discovered real estate investing opportunities in Belize and created a deal
• The genesis of Mike and his business partner’s mortgage company in the 1990s, which later became a bank catering to foreign property buyers
• His development projects in Belize and beyond
• The importance of relationships Mike created with local bankers and developers
• Two reasons he likes a tough regulatory environment
• Clearly defining who your customers are to provide the product they want
• The shift in buyers over the years and the factors that impact who they are
• Medical tourism and its influence on developing real estate in countries like Belize
• The positive impact real estate development can have on the local community
• Mike’s advice for buying property in another country
• How his book can help answer questions about international property purchases

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, we've created a PDF that has all of the key information for you from the episode. Just go to the episode page at https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/164/ to download it.

Supporting Resources:

ECI Development’s website - ecidevelopment.com

Find Mike Cobb on Facebook - www.facebook.com/MichaelKCobb

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkcobb

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - https://www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [e-mail]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.