Buying cheap isn’t the same as buying smart.

In this episode of Return On Design, Rachel Neiderhofer and her husband Justin break down the very first step in their wealth-building framework: how to buy properties strategically so every purchase has the potential to generate a true return on design.

Rachel and Justin walk you through their process of evaluating deals—from understanding current value, potential value, and the “meat in the middle” (the design and rehab strategy)—to making sure you never overpay or overdesign in ways the market won’t reward.

You’ll learn:

• Why buying smart is about potential, not perfection.
• How to evaluate your market on both a macro and micro level, from school districts to neighborhood comps.
• The math behind analyzing deals—what spread you need, how to calculate after-rehab value (ARV), and where to leave room for profit and equity.
• Why keeping emotion out of buying and design decisions protects your bottom line (and your sanity).
• How overdesigning or ignoring market demands can cost you thousands.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply someone who wants to understand how to make smarter real estate moves, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to see properties not just as homes—but as assets that perform.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow the show, share it with a friend who’s looking at real estate, and join Rachel and Justin on YouTube for the full video version.