Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Michael Blank
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Jan 18, 2021 • 41min

MB 249: Increase Your NOI Through Cell Tower Investing – With Hugh Odom

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
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Jan 11, 2021 • 40min

MB 248: Grow Your Investor Base & Raise Millions in Days – With Jeff Anzalone

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
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Jan 4, 2021 • 18min

MB 247: Achieve Your Investing Goals with Affirmations

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
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Dec 28, 2020 • 49min

MB 246: An Others-Focused Approach to Resort Value-Adds – With Josh McCallen

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
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Dec 21, 2020 • 38min

MB 245: Bring in 1031 Exchange Investors with the DST – With Paul Moore

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
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Dec 14, 2020 • 37min

MB 244: 2020 Year in Review & 2021 Forecast

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
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Dec 7, 2020 • 54min

MB 243: Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap – With Gino Wickman

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? If you’re in the early stages of building a multifamily syndication business, Gino Wickman wants to leverage his 30 years of experience to help you determine what kind of enterprise is right for you and accelerate your path to success. Gino is the creator of the Entrepreneurial Operating System, the practical method for helping businesses achieve greatness used by 100K companies worldwide. He is also the bestselling author of Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business and Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business, among many other groundbreaking books on entrepreneurship. Today, Gino is devoting his time and energy to Entrepreneurial Leap, a new book and online platform designed to help entrepreneurs-in-the-making find clarity and create a customized roadmap for their startup. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Gino joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to share the experience that inspired his work with entrepreneurs, explaining how he defines ‘true entrepreneurship’ and what characteristics successful business owners share. He walks us through the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, offering advice on knowing what you want, hiring the right people and firing the wrong ones. Listen in for insight on whether or not you’re a ‘partner person’ and get Gino’s eight tips for increasing your chances of success as an aspiring entrepreneur. Key Takeaways What inspired Gino’s work with entrepreneurs Turned around struggling family business at 25 Discovered knack for helping entrepreneurs What makes EOS such a successful system Simple and time tested on 50 clients over 5 years Frees entrepreneur to take business to next level Why Gino wrote his new book Entrepreneurial Leap Help aspiring entrepreneurs build better startup Teach what he needed most at start of journey How Gino defines true entrepreneurship Build business with lots of people (vs. freelance) Only 4% of population has what it takes The 6 essential traits of a true entrepreneur Visionary Passionate Problem-solver Driven Risk-taker Responsible The 8 critical mistakes entrepreneurs make Not having vision Hiring wrong people Not spending time with people Not knowing customer Not charging enough Not staying true to core Not knowing numbers Not crystalizing roles/responsibilities Gino’s advice on hiring the right people Hire based on core values + skill set Be slow to hire, quick to fire The 8 disciplines for increasing your chances of success Clarify vision Decide if ‘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 Gino’s insight on the two types of ‘partner people’ Equal partners Give equity but maintain controlling interest Connect with Gino Wickman Entrepreneurial Leap Entrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur? by Gino Wickman Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Garrett at Nighthawk Equity Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman Entrepreneurial Operating System for Business Rocket Fuel: The One Essential Combination That Will Get You More of What You Want from Your Business by Gino Wickman Entrepreneurial Leap: Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur? by Gino Wickman Entrepreneurs’ Organization Gino’s Entrepreneur Assessment Books by Napoleon Hill Books by Dale Carnegie Books by Jim Collins Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website  Michael on Facebook  Michael on Instagram  Michael on YouTube  Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group 
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Nov 30, 2020 • 43min

MB 242: The Systems to Scale Your Syndication Business – With Jorge Abreu

What is the key to scaling a real estate investing business? Growing your investor database? Raising more and more capital for deals? Putting together and training a capable team? Yes, all of those things are absolutely necessary. And they all require that you build out systems. Systems that allow the business to run on its own. Jorge Abreu is the Cofounder and CEO of Elevate Commercial Investment Group, a Dallas real estate firm focused on the acquisition of value-add multifamily assets. In his 15-year career, Jorge has flipped 200-plus houses, wholesaled another 100 properties and done $8M in ground-up construction. Since his introduction to multifamily four years ago, Jorge has built a portfolio of 1,700 units worth $125M. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Jorge joins cohost Garrett Lynch and I to share the challenges of scaling a single family investing business and discuss what inspired his transition to apartment buildings. He weighs in on the value of networking (online and in-person) to forge new partnerships and build a solid team. Listen in for insight on building systems to grow your business and learn why Jorge recommends skipping single family and getting right into multifamily investing! Key Takeaways What inspired Jorge’s interest in real estate Research of successful individuals Entrepreneurial role models in family The challenges of scaling a single family business Difficult to find reliable contractor for flips Creating systems to delegate work How Jorge started over in Dallas after 2008 Network every day, go to every event Build team and find partnerships The value of finding a good partnership Division of roles affords time freedom One partner as visionary, one as executor The benefits of multifamily investing Build generational wealth Branch out into other companies How Jorge attracts and retains team members Make sure everyone happy Check in re: expectations When to bring property management in house Implement own systems (control) More appropriate with scale Why Jorge runs his own construction company Helped scale single family business Confident taking on any heavy lift Jorge’s insight on raising capital for multifamily Invest passively to get feel for business Market to build database of investors What Jorge does to market his syndications Build platform, daily posts on social Funnel with email marketing follow up How Jorge manages his investor lists Speak to new investors asap Strategic messaging to match goals What’s next for Jorge and the Elevate team Explore new partnerships Fine tune system for evaluating deals What Jorge would tell his younger self Build out systems early on Go straight to large multifamily Connect with Jorge Abreu Elevate Commercial Investment Group Email jorge@elevatecig.com Resources Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Garrett at Nighthawk Equity National Real Estate Investors Association Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman ActiveCampaign Deal Maker Live The Deal Maker’s Mastermind  Podcast Show Notes  Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group
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Nov 23, 2020 • 42min

