Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Brad Johnson, a 20-year real estate investor who has managed over $3B in assets and successfully transitioned from mobile home park operator to full-time asset allocator. Brad shares how he built his career one deal at a time, the moment he walked away from investment banking, and how he engineered a lifestyle that aligns with his values. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on career transitions, downside-risk investing, and creating long-term financial freedom.Key TakeawaysThe power of compounding — Brad’s investing mindset started early, recognizing the value of long-term ownership.Career clarity matters — He repeatedly redesigned his professional path when he realized certain roles didn’t fit the life he wanted.Real estate as stability — Mobile home parks gave him consistent, low-risk, scalable returns and helped him transition out of burnout.Know your strengths — Brad realized he’s an investor, not an operator, and pivoted from managing teams to allocating capital.Diversification through operators — Today he partners with 15+ sponsors and private equity firms to spread risk and scale intelligently.Lead with passion, not just money — Brad highlights the importance of pursuing what energizes you and letting wealth compound over time.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/session502/

In this special mentor roundtable, Michael is joined by long-time advisors Brad Tacia and Jonathan Nichols to break down what’s happening in multifamily right now. They share the latest trends in deal flow, investor sentiment, capital raising, and student success—plus the strategies that are working best in today’s market. If you want a clear picture of the current landscape and how new investors are getting deals done, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysDeal flow is improving as interest rates stabilize and lenders stop granting extensions, pushing more assets to market. Investor sentiment is stronger than last year, and capital raising is easier with more certainty in the economy. Consistency wins — analyzing deals, making offers, and staying resilient through near misses is the path to success. Partnerships matter — deal finders and capital raisers together accelerate momentum and unlock bigger opportunities. Sample deal packages allow students to raise capital before they have a deal under contract, solving the “chicken-and-egg” problem. You don’t need years of experience to get broker attention — consistency, communication, and a clear playbook build instant credibility.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/session501/

To celebrate 500 episodes of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Podcast, Michael flips the script and answers your biggest questions. Listeners submitted their favorite episodes plus their most burning questions about scaling, quitting a W-2, raising capital, working with brokers, avoiding bad deals, parenting, mindset, and even… Michael’s net worth. This special episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom from a decade of podcasting and real-world investing experience.Key Takeaways: Time is not the real barrier — priority is. With 5 focused hours a week, you can build a multimillion-dollar real estate business on the side. When to quit your W-2? It’s personal. Burn-the-boats works for some, but most people exit when acquisition fees and deal income create a meaningful financial runway. Comfort zone determines whether you buy a duplex or a 50-unit. Touring larger properties stretches your perceived limits instantly. Raising capital is easier than you think. Engineers, introverts, and first-timers routinely raise $500K–$750K within 60 days with the right playbook. You don’t need to raise all the money yourself. Capital raisers and deal finders are natural partners — leverage ecosystems and joint ventures. How to stand out to brokers: Build a team first, stop using newbie language, stay responsive, and meet them in person. Know when to walk away from a deal: Sometimes you should — sometimes you shouldn’t. Experienced mentors help you see the difference. Focus on passive income, not net worth. Financial freedom is when passive income exceeds living expenses. Most valuable life lesson for his kids: Live intentionally. Not defaulting into a career or life path. Success is less about outcomes and more about who you become. Mindset, peace, and character matter more than money. 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/session500/

What if you could build wealth through real estate… without paying taxes along the way? In this episode, Michael Blank welcomes Louis Rogers, founder of Capital Square and pioneer of the tenants-in-common model still widely referenced today. Lewis breaks down the simplicity of 1031 exchanges, why DSTs have replaced TICs, and how investors can eventually move into a REIT structure to enjoy completely passive investing — while still deferring taxes. If you want to learn how the wealthy use the tax code to accelerate their net worth, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways: 1031 exchanges are simpler than most people think — and typically cost about $1,000 using a qualified intermediary. The old tenants-in-common (TIC) structure is obsolete — DSTs are now the preferred option for 1031 investors. Investors can move from active ownership → DSTs → UPREIT, getting more passive over time. Tax deferral can continue for life — with a step-up in basis eliminating capital gains upon inheritance. The U.S. tax code is uniquely favorable to real estate — wealthy families use it strategically. Paying taxes is a choice: learn the rules and keep more of your money working for you.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/session499/

Did you know there’s more than $40 trillion sitting in U.S. retirement accounts — most of which could be invested in real estate? In this episode, Michael Blank chats with Karen Hall, Founder of uDirect IRA and author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing, to break down the rules, tax implications, and best practices that allow investors to use their retirement funds to participate in real estate syndications. Whether you're a GP raising capital or an LP investing passively, this conversation will help you unlock one of the biggest capital sources in the world.Key Takeaways: There is $40 trillion in retirement accounts — a huge capital pool most investors overlook. Self-directed IRAs can invest in syndications, rentals, notes, crypto, precious metals, and more. The IRS has prohibited transaction rules — keep investments arm’s length to avoid penalties. UBIT/UDFI taxes can apply when leverage is involved — tax advisors are essential. A solo 401(k) can reduce some debt-related tax exposure. Recent laws may allow employer 401(k)s to include alternative investment funds, opening the door wider. Always ask investors: “Do you have retirement funds?” — because most won’t think of it themselves.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/session498/

In this episode, Michael talks with Jordan McNeely, a former nuclear engineer who realized his rotating 12-hour shift job was draining his energy and keeping him from family life. That sparked his pursuit of passive income and a scalable path to financial freedom through multifamily real estate. Jordan dove into education, joined a mentoring program to master underwriting and capital raising, and committed 15 hours a week to learning and networking. In just a few months, he partnered with an experienced team on a 96-unit deal in Charlotte and raised over $700,000 from friends and family — despite never having raised money before.Key Takeaways: Skip single-family and scale faster — multifamily penciled out and aligned with his limited time. Time freedom was the motivator — rotating day/night shifts took a toll on family, health, and presence. Mindset shift on raising capital — he stopped “pitching” and started asking about investor goals. One investor conversation per day → $700K raised in 2 months. Retirement funds unlocked big capital using self-directed IRAs. Partnerships shortcut experience — he leveraged a team already active in Charlotte. He made time a priority — 15 hours/week dedicated to education, networking, and raising capital. 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/session497/

Drew Niffin, a business partner at Nighthawk Equity with extensive experience in multifamily syndications, shares insights into their company's inner workings. He discusses the evolution from their early partnership to building a strong team and navigating recent market challenges. Key topics include the transformative impact of the EOS operating system, the importance of in-house operations, and strategies to adapt debt structures. Drew also highlights the shift towards diversified investments beyond multifamily as they explore new opportunities in real estate debt.

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/