Apartment Building Investing With Michael Blank Podcast

Most people raising capital are doing it completely wrong. They focus on flashy decks, mass emails, and trying to “look big”—but investors can smell the inauthenticity from a mile away.Jeremy Dyer took a different approach.  He raised $50M in under 2 years by leading with trust, transparency, and one-on-one conversations—all while holding down a full-time tech sales job and raising four kids.In this episode, Michael Blank uncovers the real strategies behind Jeremy’s rise from passive investor to powerhouse capital raiser. You’ll learn how he built a loyal investor base, scaled legally with fund-to-fund models, and is now buying deals at massive discounts while others sit on the sidelines. If you think capital raising is about money—it’s not. It’s about people.Head over to https://thefreedompodcast.com/500 to submit for a chance to win free merch and be highlighted in episode 500!!!Key TakeawaysWhy LP Experience Makes You a Better SyndicatorJeremy invested in over 40 syndications before ever raising a dol

Think you need 10 years of house flipping before you can go big in real estate? In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Kent Ritter—Founder of Hudson Investing and host of Ritter on Real Estate—who scaled from solo operator to managing 2,000+ units and leading his own in-house property management firm. He didn’t wait for permission. He didn’t grind for a decade. He built systems, teams, and a killer culture that made scale inevitable.They unpack how he made the leap from flipping houses to running a real syndication business, and why skipping the “single-family hustle” may be the smartest move you can make. If you’re tired of thinking small, this episode will wake you up.Key TakeawaysWhy Single-Family Strategies Keep You StuckFlipping and landlording create income—but not freedom.Most "passive" single-family models are just high-paying jobs in disguise.You don’t need 10 years of grinding to go multifamily—you need a mindset shift.How to Build a Real Business (Not Just Do More Deals)Learn why Kent’s firs

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 TakeawaysMichael’s 10 Rules to Get Your Money Right, plus:What’s Really Broken About Retirement (and How to Fix It)Why the "work till you're 65" model no longer worksHow to reframe freedom so it actually feels fulfillingWhat to focus on instead of sitting on a beach foreverThe Math Behind Why You’re Still StuckHow t

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 TakeawaysWhat Cost Segregation Actually Does for YouReclassifies components of a property to accelerate depreciation over 5–15 years instead of 27.5 or 39.Allows investors to take massive deductions in year one—sometimes more than the cash they put into the deal.Creates phantom losses on K-1s that can offset other passive income or gains.Bonus Depreciation: What It Is, and Why It

Don’t forget to grab your free book! www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRPMost 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 TakeawaysWhy Most Investors Don’t Know About ThisFinancial advisors don’t promote these options because they lose fees when you take control.Most investors have old 401(k)s or IRAs they’ve forgotten about—but those funds are eligible for self-direction.Online platforms like Schwab and Fidelity won’t show you the option to invest in real estate—you have to know to ask.How Self-Directed Accounts Actually Work

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 TakeawaysFrom W2 to 700+ Units: Why Chad Walked AwayBuilt a career in credit card processing—but hit a wall with taxes and purpose.Real estate started as a tax strategy and turned into a full-blown mission.Why chasing a deeper “why” made walking away from comf

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 TakeawaysWhy Absorption Is the New KPIIt’s not just about growth—it’s about who’s filling those units.Learn why absorption is the single most overlooked factor in market due diligence.Discover how overbuilt markets tank B-class rents—and how to spot it before you buy.The Hidden Danger in “Hot Markets”Everyone loved Phoeni

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 Takeaways1. Why Your 10-Year Plan Is Holding You BackMost investors set conservative goals based on their current capacity.A 10-year retirement plan with single-family homes isn't just slow — it’s likely broken.Reframe your goal: what would it take to become financially free in 12 months?When the timeframe compresses, the current strategy breaks — and that’s the point.2. The "Who Not How" P

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 TakeawaysWhy Flex Industrial Is Heating UpThe asset class has evolved: from basic metal garages to glass-fronted multi-use spaces.Demand is surging as small businesses, gyms, e-commerce, and retail users flood in.Triple-net leases and low tenant improvement costs make this a capital-efficient play.How to Add Real Value with Small Bay Assets

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 TakeawaysFrom Family Syndication to Institutional ScaleStarted with a single 38-unit deal and scaled to 33,000 units over 30+ years.Built trust and momentum through word of mouth and disciplined execution.Added institutional capital partners while staying grounded in syndication fundamentals.Grew from a home office to over 1,000 employees with fully integrated operatio

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 TakeawaysWhy You Don’t Need Experience to Raise CapitalStock market investors are actively looking for alternatives—you just don’t know it yet.You’re providing value by giving them access to real estate they can’t buy on their own.It’s not about your experience—it’s about your ability to build trust and communicate.How to Find People With Money (Hint: You Already Know Them)Start with your existing social circles—friends, coworkers, clubs, sports, and church.Use referrals to expand your network without ever running out of leads.Tap your old contacts with a simple, authe

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 Takeaways50 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask (And Every Active Investor Must Answer), including: Nighthawk’s Track Record and Operating PhilosophyHow Nighthawk got started, how many deals they’ve done, and what makes their model differentWhat happens when a deal doesn’t go to plan—and how the team respondsWho’s on the core team and how key

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 TakeawaysWhy “One Rental a Year” Doesn’t WorkEric’s early plan: 10 houses in 10 years = early retirementWhat actually happened: no scale, no freedom, no timeWhy single-family rentals didn’t deliver the cash flow he expectedThe Case for Multifamily Over RentalsHow one vacancy kills cash flow in SFR—but barely moves the needle in MFWhy multifamily is less emotional, more predictable, and built

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: Both Paul and Michael learned the hard way that flipping houses isn’t passive—and the real path to financial freedom is cash-flowing commercial assets.Focus Beats Hustle: Paul was stuck chasing inconsistent deals until he narrowed in on raising capit

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 TakeawaysRetirement Is Not the Goal—Freedom IsTraditional retirement means doing nothing, and that’s not fulfilling for most people.After a short break, high performers crave impact, purpose, and productivity.Financial freedom gives you options—to work, to rest, to choose how you live.The Math of Retirement Doesn’t WorkThe 4% Rule requires you to save $3M+ for $10K/month in passive income—before inflation.With inflation, that number balloons to $7.3M to maintain your current lifestyle.Very few people are s

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 TakeawaysTurning a W-2 Into a Real Estate Exit PlanWhy Andrew stayed at his W-2 way longer than he needed toThe mastermind moment that finally pushed him to quitHow he 5X’d his income after going all-inHow to Go from One House Hack to Hundreds of UnitsThe simple playbook he used to scale with zero pr

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 TakeawaysHow Marcin Built a $100M+ Capital Raising MachineFocused on relationships, trust, and long-term partnerships—not flashy sales pitches.Built credibility without relying on a massive personal portfolio upfront.Scaled by consistently delivering value to investors first.Why Multifamily Beats Other Real Estate StrategiesOffers superior scalability compared to flips, single-family rentals, and STRs.Combines cash flow, appreciation, and tax advantages into one asset.Remains resilient throug

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 TakeawaysStudy Wealth, Not Just Real Estate: Ben skipped the rental game by studying how wealthy people actually build wealth—with hard assets like commercial real estate.You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Build the Right Team: From asset management to SEC compliance, syndication is a team sport. You can go bigger by not going solo.Raising Capital Is Not About Sales—It’s About Value

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 TakeawaysFrom College Kid to $750M OperatorWhy Rob skipped flipping and went straight to syndicationsHow growing up in a struggling real estate household shaped his long-term mindsetWhat triggered his obsession with scaling—before he ever bought a dealHow to Raise Capital Without a Track RecordWhy being naïve can actually help early investors take actionThe moment Rob realized capital ra

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: Multifamily brokers care more about your team’s track record than yours.Build the Right Team: Partner with experienced operators, lenders, and property managers to gain instant credibility.Capital Raising Is a Learnable Skill: You don’t need your own money—just the ability to educate and connect with potential investors.Focus on “Who,” Not “How”: Don’t try to do everything. Find partners who fill your gaps.Anyone Can Start: With the right mindset and system, beginners have raised millions—even on their first dealConnect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedo