The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing

CREI Partners
  • 5.0 (20)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing

Join us for stories of triumphs and challenges for real estate investors. Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly, of getting started and succeeding in various commercial asset classes such as multi-family, storage, and build to rent homes.

  1. 01/17/2024

    Ep#57 Mindset Mastery: Goal Setting and Systems for Real Estate Success with Mike Mannino II

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III speaks with Mike Mannino II. Over the past 9 years, Mike has built a business that bought, fixed, and flipped over 80 homes and owns 60+ rentals by the age of 30. He has created multiple companies that generate over $1M per year in revenue.  He’s the founder of Real Estate Wealth Builders at REWBuilders.com, an educational company that helps real estate investors quickly scale their real estate business.     Topics on Today’s Episode:    Introduction to guest Mike Mannino II and his journey in real estate investing. Discussion of the critical importance of mindset.  Mike's early success, buying a house at 19 to renovate and house hack. He sold the house at 21 and chose to reinvest the equity in fix and flip homes.  Wayne relates discipline and going against the grain to invest in the future, during his time the Marine Corps.  Goal setting is important for both personal and business aspects. The feeling of achieving a goal feeds the next goal. Humans avoid pain more than seek pleasure, so the feeling of not achieving the goal is very motivating as well.  Mike's passion for retiring his father and already achieving a $100K/year goal for him.  Mike discusses his standardized pricing sheet and uniform set of decisions for each fix and flip property-same cabinets, floors, trim, paint color, etc. Defined process saves time and money for each flip.  Profiling key members of Mike's team, including his partner David and office manager Olivia and 3 construction crews. Mike’s goal to help others is manifested through helping them achieve higher income to support their families.  The inception of REWBuilders.com, Mike's real estate educational platform. Free resources and Facebook group are available on the website.  REWBuilders live event in Florida for networking and learning about various types of real estate investing.  Overview of Mike's nine years in real estate: flipping 80 houses and acquiring 60+ rentals.  Insights into flipping houses and the difference between being rich and being wealthy. Mike states that flipping single-family homes built cashflow, but multi-family helped him achieve financial freedom.  Leverage people that are in places you want to be. Learn from and partner with those who have done the thing you want to do, to reach your goals.  Mike and Wayne share the importance of focus and overcoming fears in real estate.  The conversation on building wealth over time and the significance of setting achievable goals.  Mike’s proudest moment was achieving his goal to retire his dad with $100k in income per year.  Wayne's gratitude for the conversation and a teaser for an upcoming podcast on entrepreneurial mindset.  Get more info from Mike through the free resources on REWBuilders.com and by joining his active Facebook group.    Links and Resources:    Mike Mannino II  https://www.rewbuilders.com/

    34 min

  2. 11/29/2023

    Ep#56 Mastering the Art of Self Storage Investing with Tom Dunkel

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III speaks with Tom Dunkle about the secrets of self-storage investing. After building a business in the distressed mortgage market, Tom and his partner sought an opportunity with increased stability and growth. Investing in distressed self-storage facilities has provided an amazing opportunity.  Tom Dunkel is the Chief Investment Officer of Belrose Storage Group LLC and brings over 27 years of real estate, finance and investment experience to the table. Working alongside his world-class team of professionals, Tom makes it his mission to find great investment opportunities for his clients while helping them meet their wealth-building goals.  Tom manages the firm’s financial underwriting, playing a critical role in creating win-win deal structures that ensure achievable investor returns. In addition, he works closely with private investors to communicate about new acquisitions and investing opportunities, as well as report on the progress of current investments.    Topics on Today’s Episode:   Introduction to Tom Dunkel and his background in real estate investment.  The focus of Bellrose Storage Group is on acquiring underperforming self-storage facilities.  Overview of the self-storage industry and its stability over the years.  Discussing remote management and contracted call centers for self-storage facilities.  Factors that contribute to the demand for self-storage, including both good and bad times. Home sales can drive traffic for retail self-storage, so during this time of low residential turnover, Tom is shifting focus to more stable commercial clients.  Utilizing social media advertising, such as Facebook geo ads, to target specific demographics.  Value-add opportunities in self-storage investing, including renovations, security upgrades, and management efficiency.  Interest rates and exit cap rates in self-storage deals.  The potential increase in properties coming on the market, due to capital stack distress.  Targeting specific markets and customers in the self-storage business. Shifting focus to commercial customers offers a variety of benefits. People using storage units for their business are more likely to pay on time and be long term clients.  The process of dealing with non-payment of rent and virtual auctions in self-storage facilities. Delinquencies are much lower cost and easier to turnover than multifamily evictions.  Building relationships with neighbors and communities for goodwill and to understand the market and their needs.  Risks and challenges in the self-storage asset class, including market shifts and control over variables.  The importance of grit and overcoming challenges in real estate investing.  Tom’s proudest moment: Building a successful, self-sustaining team. Tom’s goal is closing a deal without direct involvement, showcasing team growth.     Links and Resources:    Tom Dunkel  Belrose Storage Group, LLC - Self Storage Investing  tom@belroseam.com

    40 min

  3. 11/15/2023

    Ep#55 Crafting a Profitable Strategy While Mitigating Risk in Real Estate Investing with Joel Friedland

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III chats with the legendary Joel Friedland. Joel is a seasoned industrial real estate professional with an impressive track record spanning over 40 years. Joel takes us on a journey through his vast experience in the Chicago area, where he has visited a staggering 15,000 out of 16,000 buildings. Throughout the conversation, we delve into Joel's unique investment approach, his strategies for mitigating risk, and his insights on the current real estate market.  With over four decades of experience in industrial real estate, Joel leverages extensive brokerage expertise to lead conservative yet profitable syndications. After co-founding and growing Epic/Savage Realty Partners, a 60+ professional firm to successful exit, he founded Brit Properties. Joel has brokered over $250 million in transactions through valued long-term relationships.   Joel’s syndication approach uniquely utilizes 0% debt for principal conservation while targeting 8%+ cash returns. Having navigated the Great Recession, he employs a cautious strategy informed by cycles. For his investors, Joel delivers reliable cashflow, upside potential, and mitigated risk through dedication to the asset class and prudent deal structuring. His investments draw on a proven track record of 2,000+ industrial leases and sales totaling hundreds of millions acquired. Joel continually refined his real estate acumen over decades to create wealth for partners.  Joel attended the University of Michigan. He enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family, particularly his 3 young grandchildren.    Topics on Today’s Episode:  Introducing Joel Friedland, an experienced Real Estate investor with extensive experience in Chicago.  Friedland's focus is on mitigating drastic loss for investors through diligent and debt-free operations.  He offers insights into his investment preferences, such as smaller, older manufacturing buildings over large warehouse buildings. Defining your niche helps focus your efforts.  Friedland shares an example of a lucrative investment in downtown Chicago.  He discusses his unique approach to finding an 8% return on investment.  Friedland recommends investors diversify their investments, capping at 5% of their net worth with him.  He reveals his acquisition strategy, which involves buying properties from families experiencing internal transitions.  Friedland and Wayne discuss the importance of strong partnerships in the brokerage and real estate business.  They highlight the necessity of having a well-organized back office with efficient bookkeeping/accounting and property management.  Outsourcing, specifically in property management, is advised for individuals more attuned to sales.  Friedland's unique real estate investment strategy involving seller financing is discussed in detail.  Target investors for Joel are described, focusing on affluent older individuals.  Friedland emphasizes the approach of minimizing risk in investments.  As an investor, evaluating your own risk tolerance can guide you toward investment decisions that fit your needs and goals best.  Friedland's investment successes are highlighted, with narratives from successful collaborations.

    48 min

  4. 11/08/2023

    Ep#54 Tax-Savvy Savings: The Tax Bucket Approach to Put Money Back in Your Pockets with Susan Geist

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III speaks with Susan Geist who shares her expertise and tips for investors. She details how to put money back into investor’s pockets using the tax bucket approach. As someone who has achieved incredible success in building a portfolio generating five figures in passive income, Susan has invaluable insights into using strategic investment deductions to optimize your taxes and maximize your wealth.  A few years ago, Susan was taken aback by a huge federal tax bill. In response, she developed a 'tax bucket' strategy to map out her future tax planning. This approach enabled her to effortlessly visualize her income and tax obligations, ultimately revealing remarkable opportunities for substantial tax savings. Today, she consistently saves over $100,000 annually on her taxes. In this presentation, we will delve into Susan's tax-saving secrets. We'll learn how to categorize income into the IRS's three distinct buckets and discover deductions tailor-made for each bucket. Prepare to unlock the potential for substantial tax savings that put money back into your own pockets!    Topics on Today’s Episode:  Overview of the importance of tax planning and optimization in real estate investing.  Explanation of the tax bucket formula and its divisions (active, portfolio, passive).  Discussion of a client example named Meredith, who has income from a W-2 job and stocks.  Discussion of tax-advantaged accounts and real estate as tax-saving strategies.  Explanation of how short-term rentals can be classified as active businesses for tax write-offs.  Case study of a client generating a $120,000 loss in the first year through depreciation and expenses.  Importance of tax-savvy savings and the long-term impact of saving on taxes.  Example of using a backdoor Roth IRA to add to the active bucket and reduce taxes.  Benefit of being in the 0% tax rate for dividends and long-term capital gains.  Comparison of previous and current tax burdens for a client, resulting in significant savings.  Mention of other income benefits related to the Affordable Care Act, FAFSA, and Medicare.  Discussion of the potential future wealth growth through compounding.    Links and Resources:  Susan Geist  https://www.risingfemmewealth.com/  risingfemmewealth@gmail.com  https://calendly.com/risingfemmewealth https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-geist   CREI Partners   https://www.creipartners.com   https://www.meetup.com/texas-multi-family-inv...

    49 min

  5. 11/01/2023

    Ep#53 Infinite Banking Concept: Structuring Whole Life Insurance Policies for Wealth Building with Dr. Rob Scranton

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III speaks with Dr. Rob Scranton. Dr. Rob is an expert in the field of infinite banking, a concept that revolutionizes the way we think about insurance policies and real estate investing.  Dr. Rob Scranton uses accounting and finance expertise to teach the Infinite Banking Concept, or IBC, for wealth growth. He shows how to leverage debt and expenses with this little-known strategy instead of traditional scrimping and saving.  Infinite Banking predates the IRS so wealth accumulated through it is protected from government seizure. Dr. Rob has achieved financial success with this method without compromising lifestyle or going frugal. It's about staying wealthy by preserving and growing your money. The wealthy use this 200-year-old strategy to keep more money rather than working more or taking on more risk.  Dr. Rob is passionate about sharing these strategies from family traditions, like how private banking saved his great grandparents' farm in the Great Depression as public banks failed. He explains why personal banking is critical now. If you want true wealth, learn the Infinite Banking Concept - Dr. Rob can help.    Topics on Today’s Episode:  The benefits of using overfunded, cash-heavy whole life insurance policies that pay dividends through mutual companies, for loans, cash growth, accumulation, and compounding.  The importance of structuring insurance policies properly for the infinite banking concept.  The mistake of going to just any insurance agent without considering their knowledge of structuring policies for IBC.  The advantage is for the client rather than the agent in setting up policies properly for the banking concept, so be aware of what you need and read the policies.  The benefits of the death benefit attached to these policies and how it continues to grow when policies are set up properly for banking purposes.  An example of a long-standing policy showcasing significant returns on investment.  The concept of getting a return of premium in addition to the upside of an insurance policy.  The company's partnership with other companies that have designed policies specifically for infinite banking.  Dr. Rob Scranton’s personal experiences and success with their banking system.  The limitations and requirements for policies based on age and income.  The ability to continue earning interest on the cash value even after taking out loans.  The option of passive investing in real estate, using these accounts, and the benefits it can bring.  The differences between term life insurance policies and whole life insurance policies.  The challenges and misconceptions surrounding infinite banking.    Links and Resources:  Book Recommendation  Becoming Your Own Banker: Unlock the Infinite Banking Concept: R. Nelson Nash: 9780972631617: Amazon.com: Books    Rob Sc...

    44 min

  6. 10/25/2023

    Ep#52 Techniques and Tips for Real Estate Wholesaling with Tom Zeeb

    In today’s episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III talks to Tom Zeeb about using his proven techniques to find profitable real estate wholesale deals. Tom shares his strategies for finding and negotiating real estate deals for any exit strategy.   Back in 2001, Tom was broke as a joke. A near-death experience while whitewater rafting pushed him to find a new way to break free of his 9-to-5 job. His first "deal" almost took him under as well, but real estate investing saved him in the end. Both personally and financially.  Hundreds of deals later, he is happy to share the same negotiation, marketing, and business techniques that set him free, so you can do the same. Simple, structured, and step-by-step techniques that take you from spinning your wheels to making profitable deals.  Investors of all levels struggle with their businesses. Newbies want to get started, but often keep hitting the wall of confusion and spinning their wheels. Intermediate and advanced investors often find that they made a wrong turn and built a business they aren’t actually happy with, but don't know how to fix and re-engineer it.  Tom Zeeb works with real estate investors of all levels to get their business built (or re-built) correctly, so that their personal goals and lifestyle stay at the center of everything they do, giving them more money, time, and freedom to spend as they please.    Topics on Today’s Episode:  Tom’s experience in real estate investing and how it saved them both personally and financially.  The role of networking and building relationships in finding good investment opportunities. Real Estate investing is a team sport.  The use of public records and other resources to identify potential investment opportunities. Divorce, death, being an out of state owner, etc, are all available in public record and may lead to owners that are trying to sell their homes quickly This allows targeting with direct mail or other outreach.  If the sellers are distressed and need to sell, helping them by wholesaling or buying as an investment is a helpful act of service.  Sellers may not have time or money to sell their property in a more traditional way. Wholesaling can be a service to “buy and hold” rental investors, or rehab investors, to help them find appropriate deals.  Be sure to understanding assignable contracts and options in in...

    39 min

  7. 10/18/2023

    Ep#51 The Power of Real Estate Investing: Unlocking Opportunity and Building Wealth with Jack Krupey

    In today’s episode of the Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III talks to Jack Krupey who has truly mastered the art of value-add investing. Jack is a firm believer in the power of strategic investing and the incredible opportunities that exist in the real estate market. He has been able to build wealth, achieve tax deferral, and help countless individuals reach their financial goals through his unique coaching program and investment partnerships.   Jack Krupey is the principal and founder of JKAM Investments. He has been investing in both real estate and distressed debt since 2001. He has built long-term relationships with experienced real estate developers, sponsors, and syndicators over his 20-year career. Jack leveraged the 2008 financial crisis as part of a private equity fund that yielded impressive returns off of distressed and restructured debt. He repositioned properties as well as modified and restructured loans for borrowers.  In 2014, Jack entered into a partnership with a large private equity fund and led the asset management arm of the firm that made over 3 billion dollars in purchases of non-performing and re-performing mortgage debt between 2015 and 2019. An entrepreneur by nature, Jack decided to launch JK Asset Management and the JKAM Diversified RE Fund to focus on alternative assets such as value-add multifamily real estate.   Prior to beginning his real estate investment career, Jack graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's in information technology. Jack graduated with a dual MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.    Topics on Today’s Episode:  Jack’s journey from an IT consultant to real estate entrepreneur and financial freedom.   Missed opportunities in the rental market for investors who did not take advantage of recent rent surges.  Jack’s take on value-add strategy of renovating units and raising rents to increase net operating income and the value of the building.  The benefits of real estate investment in terms of generating positive cash flow, tax deferral, and building long-term wealth.  Many reasons to be bullish in today’s market, especially in Houston.  The number one metric to look at is still net operating income (NOI). Interest rates can move up and inflation can increase, but NOI is the one thing we can control and if you are hitting this metric, then you should be stable in the midst of any storm.  For individuals in high tax brackets, real estate investing can be a game-changer. Building long-term wealth and achieving tax deferral through real estate can be a powerful tool for retirement planning.  The importance of investing with good operators who have the financial means to execute projects effectively.  How concepts like depreciation, passive losses, and tax-deferred income, investors can strategically reduce their tax liability and generate positive cash flow.  Jack shares his insights and wealth of knowledge on evaluating distressed deals and investing in stabilized assets.  Today’s multifamily climate and potential risk with Class A assets.   The national housing shortage has opened huge investment opportunities in the class B multifamily market. Rents are still rising in today’s market at a rate of up to 10-15% per year.  The power of tax los...

