BigMikeFund

Mike Zlotnik
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Big Mike Fund podcast

  1. 299: Scaling Multifamily with a Value-Add Construction Edge - Jason Balara

    3D AGO

    299: Scaling Multifamily with a Value-Add Construction Edge - Jason Balara

    In this tactical episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Jason Balara, founder of Lark Capital. Jason shares his journey from working in construction as a teenager in the Los Angeles area to building a multifamily syndication firm focused on high-impact value-add strategies. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Jason Balara 🏗️ 0:50 - From Teenager in Construction to Real Estate Investor 🏘️ 1:30 - The Transition to Multifamily Syndication in 2020 ⚙️ 2:15 - Leveraging a Value-Add Strategy with Construction Expertise 📈 5:40 - The Reality of the Interest Rate Market Shift ⚠️ 12:20 - Understanding Receivership and Bank Negotiations ⚖️ 18:10 - The LTV and DSCR Challenge: Why Good Assets Struggle 🌟 25:45 - The Glass Half-Full: Finding Opportunity in Market Distress 🏁 29:30 - Conclusion: How to Reach Out to Jason Balara & Lark Capital Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 invest@tempofunding.com *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #JasonBalara #LarkCapital #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #ValueAddRealEstate #ConstructionManagement #BigMikeFund #CREMarketUpdate #MarketReset #PropertyInvesting #PassiveIncome #DistressedAssets #RealEstateStrategy #WealthBuilding #SyndicationSuccess

    30 min
  2. 298: Escaping the Stock Market Only Mindset for Tech Pros - Steven Arita

    MAY 1

    298: Escaping the Stock Market Only Mindset for Tech Pros - Steven Arita

    In this episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Steven Arita, a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and founder of Arita Capital. Steven shares his journey from a small town in Hawaii to the tech hubs of Austin, Texas, and explains how he used real estate to design a path to financial freedom without quitting his day job. Whether you are a brokerage leader looking to scale or a real estate investor tracking California's inventory shifts, this episode provides institutional-grade insights into the "Big Block" way of doing business. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Steven Arita 🌴 1:12 - From Hawaii to AWS: Steven’s Professional Journey 📉 4:45 - Escaping the "Stock Market Only" Mindset 🏢 10:30 - Why Tech Professionals Need Real Estate Diversification ⚙️ 15:50 - The "Insider" Strategy: Investing Without the Landlord Stress ⚖️ 22:15 - Understanding Leverage: How to Achieve 3:1 Returns Safely 📊 28:40 - Analyzing Asymmetric Risk & Risk-Adjusted Returns 📈 34:10 - Market Cycles: Why Real Estate is the Opportunity of 2026 🏁 39:55 - Final Thoughts: How to Connect with Arita Capital Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 invest@tempofunding.com ABOUT US At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #StevenArita #AritaCapital #RealEstateInvesting #TechProfessionals #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #AWS #WealthBuilding #BigMikeFund #StockMarketHedge #RealEstateCycles #Leverage #HighNetWorth #REI #PathToPassive

    46 min
  3. 297: Simplicity is Sophistication: The Apple Way to Hyperscale Your Brokerage - Oliver Graf

    APR 22

    297: Simplicity is Sophistication: The Apple Way to Hyperscale Your Brokerage - Oliver Graf

    In this high-energy episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik welcomes Oliver Graf, the visionary behind Big Block Realty. Based in sunny San Diego, Big Block Realty has consistently ranked as one of the top real estate teams in the nation by sales volume and holds the #1 spot in California. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Oliver Graf ☀️ 0:45 - San Diego vs. New York: The Real Estate Lifestyle Advantage 🏆 1:50 - What is Big Block Realty? Building California’s Top Team 📈 5:15 - Scaling Systems: How to Handle Massive Sales Volume 🍎 8:40 - Lessons from Steve Jobs: Simplicity as a Business Strategy 🔬 11:25 - Introducing Commission Lab: Digital Tools for Modern Agents 🤝 13:50 - Hiring and Retaining A-Players in a Competitive Market 📚 15:10 - Book Recommendation: Walter Isaacson’s "Steve Jobs" 🏁 16:30 - Final Thoughts: How to Connect with Oliver Graf Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 invest@tempofunding.com *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #OliverGraf #BigBlockRealty #RealEstateScaling #RealEstateTeam #BrokerageGrowth #SteveJobs #CommissionLab #SanDiegoRealEstate #RealEstateMarketing #HighVolumeSales #RealEstateSystems #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #BigMikeFund #REI #RealEstateSuccess

