What happens when small-town work ethic meets big-city finance? In this insightful episode, Neil Timmins chats with Derek Vander Veen—a commercial finance professional by day and a passionate real estate investor by night. From milking cows on an Iowa dairy farm to structuring deals and scaling a rental portfolio, Derek shares how curiosity, discipline, and long-term strategy helped him turn a side hustle into a serious investment journey. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to scale smart, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Derek’s “one or two properties per year” strategy proves that real estate wealth can be built methodically and sustainably.

• Managing his own properties helped Derek sharpen his investor instincts and control cash flow—especially in the early years.

• Using low-down-payment financing options like FHA helped Derek jumpstart his portfolio without waiting years to save.

• Derek uses tools like Zillow, Rentometer, and investor feedback to dial in accurate, competitive rents in his markets.

• Derek’s evening commitment to reading, researching, and networking shows that a full-time job doesn’t have to slow down your investment dreams.

About Derek Vander Veen:

Derek Vander Veen is a commercial real estate finance professional and part-time single-family investor with properties in Kansas City and Des Moines. Originally from northwest Iowa, Derek’s roots in agriculture taught him grit and hard work, which now fuel his passion for building a rental portfolio alongside a thriving finance career. With a strategy rooted in consistency, Derek has built his portfolio one deal at a time—with long-term vision and a strong foundation in personal growth and financial literacy.

Contact Info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-vander-veen-28901b29/