

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 9, 2020 • 45min
MB 239: Developing a Can-Be-Done Mindset for Multifamily – With Jeremy LeMere
So, you’ve got some experience in single family rentals. And you KNOW that multifamily investing would help you achieve financial freedom on an accelerated timeline. But you just don’t BELIEVE that you can do it. What can you do to overcome that hurdle and develop the confidence to take on your first deal? Jeremy LeMere is the Principal at Star Capital Management Group, an equity real estate investment firm based in DePere, Wisconsin. He began his investing career over a decade ago, rehabbing single family and duplex properties. Since then, he has grown his personal portfolio to include multifamily, self-storage and commercial assets. Jeremy recently quit his corporate engineering job to pursue real estate full time, and he also serves as a mentor with the Michael Blank organization. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Jeremy joins me to explain how seeing his net worth drop during the Great Recession inspired his interest in real estate. He walks us through his early investments in single family homes and duplexes, discussing why he made the shift to multifamily to replace his W-2 income much faster. Listen in for Jeremy’s insight on raising capital with an online platform and learn how YOU can leverage mentorship to overcome limiting beliefs and invest in your first multifamily deal! Key Takeaways What inspired Jeremy’s interest in real estate Committed to saving and investing as much as possible Net worth cut in half, 401(k) collapsed in recession Jeremy’s initial real estate investing strategy Bought and operated duplexes in local area Denied loan on third property Build portfolio of SFH with BRRRR method How Jeremy funded his investments without bank loans Liquidate stocks, use 401(k) and savings Work with credit union Start flipping SFH and reinvesting profit What inspired Jeremy’s shift to multifamily Passed over for promotion at corporate job Changed goal from replace income at 55 to 45 How Jeremy got started with multifamily Join Michael Blank mentoring program Develop can-be-done mindset The timeline on Jeremy’s first multifamily deal Started mentoring program in January 2018 Identified asset with value to unlock by March Acquired few months later (at asking price) Took from 82% to 98% occupancy in 3 months The opportunities Jeremy identified in his first deal Value-add and increase rents as units turn Address vacancy gap (comps 100% occupancy) Jeremy’s approach to quitting his corporate job Gradually empower team to take over duties Last day of work = non-event How Jeremy’s life is different as a full-time investor Free up time to enjoy lake house with family Able to help others as career coach, mentor Jeremy’s decision to add self-storage to his portfolio Local opportunity for 2 sites with 300 units Closed on 7/3, increase in occupancy already How Jeremy raised money for the self-storage opportunity Needed $500K (2/3 from outside investors) Partner on funding side of wholesaling, flips Why Jeremy is building a platform to raise capital Weakness in self-promotion and marketing Use automation to attract new investors What Jeremy is working on right now Look for next big syndication deal Build out platform with content Connect with Jeremy LeMere Star Capital Management Group Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Register for Michael’s Platform Builders Incubator The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probably, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod The 4-Hour Work Week: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss REIA Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Nov 2, 2020 • 43min
MB 238: Plug into a Multifamily Network & Fast-Track Your Success – With Barry Flavin
How do you land your first syndication deal without a track record in multifamily? Well, it all starts with networking. Networking with brokers. Networking with potential investors. Networking with other multifamily operators. And if you can get plugged a real estate investing community, you can leverage the knowledge and experience of investors who’ve been where you want to go and fast-track your success! Barry Flavin is a mentor with the Michael Blank organization and Managing Partner at New Mission Capital, a multifamily investment firm out of Detroit, Michigan. He got his start in real estate eight years ago, building a portfolio of 30 single family rentals before making the shift to multifamily. Barry has a background in software sales and spent six years working as an air traffic controller before discovering real estate, and today, he owns 387 units, leveraging his expertise in investor relations to grow the business. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Barry joins cohost Drew Whitson and I to explain how an air traffic controller ends up in real estate, walking us through his transition from building a portfolio of single family rentals to raising capital for large multifamily deals. He discusses the advantages of focusing his investments in a single market, describing how he found his partner, Josh, and what they do to secure consistent deal flow. Listen in for Barry’s insight on avoiding expensive mistakes with 1:1 mentoring and find out how YOU can accelerate your success through the Michael Blank community. Key Takeaways What inspired Barry’s interest real estate Looking to supplement government pension Desire to travel in retirement Barry’s initial real estate investing strategy Fix up and sell personal residences BRRRR method (build SFH rental portfolio) How Josh funded his early real estate investments Start with own cash, retirement accounts Borrow from private lenders and refinance properties How Barry and Josh structure their partnership Josh finds and underwrites deals + operates portfolio Barry’s focus on investor relationships, raising capital How Barry raised $2.8M for his first 144-unit deal Lot of phone calls, emails, coffees and dinners Scrambling after few weeks but fell into place Barry’s advice on making a capital raise less stressful Touchpoints 1, 2 and 3 while still looking for deal Show potential investors sample deal package How Barry benefits from focusing on the Detroit market Knowledge of best neighborhoods to invest Track record + broker relationships = deal flow Barry’s advice for aspiring investors without a track record Network with brokers and investors Add value to partner (borrow their reputation) The #1 thing new syndicators need to do to be successful Deep dive into online content to learn language Get plugged into community Barry’s insight on having in-house property management Can outsource in beginning, interview for best fit Consider in-house team as business scales How Barry thinks about adding to his team Weakness around building funnel for new investors May hire admin to streamline marketing strategy Barry’s take on goal setting for multifamily Don’t have set number of units Consistently do GOOD deals (minimum of 2/year) Barry’s advice to his younger self Learn to use money as tool much sooner Accelerate real estate with 1:1 coaching program Barry’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Be coachable and follow through Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis Learn from every deal (even if don’t go through) Don’t listen to naysayers Connect with Barry Flavin New Mission Capital Email barry@newmissioncapital.com Barry on LinkedIn Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Syndicated Deal Analyzer CDC Moratorium on Evictions Josh Sterling on Apartment Building Investing EP091 Sample Deal Package Josh Gozlan on Apartment Building Investing EP078 Deal Maker’s Mastermind Garrett Lynch on Apartment Building Investing EP231 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Oct 26, 2020 • 35min
MB 237: Biggest Myths about Building a Platform to Raise Capital – With Patricia Sweeney
Wish you could attract an audience of engaged, eager investors like we do at Nighthawk Equity? Have you thought about building a thought leadership platform but rejected the idea because you’re not a writer or a techie? Or because you don’t like the way you look or sound on camera? Are you ready to get over those false beliefs and scale your capital raise in a matter of months? Patricia Sweeney is the Marketing Automation Consultant behind Ideally Media Group, a firm that helps entrepreneurs and business owners implement content marketing systems to attract more of the right clients and significantly increase their revenue. With 10-plus years of experience in online marketing, Patricia has been the secret weapon behind some of the biggest names in the digital marketing space. She is also part of the Michael Blank team, working hands-on with the students in our Platform Builders program. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Patricia joins me to discuss the limiting beliefs that stop syndicators from building an online thought leadership platform. She explains why you DO have time and why you CAN justify the investment, describing how our students are attracting new investors—sometimes even before the program is over! Listen in for Patricia’s insight on avoiding the biggest mistakes syndicators make in building a platform and learn how YOU can scale your capital raise through our Platform Builder Incubator. Key Takeaways The advantages we have around platform building in 2020 EASY to get message to many through social media Tech never more powerful or easier to use Outsource tasks to highly qualified global VAs What limiting beliefs stop syndicators from building a platform I’m not a techie or a writer I don’t have the time I can save money by doing it myself I can’t justify the investment Why you DO have time to build a thought leadership platform Delegate/automate production and distribution Don’t have to become digital marketing expert Why you aren’t really saving money by doing it yourself Time = precious resource, better spent finding deals Focus on what drives business forward (raise capital) Why you CAN justify the investment in building a platform Leverage content marketing to attract more investors Reinvest 20% of revenue and SCALE UP capital raise The biggest mistakes syndicators make in building a platform Thinking you only need a website Not having a lead magnet Not communicating with your list Trying to do everything at once Striving for perfection My advice on avoiding overwhelm in building a platform Build core platform as foundation Layer on one lead gen program at a time Connect with Patricia Sweeney Ideally Media Resources Register for Michael’s Live Webinar on 10/28 Register for Michael’s Platform Builder Incubator Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Download Michael’s Free Report—What’s the Best Investment: The Stock Market or Real Estate? What Is a Platform & Why Should You Build One? on ABI EP235 Upwork Fiverr Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group


