Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

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 The old tenants-in-common (TIC) structure is obsolete — DSTs are now the preferred option for 1031 investors.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/

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/