Real Estate Investor | Broker | Developer | Educator
James Dainard is a leading real estate investor, broker, educator, and the host of A&E Network’s Million Dollar Zombie Flips. Based in Washington State, he has built a career spanning more than two decades and leads a group of companies specializing in brokerage, lending, development, and education. With thousands of successful projects to his name, James has established himself as one of the most respected voices in real estate investing and development across the Pacific Northwest.
A licensed broker and seasoned investor, James began his real estate career at just 23, while completing his business degree at the University of Washington. What started as a passion for property acquisition and renovation quickly evolved into a full-scale investment operation. Since then, he has spent his career transforming more than 2,000 neglected properties into profitable investments.
Today, James is Managing Partner of a network of real estate companies that span every stage of the investment process, including acquisition, development, lending, and education. He has built a portfolio of companies that include Heaton Dainard RE, a full-service real estate brokerage; Intrust Funding, a private hard money lending firm; Limelite Development, a construction and development company specializing in fix-and-flip projects, townhome builds, and new construction; Converse Capital, a real estate syndication and investment platform focused on multifamily properties in the Pacific Northwest; and Project RE, an educational hub for aspiring real estate investors. He also operates James Buys Zombie Houses, an off-market acquisition firm known for tackling the kinds of distressed properties that most investors overlook.
Over the course of his twenty-year career, James has completed more than 4,000 real estate transactions exceeding $1 billion in sales and has led over 2,000 renovations spanning everything from cosmetic rehabs to major developments and multifamily projects. His personal portfolio includes nearly 1,000 rental units across the Pacific Northwest, reflecting both his long-term strategy and deep understanding of market dynamics. His companies have been repeatedly recognized by the Inc. 500, Puget Sound Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies and 40 Under 40, and Washington’s Fastest Growing Private Companies lists, highlighting his leadership in the field and commitment to growth.
Beyond his work as an investor and developer, James has become a trusted voice in real estate education and media. He is the co-host of BiggerPockets’ acclaimed podcast On the Market, where he breaks down current trends, strategies, and industry insights for a nationwide audience. He is the author of The House Flipping Framework, a comprehensive guide to his proven methods for evaluating, renovating, and scaling profitable real estate projects.
James also hosts A&E’s Million Dollar Zombie Flips, bringing viewers inside the world of high-stakes home renovation and investment. The show follows Dainard and his team as they hunt for fix-and-flip zombie houses in the Seattle area. In each episode, James brings the cash and teams up with a new flipper who finds a dilapidated house and together, they attempt to turn it into a stunning million-dollar home. Following James’ plan, the flipping partner is in charge of the renovation process, and if all goes smoothly, they split the profit 50/50. However, if the other flipper can’t meet the team’s standards, James will take over and keep the full profit for himself.
Born and raised in Sammamish, Washington, James now splits his time between Bellevue, Washington, and Scottsdale, Arizona. Outside of work, he’s a devoted husband and father of two, an avid boater, fitness enthusiast, and loyal Seattle Seahawks fan.
