Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Time is precious. Are you spending your days doing what you love with the people you love? What if multifamily real estate could help you do just that? What if you could achieve financial freedom fast—regardless of your current financial situation? Megan Lamke is Managing Partner at Megan Lamke Real Estate, a firm that helps driven women turn their grit into true financial growth. She built a network of real estate investors working for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and once she and her husband, Darik, had paid off their personal debt ($535K in under 5 years!), they started investing passively in multifamily syndications. Megan quit her corporate job to pursue active investing full-time in April of 2019, and today, the Lamkes have a portfolio of 1,491 units valued at $344M.  On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Megan joins me to explain why she took a W-2 job after college (despite wanting to become a real estate entrepreneur) and what she and Darik did to live below their means and pay off their debt so fast. She describes what she did to find a good operator as a passive investor and how she leveraged her sales and marketing background to transition to active investing. Listen in for Megan’s insight on how to raise capital at scale with a platform and learn how YOU can achieve financial freedom and spend time doing what you love! Key Takeaways When Megan started thinking about real estate Parents struggled financially, read Rich Dad Poor Dad at age 10 Entrepreneurship and business clubs in high school and college Why Megan took a W-2 job after college Needed to pay off student loan debt before leave Rat Race Learned sales skills, got to work with real estate investors What Megan and her husband did to live below their means Sold luxury cars, bought cars for cash House hacked 6BR (rented to rugby teammates) Side hustle as sales and marketing consultant How Megan and her husband got on the same page financially Financial literacy class as part of premarital counseling Set goal to pay off debt, achieve financial freedom How Megan’s strategy shifted once she was out of debt Sold 6BR house to invest passively in multifamily syndications Goal to replace corporate salary as quickly as possible Megan’s advice on finding a good multifamily operator Look at track record, online reviews, lawsuits and marketing efforts Ask questions re: where properties located, how managed, etc. What Megan’s last day of work was like Surreal (like leaving the Matrix) Culmination of goal that started in fifth grade How Megan’s life is different now that she’s a full-time investor Control own time (decide when to work) Spend more time with daughter, volunteering What active investing looks like for Megan Use SDA to underwrite 10 deals/day (300 in 2019) Leverage background in sales and marketing to build out platform What Megan has done to scale her capital raise efforts Done-for-you tech stack to automate lead gen, booking calls 30 to 37 calls with prospective investors every week What Megan is doing to attract prospective investors to her platform Create content (social media, videos, blog and weekly webinar) Sponsor real estate events, promote lead magnet on podcasts How Megan describes her ideal investor Successful career woman age 40-55, primary breadwinner Gritty and knows how to get stuff done How the automation works to turn interested prospects into investors Receive automated email with free download Follow up with drip marketing campaign to encourage call How much capital Megan has raised through her online platform $18M raise to close on $49M apartment building In process of closing on $18M 503(c) How raising capital looks different now that Megan has a platform Don’t have to call each investor, track follow-up manually One centralized management tool that automatically follows up Connect with Megan Lamke Megan Lamke Real Estate Megan’s No-Nonsense Women’s Guide to Investing Megan on Facebook Megan on Instagram Megan on LinkedIn Resources Register for Michael’s Platform Builder Incubator Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Business Professionals of America DECA Dave Ramsey Robert Kiyosaki Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate—Even without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer Trello Investor Deal Room Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

What is the secret to growing a multimillion-dollar multifamily syndication business? The strategy that has worked for my team, allowing us to raise MILLIONS in just a few days, starts with building an online thought leadership platform. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I’m walking you through the three pillars of platform building for multifamily syndicators. I explain WHO should consider building a platform and WHY it’s so valuable, describing how it helps us find more investors, do more deals and scale the business. I discuss how to attract your ideal investor and then serve them with valuable content, ultimately turning your audience into raving fans who want to invest with you. Listen in for insight on reinvesting a portion of your revenue to grow a multimillion-dollar syndication business and learn how a thought leadership platform can help you 10X your capital raise in just 18 to 24 months! Key Takeaways Who should consider building a platform to raise money for syndications You’ve raised at least $500K but need more investors You’re looking to 10X your capital raise capacity You want to raise millions quickly and effortlessly What a platform allows you to do as a multifamily syndicator Automatically attract ideal investors Do more deals, create