#233 - How a $240 Taxi Ride Led To His First 100 Acre Iowa Farm with Leo Lospoto

#233 - How a $240 Taxi Ride Led To His First 100 Acre Iowa Farm with Leo Lospoto

Author: Jake Hofer August 17, 2026 Duration: 1:01:57
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry experts and professionals. On today's episode, we are back in the studio with Leo Spoto. We discuss: How Leo went from a Bronx apartment to owning 245 acres of Iowa timber and creek bottom. Why buying 100 acres near Albia at $1,850 an acre felt like overpaying back in 2013. The expired driver's license that stranded Leo at the Des Moines airport before his first showing. Why Chase Bank wouldn't touch a land loan and a local Iowa banker wrote it anyway. How Leo closed on his first farm with $30,000 down when the bank wanted closer to $40,000. The 1031 exchange that rolled two small farms into one 214-acre piece he bought sight unseen. How walnut timber checks and an Iowa operating account carried a $2,600 monthly payment. Why Leo would now rather buy a landlocked 30 with an easement than a farm with road frontage. The roughly 250% return Leo has seen on Iowa ground since his first purchase in 2013. Why point creep and four kids finally pushed Leo to list the entire farm this year. And so much more! Thanks again for all of the support from our partners—none of this would've been possible without them! Buck Land Funding: https://www.firstbankers.com/bucklandfunding Hawke Optics | Use Code WHTL for 15% off: https://bit.ly/hawkeoptics_ OnX: https://bit.ly/onX_Hunt Painted Arrow: bit.ly/PaintedArrow Latitude Outdoors: https://www.latitudeoutdoors.com/ Whitetail Master Academy https://www.whitetailmasteracademy.com Use code 'HOFER' to save 10% off at www.theprairiefarm.com Massive potential tax savings: ASMLABS.Net

Jake Hofer, an Illinois licensed real estate broker, guides The Land Podcast-The Pursuit of Land Ownership and Investing. It’s a conversation built for anyone who feels a pull toward the ground beneath their feet, whether that’s for financial opportunity, personal recreation, or a deeper connection to the outdoors. This isn't just abstract theory; it's a practical guide drawn from Jake's own ongoing journey and the collective wisdom of the people he brings to the microphone. You'll hear from land professionals, investors, and specialists who break down the realities of acquiring property, from navigating financing and evaluating soil to understanding timber value and water rights. The discussions often bridge the gap between balance sheets and boot prints, touching on how land serves as both a tangible asset and a place for hunting, farming, or family legacy. With a focus on current trends and opportunities, particularly across the Midwest, each episode aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Tune in for a straightforward, expert-driven look at turning the dream of land ownership into a well-planned reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Land Podcast - The Pursuit of Land Ownership and Investing
Podcast Episodes
#227 - He Bought Land With NO Legal Access... Here's How He Fixed It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:58
Welcome to the land podcast, a platform for people looking to educate themselves in the world of land ownership, land investing, staying up to date with current land trends in the Midwest, and hearing from industry exper…