MB 241: What to Say to Potential Multifamily Investors – With David Kamara

What is the best way to approach the conversation with potential multifamily investors? How do you communicate the benefits of investing in apartment buildings over other asset classes and assure them that their money is safe with you—even if you’re new to the space? David Kamara is the Founder and Managing Director of Cape Sierra Capital, a multifamily syndication firm out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has 15 years of investing experience in the real estate space, getting his start with a portfolio of residential single family and duplex units before transitioning to apartment buildings and townhome communities. Today, David owns 200-plus units and serves as a mentor on the Michael Blank team. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, David joins cohost Drew Whitson and I to explain how he coaches his mentoring students to approach the conversation with potential investors, describing how multifamily isn’t subject to the same risks as single family rentals. He weighs in on what helps aspiring syndicators believe in their ability to succeed, exploring how knowledge helps us visualize what’s possible but action is key in making it real. Listen in for David’s insight on getting your priorities straight and learn how underwriting to cashflow makes multifamily a good investment no matter what’s going on in the world. Key Takeaways What David’s been up to since his last appearance Find competitive deals with good return for investors Develop personal cashflow formula (free eBook) Share knowledge through platform, mentoring What helps aspiring multifamily investors believe it’s possible Knowledge (i.e.: understanding of loans, taxes) Personality open to learning new things How COVID changed the way David talks to investors Proactive in reaching out to investors Open about potential for no distributions How COVID has impacted David’s underwriting Assume minimal rent increases for next 3 years Take on longer, fixed-rate debt (HUD loans) Prepare investors for longer hold periods David’s advice around market timing Don’t worry about things can’t control Plan for same cap rate at sale, focus on cashflow Choose markets with job diversity How David coaches his students on talking to investors Explain cash-on-cash return and appreciation In control of both factors with multifamily Why David invested in the Platform Builder Incubator Eventually run out of investors as business scales Attract high-income earners, serve more people Accelerate growth (program tailored to syndicators) David’s plan to produce content consistently Write blogs on common questions Considering podcast as medium David’s advice for aspiring multifamily syndicators You have to start (buy something) Prioritize what’s important in life Hustle to find deals Connect with David Kamara Cape Sierra Capital David’s Free eBook: Personal Cashflow Formula Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program  Register for Michael’s Platform Builder Incubator Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club David Karmara on Apartment Building Investing EP182 HUD Loans HubSpot Michael’s Health Crisis on Apartment Building Investing EP230 LoopNet Realtor.com Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group
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Nov 16, 2020 • 42min

MB 240: How to Get Unstuck & Get Into Action – With Matt Brawner

A lot of would-be multifamily syndicators get stuck, sometimes out of fear and sometimes because they want to plan every step of the process before they dive in. But that’s not how entrepreneurship works! In fact, the most successful real estate investors are the ones who are willing to put themselves out there and learn by doing—taking consistent, imperfect action.   Matt Brawner is Managing Partner at Minnesota Capital Management and Northwoods Servicing, a real estate investing firm and property management company based in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. Matt and his partners have achieved considerable success turning their $5K investments into a portfolio worth more than $20M, but his greatest passion is teaching. To that end, Matt now serves as a mentor with the Michael Blank organization.  On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Matt joins cohost Drew Whitson and I to explain how he got into real estate, discussing how he formed a successful partnership with five other investors and what inspired their transition from townhomes to multifamily properties. He introduces us to the idea of setting up debt funds to raise capital and shares the pros and cons of having your own property management company. Listen in for Matt’s insight on scaling a multifamily business and learn how YOU can get unstuck and get into ACTION to become a successful real estate syndicator!  Key Takeaways What inspired Matt to become a mentor  Career = function of faith Help others achieve time freedom How Matt got into real estate  Realized no influence on stock market Local opportunity to rent townhomes What makes for a good partnership  Communicate well (100% honesty) Equal share of financial burden Matt’s transition from townhomes to multifamily  Local operator had deal but needed capital Matt’s team had money to invest Why Matt’s team had set up debt funds  Needed capital to scale business Attracts investors who want certainty Matt’s top lessons learned in real estate investing  Get into multifamily much sooner All properties not created equal The benefits of having a property management company  Own more of value chain Insight into local deals Matt’s advice on property management for new investors  Use third party when getting started Allows to scale quicker, more efficiently The traits of a successful multifamily syndicator  Willing to learn by doing Willing to wade into unknown Matt’s insight on underwriting post-COVID  Focus on forced appreciation Add value to drive incremental revenue What aspiring investors get stuck on  Fear Desire to plan out everything in advance The challenges Matt faces in scaling his business  Find landlord-friendly markets Intentional networking to find deals Connect with Matt Brawner Matt on LinkedIn  Email matt@nwsproperties.com   Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate?  Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman  National Multifamily Housing Council  GigaFi Corey Peterson   Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

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