Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Yes, work ethic and taking action are key in becoming a successful real estate investor. But mindset is even more important. Before you can start working toward the life you want, you have to conquer middleclass thinking. You have to stop following the money and start making money follow YOU. Keith Weinhold is the real estate educator, entrepreneur and investor behind Get Rich Education, a platform designed to help people achieve financial freedom through real estate investing. An active member of the Forbes Real Estate Council, Keith is known for his expertise around buy-and-hold real estate, and he transacts 100-plus properties per year. Keith is also a bestselling author and host of the wildly popular Get Rich Education Podcast, a show with more than 3M downloads in 188 countries. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Keith joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to explain why mindset is crucial in becoming a successful real estate investor, describing how to overcome middleclass thinking and make other people’s money work for you. He weighs in on why delayed gratification is overrated, challenging us to cultivate an abundance mentality and start living the life we want right now. Listen in for Keith’s insight on the ‘shadow demand’ in the housing market and learn why inflation is a good thing for YOU as a multifamily investor. Key Takeaways Why mindset is crucial in becoming a successful real estate investor Don’t live below means but EXPAND means Make outsized decisions to live outsized life What inspired Keith to move to Alaska and invest in real estate Go after what you want or you’ll never have it Rather than following money, make money follow you Why so many people settle and never take action to invest Peer group reinforces doing safe thing ‘To change yourself, change your five’ The first steps to improving your quality of life with real estate Get honest about what you really want Live beneath means vs. live well The problem Keith sees with middle class thinking Work for money and have little left to invest Make money work for you (vs. other people’s money) How real estate makes other people’s money work for you Tenant’s money for income Bank’s money for leverage Government money at scale Why more people aren’t investing in real estate over Wall Street Best product but worst marketing Lack of financial education Keith’s mission through the Get Rich Education platform Financial freedom through real estate Live better and give better (abundance mindset) Why Keith thinks delayed gratification is overrated Subpar quality of life until old enough to retire 401(k) = life deferral plan Why the property is the 4th most important thing in investing Decide what want real estate to do for you FIRST Carefully consider market and team of professionals Keith’s short-term outlook on the real estate market Strict criteria to qualify for eviction moratoriums 95%+ rent collections Keith’s insight on shadow demand in the real estate market More household formation as economy recovers Demand increase with population growth, immigration The 3 ways inflation is good for real estate investors Price inflation Debt debasement Cashflow enhancement Connect with Keith Weinhold Get Rich Education Get Rich Education Podcast Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Keith on Apartment Building Investing EP034 Rich Dad Jim Rohn Ted Benna on Get Rich Education EP197 Pew Research Statistics on Young Adults Living with Parents US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Keith’s Inflation Triple Crown Video Keith’s Free eBook 7 Money Myths That Are Killing Your Wealth Potential Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Raising capital is at the heart of multifamily syndication. But how do you build relationships with prospective investors and make them feel comfortable enough to trust you with their hard-earned money? David Meilan is the Director of Investor Relations at Nighthawk Equity, the investing arm of The Michael Blank organization. He has worked in the multifamily space since 2018, raising over $100M in investor capital for a range of commercial syndications. David excels at maintaining relationships with investors, and he is committed to helping people achieve financial freedom through passive investing in multifamily real estate. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, David joins me to discuss the importance of building relationships with investors and explain what he is doing to turn prospects into raving fans of Nighthawk Equity. He walks us through the steps of raising capital for a deal, describing how we make the process easy for investors and stay in communication after close. Listen in for David’s insight on producing content for potential investors and learn how to leverage strong investor relations to raise money for YOUR next multifamily deal! Key Takeaways How to turn prospective investors into raving fans Provide great multifamily investment opportunities Communicate early and often, be responsive Build trust with educational content (guide through process) Why it’s important to build a relationship with investors One-on-one call to get to know investors and build trust Tailor opportunities to investor profile and preferences How David tracks his conversations