Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Michael Blank
  • 4.7 (572)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast is about helping you achieve financial independence and control your time through apartment building investing. Michael Blank interviews experts in real estate, business, and investing. From learning how to invest in multifamily real estate to navigating entrepreneurship, you will learn the keys to success in your journey towards financial freedom. Previous guests include Grant Cardone, Robert Kiyosaki, Ken McElroy, Robert Helms, Brandon Turner, and Hal Elrod. Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned investor, you'll enjoy stories from our expert guests as well as hear from people who quit their jobs and are living life on their own terms because of investing in multifamily real estate. Thanks for listening and leave a review for a chance to get a shout-out on the show.

  1. 5D AGO

    MB475: The One Strategy That Quietly Built Generational Wealth – With Ben Reinberg

    In this powerful episode, Michael Blank sits down with Ben Reinberg, founder of Alliance CGC, to break down how he built a $500M+ commercial real estate portfolio—starting with a 95,000 sq. ft. industrial building at just 23 years old. Ben shares how he raised capital with no track record, the key mindset shifts that fueled his growth, and why personal development is the hidden engine behind building wealth. You’ll also learn why commercial real estate—not single-family rentals—is the path most millionaires quietly use to generate generational wealth, and how to shift your focus (and comfort zone) to play a much bigger game. Key Takeaways Study Wealth, Not Just Real Estate: Ben skipped the rental game by studying how wealthy people actually build wealth—with hard assets like commercial real estate.You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Build the Right Team: From asset management to SEC compliance, syndication is a team sport. You can go bigger by not going solo.Raising Capital Is Not About Sales—It’s About Value & Relationships: Ben started with no fear, built credibility through transparency and strong returns, and gave away the lion’s share of the deal early on to build trust.Personal Growth = Business Growth: Meditation, mentors, and emotional intelligence aren't optional—they're what allow you to lead, communicate better, and scale sustainably.Hard Assets Win Long-Term: Whether it's medical office, multifamily, or industrial, Ben believes investing in tangible assets is the key to recession-resistance and generational wealth. Connect with Ben Reinberg Website: AllianceCGC.com – Learn about his company and accredited investment opportunitiesPersonal Site: BenReinberg.com – Buy his book "Hard Assets for Hard Times", explore wealth-building courses, and watch his TV show ObsessedInstagram, YouTube, LinkedIn: Just search Ben Reinberg on your favorite platformBook: Hard Assets for Hard Times – A visual, actionable blueprint to start building your own real estate empire Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts a...

    30 min

  2. JUN 2

    MB474: Turning a $50K Investment into $750M in Acquisitions in 7 Years – With Rob Beardsley

    Rob Beardsley didn’t flip houses. He didn’t save up for years. Instead, he went straight from college to commercial real estate—and scaled to $750M in acquisitions in just seven years. In this episode, Rob breaks down how he used partnerships, mindset, and relentless focus to overcome limited capital, lack of experience, and a steep learning curve. You'll learn what it really takes to scale a multifamily business from zero, how to raise capital without a track record, and why operating in today’s market is the ultimate advantage. If you’re serious about building a business—not just doing deals—this is a can’t-miss episode. Key TakeawaysFrom College Kid to $750M Operator Why Rob skipped flipping and went straight to syndicationsHow growing up in a struggling real estate household shaped his long-term mindsetWhat triggered his obsession with scaling—before he ever bought a deal How to Raise Capital Without a Track Record Why being naïve can actually help early investors take actionThe moment Rob realized capital raising is sales and marketingHow he overcame his fear of “selling” and built a system for trust and credibility The Power of Partnerships in Multifamily Why going it alone almost never works—and what to do insteadHow Rob structured his first deals with more experienced partnersThe myth of “less equity” when you partner—and how the pie gets bigger What Most Investors Get Wrong About Scaling The difference between doing deals and building a real businessHow Rob built Lone Star Capital from a two-man shop to a vertically integrated firmThe right first hire if you want to get out of spreadsheets and grow Lessons from $750M in Deals (and What Rob Would Do Differently) The #1 thing he wishes he knew before his first dealWhy he avoids C-class properties despite their “better returns” on paperHow less leverage and better locations create more stability—and scale What It Takes to Succeed in Today’s Market Why flat or down markets are the ultimate test of operational excellenceHow Rob stayed active—even without new acquisitions—by doubling down on systems and teamThe creative strategies he uses to stay top-of-mind with investors between deals Connect with Robhttps://lscre.com/  Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club a...

