The Academy Presents podcast

Angel Williams
  • 5.0 (9)
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  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
The Academy Presents podcast

It is our desire to help others realize the benefits of investing in RE. We believe beginners will benefit more in the start as exponential gains are realized. However, seasoned investors will also benefit as well. I do want to give special consideration to teachers/educators.

  1. MAR 14

    An Alternative Path to Real Estate Investing Success with Alexandria Breshears

    In this episode of the Teacher's Alternative Income Podcast, Angel Williams sits down with Alexandria Breshears, founder of Private Lending Lessons, to explore the often-misunderstood world of private lending. Alexandria reveals how this collaborative approach to real estate financing benefits both lenders and borrowers, while sharing practical insights on risk management, deal structures, and building successful lending relationships. She also explains how her military community background has shaped her mission to help others achieve financial independence through smart private lending practices.   [00:00 - 06:00] Underwriting: Where the Rubber Meets the Road Why clear lending criteria are essential for private lenders Alexandria's specific requirements for the properties she finances The critical importance of title insurance and property coverage   [06:01 - 12:00] Documentation and Closing: Protecting Your Investment Why using a real estate attorney familiar with lending is non-negotiable The importance of proper closing procedures and documentation How to structure draw schedules for renovation projects   [12:01 - 18:00] Exit Strategies and Getting Repaid Why Alexandria prefers fix-and-flip loans over buy-and-hold financing How property sales, refinances, and secondary loans create exit options The advantages of private lending in a competitive real estate market   [18:01 - 24:00] Finding Qualified Borrowers: The Hide and Seek Game Why private lenders avoid public advertising of their services How to network strategically with active investors The value of referrals from other private lenders   [24:01 - 31:00] Creating Opportunities and Building Relationships How private lending can help military families and others achieve financial goals The importance of face-to-face communication in lending relationships Alexandria's education mission through her Facebook community     Connect with Alexandra:   Website: http://infiniteroadcapital.com/     Key Quotes:   "Private lending is very collaborative, very flexible, and very profitable." – Alexandria Breshears   "Get extremely clear on what you are willing to lend on... and don't be afraid to stick to your guns." – Alexandria Breshears     Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    32 min

  2. MAR 12

    How to Become a Private Lender and Earn Passive Income with Alexandria Breshears

    How can private lending help investors build wealth without the stress of property management? Angel sits down with Alexandria Breshears, a private lender and educator, to break down the fundamentals of private lending. Alexandria explains how it differs from hard money lending, the key protections lenders need, and why it’s an attractive option for investors looking for passive income. She also shares negotiation tips, common misconceptions, and best practices for building strong borrower-lender relationships.   [00:01 - 06:20] What Is Private Lending? A hands-off way to invest in real estate without managing properties Especially appealing to women investors looking for flexibility Less stressful than wholesaling or direct property ownership [06:21 - 12:48] Private Money vs. Hard Money Private lenders control their own capital; hard money lenders follow strict institutional guidelines Hard money loans have rigid terms, while private lending offers flexibility Beware of “private lenders” claiming to lend in all 50 states [12:48 - 18:31] How Private Lenders Protect Themselves Always secure loans with a recorded lien on the property Conduct title searches and require lender’s title insurance Personal guarantees from borrowers add an extra layer of security [18:32 - 24:09] Loan Terms & Negotiation Tips Lenders can negotiate origination points, prepaid interest, and escrow reserves Most private loans are short-term (3-12 months) and interest-only Second lien positions offer higher returns but come with more risk [24:10 - 29:28] Building a Strong Lending Business Private lending is relationship-based—successful borrowers keep coming back Setting clear lending criteria prevents bad deals Due diligence on borrowers is essential to minimizing risk   Connect with Alexandra:   Website: http://infiniteroadcapital.com/   Key Quotes:   "Private lending gives you control—you set the terms, and you don’t have to deal with property headaches." - Alexandria Breshears   "Private lending is one of the only investment strategies where the other person pays for your investment to be insured." - Alexandria Breshears   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    29 min

