The Robinson Review: Life, Law, and the Pursuit of Wealth

Todd Robinson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Most wealth podcasts focus on tactics. The Robinson Review focuses on frameworks. Hosted by real estate attorney and investor Todd Robinson, Esq., this show sits at the intersection of business, law, investing, leadership, and life. Yes, we talk real estate. But we also talk about discipline, sobriety, family, capital stewardship, and building something that lasts. Because wealth without structure is fragile. And success without alignment is hollow.

  1. 6d ago

    From Zero Cash to an 80-Unit: William Bertolasio’s Multifamily Breakthrough

    Todd Robinson interviews Houston investor William Bertolasio about launching his real estate career through the Multifamily Dealmakers program and joining the GP on an 80-unit apartment acquisition without investing his own money, largely due to 90% seller financing. William shares his background running a roofing/storm restoration contracting business, his long-standing interest in real estate, initial skepticism about coaching, and how learning underwriting and using provided Excel tools helped him add value. After being encouraged to network, he pitched a 22-unit deal on a local Zoom call, met community member MD, and was brought into the 80-unit where he handled underwriting, communications, site visits, and ongoing re-underwriting as the deal evolved. They discuss networking, mindset, imposter syndrome, honesty and credibility, common beginner misunderstandings about capital, routines like living by a calendar, and William’s ambitions toward larger deals.  How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@syndicationexpert

    28 min

  2. May 26

    From Chaos to Clarity: How EOS Helps Entrepreneurs Scale | Interview with Tricia Drake

    What happens when a growing business starts feeling chaotic, reactive, and dependent on the founder for everything?In this episode, Todd sits down with EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Implementer Tricia Drake to discuss how entrepreneurs can create structure, accountability, and scalable systems inside their companies — without losing momentum or culture.Tricia breaks down the EOS framework and explains how businesses can gain:Clear vision and alignmentBetter accountability across teamsStronger leadership communicationData-driven decision makingDocumented processes and SOPsMore operational traction and less daily chaosThey also discuss:The 6 key EOS components: Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process, and TractionWhy most businesses struggle with accountabilityHow weekly scorecards reveal operational problems earlyThe power of the Level 10 leadership meeting“Right people, right seats” and building the right teamWhy letting the wrong people go is difficult — but necessaryCreating systems that allow founders to step out of the weedsWhether you run a law firm, real estate company, startup, or scaling business, this episode offers practical insights for building a healthier and more scalable organization. Drake’s website is tractionwithtricia.com. How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@officialtoddrobinson

    56 min

  3. May 19

    Syndications vs Joint Ventures: What Every Real Estate Investor Must Know

    Most real estate investors know they should be using other people’s money—but very few understand how to do it legally, strategically, and at scale. In this episode of The Robinson Review, Todd Robinson sits down with Brad Lea to break down the real mechanics behind raising capital, structuring deals, and avoiding the legal landmines that can destroy a portfolio overnight. From the critical difference between syndications and joint ventures to the truth about SEC compliance (even when working with friends and family), this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually separates sophisticated investors from amateurs. Todd also dives into how deals really go sideways—from bad underwriting assumptions to blown construction budgets—and why vetting sponsors is the most important decision an investor can make. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale into larger multifamily deals, this episode delivers a clear, no-BS roadmap to building credibility, raising capital, and protecting yourself in the process. How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@syndicationexpert Key Topics Covered Why other people’s money (OPM) is the ultimate scaling tool The real difference between debt vs equity (and why it matters legally)Syndication vs Joint Venture—how the SEC actually defines it The biggest mistake investors make with friends & family capital How deals go bad: underwriting errors, bad assumptions, cost overruns What LPs should look for before investing in a deal How new investors can break in with zero capital Why marketing yourself is step one to raising money The legal principle: “Ignorance is no defense”

    59 min

  4. May 14

    The Real Blueprint to Multifamily Success with Todd Robinson

    What does it really take to go from your first deal to controlling over $100 million in multifamily assets? In this episode, Todd Robinson breaks down the exact strategy he used to scale from starting small in 2018 to owning over 1,000 units—while simultaneously building his law practice and launching Iron Street Capital. This conversation is a masterclass in simplifying multifamily investing, focusing on what actually moves the needle, and avoiding the common traps that stall new investors. Todd shares why multifamily remains one of the most resilient asset classes, how to think about cap rates in today’s market, and the real reason bigger deals are often easier to fund than smaller ones. He also pulls back the curtain on his investing philosophy: target stable assets with operational inefficiencies, execute a clear value-add strategy, and leverage the power of the right team. If you’re looking to break into multifamily—or scale faster with more confidence—this episode delivers a practical roadmap grounded in real-world deal experience and the proven systems Todd teaches inside Multifamily Dealmakers. How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@syndicationexpert Key Takeaways Start small, but think big: Todd recommends targeting 10–50 unit properties for your first deal—but don’t be afraid of larger opportunities if you have the right team and capital. Multifamily is a team sport: You need one of three things to get started—hustle, capital, or expertise—and partnerships fill the gaps. Cap rates = risk signal: Lower cap rates typically mean lower risk and higher demand—understanding this is critical when evaluating deals. The easiest wins are operational: Focus on management inefficiencies, rent optimization, and tenant experience upgrades before heavy renovations. Broker relationships are everything: Consistent communication and credibility unlock access to off-market and “pocket” listings. Value-add doesn’t have to mean heavy construction: Simple upgrades like flooring, kitchens, and appliances can drive significant rent increases. Leverage other people’s money (OPM): Scaling faster requires understanding deal structure, investor communication, and capital raising. The wealth transfer is happening now: With trillions shifting from baby boomers, opportunity is everywhere for prepared investors. Todd Robinson is a multifamily investor, attorney, and founder of Iron Street Capital, where he focuses on acquiring and operating value-add apartment communities across the U.S. With over 1,000 units owned and managed, Todd combines legal expertise with real-world deal-making to help investors scale intelligently.

    55 min

  5. Apr 27

    How Mentee MD Marshall went from 0 to 80 units in six months after joining Multifamily Dealmakers

    What does it really take to go from little experience in multifamily real estate to closing your first multifamily syndication deal—fast? In this episode of The Robinson Review, Todd Robinson sits down with MD Marshall to break down exactly how he did it in just five months after joining the Multifamily Deal Makers community. MD shares his powerful origin story—rooted in four generations of construction—and how that foundation evolved into a focused strategy around multifamily and workforce housing. But this isn’t just a story about experience. It’s about execution. From leveraging relationships to securing off-market opportunities, MD reveals how consistency, follow-up, and clarity of goals positioned him to acquire an 80-unit property with highly favorable terms—including 90% seller financing. The conversation dives deep into what makes deals actually work: building the right team, aligning incentives, and understanding each player’s role. You’ll hear how a community member earned equity in the deal without investing capital—purely through sweat equity—and why multifamily investing is truly a team sport. MD also shares insights into the Houston market, why workforce housing is an “evergreen” opportunity, and how impact investing can drive both strong returns and meaningful change. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this episode is packed with real-world strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical lessons to help you move from learning to closing. How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@syndicationexpert 🔑 Key Takeaways ​Execution beats experience – Closing deals comes down to action, not just knowledge.​Relationships drive opportunity – Consistent follow-up and trust unlock off-market deals.​You don’t need capital to start – Sweat equity can earn you a seat at the table.​Creative financing is powerful – Seller financing can dramatically reduce barriers to entry.​Multifamily is a team sport – Success depends on aligning the right people in the right roles.​Workforce housing is resilient – Strong demand and long-term stability make it a compelling niche.​Community accelerates growth – Learning from and partnering with others shortens the path to your first deal. Timestamps 00:00 – Why now is a great time to buy multifamily 01:00 – Meet MD Marshall & his journey into real estate 03:00 – Growing up in a 4-generation construction family 06:00 – The entrepreneurial mindset: “caught, not taught” 08:00 – Defining your “why”: faith, family, freedom, and fun 12:00 – Joining Multifamily Deal Makers & first syndication 13:00 – Breaking down the 80-unit Houston deal 15:00 – How a team member earned equity with no capital 20:00 – Why multifamily investing is a team sport 27:00 – Land development strategy & consulting business 33:00 – Houston market insights & opportunity outlook 36:00 – Value-add strategy: “buy it, fix it, sell it” 42:00 – Creative financing & 90% seller financing explained 45:00 – How one cold outreach led to the deal47:00 – Todd’s journey from attorney to investor

    53 min

  6. Apr 21

    “How NOT to Qualify for Agency Financing (And Why Most Investors Fail)

    Most investors think qualifying for agency financing is just about having a good deal and enough money. It’s not. In this episode, I break down the real reasons multifamily investors get denied by agency lenders—and it’s not what you think. From weak sponsorship teams to poor deal structure and overlooked legal issues, I’ve seen million-dollar deals fall apart because of mistakes that could have been avoided. If you’re planning to scale into larger multifamily deals using agency debt, this is the side of the process you need to understand before you ever submit a loan application. We cover: The biggest mistakes that disqualify investors from agency financingWhat lenders actually look for (beyond the numbers)How deal structure can make—or break—your approvalThe hidden risks that kill deals late in the processIf you want to position yourself to actually get approved—and close—this episode will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Follow the show for more breakdowns on real estate investing, deal structuring, and building long-term wealth through multifamily.

    16 min

  7. Mar 26

    From Cash to Syndications: 5 Real Estate Deal Structures Every Investor Must Understand

    Most investors only know one way to buy real estate. That’s the fastest way to stay small. In this episode of The Robinson Review: Life, Law, and the Pursuit of Wealth, I break down the 5 core deal structures every serious investor needs to understand—and when to use each one. We cover: 💰 Cash deals and when they actually make sense🤝 Joint ventures (JVs) and how to partner the right way🏢 Syndications and how large deals get funded🏦 Seller financing and how to create leverage without banks📊 Preferred equity and where it fits in the capital stackMost people focus on finding deals.The real game is knowing how to structure them. The same property can make you average returns—or life-changing wealth—depending on how it’s put together. If you want to think like a real operator (not just an investor), this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tap in and start seeing deals differently.

    18 min

  8. Mar 9

    Scaling with Paid Ads and Relationships: Todd Robinson Talks Marketing, Leadership, and Data with Lindsay Hall

    Todd Robinson interviews performance marketing strategist and Stock Hall & Co. founder Lindsay Hall about scaling founders through paid media buying focused on results, data, and systems rather than vanity metrics. Lindsay shares her path from corporate marketing director to entrepreneurship after accumulating significant consumer debt, paying it off through freelancing, and leaning in during COVID by turning down a “dream job,” resigning, and launching her agency, now a 10-person contractor team. They discuss relationship-based client communication, proactive updates, and camera-on professionalism, plus how she landed early clients via referrals, DMs, and LinkedIn thought leadership. Lindsay highlights mistakes around ego and accountability, building systems to prevent repeat errors, leading a team with support and fair pay, ad strategy for property lease-ups via Meta and Google, and advice to know business numbers, master organic social, use modern native-style ads, retargeting, and move audiences to owned email lists. How To Connect with Todd: https://www.instagram.com/officialtoddrobinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddnrobinson https://www.tiktok.com/@syndicationexpert

    53 min
See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Most wealth podcasts focus on tactics. The Robinson Review focuses on frameworks. Hosted by real estate attorney and investor Todd Robinson, Esq., this show sits at the intersection of business, law, investing, leadership, and life. Yes, we talk real estate. But we also talk about discipline, sobriety, family, capital stewardship, and building something that lasts. Because wealth without structure is fragile. And success without alignment is hollow.

Information