
The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing
Welcome to the Smart Real Estate Coach podcast. Our episodes are designed to help YOU reach the next level of real estate investing no matter where you are right now.
To make this a reality, we lean into our 32+ years of experience, our huge network of experts, and our thriving community of Associates. With the right tools, the right education, and the right mindset YOU can take control of your financial future.
At Smart Real Estate Coach, we empower individuals and families to create the life of their dreams through real estate.
If you are an aspiring or seasoned real estate investor looking for a proven investment system, robust education, and a thriving support community, you have come to the right place.
We share the best information from our own deals, our Associate's deals, and our guest experts, helping you potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.
And we know what the work actually takes. Between our Associates and our own deals, we’re still completing deals every month and control, at any given time between $60-100 million dollars worth of real estate with little to no money down. If you’re serious about making money in the world of real estate investment, then keep listening to learn more!
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 30min
Episode 504: How This Couple Closed Their First Sub-To Deal with Tim & Sandra Smith
In this FamilyCast episode, I’m joined by Tim and Sandra Smith, a power couple from upstate New York balancing a demanding W-2, medical challenges, and real estate success. Tim and Sandra share their journey from doing deals the traditional way to successfully closing their first creative financing deal with the Wicked Smart® community despite all the life chaos happening behind the scenes. We talk about the systems that helped them close the deal, how they sourced a buyer using our in-house platform, and why they’re excited about doing more rent-to-own deals instead of dealing with rental headaches. Plus, we share real, boots-on-the-ground insight into building something meaningful without having to go “full time” on day one. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 02:49 Tim and Sandra’s background: real estate since the late ’80s, nursing, and analytics 05:34 First creative deal: expired listing from MyPlusLeads 07:40 Seller motivation: first-time landlord overwhelmed by damage & eviction 09:52 Buyer marketing process: Craigslist, Facebook & Propsperity.io 11:27 Sifting through all the leads we generate from marketing properties 13:15 Their biggest aha: wait until after the viewing to pre-qualify the buyer 16:36 Structuring a 24-month rent-to-own term with the buyer 21:25 How they sold the deal before it even closed with the seller 22:21 Why you should join the QLS Live event in October 2025 24:03 Using Propsperity.io to automate tenant management 26:22 Words of wisdom: Don’t wait for perfect conditions—just start Quotables “When you build the system once, it becomes rinse and repeat, and we’re ready to do more.” “Everyone has life going on. But the Smiths didn’t let it stop them—they found a way to keep moving forward.” “The buyer was a foster family. They needed space. And our structure gave them that opportunity when a bank wouldn’t.” Links QLS Live https://qlslive.com Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod Propsperity.io https://propsperity.io

Apr 16, 2025 • 38min
Episode 503: Closing a $26K Creative Finance Deal While Working Full-Time with David Albin
In this special FamilyCast episode, I sit down with David Albin, a high-performing member of our Wicked Smart® community who just closed his first creative real estate deal—while juggling a demanding W-2 job and family life. David brings a unique background to the table: 26 years in the military, 25 years in corporate accounting, and now he’s diving head-first into real estate investing using creative financing. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I actually do this while working full time?” or “What happens after my first deal?”—this is your episode. We break down the real estate deal from start to finish, including how David landed the seller, how he sifted through buyers, and how he confidently closed a $26,000 payday—without ever owning the home. Plus, we unpack the incredible support system that helped him get there. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Who is David Albin? 04:30 Why David decided to join the Wicked Smart community in 2023 06:00 How David incorporates real estate into his schedule 07:15 How the goal to supplement retirement grew 08:25 The power of community and camaraderie 11:20 What makes live events like QLS and In the Trenches so impactful 14:16 David’s first creative deal 16:46 Switching from owner financing to assign out 18:11 Listing the property and getting flooded with buyer inquiries 21:51 How Nick and the team helped him vet buyers using Next Step forms 26:49 REI BlackBook, tracking, and scripting for your deals 28:00 Building confidence through the support from the community 32:02 Lessons learned from the first deal 35:09 Why you need to get to the next live event: QLS Live 2024 Quotables “This started as a side hustle to build retirement savings. But once I did the first deal, I realized—it could replace the W-2.” “I felt like I was drowning at first. But once I got the scripts and the support, it clicked—and the deal closed fast.” “Getting to $26K on a property I never owned… that’ll change how you think about income.” Links QLS Live https://qlslive.com Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Apr 9, 2025 • 42min
Episode 502: Creative Financing, Subject-To Deals & Generational Wealth with Dwan Bent-Twyford
Dwan Bent-Twyford, known as the Queen of Short Sales, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a health crisis while revitalizing downtown Clinton, Iowa, with her husband. They discuss creative financing and the importance of being financially prepared for life's challenges. Dwan emphasizes the need for a resilient mindset and the power of community support in real estate investing. Tune in to hear about spotting hidden opportunities and creating generational wealth, all while transforming a small town, one block at a time.

