In this episode, Suzanne and I sit down with Richard Ross, CEO of Quinn Residences, a leader in the Build-to-Rent (BTR) space. Richard shares his journey from accountant to real estate executive, his lessons on picking the right property types and niches, and his approach to long-term scaling without chasing fads.
We dive into Quinn’s incredible growth to over 5,200 homes across 34 communities, how they’ve crafted a resident-first experience, and why patience, focus, and relationships are everything in today’s real estate market.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your portfolio, this conversation is packed with strategy, wisdom, and real-world advice.
Key Talking Points of the Episode
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Who is Richard Ross?
01:44 The mission of Quinn Residences
02:24 Providing a completely maintenance-free lifestyle
03:10 How Quinn Residences scaled to 5,200+ homes and 34 communities
04:06 The research behind market selection: jobs, retail, schools
05:38 What residents care about the most
06:24 Smart tech packages: cameras, leak detection, security features
08:25 How getting fired was a turning point in Richard’s life
09:22 Why you should never burn bridges in business
10:02 Why niche focus matters if you want to succeed
11:11 Long-term trends that drive lasting success in real estate
14:07 How Quinn Residences plans to scale from 5,200 to 10,000 homes
15:33 The value of patience to your success
16:35 Why sticking to one property type accelerates growth
17:53 Exploring other niches: ADUs, vacation rentals, senior living
19:14 Hometown Heroes program: offering rent discounts to first responders
20:09 The importance of resident feedback, reviews, and surveys
21:06 Amenities that matter: pet-friendly features and tech access
22:09 The power of networking in trade shows and industry events
Quotables
“We don’t follow fads. We follow long-term trends and fundamentals.”
“Relationships are everything. You never know where your next opportunity will come from.”
“In real estate and life, patience is the secret weapon most people never use.”
Links
Quinn Residences
RCN Capital
https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast
https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital/
REI INK
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