  3. MAR 7

    The Truth About Rental Properties & Wealth Building with Michael Drew

    Investing in real estate can be a game-changer, but how do you do it strategically? In this episode, Angel sits down with Michael Drew, a real estate investor and property management expert, to break down the process. They discuss the power of vertically integrated real estate investing, how to scale a portfolio efficiently, and why action beats endless research. Michael shares real-life examples of investors who built wealth through rental properties, the benefits of landlord-friendly states, and the importance of treating real estate as a business rather than a passion project.     [00:01 - 04:46] The Power of Vertical Integration How investing with a vertically integrated company simplifies the process The role of property management fees in rental investments Why having the right mortgage broker makes all the difference   [04:07 - 08:57] Rent Increases and Property Management Strategies The importance of raising rent to match market value How lazy landlords lose money without realizing it The eviction and late payment policies that keep cash flow steady   [08:59 - 12:19] Why Pensions Are Dying & What Investors Need to Know The history behind the decline of pension systems Why 401(k)s shifted financial responsibility onto employees How real estate provides stable, long-term income compared to traditional retirement plans   [12:20 - 16:33] Leveraging Real Estate for Major Life Events How investors use properties to pay for weddings, college, and emergencies The power of cash-out refinances and 1031 exchanges A real-life example of an investor funding Yale tuition with rental properties   [16:34 - 19:10] Taking Action: The Key to Real Estate Success Why knowledge without execution won’t build wealth Common misconceptions about real estate investing How to overcome analysis paralysis and make your first move     Connect with Michael:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldrew212/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateDone4U/       Key Quotes:   "You have to take action. Reading books is great, but if you never do anything with that knowledge, it’s useless.” – Michael Drew   “Rent is due on the first, late on the fifth, and we evict on the 16th. It’s that simple.” – Michael Drew       Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.    Head over to our Facebook Page, YouTube channel, or website  https://www.theacademypresents.com/jointhesummit36848306.

    19 min

  4. MAR 5

    Financial Security & Freedom: The Power of Passive Income with Michael Drew

    What if financial freedom meant working on your own terms? Many people assume that financial security requires trading time for dollars, but what if there was another way? In this episode, Angel and Michael Drew dive into the realities of wealth-building, breaking free from traditional employment, and setting up financial safety nets. They discuss the importance of multiple income streams, the value of financial education for women, and why investing wisely can lead to freedom and flexibility. With personal insights and practical advice, they explore how to create a sustainable future, navigate financial challenges, and ensure long-term stability.     [00:01 - 04:23] The Myth of the 5 AM Club Productivity looks different for everyone; understanding your peak performance time is key Financial independence allows for flexibility in work schedules Trading time for money can be restrictive—building assets changes the equation   [04:24 - 08:08] "A Man is Not a Plan" – Women & Financial Independence Women should cultivate financial independence, regardless of marital status Alternative income sources provide security in case of unexpected life changes Investing wisely ensures stability beyond traditional employment   [08:09 - 12:33] Wealth Beyond the Paycheck Passive income streams allow people to step away from toxic work environments Investing in real estate and alternative assets can generate consistent returns Financial freedom isn’t about hitting it big but about creating sustainable income   [12:34 - 15:19] The Role of Failure & Learning in Investing Mentors and coaches can accelerate financial learning Failing early is better than failing late; learning from mistakes is crucial Investing should be treated as a business, not a hobby, for real success   [15:20 - 18:49] Trust, But Verify – Investing with Confidence Due diligence is essential when working with financial partners Educated investors make smarter decisions and minimize risk Having a solid financial plan prevents missteps in volatile markets     Key Quotes:   "A man is not a plan. Women need to have their own financial foundation—invest wisely and take control of your future." - Michael Drew   "You don’t learn by succeeding. You learn almost everything by failing." - Michael Drew   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.    Head over to our Facebook Page, YouTube channel, or website  https://www.theacademypresents.com/jointhesummit36848306.

    19 min

  5. MAR 3

    Avoiding Vacancy & Scaling Your Real Estate Portfolio with Michael Drew

    What’s holding you back from true passive income in real estate? Many investors struggle with balancing cash flow, scalability, and vacancy risks in real estate. Michael Drew, founder of Real Estate Done For You, shares how he transitioned from stock market trading to real estate investing, managing over 1,100 properties. He breaks down the systems and strategies that make single-family rental investments a reliable source of passive income. From navigating 1031 exchanges to avoiding high-risk markets, Michael reveals the key decisions that separate successful investors from those stuck in uncertainty.   [00:01 - 04:16] From the Trading Floor to Real Estate Michael Drew’s journey from stock trading to real estate investing. The importance of cash flow and passive income Why he pivoted from stock market strategies to real estate   [04:17 - 08:34] Vacancy Risks & How to Avoid Them The impact of job markets on rental property demand Why picking the right location eliminates long vacancies How systems and discipline create predictable results.   [08:35 - 14:24] 1031 Exchanges & Scaling Your Portfolio How investors can roll over equity without paying capital gains taxes Understanding cap rates and financing strategies The role of no-doc loans in expanding a rental portfolio   [14:25 - 18:59] The Power of Single-Family Investing Why single-family homes offer better exit strategies The benefits of investing in properties that appeal to end buyers Comparing single-family exits to multifamily and commercial deals   [20:00 - 23:57] Leveraging Experts & Building Wealth The mindset shift from DIY investor to business owner How hiring the right professionals saves time and increases returns The difference between being rich and being truly wealthy     Key Quotes:   "You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to your systems.” - Michael Drew   "Wealthy people have time, rich people have money. If you want financial freedom, start thinking about time as your most valuable asset.” - Michael Drew     Connect with Michael:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldrew212/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateDone4U/   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    24 min

  6. FEB 28

    The Smart Investor’s Guide to Self-Storage with Joe Downs

    What makes self-storage a recession-proof investment? Self-storage has become one of the most resilient and lucrative asset classes in real estate. But what makes it so unique? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Joe Downs to uncover the strategies behind self-storage investing, pricing models, and why major players manipulate the market. They also discuss how generational shifts impact demand, the role of technology in facility security, and what investors need to know before entering the space. If you’ve ever wondered whether self-storage is a good investment or how pricing structures actually work, this conversation breaks it all down.   [00:01 - 04:00] The Psychology of Learning in Real Estate Learning new asset classes is about stacking knowledge, not starting from scratch Self-storage shares 80% of the fundamentals with multifamily real estate The real challenge is understanding industry-specific terminology and operations   [04:01 - 08:23] How Big Players Dominate the Market Large storage companies manipulate pricing with steep discounts, then raise rates drastically Their strategy forces smaller operators to lower rates, affecting competition Customers are often unaware of price hikes due to auto-pay and infrequent visits   [08:24 - 13:49] Generational Shifts & The Growing Demand for Storage Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to use storage than previous generations Smaller living spaces and lifestyle preferences increase storage reliance Self-storage thrives in both economic booms and downturns, making it recession-resistant   [13:50 - 18:05] Security, Technology, and Preventing Theft Modern storage facilities use Bluetooth access to track individual entries Upgraded lighting, fencing, and AI security reduce crime rates Remote monitoring allows facility owners to manage security from anywhere   [18:06 - 23:56] Expansion vs. Optimization: How Investors Maximize Profits Value in self-storage investing comes from expansion or improving operations Some properties hold potential for future development based on market demand Strategic pricing adjustments and marketing drive higher occupancy rates     Key Quotes:   "Self-storage is a sticky business—just like a gym membership, there’s never a good time to cancel." — Joe Downs   "Millennials aren’t minimalists—they just live in smaller spaces but still want all the same stuff." — Joe Downs     Connect with Joe:   Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    24 min

  7. FEB 26

    From Distressed Debt to Self-Storage Wealth with Joe Downs

    What if your next investment move was hiding in plain sight? When Joe Downs received an unexpected email about self-storage investing, he had no idea it would completely change his business trajectory. From buying distressed second mortgages to building a thriving self-storage empire, Joe shares his journey of pivoting during tough times, navigating industry shifts, and uncovering hidden opportunities in real estate. He breaks down why self-storage is one of the most overlooked yet lucrative asset classes, how technology is reshaping the industry, and why now is the best time to invest.   [00:01 – 05:26] Behind the Scenes of the Debt Market Why banks are cautious about selling loans and how it affects investors The CFPB’s role in changing the debt-buying landscape How Joe navigated a three-year period with no new loan acquisitions   [05:27 – 10:48] The Unexpected Path to Self-Storage How a simple email introduced Joe to self-storage investing Why self-storage was an overlooked niche in commercial real estate The surprising similarities between distressed second mortgages and storage facilities   [10:49 – 15:31] Mom & Pop-Owned Storage: The Hidden Goldmine How 70%+ of self-storage facilities are still owned by small investors The common mistakes these owners make and how investors can capitalize The role of technology in transforming storage facility operations   [15:32 – 20:19] Why Self-Storage is a Smart Investment Today Why the current market correction presents a buying opportunity How aging storage owners are creating a wave of motivated sellers The power of SBA loans in making storage investing accessible   [20:20 – 25:13] The Future of Storage & Real Estate Investing The technology driving the next generation of storage facilities Why monthly pricing models give storage an edge over multifamily investing Lessons learned from navigating economic cycles in real estate     Key Quotes:   "When I saw that over 70% of storage facilities were still owned by mom-and-pop operators, I knew there was an opportunity." – Joe Downs   "Self-storage isn’t the future – it’s happening now. And the biggest players don’t even see it yet." – Joe Downs      Connect with Joe:   Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    25 min

  8. FEB 24

    From Setbacks to Success: Joe Downs’ Road to Real Estate Wealth

    What if every setback in your career was a setup for something greater?   In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel welcomes Joe Downs, CEO of Belrose Storage Group, for a deep dive into self-storage investing. Joe shares his winding journey from financial advisor to entrepreneur, real estate investor, and distressed debt expert. He reveals how failures—like losing a bar business—became stepping stones to success, the power of persistence in wholesaling, and why self-storage is one of the most lucrative real estate niches today.   [00:01 - 04:13] The Wake-Up Call: From Finance to Real Estate A career in financial advising wasn’t fulfilling, prompting Joe to seek new opportunities 9/11 provided a moment of reflection, making him question his long-term career path Seeing the wealthiest people Joe knew thriving in real estate inspired his pivot   [04:14 - 08:25] Lessons from Failure: The Bar Business & Beyond Entrepreneurship comes with risks—Joe’s first major business, a bar, failed Instead of quitting, Joe saw it as an expensive but valuable education in business What led Joe to real estate investing, where he started with wholesaling   [08:26 - 12:57] Mastering Real Estate Investing & Raising Capital Joe transitioned into raising millions for large multifamily and office deals The importance of networking and relationship-building in real estate 1031 exchanges became a key tool in his real estate investment strategy   [12:58 - 16:07] The 2008 Crisis & the Move into Distressed Debt The mortgage meltdown changed the game, forcing Joe to pivot again An opportunity in distressed debt, buying non-performing second mortgages His experience in capital raising and risk management made this transition successful   [16:08 - 20:57] Why Self-Storage? The Final Pivot to Success Self-storage investing combines low risk with high cash flow potential How relationships and creative financing helped him break into this market Every challenge Joe faced in the past contributed to his expertise in this niche     Key Quotes:   “You’re not losing—you’re learning. Every business challenge is another lesson that prepares you for the next opportunity.” - Joe Downs   “If you want to succeed in real estate, you need relationships. No matter your personality type, building connections is key.” - Joe Downs       Connect with Joe:   Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/   Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!   LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode.   Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing.

    21 min
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    It is our desire to help others realize the benefits of investing in RE. We believe beginners will benefit more in the start as exponential gains are realized. However, seasoned investors will also benefit as well. I do want to give special consideration to teachers/educators.

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