Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Most people are playing the wrong money game—trading time for income, saving their way to retirement, and hoping it adds up by 65. In this episode, $300M multifamily investor Michael Blank shares the 10 money rules that helped him escape the rat race and build scalable, passive wealth through real estate. You’ll learn why flipping houses, single-family rentals, and even high-paying jobs won’t get you free—and what to focus on instead. If you’re serious about using multifamily to take control of your time and income, these rules will reset how you think about money forever. Head over to https://thefreedompodcast.com/500 to submit for a chance to win free merch and be highlighted in episode 500!!! Key Takeaways Michael’s 10 Rules to Get Your Money Right, plus: What’s Really Broken About Retirement (and How to Fix It) The Math Behind Why You’re Still Stuck How Most Real Estate Strategies Still Trap You and One Number That Changes Everything How to Build Wealth Without Using Your Own Money Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Syndicated Deal Analyzer

If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, you can’t afford to ignore the tax side. In this episode, CPA and active investor Sean Graham breaks down how cost segregation and bonus depreciation can save you (and your investors) tens or even hundreds of thousands in taxes—without changing your investment strategy. We cover how to use cost seg the right way, why most CPAs are doing it wrong, and what high earners need to know about the latest tax bill that could bring back 100% bonus depreciation. Whether you're a GP looking to raise smarter or an LP trying to boost after-tax returns, this episode is non-negotiable. Key Takeaways What Cost Segregation Actually Does for You Bonus Depreciation: What It Is, and Why It Matters Using Cost Seg to Raise Capital More Effectively The “Look-Back” Strategy for Missed Depreciation Avoiding Common CPA Mistakes How to Work with a Cost Segregation Firm the Right Way Connect with Sean MavenCostSeg.com/Blank Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Don’t forget to grab your free book! www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRP Most people don’t know this—but you can invest your IRA or 401(k) in real estate instead of leaving it trapped in mutual funds. In this episode, I’m joined by Damion Lupo, founder of eQRP, to explain exactly how to unlock your retirement savings and use them to invest in apartments, storage, and more. We walk through the process step-by-step, dispel common myths, and show you how to avoid one of the biggest tax traps most investors don’t even see coming: UBIT. Whether you’re a passive investor or a GP raising capital, this is a must-listen. Key Takeaways Why Most Investors Don’t Know About This How Self-Directed Accounts Actually Work The UBIT Tax Trap—and How to Avoid It exemptbefore Smart Strategies for Passive and Active Investors Rules, Limits, and Legacy Planning canno Connect with Damion Lupo GET A FREE BOOK www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRP Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

In just a few years, Chad Schieler went from zero to over 700 units, ditching his high-paying W2 job to build a real syndication business from scratch. And he did it the hard way - solo, self-funded, and battle-tested. In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Chad to unpack the gritty, unfiltered truth behind the rise of Focus Capital. They dive deep into the growing pains of scaling fast - partnership failures, capital raising fears, management misfires, and what it really takes to build a machine that lasts. If you think you’re ready to go full-time, this episode will either snap you out of it - or show you the way forward. Head over to https://thefreedompodcast.com/500 to submit for a chance to win free merch and be highlighted in episode 500!!! Key Takeaways From W2 to 700+ Units: Why Chad Walked Away The Truth About Partnerships looked Raising Capital When It Doesn’t Come Naturally want Scaling a Real Business (Without Burning Out) When Bigger is Actually Easier Connect with Chad Visit Focus Capital chad@focuscapital.com Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

This is one of the most tactical, eye-opening conversations we’ve had on market selection. Market selection can make or break your deal before you ever sign a contract. And right now, it’s not just about job growth or population trends anymore. In this episode, Michael Blank is joined by Andrew Meyers, Director of Acquisitions at Nighthawk Equity, to reveal what actually matters when choosing a market—and why most investors are looking at the wrong data. They break down the real drivers of rent growth, how to avoid buying in overheated metros, and what most people overlook that leads to underperforming deals. Plus, Andrew shares where Nighthawk is actively investing right now—and why. Key Takeaways Why Absorption Is the New KPI who’s filling those units The Hidden Danger in “Hot Markets” How to Vet a Submarket Like a Pro Where Nighthawk Is Buying Right Now Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask Connect with Andrew investors@nighthawkequity.com Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program