more revenue Reinvest in platform to attract more investors Educate audience on real estate syndications The 3 pillars of platform building for multifamily syndicators Attract right audience Develop raving fans Scale your business Pillar #1: Attracting the Right Audience Identify ideal client avatar (investor) Capture leads with free lead magnet Pillar #2: Developing Raving Fans SERVE with content + LEAD to action Promote message to grow email list Pillar #3: Scaling Your Business Make compelling offer that generates revenue Reinvest portion of revenue (continue growth) The ROI on building a platform to raise money for syndications For every 32 leads, one ends up investing $70K Each new investor generates $2,100 in acquisition fees Reinvesting 25% will 10X capital raise in 18-24 months Resources Register for Michael’s Platform Builder Incubator Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Yes, an education in business or finance is a good foundation for a real estate investor. But spending time with an experienced syndicator and watching a deal happen firsthand is more valuable than any degree. So, how do you find a mentor and convince them you’re worth their time? Josh Gorokhovsky is the Managing Principal at Telos Properties, a real estate investing firm that focuses on 2- to 4-unit new construction, build-to-rent projects in Los Angeles. After graduating from USC in 2015, he interned for LA Properties under company principal Scott Rosenfeld. Since founding Telos in 2017, Josh has placed more than $7M in equity for investors and managed $20M worth of real estate transactions. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Josh joins cohost Drew Whitson and I to explain how he broke into real estate at the age of 21, describing the persistence it took to get an informal internship with his mentor. He gets real about the 900 hours he dedicated to finding his first deal and why he niched down to the new construction, build-to-rent model. Listen in to understand what gave Josh the confidence to go solo at 23 and get his advice on working for free early on to build the network and experience you need to succeed! Key Takeaways How Josh got into real estate Inspired by Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad Introduced to mentor by family friend Josh’s initial strategy for breaking into the industry Find someone doing what he wanted to do Put in time to understand fundamentals How Josh’s sales background prepared him for real estate Learn to deal with rejection, build backbone Build routines and systems to follow up How Josh got in the door with his mentor Persistence (call regularly to ask for internship) Dedication to finding deal after 9-to-5 Josh’s transition from tech sales to real estate Spent year working for hard money lender Cushion of income while learning real estate What gave Josh the confidence to go solo Moved back in with parents Mentor willing to teach Josh’s first deal Lead from mailer dropped in neighborhood Piece of equity in single family rehab project Josh’s first solo deal Ground-up duplex development (less risky) Family friend was first private investor How Josh has scaled up his business Use leverage of previous project to go to next Continue cold calling, reaching out to agents What Josh is working on today 8 development projects in the works 6 units under management How Josh navigated the times when he was down on himself Positive self-talk, innate belief in self Encouragement of mentor Josh’s advice for aspiring real estate investors Get ‘master’s degree’ with mentor Get taste of everything, then determine niche Provide value to everyone you work with Connect with Josh Gorokhovsky Telos Properties Telos on Facebook Telos on Instagram Josh on Instagram Josh on LinkedIn Email josh@telosproperties.com Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki Gary Vaynerchuk David Goggins Cutco Sales Training Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Trading time for money has a ceiling. There are only so many hours in the day, and eventually, we run out. And those of us who work 80 hours a week (or more!) to make ends meet simply can’t be a good partner or parent. So, what can we do to get out of this broken system and achieve financial freedom? Dave Seymour is the Cofounder and CEO of Freedom Venture Management, a results-driven investing firm that focuses on multifamily and commercial real estate. After 16 years as a Boston firefighter and paramedic, Dave discovered real estate and quickly became one of the nation’s top investors. His passion for the business and propensity to tell it like it is landed Dave his own real estate reality series on A&E, and he has also appeared on CBS, ABC and CNBC, among many other national media outlets. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Dave joins me to explain how he went from working 120 hours a week as a firefighter and paramedic to starring in Flipping Boston on A&E. He describes how real estate saved his financial life and weighs in on what multifamily assets his team is buying now to generate cashflow right away. Listen in for Dave’s insight on building a platform by being yourself and learn to replace fear with faith and say YES to the opportunities that come your way! Key Takeaways How Dave got his own show on A&E Separate self from pack Amplify what’s special about you What Dave was doing before real estate 16 years as firefighter + paramedic Spending money didn’t have What inspired Dave to pursue financial freedom Working 120 hours/week Couldn’t be good husband or dad How Dave got into real estate Heard about seminar on radio Invested $27K in classes What Dave is good at Knowing what real emergency is Assess landscape + execute How Dave makes up for his weaknesses Recognize what’s not core competency Hire exceptional fund managers How Dave built a platform for raising money Authenticity (no BS) Search for other’s needs and serve Dave’s biggest challenges right now Getting qualified funds Marketing to right audience Meet-and-greets during COVID What assets Dave’s team is buying Multifamily on Florida Gulf Coast Focus on 40- to 140-unit properties What’s next for Dave and Freedom Venture Build infrastructure for $250M Fund 2 Direct lending to other investors Dave’s definition of success Physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing Family and faith (to replace fear) Connect with Dave Seymour Freedom Venture Investments Freedom Venture on Facebook Dave on Twitter Dave on Instagram Dave on LinkedIn Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Flipping Boston Three Feet from Gold: Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities by Sharon L. Lechter and Greg S. Reid Daymond John Tony Robbins Tunnel to Towers Foundation The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod The Untethered Soul: A Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

The F.I.R.E. movement challenges us to achieve financial independence and retire early by saving and investing aggressively. And by aggressively, I mean anywhere between 50% and 70% of your income. Rajneesh Jha was following the F.I.R.E. method, putting his money in Wall Street investments—until he realized he could fast-track his timeline with multifamily real estate! Raj spent 20 years working as an engineer for Fortune 500 companies. An avid student of the stock market and personal finance, he started investing in safe, low-cost mutual funds with the goal of achieving financial freedom in about 10 years. Then he discovered real estate and shifted his strategy, building a portfolio of small multifamily properties. Earlier this year, he quit his 9-to-5 to build Big League Capital, a multifamily syndication firm that helps other investors turbocharge their journey with real estate. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Raj joins me to explain how shifting from F.I.R.E. to multifamily accelerated his journey to financial freedom. He offers his take on the stock market as an investment class, describing how the returns pale in comparison to real estate. Listen in for insight around transitioning from landlording to syndication and find out how Raj’s life has changed since he quit his corporate job! Key Takeaways How Raj’s journey to financial freedom began Stumbled on F.I.R.E. movement 7 years ago Invest in low-cost, diversified mutual funds What the F.I.R.E. method teaches Save substantial amount of income (up to 70%) Save more, arrive at financial nirvana faster How Raj was able to save a lot of money with F.I.R.E. No drastic changes to lifestyle More conscious + intentional about spending What Raj was trying to accomplish through F.I.R.E. Protect family from vagaries of corporate life Get to place where work becomes optional Raj’s take on the stock market as an investment class Can get burned if chase trends Prosper with disciplined, consistent strategy Pales in comparison to returns on real estate How Raj discovered the world of real estate investing Came across BRRRR method with Paula Pant Learned about scale from Matt Faircloth How Raj differs from the average stock market investor Passionate about personal finance Extensive reading and education Raj’s first real estate investment Bought triplex in Summer of 2017 Made fair share of mistakes but believed in vision How Raj’s long-term plan shifted once he found real estate 4% safe withdrawal rate vs. 12% cash-on-cash return Accelerate journey by 3X with multifamily investing How Raj’s life is different after quitting his job Time to relax and plan next chapter Work on my schedule, do things that matter to me What’s next for Raj and his investing partners Looking for 60- to 120-unit value-add property Psyched to go from landlording to syndication What Raj would do differently if he could go back Start sooner and be bolder See mistakes as rite of passage Raj’s advice for achieving financial freedom Get clear on what you really want Skip stock market, go right into multifamily Have faith and take prudent risks Don’t let lack of funds/experience hold you back Spend time on real estate education Connect with Rajneesh Jha The Big League Capital Email raj@bigleague-capital.com Call (267) 551-0529 Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Access Michael’s Ultimate Guide to Buying Apartment Buildings with Private Money Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Register for Michael’s Free Master Class: How to Do Your First Apartment Deal Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate—Even without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank Financial Independence Retire Early Movement BRRRR Method Jim Rohn Paula Pant Matt Faircloth Robert Kiyosaki Brandon Turner on BiggerPockets BiggerPockets on YouTube Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

2020 has been a tough year for finding deals—even for us. In fact, the Nighthawk Equity team is currently in the process of closing on our first and only deal of the year (so far). But that’s not for lack of trying! So, what are we looking for in a deal right now? How have we changed our underwriting criteria in the age of COVID? And how do we recover from the disappointment of losing a deal? Garrett Lynch is the Director of Acquisitions at Nighthawk Equity, the investing arm of the Michael Blank organization. Garrett has been in the multifamily space since 2011, cofounding a firm that grew from zero to 3,400 units before successfully exiting that venture. Since taking on his role with us at Nighthawk in 2018, Garrett has built a portfolio that includes at 218-unit property in Little Rock, Arkansas a 276-unit in Huntsville, Alabama, and a 130-unit deal in Atlanta, Georgia. On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, Garrett joins me to explain how his strategy for finding multifamily deals has evolved over the years and what we look for in a deal at Nighthawk Equity. He describes what he does to build rapport with brokers and stay in touch, sharing how strong broker relationships helped us land our current deal in Atlanta. Listen in for Garrett’s insight on recovering from the disappointment of losing a deal and learn how to adjust your underwriting to find good multifamily deals in the COVID era. Key Takeaways How Garrett’s strategy for finding deals has evolved over the years Look for best price per door in D class neighborhoods early on More granular on underwriting today, focus on B and C class How we dialed in our criteria for deals at Nighthawk Equity Look at capacity on equity raise and debt structure Gradual progression on size of deals Choose value-add properties in certain markets The benefits of collocating deals in just a few markets Share resources (e.g.: staff) Hit several properties in one trip How we select markets at Nighthawk Equity Resources available to operate and steady dealflow Population, job and overall economic growth How Garrett builds rapport with brokers Stand out by responding whether like deal or not Meet in person and check in regularly, share successes How Garrett recovers from the disappointment of losing a deal Channel hurt into next quest Commit to process How we landed our current deal in Atlanta Follow up with broker re: deal another investor won Unobstructed shot when that deal fell apart Garrett’s system for staying in touch with brokers Put regular check-ins on calendar (target markets of interest) Come with thoughtful questions re: specific deals Reach out when land deal in their market to build demand How we have adjusted our underwriting at Nighthawk in the COVID era Tailor underwriting around few available debt products Set natural market appreciation at ZERO for Year 1 Create cushion of 0.5% on reversionary cap rate Cash reserves minimum of 10% of total spent on deal Research tenant demographic to ensure cashflow from Day 1 Connect with Garrett Lynch Garrett at Nighthawk Equity Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Submit a Deal to the Michael Blank Deal Desk Access Michael’s Syndicated Deal Analyzer Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club LoopNet CREXi National Multi Housing Council The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

If you knew you only had six months to live, what would you do differently? Who would you spend time with? Who would you reconcile with? How would you spend your days? On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I’m describing the health crisis that landed me in the ER at the end of July. I explain how the experience forced me to rethink my priorities and reaffirmed my mission to help people to achieve financial freedom through multifamily investing! Listen in for insight on how to get clarity in your life and take on the challenge to get your affairs in order and start living your best life NOW. Key Takeaways My recent experience with a health crisis Heart attack on July 28, 2020 100% blockage in main artery How the health emergency forced me to rethink my priorities Value health and family above all else Affirmed mission (financial freedom with multifamily) My advice on getting your affairs in order NOW Set up revocable trust and life insurance Structure entities so controlled by trust Document where to find important info Two powerful exercises for getting clarity in your life 6 months to live Perfect Day Resources Deal Maker Live Dave Ramsey Michael’s First Deal Maker Award Recipients Michael’s Financial Freedom Hall of Fame Garrett Sutton Brandon Turner The Miracle Morning: The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8AM by Hal Elrod Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

We’re told that our goals have to be time-bound. That we have to give ourselves a deadline if we want to achieve. The problem with that is too many of us quit three feet from gold, as the saying goes. But how do you stay committed when a year has gone by and you still don’t have your first multifamily deal? David Acosta was a mentoring student in The Michael Blank Investor Incubator. With no money and no background in investing, David leveraged his mentor, Drew Kniffin, and our Deal Maker’s Mastermind investor network to partner on his first venture, a 220-unit deal orchestrated by Ben Risser’s team. Six months later, David closed on a 48-unit deal in Lexington, KY, this time serving as lead syndicator! On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, David joins me to discuss how he did his first multifamily deal—without any money or previous real estate experience. He explains how having a mentor helped him build confidence and stay committed when his first deal took a few months longer than expected. Listen in for David’s insight on partnering with others to earn credibility and learn why it’s crucial to commit to the outcome you want, not the timeline. Key Takeaways What prompted David’s interest in multifamily investing Background in restaurants, wanted to control time Real estate investing research led to TMB course What made David think he could skip SFH investing Mentor to look over shoulder through process Took course to get educated + build confidence Why David felt having a mentor was the right choice for him No background in real estate (shorten timeline) Invest in education to be taken seriously David’s frustration with missing his 12-month goal Deflating to fall short, temptation to walk away Mentor encouraged to commit to goal vs. timeline How David finally found his first deal Connect with others in Deal Maker Mastermind Partner as GP with another investor’s team How the Law of the First Deal worked for David Competitive advantage in closing second deal Had confidence to serve as lead syndicator What’s next for David as a real estate investor Build out team, efficiencies in processes Scale and grow business from there David’s advice for aspiring multifamily investors Develop persistence to commit to outcome Get educated and consider hiring mentor Join an ecosystem, JV to build track record Connect with David Acosta Acosta Capital David on LinkedIn David on Instagram Resources Purchase the Replay of Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Check Out Michael’s First Deal Maker Profiles Explore Michael’s Products & Programs Connect with Other Investors in the Deal Maker’s Mastermind Ed Hermsen on Apartment Building Investing EP225 Drew Kniffin at Nighthawk Equity The Miracle Equation: The Two Decisions That Move Your Biggest Goals from Possible, to Probable, to Inevitable by Hal Elrod Ben Risser on Apartment Building Investing EP102 Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Despite the disruption of COVID-19, multifamily investors are still doing deals. The question is, HOW? What’s working right now to get deals done? What isn’t? What are real people doing to find success in today’s market environment? On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I’m handing the mic over to Drew Whitson to moderate a discussion with our mentoring team, Todd Dexheimer, Brad Tacia, Phil Capron and Matt Brawner, on what’s working now to get deals done. We explain how our mentoring students are leveraging the COVID pause to build relationships and how the balance of power has shifted among syndicator, buyer and broker in recent months. We go on to explore the benefit of a strong relationship with your property manager and how underwriting has changed in light of the pandemic. Listen in for insight into what makes multifamily the strongest asset class in real estate and learn the ONE thing our most successful students are doing right now to get deals done. Key Takeaways What Matt’s most successful students have done in 2020 Leverage pause in market (Seinfeld time) Use time to build relationships with brokers What Phil’s students are doing to acquire multifamily properties Worry about ‘making it to next meal’ Figure out how to become viable buyer Todd’s advice on how to talk to investors right now Continue to educate and keep investors informed Overcommunicate to build relationships How Brad is coaching his students around underwriting Network with mortgage broker re: what’s changed Modify SDAs to ensure accurate underwriting How running a property management firm informs Matt’s underwriting Understanding of street rent and how units operate over time Haven’t cut back on rents but less aggressive with rent bumps How underwriting has changed in light of the COVID pandemic Build in more time for rent growth Consider changes in rental laws by market What makes multifamily the strongest asset class in real estate Performs well through economic disruption Lockdown led to desire for nicer apartment The one thing our most successful students are doing right now Willing to make mistakes by doing Get out there and build relationships Analyze deals (still numbers game) Willing to partner to gain experience Take consistent action every day Connect with Drew, Todd, Brad, Phil & Matt Drew Whitson Todd Dexheimer Brad Tacia Phil Capron Matt Brawner Resources Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Purchase the Replay of Deal Maker Live Pillars of Wealth Creation Podcast Garrett Lynch CoStar Rentometer Podcast Show Notes Review the Podcast on iTunes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group

Our world is in upheaval. Between COVID-19 and the current riots, nothing feels normal. And this has a lot of investors asking, is now the right time to pursue multifamily? On this episode of Apartment Building Investing, I’m sharing my keynote address from Deal Maker Live 2020 on the current state of multifamily. I describe how multifamily is weathering the storm, explaining why it’s actually EASIER to raise money right now and why now IS the right time to invest in apartment buildings. Listen in for insight around how to adjust your underwriting in the current economic environment and get my advice on what you SHOULD be doing right now to achieve financial freedom! Key Takeaways How multifamily is performing right now Similar to 2008, deep quiet under storm Collections surprisingly consistent Why it’s easier to raise money in the current economic environment Investors frustrated with volatility of stock market Opening to discuss multifamily as alternative When it’s the best time to invest in multifamily Never going to be perfect time Start working toward financial freedom NOW How investors should adjust their tactics right now Be smart about underwriting (↑ reserves, ↓ rent growth) Avoid hard deposit, incorporate financing contingencies What multifamily investors SHOULD be doing right now Stay calm and stay the course Remember your WHY Keep momentum going Resources Purchase the Replay of Deal Maker Live Learn More About Michael’s Mentoring Program Join Michael’s Deal Maker’s Mastermind Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Podcast Show Notes Michael’s Website Michael on Facebook Michael on Instagram Michael on YouTube Apartment Investor Network Facebook Group