    24 min
  4. 296: Mastering the 1031 Exchange to Build Generational Wealth - Sean Ross

    APR 15

    296: Mastering the 1031 Exchange to Build Generational Wealth - Sean Ross

    In this deep-dive episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Sean Ross, CEO of 1031X. With over 32 years of industry experience, Sean’s firm is one of the longest-standing boutique qualified intermediaries in the country. Sean brings a massive wealth of financial knowledge—ranging from M&A and currency trading to economics—to help investors navigate the complexities of 1031 exchanges. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Sean Ross 🏛️ 0:43 - Sean’s Background: M&A, Economics, and 1031 Mastery 🌎 1:27 - Life Between Denver and Toronto: A Cross-Border Perspective ❄️ 2:56 - Comparing the Snow: Denver vs. Chicago vs. Toronto 📈 4:32 - Why Do Investors Use 1031 Exchanges? 💼 5:19 - Sean’s Path to CEO: Succession Planning in the 1031 Space 📜 6:10 - The History of Section 1031: From Cattle to Real Estate 🚀 7:14 - Strategic Flexibility: Active vs. Passive & Geographic Shifting 🏛️ 8:01 - Why You Can't Do a 1031 Alone: The Role of the QI 🏢 8:38 - Choosing Your Intermediary: Institutional vs. Boutique ⚖️ 9:36 - The "Lane" Rule: Legal Boundaries for 1031 Providers 💡 10:02 - Providing "Additional Value" Beyond Compliance ⚠️ 28:45 - What is Constructive Receipt? Avoiding Catastrophic Tax Errors 🛡️ 29:08 - Protecting Your Money: Wire Fraud and Secured Bank Accounts Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 invest@tempofunding.com *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #1031Exchange

    45 min
  5. 295: How to Invest in Real Estate with a Self-Directed IRA - Owen Lynn

    APR 8

    295: How to Invest in Real Estate with a Self-Directed IRA - Owen Lynn

    In this informative episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik welcomes Owen Lynn from Advanta IRA. With a decade of experience at institutional giants like Merrill Lynch and TD Ameritrade, Owen now helps investors break free from the limitations of traditional brokerages by utilizing Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs). Whether you are a brokerage leader looking to scale or a real estate investor tracking California's inventory shifts, this episode provides institutional-grade insights into the "Big Block" way of doing business. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Owen Lynn 🏛️ 0:19 - Owen’s Background: From Merrill Lynch to Advanta IRA 📈 3:06 - Why Florida is the New Hub for Finance & Wealth 💼 5:45 - The Limitation of Traditional Custodians (Merrill, TD, Scottrade) 🏘️ 10:12 - Investing in Alternatives: Real Estate, Notes, and Private Equity ⚖️ 15:30 - Understanding the "Self-Directed" Difference 📚 18:15 - Resources for SDIRA Research & Compliance 🏁 19:20 - How to Connect with Owen Lynn & Advanta IRA Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 invest@tempofunding.com *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #OwenLynn #AdvantaIRA #SelfDirectedIRA #SDIRA #RealEstateInvesting #RetirementPlanning #TaxFreeWealth #AlternativeInvestments #BigMikeFund #WealthBuilding #401kRollover #FinancialFreedom #PassiveIncome #PrivateEquity #IRAInvesting

    20 min
  6. 294: How AI is Solving the Multifamily Management Crisis - Tim Bratz

    APR 1

    294: How AI is Solving the Multifamily Management Crisis - Tim Bratz

    In this highly anticipated reunion on the Big Mike Fund Podcast, “Big Mike” Zlotnik sits down with Tim Bratz for their first deep dive since COVID to discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Tim, founder of Legacy Wealth Holdings, shares how he scaled a portfolio to over 4,000 units - and why the growing “operational friction” of managing at scale pushed him to build a technology-driven property management platform. This conversation goes beyond growth and into the real challenges of scaling, systems, and efficiency. They break down how outdated “legacy” software impacts NOI, why operators must rethink their tech stack, and how AI is already transforming leasing, marketing, and communication in real estate. If you're an investor, operator, or anyone interested in how real estate businesses truly scale, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights on building systems that support growth - not limit it. 🚀 Get Your Free eBook: https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our investment strategy & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book a FREE strategy call: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall ⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro: Mike welcomes Tim Bratz 0:52 – Scaling to 4,000+ units 1:30 – Why tech became necessary 4:15 – How legacy software impacts NOI 10:45 – AI in leasing and operations 18:30 – Scaling systems and SOPs 25:10 – Market outlook in high-rate environment 29:24 – Closing thoughts Connect with Tim BratzInstagram: @timbratz | @smartmanagementpm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbratz/ Email: tim@legacywealthholdings.com Websites: smartmanagement.com | legacywealthholdings.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegacyWealth Connect with UsFacebook: https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: invest@tempofunding.com About Tempo Family of Funds We provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities for passive investors. Our strategies focus on income, tax efficiency, and capital preservation across multifamily, self-storage, retail, industrial, and lending platforms.

    38 min
  7. 293: Turning Raw Land into High-Value Housing Communities - Brandon Cobb

    MAR 19

    293: Turning Raw Land into High-Value Housing Communities - Brandon Cobb

    In this deep-dive episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Brendan Cobb to discuss why many ground-up developers struggled in 2024–2025 and how to pivot for success in 2026. Brendan breaks down his "Land Development Accelerator" model, which focuses on forcing appreciation through government approvals rather than taking on the high risk of vertical construction. Whether you are a land flipper looking to scale or a passive investor seeking downside protection, this episode reveals the blueprints for institutional-grade land development. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik welcomes Brendan Cobb 🏗️ 1:54 - The 3 Phases of Real Estate Development Explained 🗺️ 2:03 - Phase 1: Land Entitlement & Forcing Appreciation 🛣️ 2:27 - Phase 2: Horizontal Infrastructure & Selling Lots 🏘️ 2:39 - Phase 3: The Risks of Vertical Construction in 2026 🤝 5:11 - The Arbitrage Model: Controlling Land Without "Hard Money" 🏛️ 6:03 - Collaborating with Cities: Turning Farmland into Housing 💰 10:25 - Case Study: Creating a $30,000 Per Unit Spread 📉 23:50 - The Affordability Crisis & The Future of Mortgage Rates 🏛️ 27:47 - Macro Analysis: $7 Trillion in Debt and the Fed’s Next Move Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 mailto:invest@tempofunding.com Connect with Brandon Cobb Email: mailto:info@hbgcapital.net Website: http://hbgcapital.net Number: (901) 596-6425 LinkedIn: in/hbgcapital Facebook: /hbgcapital Instagram: @hbgcapital *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #BrandonCobb #LandDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting

    36 min

  8. FEB 17

    292: How ESOPs Create Millionaires and Keep Businesses Independent - Matt Middendorp

    In this eye-opening episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike explores Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with expert Matt Middendorp. Recorded during the holiday season, they break down how ESOPs serve as a powerful exit strategy for business owners—preserving control, legacy, and community impact while rewarding employees with retirement ownership. Matt explains the mechanics: creating a trust that buys shares (often 100% over time), tax advantages (S-Corp ESOPs can eliminate federal/state taxes), seller financing, annual valuations, and vesting. Ideal for profitable companies seeking long-term transitions, ESOPs differ from stock options by being qualified retirement plans with no direct employee investment. […]

    39 min
See All (283)

4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Big Mike Fund podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Zlotnik
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mike Zlotnik
  • Show Website
    BigMikeFund

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