

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing
Michael Blank
The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast is about helping you achieve financial independence and control your time through apartment building investing. Michael Blank interviews experts in real estate, business, and investing. From learning how to invest in multifamily real estate to navigating entrepreneurship, you will learn the keys to success in your journey towards financial freedom. Previous guests include Grant Cardone, Robert Kiyosaki, Ken McElroy, Robert Helms, Brandon Turner, and Hal Elrod. Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned investor, you'll enjoy stories from our expert guests as well as hear from people who quit their jobs and are living life on their own terms because of investing in multifamily real estate. Thanks for listening and leave a review for a chance to get a shout-out on the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 16, 2021 • 40min
M279: Why Real Estate Is the Best Kind of Entrepreneurship – With Pete Schnepp
All entrepreneurial activities are not created equal. Running a service-based business is an active pursuit. You’re managing employees, making sales and then following through with high quality work. But in real estate, once you do the initial legwork, the money comes in automatically with very little effort on your part. Pete Schnepp is the successful entrepreneur behind Envision Painting and Roof Coatings, Bug Science Pest Control and PRS Properties. Pete got serious about building a real estate portfolio in 2017, and today, his rental income covers his family’s living expenses, and he is financially free. On this episode of the podcast, Pete joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss what sets real estate apart from other kinds of entrepreneurship. Pete walks us through the steps he took to build a portfolio of properties and explains why his family continues to live below their means despite having achieved financial freedom. Listen in for Pete’s advice on revisiting your goals every day and find out how he is building generational wealth with real estate! Key Takeaways What inspired Pete’s interest in real estate Realized people with money involved in real estate Needed Plan B to protect family financially The steps Pete took to build his portfolio Listened to podcasts and books while driving Lived below means to save up Made offers on 10 properties in single weekend How Pete achieved financial freedom $10K/month rental income covers living expenses Goal to hit $20K/month by 2023 Pete’s insight on living below your means Pay self salary as business owner and live on that Maintain modest lifestyle even now How Pete and his wife got on the same page She supports his big dreams Prioritize time with family over expensive things Pete’s future goals when it comes to real estate Use to create generational wealth Hold existing properties for passive income How real estate differs from Pete’s other small businesses Painting and pest control = active Real estate = passive and easier to scale Pete’s advice for aspiring real estate investors Get clear on 5-year goal Focus on goal daily Connect with Pete Schnepp Pete on LinkedIn Pete on Facebook Resources Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast Entrepreneurs’ Organization The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod GoBundance The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko CASHFLOW Board Game Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Aug 9, 2021 • 29min
MB278: Raising Money Through a Fund vs. Single-Asset Deals – With Joe Fairless
The vast majority of multifamily syndicators don’t stop with one property. And with each new deal, we start the stressful process of raising money all over again. But it doesn’t have to be that way! So, how does it work to raise capital for multiple deals through a fund? Joe Fairless is the Cofounder and Partner at Ashcroft Capital, a multifamily firm that invests in 200-plus-unit value-add deals. The Ashcroft team has a portfolio of 38 properties, and in February of 2021, they pivoted from raising money for individual deals to raising capital through funds. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Joe joins me (and the attendees of Deal Maker Live) to discuss the pros and cons of raising money through a fund. He explains the benefit of being able to spread out your capital raise over time, bring on investors whenever they’re ready, and comingle money among deals. Listen in for insight on how Ashcroft structures its funds and find out if YOU’RE ready to start raising money for multifamily through a fund! Key Takeaways How Joe achieves work-life integration Systems, people in place to run business when away Blurred lines between personal/professional life How Ashcroft Capital structures its funds Class A — 10% preferred return, virtually no upside Class B — 7% pref with 70/30 split on upside The downside of raising money for funds LP gets average of all deals (miss out on lightning in bottle) GP misses out on investors who prefer individual deals Joe’s take on the advantages of raising money for funds Don’t have to land on specific equity amount for each deal Spread out capital raise over time Bring investors on whenever ready Creates consistency for investors (GP can comingle money) When you should consider raising money through a fund Acquired 5 multifamily deals At least 2 exits under belt The pros and cons of using Rule 506(c) Can advertise deal publicly but accredited investors only Don’t have to document preexisting relationship Why Joe’s fund raises money for both class A and B properties 20% of investors class A, 80% of investors class B Class A shares upside over 10% for less risk Connect with Joe Fairless Ashcroft Capital Resources Learn About Michael’s Mentoring Program Access the Recordings from Deal Maker Live Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Tony Robbins on Work-Life Integration Rule 506(c) Rule 506(b) Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Aug 2, 2021 • 38min
MB277: Why Focus on Multifamily Operations? – With Ashley Wilson
In the short term, multifamily investors can have success simply playing the appreciation game. But if you want to build a multifamily portfolio that survives and thrives for the long term, you have to make operations a priority. Ashley Wilson is the cofounder of Bar Down Investments and the bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room: Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Women Real Estate Investors. Ashley has been involved in $60M-plus in real estate transactions in the last 12 years, and she leads asset and construction management for her own multifamily investments. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Ashley joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain why it’s essential for syndicators to focus on operations. Ashley shares her take on the lack of women in real estate, offering advice on how to increase the number of women investors and influencers in the space. Listen in for Ashley’s insight on the #1 skill you need to be a successful investor and find out how to marry asset and construction management to maximize the value of YOUR multifamily portfolio! Key Takeaways What lights Ashley up about multifamily real estate Finding best way to maximize value of property Operations (how tenants think, market shifts, etc.) How Ashley’s real estate strategy has evolved over time Hands-off house hacking, STRs while working full-time Shift to high-end flips after retired from pharmaceuticals Desire to work smarter not harder led to multifamily Why multifamily is the holy grail for Ashley’s needs Obvious tax advantages, hedge against inflation Market demand (need due to housing shortage) Why syndicators need to focus on operations Can’t succeed long-term by way of appreciation alone Learn through management of difficult properties 100% collections on all properties throughout COVID The benefit of marrying asset and construction management Exploit market demands, minimize loss-to-lease Build up right tenants = easier to operate long term What inspired Ashley to write The Only Woman in the Room Just 14 women out of 450 investors at MidAtlantic Summit Highlight stories, provide role models for next generation Ashley’s take on the lack of women in the real estate business Women not encouraged to pursue STEM fields until now Math and finance necessary foundation for investing Why determination is the #1 skill of a successful investor Overrides fear of asking questions and taking risks Seek out knowledge, push through self-doubt How to increase the number of women investors and influencers Provide opportunities to speak at events based on merit Best way to be introduced = have someone introduce you Ashley’s advice to aspiring women real estate investors Start building relationships (net worth = network) Exploit free platforms to learn fundamentals Connect with Ashley Wilson Bar Down Investments Ashley on Instagram Ashley on BiggerPockets Resources Access the Recordings from Deal Maker Live Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club The Only Woman in the Room: Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Women Real Estate Investors compiled by Ashley Wilson MidAtlantic Summit The Real Estate InvestHER Community Investor Girl Britt Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jul 26, 2021 • 35min
MB276: Add a Zero to Your Next Capital Raise – With Jonathan Barr
So, you want to go for bigger deals, but your current network is pretty much tapped out. Maybe you struggled to raise $500K for your last deal, and you’d like to add a zero for the next one. How do you attract new investors and scale your capital raise? Jonathan Barr is the Cofounder and Principal at JB2 Investments, a real estate investment firm specializing in 70-plus-unit value-add projects in high cashflow, landlord-friendly markets. Jonathan began his real estate career in 2009, facilitating the acquisition of 400 residential flips in the LA market that generated $22M in profit for his family’s business. On this episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, Jonathan joins me to explain what inspired him to invest outside the LA market, sharing the mental blocks he had to overcome to buy properties in the Midwest. Jonathan walks us through his first multifamily deal in Oklahoma City, discussing why he had a hard time raising money for it and how he built an online platform to solve that problem. Listen in for Jonathan’s insight on using Twitter to attract new investors and learn how to scale YOUR ability to raise capital through content creation! Key Takeaways How Jonathan got involved in real estate Grew up in real estate family in LA Join flip, development business The pros and cons of working in a family business Feel ultimate support and trust Hierarchy of parent-child relationship What Jonathan learned in SFH acquisitions that translates to multifamily Conduct due diligence, use checklists to mitigate mistakes Discuss deals with team and bounce ideas What inspired Jonathan to invest outside the LA market Buy-and-hold duplexes in LA only making 3% in equity Potential to triple cashflow by moving money to KC Jonathan’s mental block around investing out of the LA market Unable to drive to properties and manage himself Hard to feel comfortable delegating responsibility Why Jonathan made the shift to multifamily Margins on flips low, always chasing next deal Apartment buildings much more tax efficient Why Jonathan joined our mentoring program last year Left family business in January 2020 Used to having parents as mentors Jonathan’s first multifamily deal Closed on 72-unit property in OKC in September Cut expenses by 25%, beating projections by 30% Why Jonathan had a hard time raising money for his first deal First deal in OKC market (no track record there) Uncertainty of pandemic How Jonathan built an online platform to raise capital Offer free eBook to build email list Post content daily on Twitter Jonathan’s take on why content creation is so important Gives potential investors insight into business Shows thoughtful and thorough, builds trust Jonathan’s insight on how to create content Get ideas from questions you get, other podcasts Block off time to write multiple posts at once Jonathan’s advice for syndicators who are tapped out on capital Post video or blog every week Focus energy on single social platform Connect with Jonathan Barr JB2 Investments JB2 on Facebook Jonathan on Twitter Jonathan on LinkedIn Resources Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Enter the Financial Freedom Podcast Launch Contest The Tax Stack Strategy: The Magic of Paying Less Tax Using Real Estate by Jonathan Barr Upwork Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jul 16, 2021 • 11min
MB 275: Is This the End of the Apartment Building Investing Podcast?
In nearly 300 episodes of the Apartment Building Investing podcast, I’ve talked to big names in real estate like Robert Kiyosaki, Brandon Turner and Grant Cardone. I’ve also had conversations with countless men and women you may not have heard of who achieved financial freedom through multifamily syndications. And now, Apartment Building Investing is coming to an end. But only because we’re celebrating a new beginning and rebranding the show as Financial Freedom with Real Estate! On this episode, I explain how Financial Freedom with Real Estate more accurately reflects our mission here at The Michael Blank Organization. I explain what makes investing in apartments better than single family homes, sharing examples of people we’ve empowered to quit their jobs and live a life of purpose through multifamily investing. Listen in for insight on the benefits of our Deal Maker Certification training and find out how to WIN the course in our Financial Freedom Podcast Launch Contest! Key Takeaways Why we’re renaming the podcast Financial Freedom with Real Estate Accurately communicates mission of organization Reach more people thinking about investing Why apartments are superior to investing in single family homes Performs better in down markets More consistent returns Pay self acquisition fees as syndicator Secure non-recourse debt Control value of property Achieve financial freedom in 2 years How financial freedom empowers people to live a life of purpose Realize you’re here for something bigger than yourself Sets you up to make impact, become difference-maker What you learn from our Deal Maker Certification training Proven system to achieve financial freedom with multifamily Process for doing first deal, quitting job and scaling portfolio Resources Enter to Win the Financial Freedom Podcast Launch Contest Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank Explore Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Financial Freedom Hall of Fame Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jul 12, 2021 • 36min
MB 274: Residential Assisted Living with Heart (at Scale) – With Loe Hornbuckle
Multifamily investors know the advantages of scale. But when it comes to residential assisted living or RAL, bigger isn’t always better. The big-box model often leads to poor healthcare outcomes, treating residents not as individuals but part of a process. So, how can investors scale senior living facilities without compromising care? Loe Hornbuckle is CEO of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care and Cofounder of GoodHorn Capital, a real estate investment firm focused on recession-resistant asset classes including build-to-rent and senior living. Loe has a heart for improving the residential assisted living experience, providing residents with both the quality care associated with small RAL facilities and the advantages of scale. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Loe joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his unique, hybrid approach to building assisted living and memory care facilities. Loe explains how his father’s bad experience in hospice inspired his interest in RAL and offers insight on applying his strategy to multifamily deals. Listen in to understand how Loe is solving the scaling problems of residential assisted living and find out if the business of caretaking is right for YOU. Key Takeaways Loe’s approach to building assisted living and memory care facilities Unique physical plant and operations (boutique experience) Campus of 10 buildings with 16 residents in each How Loe is solving the scaling problems of residential assisted living Campus of care homes can use third-party management Much easier to appraise and finance through bank What Loe’s campus of care homes looks like 5 or 6 homes (9K ft2) + 2-story sales and admin office Homes have four quadrants and commons area What inspired Loe’s interest in assisted living as an asset class Dad had really bad experience in hospice care Presentation and podcast on converting real estate to RAL How an investor can get into the business of caretaking Invest as LP with operator you believe in Hire team with medical background How Loe thinks about processes and systems in RAL Works only up to point to establish baseline Hire for heart and talent, get out of way The critical hires for a residential assisted living facility Executive director and head of clinical team Look for integrator or visionary How to apply Loe’s RAL strategy to multifamily investing Analyze deal if converted to age-restricted community Additional tool for competing on deals Loe’s advice on getting started with residential assisted living Must have heart for business and strong WHY Determine core competencies of team, hire for gaps Connect with Loe Hornbuckle Loe on LinkedIn GoodHorn Capital Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jul 5, 2021 • 36min
MB 273: A SEAL’s Take on Responding to Adversity – With Chad Williams
Adversity is not optional. Whether you’re a Navy SEAL or a multifamily investor, you’re going to face difficult circumstances. And while you don’t have control over what happens, you DO control how you respond. Are you going to let adversity knock you down? Or will you rise to the occasion? Chad Williams the bestselling author of SEAL of God, a memoir of his grueling journey through Naval Ops training and onto the war-torn streets of Iraq. Chad is also a sought-after international speaker, drawing on his experience as Navy SEAL to share lessons around teamwork, integrity, mental toughness and overcoming adversity, and he is set to deliver the keynote address at Deal Maker Live next week in Dallas. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Chad joins cohost Drew Kniffin and me to explain how the principles he mastered as a SEAL apply to multifamily investing, challenging us to be servant leaders and stay calm in the face of adversity. Chad offers advice on staying the course in difficult times, describing how a strong WHY made him one of only 13 SEAL trainees to graduate (in a class of 173). Listen in for Chad’s insight on the choice you have to let adversity be a weight or a wing and learn to be resilient regardless of the challenges life brings your way! Key Takeaways The story of Chad’s final operation in Iraq Hunt men who make suicide vests and roadside bombs Work side by side with Iraqi Special Operations Forces ISOF led final initiative but ambushed during operation What it looks like to be a servant leader Foster environment of loyalty, trust and sense of family Esteem needs of others as greater than your own Chad’s advice on how to respond to adversity Find ways to rise to occasion (choose wing vs. weight) Calmness is contagious, true leader controls emotions The challenge of completing the training to become a SEAL 173 in Chad’s class but only 13 made it to graduation Hell week = 4 hours of sleep in 5½ days, run 200 miles How to stay the course and endure through challenging times WHY bigger than just you, e.g.: faith, family or friends What would you write inside your hat? Connect with Chad Williams Navy SEAL Chad Williams SEAL of God by Chad Williams SEAL of God on Instagram Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Sign Up for Chad’s Deal Maker Live Adventure Access Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Download Michael’s Free eBook: The Secret to Raising Money for Your First Apartment Building Scott Helvenston Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jun 28, 2021 • 42min
MB 272: Best Practices for Multifamily Asset Management – With Kyle Mitchell
Asset management may not be as sexy as raising money or chasing deals. But it’s the aspect of multifamily investing that makes a deal successful—or not. So, what’s involved in the operation of an apartment building? And how can an asset manager work with their property management team to solve problems together? Kyle Mitchell is the cofounder of Asset Management Mastery, a platform designed to help multifamily investors become best-in-class operators. Kyle owns and operates a portfolio of 400 units worth $400M in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. He is also the coauthor of Best in Class: How to Manage Your Multifamily Asset, Avoid Mistakes and Build Wealth Through Real Estate and serves as a mentor with The Michael Blank organization. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Kyle joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the role of a multifamily asset manager, explaining how he conducts monthly secret shopper audits and what KPIs he tracks on a regular basis. Kyle describes what attracted him to the asset management side of the business, discussing how he partners with the property management team to get the best out of a property. Listen in for Kyle’s hands-on approach to renovation management and find out how he is navigating material and labor shortages in the aftermath of the pandemic. Key Takeaways The role of a multifamily asset manager Hold property management company accountable Partner with PM team to get best out of property What attracted Kyle to asset management Background in operations at golf courses Identified gap in that side of multifamily business Why Kyle moved into the market where he invests Easier to build relationships as boots on ground Opportunity to grow portfolio How Kyle conducts a monthly secret shopper audit 80-point system (send scorecard to PM team) Different phone #, email address and question What key performance indicators Kyle tracks Marketing metrics (# of leads, conversion ratio) Lease trade-outs, rental and RUBS comps How Kyle handles multifamily renovation management Property management company has in-house team Track tasks on Trello goal to finish in 21 days How to navigate the current material and labor shortages Order in bulk and secure storage on site Build deep roster of vendors What Kyle does when a property manager isn’t performing Direct line to owner of PM company Weekly call to discuss cause of issues How to be proactive when it comes to asset management Partner or team member with ops experience Reach out to peers in multifamily industry Connect with Kyle Mitchell Asset Management Mastery Asset Management Summit Asset Management Mastery Podcast Passive Income Through Multifamily Real Estate Podcast Best in Class: How to Manage Your Multifamily Asset, Avoid Mistakes and Build Wealth Through Real Estate by Kyle Mitchell and Gary Lipsky Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Download Michael’s Free eBook: The Secret to Raising Money for Your First Apartment Building Kyle Mitchell on Apartment Building Investing EP172 Neal Bawa’s LASAL Revenue Management System Conservice: The Utility Experts Trello DiSC Assessment Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jun 21, 2021 • 38min
MB 271: Start with Belief & Build a Multifamily Business – With Timothy Lyons
What does a multifamily investor look like? If you grew up in a working-class family that didn’t talk about money, let alone investing, you may have a hard time seeing yourself as a successful syndicator. But you don’t have to be a Wall Street guy to build a multifamily real estate business. You can raise millions of dollars for deals no matter where you come from… But you’ve got to BELIEVE you can. Timothy Lyons is a 15-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department and Principal and Managing Partner at Cityside Capital. He invested in his first 3-family property at the end of 2019, and today, he has been involved in 5 syndications worth over $100M. Tim is also a contributor to Bringing Value, Solving Problems and Leaving a Legacy, a collection of powerful stories of transformation from thought leaders, entrepreneurs and real estate investors. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Tim joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the power of belief, explaining how he overcame imposter syndrome to build a portfolio of 720-plus units in 12 months. Tim shares why he was skeptical about investing in a coach and how he realized the value of aligning with a network of people who are successful at what you want to do. Listen in for Tim’s amazing story of going all-in on multifamily at the start of the pandemic and learn to push through YOUR limiting beliefs and achieve financial freedom with real estate! Key Takeaways Why Tim got into real estate investing Working 90 hours/week as firefighter and ER nurse Missing out on time with wife and 3 kids Tim’s first 3-family property Financed with own money for proof of concept Rehabbed units, achieved cashflow soon after The next steps Tim took to go bigger, faster Invest in education and mentoring Learn as much as possible about money, taxes How Tim overcame his resistance to investing in a coach Talked to students in different programs Realized value of aligning with network The timeline around Tim’s multifamily education Separated from family (first 7 weeks of pandemic) Crush through material in coaching program How Tim realized the power of multifamily syndication Invited to join coach’s deal, follow process Raised $200K from personal network How Tim overcame limiting beliefs re: raising money Identity shift to see self as investor Share power of investing with network How Tim is raising $2.5M for his fifth syndication Talk about what he’s doing with everyone Build online thought leadership platform Tim’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Education = antidote to fear Surround self with right people and take action What Tim did to overcome imposter syndrome Develop willingness to fail forward Connect with fantastic coaches Connect with Timothy Lyons Cityside Capital Bringing Value, Solving Problems and Leaving a Legacy by Tim Lyons et al. Resources Invest in Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate Investing—Even Without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank Download Michael’s Free eBook: The Secret to Raising Money for Your First Apartment Building Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki Jim Rohn Zig Ziglar BiggerPockets ActiveCampaign Real Estate Guys Radio Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Jun 14, 2021 • 42min
MB 270: Partner Up & Push Through Adversity – With Gary Van Bortel & John Bilinski
It’s easy to talk yourself out of your first multifamily deal. Working through obstacle after obstacle alone wears on a first-time syndicator, and you feel like giving up. But if you partner with another investor, you don’t want to let each other down. And you push through adversity, showing up with a kind of tenacity you may not have had on your own. Gary Van Bortel and John Bilinski are the syndication team behind ROC Capital Group, a multifamily investment firm out of Rochester, New York. Gary and John have 30 years of investing experience between them, building individual portfolios of single family and small multifamily properties before partnering on their first apartment syndication in 2020, a $1M raise for 48-unit deal in Syracuse. Gary and John are also the organizers of the Upstate Commercial Apartment Investors Meetup. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Gary and John join cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain why they decided to work together, describing how a partnership motivates you to keep moving forward—even when a deal gets hairy. Gary and John discuss how they connected with potential investors through a local Meetup and share how they got investors to commit to their first deal. Listen in for insight on pushing through when things don’t go according to plan (I’m looking at you, COVID) and learn to leverage a strong partnership to work through obstacles together. Key Takeaways How Gary got into real estate Bought duplex as first house Potential for living cost-free How John got into real estate Looking for passive income Renovate and rent homes What inspired Gary and John’s shift to multifamily Learn about syndication on podcast Ability to scale fast resonated with both Why Gary and John decided to partner Bring complementary strengths to table Harder to talk self out of deal, give up How Gary and John primed investors Formed local multifamily Meetup group Presentations on aspects of syndication How Gary and John found their first deal Deal for large portfolio through broker Buyer willing to sell individual property What made Gary and John’s first deal a challenge Owner being indicted Hard to get title insurance Gary and John’s journey to raising $1M Nervous at closing, far from goal Met with potential investors 1:1 How Gary and John got investors on board Own skin in game but not taking return Willing to show property despite risk The obstacles Gary and John faced with COVID Property manager unable to go onsite Asbestos issue meant displacing tenants Gary and John’s advice for aspiring syndicators Build community of potential investors Get educated on logistics, partner up Connect with Gary Van Bortel & John Bilinski ROC Capital Group Upstate Commercial Apartment Investor Group Meetup Email gary@roccapitalgroup.com Email john@roccapitalgroup.com Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate Investing—Even Without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank Download Michael’s Free eBook: The Secret to Raising Money for Your First Apartment Building REIA Meetup Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group