Launch REI

Vincent Crane
  • 5.0 (12)
  • INVESTING

Launch REI is a real estate investing podcast for high-income professionals and serious investors who are ready to move beyond small rental properties and build financial freedom. Each episode features investors who are actually doing it — scaling large portfolios, and replacing their W2 income through multifamily, syndications, short-term rentals, and self-storage. You’ll learn how deals actually get done, how capital is raised, how tax strategies  work, and what it really takes to build passive income at scale. If you’re a high-earning W2 professional, accredited investor, or emerging GP looking to level up your network, your deals, and your strategy — this is for you. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday. Hosted by: Vince Crane Join the community: newsletter.launchrei.co

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Use Seller Financing to Buy Real Estate With No Money Down With Mel Dorman

    In this episode, we break down how Mel Dorman went from social worker with $16,000 in the bank to reaching financial freedom at 34 through seller financing. Mel shares how she used creative deal structuring, relationship-based investing, and unconventional thinking to build a portfolio with little money down  and why seller financing may be one of the most overlooked paths to wealth today. If you’re enjoying conversations like this, join the Launch REI Newsletter for insights from top real estate investors: https://newsletter.launchrei.co/ This Show Sponsored By TrueBooks CPA — proactive tax strategy and accounting for real estate investors. From cost segregation and depreciation strategies to entity structuring and year-round tax planning, they help investors keep more of what they earn. Check them out here: https://truebookscpa.com/home1?am_id=vince2128 In this episode, we break down • How Mel reached financial freedom by 34 using seller financing • How to buy rental properties with little to no money down • Why creative financing can turn “bad deals” into cash-flowing opportunities • The four negotiation levers every investor should understand in seller financing • How to use interest-only terms and creative structures to improve returns • Why seller financing can benefit both buyers and sellers in any market • How Mel turned one creatively financed triplex into a much larger portfolio • The biggest mistakes investors make with creative financing and how to avoid them • How social capital can help you build wealth faster than financial capital • How Mel scaled a million-person audience while building a real estate education business Time stamps 00:00 Mel’s background and path to real estate 08:45 Why financial freedom became personal after her father’s diagnosis 13:45 How Mel got started in seller financing 16:15 Buying her first deal with almost no money down 21:20 How creative financing changes deal economics 27:25 How seller financing terms and structures work 36:15 Mel’s best deal and the four negotiation levers 42:40 Lessons from a 20-unit deal that went sideways 47:10 Growing a million-person audience on social media 53:10 Where to learn more about seller financing Guest Bio Mel Dorman is a real estate investor, educator, and founder of Seller Finance Academy. She achieved financial freedom in her 30s through creative financing and has built a portfolio using seller financing strategies that help investors acquire real estate without relying on traditional banks. Today she teaches others how to use creative finance to build wealth and create win-win deals. Mel is also the author of Bank Your Neighbor: The People-First Strategy for Passive Wealth: https://www.amazon.com/Bank-Your-Neighbor-People-First-Strategy/dp/B0FK31LFVH Connect with Mel Dorman Website: https://sellerfinanceacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel_dorman/ CONNECT WITH LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #sellerfinancing #creativefinance #realestateinvesting #financialfreedom #passiveincome #wealthbuilding #realestatecashflow #creativefinancing #investormindset #financialliteracy #launchrei #meldorman

