Before you invest with a multifamily operator, it’s important to understand their track record. To know that they’ve got experience overcoming obstacles and making a deal work.

Prior to joining our team at Nighthawk Equity, podcast cohost Garrett Lynch owned and operated a class D real estate portfolio on the south side of Chicago. And learned how to solve problems on a life-or-death level in the process.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Garrett is flying solo, discussing how he acquired 300 properties in six months and describing some of the challenges he faced managing assets in crime-ridden neighborhoods.

Garrett shares his experience owning and operating a 381-unit, class D apartment building in Memphis, walking us through the steps he took to end gang violence onsite and increase occupancy to 90%.

Listen in for Garrett’s insight around the pros and cons of investing in class D properties and find out what he learned about problem-solving in a high-stakes situation that he brings to the team at Nighthawk!

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session318/

A 2017 Forbes headline reads, ‘Median Wealth of Black and Latino Families Could Hit Zero by the Middle of the Century.’

That hit home for Puerto Rican-born Duamel Vellon. And he’s made it his mission to raise awareness in his community, making multifamily investors out of his friends and peers.

Duamel Vellon is Cofounder of Ten15 Capital, a multifamily investment firm with assets in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. A former engineer in the theme park industry, Duamel quit his job in December of 2021 to be a full-time investor, and he currently manages a 203-unit portfolio.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Duamel joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share the ‘chess versus checkers’ mindset that helped him transition from flipping to multifamily.

Duamel describes his grassroots approach to raising capital, discussing how he grows his network and educates potential investors before he has a live deal.

Listen in for insight on Duamel’s mission to serve the Black and Latino communities and learn his uncommon strategy for ensuring regular deal flow.

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session317/

If you finance a multifamily syndication through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you’re securing non-recourse debt with a fixed interest rate. But if you want to exit anytime sooner than the loan expiration date, you're going to pay a BIG penalty on the back end.

So, how might we leverage credit unions to avoid these big-ticket prepayment penalties? Are there other benefits to financing real estate deals through a credit union? What’s the downside?

Mark Ritter is CEO of Member Business Financial Services or MBFS, a business lending credit service organization owned by credit unions for credit unions and their members. An expert in credit unions and business lending, Mark is dedicated to helping commercial real estate investors secure the financing they need.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Mark joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explore the pros and cons of financing multifamily through a credit union versus traditional loans.

Mark describes the credit union philosophy of people helping people, discussing how real estate investors benefit from having a personal relationship with our lender.

Listen in for Mark’s advice on how to approach a credit union for a loan and learn about the flexible terms and low cost of capital available if you finance your next deal through an organization like MBFS!

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session316/

A career as a professional athlete is exciting, and if you’re among the best, you can make a lot of money in a short amount of time. But what do you do when your career is over?

Dan Brisse was a professional snowboarder for over a decade, participating in the X Games four times and winning gold twice. But he noticed that older pros were suffering as their careers wound down, struggling financially and in their personal lives.

And that inspired Dan to make his money work for him with multifamily real estate.

Today, Dan is the cofounder of Granite Towers Equity Group, cohost of the Keeping It Real Estate Podcast and coauthor of 4 Steps to Successful Passive Investing. He and his partner, Mike, are GPs in 1,414 units worth $74M across five states, and he owns another 589 units as a passive investor.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Dan joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss his transition from snowboarding to real estate and describe the steps he took to become a multifamily investor.

Dan explains how his investing strategy has evolved over time, encouraging us to seek out a high-level mentor early on and avoid shiny object syndrome.

Listen in for insight around the values alignment that makes Dan and Mike’s partnership work and learn how to make the leap from YOUR current career to full-time real estate investing.

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session315/

Why do you do what you do? Articulating the WHY behind your work gives it meaning. And makes for a richer, more fulfilling life. 

But how do you uncover your purpose and then apply it each day? 

Lee Prosenjak is a serial entrepreneur and executive coach at LynchPyn. He's worked with thousands of entrepreneurs in 30-plus countries, cultivating cohesive work groups and facilitating conversations that truly matter. 

An artist at heart, Lee is also the Cofounder of Cherry Creek Dance, former Igniter at Simon Sinek Consulting and current real estate investor on a mission to help others discover their own inspiration, love and greatness.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Lee joins host Garrett Lynch to discuss his WHY and describe how clarity of purpose leads to better decision-making.

Lee explores the relationship between purpose and identity, sharing the experience that inspired him to play BIGGER and expand his influence beyond Cherry Creek Dance.

Listen in for Lee’s insight around being open to new opportunities and find out how he is living his purpose as the owner of a boutique hotel in the Bahamas!

