Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

When you work a traditional job, your ability to feed your family can be taken away from you at any moment. And your worth is determined by your employer.  But what if YOU can determine your own worth? What if you can earn enough passive income from real estate to walk away from your J-O-B and be your own boss?  Dustin Heiner is the creator of Master Passive Income, a platform and podcast where he shares insights on investing in real estate rental properties.  Getting laid off from his 9-to-5 inspired Dustin to pursue investing, and by 2016, Dustin had built a portfolio of 30 properties and quit his job in IT, becoming what he calls 'successfully unemployed.'  On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Dustin joins Garrett Lynch and me to discuss what he loves about passive income and share some of the mistakes he made with his first few investments.  Dustin explains why it's important to build your business first, challenging you to look for markets with good inventory and put a team in place BEFORE you buy properties.  Listen in for Dustin's insight on leveraging real estate to leave a legacy and find out how a mentor can support YOU in becoming successfully unemployed—like Dustin! For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session312/

Are you confused by cryptocurrency, the blockchain or NFTs?  As real estate investors, we’re all about wealth creation and owning physical assets as a hedge against inflation. But what about digital assets? Is it worth investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin? What is blockchain technology all about? And how can it change the world for the better? Matthew Diemer is a small business entrepreneur and host of the Decrypt Daily Podcast. Prior to Decrypt Daily, he founded Crypto 101 and held the titles of COO and GM in the global hospitality industry. Matthew is also a Democrat running for Congress in Northeast Ohio dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, promoting tech innovation and reviving manufacturing in the US. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Matthew joins host Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the benefits of blockchain technology, describing what makes crypto a good investment vehicle and why Bitcoin is a strong hedge against inflation. Matthew explains how crypto allows us to control our own wealth and what we can do to keep our digital currency outside government control. Listen in for Matthew’s insight into buying digital real estate and learn how the blockchain can be used to create wealth by tokenizing properties. For full episode show notes visit: http://www.themichaelblank.com/session311/

Most entrepreneurs believe that we are the secret sauce in our business. We think that no one else can bake the cupcakes or design the websites or analyze the real estate deals quite the way we do.  But if you’re busy building the product, who’s building the business?  This is what Curtis Morley calls the entrepreneur’s paradox: In order to scale, you've got to shift your passion from working IN the business to working ON the business. Curtis is the five-time entrepreneur, mentor and thought leader behind The Entrepreneur’s Paradox, a platform dedicated to helping startup companies achieve next-level growth. Curtis has been named Entrepreneur of the Year and made the Inc. 5000 list six times. He is also the bestselling author of The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Curtis joins host Garrett Lynch to explain the entrepreneur’s paradox, challenging us to shift from the role of product manager to business leader and achieve the next level of growth. Curtis shares his concept of counterfeit emotions, describing how to turn fear into power with a simple shift from WHAT IF to WHAT IS thinking. Listen in for Curtis’ four-step success formula for entrepreneurs and learn how to make the mindset shift you need to scale YOUR real estate syndication business. Key Takeaways  How Curtis defines the entrepreneur’s paradox What got you into business prevents you from succeeding ‘If you’re building the product, who’s building the business?’ The first steps to becoming a business leader Make decision to replace yourself as product manager Identify and document your processes, teach to others Curtis’ 3 summits you can climb as an entrepreneur Lifestyle business Buy or be bought IPO Curtis’ 4-step success formula for entrepreneurs How much By when For what And why Curtis’ advice for deciding what’s next after an exit Stay committed to your WHY Must have purpose, make contribution Curtis’ concept of counterfeit emotions Every authentic emotion has counterfeit (e.g.: faith vs. fear) Authentic emotions connect, while counterfeit disconnect How to transform your FEAR into POWER Change WHAT IF into WHAT IS Brings you back to present and creates energy How Curtis uncovered the idea of counterfeit emotions Pain = gift to help us grow, suffering steeped in blame/shame Surrender to pain and turn it into something positive Connect with Curtis Morley The Entrepreneur’s Paradox Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  The Entrepreneur’s Paradox: How to Overcome the 16 Pitfalls Along the Startup Journey (Keys to Success for a Startup Company) by Curtis Morley  Summit on the Summit  Simon Sinek Richard Bass Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

In aerospace engineering, ‘escape velocity’ is the amount of power a rocket needs to break free of the Earth’s gravitational field. And if you ask Jonathan and Paula Nichols, launching a real estate syndication business is no different. It takes a tremendous amount of effort up front to do your first deal. You have to commit to the outcome and do whatever it takes to persevere through setbacks and disappointment. But once you’ve picked up momentum and closed on your first apartment building, the next deals follow in quick, almost automatic succession. Jonathan and Paula are the cofounders of Apogee Capital, a multifamily firm dedicated to helping investors reach their financial potential. The Nichols closed on three deals in the last year, raising $2.7M as they built a portfolio of 200 units, and Jonathan quit his job as an aerospace engineer six weeks ago to pursue real estate full time. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Jonathan and Paula join cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the sacrifices they made to make time for real estate while they both worked full-time corporate jobs. Jonathan and Paula walk us through the steps they took to get started in multifamily syndication, describing how they got on the same page as a couple and started networking with potential partners. Listen in for insight on reframing a lost deal as a learning opportunity and learn how to stay the course in tough times and keep taking action—until YOUR investing business takes off! Key Takeaways  How Jonathan and Paula got into real estate Rich Dad... inspired to lease first home, buy fourplex Realized multifamily was only way to scale How real estate evolved into a business for the Nichols Started as way to diversify investments Saw unlimited possibilities once they gained traction How Jonathan and Paula got on the same page Both wanted to build legacy Saw real estate as potential family business The steps Jonathan and Paula took to get started investing Dreaming about financial freedom Getting educated (mentorship program) Networking to shift mindset Taking consistent action to build confidence How Jonathan and Paula made time for real estate Say no to fun activities on nights and weekends Make sacrifices to reach ‘escape velocity’ Jonathan and Paula’s first multifamily deal Co-GPs on 100-unit deal in Tulsa, Oklahoma Brought in as boots on ground in market How Jonathan and Paula met their partners Develop relationship through networking events Brought them deal that didn’t work out Jonathan and Paula’s big setback 5 months ago Actual financial records didn’t match originals Discouraging but consider it learning opportunity How Jonathan and Paula raised $700K for their first deal Saw value in being flexible enough to learn new skills Leveraged relationships from W-2 jobs, real estate What’s ahead for Jonathan and Paula in the next 2 years Actively looking for new deals, talking to investors Executing on business plan of existing deals Jonathan and Paula’s plan to scale Network with potential partners Outsource and automate parts of business Increase capacity to do larger deals Jonathan and Paula’s advice for aspiring investors Take consistent action on daily basis Don’t get discouraged in tough times Dream BIG and don’t limit yourself Connect with Jonathan & Paula Nichols Apogee Capital  Jonathan on LinkedIn Resources Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live Buy Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer  Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  National Real Estate Investors Association Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki Suzy Sevier & Michael Barnhart on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP260 Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It by Bob Goff Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

Multifamily real estate is a big game. And if you want to scale quickly, you can’t do it alone. That’s how Patrick Grimes went from 0 to 1,200-plus units in under two years.  He partnered with a senior operator to go further faster, leveraging his partner’s expertise to build a $250M portfolio in a very short time. But how did he get an experienced investor to invite him into a deal?  Patrick is the Founder and CEO of Invest on Main Street and contributor to the #1 Amazon bestseller Persistence, Pivots and Game Changers: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities. Patrick also runs Protomation Systems, a consulting business that contracts with machine design firms to conceptualize, design and build custom manufacturing automation and robotic systems.  On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Patrick joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he brought value to an experienced operator to get into his first multifamily deal. Patrick shares his experience with the Law of the First Deal, describing how his role on the team shifted as his portfolio grew. Listen in for Patrick’s insight on mitigating the risks of multifamily investing and find out why partnering up is the best way to scale your business and get on the fast track to financial freedom! Key Takeaways  How Patrick got into real estate investing First employer suggested keeping money in real estate Looking for investment vehicle other than stock market How Patrick’s investing strategy changed after 2008 Focus shifted to legacy and improving quality of life Scale with multifamily, partner to accelerate growth How Patrick got his wife involved in real estate investing Invited to do Michael’s Ultimate Guide... course Now she creates passive investor educational content The steps Patrick took to get his first multifamily deal Underwrite and bring live deals to senior operator Network and build relationships with brokers How Patrick justifies the risk associated with multifamily Right team in place and experienced partners Low-leveraged debt in less volatile markets Patrick’s pivot away from deal finder into other roles Drawn into existing deal by senior operator Add value through due diligence, operations, etc. Patrick’s experience with the Law of the First Deal Started raising capital through engineering network 2nd and 3rd deals in quick succession (KP on $200M) Why Patrick chose the 506(c) option Used to accredited investors, $100K minimums Allows him to market deals online The biggest challenge Patrick is facing as he scales Get name out there as real estate investor Demo thought leadership on podcasts and in writing Patrick’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Partner up to accelerate your growth Find where your skills fit and bring value Connect with Patrick Grimes Invest on Main Street  Patrick on Forbes Schedule a Call with Patrick Resources Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live Buy Michael’s Ultimate Guide to Apartment Building Investing Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  Persistence, Pivots and Game Changers: Turning Challenges into Opportunities by Patrick Grimes et al. Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

Real estate has always had tax advantages, but in recent years, the deal got even sweeter for multifamily investors.  So, how do we write off depreciation? What is a cost segregation study and how can it save us even more?  Heidi Henderson serves as Executive Vice President at Engineered Tax Services, the nation’s leading tax credit and incentives firm. As an experienced tax consultant and real estate investor herself, Heidi specializes in the application of tax efficiencies to multifamily investments. On this episode of the podcast, Heidi joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share the unique tax advantages of real estate and explain why the US government incentivizes multifamily investors. Heidi describes how to take advantage of BONUS depreciation (provided for by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) by conducting a detailed cost segregation analysis. Listen in for Heidi’s insight on determining the ROI of a cost seg study and find out how YOU can save tens of thousands of dollars with the magic of accelerated depreciation! Key Takeaways  The unique tax advantages of real estate Depreciate value of real estate over 27½ years Bonus depreciation through ‘cost seg’ analysis Why the government incentivizes real estate investors Consumerism drives economy Encourages improvements to infrastructure What depreciation is and how it works Deducting cost of asset over its ‘useful life’ Reduces taxable income for investor  Why you should claim bonus depreciation right away Must be done year property is purchased Inventory breakdown helps plan renovations How to take advantage of accelerated depreciation Conduct cost segregation study Itemize deductions (e.g.: carpet, windows, etc.) What to look for in a company that does cost seg Can vary from 2 to 150 pages Ask for copy of redacted study to compare How to determine your ROI on a cost seg analysis Based on taxable income, percentage of tax paid Subtract cost of analysis The limitations on taxable income for passive investors Depreciation offsets real estate income only Does not offset income from W-2 job Why we should cash in on bonus depreciation now TCJA passed 100% bonus depreciation Drops to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024 Connect with Heidi Henderson Engineered Tax Services  Heidi on LinkedIn  Email hhenderson@engineeredtaxservices.com  Call (801) 564-4464 Resources Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Download Michael’s Free Report—What's the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate?  Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Heidi Henderson on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP022 Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

When you’re doing your first multifamily deal, scaling the business is the last thing on your mind. But if you don’t think about scale early on and come up with a plan, you’ll be fighting fires as you grow. So, how do you create a vision for what your syndication business will look like in the future and then proactively put systems in place that allow you to scale up with ease?  Veena Jetti is the Founding Partner of Vive Funds, a unique multifamily firm that specializes in curating conservative opportunities for real estate investors. Veena has built a portfolio of 3,000-plus units worth $600M, and she shares her expertise as a frequent speaker, panelist and guest on various media outlets. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Veena joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how raising capital at a high level allows her to scale and describe how every decision is made with the investor in mind. Veena shares her success with investor retention and referrals, discussing why she offers investors the option to put their money in a fund or invest in direct offerings. Listen in for insight on how Veena uses her time as partner at a big-time investment firm and get her advice on creating workflows that make it easy to scale your multifamily syndication business! Key Takeaways  What inspired Veena’s interest in scaling a real estate business Mom was successful investor, taught solid work ethic Enjoys bigger safety net than immigrant parents How Veena and her sister/business partner use their time Strategy re: acquisitions, capital and legal structure Continue to take investor-facing calls Why Veena’s had success raising capital at a high level All decisions made with investor in mind High investor retention rate and referrals  Why Veena offers investors a fund OR direct offering option Fund satisfies demand for diversification, set + forget Surprised to find that some investors want to do both How Veena raises $30M in 42 days Raise money when don’t have deal on table $100K minimum for individual deals Veena’s experience with institutional investors Build relationships with family funds Have Plan B in case drop out last minute What Veena is doing to enhance the way she raises capital Rebrand with investor in mind Add technology to make process smoother Veena’s biggest challenges right now Letting go of taking investor calls Implementing new tech at pace she wants Veena’s advice to her younger self Invest in systems and processes out of gate Consider scale from first deal How Veena thinks about deal flow Wants to do more but very competitive right now Prefers 1 or 2 great deals over 6 okay deals How Veena’s definition of success has changed over time Used to be based on net worth and income Now focused on setting example for kids Connect with Veena Jetti Vive Funds  Vive Funds on Facebook Vive Funds on Instagram Veena on Twitter  Veena on TikTok  Resources Get Tickets for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  The Art of the Deal by Donald J. Trump Grant Cardone  Brian Burke  PowerForms Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

At the age of 18, Alex Mandaro is the youngest mentoring student we’ve ever had at the Michael Blank organization. So, we’re doing a grand experiment and asking Alex to document his journey!  In a reality-style series broadcast through our social media channels, Alex will share a behind-the-scenes look at the life and times of a new syndicator. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Alex joins me to explain what inspired his interest in multifamily and why he believes he’ll be successful. He discusses why he used his college money to invest in mentoring, describing how he is getting the most out of our program and learning from the mistakes of others. Listen in for insight on following Alex’s journey with us to find out if you really can be a successful syndicator without experience or cash of your own! Key Takeaways  What inspired Alex’s interest in real estate Always wanted to have business, likes people Read Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing What makes Alex believe he can be successful Less baggage at age 18 Raised to believe he can do anything he wants Why Alex chose real estate over college Not sure what major he wanted to pursue Can still meet new people and live on his own  How Alex’s friends and family reacted to his decision Other friends not going to college Parents very supportive The first steps Alex is taking to pursue multifamily Devote time to learning and networking Look for partner to ‘get bigger deal done faster’ Why Alex invested in our mentoring program Wants someone to push him Make fewer mistakes Alex’s personal WHY statement Lead others to freedom Positively impact others How Alex is getting the most out of mentorship Plan next steps each week Go into conversations with investors prepared How Alex thinks about getting through bad days Purpose keeps pushing forward Consistency is what matters Why Alex agreed to document his journey with us Help teach and inspire others Holds him accountable Alex’s concerns with sharing his journey on social  Pressure to do deal in certain time frame Doesn’t want to let people down Connect with Alex Mandaro Follow Alex’s Journey on Instagram  Follow Alex’s Journey on TikTok  Follow Alex’s Journey on YouTube Resources Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Grant Cardone on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP188 The Miracle Equation by Hal Elrod Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Michael on TikTok Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