Apr 2, 2025 • 37min
Episode 501: Business Owner vs. Investor: The Differences You Need to Know About with Dustin Heiner
In this week’s masterclass, we’re bringing back a powerhouse guest, Dustin Heiner. Dustin went from government employee to successfully unemployed by building a real estate business that runs without him and he’s on a mission to help a million people do the same. We talk about scaling a rental empire, shifting your mindset, busting through excuses, and most importantly — creating a business that gives you freedom. If you’re still on the fence about real estate, coaching, or taking the next step, this conversation is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. Dustin drops actionable nuggets, no-fluff frameworks, and the kind of real talk that will light a fire under you. Let’s dig in and get you moving toward your next quantum leap! Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Who is Dustin Heiner? 04:45 From Government Job to Real Estate Freedom 07:50 The differences of being an investor and a business owner 10:05 How helping others creates a sense of fulfillment 13:00 The mindset shift to help you change your outcomes 15:00 Tips to help with scaling across the country 18:00 The importance of building a team 21:00 What are the top 3 excuses that hold people back? 27:10 The ultimate hack to unlimited deals 28:30 Learn more from Dustin! Quotables “Your boss is never going to pay you what you’re worth because if they did, they’d go broke.” “The more people you serve, the better your life gets, and the more money you make.” “You don’t wait to buy real estate. You buy real estate and then you wait.” Links Dustin Heiner https://instagram.com/thedustinheiner Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing https://masterpassiveincome.com/freecourse Text “RENTAL” to 33777 The Master Passive Income Podcast https://masterpassiveincome.com/podcast QLS Live https://qlslive.com Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Mar 26, 2025 • 40min
Episode 500: Lessons & the Power of the Creative Real Estate Investing to Build Wealth
This episode is a special one, Wicked Smart listeners—episode 500! And to mark the occasion, we’re flipping the script. I step into the hot seat while three of our top Wicked Smart Coaches—Russell Ham, Mike Makredes, and Rick Abbiati—take over and put me on the spot with questions that dig deep into the journey, the lessons, and the long game of building a creative real estate business.We cover everything from how I’d start over today, to managing market shifts, scaling with the right hires, and why I believe so strongly in coaching. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been grinding for years, you’ll hear hard-earned insight and practical tips that can help you go further, faster—with fewer bumps along the way. Timeline Summary [0:00] - Introduction [1:32] - How the creative real estate landscape has shifted—and why adaptability is key [3:02] - Why market changes don’t mean pivoting entirely, but shifting your approach [7:03] - The two hires I’d make on day one if I were starting over [10:32] - What kept me moving forward when everything felt like it was falling apart [15:45] - Stacking consistent habits vs. chasing shiny objects in real estate [18:13] - How I decide whether to cash out or hold long-term on a deal [23:24] - Why owner financing is still my favorite strategy for building wealth [27:57] - How coaching has impacted the business—and the personal growth of our team [34:00] - Our coaches share their transformations and biggest breakthroughs [37:39] - Looking ahead to QLS Live 2025 and what we’re bringing to Boston 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Adaptability is everything: Real estate markets shift, but success comes from knowing how to fish in new ponds—not switching your whole strategy. 2. Start with support: If I had to start over, I’d hire an executive assistant and a VA from day one to stay focused on high-value activities. 3. Stack before you pivot: Master one niche before jumping into another. Consistency always beats jumping from shiny object to shiny object. 4. Coaching isn’t just about deals: Coaching accelerates your growth, sharpens your skills, and gives you the confidence to lead. 5. Owner financing is a wealth builder: It may be harder to understand at first, but when structured right, it delivers six-figure paydays and long-term wins. LinksReal Estate Junkies: Coast 2 Coast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-estate-junkies-coast-2-coast/id1747965666 Episode 103: From Full-Time Job, 12 Hour Days to Full-Time Investor, with Mike Makredes https://sites.libsyn.com/101440/episode-103-from-full-time-job-12-hour-days-to-full-time-investor-with-mike-makredes Episode 371: Kickstarting Your Career in Creative Real Estate, with Rick Abbiati https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/rick-abbiati/ Episode 402: Creating a Gameplan, with Russell Ham https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/russell-ham-02/ Episode 466: Creative Real Estate Investing Strategies from a Professional with Russell Ham https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/episode-466-creative-real-estate-investing-strategies/id1266331428?i=1000663909186 Episode 461: $90,000 Real Estate Payday! with Rick Abbiati https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/episode-461-%2490-000-real-estate-payday-with-rick-abbiati/id1266331428?i=1000660303869 Episode 490: $1 Million in 4 Years with the 3 PayDay® Systems with Rick Abbiati https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-490-%241-million-in-4-years-with-the-3/id1266331428?i=1000684073041 QLS Live https://qlslive.com Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Mar 19, 2025 • 31min
Episode 499: Why Most Businesses Fail to Scale And How to Fix It with Solomon Thimothy
Wicked Smart listeners, get ready for an insightful conversation on scaling your business the smart way. In this episode, I sit down with Solomon Thimothy, an entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience in growth marketing. As the founder of OneIMS and co-founder of ClickX, Solomon has helped businesses overcome growth plateaus and achieve measurable, sustainable success. We discuss the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face when trying to scale, the key mindset shifts needed to break through revenue ceilings, and why AI is becoming a game-changer for businesses looking to optimize operations. Solomon shares real-world strategies for accelerating growth, leveraging data-driven marketing, and making smarter business decisions. Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a multi-million-dollar company, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Introduction [2:20] – How Solomon went from self-taught web developer to helping businesses scale through data-driven marketing. [4:26] – The turning point that forced him to pivot from website development to full-scale lead generation. [7:38] – The biggest mistake small business owners make when trying to grow. [10:19] – The revenue thresholds where businesses typically hit roadblocks and how to break through. [12:31] – Why mindset is often the biggest bottleneck in scaling a business. [14:47] – How digital marketing and AI can accelerate business growth without increasing headcount. [19:06] – The evolving role of AI in sales and marketing, and why businesses need to adapt now. [24:58] – How AI is eliminating inefficiencies and making businesses more profitable. [26:42] – The future of scaling: why companies that embrace AI will have the biggest competitive advantage. Five Key Takeaways 1. Scaling requires more than just working harder. Many entrepreneurs believe they need to add more services or expand their offerings, but true growth comes from refining and doubling down on what works. 2. Lead generation is more important than aesthetics. Having a great-looking website or social media presence means nothing if it does not generate revenue. Businesses must focus on conversion-driven strategies. 3. AI is the next competitive advantage. Businesses that leverage AI for automation, marketing, and sales optimization will outperform those that rely on traditional methods. 4. Mindset is often the biggest obstacle. Entrepreneurs who struggle to scale usually have internal roadblocks rather than external ones. Identifying and addressing these limitations is key. 5. Cutting unnecessary expenses accelerates growth. Many businesses waste money on ineffective marketing strategies. Analyzing ROI and reallocating resources to high-impact activities is essential for sustainable success. Links & Resources https://www.thimothy.com/ Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Mar 12, 2025 • 36min
Episode 498: $20M Annual Developer Success Secrets with Brandon Cobb
