250: Navigating Real Estate Development With Confidence with Katie Kim

In this 250th episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Katie Kim, a third-generation developer and founder of the Development Academy. Katie’s approach to real estate is built on lived experience, starting with childhood council meetings and evolving into full-scale developments that blend economic strategy, relationship-building, and community impact.

Throughout the episode, Katie shares how consistent preparation, strong partnerships, and structured capital stacks have helped her navigate the often unpredictable world of development. She stresses the importance of building with confidence, a quality that comes from repetition, not just reading.

Jonathan and Katie also explore the realities of zoning, red tape, and tough public conversations. Katie explains why showing up with a clear plan earns respect and how her Development Academy is helping new developers gain the experience and mentorship they need to launch successful projects.

If you’re looking for a real-world take on how to break into development or scale your current strategy, this episode delivers straight talk on what works and what to avoid.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Katie’s experience growing up in a multigenerational real estate family and learning negotiation early

• Developing confidence through consistent reps and experience

• Partnering with clarity and accountability

• Creating impactful community development through economic incentives and urban infill projects

• Structuring deals with capital stacks that make sense

• Preparing thoroughly before every meeting or pitch

• Blending personal history and professional growth into one career

• Helping new developers launch through mentorship and hands-on learning

• Advocating for inclusivity in real estate and focusing on getting the job done regardless of background

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Supporting Resources:

Katie Kim’s website - www.katiekim.com

Find Katie on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thekatiekim

Katie’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/thekatiekim

Follow Katie on Instagram - www.instagram.com/thekatiekim

Connect with Katie Kim on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/katiekim

Katie’s X account - x.com/thekatiekim

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [e-mail]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.