Using renewable energy to power a multifamily property is not just for environmentalists anymore.  As the political environment shifts, going green doesn’t just make the world a better place. It’s also highly profitable. John Matheson is Managing Member and Sustainable Building Consultant at  J. Healy Development, where he has developed an expertise in helping multifamily operators increase profits through renewable energy and ecofriendly building methods.  He also serves as Cofounder and CEO of Leverage Finance Software, a platform that supports property investors in making smarter and more informed lender financing decisions. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, John joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he adds value to a property with rooftop or on-the-ground solar power.  He describes the benefits of partnering with a solar developer and discusses the financial incentives associated with installing renewable energy across a multifamily portfolio. Listen in for insight on planning for panel maintenance and learn how to add a revenue stream to your multifamily business in 6 to 18 months with solar energy! Key Takeaways  How John creates inventory as a permitting specialist Build relationships in individual municipalities Build to rent or flip permits to big developers How John adds value to a property with solar power Lease rooftop or land to solar developer Supply power to building, sell residual to grid How renewable energy credits or RECs work Tenants pay less per kilowatt hour for energy State pays multifamily operator as incentive  The benefits of partnering with a solar developer Federal tax credit of 26% to 30% for installation Take advantage of renewable energy lenders What factors to consider as you plan to install solar Build in cost of panel maintenance Must remove panels to renovate roof The timeline for installing rooftop or ground solar Smaller system, faster it goes 6 to 18 months to cashflow How renewable energy attracts tenants Mention sustainability in marketing Certain kind of tenant will pay more Connect with John Matheson Healy Development Leverage Finance Software Resources Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Be a Part of Michael’s Deal Maker’s Mastermind Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Review the Podcast on iTunes Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  Federal Solar Tax Credit Build Back Better  eConserve Multifamily Water Conservation Solutions Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

Can you be successful in real estate investing and successful at a demanding job at the same time?  Andrew Schutsky serves as the CIO of a $700M medical technology company. He also happens to be the founder of multifamily syndication firm Redline Equity and host of The Crushing Cashflow Podcast.  Andrew has 14 years of real estate rental experience but didn’t enter the multifamily space until last year. Since then, he has built a portfolio of 1100 units! On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Andrew joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he built a real estate business while working an executive level W-2 job.  He describes how he networked into his first deal and offers advice on finding a partner who complements your strengths.  Listen in for insight on the strategy of time budgeting and find out how Andrew is making time for his family, his full-time job and financial freedom. Key Takeaways  What inspired Andrew’s interest in real estate Want to make best use of money  Realized could replace income later Andrew’s shift to multifamily Came across blog of local syndicator Networked into first deal Andrew’s advice on finding a partner Share criteria, e.g.: 50- to 125-unit deals Align objectives and values  How Andrew balances real estate with his W-2 Devote 15 to 20 hours/week  Work in 5 to 7AM window Andrew’s strategy of time budgeting Decide how to spend time, audit often Break down to align with goals How Andrew makes time for his family Sacred window from 7 to 9PM Wife holds accountable if off track Andrew’s morning routine Read 20 pages or listen to podcast Meditation or 15-minute workout How Andrew stays on track to reach his goals Join/create accountability groups Post goals and track progress How Andrew thinks about his W-2 job Can't control what will happen Option to exit in 2 years What financial freedom means to Andrew Cover expenses with passive income Spend 40 on family and passions Andrew’s advice to aspiring investors Find fun in chaos Be ruthless in how invest time Focus on your strengths Connect with Andrew Schutsky Redline Equity Redline Equity on LinkedIn Redline Equity on Facebook The Crushing Cashflow Podcast Crushing Cashflow on LinkedIn Crushing Cashflow on Facebook  Andrew on LinkedIn  Email andrew@investwithredline.com  Resources Access Michael’s Free Resources in the Freedom Vault  Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on iTunes [Text CONTEST to 66866] Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  The 80/20 Rule on Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing EP289  BiggerPockets Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes