Real Estate Investment

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB491: How to Scale Without Hustling Harder: In-House Teams, Smarter Capital, and Fast Execution—With Kent Ritter first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

MB490: $300M Investor’s 10 Rules to Get Your Money Right – With Michael Blank

MB Digital Team — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:38:31 -0400

Show Notes

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.

Key Takeaways

Michael’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 works
How to reframe freedom so it actually feels fulfilling
What to focus on instead of sitting on a beach forever

The Math Behind Why You’re Still Stuck

How traditional saving and investing keeps you locked in the rat race
What most six-figure earners misunderstand about wealth
A smarter way to create income that doesn’t depend on your time

How Most Real Estate Strategies Still Trap You

Why flipping and single-family homes rarely lead to freedom
The real reason those deals feel like progress—but aren’t
The asset class that scales income and time

One Number That Changes Everything

How to figure out the income you need to quit your job
Why your “rat race number” is more powerful than your net worth
How lowering it can make freedom come faster than you think

How to Build Wealth Without Using Your Own Money

The one mindset shift that unlocks serious scale
How first-time investors raise $500K+—even with no experience
What kind of partnerships make it possible (and how to find them)

Connect with Michael

Resources

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB490: $300M Investor’s 10 Rules to Get Your Money Right – With Michael Blank first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

MB489: Keep More. Pay Less. Scale Faster. How Smart Investors Save Six Figures on Taxes with Cost Segregation – With Sean Graham

MB Digital Team — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 08:30:45 -0400

Show Notes

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

Reclassifies 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 Matters

100% bonus depreciation (introduced in 2017) allows investors to deduct qualifying property in year one.
It's phased down since 2023 but may return under new legislation.
Huge benefit for both LPs and GPs—particularly when paired with proper tax strategy.

Using Cost Seg to Raise Capital More Effectively

Smart GPs use depreciation estimates during the raise to attract savvy investors.
Many LPs care more about the tax benefits than the projected cash flow.
For deals over $1M, cost seg should be factored into your underwriting and pitch.

The “Look-Back” Strategy for Missed Depreciation

Allows owners to retroactively apply cost segregation—even years after purchase.
No need to amend prior tax returns; benefits can be taken in the current year.
Especially powerful when strategic timing aligns with real estate professional status.

Avoiding Common CPA Mistakes

Many CPAs aren’t familiar with real estate—leading to missed deductions and bad advice.
Make sure your tax pro understands real estate-specific strategies like bonus depreciation, short-term rental loopholes, and REPS.
Ask the right questions: Do they know how to handle depreciation recapture? Real estate professional status? IRA investing?

How to Work with a Cost Segregation Firm the Right Way

Involve a cost seg firm early—before closing—so you can plan ahead and market benefits to investors.
Studies typically cost $5K–$10K, but often result in six-figure tax savings.
Smaller properties can use a “condensed engineering study” for reduced fees without sacrificing IRS compliance.

MB488: How to Use Your Retirement Funds to Invest in Apartments (No Wall Street or UBIT) – With Damion Lupo

MB Digital Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:37:01 -0400

Show Notes

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

Financial 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

Self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s give you full control—you can invest in real estate, crypto, gold, and more.
The right setup gives you checkbook control and removes delays caused by custodians.
Solo 401(k)s (like EQRPs) offer faster transactions, better flexibility, and fewer limitations than traditional IRAs.

The UBIT Tax Trap—and How to Avoid It

Using leverage in real estate deals inside a self-directed IRA can trigger UBIT—up to 40% in surprise taxes.
Solo 401(k)s are exempt from UBIT, even in leveraged deals.
You can convert from an IRA to a solo 401(k) before the deal sells to avoid the tax completely.

Smart Strategies for Passive and Active Investors

Passive investors can use these accounts to invest in syndications—earning tax-free or tax-deferred returns.
Active investors (GPs) can raise more capital by educating others on how to invest through their retirement accounts.
Damion’s team offers tools like books, webinars, and white-glove onboarding to help GPs guide investors through the process.

Rules, Limits, and Legacy Planning

You can’t use these accounts to buy personal assets, rehab your own property, or benefit directly from the investment.
You can borrow up to $50K from your solo 401(k) for any reason and pay yourself back—with interest you choose.
Setting up retirement accounts for parents or family members can create powerful tax-free legacy wealth.
Roth solo 401(k)s allow real estate investing with leverage and no taxes on gains—making them the most powerful tool in the tax code.

Connect with Damion Lupo

GET A FREE BOOK www.TheMichaelBlank.com/QRP

Connect with Michael

Resources

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB488: How to Use Your Retirement Funds to Invest in Apartments (No Wall Street or UBIT) – With Damion Lupo first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

MB487: How This Deal Maker Scaled to 700 Units and Raised $20M—With Chad Schieler

MB Digital Team — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:15:37 -0400

Show Notes

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.

Key Takeaways

From W2 to 700+ Units: Why Chad Walked Away

Built 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 comfort worth it.

The Truth About Partnerships

Chad’s first syndicated deal looked perfect—until it nearly fell apart.
Why being $4K short led him to take control of the entire business model.
How too many “chiefs” in asset management created chaos—and the fix.

Raising Capital When It Doesn’t Come Naturally

Chad self-funded his first four deals—then hit a ceiling.
The mental shift that helped him want to raise capital.
How his best capital raiser came straight from his LP base.

Scaling a Real Business (Without Burning Out)

The struggle of hiring when revenue is lumpy—and what worked for Focus Capital.
Why Chad hires 12 months ahead of revenue (and how it paid off).
The non-negotiables that protect his time and family life.

When Bigger is Actually Easier

Why 100+ unit properties are less stressful than small ones.
The mistake most investors make with property management on smaller deals.
How Chad’s early inspection and financing mistakes shaped his future deals.

Connect with Chad

Visit Focus Capital

chad@focuscapital.com

Connect with Michael

Resources

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB487: How This Deal Maker Scaled to 700 Units and Raised $20M—With Chad Schieler first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

MB486: How to Identify a Good Market for Real Estate Investing (And Where We’re Buying in 2025)

MB Digital Team — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:35:04 -0400

Show Notes

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

It’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 Phoenix, Austin, and Atlanta—until rent drops hit hard.
Understand why too much supply—even in fast-growing cities—kills performance.
Learn how to read between the lines of growth headlines to spot real risk.

How to Vet a Submarket Like a Pro

Why Carroll County in Georgia is outperforming—but other Atlanta submarkets are crashing.
Learn how zoning moratoriums, new construction trends, and crime rates quietly impact your bottom line.
The exact reports and relationships you need to dig deeper than “market averages.”

Where Nighthawk Is Buying Right Now

Atlanta remains the #1 market due to scale, broker relationships, and submarket knowledge.
Huntsville, AL is rising fast thanks to job growth and lower institutional competition.
Hear what tertiary markets are on Nighthawk’s radar—and why most operators overlook them.

Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask

Who’s actually on the ground executing the business plan—and what relationships do they have?
How well does the operator know this specific submarket (not just the metro)?
Are their underwriting assumptions conservative—or fantasy spreadsheets?
Learn the red flags that reveal when a sponsor is guessing instead of grounded.

Connect with Andrew

investors@nighthawkequity.com

Connect with Michael

Resources

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB486: How to Identify a Good Market for Real Estate Investing (And Where We’re Buying in 2025) first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

10 Money Rules That Let Me Quit My Job and Scale to $300 Million Through Apartments

MB Digital Team — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:21:14 -0400

10 Money Rules That Let Me Quit My Job and Scale to $300 Million Through Apartments

August 19, 2025

Do you know how to get your money right? Like, do you really know how money works? I'm not talking about budgeting or saving or any of that stuff – you know all that. I mean, do you know how to make scalable passive income through real estate to the point where you can live off of it?

The 10 Money Rules That Changed Everything

Let me share the 10 money rules that let me quit my job and scale to $300 million through apartments.

Money Rule #1: Retirement is Stupid

The first money rule I learned is more of a mindset. The idea that I’m working 40 hours a week just so I can sit on my butt when I’m old and gray and not do anything is ridiculous. I know this because I experienced it firsthand during a 90-day paid sabbatical from my software job.

After about the third week, I started feeling my brain slow down. I was sleeping 10 hours a day, and it scared me. I believe that humans are wired to be productive. Most humans are wired to be productive.

And the concept of waiting until I turn 65 to retire makes no sense either. By then, your health is often down the tubes, and you can't actually do the things you really want to do. Instead of working toward retirement, I decided to work toward financial freedom, which gives me more options about how to spend my time. I’ll be able to achieve it sooner and sustain it past 65.

Money Rule #2: I Can't Save My Way to Financial Freedom

Financial advisors talk about the 4% rule, meaning you can liquidate up to 4% of your equities and savings without running out of principal. But if you do the math, building $2.5 million in the stock market takes decades using traditional saving methods.

Money Rule #3: Forget Single Family Houses

Whether you're flipping or building a rental portfolio, the numbers don't work for true scalability.

Most people can handle one flip at a time, which takes six months and might generate $25,000 to $50,000 per flip. That's maybe two flips per year for $100,000 total. But it's not passive because if you're not buying, fixing, and selling houses, you're not making money.

Money Rule #4: Focus on Cash Flow, Not Net Worth

You can't really live off net worth, especially if it's tied up in real estate, because you'd have to sell it. Really focus on the cash flow because that's what pays your bills and gives you freedom.

With a syndication – apartments, for example – you get paid multiple ways. You get paid at closing through an acquisition fee, which is 3% of the purchase price. On a $4 million building, that's $120,000 that you split with your partner. You also get ongoing cash flow from the building and asset management fees. You have all these sources of income coming from a syndication that you don't have with single-family houses.

Money Rule #5: Stop Trading Time for Money

This really hit me when I read Rich Dad Poor Dad. I was making six figures as a software product manager, but it occurred to me that if I stopped working, I'd stop earning money. I wasn't making hardly any passive income off my stocks and bonds.

If you want to stop working, you're going to stop getting paid – and that's not acceptable. The only way to break this cycle is through passive income that continues flowing whether you're working or not.

Money Rule #6: Build a Vision Bigger Than Just Money

Money is just a vehicle. If you have a goal of $10,000 in passive income, that's a very weak why. To get there, you're going to have to do a bunch of stuff, take risks, and face challenges. You'll get discouraged and have setbacks.

The way you address this is to develop a strong “why” by visualizing what financial freedom looks like for you. Do the perfect day exercise: If money were no object, where would you be? With whom would you be? What would you be doing?

Write it down. That emotional connection to financial freedom is what's going to drive you through the tough times.

Money Rule #7: Get Your Rat Race Number

Financial freedom is also a number. What number do you need coming into your bank account each month to cover your living expenses? Not salary, but passive income? Income generated from assets that’s distributed to you each month.

I'm talking about the minimal number that covers your basic living expenses – utilities, housing, food. The lower you can get that number, the faster you can get to financial freedom. If your rat race number is $5,000 per month instead of $15,000, you'll reach freedom much faster.

Money Rule #8: Use Other People's Money

Use other people’s money! So many investors try to save their own money and buy properties slowly, one at a time. You need to learn how to raise money so that you’re no longer limited by your own funds. The good news is it's not that hard to learn; people in our program are raising money within 30 days.

You don't even need to raise all the money yourself. You can partner with people who have access to capital. Natural capital raisers partner with deal finders all the time. But for goodness' sake, use other people's money when you're getting into real estate.

Money Rule #9: Pay Yourself First

Every entrepreneur pays himself last – after expenses, after employees, after everything else. You've got to reverse this. When money comes in, pay yourself first. This is your money. Then pay expenses and everything else.

Money Rule #10: Make the First Deal Happen Fast

The first deal changes everything. It's your launch pad to financial freedom. Do whatever it takes to close that first deal, even if it's the worst, smallest deal you'll ever do. It doesn't matter how much money your first deal makes.

When you close your first deal, the law of the first deal kicks in – you become a deal magnet and a money magnet. This is why getting your first deal done is so important for building momentum in your syndication business.

Your Action Plan: Stop Following Old School Money Rules

These 10 money rules are the foundation for building real wealth through multifamily syndications. Stop following the old school money rules of saving yourself to death and buying single-family houses with your own money.

Start getting into the world of syndications because multifamily syndication is literally the number one wealth builder that checks off all these boxes. You get immediate cash at closing, ongoing cash flow, asset management fees, tax benefits, and you're building long-term wealth.

If you're new to syndications, start by learning the fundamentals. You need to understand how to analyze deals, generate deal flow, and raise capital. These skills are learnable, and once you master them, you'll have the tools to build the kind of scalable passive income that creates true financial freedom.

Watch the full video where I break down each rule in detail and show you the exact steps to get started.

Click the link here to watch my video on YouTube.

The post 10 Money Rules That Let Me Quit My Job and Scale to $300 Million Through Apartments first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

MB485: The Real Reason You’re Not Scaling — The Psychology of Impossible Goals – With Dr. Benjamin Hardy

MB Digital Team — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:35:59 -0400

Show Notes

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.

Head to scaling.com/audiobook for exclusive access to Dr. Hardy’s “Science of Scaling” book for free!

Key Takeaways

Why Your 10-Year Plan Is Holding You Back

Most 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.

The “Who Not How” Principle for Real Estate Scaling

Multifamily investing isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing different.
Instead of figuring out every step, ask “Who already knows how to do this?”
The right team — mentors, capital partners, deal finders — collapses the learning curve.
Syndication is the ultimate “who not how” structure: it’s a team sport.

The Psychology of Commitment and Belief

You won’t pursue what you don’t believe is possible.
Small “micro-commitments” — like booking a strategy call or analyzing your first deal — build belief.
Commit to the outcome (financial freedom), not the tactic (buying rentals).
Reverse-engineering from your end goal leads to radically different decisions.

Letting Go of the Path That Got You Here

Your current strategy won’t get you to your next level.
If you're clinging to rentals, flips, or even a high-paying job — you're on the wrong path.
Letting go feels like quitting — but it's often the gateway to real progress.
Ask: “What’s the opportunity cost of staying stuck?”

Dr. Hardy’s Framework from The Science of Scaling

Identify your “floor” — the level where you're currently stuck — and why it's limiting.
The most successful entrepreneurs redesign their systems, teams, and mindsets to scale.
Scaling isn’t just a process — it’s a mindset of focusing on fewer things, done better.

Multifamily as the Ideal Vehicle for Scaling

Single-family strategies are too slow, too small, and too dependent on your time.
Multifamily offers higher leverage, scalable income, and team-based execution.
The joint venture nature of syndication makes scaling practical, even if you’re starting out.
The ability to raise money or partner with operators creates fast pathways to GP status.

Connect with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Get your free copy of the Science of Scaling audiobook

https://scaling.com/

Connect with Michael

Resources

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

The post MB485: The Real Reason You’re Not Scaling — The Psychology of Impossible Goals – With Dr. Benjamin Hardy first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

Why Six-Figure Earners Shouldn’t Invest in Real Estate Like Everyone Else

MB Digital Team — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:50:13 -0400

I used ChatGPT to help guide my real estate decisions.

Not because I needed it – I’ve been buying apartments for well over a decade. I just wanted to see what its guidance was to navigate different real estate assets and strategies.

There is so much out there to decide between. And based on what ChatGPT told me, if you’re still flipping houses or collecting rental income from short-term rentals, you’re doing real estate wrong in 2025.

In today’s article, I’m going to walk you through how you can use AI tools like ChatGPT to guide your investing decisions to help you accelerate your path to financial freedom with real estate investing.

According to AI, Traditional Strategies Keep You Stuck in the Grind

According to AI, flipping and single-family rentals are a grind that don’t scale well. That’s something I figured out in my own investing, too. If you’re a project manager or hold a position making six figures, you’ve also probably realized this.

You might’ve flipped four houses over the past 5 years, or 36 over three years, like I did. You also might have a handful of rental properties. If you are, you’ve probably looked at your portfolio and thought, “I really want to replace my income and make $10,000 per month from real estate, but my current strategy doesn't seem to get me there. It's going to take too long.”

In my experience, and according to AI, this is the trap that keeps high earners spinning their wheels. You have the income to invest, but you’re using strategies designed for people who need to start small and grind their way up.

The problem is that traditional real estate methods don’t leverage your existing skills, capital, or time effectively. Every flip requires your hands-on attention, and single-family rentals might only cash flow for $200-$300.

How to Use AI to Guide Your Strategy Shift

This is where AI comes in handy. I'm talking about using ChatGPT not just for your job or personal life, but specifically for your real estate investing decisions. Let me show you what happened when I prompted ChatGPT with this exact scenario.

I told ChatGPT:

“I'm a project manager at an engineering company with a six-figure salary. I've been investing in real estate over the past five years. I flipped four houses and have five rental properties. The flipping is a lot of work, and the rentals don't make a lot of money. I really want to replace my income, so I need to make $10,000 per month from real estate. My current strategy doesn't seem to get me there. It's going to take too long. What would you recommend?”

Paste that into ChatGPT yourself and see what it tells you.

In my case (I used it as “Guest”), the AI immediately identified what I already knew: “Flipping and rentals are a grind. They don't scale well.”

But then it offered several alternative strategies that could scale better, including short-term rentals, small multifamily units, private lending, and real estate partnerships or syndications.

When I pushed ChatGPT to recommend just one strategy so I could focus my efforts, it came back with a clear answer: value-add multifamily properties with 5 to 50 units.

AI Recommends Multifamily Real Estate for Six-Figure Earners

Here's why this recommendation makes perfect sense for someone in your position.

First, it scales faster than single-family properties. As a project manager, you already have the perfect skill set for managing renovation projects and coordinating with contractors. You're not starting from scratch because you have some capital and experience.

The strategy looks like this in practice: target properties with 10 to 30 unit buildings in secondary or tertiary markets. You renovate units, improve them, and raise rents – basically applying the BRRRR method to larger properties.

Second, three to five deals like this could get you to $10,000 per month. That's way faster than trying to acquire 50 single-family rentals or 20-25 short-term rentals.

Leverage Partnerships to Scale Even Faster

But here's where it gets really interesting. ChatGPT pointed out that being open to partners is one of the fastest ways to scale. There are two main partnership models you should understand:

Joint Venture Partnership: You might be the deal finder, asset manager, or capital contributor, and you split profits with your partner based on what each person brings to the deal.

Syndication Model: This is where you become the general partner (GP) and raise money from limited partners (LPs). The LPs get a preferred return, and there's an equity split with the GPs. You can also collect acquisition fees and asset management fees.

In a syndication, you might raise $800,000 from LPs for a 32-unit deal, keep a 30% split of the profits, and collect fees along the way. This lets you build cash flow, equity, and income without having to fund every deal on your own.

The beauty of this approach is that investors will trust your track record because you've already done some flips. You can position yourself as the operator and hit that $10,000 per month goal faster without having to own every deal solo.

Your Next Steps

So how do you get started? ChatGPT reminded me that you don't need to pay $30,000 to a guru, but you do need leverage. That leverage can come from partnerships, using other people's money, or working with experienced operators who can show you the ropes.

My recommendation is to start by using AI to help you make better decisions about your real estate strategy.

Keep prompting ChatGPT with specific questions about your market, your capital situation, and your goals. It'll help you think through the details like building a team, creating a network, and putting together a pitch deck.

The bottom line is this: if you're making six figures, you shouldn't be investing like someone who's just getting started. You have resources and skills that can accelerate your path to financial freedom, but only if you use the right strategy.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into multifamily as a strategy, watch my full video on the topic and see exactly how I used AI to map out a complete multifamily investing plan.
I include the specific prompts and responses that can help you scale your real estate portfolio. Watch it here.

The post Why Six-Figure Earners Shouldn’t Invest in Real Estate Like Everyone Else first appeared on Apartment Building Investing with Michael Blank.

Empowering Female Business Owners on Their Path to Aligned Ambition

Devin Meenan — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:20:08 -0400

Above, Kelly Parker Kelly Parker has never been one to follow the script—and that’s exactly what’s made her one of the most compelling voices in real estate and coaching today. As the founder and principal broker of Home Collective™ at Compass and the coach behind Aligned Ambition, Parker has redefined what it means to grow…

The post Empowering Female Business Owners on Their Path to Aligned Ambition appeared first on RISMedia.

Beyond the Specs: Crafting Property Descriptions That Sell

Devin Meenan — Fri, 23 May 2025 10:01:07 -0400

Let’s face it: Buyers don’t fall in love with houses because of square footage and the number of bedrooms. They fall in love with how a home makes them feel. And the fastest way to create that emotional connection? Storytelling. A great property description is more than just a list of features—it’s a narrative that…

The post Beyond the Specs: Crafting Property Descriptions That Sell appeared first on RISMedia.

Unlocking the Power of Coaching

Devin Meenan — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:47:22 -0400

Above: Tomie Fox If there’s one truth real estate professionals can agree on, it’s the fact that the industry is constantly evolving—underscoring the vital role that coaching plays in setting the stage for a successful career, no matter the market. Tomie Fox—team leader of Fox Real Estate Group and broker associate with Parker Properties—is a…

The post Unlocking the Power of Coaching appeared first on RISMedia.

Buffini Continues New Virtual Live Coaching Series

Claudia Larsen — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:23:50 -0400

The second session in Buffini & Company’s new virtual coaching series to help real estate professionals sharpen their skills in a competitive marketplace is fast approaching. Registration is currently open for “Motivate,” broadcasting live on Wednesday, April 30 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST. The “Buffini Coaching LIVE” series features a powerhouse virtual professional growth…

The post Buffini Continues New Virtual Live Coaching Series appeared first on RISMedia.

New ‘Buffini Coaching Summit’ Series Coming Soon Across North America

Claudia Larsen — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:01:17 -0400

Buffini & Company has launched its new “Buffini Coaching Summit” series, an innovative, immersive training and networking experience designed to transform how real estate professionals scale their business growth. This event series brings Buffini & Company’s renowned coaching strategies directly to real estate professionals in three North American locations: Toronto in April 2025; Washington, D.C.,…

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Darryl Davis: Leading the Year of the Skilled Agent in 2025

Devin Meenan — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:22:19 -0500

Above: A force in real estate for over 40 years, Davis is on a mission to elevate an entire industry. When Darryl Davis steps into the spotlight—whether on a conference stage for a client event, on one of his Monday Motivation coaching calls, or hosting his free Wednesday training sessions that are open to all…

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Buffini & Company’s New CFSP Designation Attracts Over 6,500 Real Estate Professionals

Claudia Larsen — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:18:18 -0500

Buffini & Company announced it has seen explosive growth in demand for its new Certified Full-Service Professional (CFSP) designation, with more than 6,500 participants signed up to gain certification since its August launch. Buffini stated that the CFSP designation has raised the bar in real estate professionalism and excellence. The program equips real estate professionals…

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Building Meaningful Relationships and Driving Success

Claudia Larsen — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:45:32 -0500

Dane Ramsden knew early on that he wanted a career that could both provide for his family and make a meaningful impact on others. At just 18, he took his Michigan Real Estate Salesperson pre-licensure class, igniting a passion for real estate that has only grown stronger over nearly two decades. Now the CEO of…

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Real Estate and Technology Industry Veterans Launch The Helm

Claudia Larsen — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:56:14 -0400

Real estate and technology industry veterans Danielle Wilkie and Heather Frick have announced the launch of The Helm—a coaching platform powered by trusted female minds in real estate. The Helm addresses a need for a more distinct coaching platform tailored to fit the occupational needs of seasoned female professionals within the real estate industry, as…

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Pushing to the Finish Line: Strategies for a Productive Fourth Quarter

Devin Meenan — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:33:49 -0400

As we kick off the fourth quarter of 2024, it’s more critical than ever for real estate professionals not to take their foot off the gas and coast through the remaining weeks of the year. With so much noise in today’s post-settlement world, those prepared and running alongside the change will be the ones ahead…

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188: Branding Your Flipping Business with Stace Caseria

Danny Johnson — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 14:55:10 -0400

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On this podcast, Danny interviews branding expert Stace Caseria. Tough questions are asked on both sides to understand why branding is sooooo important for real estate investors and how to go about properly branding your business. Enjoy the show!

The 4 pillars Stace mentions are necessary to build trust are:

Credibility
Track Record
Empathy
Alignment of Interest

Find out how to achieve these in this episode! It could be the difference in you landing that deal from the motivated seller over your competition!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Get a LeadPropeller website to build credibility and trust!

Contact Stace at Trust Deep Agency

Please Rate and Review

This is my simple request: If you enjoy the podcast and look forward to hearing a lot more episodes, I would be very grateful, happy, beholden and otherwise indebted to you to rate and review the podcast on iTunes.

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

Ratings and reviews allow the podcast to be seen by more people, which will help me achieve my goal of helping as many others as we can to get started in the house flipping business and change their lives.

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

187: Follow Along Week 8 Prospecting

Danny Johnson — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:50:55 -0400

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I took a week off to visit Zion National Park as well as Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It was amazing!! I had a very good time. The weather was perfect! We hiked about 40 miles in 4 days.

I got back and have been playing catch up. Listen to this week’s episode to find out what I’ve been up to. I’d love to hear what you do to prospect for leads. Please let me know in the comments!

Get your ticket now and take advantage of this offer to get all previous recordings from 2016 on FOR FREE. >> Click here for your Flip Hacking Live 2020 Tickets (make sure to enter promo code ‘DANNY’ to get the recordings)

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

186: FHL 2020 What and Why with Mike Simmons

Danny Johnson — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 13:48:00 -0400

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In this special episode I talk with my good friend, Mike Simmons, about Flip Hacking Live 2020. Make sure to listen all the way through (or at least skip to the end) because I share with you how to get tickets for dirt cheap AND GET ALL PREVIOUS FLIP HACKING LIVE RECORDINGS SINCE 2016 AS A BONUS. We discuss the power of this transformative event. You do not want to miss it!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Episode 185: Follow Along Week 6 Hiring and Progress

Danny Johnson — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 17:05:30 -0400

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Another installment on the follow along journey where Danny is documenting the building up of his house buying business. This week he talks about making a hire for someone to do lead management (cold calls, inbound calls, lead intake, research, direct mail management). He also discusses his story of getting started and how it wasn’t an easy thing to do. Check it out in this week’s episode!

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Episode 184: Follow Along Week 5 Move The Needle

Danny Johnson — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:26:19 -0400

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Danny shares what’s happened over the last week in his getting back into buying houses. Issues with closing prevented him from getting the deal wrapped up that he put under contract several weeks ago. He also discusses how easy it is to procrastinate and do things within our comfort zone rather than doing the things that are going to move the needle the most. It’s a quick episode but with a powerful message. Enjoy!

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Links to materials discussed in this episode

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

https://youtu.be/hPREejqWGXo

Episode 183: [Follow Along Week 4] Patience and Deal Control

Danny Johnson — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:06:20 -0400

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In this week’s episode I share a couple stories related to maintaining control over a deal when necessary. I also share what it means to have patience and belief that deals will come. Forcing things to happen rather than allowing things to happen is the opposite of what we want. Make sense of that!

Episode 182: Deals from Auction Websites, MLS, Wholesalers with Paul Lizell

Danny Johnson — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 09:31:18 -0400

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Paul Lizell has been buying houses nationwide and coaching for years. He knows this industry inside and out. In this episode, Paul shares his incredibly creative auction website buying strategy. He also shares how he routinely buys from real estate wholesalers and off the MLS. Two things I always believed were too competitive to buy from these days. Not true!!! Paul is buying from these sources often. He shares how in today’s episode!

Paul Lizell’s Bio:

Founder of JP Homes Inc. and HouseDealsAmerica.com, Paul has been a successful real estate investor since the late 1990s. He has bought and sold hundreds of properties nationwide during his investing career. Paul enjoys being able to help home sellers and home buyers, as well as improve communities as it is extremely rewarding experience. Building long term relationship with our customers and creating wow experiences is our daily goal. As a graduate of Drexel University, Paul attributes his success in business and investing to coaching, education and systems.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

Paul’s other episode on the flipping junkie podcast: https://flippingjunkie.com/episode-62-marketing-online-auction-house-deals-with-paul-lizell/

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Please Rate and Review

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Episode 181: [Follow Along Week 3] Driving For Dollars Prospecting

Danny Johnson — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:41:57 -0400

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Yo! Follow Along (https://flippingjunkie.com/followalong) and see how week 3 went. I report on my KPI’s and about the house I put under contract. I also go into showing how I’m finding owners’ of vacant houses phone numbers and entering them into FlipPilot to help me manage my prospecting.Be sure to subscribe to the podcast! Click here to subscribe on Itunes link will open in new window

Links to materials discussed in this episode

>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.

https://youtu.be/pYfCXpZG_y0

Episode 180: [Follow Along Week 2] 2 Leads 1 Deal

Danny Johnson — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:01:43 -0400

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Got my marketing processes in place and ready to start skip tracing and calling probate and driving for dollars prospects that I’ve put into FlipPilot.

This week I got 2 motivated seller leads from my LeadPropeller website. 1 didn’t have enough equity and the other…that one accepted my offer! The numbers work out better to fix and flip this one.

I’ll let you know more details after I close on it!

Follow along by visiting: https://flippingjunkie.com/followalong

Links to materials discussed in this episode

Find out how to get FlipPilot 2.0 for free by listening to the replay of our Launch Zoom Call: https://flippilot.com/demo

>>Come and join us in the FlippingJunkie Group on Facebook!

Please Rate and Review

It’s your choice and I do not want you to feel at all obligated. But I’d love it if you would subscribe and leave a rating and review.