Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Ever wonder what really goes on inside a syndication company? In this rare behind-the-scenes episode, Michael Blank and his Nighthawk Equity business partner, Drew Niffin, pull back the curtain on how they operate their private equity firm — the wins, the painful lessons, and how they’ve adapted during the toughest market the multifamily industry has seen in decades.They share the full story of scaling from the early partnership days… to building a team… to navigating the last 2.5 years of interest rate spikes, stalled rent growth, and operational pressure. You’ll also get a candid look at what’s changing inside Nighthawk — including new investment opportunities being unlocked for passive investors.This is the most transparent discussion they’ve ever recorded about what it really takes to run an investment company — and where multifamily investing is going next.Key Takeaways: Success Takes a Team: Syndication is impossible to scale alone. Capital raising, operations, and acquisitions each demand full-time focus.Systems Create Stability: Implementing a business operating system like EOS transformed communication, accountability, and execution across the company.Hard Markets Build Strong Operators: The last 2.5 years forced better operations, tougher decisions, and stronger lender relationships.Debt Determines Destiny: Loan structure can make or break a deal — even if operations are strong.Operations Win: Leasing, renewal strategy, resident experience, and in-house oversight are now essential competitive edges.The Future Is More Than Multifamily: Nighthawk is expanding into real estate debt funds and boutique private equity (buying profitable small businesses).Investor-First Mission: Every system and decision centers on one outcome — delivering reliable performance to passive investors.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session496/

Andrew Reichert, CEO of Birgo Capital and multifamily investor, shares his remarkable journey from buying his first duplex to managing over 3,000 units worth $300 million. He reflects on the costly lessons of managing small rentals and reveals the transformative '$10M idea' that pivoted his career towards scaling via capital raising. Andrew discusses his 'Rhino Operating System' for aligning purpose with financial goals, emphasizing clarity as the key to fulfillment. He also shares strategies to confront comfort and catalyze action in real estate investing.

Economic pressure is shrinking returns and tightening capital—but there’s a smarter way forward. In this episode, Michael Blank reconnects with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, to explore how multifamily operators can add new strategic layers—not abandon their base.Richard explains why family offices are focusing less on projected returns and more on trust, positioning, and access. He breaks down how top operators are earning investor confidence, raising capital through debt and niche strategies, and using AI to scale their investor reach and event ecosystems. This isn’t about leaving multifamily—it’s about unlocking more sophisticated pathways to grow wealth and build influence.Key TakeawaysRelationships outweigh returnsInvestors commit capital based on trust, not just numbers.Track records are only as strong as the operator’s transparency during tough times.Desperation repels capital—authenticity and long-term engagement are key.Multifamily is a foundationReal estate experience builds credibility that opens doors to new asset classes.Diversification into storage, assisted living, or industrial doesn’t replace multifamily—it expands the investor's options.Many capital raisers evolve beyond single-operator deals by layering in flexibility and variety.Great fund managers think like media companiesCreating value-rich content builds investor confidence long before a deal shows up.Every touchpoint—grad parties, social media, one-on-one texts—is a chance to reinforce trust.Consistent communication and thoughtful follow-up outperform one-off pitches.Family offices play a long gameThey don’t just invest in deals—they invest in people with generational vision.Credibility, track record, and staying power are non-negotiables.It often takes years of rapport-building before a single dollar is committed—but the result is deep, repeatable capital.Connect with RichardWebsiteLinkedInConnect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session494/

In this special market outlook session, Michael Blank breaks down the current state of the multifamily investing landscape—and explains why Q4 2025 may present one of the best buying opportunities we've seen in over a decade.Despite high interest rates and ongoing fear in the media, Michael shares why the smart money is moving back into multifamily real estate, and how passive and active investors alike can take advantage of this rare window.He also makes a few big announcements—including a move into business acquisitions and real estate debt funds—designed to expand the wealth-building options available to his investor community.If you're wondering whether to sit tight, double down, or make your first move—this is the clarity you're looking for.Key TakeawaysMultifamily prices are still 20–40% below their 2022 peakInstitutional buyers are actively acquiring distressed assetsMarket fear has created undervalued buying opportunitiesValuations remain well below replacement costRising leverage is pushing prices back upLoan proceeds are increasing from 65% to 75% LTVLenders are re-entering the market with more aggressive termsHigher leverage means stronger returns with less equity requiredDemand for rental housing remains strongHomeownership is 44% more expensive than rentingThe U.S. faces a multi-million-unit housing shortageNew construction activity has slowed significantlyRisk-adjusted returns are stronger than in 2022Interest rates are stabilizing, lowering market uncertaintyDeals now use fixed-rate debt and more conservative underwritingInvestors are getting the same returns with significantly less riskThe Passive Income Calculator helps investors plan their freedomAllows modeling based on actual investment inputsTracks projected growth in passive income and net worthNo opt-in required—download and start planning immediatelyNew opportunities are coming from TMBExpansion into real estate debt funds and business acquisitionsTargeting cash-flowing, recession-resistant businessesDesigned to offer passive investors more options for building wealthConnect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session493/

In this discussion, Jeremy Dyer, VP of Capital Formation at Rise48 and seasoned investor, shares how he raised $50M in just two years. He emphasizes the significance of trust and personal connections over flashy presentations. Jeremy recounts his transition from tech sales to passive investing and how this background shaped his approach. He offers insights on recognizing market opportunities, nurturing investor relationships, and why genuine engagement trumps conventional methods in capital raising. A fascinating look at the human side of finance!