with investors Keep notes during call re: what investor is looking for Document on spreadsheet and in ActiveCampaign David’s insight on the process of producing content for investors Ultimate goal of helping investors on financial journey Batch videos based on FAQs, outsource production How Nighthawk goes above and beyond on investor relations Communicate re: upcoming opportunities Inform how property is performing (update webinars) What Nighthawk is doing to recognize strategic investors Build out investor club tiers Reward those who put large amounts of capital in deal What a Nighthawk Equity capital raise campaign looks like Email investors with preliminary info re: opportunity Webinar to talk about deal in depth (2 weeks later) Fill out paperwork, e.g.: PPM and company agreement Receive funding instructions and follow through How Nighthawk Equity streamlines the investing process Managed through online investor portal Automates workflow (easy for investors + syndicator) How David maintains investor relations once a deal closes 3 monthly follow-up investor update webinars Monthly email update for duration of investment Respond to investor questions within 24 hours David’s advice for syndicators around raising capital Provide investors with sense of comfort Set self apart by making them feel safe Connect with David Meilan Nighthawk Equity David on LinkedIn Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Training Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program ActiveCampaign Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

They say that your network is your net worth. And Pat Hiban has proven this to be true over and over again. Making connections through networking and mastermind groups, he has established multiple business partnerships and created more than 30 passive income streams! So, how can we leverage what Pat has learned about building relationships to reach the next level of success in our own lives? Pat is the Cofounder of GoBundance, a business mastermind for healthy, wealthy, generous men who want to lead EPIC lives. A former top-performing real estate agent, Pat was the #1 RE/MAX agent in the world in 2004 and earned the same honor with Keller Williams in 2006, selling more than 4,000 homes worth over one billion dollars in the course of his career. Pat is also the former host of the Real Estate Rockstars Podcast and the author of 6 Steps to 7 Figures and Tribe of Millionaires. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Pat joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to discuss what inspired his initial goal to become a millionaire and share the key lessons from 6 Steps to 7 Figures. He explains how his definition of success has evolved to focus on relationships and describes the power of joining a mastermind community. Listen in for Pat’s insight around building on your successes and learn how networking with other high-performing entrepreneurs can take YOUR business to the next level! Key Takeaways What inspired Pat to become a millionaire Boost to self-esteem More money = less stress How Pat’s definition of success has changed Ego-driven to make money from 21 to 35 Relationships + time most valuable now Pat’s key lesson from 6 Steps to 7 Figures Build on successes (not from ground up) Go deep in one area rather than wide The key to Pat’s ongoing success Naïve enough to keep moving forward Believe in self and be coachable Pat’s insight around the value of relationships 30+ opportunities from mastermind One relationship away from next level The idea of horizontal income Things that pay you sideways Multifamily, businesses, etc. What Pat is investing in right now Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin and Ethereum) VC funds and private companies Single- and multifamily real estate Connect with Pat Hiban Tribe of Millionaires GoBundance Pat on LinkedIn Resources 6 Steps to 7 Figures: A Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Building Wealth and Creating Your Own Destiny by Pat Hiban Tribe of Millionaires: What If One Choice Could Change Everything? by David Osborn and Pat Hiban Real Estate Rockstars Podcast David Osborn Tim Rhode We Study Billionaires Real Vision Podcast 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

We’ve always said that multifamily is recession-proof, and 2020 gave us a chance to prove it. While the stock market and other asset classes suffered in the pandemic, apartment buildings continue to provide steady cashflow and a safe place to keep our money growing for the long term. So, what can syndicators do to get this message to more people and build a successful real estate investing business? On this episode, I’m sharing the Best of 2020 on the Apartment Building Investing Podcast, beginning with last year’s biggest news—the Coronavirus pandemic. We revisit Drew Kniffin’s thoughts on the risk COVID poses for passive investors, Drew Whitson’s take on why multifamily is still the strongest asset class in real estate, and Russell Gray’s insight on how to protect your wealth in a crisis. We look back at my conversations with Pat Flynn and Amy Porterfield on marketing to investors online and my interview with Gino Wickman around what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. Listen in for master deal maker Garrett Lynch’s insight on choosing the right market and get inspired by BiggerPockets VP Brandon Turner’s approach to achieving BIG things with tiny action. Key Takeaways How COVID is likely to impact passive investors in multifamily Unless already run poorly, virus won’t bankrupt property Much better option than stock market (30% paper loss) Why multifamily is still the strongest asset class in real estate Performs well through economic disruption Office buildings, retail and medical suffered in COVID What makes real estate a solid investment (even in a crisis) Fits criteria of being both REAL and ESSENTIAL Governments support housing, energy and healthcare What to look for in a multifamily real estate market Resources available to operate and steady dealflow Population, job and overall economic growth Who should consider building a thought leadership platform EVERYONE can build personal brand online Place to announce, connect and prove authority Why an email list is more valuable than social media followers Algorithms change, you don’t own social platforms Email list = YOUR asset for growing relationships How to choose the right lead magnet for your audience IRRESISTIBLE piece of free content (trade for email addy) What avatar needs to believe to do business with you The eight critical mistakes most entrepreneurs make Not having vision Hiring wrong people Not spending time with your people Not knowing who customer is Not charging enough Not staying true to your core (shiny object syndrome) Not knowing your numbers Not crystalizing roles and responsibilities The eight disciplines for increasing your chances of success Clarify vision Decide if you’re ‘partner person’ Bigger problem = more success Get feedback early and often First plan will not be final plan Work hard (really hard) Take criticism with grain of salt See it every night The two kinds of ‘partner people’ in entrepreneurship Equal partners Give equity but maintain controlling interest Why it’s crucial to have a clear vision for your business Know where you want to be and take next tiny step Ask what’s cool and write as if you’re already there Connect with Drew Kniffin Drew at Nighthawk Equity Drew on LinkedIn Connect with Drew Whitson Drew at the Michael Blank Mentoring Program Drew on LinkedIn Connect with Russell Gray The Real Estate Guys Russell on LinkedIn Connect with Garrett Lynch Garrett at Nighthawk Equity Garrett on LinkedIn Connect with Pat Flynn Pat’s Website Pat at Smart Passive Income Connect with Amy Porterfield Amy’s Website Marketing Made Easy Podcast Connect with Gino Wickman Entrepreneurial Leap Entrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur? by Gino Wickman Connect with Brandon Turner Open Door Capital BiggerPockets Podcast The Book on Rental Property Investing: How to Create Wealth with Intelligent Buy and Hold Real Estate Investing by Brandon Turner Resources Drew Kniffin on Apartment Building Investing EP208 Drew Whitson on Apartment Building Investing EP228 Russell Gray on Apartment Building Investing EP226 Garrett Lynch on Apartment Building Investing EP231 Pat Flynn on Apartment Building Investing EP210 Amy Porterfield on Apartment Building Investing EP212 Gino Wickman on Apartment Building Investing EP243 Brandon Turner on Apartment Building Investing EP221 Bryce Stewart on BiggerPockets Podcast EP276 Vivid Vision: A Remarkable Tool for Aligning Your Business Around a Shared Vision of the Future by Cameron Herold Find Out More About Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Workshop What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group Email digital@themichaelblank.com

The most successful real estate investors find creative ways to increase their NOI either by adding amenities for residents or reducing expenses. But there is a new opportunity for property owners that you may not be aware of. What if you could earn more money by leasing out a portion of your building for a 5G cell phone tower? Hugh Odom is the Founder and President of Vertical Consultants, a telecom consulting firm that has advised major corporations such as Walmart, McDonald’s and Disney, as well as government institutions like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the New York Housing Authority and the United States Postal Service. Hugh served as an attorney for AT&T for 11-plus years, and today, he leverages his expertise in the telecom industry to help real estate investors earn additional income through cell tower leases. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Hugh joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to explain why the cell tower industry is like oil 100 years ago, discussing what is driving the need for more cell towers and how lucrative a cell tower lease can be for investors. Hugh shares the do’s and don’ts of negotiating a cell tower lease, describing how it differs from a real estate transaction and what Hugh’s team does to help property owners with the process. Listen in to understand why cell tower investing is a safe bet for the long term and learn how YOU can take advantage of the opportunity to be a cell tower landlord! Key Takeaways Why the cell tower industry is like oil 100 years ago Long-term agreements to lease land from property owners Cell companies reach out if property in right location What is driving the need for more cell towers 5G technology requires additional infrastructure Densification makes service faster, more instantaneous From 400K to 1.5M cell sites by 2025 The do’s and don’ts of negotiating a cell tower lease Don’t treat as real estate transaction (e.g.: market rate) Do determine value provider will get from space How lucrative a cell tower lease agreement can be for investors Typically increases value of property by $1M Renegotiate contract as provider’s revenue from site goes up How Vertical Consultants helps property owners Level playing field (understand value you’re offering) Source leases for large commercial property owners How to take advantage of this opportunity in cell towers Buy properties with existing towers or rights to cell towers Bring experts in to renegotiate lease How 5G towers differ visually from traditional cell towers Traditional tower = 150 feet tall, up to 5K ft2 Traditional rooftop antenna up to 500 ft2 5G tower = 50 ft2 with small antenna box The opportunity to become an operator of cell towers Pay property owners in dead spots for right to lease Buy for long-term cashflow or flip Why cell tower investing is a safe bet for the long term Similar to highway system (infrastructure, not technology) Change out equipment as tech improves Who Hugh serves through Vertical Consultants Property owners with existing agreements Owners who’ve been approached by cell company Hotels, self-storage and shopping center developers Connect with Hugh Odom Vertical Consultants Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program American Tower Crown Castle SBA Communications Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

So, you’ve done a multifamily deal or two, and your friends and family are maxed out in the money department. You’re ready to take on bigger and bigger deals, but you’re struggling to raise capital. What is the best way to grow your investor base? Dr. Jeff Anzalone is a full-time practicing periodontist and the creator of Debt-Free Doctor, a platform designed to help doctors and other high-income professionals generate passive income from real estate so they can STOP trading time for money. Jeff started his blog to share how he paid off $300K in student loan debt. But once he was debt-free, Jeff shifted his focus to investing and acquiring streams of passive income through multifamily syndications. Today, he is raising millions in days for real estate deals. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Jeff joins cohost Patricia Sweeney and I to discuss how the Debt-Free Doctor has evolved, explaining how he creates content consistently and what he does to promote the platform and grow his investor base. Jeff walks us through the benefit of joining his Passive Investors Circle, describing how he gives doctors and other overworked professionals options for earning passive income. Listen in to understand how serving his audience inspires Jeff to keep going and learn how he raised $2.7M in five days for his latest multifamily deal! Key Takeaways What inspired Jeff’s interest in real estate investing Wrist injury on ski trip inspired interest in passive income Successful people had real estate, 3 to 9 income streams Jeff’s first experience with real estate investing Discovered crowdfunding with Realty Shares Relied on website and lost $50K How Jeff’s website has evolved over the years Began as diary on getting out of student loan debt Now educates high-income earners on real estate How Jeff got into raising capital for real estate syndications Sponsor reached out because of blog and podcasts Started Passive Investor Circle (raised $2.7M for deal) Who Jeff serves through Debt-Free Doctor Doctors, other high-income earners (accredited investors) Overworked professionals looking for options What Jeff has done to grow his list Site for physicians shared articles and boosted traffic Capture addresses with Passive Investor Circle The benefit of joining Jeff’s Passive Investor Circle Free Passive Income Guide and series of emails Learn about deals Jeff invests in, set up time to talk How Jeff comes up with content ideas for his blog Topics he reads/hears about online and on podcasts Keyword research for subjects that will rank How Jeff produces content consistently Write between patients Inspired by being able to serve, change lives What’s next for Jeff and his real estate platform Start podcast, speak at in-person events Create own event or write book Jeff’s advice for syndicators struggling to raise capital Determine the ONE thing (grow investor base) Delegate or don’t do anything that doesn’t do that Jeff’s advice for aspiring platform builders Invest in marketing platform, calculate ROI Don’t reinvent wheel Connect with Jeff Anzalone Debt-Free Doctor Jeff’s Passive Investors Circle Jeff’s Free Passive Income Guide Resources Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Incubator Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Realty Shares Dave Ramsey FinCon The Blog Millionaire The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Robert Kiyosaki Grant Cardone Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Affirmations are a powerful tool in reaching our goals. They remind us why we do what we do, what we plan to achieve and the kind of person we want to become along the way. So, what does it look like to create an affirmation specific to real estate investing? An affirmation that will keep you on track all year long and make success inevitable? On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I discuss the value of using affirmations to achieve financial freedom through multifamily real estate. I walk you through the process of constructing an affirmation the right way, describing the activities you can commit to as an aspiring syndicator and challenging you focus on those activities (rather than the outcome). Listen in for insight on taking tiny action toward your goals every day and learn how to build an affirmation that guarantees your success as a real estate investor! Key Takeaways Why you should use affirmations to achieve your goals Creates clarity Establishes your WHY Commit to activity How to construct an affirmation the right way Commit to unwavering faith and extraordinary effort Articulate WHY you’re working toward that goal Set level of commitment with daily activities Speak out enlightened entitlement (worthy of miracles) The two activities aspiring syndicators can commit to Analyzing deals Talk with potential investors Why you can’t get emotionally attached to the results Give up when don’t achieve in certain time frame Outcome = inevitable if do activity long enough The secret to success in real estate investing Commit to activity Take tiny action every day Resources Download Michael’s Affirmation for Multifamily Investors Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Year in Review on Apartment Building Investing EP244 The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions that Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod Michael’s 10-Minute Offer Technique Michael’s 10-Minute Offer eBook Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

No question, the hospitality industry is among the hardest hit by COVID-19. And yet, Josh McCallen is thriving. The distressed Renault Winery Resort he bought in December 2018 is sold out for 2021, and revenues are up 200% from last year. So, why is Josh doing well while others are struggling? Are there opportunities for investors in the hospitality space right now? And what can we multifamily syndicators learn from Josh’s others-focused approach to business? Josh is the hospitality investment expert behind Accountable Equity, a firm specializing in resort value-add and turnaround projects, and VIVÂMEE Hospitality, the management company that operates those assets. In the past two decades, Josh has led over $100M in luxury residential and hospitality construction projects, growing the revenue of the resorts he manages by 10X in less than six years and increasing the appraised value of those properties by 70%. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Josh joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to share his journey as an entrepreneur and discuss how helping flippers during the boom evolved into the work he does now. He explains how his company’s focus on resorts (not hotels) has helped them thrive despite the pandemic, describing how his team’s expertise in sales drives the kind of distressed assets they buy. Listen in for insight on the opportunities available to investors in the hospitality space right now and learn how a service-based, ministry model helps Josh serve both his guests and investors well. Key Takeaways How Josh got his start as an entrepreneur Sold cotton candy to classmates in grade school Paper boy at 12 (collect pay from customers) When Josh got into real estate Bought duplex with wife in late 1990’s Started helping flippers in 2006 What Josh does in real estate today Runs hospitality development company Acquire distressed resorts for rehab + repositioning What differentiates VIVÂMEE as a management company Start with core values (dignity of every person) Loyalty and recurring business model Why Josh is doing well despite the pandemic Focus on resorts (multiple revenue streams) Sell experience, i.e.: wedding at winery Earn revenue now for 2021 and 2022 reservations Room revenue = trailing indicator What Josh looks for in a property High volume of inbound calls for weddings Older/tired owner losing money, just breaking even What makes Josh a good operator Experience of taking over for management collapse Treat hospitality as ministry, make guests feel loved How Josh’s others-focused model extends to his investors Treat investors as guests Apply hospitality to fundraising How Josh structures a resort deal Charge asset management fee Zero split until investors fully repaid + preferences 50/50 split moving forward Connect with Josh McCallen Accountable Equity Capital Hacking Podcast Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program VIVÂMEE Hospitality Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Renault Winery Resort Renault on Instagram The Real Estate Guys Cashflow Ninja Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

As syndicators, we’d love to work with 1031 exchange investors more often. But the rules make it really, really difficult! It means taking on co-owners (rather than passive investors) and big bucks in legal fees. What if there was an EASIER way to work with 1031 exchange investors? A way that allows them to invest passively in syndication deals, defer their taxes and earn a stable return? Paul Moore is Managing Partner at Wellings Capital, a firm dedicated to helping high earners and high net worth individuals protect and grow their wealth through commercial real estate investing. A two-time Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, Paul has founded multiple investment and development companies and co-managed a successful multifamily development. He is the cohost of The Art of Investing and How to Lose Money and a regular contributor to both Fox Business and BiggerPockets. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Paul joins cohost Drew Whitson and I to discuss the disadvantages of the 1031 exchange and explain what makes the strategy incompatible with syndications. He introduces us to the Delaware Statutory Trust (or DST), describing how it solves the problems associated with bringing in 1031 exchange investors and allows them to invest passively in multifamily deals. Listen in for Paul’s insight on what kind of investor is attracted to the DST and learn how YOU can use it to defer taxes and earn a long-term, stable return! Key Takeaways The disadvantages of the 1031 exchange for investors Deadlines pressure to overpay/buy wrong asset Difficult to find cash match, total price match Requires co-ownership vs. passive investment Why 1031 exchanges are incompatible with syndications Tenancy in common agreement to keep control High legal fees, syndicator doesn’t control capital The fundamentals of the Delaware Statutory Trust Management group acquires asset Sells fractional shares to investors The benefits of investing in a DST Allows for passive investment Match any amount of money No debt in name Extremely stabilized asset The disadvantages of investing in a DST Communicate with broker vs. syndicator Broker gets high commission (6% to 9%) Limited upside, very little appreciation How Paul’s DST addresses the usual disadvantages Invest direct = talk to syndicator Don’t pay up-front commission 10% to 12% projected returns How Paul is compensated as the operator of the DST Property management fees Acquisition and liquidation fees Scrape (keep returns above 6%) What kind of investors are attracted to the DST 1031 exchange investors Capital gains, passive depreciation recapture The limitations of the Delaware Statutory Trust High legal fees for operators to set up Limited upside (structured to be stable) Illiquidity = can’t cash out early Accredited investors only Connect with Paul Moore Wellings Capital Paul on BiggerPockets Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Starker v. United States Inland Investments Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Despite the chaos and uncertainty of 2020, we have a lot to be grateful for here at The Michael Blank organization. We have helped 113 people do 128 deals for a total value of $321M. And 22 of our mentees have quit their jobs, thanks to the financial freedom that comes with multifamily real estate investing. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I take the time to reflect on 2020, looking back on our key accomplishments in The Michael Blank organization and sharing our top lessons learned over the past 12 months. I discuss our theme for 2021 and explain what steps we’re taking to better serve our followers and turn them into raving fans. Listen in for insight on the multifamily market outlook for 2021 and learn how YOU can use our resources to achieve financial freedom and help us make a positive impact in the world! Key Takeaways Our key accomplishments for 2020 in The Michael Blank organization Right team in place, key hires in marketing and tech Pivot to take Deal Maker Live virtual Hit 10K subscribers on YouTube channel Launch Platform Builders program High-profile guests on podcast (Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield) Raise $20M for 2 deals in last 4 months Full-time asset manager, director of investor relations Our top 3 lessons learned in 2020 Team is EVERYTHING Stick to your underwriting Be grateful every day for everything Our plans for 2021 in The Michael Blank organization Serve existing followers better and reach more deal makers Update The Ultimate Guide to Apartment Investing Host Deal Maker Live on livestream and in person Launch new podcast around platform building Rollout Nighthawk Investor Club to connect better The disconnect between the headlines and our market experience Real estate = local business (gateway cities vs. Sun Belt) Rents flat but not decreasing in our target markets People move south + west with freedom of remote work My predictions around the market outlook for 2021 No radical changes to real estate tax law Unemployment benefits will cover rent collection issues Fed will keep interest rates low and flat Continued demand for affordable multifamily housing Drop in value of US dollar (real estate = inflation hedge) Unprecedented buying opportunities in next 12 months How you can help us make a positive impact in the world Sponsor student through UCSS nonprofit $25/month covers education and healthcare Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Get Michael’s Ultimate Guide to Apartment Investing Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Sponsor a Student with Uganda Counseling & Support Services Get Your Priorities Straight on Apartment Building Investing EP230 Deal Maker Live Platform Builders Pat Flynn on Apartment Building Investing EP210 Amy Porterfield on Apartment Building Investing EP212 Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group