If you’re trying to scale your real estate business and still asking “How do I do this?”, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, author of 10X Is Easier Than 2X and The Science of Scaling, explains why success in multifamily hinges on shifting from "how" to "who." Michael and Ben dig into why most investors get stuck on the wrong path, and how committing to a bold vision — even without knowing the entire roadmap — is the real starting point. This episode is a must-listen for six-figure earners stuck in the single-family grind, trying to leap into commercial real estate and financial freedom. Key Takeaways 1. Why Your 10-Year Plan Is Holding You Back 2. The "Who Not How" Principle for Real Estate Scaling 3. The Psychology of Commitment and Belief outcome 4. Letting Go of the Path That Got You Here 5. Dr. Hardy’s Framework from The Science of Scaling 6. Multifamily as the Ideal Vehicle for Scaling Connect with Dr. Benjamin Hardy Get your free copy of the Science of Scaling audiobook https://scaling.com/ Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube

Small Bay Industrial (a.k.a. Flex Space) wasn’t on your radar—and for good reason. But what if the most overlooked asset class in commercial real estate turned out to be one of the most profitable? In this episode, Cody Payne, SVP at Colliers, breaks down why Small Bay Flex Industrial is quietly exploding—and why more active and passive investors are taking notice. Cody shares how he transitioned from leasing to owning, how syndication plays a role in the space, and why this niche might outperform retail and office over the next decade. Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or find a less management-intensive asset, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Key Takeaways Why Flex Industrial Is Heating Up How to Add Real Value with Small Bay Assets Investor Returns: What to Expect Management Made Simple Syndication in Small Bay: A New Frontier Navigating the Market: Deal Flow and Financing Connect with Cody Website Book: Flex Space Domination LinkedIn Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

What does it take to scale from a 38-unit syndication to 33,000 units across six states—and still never lose investor capital? Jeff Gleiberman of MG Properties breaks it down. In this episode, Jeff shares the core principles that helped his family-run firm grow into one of the top 50 apartment owners in the U.S. You'll hear how they’ve weathered multiple market cycles, why they’re buying newer assets right now, and how disciplined underwriting, fixed-rate debt, and vertical integration have become their unfair advantages. Whether you're raising capital, comparing asset classes, or trying to read the market—this episode is required listening. Key Takeaways From Family Syndication to Institutional Scale How MG Navigates Market Cycles Why Vertical Integration is a Competitive Advantage How to Attract Serious Capital (Without Chasing High IRRs) Current Strategy: Core-Plus Over Value-Add The Discipline Behind $1.8B in Acquisitions (In a Down Market) Connect with Jeff mgproperties.com Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

If you think you need experience, deals, or wealthy connections to raise capital… think again. In this episode, Michael Blank walks through exactly how first-time investors are raising $500K to $1M in 60 days—even without a track record. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, start conversations without being salesy, and build unstoppable momentum using the relationships you already have. This is the roadmap for raising money as a beginner. Key Takeaways Why You Don’t Need Experience to Raise Capital How to Find People With Money (Hint: You Already Know Them) What to Say (and NOT Say) to Potential Investors Why One-on-One Works Better Than Social Media (at First) What to Do If You’re Not a Natural Capital Raiser The Simple System That Helps Beginners Raise $500K–$1M Fast Connect with GUEST Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts

What should you really ask before wiring $100K into a multifamily deal? In this special episode, Michael sits down with Nighthawk’s Garrett Lynch and Drew Kniffin to run through 50 of the most important questions every passive investor should be asking—and every active investor should know how to answer. From deal structure and cash flow mechanics to team accountability, tax strategy, and risk mitigation, this is your behind-the-scenes guide to how Nighthawk operates—and how to evaluate any syndicator with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re an LP looking to invest smarter or an aspiring operator trying to earn trust, this episode is required listening. Key Takeaways 50 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask (And Every Active Investor Must Answer), including: Nighthawk’s Track Record and Operating Philosophy Understanding Returns, Distributions & Deal Structure Syndications vs. Other Investment Models The Passive Investing Mindset Taxes, Depreciation & IRAs How to Vet Deals and Sponsors Like a Pro Connect with Nighthawk Equity Take the Free Mini-Course at NighthawkEquity.com Schedule a Call & Join Our Investor Club Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube

Eric Nelson thought buying one rental a year would lead to financial freedom. But after years of grinding, he realized he was just building another job. In this episode, Eric breaks down how he shifted from single-family rentals to a 1,000+ unit multifamily portfolio—and why mindset, mentorship, and the right partnerships made all the difference. We dig into the painful lessons, the strategic pivots, and the exact steps that helped Eric quit his W-2, move his family to Spain, and build a business that supports his life. If you’re trying to scale—or stuck doing it all yourself—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. Key Takeaways Why “One Rental a Year” Doesn’t Work The Case for Multifamily Over Rentals less risky How Mentorship Accelerated His Success Raising Capital as a Service, Not a Favor Why Right Now Is a Great Time to Get In From Hamster Wheel to Freedom in Spain Connect with Eric Instagram Wild Oak Capital Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

In this episode, Michael Blank is joined by seasoned investor Paul Moore, founder of Wellings Capital, to unpack the journey from flipping houses and chasing every real estate strategy… to raising over $200 million in capital and building a fund-based business that finally delivered real wealth. Paul shares how a single moment with a mentor forced him to stop winging it and build a true capital-raising system. They dive deep into how capital raisers can grow with or without a deal, the myths about passive income, and why commercial real estate is fundamentally different (and more powerful) than residential. This episode is a masterclass in focus, mindset shifts, and breaking through plateaus by specializing. Key Takeaways: Passive Income Is a Lie—Until You Do This:Focus Beats Hustle:Raising Capital Is a Skill, Not a Gift:Why the "Old Boys Club" Ignores You:Commercial Real Estate Is Based on Math, Not Hype:force appreciationThe Fund Manager Model: Connect with Paul Moore: Website:wellingscapital.comResources:Books:The Perfect InvestmentStoring Up ProfitsWarren Buffett’s Rules for Real Estate InvestorsSocial Media:Paul Moore Wellings CapitalPhilanthropy:aimfree.org Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor...

Forget what you’ve been told about retirement. In this episode, Michael Blank breaks down why chasing the dream of sitting on a beach at 65 is not just outdated—it’s dangerous. He unpacks the flawed math behind 401(k)s, FIRE, and single-family rentals, and lays out a smarter, faster path to freedom through multifamily syndications. If you're a high-income earner chasing control over your time, this episode will reframe how you think about “retirement” and show you how to buy your time back—on your terms. Key Takeaways Retirement Is Not the Goal—Freedom Is options The Math of Retirement Doesn’t Work Why the FIRE Movement Falls Short Why Rentals Are Better—But Still Not Enough Multifamily Syndications: The Fast Track to Freedom multiple Break the “DIY” Trap: Why Coaching Matters Connect with Nighthawk Equity Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the...

How do you scale to 350 multifamily units in a high-regulation, tenant-friendly market like Massachusetts—starting with a single house hack and a HELOC? In this episode, Andrew Freed breaks down how he did exactly that. He shares how he transitioned from a high-paying W-2 to full-time real estate investor, why he leaned into a market most investors avoid, and how strategic partnerships and capital raising unlocked serious growth. You’ll learn what actually worked, what didn’t, and how Andrew built a business that now self-manages 250+ units—all without starting rich or flashy. If you're serious about scaling and want a real-world blueprint from someone who's done it in a tough market, this one's worth your time. Key Takeaways Turning a W-2 Into a Real Estate Exit Plan way How to Go from One House Hack to Hundreds of Units Raising Capital Without Feeling Salesy or Sleazy Investing Where No One Else Wants To Partnering the Right Way (So You Don’t Get Burned) Connect with Andrew https://freedommanagement.net/ LinkedIn Facebook Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts

In this episode of The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Marcin Drozdz breaks down the exact playbook he used to raise over $100M for multifamily deals—even in challenging market conditions. He shares why multifamily remains the smartest path to financial freedom, how to raise capital without prior experience, and what new investors must focus on to close their first (or next) deal faster. If you want to scale with other people’s money and build lasting wealth, this episode gives you the blueprint. Key Takeaways How Marcin Built a $100M+ Capital Raising Machine Why Multifamily Beats Other Real Estate Strategies How to Raise Capital Without a Track Record Avoiding the Biggest Mistakes New Investors Make Marcin’s Advice for Scaling a Real Estate Portfolio Connect with Marcin Download Marcin's "Unlimited Investor Leads" Book Website Instagram Linkedin Facebook Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor...

