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Weiss AdviceAuthor: Yonah Weiss
Learning from the Best in Real Estate Business and Beyond. I love talking to successful people, and asking them for advice and tips on business and life. I'm very blessed to have an amazing network. They say your Network is your Net Worth, and it's true. If you want to learn more from these successful people, listen in. Learn more at www.yonahweiss.com Language: en-us Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Investing Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How ADUs Are Reshaping Affordable Housing in California with Jonathan Mitchell
Sunday, 13 July, 2025
Send us a textHow can rethinking local zoning laws turn small residential lots into high-yield, multi-unit housing solutions?In this episode, Jonathan Mitchell, founder of ADU Pals, a real estate developer specializing in scalable, affordable housing solutions in San Diego, shares his journey from growing up in Section 8 housing to launching a solar company and ultimately becoming a real estate developer focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He breaks down how ADUs in San Diego have evolved from simple backyard structures to fully stacked multi-unit developments, and why that matters in a city with soaring housing costs. They discuss how city policy, construction know-how, and personal mission converge in Jonathan’s work, and what it takes to build profitably and responsibly in California.[00:01 - 06:24] Origins and IntentionsHow growing up on welfare in San Diego shaped his views on housingWhy personal definition of success centers on using time wiselyThe significance of being a positive influence on future generations[06:25 - 12:43] From Solar to StructuresHow bootstrapping a solar company led to licenses in contractingWhy learning on the job taught him about scaling and financeThe importance of understanding margins over revenue[12:44 - 18:19] Redefining the ADU ModelWhy San Diego allows stacked ADUs that resemble multifamily buildingsHow zoning bonuses are tied to affordability through AMIThe need to balance profit with policy in high-demand regions[18:20 - 24:00] Strategy, Risk, and ProcessHow they rehab properties, develop in-house, and lease while buildingThe importance of understanding entitlements, density, and financingWhat the “triple play” model means for equity, cash flow, and debt[24:01 - 31:54] Challenges, Culture, and PerspectiveThe significance of understanding local policy shiftsHow bad actors in the space affected legislationWhy consulting with experienced developers mitigates riskConnect with Jonathan:Website: www.adupals.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I don’t want to waste time, man. I want to utilize the time that God has given me to be a light, to be productive.” - Jonathan Mitchell“You can build a 10-unit property under oSupport the show