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session314/

Imagine earning cash-on-cash returns as high as 50%! 

Inspired by sophisticated real estate investors in her network, Steffany Boldrini moved her money out of tech startups and into commercial properties three years ago.

And while she’s faced a lot of challenges along the way, Steffany reached financial freedom in less than two years.

So, what is Steffany’s approach to investing in real estate? And what does she do to earn such big-time returns?

Steffany moved from Brazil to Silicon Valley 20 years ago and enjoyed a successful career in tech sales before shifting her focus to commercial real estate. As Principal at Monte Carlo Real Estate Investments, she has built a portfolio across three asset classes, achieving 36% cash-on-cash returns. 

Steffany is also the host of Commercial Real Estate Investing from A-Z, a podcast about investing in retail, office, industrial and self-storage properties.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Steffany joins host Garrett Lynch to discuss her transition from angel investing to real estate, describing why she likes the risk profile of commercial properties over tech startups. 

Steffany shares her approach to building a commercial real estate portfolio, explaining the pros and cons of investing in car washes, self-storage and short-term rentals. 

Listen in to understand how Steffany leverages technology in her real estate business and get ideas for adding value to force appreciation—in any commercial asset class.

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session313/

When you work a traditional job, your ability to feed your family can be taken away from you at any moment. And your worth is determined by your employer. 

But what if YOU can determine your own worth? What if you can earn enough passive income from real estate to walk away from your J-O-B and be your own boss? 

Dustin Heiner is the creator of Master Passive Income, a platform and podcast where he shares insights on investing in real estate rental properties. 

Getting laid off from his 9-to-5 inspired Dustin to pursue investing, and by 2016, Dustin had built a portfolio of 30 properties and quit his job in IT, becoming what he calls 'successfully unemployed.' 

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Dustin joins Garrett Lynch and me to discuss what he loves about passive income and share some of the mistakes he made with his first few investments. 

Dustin explains why it's important to build your business first, challenging you to look for markets with good inventory and put a team in place BEFORE you buy properties. 

Listen in for Dustin's insight on leveraging real estate to leave a legacy and find out how a mentor can support YOU in becoming successfully unemployed—like Dustin!

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session312/

Are you confused by cryptocurrency, the blockchain or NFTs? 

As real estate investors, we’re all about wealth creation and owning physical assets as a hedge against inflation. But what about digital assets?

Is it worth investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? What is blockchain technology all about? And how can it change the world for the better?

Matthew Diemer is a small business entrepreneur and host of the Decrypt Daily Podcast. Prior to Decrypt Daily, he founded Crypto 101 and held the titles of COO and GM in the global hospitality industry. Matthew is also a Democrat running for Congress in Northeast Ohio dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, promoting tech innovation and reviving manufacturing in the US.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Matthew joins host Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the benefits of blockchain technology, describing what makes crypto a good investment vehicle and why Bitcoin is a strong hedge against inflation.

Matthew explains how crypto allows us to control our own wealth and what we can do to keep our digital currency outside government control.

Listen in for Matthew’s insight into buying digital real estate and learn how the blockchain can be used to create wealth by tokenizing properties.

For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session311/

Most entrepreneurs believe that we are the secret sauce in our business. We think that no one else can bake the cupcakes or design the websites or analyze the real estate deals quite the way we do.  But if you’re busy building the product, who’s building the business?  This is what Curtis Morley calls the entrepreneur’s paradox: In order to scale, you've got to shift your passion from working IN the business to working ON the business.

Curtis is the five-time entrepreneur, mentor and thought leader behind The Entrepreneur’s Paradox, a platform dedicated to helping startup companies achieve next-level growth. Curtis has been named Entrepreneur of the Year and made the Inc. 5000 list six times. He is also the bestselling author of The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Curtis joins host Garrett Lynch to explain the entrepreneur’s paradox, challenging us to shift from the role of product manager to business leader and achieve the next level of growth.

Curtis shares his concept of counterfeit emotions, describing how to turn fear into power with a simple shift from WHAT IF to WHAT IS thinking.

Listen in for Curtis’ four-step success formula for entrepreneurs and learn how to make the mindset shift you need to scale YOUR real estate syndication business.

Key Takeaways 

How Curtis defines the entrepreneur’s paradox

• What got you into business prevents you from succeeding
• ‘If you’re building the product, who’s building the business?’

The first steps to becoming a business leader

• Make decision to replace yourself as product manager
• Identify and document your processes, teach to others

Curtis’ 3 summits you can climb as an entrepreneur

1. Lifestyle business
2. Buy or be bought
3. IPO

Curtis’ 4-step success formula for entrepreneurs

1. How much
2. By when
3. For what
4. And why

Curtis’ advice for deciding what’s next after an exit

• Stay committed to your WHY
• Must have purpose, make contribution

Curtis’ concept of counterfeit emotions

• Every authentic emotion has counterfeit (e.g.: faith vs. fear)
• Authentic emotions connect, while counterfeit disconnect

How to transform your FEAR into POWER

• Change WHAT IF into WHAT IS
• Brings you back to present and creates energy

How Curtis uncovered the idea of counterfeit emotions

• Pain = gift to help us grow, suffering steeped in blame/shame
• Surrender to pain and turn it into something positive

Connect with Curtis Morley

The Entrepreneur’s Paradox

Resources

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey (Keys to Success for a Startup Company) by Curtis Morley 

Summit on the Summit 

Simon Sinek

Richard Bass

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

In aerospace engineering, ‘escape velocity’ is the amount of power a rocket needs to break free of the Earth’s gravitational field. And if you ask Jonathan and Paula Nichols, launching a real estate syndication business is no different.

It takes a tremendous amount of effort up front to do your first deal. You have to commit to the outcome and do whatever it takes to persevere through setbacks and disappointment. But once you’ve picked up momentum and closed on your first apartment building, the next deals follow in quick, almost automatic succession.

Jonathan and Paula are the cofounders of Apogee Capital, a multifamily firm dedicated to helping investors reach their financial potential. The Nichols closed on three deals in the last year, raising $2.7M as they built a portfolio of 200 units, and Jonathan quit his job as an aerospace engineer six weeks ago to pursue real estate full time.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Jonathan and Paula join cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the sacrifices they made to make time for real estate while they both worked full-time corporate jobs.

Jonathan and Paula walk us through the steps they took to get started in multifamily syndication, describing how they got on the same page as a couple and started networking with potential partners.

Listen in for insight on reframing a lost deal as a learning opportunity and learn how to stay the course in tough times and keep taking action—until YOUR investing business takes off!

Key Takeaways 

How Jonathan and Paula got into real estate

• Rich Dad... inspired to lease first home, buy fourplex
• Realized multifamily was only way to scale

How real estate evolved into a business for the Nichols

• Started as way to diversify investments
• Saw unlimited possibilities once they gained traction

How Jonathan and Paula got on the same page

• Both wanted to build legacy
• Saw real estate as potential family business

The steps Jonathan and Paula took to get started investing

1. Dreaming about financial freedom
2. Getting educated (mentorship program)
3. Networking to shift mindset
4. Taking consistent action to build confidence

How Jonathan and Paula made time for real estate

• Say no to fun activities on nights and weekends
• Make sacrifices to reach ‘escape velocity’

Jonathan and Paula’s first multifamily deal

• Co-GPs on 100-unit deal in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Brought in as boots on ground in market

How Jonathan and Paula met their partners

• Develop relationship through networking events
• Brought them deal that didn’t work out

Jonathan and Paula’s big setback 5 months ago

• Actual financial records didn’t match originals
• Discouraging but consider it learning opportunity

How Jonathan and Paula raised $700K for their first deal

• Saw value in being flexible enough to learn new skills
• Leveraged relationships from W-2 jobs, real estate

What’s ahead for Jonathan and Paula in the next 2 years

• Actively looking for new deals, talking to investors
• Executing on business plan of existing deals

Jonathan and Paula’s plan to scale

• Network with potential partners
• Outsource and automate parts of business
• Increase capacity to do larger deals

Jonathan and Paula’s advice for aspiring investors

• Take consistent action on daily basis
• Don’t get discouraged in tough times
• Dream BIG and don’t limit yourself

Connect with Jonathan & Paula Nichols

Apogee Capital 

Jonathan on LinkedIn

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Buy Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer 

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

National Real Estate Investors Association

Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Suzy Sevier & Michael Barnhart on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP260

Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

Multifamily real estate is a big game. And if you want to scale quickly, you can’t do it alone.

That’s how Patrick Grimes went from 0 to 1,200-plus units in under two years. 

He partnered with a senior operator to go further faster, leveraging his partner’s expertise to build a $250M portfolio in a very short time.

But how did he get an experienced investor to invite him into a deal? 

Patrick is the Founder and CEO of Invest on Main Street and contributor to the #1 Amazon bestseller Persistence, Pivots and Game Changers: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities. Patrick also runs Protomation Systems, a consulting business that contracts with machine design firms to conceptualize, design and build custom manufacturing automation and robotic systems. 

