Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

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   

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 

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

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

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

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

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

When you have a high-paying corporate job, it can be tough to walk away. But if time freedom is a priority for you, and you’re willing to take action, you absolutely CAN break out of the rat race and replace your W-2 income with multifamily real estate. Jenny Gou and Steven Louie are the Cofounders of Vertical Street Ventures, a multifamily investment firm dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom through passive investing in real estate. Steve is an experienced multifamily investor with a portfolio of 2,500-plus units, and he recently quit his corporate job to focus on real estate full time. Jenny left the rat race early in 2020 with a portfolio of single-family homes, and since then, she has gone from zero to 800 multifamily units. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Jenny and Steve join me to discuss how they broke out of corporate America, describing the mindset of action and focus on family that drove their decision to walk away. They explain how their respective backgrounds in sales benefit their real estate business, sharing how it gives them a competitive edge in sourcing opportunities. Listen in for insight on the different roles on a multifamily team and learn how to achieve scale by partnering with other investors. Key Takeaways How Steve & Jenny met and became partners Steve met Jenny’s husband at local meetup Similar values, shared background in sales What made Steve a good mentor for Jenny Track record of success in multifamily Allowed to sit in on meetings Why Steve agreed to partner with Jenny Needed support on operations side Respects Jenny’s ability to assess people What appeals to Jenny about multifamily operations Learn by doing to accelerate growth Used to leading teams, managing projects How Jenny benefits from being a full-time investor Opportunity to learn quickly Able to blow past goals The roles on a multifamily real estate team Acquisitions or business development Asset management (execute business plan) Underwriting Investor relations Why Steve & Jenny decided to partner NOW Quit rat race to prioritize family Scale portfolio to replace income What inspired Steve to leave a good corporate gig Mindset of action, right mentors Tax advantages of real estate How a sales background helps multifamily investors Understand importance of relationships Competitive edge in sourcing opportunities What Steve & Jenny would tell their younger selves House hack rather than buy first house Don’t have to be landlord to be investor Connect with Steven Louie & Jenny Gou Vertical Street Ventures Steven on LinkedIn Jenny on LinkedIn Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Explore Michael’s Platform Builders Framework Feedspot’s Top 40 Apartment Investing Podcasts Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki CASHFLOW Quadrant: Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Robert T. Kiyosaki CBRE ABI Multifamily Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Without the high-net-worth individuals who put money in our deals, we wouldn’t have a syndication business. And yet, most of us are terrible at showing our appreciation to the passive investors we work with. When a deal goes through, we send them a mug or hat with our logo on it and call it a day. But does that reflect what the relationship is actually worth to us? Is there a better way to do gifting? John Ruhlin is the Cofounder of Giftology Group, a strategic gifting consultancy that helps sales leaders, business owners and executives unlock loyalty and turn clients into raving fans. He founded Giftology Group in college to market Cutco Cutlery as a high-end corporate gift to companies of all sizes, and today, John is the #1 distributor in Cutco’s 60-year history. John is also a sought-after keynote speaker and author of Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, John joins cohost Garrett Lynch to explain how he came to dominate the Cutco leaderboard using gifting to build relationships. He introduces us to the giftology system, describing how he leverages generosity to turn his best clients into salespeople and raving fans. Listen in for John’s insight on how much to allocate for gift-giving and learn how YOU can get a 10X return by investing in the people who make your business profitable. Key Takeaways How John came to dominate the Cutco leaderboard Learned relationship-building from mentor Paul Sent gifts to land meetings with big-time CEOs John’s insight on the value of relationship-building Make decisions emotionally, justify with logic Gifting = mechanism for generating emotion John’s concept of a return on relationship Initial $7K investment in gift to Cameron Herold $25K over 10 years = 50X return on relationship The key ingredients of John’s giftology system Include handwritten note, name family members Personalize gift and be intentional about timing What makes John’s giftology system work Generates like, trust and keeps top-of-mind People crave human-to-human relationship How much a business should allocate toward gift-giving Reinvest 5% to 15% of net profits in relationships Invest in people already work with at some level Why giftology requires a long-term commitment Genuine generosity vs. manipulation tactic Turn best clients into salespeople John’s top examples of the benefits of giftology Invited to appear on Gary Vaynerchuk show 107% increase in referrals for John Bowen Connect with John Ruhlin Giftology Group Download the Giftology System Email john@giftologygroup.com Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention by John Ruhlin Entrepreneurs’ Organization Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk John on Marketing for the Now with Gary Vaynerchuk Artifact Mug The 5 Love Languages Young Presidents’ Organization Vistage Books by Don Yaeger Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

There’s a lot of pressure on high school grads to go to college. Without a degree, the story goes, we can’t earn good money. But Cody Davis realized he didn’t need earned income if he could make passive income with real estate. And he didn’t let little things like being 19 years old and having no money or experience get in his way. Cody is a broker with Blackwell Real Estate in Tacoma, Washington, and multifamily investor with a portfolio of 24 units. And he just turned 21. Cody dropped out of college to get his real estate license just two years ago, and since then, he’s closed on two 12-unit deals—without using any of his own money! On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Cody joins me to explain how he overcame the pressure to go to college and what inspired his mentor to take Cody on. He shares his unique approach to cold calling, discussing why sellers take him seriously despite his youth and how he’s building the skill of raising money. Listen in to understand how Cody used seller financing to do his first two deals and find out how he achieved financial freedom before he was old enough to buy a drink. Key Takeaways How Cody got interested in real estate Family friend gifted Rich Dad Poor Dad Make good money without college How Cody overcame the pressure to fit in with friends Don’t need degree if earning passive income Partying = unnecessary distraction How Cody found a mentor in Robert Slattery DM re: real estate post on Facebook All-in and willing to work for free What Cody would have done without a mentor Plan to house hack duplex Work multiple jobs to qualify for loan Why Cody is willing to broker deals for others Didn’t qualify with banks early on (cash poor) Learn from investors and their peer group How Cody overcame the fear of cold calling Predict worst-case scenarios Gets easier with repetition Cody’s first $1.1M 12-unit seller financing deal Raise 10% down and partner with mentor 30-year mortgage with no balloon Why sellers take Cody seriously despite his age Phone conversation before meet in person Age irrelevant if know how to negotiate Cody’s second $680K 12-unit seller financing deal Value-add opportunity (off-market) Promissory note for $120K down $2K/month cashflow from day one Cody’s experience with the Law of the First Deal Earned credibility with investors Build skill to raise equity for others in office How sellers benefit from seller financing Splits up tax liability over number of years Income without headache of management Cody’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Get good at numbers, learn Excel Show how deal is win-win for everyone Connect with Cody Davis Cody on Instagram Email cody@blackwellre.com Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not by Robert T. Kiyosaki CASHFLOW Board Game The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone Robert Slattery at Blackwell Real Estate BiggerPockets Podcast Gino Wickman on Apartment Building Investing EP243 Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group