    40 min

  8. 09/27/2023

    Ep#50 Diversifying Assets and Mitigating Risks in Real Estate Investing with Igor Shaltanov

    In today’s landmark 50th episode of The Untold Stories of Real Estate Investing, host Wayne Courreges III is excited to learn about international perspectives in real estate investing with Igor Shaltanov. Igor is the founder and managing partner of Avista Fund and is a former professional athlete who transitioned into successful entrepreneurship and real estate investment.     Guided by discipline and a relentless drive for excellence, Igor has founded and managed thriving companies and businesses in Southern California. In 2015, Igor ventured into real estate and established Avista Fund in 2020. This privately held firm focuses on raising capital from investors and investing in income-generating, value-add multifamily properties. Their mission is to provide local as well as international investors with access to US real estate, safeguarding and growing their wealth amidst high inflation rates in their local countries and currencies. They are currently serving as a limited partner to 17 different real estate deals, 3,050+ multifamily units, with a cumulative value of over $483.5MM. They prioritize conservative underwriting and meticulous due diligence, ensuring a prudent approach to investing while delivering value to both investors and residents.     Igor's professional journey exemplifies a relentless pursuit of excellence, supported by his values driven approach to business and investment. Through Avista Fund, he not only empowers investors but also makes a positive impact on the lives of residents and communities    Topics on Today’s Episode:  Introduction to Igor Shaltanov and his perspective on ownership in real estate investing.  Comparison of different cultural perspectives on ownership and property rights.  Encouragement to ask questions about the legal framework and potential risks in real estate investing.  Discussion on the value proposition of converting currency to American dollars.  Analysis of the depreciation of other currencies and the potential long-term value of investing in the US dollar.  Exploration of the fear of losing what has been earned or gained as a potential reason for lack of investment interest among groups of people from various parts of the world.  Speculation on the number of investors like Igor who are purchasing apartments in Russia, Ukraine, or passive investing in the United States.  Personal experience of leasing a single-family home in California, including difficulties and frustrations.  Appreciation for the multifamily space and its ability to cover expenses even with vacant units.  Importance of taking pause and not letting emotions get involved in real estate investments  Personal background of Igor as part of the professional water polo team and his worldwide travels.  Meeting Igor's wife in Turkey and their journey to starting a family.  Roller coaster nature of a career in sports and the discipline required to navigate it.  Exploration of the potential for social media and the world to create division and conflict. Questions about personal experiences challenge negative expectations and stereotypes in South Africa and Russia.  Reflection on Igor's proudest moment: finding a real estate idea with high return and low risk.  Discussion...

    54 min
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Join us for stories of triumphs and challenges for real estate investors. Learn the good, the bad, and the ugly, of getting started and succeeding in various commercial asset classes such as multi-family, storage, and build to rent homes.

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