Tom McLean
Sr. Editor
Tom McLean is a veteran writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years’ experience as a professional journalist. A graduate of the University of Arizona, McLean worked as a news writer, copyeditor, and page designer for daily newspapers in Arizona, Idaho, and California before entering entertainment journalism as a features editor at Variety, where he covered such diverse topics as animation, visual effects, the Oscars, and the comic book business. His freelance articles have appeared in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Animation Magazine, Animation World Network, Newsarama.com and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Mutant Cinema: The X-Men Trilogy from Page to Screen, published in 2008, and served three years as editor in chief of Animation Magazine. Tom joined Rocket Los Angeles in 2021 to bring his experience to topics ranging from auto insurance to mortgages, real estate, loans, and personal finance. A native of Canada, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two daughters.
Recent Articles
7-minute read
What is a REIT? A guide to real estate investment trusts
A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns or finances real estate for an investor. Learn more about what a REIT is and how it works.
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5-minute read
APR vs. interest rate: What's the difference?
Interest rate and annual percentage rate are terms you’ll often see when comparing mortgages and other loans. Learn the difference between APR and inte...
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10-minute read
A guide to bank statements for your mortgage
Are you self-employed or a freelancer who wants to buy a home? If you have income but it isn’t reflected on a W2, a bank statement loan could be right ...
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6-minute read
Rent-to-own apartments and condos: An entry to homeownership
Rent-to-own programs can help in reaching homeownership goals over time. Discover rent-to-own apartments, condo programs, and their benefits and drawbacks.
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8-minute read
How to start investing in real estate
Real estate investing can potentially create passive income and profit for investors. Learn more about how to make real estate investments.
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8-minute read
Understanding bird dogs in real estate: What they are and how to become one
A bird dog identifies underpriced properties and sells these leads to experienced investors. Learn the role bird dogs play in the larger real estate ecosystem.
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7-minute read
Cash-out refinance vs. home equity loans
Cash-out refinance or home equity loan? Both can help you achieve your financial goals. Learn how they differ and see which loan option is right for you.
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3-minute read
What is the NMLS, and how can I get my license?
The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, or NMLS, is a database of licensed mortgage loan originators. Learn more about the NMLS and how to get a license.
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10-minute read
What is buy and hold real estate investing?
Buying and holding real estate is a long-term investment strategy that involves buying a property and renting it out. Check out our guide to learn more.
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