Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Multifamily investing is a team sport. And choosing the right partners and team members is critical. But how do you go about determining who is a good fit for your organization and who isn’t? On this solo episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, I discuss the importance of figuring out what you stand for and then using those core values to make decisions in your investing business. I walk you through the process of determining your core values, explaining how to choose your themes and translate them into easy-to-memorize headers. Listen in for insight around our core values here at the Michael Blank organization and learn how to get clear on your own values and use them to find the right partners and team members for your investing business!  Key Takeaways  The importance of identifying your core values Find quality partners and hire team Use to make important decisions Our core values here at The Michael Blank brands Make a difference Do what you say Do your best Get stuff done How to identify core values in your organization Themes Header Descriptive The themes we chose at The Michael Blank brands Integrity Excellence & Accountability Teamwork & Contribution Efficiency & Hard Work How to translate your themes into headers Sticky, user-friendly words and phrases Easily memorized and recalled by team How to expand your headers into descriptives Describe what core value means Clarify in 4 to 8 detailed sentences Resources  Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott Who: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart and Randy Street  The Core Value Equation: A Framework to Drive Results, Create Limitless Scale and Win the War for Talent by Darius Mirshahzadeh Register for Michael’s Deal Maker Bootcamp  Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 

While most of us resist setbacks and struggles, both are crucial to our growth. In fact, the most successful investors are those who respond to failure with resilience. Who pick themselves up, dust themselves off and take the next step of uncomfortable action toward their dreams. Rob Rowsell embodies that kind of human will. In 1999, he was a homeless crack addict living on the streets. Then, he stumbled into a rehab center, and through sheer grit, Rob turned his life around. Today, he is a real estate investor, motivational speaker, multiple business owner and bestselling author of Addicted to Life: How I Went from Homeless to Extraordinary Success and Happiness in a Short Period of Time. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Rob joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his journey from homeless addict to successful multifamily investor. He explains why so many aspiring investors don’t succeed, challenging us to develop a strong WHY and leverage visualization to reach our goals. Listen in for Rob’s insight on cultivating the mindset you need to take action, grow through the challenges and achieve financial freedom as a multifamily investor! Key Takeaways  Rob’s struggle with addiction Hooked on meth and crack cocaine Homeless and unemployable What inspired Rob’s decision to change Realized on path to death or prison Pain to stay same > pain to change How Rob got back into society  Choose new people, places and things Willing to take uncomfortable action Why aspiring investors don’t take action Biggest hurdle = previous successes Lack big enough WHY  How Rob uses visualization to reach his goals Write out as if already accomplished Read over to instill yearning, belief The traits of a successful entrepreneur Build momentum via stacked action Willing to act despite uncertainty Grow through catastrophic failure How Rob used knowledge to build momentum Ziglar taught potential to succeed Saved to buy Carleton Sheets course How Rob got into real estate Bought auto repair shops no $ down Used hard money for first few SFHs How Rob grew a 1K-unit multifamily portfolio Start with SFH buy-and-hold strategy Flip SFHs into small multifamily Reinvest profits in larger multifamily Connect with Rob Rowsell Addicted to Life Resources  Get Tickets for Deal Maker Bootcamp  Access Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer  Download Michael’s Deal Maker Blueprint Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Addicted to Life: How I Went from Homeless to Extraordinary Success and Happiness in a Short Period of Time by Rob Rowsell See You at the Top by Zig Ziglar  Carleton Sheets  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

While single-family real estate is an individual sport, multifamily investing usually involves partners. But finding someone you trust to work with on a multi-million-dollar apartment deal can be challenging, especially for an introvert. So, how do you overcome limiting beliefs around partnering to become a successful multifamily investor? Camilla Jeffs is the Founder and CEO of Steady Stream Investments, a firm focused on providing investment opportunities in large multifamily and senior housing communities. Also known as the Introverted Investor, she has served as the GP for four deals in nine months, built a portfolio of 250 units and quit her W-2 job! Camilla has 19 years of experience in real estate, and she is passionate about educating passive investors around the opportunity to achieve financial freedom through multifamily. On this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Camilla joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share why it took her 15 years to transition from DIY single-family investor to multifamily GP. She describes the limiting beliefs she carried around partnering with others and explains how she excels at raising capital—despite being an introvert. Listen in for Camilla’s insight on investing for a financial, social and environmental return and learn why networking is key in multifamily syndication.  Key Takeaways  Camilla’s experience of quitting her W-2 job Excited to spend days doing what she loves Loves flexibility and freedom in schedule How Camilla got into real estate investing House hacking out of necessity to start Build portfolio of SFH + small multifamily What inspired Camilla’s shift to large multifamily  Tired after 15 years of DIY management Spending 4 to 5 hours/day on 15 units Why it took Camilla so long to try multifamily Limiting beliefs about partnering Didn’t network with other investors  Why Camilla took on the role of capital raiser Teacher at heart (despite introversion) Help people achieve time freedom The mindset shift that made Camilla successful Little success with ‘I need your money’ Changed pitch to present opportunity How Camilla thinks about choosing an operator Find through mentoring groups, meetups Different skills but same vision/values Camilla’s concept of the Investing Trifecta Financial return Social return Environmental return Connect with Camilla Jeffs  The Introverted Investor Camilla on Instagram Camilla on LinkedIn Camilla on YouTube Camilla on TikTok Resources  Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

You may have heard the idea that only 20% of what we do in business produces 80% of the results. And it follows that if you identify the right 20% and focus on that, you can scale a syndication business fast. But what does that look like in practice? How do you apply the 80/20 rule to make decisions around how to spend your time? Endorsed by Forbes and Inc. Magazine, Perry Marshall is one of the most expensive business strategists in the world and the creator of the world’s largest science research challenge, the $10M Evolution 2.0 Prize. Perry’s reinvention of the Pareto Principle is published in the Harvard Business Review, and he is the author of eight books, including 80/20 Sales and Marketing and Memos from the Head Office. On this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Perry joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain the concept of the Pareto Principle and discuss how it applies to real estate syndication. He describes how we can leverage the 80/20 pattern to scale an investing business, challenging us to focus 50% of our attention on the right 1% of our investments. Listen in for Perry’s advice on identifying and marketing to the right investors and learn how YOU can use the 80/20 rule to prioritize your time as a multifamily syndicator!    Key Takeaways  The concept of the 80/20 principle  Originated by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto Identified 20% of people have 80% of wealth Perry's realization re: the fractal nature of 80/20 Pattern of 80/20 inside every 80/20 1% of customers make 50% of purchases How a syndication businesses can scale using 80/20  1% of investments produce 50% of profits Focus half of attention on right 1% How to identify the 20% of investors to focus on Make prospects DO something to qualify lead Focus marketing on 20%, then repeat process  Perry’s insight around the 20/120 rule of business 20% of activity makes 120% of revenue Bottom 20% takes you backward The message in Perry’s book Memos from the Head Office Tap into spirituality and faith for decision-making Listen to insight from God to resolve conflict Connect with Perry Marshall  Perry’s Website  Sell 80/20 Resources  Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank 80/20 Sales and Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More by Perry Marshall ‘80/20 Is a Fractal Law of Nature’ in Harvard Business Review John Paul Mendocha Memos from the Head Office: Channeling the Muse in Business and in Life by Perry Marshall and John Fancher Ultimate Guide to Google Ads by Perry Marshall, Mike Rhodes and Bryan Todd Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising by Perry Marshall, Keith Krance and Thomas Meloche Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

Most people wait until they need something to start networking. But it’s a real challenge to talk people into helping you when they haven’t heard from you in years. On the other hand, if you make networking a priority and ‘dig the well before you’re thirsty,’ those connections become true friends who fight for you when you need it. Jordan Harbinger is the host of iTunes Top 100 ranked The Jordan Harbinger Show, a podcast where he interviews the world’s top performers, including legendary actors and musicians, intelligence operatives, professional athletes, iconic writers and other visionary change-makers. Jordan is best known for creating one of the leading self-development programs in the world, with a special emphasis on social capital and relationship building. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Jordan joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his proactive approach to networking, explaining why it’s crucial to build relationships before you need them. He offers insight on making connections with A-listers and other high-net-worth individuals, challenging us to provide value and be ‘politely persistent’ for as long as it takes. Listen in for Jordan’s advice on starting over after the breakup of a business partnership and find out why relationships are the best insurance policy money can’t buy. Key Takeaways  How to find the right level of fearlessness and curiosity Can’t throw caution to wind without strategy 'Nobody ever went broke selling when up 10%’     Jordan’s transition from law to entrepreneurship Firm losing clients when market tanked in ‘08 Money saved from Wall Street gave runway Went all-in on weekly radio show (side hustle) Jordan’s proactive approach to networking Build relationships before you need them Leverage system to keep people top of mind How Jordan builds relationships with A-listers  Be politely persistent and follow up for years Make it worth their time to work with you How Jordan provides value to celebrities Make publicist’s job easy, introduce network 'Everybody needs something’ How Jordan started over after a business breakup Took team along (strong relationships)  ‘Best revenge is to live well’ What lessons Jordan learned from starting over Gut check re: who you work with Recognize people grow at different rates Double down on networking Connect with Jordan Harbinger The Jordan Harbinger Show  Jordan’s Networking Course Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Superhuman  Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty: The Only Networking Book You’ll Ever Need by Harvey Mackay Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group  Podcast Show Notes

If I could go back in time, I’d return to 2010 and take advantage of the big buying moment in real estate at the time. But Ronan McMahon argues that if you set your sights beyond the States, there are circumstances like that at play somewhere in the world right now—if you’re willing to invest in international markets. Ronan is a contributing editor at International Living and founder of Real Estate Trend Alert, a newsletter where he explores investment opportunities from all over the world. Ronan spends six months of the year on the road, looking for the best real estate investments around the globe. He is also the author of Profit Principle: An Insider’s Guide to Doubling Your Money in Real Estate Overseas. On this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Ronan joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain why investors should consider diversifying with international real estate. He offers insight on the international markets he likes right now, describing how to invest in the path of progress and choose projects with significant upside potential. Listen in for Ronan’s advice on partnering with trusted operators in other countries and learn how his team connects investors with opportunities overseas. Key Takeaways  How Ronan got into international real estate investing Invested in home country of Ireland until values too high  Invited to travel, identify projects for International Living Why investors should consider international real estate Big buying moments always happening somewhere Less competition with other investors vs. US Ronan’s advice on shortening your learning curve Find trusted partner on ground with local knowledge Start with market one step from home beat (e.g.: Cabo) Ronan’s insight on securing financing in international markets 'Forget it’ (come with capital) Choose projects with incredibly high returns The international markets Ronan likes right now Algarve region of Portugal Tulum and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Panama City How Ronan’s business model is set up Partner with developers for access to first 100 units Members purchase individual condos at discount Ronan’s advice on navigating the legal system in other countries Partner with locals in business for multiple generations Little recourse in handshake countries with weak courts How Ronan’s team navigates regulatory issues outside the US Avoid by connecting developers with individual buyers Mindful of liability around holding title in Mexico Connect with Ronan McMahon Real Estate Trend Alert  Ronan at International Living Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Access Michael’s Blueprint to Your First Multifamily Deal Training International Living What Is the Fideicomiso? Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group Podcast Show Notes

You might think it would be easy for a well-known flipper to transition to multifamily. But the truth is, a successful career in single-family does NOT translate to the world of apartment building investing. So, how do you make the leap from single-family rentals and flips to multifamily investor? J Scott serves as Partner at Bar Down Investments, a multifamily investing firm with a portfolio of 1,000 units. J got his start in single-family real estate and built a reputation in the flipping business, rehabbing 500 properties and authoring four bestselling books in the BiggerPockets library. And then 18 months ago, J made the transition to multifamily investing. On this episode of the podcast, J joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share what inspired his move into multifamily and explain why flipping houses is not the path to financial freedom. He opens up about lacking credibility in the multifamily space, offering insight on how to get brokers to trust you if you’re new to the game. Listen in to understand the 3 things you need to get investors to work with you and learn how to build a reputation in the multifamily space—with or without prior real estate experience! Key Takeaways  How J got into the real estate space Work long hours as corporate engineer in tech space Shift to real estate in 2008 to 'put family first' What inspired J’s transition to multifamily Burned out on flips and single-family rentals Had cash to invest but didn’t trust anyone else Why flipping houses is not the path to financial freedom Transactional (trade time for money) Need passive income stream Why it took J so long to make the shift to multifamily Ego (reputation as ‘flip guy’) No credibility in multifamily space What J did to compensate for his lack of credibility  Admit had to start over, build new relationships Find mentor and add value How to get brokers to trust you if you’re new to multifamily Partner with someone who has track record Prove serious by underwriting and giving feedback J’s advice for investors considering a shift to multifamily Build marketing machine for 6 months first Multifamily scales much better The benefit of having single-family experience Learn mechanics of deal with less money at risk Skills of acquisitions, underwriting, raising money The 3 things you need to get an investor to work with you Build relationship so they LIKE and TRUST you Make them NEED you (e.g.: retirement plan) How to differentiate yourself from bigger operators Do what you’re good at, educate new investors Tap into personal network Connect with J Scott J’s Website Bar Down Investments Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Access Michael’s Blueprint to Your First Multifamily Deal Training Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank Books by J Scott Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Ashley Wilson How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie Michael’s Website  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group Podcast Show Notes

The most successful people are also the most purposeful. They create a vision for the future and take steps to get a little better every day. They take the time to ask: Is my life working for me? If not, how would I like it to look different? David Osborn is the principal owner of the sixth largest real estate company in the US with 4,500-plus agents and $11B in annual sales. David also runs a real estate investing private equity firm and operates 35 other profitable real estate related businesses in the US and Canada. He is well-known for being one of the cofounders of GoBundance, a community of healthy, wealthy, generous men who choose to lead EPIC lives. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, David joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain his tagline, ‘Who you become on your journey is far more important than what you achieve.’ He offers insight on the value of connecting with the right people and growing into the best version of yourself. Listen in to understand why David’s definition of wealth involves more than just money and find out how the most successful people get clear on where they’re going and walk in purpose. Key Takeaways  How David became a real estate investor Got start as agent, opened KW franchises in TX, NM All-in on investing in 2011 but ran out of own capital Mission to meet wealthy people and raise money Establish fund to invest in single family rentals What investments David is bullish on right now Dwelling spaces and rentals (single and multifamily) Real estate in Sunbelt states with fewer regulations Why who you become is more important than what you achieve Controlling every decision makes you the bottleneck Leadership means delegating trust (world gets bigger) External world = reflection of who you are as human The areas of his life David is working on right now More present with wife and children Working with coach on conscious leadership Meditate on regular basis Health including workouts Learning (40 books/year and podcasts) How David thinks about finding work-life balance Worked 12-hour days to achieve financial freedom Work smarter now, better relationships at home David’s well-rounded definition of wealth More than just money and financial freedom Being good human, finding ways to contribute Having adventures and being well-learned Why it’s crucial to surround yourself with the right people Genius of humans = sharing and connectivity Find peers who push and inspire you to get better The GoBundance origin story Accountability partners with Pat Hiban, Tim Rhode Invite others to join in bucket-list adventures Growth comes from authenticity and transparency David’s top lessons learned as an entrepreneur Know where you’re going (purposeful vision for life) Invest in marriage and make time for kids Connect with David Osborn David’s Website David on Instagram GoBundance Resources Be a Part of Michael’s Deal Maker Mastermind Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Entrepreneurs’ Organization TIGER 21 Conscious Loving: The Journey to Co-Commitment by Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman & Kaley Klemp The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness by Eric Jorgenson Huberman Lab Podcast Wealth Can’t Wait: Avoid the 7 Wealth Traps, Implement the 7 Business Pillars, and Complete a Life Audit Today! by David Osborn & Paul Morris Diego Corzo The Family Board Meeting: You Have 18 Summers to Create Lasting Connection with Your Children by Jim Sheils Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by David A. Sinclair Black Belt of the Mind by Fred Grosse Pat Hiban Tim Rhode Scott Harrison of Charity Water Gary Keller The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod Richard Branson Tribe of Millionaires: What If One Choice Could Change Everything? by David Osborn & Pat Hiban Michael’s Website  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group Podcast Show Notes

Even if you choose the right property, the wrong debt can wreck a multifamily deal. So, what can we do to manage shifts in the real estate market? How do we structure deals in a way that mitigates risk? Andrew Cushman serves as Principal at Vantage Point Acquisitions, a private equity firm focused on acquiring and repositioning multifamily properties throughout the Southeast US. He left his 9-to-5 as a chemical engineer for real estate in 2007 and built a lucrative house flipping business before finding multifamily in 2011. Since then, Andrew has successfully syndicated more than 2,100 units and launched The Multifamily Accelerator, a mastermind for active and experienced real estate investors. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Andrew joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain why he is confident about buying multifamily right now and share what he is doing to maintain deal flow. He offers insight on underwriting to account for a spike in interest rates or a shift in rent growth and shares his secret for finding off-market deals. Listen in as Andrew describes what kind of inflation is good for apartment investors and learn how to structure agency or bridge debt to best manage risk. Key Takeaways  Why Andrew is confident about buying multifamily right now Large, sophisticated groups making offers on small properties Right types of inflation benefit multifamily in particular The kind of inflation that’s good for multifamily real estate Labor, cost of building and properties all on rise Interest rates stay low while incomes increase Why Andrew used 12-year, fixed-rate debt on a recent deal Buyer can assume debt in 6 years if interest rates up Property value likely up if interest rates still low Option to hold for 6 more years if market in trouble Andrew’s top strategies for structuring bridge debt Don’t take maximum leverage, negotiate lower interest rate  5-year loan affords options while 1-year loan does not How to mitigate the risk of a spike in interest rates Debt structure with options for exit Conservative rent growth assumptions Modify exit cap rate (+ 10 basis points for every year held) What Andrew is doing to find multifamily deals right now Leverage long-term broker relationships Direct outreach to owners in select markets Driving for dollars Andrew’s tips for reaching out to owners directly Ask under what circumstances would consider selling Be careful not to hurt existing broker relationships What Andrew is doing to maintain deal flow Add team member to increase number of leads  Consider expanding into new markets Andrew’s strategy for bidding on listed multifamily deals Never win best and final on price (try creative terms) Stay involved to stay top-of-mind with brokers How Andrew thinks about rent increases in his underwriting Current level of rent increases not sustainable Underwrite to current rents or well below forecast increases Buy where renovated rent

Is now really a good time to get started in multifamily? COVID put real estate on a bit of a roller coaster ride. The market cooled for a bit but then came back even hotter! So, is it too hot now? What should we be thinking about as we decide whether to invest now or wait until later? On this solo episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, I explain why there will never be a PERFECT time to get into multifamily and discuss how we adjust our tactics with ups and down in the market. I offer insight on why real estate prices are going up right now and describe what soaring construction costs, ongoing demand for affordable housing and rising inflation means for multifamily. Listen in to understand the relationship between rising rents and property values—and find out why investing in REAL assets is the best thing you can do right now! Key Takeaways My insight on why now is the right time to get into multifamily There will never be a PERFECT time to get started If fundamentals are strong, stick with strategy but adjust tactics Don’t ask, ‘Should I get started?’ but ‘How can I get started?’ Why real estate prices are going up right now Low interest rates Increased demand Rising inflation The impact of soaring construction costs Median price of house up from $286K to $326K Affordable housing shortage worse than ever What the current inflationary environment means for multifamily Rising incomes and rents (in growing markets) Increasing NOI means value of building goes up The case for investing in multifamily Ongoing high demand and limited supply Rising incomes + inflation = higher rents High rents + low interest rates = higher prices Why it’s a good idea to invest in real assets right now Potential devaluation of dollar Hold things with intrinsic value Resources Explore Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Get Michael’s Blueprint to Your First Multifamily Deal ‘Construction Costs Are Skyrocketing—Should You Build a House?’ in Forbes ‘The Housing Shortage Is Worse Than Ever—And Will Take a Decade of Record Construction to Fix, Reports Say’ in Forbes ‘Skyrocketing Steel, Lumber Costs Threaten to Slow Construction Jobs’ in Construction Dive ‘Soaring Lumber Prices Add $36,000 to the Cost of a New Home and a Fierce Land Grab Is Only Making It Worse’ on CNBC ‘The Housing Boom Could Be Losing Steam’ on CNN Business ‘Online Searches About Relocations Soar; Lack of Homes for Sale Driving Interest’ in The Washington Post ‘The Housing Shortage—Special Report’ in REALTOR Magazine ‘Once-in-a-Generation Response Needed to Address Housing Supply Crisis’ on the National Association of REALTORS Website ‘Apartment Rents Reach New High in June’ in GlobeSt ‘More Americans Are Leaving Cities, But Don’t Call It an Urban Exodus’ in Bloomberg Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group