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Patrick joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he brought value to an experienced operator to get into his first multifamily deal.

Patrick shares his experience with the Law of the First Deal, describing how his role on the team shifted as his portfolio grew.

Listen in for Patrick’s insight on mitigating the risks of multifamily investing and find out why partnering up is the best way to scale your business and get on the fast track to financial freedom!

Key Takeaways 

How Patrick got into real estate investing

• First employer suggested keeping money in real estate
• Looking for investment vehicle other than stock market

How Patrick’s investing strategy changed after 2008

• Focus shifted to legacy and improving quality of life
• Scale with multifamily, partner to accelerate growth

How Patrick got his wife involved in real estate investing

• Invited to do Michael’s Ultimate Guide... course
• Now she creates passive investor educational content

The steps Patrick took to get his first multifamily deal

• Underwrite and bring live deals to senior operator
• Network and build relationships with brokers

How Patrick justifies the risk associated with multifamily

• Right team in place and experienced partners
• Low-leveraged debt in less volatile markets

Patrick’s pivot away from deal finder into other roles

• Drawn into existing deal by senior operator
• Add value through due diligence, operations, etc.

Patrick’s experience with the Law of the First Deal

• Started raising capital through engineering network
• 2nd and 3rd deals in quick succession (KP on $200M)

Why Patrick chose the 506(c) option

• Used to accredited investors, $100K minimums
• Allows him to market deals online

The biggest challenge Patrick is facing as he scales

• Get name out there as real estate investor
• Demo thought leadership on podcasts and in writing

Patrick’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors

• Partner up to accelerate your growth
• Find where your skills fit and bring value

Connect with Patrick Grimes

Invest on Main Street 

Patrick on Forbes

Schedule a Call with Patrick

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Buy Michael’s Ultimate Guide to Apartment Building Investing

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

Persistence, Pivots and Game Changers: Turning Challenges into Opportunities by Patrick Grimes et al.

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

Real estate has always had tax advantages, but in recent years, the deal got even sweeter for multifamily investors. 

So, how do we write off depreciation? What is a cost segregation study and how can it save us even more? 

Heidi Henderson serves as Executive Vice President at Engineered Tax Services, the nation’s leading tax credit and incentives firm. As an experienced tax consultant and real estate investor herself, Heidi specializes in the application of tax efficiencies to multifamily investments.

On this episode of the podcast, Heidi joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share the unique tax advantages of real estate and explain why the US government incentivizes multifamily investors.

Heidi describes how to take advantage of BONUS depreciation (provided for by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) by conducting a detailed cost segregation analysis.

Listen in for Heidi’s insight on determining the ROI of a cost seg study and find out how YOU can save tens of thousands of dollars with the magic of accelerated depreciation!

Key Takeaways 

The unique tax advantages of real estate

• Depreciate value of real estate over 27½ years
• Bonus depreciation through ‘cost seg’ analysis

Why the government incentivizes real estate investors

• Consumerism drives economy
• Encourages improvements to infrastructure

What depreciation is and how it works

• Deducting cost of asset over its ‘useful life’
• Reduces taxable income for investor

 Why you should claim bonus depreciation right away

• Must be done year property is purchased
• Inventory breakdown helps plan renovations

How to take advantage of accelerated depreciation

• Conduct cost segregation study
• Itemize deductions (e.g.: carpet, windows, etc.)

What to look for in a company that does cost seg

• Can vary from 2 to 150 pages
• Ask for copy of redacted study to compare

How to determine your ROI on a cost seg analysis

• Based on taxable income, percentage of tax paid
• Subtract cost of analysis

The limitations on taxable income for passive investors

• Depreciation offsets real estate income only
• Does not offset income from W-2 job

Why we should cash in on bonus depreciation now

• TCJA passed 100% bonus depreciation
• Drops to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024

Connect with Heidi Henderson

Engineered Tax Services 

Heidi on LinkedIn 

Email hhenderson@engineeredtaxservices.com 

Call (801) 564-4464

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Download Michael’s Free Report—What's the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? 

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Heidi Henderson on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP022

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

When you’re doing your first multifamily deal, scaling the business is the last thing on your mind. But if you don’t think about scale early on and come up with a plan, you’ll be fighting fires as you grow.

So, how do you create a vision for what your syndication business will look like in the future and then proactively put systems in place that allow you to scale up with ease? 

Veena Jetti is the Founding Partner of Vive Funds, a unique multifamily firm that specializes in curating conservative opportunities for real estate investors. Veena has built a portfolio of 3,000-plus units worth $600M, and she shares her expertise as a frequent speaker, panelist and guest on various media outlets.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Veena joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how raising capital at a high level allows her to scale and describe how every decision is made with the investor in mind.

Veena shares her success with investor retention and referrals, discussing why she offers investors the option to put their money in a fund or invest in direct offerings.

Listen in for insight on how Veena uses her time as partner at a big-time investment firm and get her advice on creating workflows that make it easy to scale your multifamily syndication business!

Key Takeaways 

What inspired Veena’s interest in scaling a real estate business

• Mom was successful investor, taught solid work ethic
• Enjoys bigger safety net than immigrant parents

How Veena and her sister/business partner use their time

• Strategy re: acquisitions, capital and legal structure
• Continue to take investor-facing calls

Why Veena’s had success raising capital at a high level

• All decisions made with investor in mind
• High investor retention rate and referrals 

Why Veena offers investors a fund OR direct offering option

• Fund satisfies demand for diversification, set + forget
• Surprised to find that some investors want to do both

How Veena raises $30M in 42 days

• Raise money when don’t have deal on table
• $100K minimum for individual deals

Veena’s experience with institutional investors

• Build relationships with family funds
• Have Plan B in case drop out last minute

What Veena is doing to enhance the way she raises capital

• Rebrand with investor in mind
• Add technology to make process smoother

Veena’s biggest challenges right now

• Letting go of taking investor calls
• Implementing new tech at pace she wants

Veena’s advice to her younger self

• Invest in systems and processes out of gate
• Consider scale from first deal

How Veena thinks about deal flow

• Wants to do more but very competitive right now
• Prefers 1 or 2 great deals over 6 okay deals

How Veena’s definition of success has changed over time

• Used to be based on net worth and income
• Now focused on setting example for kids

Connect with Veena Jetti

Vive Funds 

Vive Funds on Facebook

Vive Funds on Instagram

Veena on Twitter 

Veena on TikTok 

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

The Art of the Deal by Donald J. Trump

Grant Cardone 

Brian Burke 

PowerForms

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

At the age of 18, Alex Mandaro is the youngest mentoring student we’ve ever had at the Michael Blank organization. So, we’re doing a grand experiment and asking Alex to document his journey! 

In a reality-style series broadcast through our social media channels, Alex will share a behind-the-scenes look at the life and times of a new syndicator.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Alex joins me to explain what inspired his interest in multifamily and why he believes he’ll be successful.

He discusses why he used his college money to invest in mentoring, describing how he is getting the most out of our program and learning from the mistakes of others.

Listen in for insight on following Alex’s journey with us to find out if you really can be a successful syndicator without experience or cash of your own!

Key Takeaways 

What inspired Alex’s interest in real estate

• Always wanted to have business, likes people
• Read Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

What makes Alex believe he can be successful

• Less baggage at age 18
• Raised to believe he can do anything he wants

Why Alex chose real estate over college

• Not sure what major he wanted to pursue
• Can still meet new people and live on his own 

How Alex’s friends and family reacted to his decision

• Other friends not going to college
• Parents very supportive

The first steps Alex is taking to pursue multifamily

• Devote time to learning and networking
• Look for partner to ‘get bigger deal done faster’

Why Alex invested in our mentoring program

• Wants someone to push him
• Make fewer mistakes

Alex’s personal WHY statement

• Lead others to freedom
• Positively impact others

How Alex is getting the most out of mentorship

• Plan next steps each week
• Go into conversations with investors prepared

How Alex thinks about getting through bad days

• Purpose keeps pushing forward
• Consistency is what matters

Why Alex agreed to document his journey with us

• Help teach and inspire others
• Holds him accountable

Alex’s concerns with sharing his journey on social 

• Pressure to do deal in certain time frame
• Doesn’t want to let people down

Connect with Alex Mandaro

Follow Alex’s Journey on Instagram 

Follow Alex’s Journey on TikTok 

Follow Alex’s Journey on YouTube

Resources

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Grant Cardone on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP188

The Miracle Equation by Hal Elrod

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Michael on TikTok

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

Using renewable energy to power a multifamily property is not just for environmentalists anymore. 

As the political environment shifts, going green doesn’t just make the world a better place. It’s also highly profitable.

John Matheson is Managing Member and Sustainable Building Consultant at  J. Healy Development, where he has developed an expertise in helping multifamily operators increase profits through renewable energy and ecofriendly building methods. 

He also serves as Cofounder and CEO of Leverage Finance Software, a platform that supports property investors in making smarter and more informed lender financing decisions.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, John joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he adds value to a property with rooftop or on-the-ground solar power. 

He describes the benefits of partnering with a solar developer and discusses the financial incentives associated with installing renewable energy across a multifamily portfolio.

Listen in for insight on planning for panel maintenance and learn how to add a revenue stream to your multifamily business in 6 to 18 months with solar energy!

Key Takeaways 

How John creates inventory as a permitting specialist

• Build relationships in individual municipalities
• Build to rent or flip permits to big developers

How John adds value to a property with solar power

• Lease rooftop or land to solar developer
• Supply power to building, sell residual to grid

How renewable energy credits or RECs work

• Tenants pay less per kilowatt hour for energy
• State pays multifamily operator as incentive 

The benefits of partnering with a solar developer

• Federal tax credit of 26% to 30% for installation
• Take advantage of renewable energy lenders

What factors to consider as you plan to install solar

• Build in cost of panel maintenance
• Must remove panels to renovate roof

The timeline for installing rooftop or ground solar

• Smaller system, faster it goes
• 6 to 18 months to cashflow

How renewable energy attracts tenants

• Mention sustainability in marketing
• Certain kind of tenant will pay more

Connect with John Matheson

Healy Development

Leverage Finance Software

Resources

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Be a Part of Michael’s Deal Maker’s Mastermind

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate?

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

Federal Solar Tax Credit

Build Back Better 

eConserve Multifamily Water Conservation Solutions

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

Can you be successful in real estate investing and successful at a demanding job at the same time? 

Andrew Schutsky serves as the CIO of a $700M medical technology company. He also happens to be the founder of multifamily syndication firm Redline Equity and host of The Crushing Cashflow Podcast. 

Andrew has 14 years of real estate rental experience but didn’t enter the multifamily space until last year. Since then, he has built a portfolio of 1100 units!

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Andrew joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he built a real estate business while working an executive level W-2 job. 

He describes how he networked into his first deal and offers advice on finding a partner who complements your strengths. 

Listen in for insight on the strategy of time budgeting and find out how Andrew is making time for his family, his full-time job and financial freedom.

Key Takeaways 

What inspired Andrew’s interest in real estate

• Want to make best use of money 
• Realized could replace income later

Andrew’s shift to multifamily

• Came across blog of local syndicator
• Networked into first deal

Andrew’s advice on finding a partner

• Share criteria, e.g.: 50- to 125-unit deals
• Align objectives and values

 How Andrew balances real estate with his W-2

• Devote 15 to 20 hours/week 
• Work in 5 to 7AM window

Andrew’s strategy of time budgeting

• Decide how to spend time, audit often
• Break down to align with goals

How Andrew makes time for his family

• Sacred window from 7 to 9PM
• Wife holds accountable if off track

Andrew’s morning routine

• Read 20 pages or listen to podcast
• Meditation or 15-minute workout

How Andrew stays on track to reach his goals

• Join/create accountability groups
• Post goals and track progress

How Andrew thinks about his W-2 job

• Can't control what will happen
• Option to exit in 2 years

What financial freedom means to Andrew

• Cover expenses with passive income
• Spend 40 on family and passions

Andrew’s advice to aspiring investors

• Find fun in chaos
• Be ruthless in how invest time
• Focus on your strengths

Connect with Andrew Schutsky

Redline Equity

Redline Equity on LinkedIn

Redline Equity on Facebook

The Crushing Cashflow Podcast

Crushing Cashflow on LinkedIn

Crushing Cashflow on Facebook 

Andrew on LinkedIn 

Email andrew@investwithredline.com 

Resources

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault 

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Review the Podcast on iTunes [Text CONTEST to 66866]

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 

The 80/20 Rule on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP289 

BiggerPockets

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

It’s a common misconception in multifamily investing that you have to start small. But Chris Roberts looked beyond his first deal to envision a multimillion-dollar real estate business. He accelerated his success by thinking BIG from the beginning, acquiring nearly 1,000 units worth $69M in just three years. So, what’s the secret to scaling fast the way Chris did?

Chris is the Founder and CEO of Sterling Rhino Capital, where he specializes in commercial debt, managing financials and investor relations. A full-time entrepreneur and investor since 2007, Chris started his real estate career by renovating, flipping and renting dozens of single-family properties. But after attending one of our events, Chris shifted his focus to helping people create cashflow by investing in larger apartment buildings of 100 units or more. 

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Chris joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share the process he used to scale quickly and achieve financial freedom. He explains why finding the right partner was key in growing Sterling Rhino and describes his team's make-it-personal approach to finding deals and raising money. Listen in for Chris’ insight on investing in mentorship and find out what it takes to build a BIG real estate investing business—in very little time.