    55 min

  2. MAY 12

    How to Invest in Real Estate Syndications and Build Passive Income

    In this episode, we break down how Chris Larsen built financial independence by combining high-income earning, disciplined investing, and passive real estate syndications. From house hacking and multifamily investing to private credit and alternative assets, Chris shares a complete blueprint for building long-term passive income through smart syndication strategy. If you’re enjoying conversations like this, join the Launch REI Newsletter for insights from top real estate investors: https://newsletter.launchrei.co/ This Show Sponsored By Easy Street Capital: a trusted private lender for real estate investors offering fast, flexible financing for rental properties and fix-and-flips. Check them out here: https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/ In this episode, we break down • How Chris used active income to accelerate passive wealth through syndications • Why saving and investing strategically can buy financial freedom faster than you think • How to evaluate syndication deals, sponsors, and risk-adjusted returns • The power of diversification across asset classes, geographies, and the capital stack • What passive investors need to understand about private credit and debt funds • How to build passive income through multifamily, self-storage, and alternative assets • Why senior housing may be one of the biggest opportunities of the next decade • How to think about returns, risk, and avoiding common LP investing mistakes • The frameworks Chris uses to analyze deals and make investment decisions • How to play the long game and build generational wealth through syndications Time stamps 00:00 Chris’s background and path to financial independence 04:55 Using active income to build passive real estate wealth 12:40 How Chris started investing in syndications 18:45 Diversification, sponsors, and the capital stack explained 25:45 Understanding private credit and risk-adjusted returns 33:05 Investing in alternative assets like car washes 37:50 Why Chris is bullish on senior housing 43:05 What passive investors should know about private credit 45:10 What “good returns” really look like in syndications 49:30 Teaching the next generation about money and investing Guest Bio Chris Larsen is the founder of Next Level Income, a real estate investor, fund manager, and educator who has helped acquire over $2 billion in assets across multiple sectors. After 18 years in medical device sales, Chris achieved financial independence through strategic investing and now helps others build wealth through passive income, syndications, and alternative investments. Connect with Chris Larsen Website: https://nextlevelincome.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextlevelincomeshow/ Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #realestateinvesting  #passiveincome  #realestatesyndications  #multifamilyinvesting  #privatelending  #privatecredit  #wealthbuilding  #financialfreedom  #passiveinvesting  #capitalstack  #launc

    50 min

  3. MAY 5

    Cash Flow, Downside Protection, and the 2% Rule | Chess Master Mike Zlotnik

    In this episode, we break down how Mike Zlotnik, known as “Big Mike,” went from a corporate career and chess strategy mindset to becoming a full-time real estate investor, lender, and fund manager. Mike shares how thinking like a chess player helped him navigate risk, structure deals creatively, and build wealth through multiple real estate cycles. If you’re enjoying conversations like this, join the Launch REI Newsletter for insights from top real estate investors: https://newsletter.launchrei.co/ This Show Sponsored By Easy Street Capital: a trusted private lender for real estate investors offering fast, flexible financing for rental properties and fix-and-flips. Check them out here: https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/ In this episode, we break down • How Mike transitioned from corporate life into real estate investing • Why thinking like a chess player gives investors a massive edge • The difference between being a lender vs being an owner • How to evaluate risk in uncertain market cycles • Lessons from investing through multiple market downturns • Why capital preservation is just as important as returns • How private lending funds actually work behind the scenes • What passive investors misunderstand about real estate funds • The importance of strategy over speed in investing • How to “play the long game” in real estate wealth building Time stamps 00:00 Mike’s background and corporate career 04:20 Why chess strategy applies to real estate investing 09:35 Transition into private lending and fund management 15:10 Understanding market cycles and risk management 22:40 Difference between lenders and operators 29:15 Lessons from past downturns and investor mistakes 36:50 How passive investors should evaluate opportunities 44:30 Capital preservation vs chasing high returns 51:10 Playing the long-term game in real estate 57:40 Final advice for strategic investors Guest Bio Mike Zlotnik, also known as “Big Mike,” is a real estate investor, lender, and fund manager with decades of experience navigating multiple market cycles. He specializes in private lending and structured real estate investments, helping investors grow wealth while prioritizing risk management and capital preservation. Connect with Mike Zlotnik Website: https://tempofunding.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popular/mike-zlotnik/ Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #realestateinvesting #passiveinvesting #privatelending #realestatefunds #cashflow #wealthbuilding #riskmanagement #marketcycles #realestatestrategy #investormindset #capitalpreservation #financialfreedom #launchrei #vince #mikezlotnik

    54 min

  4. APR 29

    She Left Corporate for Short-Term Rentals — Now She Makes $10K/Month

    In this episode, we break down how one investor walked away from Yiwei’s corporate job and built a thriving short-term and mid-term rental portfolio in Cincinnati that now generates over $10,000 per month. Join the free Launch REI Newsletter at newsletter.launchrei.co She shares how she started with zero experience, made every mistake possible on her first Airbnb, and eventually grew to owning 10 properties while managing 20 more for other investors. You’ll learn why most people fail with Airbnb, what actually makes a property outperform the market, and how she’s consistently finding deals that cashflow thousands per month, even in today’s market. This Show Sponsored By Easy Street Capital: a trusted private lender for real estate investors offering fast, flexible financing for rental properties and fix-and-flips. Check them out here: https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/ In this episode, we break down • Why long-term rentals didn’t make sense to her in the beginning • The accidental Airbnb experiment that changed everything •  How the Airbnb market shifted from 2019 → 2026 •  Why luxury and larger homes are outperforming smaller units • The exact bedroom/bathroom “sweet spot” for profitability • The mistake 90% of Airbnb hosts make when outsourcing • The first 3 hires you should make (and the one you should NEVER outsource) • How to evaluate short-term rental numbers for ROI and cashflow • A creative financing deal that required only $20,000 down on a $675,000 home • Why buying in Class A neighborhoods matters more than getting a “deal” If you’re thinking about short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, or replacing your income with Airbnb, this episode is a blueprint. Time stamps 00:00 Thumbnail questions and intro 03:15 From California to Cincinnati for a corporate job 05:00 Discovering Airbnb by accident 07:30 Leaving corporate to go all-in on short-term rentals 10:00 How the Airbnb market changed after COVID 13:00 Why average Airbnbs are struggling today 18:30 What numbers she looks for before buying a property 22:00 Real cashflow numbers from recent properties 24:00 How many properties you need to replace your income 26:00 The 3 biggest mistakes she made early on 28:00 The correct order to outsource your Airbnb business 30:00 How to outperform the market by 30% 33:00 The ideal property size, layout, and location 35:00 Her best creative financing deal ever 37:00 Renting to professional athletes for mid-term stays Guest Bio   Yiwei Cheng is a short-term and mid-term rental investor based in Cincinnati, Ohio. After moving for her dream corporate job, she realized traditional rentals wouldn’t create the income she wanted. She pivoted into Airbnb, built a portfolio of 10 owned properties, manages 20 more for investors, and specializes in helping others purchase and launch profitable short-term rentals in the right neighborhoods with the right design, layout, and systems. Connect with Yiwei Cheng Website: https://www.pinkcashcow.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/yiweicheng1 Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co

    51 min

  5. APR 27

    Investing Expert Makes $30k/Month in Passive Income Selling Vacant Land

    Unlock the strategies behind earning $30,000/month in passive income through vacant land investing with special guest Russ Morgan! In this episode, we break down how Russ builds predictable income, what systems he uses, and how you can start applying these tactics today. Join the free Launch REI Newsletter at newsletter.launchrei.co This Show Sponsored By Easy Street Capital: a trusted private lender for real estate investors offering fast, flexible financing for rental properties and fix-and-flips. Check them out here: https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/ In this episode, we break down • How Russ gets started in vacant land investing • The process he uses to find high-ROI deals • Strategies for creating ongoing passive income • What tools and platforms he uses to grow his portfolio • Mistakes to avoid when investing in land • How to scale from one property to consistent income • Tips for new investors entering the market • Real life examples of his deals and returns • The importance of systems for long-term success • Russ’s mindset hacks for staying consistent Time stamps 00:00 — Intro & Background 02:15 — How Russ Got Started 08:40 — Finding High-Value Vacant Land Deals 15:22 — Passive Income Systems 22:10 — How to Price & Sell Vacant Land 29:55 — Marketing That Works 35:40 — Mistakes Most Investors Make 41:20 — Q&A + Quick Tips 47:10 — Final Thoughts & Advice Guest Bio   Russ Morgan is a seasoned real estate investor focused on vacant land. With years of experience and proven systems, Russ has built a predictable passive income stream that generates over $30k per month. His unique strategies and creative deal structures have helped him scale quickly and mentor other investors to success. Connect with Russ Morgan Website: http://www.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russ.morgan.311/ Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #launchrei #RussMorgan #VacantLandInvesting #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #LandDeals #REI #FinancialFreedom

    57 min

  6. APR 22

    How Real Estate Investors Are Legally Eliminating Their Tax Bill Using Short-Term Rentals

    In this episode, Vince sits down with CPA Matt Bontrager, a real estate tax strategist who has helped investors save millions through advanced tax strategies most accountants never discuss. Join the free Launch REI Newsletter at newsletter.launchrei.co If you're a real estate investor, business owner, or high-income W2 earner, understanding how taxes actually work can dramatically change your wealth trajectory. Matt breaks down one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) tax strategies in real estate: the short-term rental loophole. This strategy allows certain investors to use real estate losses to offset active income; something that normally isn't allowed with traditional rental properties. You’ll also learn how cost segregation works, how depreciation can create massive paper losses, and why many CPAs completely miss these opportunities for their clients. Whether you're making six figures as a W2 employee or scaling a real estate portfolio, this episode explains how smart investors legally reduce their tax burden while continuing to grow their assets. This Show Sponsored By Easy Street Capital: a trusted private lender for real estate investors offering fast, flexible financing for rental properties and fix-and-flips. Check them out here: https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/ In this episode, we break down • The short-term rental tax loophole and how it can offset W2 income • How investors use cost segregation and bonus depreciation to reduce taxes • Why many CPAs miss major tax-saving opportunities for real estate investors • How depreciation can create large “paper losses” even when a property cash flows • The biggest mistake investors make when trying to use STR tax strategies • How Matt grew his CPA firm from $120k to over $2.4M in revenue • Why social media content helped drive massive growth for his business • The importance of proper accounting and tax planning for investors • The real risks and misconceptions behind aggressive tax strategies • How investors should think about tax strategy before buying real estate Time stamps 00:00 Thumbnail reactions and intro 02:13 Introducing Matt Bontrager 03:00 Matt’s journey from Deloitte to entrepreneurship 08:00 Starting a CPA firm in 2020 and scaling rapidly 14:49 Inc. 5000 recognition and business growth 19:30 How content marketing helped grow the firm 22:10 The short-term rental tax loophole explained 25:00 Example: how a $700k property creates $140k in tax deductions 30:00 Understanding depreciation recapture 35:00 The biggest STR tax mistake investors make 38:50 Cost segregation and depreciation explained 45:00 Tax strategies investors should know before year end 49:00 Where to follow Matt and learn more Guest Bio  Matt Bontrager is a CPA and real estate tax strategist who helps investors and business owners reduce their tax burden through strategic tax planning. He is the founder of TrueBooks CPA, a fast-growing accounting firm specializing in real estate investors and entrepreneurs. Since launching the firm in 2020, Matt has helped clients uncover millions in tax savings using advanced strategies such as cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and short-term rental tax planning. Through his content on Instagram and YouTube, Matt educates investors on how to legally minimize taxes while building wealth through real estate. Connect with Matt Bontrager Website: https://www.truebookscpa.com/ Instagram:

    50 min

  7. APR 20

    They Ran Out of Money at 20 Units. Then Raised $14M and Bought 264 Units

    In this episode, Vince sits down with multifamily investor and loan broker Nate Shields, who scaled from small residential deals to 264 apartment units and over $14M raised from investors. Join the free Launch REI Newsletter at newsletter.launchrei.co Nate shares how he bought his first apartment building with zero money down, the partnerships that helped him grow quickly, and the lessons he learned while scaling a multifamily portfolio across multiple markets. From building relationships with property managers that bring deals directly to him, to raising capital and structuring partnerships, Nate breaks down the strategies that helped him grow from small deals into large apartment acquisitions. This episode is a practical deep dive into multifamily investing, capital raising, partnerships, and scaling a real estate portfolio the smart way. In this episode, we break down • How Nate bought his first apartment building with zero money down • The strategy that helped him scale to 264 apartment units • How he raised $14 million from investors • Why relationships with property managers can unlock off-market deals • The biggest lessons from scaling a multifamily portfolio • How partnerships accelerated his investing journey • The realities of raising capital from investors • How new investors can break into multifamily deals • Mistakes to avoid when growing your portfolio • What it really takes to scale in commercial real estate Time stamps 00:00 Intro 01:55 Meet Nate Shields 05:10 Buying the first apartment building 09:40 Structuring a zero-down deal 15:30 Finding deals through property managers 22:10 Building partnerships in real estate 28:45 Raising capital from investors 35:20 Scaling to 264 units 41:10 Lessons from growing a portfolio 47:30 Advice for new multifamily investors 52:00 Final thoughts Guest Bio   Nate Shields is a multifamily real estate investor and loan broker based in Colorado. He has built a portfolio of 264 apartment units and raised over $14 million in investor capital while partnering on multifamily acquisitions across multiple markets. Nate focuses on strategic partnerships, operational efficiency, and long-term real estate wealth building. Connect with Nate Shields Website: https://www.missional.group/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_shields/ Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #launchrei #nateshields #realestateinvesting #multifamilyinvesting #apartmentinvesting #passiveincome #realestatepodcast #capitalraising #commercialrealestate #financialfreedom

    57 min

  8. APR 15

    How to Break Into Real Estate When You Can't Afford the Market

    Breaking into luxury real estate might seem out of reach, but in this episode Samuel Haack breaks down a clear path to get started from scratch. Join the free Launch REI Newsletter at newsletter.launchrei.co In this episode, we break down exactly what you should do if you’re starting with little to no capital and want to enter the high-end real estate space. • The reality of starting in real estate with no money or connections • Why luxury real estate is still accessible if approached the right way • The first steps to take at 22 (or any age) to break into the industry • Building credibility and positioning yourself in a high-end market • Leveraging relationships and networking to accelerate growth • The importance of consistency and long-term thinking • Common mistakes beginners make when trying to enter luxury real estate • How to stand out in a competitive market • Mindset shifts required to operate at a higher level • Practical advice to start taking action immediately Time stamps 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Starting from zero in real estate 06:30 Why luxury real estate 11:20 First steps to break in 18:00 Building credibility 25:10 Networking and relationships 33:40 Mistakes to avoid 41:00 Standing out in the market 48:00 Final advice Guest Bio   The Samuel is a real estate professional specializing in the luxury market, known for helping new and aspiring agents understand how to break into high-end real estate without traditional advantages. Through strategic positioning, networking, and consistent execution, they have built a strong presence in a competitive space. Connect with Samuel Hack Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #launchrei #vince #samuelhaack #luxuryrealestate #realestatecareer #newagenttips #realestateinvesting #realestateagent #highendhomes #listingagent #realestatemarketing #realestatestrategy

    52 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Launch REI is a real estate investing podcast for high-income professionals and serious investors who are ready to move beyond small rental properties and build financial freedom. Each episode features investors who are actually doing it — scaling large portfolios, and replacing their W2 income through multifamily, syndications, short-term rentals, and self-storage. You’ll learn how deals actually get done, how capital is raised, how tax strategies  work, and what it really takes to build passive income at scale. If you’re a high-earning W2 professional, accredited investor, or emerging GP looking to level up your network, your deals, and your strategy — this is for you. New episodes every Monday and Wednesday. Hosted by: Vince Crane Join the community: newsletter.launchrei.co

Information

  • Creator
    Vincent Crane
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Launch REI
  • Show Website
    Launch REI

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