In this episode of the Real Estate Investing School podcast, host Joe Jensen sits down with 23-year-old investor, hard money lender, and entrepreneur Zeke Mangum. Zeke shares his journey into real estate, starting from his early exposure to the concept of passive income while working with an electrician, to his first deal—a build-to-rent property that didn’t quite go as planned.

Zeke recounts the challenges of dealing with delayed construction timelines and rising interest rates, ultimately selling the property without a loss but gaining invaluable experience. Despite the setbacks, Zeke remained committed to real estate, moving on to a successful house hack near Utah Valley University that significantly outperformed his initial investment. He explains how his early ventures in door-to-door sales helped him fund his first deals and how his strategy evolved to focus more on creative financing methods like subject-to deals and seller financing.

As the conversation unfolds, Zeke discusses his transition into private money lending, where he has built a passive income stream by providing capital to businesses. However, he reveals that his long-term goal is to shift more of his investments into real estate, recognizing the multiple benefits it provides, including appreciation, tax advantages, and leverage. He and Joe also explore the importance of taking action, learning from mistakes, and finding the right investment strategies to align with long-term financial goals. Zeke shares his ambition to acquire a cabin retreat for both personal enjoyment and as an investment property, and he encourages others to focus on mastering one area of investing before diversifying. With a combination of persistence, strategic partnerships, and a growing understanding of creative finance, Zeke is rapidly expanding his portfolio and proving that young investors can make significant strides in the real estate world.

Check out the Real Estate Investing School Youtube

Real Estate Investing School Instagram

Brody’s Instagram

Joe’s Instagram

Zeke's Instagram