In this powerful episode, Michael Blank sits down with Ben Reinberg, founder of Alliance CGC, to break down how he built a $500M+ commercial real estate portfolio—starting with a 95,000 sq. ft. industrial building at just 23 years old. Ben shares how he raised capital with no track record, the key mindset shifts that fueled his growth, and why personal development is the hidden engine behind building wealth. You’ll also learn why commercial real estate—not single-family rentals—is the path most millionaires quietly use to generate generational wealth, and how to shift your focus (and comfort zone) to play a much bigger game. Key Takeaways Study Wealth, Not Just Real Estate:wealthy peopleYou Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Build the Right Team:Raising Capital Is Not About Sales—It’s About Value & Relationships:Personal Growth = Business Growth:Hard Assets Win Long-Term: Connect with Ben Reinberg Website:AllianceCGC.comPersonal Site:BenReinberg.com"Hard Assets for Hard Times"ObsessedInstagram, YouTube, LinkedIn:Ben ReinbergBook:Hard Assets for Hard Times Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Rob Beardsley didn’t flip houses. He didn’t save up for years. Instead, he went straight from college to commercial real estate—and scaled to $750M in acquisitions in just seven years. In this episode, Rob breaks down how he used partnerships, mindset, and relentless focus to overcome limited capital, lack of experience, and a steep learning curve. You'll learn what it really takes to scale a multifamily business from zero, how to raise capital without a track record, and why operating in today’s market is the ultimate advantage. If you’re serious about building a business—not just doing deals—this is a can’t-miss episode. Key Takeaways From College Kid to $750M Operator How to Raise Capital Without a Track Record is The Power of Partnerships in Multifamily What Most Investors Get Wrong About Scaling Lessons from $750M in Deals (and What Rob Would Do Differently) What It Takes to Succeed in Today’s Market Connect with Rob https://lscre.com/ Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Think you need years of experience or loads of cash to invest in multifamily? Think again. In this solo episode, Michael Blank busts the two biggest myths that keep people from getting started in apartment syndications: lack of experience and lack of capital. He shares real-life strategies for building a winning team, raising money as a beginner, and scaling fast—even if you're starting from scratch. Key Takeaways: Experience ≠ Access:team’sBuild the Right Team:Capital Raising Is a Learnable Skill:Focus on “Who,” Not “How”:Anyone Can Start: Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Syndicated Deal Analyzer Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session473/

In this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with two of our Deal Maker Mentoring students — Ryan Kindred and Russell Cannon — who broke free from the grind and did something most people only talk about: they bought a 240-unit self-storage facility and raised $1.9 million to do it. Ryan and Russ didn’t grow up in real estate. They weren’t born entrepreneurs. But they took action, surrounded themselves with the right people, and now they’re building a portfolio that’s changing their lives forever. Whether you're a high-income earner ready to pivot, or a burned-out investor trying to scale, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical steps, and one heck of a comeback story. Key Takeaways From the Corporate Grind to Full-Time Investors theirs Crushing Limiting Beliefs That Keep Most People on the Sidelines exactly Behind the Scenes of Their $1.9M Raise on a 240-Unit Deal Why Mentorship and Community Made All the Difference actually What’s Next: Scaling Up & Building a Real Estate Business Connect with Ryan and Russell LinkedIn - Ryan Kindred LinkedIn - Russell Cannon Sable Capital Website Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course

If you think property management is just about collecting rent and fixing toilets, you're leaving serious money on the table. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Robert Parmar to talk about how the best operators are using systems and tech to run their properties more profitably — and why poor management is the fastest way to kill your financial freedom. Robert’s pulling back the curtain on the biggest mistakes property managers make (and what it’s really costing you), the secret sauce that separates good from great, and the practical systems you can use to finally step out of the day-to-day — without sacrificing profits. Whether you're managing yourself or outsourcing it, if you want more cash flow, less stress, and more freedom, you can't afford to miss this one. Key Takeaways Leveraging Technology for Better Remote Management Biggest Mistakes Property Managers Make What Makes a Great Property Manager Stand Out must Property Management Best Practices that Crush Connect with Robert rparmar@smfield.com LinkedIn Connect with Michael Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Resources TheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts