In this episode, Michael Blank and Garrett Lynch talk with Axel Ragnarsson, who scaled from self-funding small multifamily deals to building a 500+ unit portfolio and raising over $15 million in capital. Axel shares the turning point that forced him to move beyond his DIY approach, how he overcame mental blocks around partnering and raising money, and what it really takes to grow in today’s market. Whether you're early in your investing journey or looking to level up, Axel’s story offers powerful insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Funding Has Limits: Axel built up to 70 units on his own, but liquidity challenges and stress forced him to rethink his approach and start partnering.
• Mindset is Everything: His biggest obstacle wasn’t skill—it was fear of raising capital and losing control. Overcoming that changed everything.
• Adapt or Miss Out: In today’s shifting market, underwriting must adjust constantly. Flat rents and rising interest rates mean conservative assumptions are critical.
• Scale with Purpose: You don’t have to grow endlessly. Axel is evaluating whether to stay put or expand into new markets—and why lifestyle alignment matters.

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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/session469/

In this special episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Michael Blank sits down with his mentors—Barry Flavin, Brad Tacia, Jonathan Nichols, Paula Nichols, and Philippe Schulligen—for a powerhouse discussion. These incredible mentors, who’ve helped countless students achieve their multifamily investing goals, share their wisdom, personal journeys, and actionable tips for getting started or scaling up in real estate. Whether you’re working on your first deal or growing your portfolio, this episode is packed with inspiration and strategies to guide you to financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Current Market Outlook: Despite uncertain times, the mentors agree on being bullish about the multifamily market's long-term prospects. They emphasize ongoing housing demand and discuss factors like rent increases and occupancy rates that strengthen the sector.
• The Role of Brokers: Building strong relationships with brokers is crucial for consistent deal flow. The mentors share strategies for establishing these connections, highlighting the advantages of frequent communication and personal meetings.
• Student Success Stories: Real-world examples illustrate how students are finding and closing deals—often through creative financing solutions like seller financing. A common theme is the powerful combination of consistency and leveraging mentorship to make informed decisions.
• Capital Raising Strategies: Distinguishing between deal finders and capital raisers, the panel discusses tailoring approaches to suit different personalities and skill sets. They also underline the importance of using personal networks, social media, and educational content to attract investors.
• The Value of Mentorship: The mentors highlight the dual benefits of mentorship in keeping students on track and opening pathways for scaling more quickly. They stress the significance of being "all in" and actively engaging in the process to maximize the benefits of mentorship.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples from the world of multifamily syndication. If you are looking to delve deeper into real estate investing and have access to expert guidance, consider exploring mentorship options on theMichaelBlanc.com/mentor.

Jonathan’s Mentor Bio

Paula’s Mentor Bio

Apogee Capital

Paula Instagram

Jonathan Instagram

Mentor Bio

Boost Capital Group

Philippe LinkedIn

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In this episode, Michael Blank delves into the art of raising capital for real estate, highlighting the importance of using other people's money to build a real estate empire. He discusses the common mistakes people make when raising capital and shares insights on overcoming these challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Limiting Beliefs:
• Many aspiring real estate investors struggle with the idea of raising capital due to limiting beliefs, such as "I can't do it," "I don't know anyone with money," and fear of using sales tactics.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes:
• Going online for raising money without prior experience is a common mistake.
• Assuming the money will follow once you have a deal is misleading.
• Start raising capital before securing a deal by using a sample deal package.
• The Importance of Networking and Education:
• Real estate investors should educate themselves and others about the benefits of real estate investing.
• Networking and leaving a positive impression are crucial in building relationships with potential investors.
• Referrals and Expanding Your Network:
• Always ask for referrals to expand your network and potential investor base.
• Stay in touch with potential investors to nurture relationships.
• Leveraging IRA Money:
• Many people have significant funds in IRAs or 401(k)s. Educate potential investors on how they can invest their IRA money in real estate.
• Scaling by Raising Money Online:
• Once you've raised money one-on-one successfully, transition to online platforms to scale up.
• Building a strong online presence requires more than just a website; it involves creating valuable content and having a clear target audience.
• The Who, Not How Mentality:
• Emphasize finding partners who can help fill gaps, such as those who can raise funds while you focus on finding deals.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

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/session467/