Ever wondered how to go from flipping houses to developing entire communities? In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Cobb, a former medical sales rep turned real estate developer managing $20M+ in new home construction annually. Brandon shares how he pivoted from single-family deals to large-scale land development, the risks he took to go all-in, and how he creates value before even breaking ground. We’ll break down how to identify prime land, navigate zoning approvals, and follow institutional money to find the best markets. If you’re looking to scale your business, transition into development, or understand how big investors think, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you level up. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 02:17 The Apprentice Program 04:25 Brandon’s story into entrepreneurship 08:47 Why your 9-5 job is the biggest risk you’re taking 11:16 The leap from flipping houses to developing entire communities 19:37 The “Follow the Money” strategy 23:59 The impact of building relationships with city officials 26:35 Affordable housing demand & why entry level homes outperform 28:27 Connect with Brandon and his team! 30:30 Brandon’s advice for aspiring real estate investors 31:40 Getting ahead in life by investing in education and mentorship Quotables “I burned through my savings, maxed out credit cards, and still pushed forward—because failure wasn’t an option.” “Institutional investors and corporate expansions dictate where the real estate market is headed—follow the money.” “Most investors chase existing deals; we create them by unlocking land value before we even buy it.” Links HBG Capital https://www.hbgcapital.net/ info@hbgcapital.net Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Mar 5, 2025 • 31min
Episode 497: Why the Wealthy Avoid Stocks – And What They Invest in Instead with Dr. Allen Lomax
In this episode of Smart Real Estate Coach, we’re sitting down with Dr. Allen Lomax, a Ph.D. in Organizational Systems Psychology and real estate investor. Allen shares how he transitioned from academia to real estate, overcame the 2008 market crash, and built a system to turn low-performing investments into high-yield, recession-resistant assets. Allen highlights the limitations of stocks and bonds, emphasizing private placements, multifamily syndications, and mobile home parks for better returns. He also introduces Streams to Impact, a program that helps investors restructure portfolios in 60 days for 18%+ annual returns with lower tax liabilities. If you’re ready to move beyond traditional investments, this episode is packed with insightful strategies to help you take action. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Who is Dr. Allen Lomax? 04:06 Lessons from the 2008 market crash 07:44 What is Streams to Impact? 12:31 Who the Streams to Impact program is for 16:09 What high-net-worth individuals are investing in 20:59 Focusing on multifamily investments and other alternative assets 22:20 Streams to Impact podcast 25:48 Learn more about Dr. Allen Lomax and Streams to Impact Quotables “Most people think stocks and bonds are safe, but in reality, they’re some of the riskiest assets out there.” “The wealthy don’t gamble with stocks—they build wealth through tangible, recession-resistant assets.” “Private placements give you higher returns, tax advantages, and stability—without the daily market volatility.” Links Exclusive High Yield Investment Blueprint https://highyieldblueprint.com Streams to Impact Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/299AdjqfOa4TpSslHmmpud?si=576e45a8e3ef4632 Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod

Feb 26, 2025 • 27min
Episode 496: From Canada to U.S. Real Estate: How to Invest Across Borders Successfully with Glen Sutherland
Ever wondered how to break into U.S. real estate investing—even if you’re based in another country? This week, I sit down with Glen Sutherland, a Canadian investor who successfully scaled his real estate business by expanding into the U.S. Glen shares the advantages of investing across borders, including access to creative financing strategies, long-term mortgages, and public data that makes deal sourcing easier. We dive into the step-by-step process of setting up a remote investing operation, from choosing the right markets to building a reliable team on the ground. Glen also shares key insights on structuring deals, financing options, and the biggest mistakes international investors make when entering the U.S. market. If you’ve ever considered investing outside your home country, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get started. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Introduction [2:00] – How Glen transitioned from investing in Canada to the U.S. [4:05] – The biggest advantages of investing in the U.S. market [7:18] – How to build and manage a real estate team remotely [10:09] – Creative financing strategies: sub-to deals, seller financing, and lease options [12:32] – The importance of having multiple contractors and property managers [15:33] – Generating leads through property managers, contractors, and attorneys [17:05] – Common tax and legal pitfalls for Canadians investing in the U.S. [20:50] – How Glen helps others break into U.S. real estate investing [23:10] – Understanding corporate structures for tax efficiency [25:35] – Why 30-year mortgages in the U.S. offer more stability than Canada’s system [27:00] – The role of public data access in making informed investment decisions Key Takeaways 1. U.S. real estate offers more creative financing opportunities – Investors can leverage strategies like subject-to deals, seller financing, and lease options, which are harder to execute in Canada due to regulations. 2. Building a strong remote team is crucial – Success in out-of-state or international investing depends on hiring reliable contractors, property managers, and local experts to manage properties effectively. 3. Understanding tax structures can save investors thousands – Canadian investors need to structure their U.S. investments properly to avoid double taxation and optimize for cross-border tax benefits. 4. Having access to public data gives U.S. investors a competitive edge – Unlike Canada, the U.S. provides easy access to property sales history, ownership details, and mortgage information, making it easier to analyze deals. 5. Long-term fixed-rate mortgages provide stability – The U.S. mortgage system allows for 30-year fixed loans, which help investors predict cash flow and avoid financial uncertainty when interest rates change. Links & Resources • Connect with Glen: GlenSutherland.com • Learn more about our coaching & events: SmartRealEstateCoach.com Links Apartments 101: The Apartment Investing Masterclass https://apartments101.co Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430 https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Freedom-Real-Estate-Investing/dp/1986532364 Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall FREE Workshop https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws QLS Homestudy Course https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4 Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources 3 Paydays Apprentice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Your support helps us continue delivering valuable insights for real estate investors.

Feb 19, 2025 • 29min
Episode 495: The $300M Multifamily Empire & The Truth About Financial Freedom with Michael Blank
In this episode of Smart Real Estate Coach, you’ll hear from Michael Blank, a multifamily investing expert, bestselling author, and CEO of Nighthawk Equity. With a $300 million+ portfolio and a track record of helping students acquire over 40,000 multifamily units, Michael shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to real estate mogul. He opens up about the lessons learned from a failed restaurant venture and why multifamily investing is the fastest path to financial freedom. Discover how to break into multifamily real estate, debunk common myths, and start without years of experience or personal capital. Michael shares strategies for scaling, raising capital, and building a recession-resistant portfolio. If you’re ready to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights for success. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 03:53 How Michael went from restaurant owner to real estate investor 06:55 Why single-family is not the best way to achieve financial freedom 07:57 Overcoming the challenges of failing in the restaurant industry 10:31 The story behind Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing 11:47 Debunking the biggest myths about multifamily investing 13:25 What is a syndication? 14:21 Deal finders vs. Capital raisers 15:37 Deals from Nighthawk Equity 17:06 How to find deals that will work for you 19:22 The plan to scale Nighthawk Equity 20:08 Learn more about apartment investing with Michael 21:00 The importance of clarity in real estate investing 24:16 What is financial freedom about? Quotables “You don’t need years of experience to buy an apartment building—you just need the right team and strategy.” “If you think flipping houses will make you financially free, think again. Multifamily is the real path to wealth.” “Real estate isn’t just about making money—it’s about creating freedom, legacy, and impact.” Links Apartments 101: The Apartment Investing Masterclass https://apartments101.co Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430 https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Freedom-Real-Estate-Investing/dp/1986532364 Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall FREE Workshop https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws QLS Homestudy Course https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4 Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources 3 Paydays Apprentice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD