

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

Jun 7, 2021 • 42min
MB 269: Repositioning Hotels as Multifamily Assets – With Serge Shukhat
COVID decimated the hotel industry, bringing property values down significantly. And savvy multifamily investors are buying distressed hotels on the cheap and converting them into apartment buildings. But what are the pros and cons of this strategy? Serge Shukhat serves as Principal at Zona Capital, LLC, a real estate investment firm that specializes in acquiring value-add multifamily and mobile home park assets. Serge spent 13 years as a corporate warrior before leaving his W-2 in 2012 with the cashflow from 70 single family rentals. Then he shifted his focus to multifamily and now owns a portfolio of more than 1,000 units. And in the last two years, Serge has developed an innovative strategy for repositioning hotels as multifamily properties. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Serge joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his approach to converting hotels into apartment buildings. Serge explains why he operates the units as Airbnbs to start and leases them up gradually and describes the challenges of running this kind of hybrid property. Listen in for Serge’s insight on the barriers to entry for repositioning hotels and learn how YOU can benefit from acting on this unconventional multifamily play! Key Takeaways How Serge got involved in real estate Searching for way out of corporate job Started buying single family during recession How Serge analyzes price per door What other investors are buying at Rebuild cost in market What inspired Serge to reposition hotels as multifamily Hotels cheaper than multifamily properties No competition on deals Serge’s first hotel-to-apartment conversion 70-unit with kitchens, easy market for permitting Bought with re-trade due to COVID at 15% off Serge’s Airbnb bridge strategy Operate units as STRs to start, lease up slowly Provides immediate cashflow What makes Serge’s STR bridge strategy work On-site team manages Airbnb units Property operates at maximum efficiency The challenges of hotel-to-multifamily conversions Permitting and zoning Takes property manager outside comfort zone Why Serge is conflicted about shifting to full multifamily Cashflow of Airbnb units = 3X long-term lease STR-multifamily hybrid makes exit harder Connect with Serge Shukhat Serge on BiggerPockets Serge on LinkedIn 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 Garrett on The Real Estate Syndication Show with Whitney Sewell Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

May 31, 2021 • 21min
MB 268: The 6 Seismic Shifts to Become a Successful Investor
I used to dismiss mindset as the key to success. But I’ve since come to understand that until you get your head straight, you won’t take action. So, what mindset shifts do you need to make to become a successful multifamily investor? On this solo episode of Apartment Building Investing, I walk you through the 6 seismic shifts it takes to quit your job with real estate, challenging you to clear on WHY you want financial freedom and develop a strong belief in yourself and the system you’re following. I explain why you have to accept that you don’t know everything and take consistent action over time to see results. Listen in for insight on playing the long game and learn the benefits of partnering with others to scale a successful syndication business! Key Takeaways Seismic Shift #1—Clarity Get clear on what you want, why you want it Develop through morning routine Seismic Shift #2—Belief Believe in yourself, higher power and system Build through affirmations and visualization Seismic Shift #3—Surrender Give up portion of ego to be COACHABLE Network with advisor or hire mentor Seismic Shift #4—Consistency Tiny action every day yields results Analyze deals + meet investors = first deal Seismic Shift #5—Play the long game Don’t look for instant gratification Seek permanent change and leave legacy Seismic Shift #6—Be open to working with others Partner on single deal for limited downside Scale faster, focus on what YOU like to do Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Access Michael’s Free Blueprint to Your First Multifamily Deal Training Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Watch the Replay of Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki The Miracle Morning: The Not-So Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod Grant Cardone on The School of Greatness EP497 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

May 24, 2021 • 50min
MB 267: The 5 Success Principles of Top Real Estate Investors– With Steven Pesavento
After interviewing 100 of the top real estate investors, Steven Pesavento realized that mindset really is the foundation of investing success. So, how do the most successful investors and entrepreneurs think differently? And how can you apply these same principles to your investing efforts and achieve real-world success? Steven is the President and Trusted Advisor at VonFinch Capital, a real estate firm out of Denver, Colorado, that focuses on curating hassle-free passive investments. He flipped 200 houses in three years before transitioning to multifamily in 2020. Steven is also the host of The Investor Mindset Podcast and the author of Principles of Success: Lessons from Top Real Estate Investors. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Steven joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share his five success principles of top real estate investors and explain why mindset is so important to investing success. Steven describes what inspired his shift from flipping houses to multifamily and what steps he took to make the transition to commercial real estate. Listen in for Steven’s insight on what it looks like to have your mindset tested and learn to apply his success principles in the real world of real estate investing! Key Takeaways What inspired Steven’s shift from flipping to multifamily Unable to scale (even with high volume) Benefits of securing long-term debt What steps Steven took to transition to commercial real estate Find successful investors to learn from or partner with Study different asset classes and determine best fi Why Steven decided multifamily was the right asset class Similarities between residential and multifamily Alignment with values makes it easier to focus Ideal clients asking for longer-term investments Historically most stable asset class in real estate Why mindset is important to investing success Thoughts lead to actions which generate results Must believe it’s possible to succeed Steven’s 5 success principles of top real estate investors View challenges as opportunities Ultra-focused on doing 1 thing really well Super-clear on what they want Know their purpose Work with great mentors and coaches How to apply the 5 success principles in real-world investing Recognize that mindset = code your mind runs on Sit down with pen and paper to get clear on goals Check in on consistent basis to replace old beliefs Steven’s experience with having his mindset tested First multifamily deal under contract (March 2020) Litigious LP asked for $800K more just before close Money wrapped up in deal, still under contract Connect with Steven Pesavento The Investor Mindset The Investor Mindset Podcast Investor Mindset on Facebook Steven on Facebook Steven on LinkedIn Steven on Instagram Steven on Twitter Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Download Michael’s Free eBook: The Secret to Raising Money for Your First Apartment Building Principles of Success: Lessons from Top Real Estate Investors by Steven Pesavento VonFinch Capital Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz Joe Fairless Michael on The Investor Mindset Podcast EP075 Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki The ABCs of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Miss by Ken McElroy Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

May 17, 2021 • 47min
MB 266: The 10 Commandments of Lifestyle Investing – With Justin Donald
A lifestyle investor doesn’t trade time for money. They buy cashflowing assets that replace their W-2 income and go on to build a life around what matters most—focusing on their family, their passions and their purpose. So, what steps can YOU take to become a financially independent lifestyle investor? Justin Donald is the Founder of The Lifestyle Investor, a platform designed to help people use low-risk, cashflow investing to enjoy a life of passive income NOW. He leveraged real estate to grow his net worth to eight figures in less than two years, and he shares the blueprint in The Lifestyle Investor: The 10 Commandments of Cashflow Investing for Passive Income and Financial Freedom. Justin also serves as the host of the Lifestyle Investor Podcast. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Justin joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to discuss the steps he took to replace his lifestyle income and create a life of his own design. Justin explains how he got his start investing in mobile home parks and walks us through his first three commandments for investing in income-producing assets. Listen in for insight on Justin’s mission to help investors buy our time back, achieve financial freedom and pursue a purposeful, inspiring life! Key Takeaways What Justin covers in The Lifestyle Investor 10 criteria for how he invests for cashflow Buy time with income-producing assets The steps to becoming a lifestyle investor Connect with other people on similar path Find mentors who’ve done what you want How Justin defines a lifestyle investor Leverage assets that produce cashflow Create intentional life of own design How Justin got into real estate investing Replace income with mobile home parks Diversify with other kinds of investments Justin’s first 3 commandments of lifestyle investing Lifestyle first (create freedom vision) Reduce risk Find invisible deals What investors learn in Justin’s mastermind Evaluate deals, advice from community Access to deal flow and tax strategy The danger of herd mentality investing Listen to people with proven track record Do your own due diligence Justin’s advice on finding income amplifiers Don’ be afraid to negotiate different terms Way deal shows up not how has to end How long it took Justin to achieve financial freedom 2 years to cover family’s basic expenses 3 years to cover lifestyle income ($12K/mo) What Justin wants his legacy to be Help people live life desire TODAY Show plan for how to get there Connect with Justin Donald The Lifestyle Investor Lifestyle Investor Podcast The Lifestyle Investor: The 10 Commandments of Cashflow Investing for Passive Income and Financial Freedom by Justin Donald Lifestyle Investor Mastermind Lifestyle Investor Coaching Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Robert Kiyosaki Tony Robbins Love Justice International Michael on Lifestyle Investor EP028 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

May 10, 2021 • 49min
MB 265: Build Relationships, Build a Multifamily Business – With Philippe Schulligen
The beauty of multifamily investing is that you don’t do it alone. If you’re just getting started, you can bring a deal to an experienced operator. And once you’ve built a network of your own, you can flip the script and cosponsor deals with up-and-coming syndicators, leveraging your relationships to raise money for deals and scale your business faster! Philippe Schulligen is the Founder of Five Five Five Ventures, a firm dedicated to helping professionals navigate multifamily real estate investments. Philippe is the co-owner of 1,450 multifamily units worth $70M, and he has raised $22M in capital from investors. Philippe spent 20 years in corporate aviation before quitting his 9-to-5 for real estate, and he also serves as a mentor for The Michael Blank organization. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Philippe joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how he got his start in multifamily by partnering with an experienced operator. Philippe describes how building relationships with a network allowed him to scale faster and shift from finding deals to becoming a cosponsor and capital raiser. Listen in as Philippe gets real about what he learned when an equity partner bailed on a big deal at the last minute and find out how to start building YOUR multifamily network with the help of a mentor like Philippe! Key Takeaways How Philippe got into real estate Looking for additional stream of income Started with single family turnkeys Why Philippe pivoted to multifamily Vacancies big problem with small portfolio Hard to scale single family business Philippe’s approach to multifamily investing Partner with experienced operator Get educated through Deal Maker Blueprint Philippe’s first 2 multifamily deals 80-unit in Memphis, found on LoopNet Broker call re: 168-unit on day of close What surprised Philippe most about multifamily Networking led to cosponsoring deals Relationships allow you to scale faster What gave Philippe the confidence to make his first offer Act AS IF Nighthawk had already said YES Understood quality of deal bringing to table Philippe’s advice on becoming a successful cosponsor Offer to help other operators with due diligence Support by sharing network of investors How Philippe identifies potential JV partners Ask what working on and if need any help Prerequisite = senior partner in common What Philippe learned from a big deal that fell through Always have backup plan Don’t be first in network to try equity partner What inspired Philippe to become a mentor Corporate aviation industry suffered in COVID Happy to share experience with others Connect with Philippe Schulligen Five Five Five Ventures Email philippe@555ventures.com Philippe on The Michael Blank Mentorship Team Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Purchase Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer Access Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Partner with Michael Through the Deal Desk Download Michael’s Free eBook The Secret to Raising Money to Buy Your First Apartment Building Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club BiggerPockets Gino Wickman on Apartment Building Investing EP243 Entrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur? by Gino Wickman Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business by Gino Wickman LoopNet Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

May 3, 2021 • 55min
MB 264: Faith, Family & Multifamily Investing – With Lee Yoder
You take that promotion at work because you want to provide better for your family. But then you’re working MORE hours and seeing even LESS of the people you love. So, what if you could stop trading time for money? What if you didn’t have to decide between realizing big dreams for your family and spending quality time with them? Lee Yoder is the Founder and Managing Partner of Threefold Real Estate Investing, a multifamily investing firm based in Lebanon, Ohio. Lee was working as a physical therapist when he started investing in real estate, and by December of 2020, he quit his job as a physical therapist to be a full-time investor. Lee also hosts the Threefold Real Estate Investing Podcast, a show that focuses on leveraging multifamily investing to enjoy a stronger relationship with your family and a better walk with Christ. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Lee joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to explain how his faith and family inspired him to pursue real estate. He describes how he gained confidence by analyzing hundreds of deals and attracted the help of a mentor to guide him through his first multifamily closing. Listen in for Lee’s take on why the Law of the First Deal works and learn how he is enjoying the flexibility to work when and where he wants as a full-time investor! Key Takeaways What inspired Lee to pursue real estate Time freedom to be more present at home Coworker offered copy of Rich Dad… Why Lee took a 30% pay cut to make time for real estate Faith and family are top priorities Long-term plan to bring in passive income How Lee talked his wife into ‘the real estate thing’ Time + believable behavior = trust Forced him to slow down, think through choices How Lee shifted into the multifamily space Join local REIA to connect with investors Learn to underwrite in Apartment Focus Group How Lee attracted the support of a mentor Coachable and willing to do the work Lead with value to get foot in door How Lee landed his first multifamily deal Practice underwriting to gain confidence Submitted offer on deal on LoopNet Lee’s approach to his first multifamily deal Jump and build parachute on way down Lean on mentor to make it less dangerous How Lee raised money for his first few multifamily deals JV with friends and family on 16-, 8- and 10-unit 45-unit deal = first syndication How Lee led a syndication without a track record Reputation of integrity, success in flipping Network with local investors in REIA Lee’s take on why the Law of the First Deal works Personal confidence in team, lending process Brokers take you seriously How Lee decided when to quit his full-time job Replace W-2 income with rental income Equity from sale of first 2 deals afforded runway Lee’s top lesson learned in real estate Build occupied units into rehab budget Consider deferred maintenance costs How Lee’s life is different now Mid-week morning coffee date with wife Flexibility to work where, when he wants Connect with Lee Yoder Threefold Real Estate Investing Threefold Real Estate Investing Podcast Lee’s Free eBook: 5 Steps to Passive Income for the Full-Time Dad Email info@threefoldrei.com Resources Register for Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Access Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Purchase Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki REIA LoopNet BiggerPockets Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Apr 26, 2021 • 17min
MB 263: The Curious Law of the First Deal + Why Get Certified
It’s overwhelming to think through how many doors you need to quit your job with real estate. But what if I told you that all you really have to do is get one multifamily deal under your belt? Over and over again, I’ve observed that once an investor closes on their first deal, they achieve financial freedom very quickly—and with little effort. So, how does that work? On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I explain the curious Law of the First Deal, describing how your first deal triggers opportunities for second and third deals in rapid, automatic succession. I share my idea of a Time Freedom Clock, discussing the typical timeline for quitting your job with multifamily. Listen in to understand why the Law of the First Deal works and learn how our new Deal Maker Certification gets you ‘deal ready’ in just 90 days! Key Takeaways The phenomenon around the Law of the First Deal 1st deal hardest to get and takes average of 12 months 2nd and 3rd deals follow in rapid, automatic succession The idea around my Time to Freedom Clock Starts when you DECIDE to get started with multifamily 2 to 3 years away from quitting job with real estate Why the Law of the First Deal works Start attracting brokers Become money magnet Expand comfort zone How our new Deal Maker Certification gets you ‘deal ready’ Learn to find deals, raise money and build team 90 days of daily tasks put new skills into action Provides support with Deal Maker Mastermind Resources Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank Explore Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Download Michael’s Deal Maker Blueprint Join the Deal Maker’s Mastermind Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program First Deal Stories Financial Freedom Stories The Deal Maker Certification on Apartment Building Investing EP262 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Apr 19, 2021 • 33min
MB 262: The Deal Maker Certification for Multifamily Syndicators
What if you could run a successful multifamily syndication business with other people’s money? And what if you could do it with no prior experience and achieve financial freedom in one to three years? Here at the Michael Blank organization, we’ve helped 130-plus new investors do their first deal, using a step-by-step process we call the Deal Maker Blueprint. On this solo episode of Apartment Building Investing, I walk you through the 8-step system to achieve financial freedom with multifamily syndications, explaining why it’s crucial to map your vision and connect with a network of likeminded peers early in your journey. I describe how to get the skill set you need to speak to brokers and investors (in just 30 days!) and then work the system, analyzing deals and building your pipeline until you close your first deal. Listen in for insight on scaling a syndication business and learn how financial freedom leads to a life of significance! Key Takeaways How I respond to the common objections re: multifamily You don’t need real estate experience You don’t need any of your own money Just focus on getting your first deal The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #1—Map Your Vision Calculate your freedom number Develop AM routine (affirmations, visualization) The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #2—Get Connected Join support network, e.g.: mastermind Recruit advisor to hold you accountable The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #3—Get the Skills Clarify size and location of first deal Analyze 5 deals and create sample deal package Recruit lender and property manager to team The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #4—Work the System Analyze deals Talk to potential investors The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #5—Build Your Pipeline Stay committed to activity vs. outcome Stick with it as long as it takes The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #6—Close the Deal Submit LOI and negotiate offer Due diligence, secure financing and raise money The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #7—Grow and Scale Law of First Deal attracts more deals, investors Build platform to market syndication business The Deal Maker Blueprint Step #8—Make a Difference Financial freedom unlocks your true purpose Life of significance = help other people Resources Download Michael’s Deal Maker Blueprint Join the Deal Maker’s Mastermind Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Explore Michael’s Deal Maker Certification Training Watch the Replay of Michael’s Platform Builders Masterclass Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank REIA Mint Financial Peace University Affirmations on Apartment Building Investing EP247 The Miracle Morning: The Not-So Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod The (6-Minute) Miracle Morning Syndicated Deal Analyzer Building a Platform on Apartment Building Investing EP237 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Apr 12, 2021 • 48min
MB 261: A Community of Women Real Estate InvestHERs– With Elizabeth Faircloth
If you can see it, you can be it. And as more female multifamily investors speak up about what they are doing, it gives other women permission to pursue real estate too. To that end, Elizabeth Faircloth is creating a community where women investors can get support the way they need it. Elizabeth is the Cofounder of the DeRosa Group, a multifamily investing firm on a mission to transform lives through real estate. She and her husband Matt manage a portfolio of 1,000 units worth $60M up and down the east coast. Liz is also the Co-creator of The Real Estate InvestHER, a community that empowers women real estate investors to live a financially free and balanced life. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Liz joins cohost Garrett Lynch and me to offer advice for couples on aligning their goals early on. She explains how to delineate roles in a real estate business partnership and why building community is so important. Listen in for Liz’s insight on increasing the number of women investors and learn how she features female role models through The Real Estate InvestHER platform. Key Takeaways How Liz got into real estate Read Rich Dad… and introduced husband to idea Invested in first duplex together 15 years ago Liz’s advice for couples on aligning your goals Have conversations about what you value Attend personal growth weekends together How to delineate roles in a business partnership Consider individual skills and experience Factor in passion and personality Why it didn’t work the first time Liz left her W-2 for real estate Market crashed and didn’t delineate roles correctly Too many different strategies (lack of focus) What inspired The Real Estate InvestHER community Partnership with Andresa on deals, mastermind Create safe space to support other women How Liz scaled her community to 40 Meetup groups Use Dan Hanford model, Meetup Pro account Partner set up portal with agendas and scripts Why building community is so important to Liz Research on women (longevity, financial literacy) Passion around empowering women to invest Liz’s insight on the small number of women investors Societal conditioning to fly under radar Must highlight journeys, lift each other up Liz’s role with the DeRosa Group Assemble team, lead STR acquisitions Oversee investor relations Liz’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors No overnight success, takes time and energy Stay the course and don’t give up Connect with Elizabeth Faircloth DeRosa Group DeRosa Group on YouTube The Real Estate InvestHER The Real Estate InvestHER Podcast The Real Estate InvestHER Community on Facebook Resources Learn More About Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club The Only Woman in the Room: Knowledge and Inspiration from 20 Women Real Estate Investors compiled by Ashley L. Wilson Elizabeth on BiggerPockets EP203 REIA Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki CASHFLOW Game Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny by Tony Robbins Landmark Forum Andresa Guidelli Dan Hanford Meetup Pro Matt Faircloth on BiggerPockets NMHC Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Apr 5, 2021 • 46min
MB 260: Multifamily Networking from Anywhere in the World – With Suzy Sevier & Michael Barnhart
So, you want to be a multifamily investor, but… You’ve never done a deal before. You don’t feel comfortable approaching potential partners. The pandemic has shut down all of the usual networking events. And you live six time zones ahead of the market where you’d like to invest. But what if all of these challenges are really just opportunities to grow? Suzy Sevier and Michael Barnhart are the husband-and-wife team behind Adventurous Real Estate Investors, a multifamily firm dedicated to helping avid travelers and adventure seekers create passive income and time freedom through apartment building investing. Suzy and Michael got interested in real estate during the lockdown, and in nine months, they have attended 10 virtual events, booked 600 networking calls, put together an experienced team and built a portfolio of 88 units—without leaving their home in the UK! On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Suzy and Michael join cohost Garrett Lynch and me to share their genius system for turning virtual events into networking opportunities and following up with the people they meet. They explain why they built a thought leadership platform right away and describe what kind of educational content they create. Listen in for insight on how Suzy and Michael turn roadblocks into opportunities, making the best of the situation they’re in to make their dream of financial freedom a reality! Key Takeaways How Suzy & Michael got interested in real estate Read Multiple Streams of Income during lockdown Took advantage of time off to network How to turn virtual events into networking opportunities Take screenshot and follow up on LinkedIn Hop on calls and track potential partners How Suzy & Michael found virtual real estate events Ask contacts about upcoming or favorite events Intentional search through social media Suzy & Michael’s system for following up with contacts Ask about goals, send personalized follow-up email Guide to online thought leadership platform What kind of educational content Suzy & Michael create Blog on mindset, market trends and investing Promote on social and send monthly email When Suzy & Michael found the time for investing Work until 6pm UK time and then start networking 20+ calls/week = 600 calls in last 9 months The team of 6 Suzy & Michael created from networking Partner to serve as boots on the ground in US Capital raiser, KP and experienced syndicator How Suzy & Michael got past their fears of networking Remember that everyone starts in same place Ask to host meetings for W-2 job as practice What it’s like for Suzy & Michael to work together Stepped on each other’s toes at first Things improved after clearly defining roles Why Suzy & Michael focused on content right away Didn’t have deal, must prove selves different way Mimic successful investors they aspire to be Suzy & Michael’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Clearly define goals, get 1% better every day Devote time to ALL aspects of business Connect with Suzy Sevier & Michael Barnhart Adventurous Real Estate Investors Michael & Suzy’s Free Checklist Resources Partner with Michael Through the Deal Desk Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Explore Michael’s Platform Builders Framework Learn More About Deal Maker Live Multiple Streams of Income: How to Generate a Lifetime of Unlimited Wealth! by Robert G. Allen BiggerPockets Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group