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.

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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/session467/

In this episode of The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Michael Blank sits down with Scott Todd, a Deal Maker who successfully transitioned into multifamily real estate. Scott shares how he closed his first deal, the key lessons he learned along the way, and how he overcame the fear and obstacles that stop many investors from taking action. If you’re on the fence about multifamily investing, this episode is packed with practical insights that will give you the confidence to move forward.

Key Takeaways

• How Scott Got Started in Real Estate
• Transitioned from his previous career into real estate.
• Discovered multifamily investing as the fastest way to financial freedom.
• Started with no prior experience but took action to learn the process.
• Lessons from His First Multifamily Deal
• The biggest challenges he faced and how he overcame them.
• How he structured his deal and raised capital as a first-time investor.
• What he would do differently if starting over today.
• Overcoming Fear and Taking Action
• The mindset shift that helped him push past self-doubt.
• How he took the leap despite not having a perfect plan.
• Why waiting for the perfect time will only slow you down.
• Finding the Right Support System
• The importance of mentors and networking in real estate.
• How joining a like-minded community accelerated his success.
• Why trying to do everything alone is a costly mistake.
• Scaling Beyond the First Deal
• How closing his first deal changed everything.
• The next steps he’s taking to grow his portfolio.
• Advice for new investors looking to get their first deal done.

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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/session466/

Welcome to another episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing! In this special episode, we bring you a deep dive into Nighthawk Equity with all the partners in the house – Garrett Lynch, Drew Kniffin, and our very own Michael Blank. It's been a while since the last team update, which was back in episode 414, where we discussed a deal that we didn't do.

This time, we're pulling back the curtain to share where Nighthawk started, the lessons learned, and what lies ahead in their journey to scale and face market challenges.

On this episode, Michael, Drew, and Garrett discuss everything from the origins of Nighthawk, the trials of joint ventures, the importance of asset management, to mastering the art of raising capital. Learn about their transition to focusing deeper into specific geographies and how they're adapting to today's market conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• A Glimpse into Nighthawk's Origin Story
• How Garrett joined through the Deal Desk with a challenging El Paso deal
• The evolution from joint ventures to focus and scale
• The Importance of Focus and Geography
• The shift from multiple markets to being deeply rooted in Atlanta
• Economies of scale and operational efficiency as major benefits
• Mastering Asset Management
• Why executing the business plan is crucial for financial success
• Enhancing procedures and systems for operational excellence
• Challenges and Innovations in Raising Capital
• Introduction of fund managers with Fund of Funds program
• Experimentation with paid Facebook advertising for scaling capital raise
• The Secret Sauce Behind Partnership Longevity
• Open communication and radical candor as key to sustained collaboration
• Defining roles and respecting decision-making processes
• Market Insights and Future Outlook
• Navigating current economic conditions
• Strategies to seize opportunities in the coming years

Join the Nighthawk team as they reflect on their past, share valuable insights into their operations, and look forward with anticipation to what’s next in real estate investing. If you're ready to take the next steps toward financial freedom, whether actively or passively, they're here to guide you.

Visit thefreedompodcast.com to discover resources customized for your journey. Whether you're looking to find deals as an operator or become a passive investor, this is your starting point.

Catch the energy of this episode, and as always, happy investing!

For more information on achieving financial freedom through real estate investing, visit thefreedompodcast.com.

Let's get you one step closer to financial independence!

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Are you intrigued by the current state of the real estate market? Curious about how drastic changes over the past two years have impacted multifamily investing?

Join hosts Michael Blank and Garrett Lynch as they dissect the whirlwind shifts in the real estate market, akin to a 7 to 10 year cycle compressed into just two years. Today’s episode tackles the burning question: Is now the right time to dive into multifamily investing or should you hold off for a more stable market?

Michael and Garrett kick off the conversation by discussing the importance of adapting investment strategies in line with market cycles, underscoring that timing the market shouldn’t be the primary focus. They delve into how conservative underwriting can shield investors from making costly mistakes, especially in volatile conditions.

Listen in as the hosts explore what has changed dramatically over the past two years, including interest rates, loan terms, and the risk-adjusted returns that investors should be aware of. They also draw parallels to the 2008 financial crisis, offering insights on how the current environment might mirror opportunities seen in the past.

Key Takeaways

• Market Timing vs. Strategy Development
• The pitfalls of attempting to time the market
• Importance of a strategic approach based on market cycles
• Shifts in Risk-Adjusted Returns
• Historic low interest rates two years ago versus the current environment
• How increased interest rates and lowered leverage affect pricing
• Adapting Strategies as Operators
• The need for flexible underwriting and deal management
• Selling and holding decisions based on market conditions
• Multifamily Market Dynamics
• Impact of rapid rate hikes and leverage restrictions
• The forecast of cap rates and their implications for investors
• Strategies for Success
• Importance of conservative assumptions in current deals
• Leveraging past market experiences to predict future opportunities

In this episode, Michael and Garrett provide valuable insights for both passive investors and those looking to actively engage in multifamily real estate. They encourage listeners to assess their investment strategies, considering both the current environment and future market potential.

For more resources and to engage with the hosts on this topic, visit: thefreedompodcast.com. Tune in to explore whether now is the opportune moment for your next real estate investment!

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Are you eager to achieve financial freedom through real estate or other business opportunities? Curious about the different pathways to replace your income with passive investments?

In this episode of Podcasts, host Michael Blank shares his extensive experience with a variety of strategies to achieve financial independence, including real estate, franchises, digital marketing, and online trading. Having experimented with several avenues himself, Michael offers invaluable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and the pitfalls to avoid.

Listen in as Michael provides a thorough analysis of popular investment strategies, evaluating each through the lens of scalability, passivity, and risk. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from flipping houses, managing rentals, delving into franchises, trading options, and exploring commercial strategies like self-storage and mobile home parks.

Key Takeaways:

• Flipping Houses: Exciting yet not easily scalable. Discover why flipping houses might be lucrative but not the best long-term solution for financial freedom.
• Rental Properties: Understand the challenges of managing a large portfolio of rentals and why it may not be as passive as it seems.
• Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb/VRBO): Once profitable, now saturated with increasing legislative risk. Learn about the changing dynamics of this market.
• Franchises and Business Purchases: The illusion of passive income—uncover the hidden risks and responsibilities associated with running a franchise or business.
• Online Trading: Thrilling but high-risk. Michael shares his experience with trading and the reality of achieving financial freedom in this realm.
• Commercial Real Estate Strategies: Explore scalable and recession-resistant options like self-storage and mobile home parks, along with their management challenges.
• Multifamily Syndications: Discover why multifamily remains Michael’s preferred strategy for building passive income and generational wealth.

Ready to embark on your journey to financial freedom? Visit thefreedompodcast.com to explore resources, including a free Masterclass, or schedule a call to discuss working with Michael’s team.

Remember, financial freedom is possible, and there is more to life than just working and paying bills. Build the life you desire by creating truly passive income through smart investing. Tune in to learn how!

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Welcome to another insightful episode of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing. If you're struggling to scale your real estate portfolio, this episode is packed with essential insights to guide you on your journey. Whether you've started with single-family homes or are contemplating jumping straight into multifamily investing, our guest Phil Moeller shares his transformative journey from corporate manager to thriving multifamily investor.

Phil Moeller, a seasoned real estate investor since 2011, has acquired and managed over 430 units across 40 transactions. In this episode, Phil joins our host, Michael Blank, to compare the strategic advantages of multifamily versus single-family investments, emphasizing why multifamily might be the smarter path to financial freedom. From overcoming limiting beliefs to navigating the transition phases, Phil shares the setbacks and strategies that informed his journey.

In this episode, Phil explains his beginnings in single-family homes, pivoting to multifamily, and the multiple factors that influenced his real estate success. He candidly talks about the importance of having meaningful conversations with your spouse about financial goals, raising capital, and shares his acronym for success: PEACE (Purpose, Education, Association, Courage, Example).

Key Takeaways:

Phil’s Entry into Real Estate:

• Sparked by the birth of his first child and the desire for his wife to work less.
• Began with single-family homes, leveraging the BRRR method.

Transition to Multifamily:

• Realized the challenges of scaling single-family investments.
• The pivotal decision when managing 25 single-family doors became overwhelming.

Importance of Spousal Conversations:

• Essential to align on goals and strategies for family and business.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs:

• How Phil addressed his own doubts and misconceptions about multifamily investment.

PEACE – Phil's Philosophy for Success:

• Embrace Purpose, Education, Association, Courage, and be an Example for others.

Phil's First Multifamily Acquisition:

• Shift strategy by embracing partnerships and leveraging knowledge from experienced multifamily investors.

Raising Capital:

• Transition from self-funded deals to understanding the power of partnerships and investor relationships.

For those ready to take actionable steps towards achieving financial freedom through real estate, Phil emphasizes the importance of clarity, aligning your purpose with education, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking courageous actions.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn or via his website, www.moellere.com, and listen to his insights on real estate and business on the Moeller Real Estate and Business Podcast.

Be sure to tune in to this value-packed episode to understand how you, too, can bridge the gap from single-family to multifamily investing. For further resources or to connect with our community, visit thefreedompodcast.com. Whether you're new, aspiring to scale, or interested in passive investing, we're here to help you on your financial freedom journey.

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