The Hotel Investor Playbook
Michael Russell
Welcome to The Hotel Investor Playbook, hosted by real estate investor and hospitality operator Michael Russell. Michael is the co-founder of Malama Capital and Howzit Hostels, and has built a personal real estate portfolio exceeding $20 million.With an operator-first mindset, Michael brings a practical perspective to hotel investing. On the show, he breaks down what it actually takes to scale from short-term rentals into boutique hotels, covering deal sourcing, operations, capital strategy, and risk.Each week, Michael shares real lessons from the field as he builds toward a $400 million real estate business, giving listeners an honest look at the decisions, challenges, and strategies behind the growth. Subscribe and follow along as he documents the journey in real time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 7min
How an Ex-Space Force Engineer Bought a $2.45M Motel With 10% Down | Jordan Malara E67
Jordan Malara, a former U.S. Space Force engineer, now co-founder of Springs Hospitality, shares his journey from engineering to hospitality. He reveals insights from purchasing a 27-key motel for $2.45M, emphasizing the importance of conservative underwriting and understanding hidden costs like CapEx. Jordan discusses effective financing strategies, the crucial upgrades that enhance guest experiences, and how he uses outsourced revenue management to streamline operations. His unique perspective blends creativity and analytics, perfect for aspiring hotel investors.
10 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
How a Pilot Bought a $10M Hotel With Zero Hotel Experience | Curt Marker E66
Curt Marker, aka Captain Curt, is a professional private jet pilot and the CEO of Captain Capital, specializing in commercial real estate. In this discussion, he reveals how he raised $1.5 million to co-invest in a boutique hotel without any operational experience. Curt shares valuable insights on the importance of strong partnerships, effective communication with investors, and the process of capital raising. He emphasizes leveraging personal networks over social media for funding and discusses the operational strategies that boosted hotel performance.
18 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 1min
Attorney Reveals Why Most Hotel Syndicators Are Breaking the Law | Bethany LaFlam E65
Bethany LaFlam, a securities attorney and real estate investor, shares her expertise in SEC compliance for hotel syndicators. She reveals how first-time fundraisers often unwittingly break the law by mishandling capital raises. Discussion includes the importance of risk disclosure, the nuances of 506(b) vs. 506(c) structures, and the perils of paying capital-raisers improperly. Bethany also reflects on lessons from her own failed $50 million fund and emphasizes the importance of vetting investors to avoid toxic partnerships.
Dec 30, 2025 • 41min
Stop Treating Your Front Desk Like An Expense. It's A Profit Center | Geoffrey Toffetti E64
Geoffrey Toffetti, CEO of Frontline Performance Group and a veteran in hospitality revenue optimization, discusses revolutionizing hotel front desks from cost centers to profit generators. He reveals how minor shifts, like the experience vs. value mindset, can turn check-in counters into revenue powerhouses. Geoffrey shares a three-tier incentive structure that motivates staff effectively, showcases upsell opportunities such as late checkouts potentially worth $40,000 annually, and argues against over-reliance on automation, emphasizing human interaction.
15 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 46min
Why Most Investors Never Buy Their First Hotel (And How You Actually Can) | Brian Resendez E63
Brian Resendez, Senior VP of Hotels at SVN | Bluestone & Hockley, shares invaluable insights on why many aspiring hotel investors struggle to close their first deal. He highlights the critical role of third-party management in scaling operations and the importance of due diligence. Brian also explains how larger hotels can outperform smaller ones, reflecting on his own journey through challenges and pandemic pivots. He emphasizes persistence, relationship-building, and maintaining focus as keys to success in hotel investing.
10 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 50min
Global Resort Design CEO: Stop Wasting Capex on the Wrong “Upgrades” | Scott LaMont E62
Scott LaMont, CEO of EDSA, shares his expertise in creating guest-centric designs that go beyond decoration. He emphasizes that the lobby can be a profit center and discusses how to program spaces for different revenue streams. Scott advises on identifying hidden opportunities during acquisitions and the importance of local partnerships for authenticity. He warns against neglecting infrastructure investments and highlights the use of flexible designs to boost NOI. Moreover, he explores how emotional connections in design can enhance the overall guest experience.
18 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 42min
The 3 Distress Signals That Make the Next 12 Months a Buyer’s Market | Suraj Bhakta E61
Suraj Bhakta, CEO of NewGen Advisory, is a seasoned commercial real estate attorney with a wealth of hotel brokerage experience. He discusses the current market crisis, highlighting how the SBA shutdown is affecting transactions and creating a backlog. Suraj reveals crucial signs of distress that buyers should watch for, such as deferred maintenance and maturing loans. He emphasizes the importance of diligent underwriting, practical buyer strategies, and taking advantage of the upcoming buyer's market while cautioning against seller pricing mistakes. His advice? Build a focused team and be ready to act!
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 59min
7 AI Tools To Help You Buy and Operate Hotels (With No Staff and No Time) | Jake Heller E60
Join Jake Heller, founder of the AI for CRE Collective, as he unveils groundbreaking AI tools tailored for boutique hotel investors. Discover how to swiftly research new markets and streamline processes with innovative tech. Jake shares insights on automating administrative tasks, generating professional investor decks, and reducing legal costs through AI-assisted reviews. Expect to learn practical tips on using AI for effective underwriting and asset management, all aimed at giving small operators a competitive edge without increasing staff.
7 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 41min
The Private Island Resort Built With Sweat, Not Millions | Odis Martin E59
Odis Martin, owner and captain of the Garifuna family-owned eco-lodge Sindiri on the Reef in Belize, shares his inspiring journey from a graduate thesis to a stunning island resort. He recounts the challenges of hand-digging a swampy island, navigating logistics, and rebuilding after hurricanes. Odis explains why Belize is an attractive option for U.S. investors and details the gritty reality of self-funding without outside investors. His story reveals the passion, resilience, and creativity required to turn a dream into a thriving business.
13 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
How to Get Brokers to Send You Deals | Hunter Johnson E58
Hunter Johnson, President of Investment Sales at US Hotel Advisors, shares insights on the hotel investment landscape. He discusses how today’s market gives buyers leverage and reveals what lenders prioritize for first-time buyers. Johnson explains the workings of SBA loans and how to creatively structure deals when numbers are tight. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with brokers to uncover off-market opportunities and advises investors to focus on markets they know for successful transactions.