    43 min

  3. MAY 26

    MB473: The 3 Myths of Apartment Building Investing That Are Holding You Back From Doing Your First Deal

    Think you need years of experience or loads of cash to invest in multifamily? Think again. In this solo episode, Michael Blank busts the two biggest myths that keep people from getting started in apartment syndications: lack of experience and lack of capital. He shares real-life strategies for building a winning team, raising money as a beginner, and scaling fast—even if you're starting from scratch. Key Takeaways: Experience ≠ Access: Multifamily brokers care more about your team’s track record than yours.Build the Right Team: Partner with experienced operators, lenders, and property managers to gain instant credibility.Capital Raising Is a Learnable Skill: You don’t need your own money—just the ability to educate and connect with potential investors.Focus on “Who,” Not “How”: Don’t try to do everything. Find partners who fill your gaps.Anyone Can Start: With the right mindset and system, beginners have raised millions—even on their first deal Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Syndicated Deal Analyzer Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session473/

    18 min

  4. MAY 12

    MB471: The Property Management Mistakes That Are Killing Your Cash Flow (and How to Fix Them) - With Robert Parmar

    If you think property management is just about collecting rent and fixing toilets, you're leaving serious money on the table. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Robert Parmar to talk about how the best operators are using systems and tech to run their properties more profitably — and why poor management is the fastest way to kill your financial freedom. Robert’s pulling back the curtain on the biggest mistakes property managers make (and what it’s really costing you), the secret sauce that separates good from great, and the practical systems you can use to finally step out of the day-to-day — without sacrificing profits. Whether you're managing yourself or outsourcing it, if you want more cash flow, less stress, and more freedom, you can't afford to miss this one. Key TakeawaysLeveraging Technology for Better Remote Management Why top property managers are heavily investing in tech tools and automation.How the right systems can reduce vacancy, boost cash flow, and create a "set-it-and-forget-it" ownership experience.Examples of technology Robert uses to deliver better tenant experiences and operational efficiencies. Biggest Mistakes Property Managers Make The "set it and forget it" myth: why poor communication is the fastest way to lose owners and tenants.Overlooking preventative maintenance and its long-term cost.The importance of hiring based on cultural fit—not just experience. What Makes a Great Property Manager Stand Out Proactive communication and transparent reporting as a key differentiator.Why having a true investor mindset (not just a service mindset) sets the best managers apart.The power of KPIs: which numbers your property manager must track to ensure you're hitting your investment targets. Property Management Best Practices that Crush Structured onboarding processes for new properties to set expectations early.Regular financial and operational reviews (not just quarterly).Strategic tenant retention tactics that reduce turnover and boost lifetime value. Connect with Robertrparmar@smfield.com LinkedIn Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts a...

    40 min

  5. MAY 5

    MB470: Why Multifamily Is the Fastest Path to Financial Freedom - With Michael Blank

    In this solo episode, Michael Blank shares the raw truth behind why he stopped flipping houses and made the game-changing leap into multifamily investing. He breaks down the exact moment that shift happened, how it transformed his life and finances, and why multifamily syndication is hands-down the fastest, safest, and most scalable path to financial freedom with real estate. Key Takeaways: Flipping Wasn’t Freedom: Even successful flipping felt like another job with no scalability or passive income.Multifamily = Mailbox Money: One 12-unit deal opened Michael’s eyes to the power of passive income.Syndications Create Wealth Fast: With acquisition fees and cash flow, you can quit your job after just 1–2 deals.Multifamily Is Low Risk: Stronger tenant diversification and long-term demand make it more recession-proof than single family.You Don’t Need Experience or Cash: You can start by building a team and learning to raise capital. Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Syndicated Deal Analyzer Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session470/