Think you need 10 years of house flipping before you can go big in real estate? In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Kent Ritter—Founder of Hudson Investing and host of Ritter on Real Estate—who scaled from solo operator to managing 2,000+ units and leading his own in-house property management firm. He didn’t wait for permission. He didn’t grind for a decade. He built systems, teams, and a killer culture that made scale inevitable.They unpack how he made the leap from flipping houses to running a real syndication business, and why skipping the “single-family hustle” may be the smartest move you can make. If you’re tired of thinking small, this episode will wake you up.Key TakeawaysWhy Single-Family Strategies Keep You StuckFlipping and landlording create income—but not freedom.Most "passive" single-family models are just high-paying jobs in disguise.You don’t need 10 years of grinding to go multifamily—you need a mindset shift.How to Build a Real Business (Not Just Do More Deals)Learn why Kent’s first plateau happened—and how he broke through it with the right partner.Discover how he scaled from 7 to 30 team members overnight by bringing property management in-house.Building culture and hiring to core values was Kent’s unfair advantage—here’s how to do it right.The Hidden Challenge of Raising CapitalWhy your friends and family won’t take you seriously at first—and what to do instead.The #1 perception you must change to consistently raise from private investors.You don’t need to know everyone—you just need to earn trust and prove expertise.Public-Private Partnerships: The Future of Development?How Hudson Investing makes new construction deals pencil in 2025 and beyond.Why cities are partnering with operators—and how that benefits your returns.The real risk difference between building new vs. buying value-add.Why the Midwest Is Still WinningKent breaks down why Midwest markets like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne are outperforming.Supply constraints = stronger rent growth and less risk—here’s where to look.Why Midwest deals may be boring… but boring works.Connect with Kenthttps://www.kentritter.com LinkedIn InstagramRitter on Real Estate PodcastYoutube  Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session491/

Most people are playing the wrong money game—trading time for income, saving their way to retirement, and hoping it adds up by 65. In this episode, $300M multifamily investor Michael Blank shares the 10 money rules that helped him escape the rat race and build scalable, passive wealth through real estate. You’ll learn why flipping houses, single-family rentals, and even high-paying jobs won’t get you free—and what to focus on instead. If you’re serious about using multifamily to take control of your time and income, these rules will reset how you think about money forever.Head over to https://thefreedompodcast.com/500 to submit for a chance to win free merch and be highlighted in episode 500!!!Key TakeawaysMichael’s 10 Rules to Get Your Money Right, plus:What’s Really Broken About Retirement (and How to Fix It)Why the "work till you're 65" model no longer worksHow to reframe freedom so it actually feels fulfillingWhat to focus on instead of sitting on a beach foreverThe Math Behind Why You’re Still StuckHow traditional saving and investing keeps you locked in the rat raceWhat most six-figure earners misunderstand about wealthA smarter way to create income that doesn’t depend on your timeHow Most Real Estate Strategies Still Trap YouWhy flipping and single-family homes rarely lead to freedomThe real reason those deals feel like progress—but aren’tThe asset class that scales income and timeOne Number That Changes EverythingHow to figure out the income you need to quit your jobWhy your “rat race number” is more powerful than your net worthHow lowering it can make freedom come faster than you thinkHow to Build Wealth Without Using Your Own MoneyThe one mindset shift that unlocks serious scaleHow first-time investors raise $500K+—even with no experienceWhat kind of partnerships make it possible (and how to find them)Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session490/

If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, you can’t afford to ignore the tax side. In this episode, CPA and active investor Sean Graham breaks down how cost segregation and bonus depreciation can save you (and your investors) tens or even hundreds of thousands in taxes—without changing your investment strategy. We cover how to use cost seg the right way, why most CPAs are doing it wrong, and what high earners need to know about the latest tax bill that could bring back 100% bonus depreciation. Whether you're a GP looking to raise smarter or an LP trying to boost after-tax returns, this episode is non-negotiable.Key TakeawaysWhat Cost Segregation Actually Does for YouReclassifies components of a property to accelerate depreciation over 5–15 years instead of 27.5 or 39.Allows investors to take massive deductions in year one—sometimes more than the cash they put into the deal.Creates phantom losses on K-1s that can offset other passive income or gains.Bonus Depreciation: What It Is, and Why It Matters100% bonus depreciation (introduced in 2017) allows investors to deduct qualifying property in year one.It's phased down since 2023 but may return under new legislation.Huge benefit for both LPs and GPs—particularly when paired with proper tax strategy.Using Cost Seg to Raise Capital More EffectivelySmart GPs use depreciation estimates during the raise to attract savvy investors.Many LPs care more about the tax benefits than the projected cash flow.For deals over $1M, cost seg should be factored into your underwriting and pitch.The “Look-Back” Strategy for Missed DepreciationAllows owners to retroactively apply cost segregation—even years after purchase.No need to amend prior tax returns; benefits can be taken in the current year.Especially powerful when strategic timing aligns with real estate professional status.Avoiding Common CPA MistakesMany CPAs aren’t familiar with real estate—leading to missed deductions and bad advice.Make sure your tax pro understands real estate-specific strategies like bonus depreciation, short-term rental loopholes, and REPS.Ask the right questions: Do they know how to handle depreciation recapture? Real estate professional status? IRA investing?How to Work with a Cost Segregation Firm the Right WayInvolve a cost seg firm early—before closing—so you can plan ahead and market benefits to investors.Studies typically cost $5K–$10K, but often result in six-figure tax savings.Smaller properties can use a “condensed engineering study” for reduced fees without sacrificing IRS compliance.Connect with SeanMavenCostSeg.com/Blank Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session489/

Don’t forget to grab your free book! www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRPMost people don’t know this—but you can invest your IRA or 401(k) in real estate instead of leaving it trapped in mutual funds. In this episode, I’m joined by Damion Lupo, founder of eQRP, to explain exactly how to unlock your retirement savings and use them to invest in apartments, storage, and more. We walk through the process step-by-step, dispel common myths, and show you how to avoid one of the biggest tax traps most investors don’t even see coming: UBIT. Whether you’re a passive investor or a GP raising capital, this is a must-listen.Key TakeawaysWhy Most Investors Don’t Know About ThisFinancial advisors don’t promote these options because they lose fees when you take control.Most investors have old 401(k)s or IRAs they’ve forgotten about—but those funds are eligible for self-direction.Online platforms like Schwab and Fidelity won’t show you the option to invest in real estate—you have to know to ask.How Self-Directed Accounts Actually WorkSelf-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s give you full control—you can invest in real estate, crypto, gold, and more.The right setup gives you checkbook control and removes delays caused by custodians.Solo 401(k)s (like EQRPs) offer faster transactions, better flexibility, and fewer limitations than traditional IRAs.The UBIT Tax Trap—and How to Avoid ItUsing leverage in real estate deals inside a self-directed IRA can trigger UBIT—up to 40% in surprise taxes.Solo 401(k)s are exempt from UBIT, even in leveraged deals.You can convert from an IRA to a solo 401(k) before the deal sells to avoid the tax completely.Smart Strategies for Passive and Active InvestorsPassive investors can use these accounts to invest in syndications—earning tax-free or tax-deferred returns.Active investors (GPs) can raise more capital by educating others on how to invest through their retirement accounts.Damion’s team offers tools like books, webinars, and white-glove onboarding to help GPs guide investors through the process.Rules, Limits, and Legacy PlanningYou can’t use these accounts to buy personal assets, rehab your own property, or benefit directly from the investment.You can borrow up to $50K from your solo 401(k) for any reason and pay yourself back—with interest you choose.Setting up retirement accounts for parents or family members can create powerful tax-free legacy wealth.Roth solo 401(k)s allow real estate investing with leverage and no taxes on gains—making them the most powerful tool in the tax code.Connect with Damion LupoGET A FREE BOOK www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRP  Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session488/

In just a few years, Chad Schieler went from zero to over 700 units, ditching his high-paying W2 job to build a real syndication business from scratch. And he did it the hard way - solo, self-funded, and battle-tested.In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Chad to unpack the gritty, unfiltered truth behind the rise of Focus Capital. They dive deep into the growing pains of scaling fast - partnership failures, capital raising fears, management misfires, and what it really takes to build a machine that lasts.If you think you’re ready to go full-time, this episode will either snap you out of it - or show you the way forward.Head over to https://thefreedompodcast.com/500 to submit for a chance to win free merch and be highlighted in episode 500!!!Key TakeawaysFrom W2 to 700+ Units: Why Chad Walked AwayBuilt a career in credit card processing—but hit a wall with taxes and purpose.Real estate started as a tax strategy and turned into a full-blown mission.Why chasing a deeper “why” made walking away from comfort worth it.The Truth About PartnershipsChad’s first syndicated deal looked perfect—until it nearly fell apart.Why being $4K short led him to take control of the entire business model.How too many “chiefs” in asset management created chaos—and the fix.Raising Capital When It Doesn’t Come NaturallyChad self-funded his first four deals—then hit a ceiling.The mental shift that helped him want to raise capital.How his best capital raiser came straight from his LP base.Scaling a Real Business (Without Burning Out)The struggle of hiring when revenue is lumpy—and what worked for Focus Capital.Why Chad hires 12 months ahead of revenue (and how it paid off).The non-negotiables that protect his time and family life.When Bigger is Actually EasierWhy 100+ unit properties are less stressful than small ones.The mistake most investors make with property management on smaller deals.How Chad’s early inspection and financing mistakes shaped his future deals.Connect with ChadVisit Focus Capitalchad@focuscapital.com Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session487/