Key Takeaways 

What inspired Chris to invest in multifamily real estate

• Motivated by money at first
• Passive cashflow = freedom

The mindset shift that propelled Chris into action

• Realized one person’s decision could change future
• Would much rather control own destiny

The process Chris used to scale quickly

• Take massive action
• Invest in tools, mentors for support

Chris’ transition from sales and marketing to multifamily

• Already people person, love business planning
• Had to overcome fears and bring on team

How Chris and his business partner divide roles

• Paul excels at numbers, analytics and systems
• Chris focuses on investor relations

Chris’ approach to deal flow and raising money

• Set yourself apart by ‘making it personal’
• Create frictionless process of doing business

What Chris is doing to handle scaling quickly

• Software to manage assets and team
• Grow team

Chris’ advice on how to scale fast in multifamily

• Don’t be afraid to partner
• Join programs for tools, guidance and networking

Connect with Chris Roberts

Sterling Rhino Capital 

Sterling Rhino on YouTube 

Sterling Rhino on Facebook 

Sterling Rhino on LinkedIn 

Charging Forward Podcast

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Bootcamp

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Deal Maker’s Mastermind

Register for the Deal Maker Certification Program

Buy Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer 

Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Review the Podcast on iTunes [Text CONTEST to 66866]

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

ActiveCampaign

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

In a culture with an aversion to failure, learning something new is scary. So, what is the best way to build new skills? How much information do you need before you start doing? And how do you keep moving forward when it gets hard?

Real Estate Investor and Developer Jerome Maldonado got his start in direct sales and built a six-figure network marketing business in his mid-20’s. He leveraged those skills in team building and sales mastery to pivot into real estate and construction. Today, Jerome runs an eight-figure empire, and he is currently focused on land development and multifamily investing.

On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Jerome joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his blueprint for getting into a new business and offer advice on how to stick with something when it gets hard. He explains how he developed such a strong work ethic, describing how he built a successful construction business and what inspired his pivot to buying land. Listen in for insight on minimizing risk as a land developer and learn Jerome’s secret to developing new skills as an entrepreneur and real estate investor!

Key Takeaways 

How Jerome developed a strong work ethic

• Parents set example growing up
• Learned from competitive sports

What skills most contribute to Jerome’s success

• Consistency
• Stay focused through difficult times

Jerome’s advice on sticking with something

• Have faith in what you’re doing
• Press yourself in multiple ways

 How Jerome built a successful construction business

• Helped brother-in-law take over crew
• Leveraged sales experience to win big bids

What inspired Jerome’s pivot to buying land

• Met developer at construction site
• Not afraid to ask questions about business

Jerome’s blueprint for getting into a new business

• Take time to get educate yourself
• Be a DOER (but be methodical)

Jerome’s reduce-the-risk approach to land development

• Work through entitlements during due diligence
• Ready to start immediately once land acquired

How to learn more about land development

• Surround yourself with right people
• Inundate yourself with material
• Give up equity to veteran partner on first deal

Connect with Jerome Maldonado

Jerome’s Website 

Jerome on Twitter 

Jerome on Instagram 

Jerome on Facebook 

Jerome on YouTube

Resources

Get Tickets for Deal Maker Bootcamp

Download Michael’s Special Report—What's the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate?

Review the Podcast on iTunes [Text CONTEST to 66866] 

Access Michael’s Free Resources at the Freedom Vault

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

Tai Lopez 

Grant Cardone on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP188

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

Podcast Show Notes

We had some inspiring guests on the podcast in 2021, all with their own particular interest or expertise around achieving financial freedom. But the one thing they all have in common is the powerful combination of hard work and passion it takes to achieve next-level success.

So, what were some of the highlights from our interviews this past year? What are my top takeaways from the entrepreneurs and real estate investors who appeared on the show?

On this episode, I’m sharing the Best of 2021 on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, beginning with Jordan Harbinger’s insight on building relationships BEFORE you need them and Brandon Turner’s simple approach to developing your personal brand.

We revisit John Lee Dumas’ dynamic formula for becoming a person of value, Joe Fairless’ perspective on raising capital through a fund and Chad Williams’ thoughts on applying Navy SEAL principles to your multifamily business.

Listen in as we look back at Liz Faircloth’s commitment to building the Real Estate InvestHER community, Jenny Gou’s experience of leaving her high-paying corporate job for real estate, and Ronan McMahon’s understanding of opportunities to invest internationally!

Key Takeaways

Jordan Harbinger’s proactive approach to networking

• ‘Dig the well before you’re thirsty’
• Don’t wait until you need something to reach out

Brandon Turner’s insight on building a personal brand

• Consider how people already think about you
• Lean into what you’re good at (simplicity is key)

John Lee Dumas’ take on what it takes to be successful

• Hard work + passion wins every time
• We develop passion for things we’re good at

Liz Faircloth's passion for the Real Estate InvestHER community

• Support women investors, provide role models
• Thrive better in marriage to have own business

Joe Fairless’ insight on raising capital through a fund

• Con = miss out on ‘lightning in a bottle’
• Pro = spread out capital raise over time

Chad Williams’ take on applying SEAL principles to multifamily

• Control emotions regardless of circumstances
• Take on role of servant leader

Jenny Gou’s experience of quitting her job for real estate

• Inspired by desire to prioritize time with family
• Left corporate job, grew to 800 units in 10 months

Ronan McMahon’s insight on investing internationally

• Big buying moment always happening somewhere
• Identify places with significant upside potential

Resources

Register for Michael’s Deal Maker Bootcamp

Access Michael’s Deal Maker Certification

Join the Deal Maker Mastermind

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Get Your Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Download Free Resources from The Freedom Vault

Review the Podcast on iTunes [Text ‘contest’ to 66866]

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay

GoBundance

BiggerPockets

Dave Meyer’s Data Deli on Instagram

Podcast Show Notes

Michael’s Website 

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

One of the best things you can do for yourself at the end of each year is take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and achieved. Celebrate your wins and apply the lessons learned as you plan for the year to come.

On this solo episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, I reflect on 2021 through the lens of our core values here at the Michael Blank brands, sharing what I’ve learned about making intentional decisions based on what’s really important to you.

I discuss some of the milestones we’ve achieved in the last year, celebrating the launch of our Deal Maker Certification program and the three deals we closed through our investing arm, Nighthawk Equity.

Listen in for insight into the market outlook for multifamily in 2022 and find out what we’ve got planned for the new year—and how YOU can be part of our mission to help 1,000 families achieve financial freedom in the next five years!

Key Takeaways

The benefit of examining your core values

• Focus on what’s important and make decisions accordingly
• Align with right partners, team members and community

Our core values here at The Michael Blank brands

1. Do what you say
2. Do your best
3. Make a difference
4. Get stuff done

The Michael Blank brands milestones for 2021

• Onboard several new team members
• Host Deal Maker Live (first in-person event since COVID)
• 1,000 reviews of book on Amazon
• Launch Deal Maker Certification
• Mentoring students close 1 deal/ week
• Consolidate free resources at The Freedom Vault

Our podcast milestones in 2021

• Rebrand to better reflect mission
• Surpassed 3M downloads
• Notable guests (Jordan Harbinger, David Meltzer, etc.)

Nighthawk Equity milestones for 2021

• Closed 3 deals totaling 491 units, $90M
• Built social media presence on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Completed value-add renovations at 3 properties

My top lessons learned in 2021

• Know core values and be intentional
• Surround self with quality partners

The Michael Blank brands plan for 2022

• Help 1,000 families become financially free in next 5 years
• Build out Deal Maker Journey programs
• Expand team and introduce new faces/voices

Why we believe multifamily will continue to do well in 2022

• Millennials prefer to rent rather than own
• Opportunities to increase value of assets

Why multifamily prices are likely go up in 2022

• Growing inflation and higher incomes
• Ongoing low interest rates, demand for affordable housing

My advice on creating an intentional plan for 2022

• Reflect on what worked and what didn’t in last year
• Write vivid vision and plan goals accordingly
• Get clear on what financial freedom means to you

Resources

Get Your Tickets for Deal Maker Live

Access Michael’s Deal Maker Certification

Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program

Download Free Resources from The Freedom Vault

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Register for Michael’s Deal Maker Bootcamp

Join the Deal Maker Mastermind

Review the Podcast on iTunes

Uganda Counseling and Support Services

Syndicated Deal Analyzer

The Core Value Equation: A Framework to Drive Results, Create Limitless Scale and Win the War for Talent by Darius Mirshahzadeh

Core Values on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP292

Navy SEAL Chad Williams

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

Nighthawk Equity on LinkedIn

Nighthawk Equity on Instagram

RIch Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (by 8AM) by Hal Elrod

Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool for Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future by Cameron Herold

Five Minute Journal App

The State of Multifamily on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP283

Consumer Price Index

Podcast Show Notes 

Michael’s Website 

Michael on Facebook 

Michael on Instagram 

Michael on YouTube 

Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group