    20 min

  6. MAY 4

    MB472: How Two Newbies Closed a $4.6M Deal with No Experience – With Ryan Kindred and Russ Cannon

    In this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with two of our Deal Maker Mentoring students — Ryan Kindred and Russell Cannon — who broke free from the grind and did something most people only talk about: they bought a 240-unit self-storage facility and raised $1.9 million to do it. Ryan and Russ didn’t grow up in real estate. They weren’t born entrepreneurs. But they took action, surrounded themselves with the right people, and now they’re building a portfolio that’s changing their lives forever. Whether you're a high-income earner ready to pivot, or a burned-out investor trying to scale, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical steps, and one heck of a comeback story. Key TakeawaysFrom the Corporate Grind to Full-Time Investors Ryan was managing $200M in power systems. Russ ran $100M+ construction projects. Both felt stuck.They knew their time wasn’t really theirs, and they were done trading hours for dollars.This is how they made the leap — while still working full-time — and never looked back. Crushing Limiting Beliefs That Keep Most People on the Sidelines “I don’t have the money.” “I’ve never done this before.” “Who’s gonna invest with me?” Sound familiar?Ryan & Russ had every reason to stay in their comfort zone — but they didn’t.You’ll hear exactly what shifted their mindset and how you can do the same. Behind the Scenes of Their $1.9M Raise on a 240-Unit Deal How they found this off-market self-storage opportunityStep-by-step of how they raised $1.9M in equity — without a big investor listThe six-figure acquisition fee they earned and how they set themselves up for long-term cash flow Why Mentorship and Community Made All the Difference The moment they realized they couldn’t do it aloneHow they leveraged our team, the community, and deal support to get across the finish lineWhat actually moves the needle when you’re doing your first commercial deal What’s Next: Scaling Up & Building a Real Estate Business Ryan and Russ aren’t stopping at one deal — they’re already teeing up the nextTheir 3-5 year vision: more deals, more cash flow, and total lifestyle freedomHow they’re using this deal as a launchpad to financial freedom Connect with Ryan and RussellLinkedIn - Ryan Kindred LinkedIn - Russell Cannon Sable Capital Website Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course

    1h 12m

  7. APR 28

    MB469: This One Mistake Is Why You’re Not Scaling Your Real Estate Portfolio – With Axel Ragnarsson

    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. Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube TikTok ResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com  Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Syndicated Deal Analyzer Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session469/

    52 min

  8. APR 21

    MB468: Market Update - What's Working Now?

    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. Connect with Jonathan and Paula NicholsJonathan’s Mentor Bio Paula’s Mentor Bio Apogee Capital Paula Instagram Jonathan Instagram Connect with Philippe SchulligenMentor Bio Boost Capital Group Philippe LinkedIn Connect with MichaelFacebook Instagram YouTube a...

    1h 7m
See All (300)

4.7
out of 5
572 Ratings

About

The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast is about helping you achieve financial independence and control your time through apartment building investing. Michael Blank interviews experts in real estate, business, and investing. From learning how to invest in multifamily real estate to navigating entrepreneurship, you will learn the keys to success in your journey towards financial freedom. Previous guests include Grant Cardone, Robert Kiyosaki, Ken McElroy, Robert Helms, Brandon Turner, and Hal Elrod. Whether you're new to real estate investing or a seasoned investor, you'll enjoy stories from our expert guests as well as hear from people who quit their jobs and are living life on their own terms because of investing in multifamily real estate. Thanks for listening and leave a review for a chance to get a shout-out on the show.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada