Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Brad Johnson, a 20-year real estate investor who has managed over $3B in assets and successfully transitioned from mobile home park operator to full-time asset allocator. Brad shares how he built his career one deal at a time, the moment he walked away from investment banking, and how he engineered a lifestyle that aligns with his values. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on career transitions, downside-risk investing, and creating long-term financial freedom.Key TakeawaysThe power of compounding — Brad’s investing mindset started early, recognizing the value of long-term ownership.Career clarity matters — He repeatedly redesigned his professional path when he realized certain roles didn’t fit the life he wanted.Real estate as stability — Mobile home parks gave him consistent, low-risk, scalable returns and helped him transition out of burnout.Know your strengths — Brad realized he’s an investor, not an operator, and pivoted from managing teams to allocating capital.Diversification through operators — Today he partners with 15+ sponsors and private equity firms to spread risk and scale intelligently.Lead with passion, not just money — Brad highlights the importance of pursuing what energizes you and letting wealth compound over time.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session502/

In this special mentor roundtable, Michael is joined by long-time advisors Brad Tacia and Jonathan Nichols to break down what’s happening in multifamily right now. They share the latest trends in deal flow, investor sentiment, capital raising, and student success—plus the strategies that are working best in today’s market. If you want a clear picture of the current landscape and how new investors are getting deals done, this episode is for you.Key TakeawaysDeal flow is improving as interest rates stabilize and lenders stop granting extensions, pushing more assets to market. Investor sentiment is stronger than last year, and capital raising is easier with more certainty in the economy. Consistency wins — analyzing deals, making offers, and staying resilient through near misses is the path to success. Partnerships matter — deal finders and capital raisers together accelerate momentum and unlock bigger opportunities. Sample deal packages allow students to raise capital before they have a deal under contract, solving the “chicken-and-egg” problem. You don’t need years of experience to get broker attention — consistency, communication, and a clear playbook build instant credibility.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session501/

To celebrate 500 episodes of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Podcast, Michael flips the script and answers your biggest questions. Listeners submitted their favorite episodes plus their most burning questions about scaling, quitting a W-2, raising capital, working with brokers, avoiding bad deals, parenting, mindset, and even… Michael’s net worth. This special episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom from a decade of podcasting and real-world investing experience.Key Takeaways: Time is not the real barrier — priority is. With 5 focused hours a week, you can build a multimillion-dollar real estate business on the side. When to quit your W-2? It’s personal. Burn-the-boats works for some, but most people exit when acquisition fees and deal income create a meaningful financial runway. Comfort zone determines whether you buy a duplex or a 50-unit. Touring larger properties stretches your perceived limits instantly. Raising capital is easier than you think. Engineers, introverts, and first-timers routinely raise $500K–$750K within 60 days with the right playbook. You don’t need to raise all the money yourself. Capital raisers and deal finders are natural partners — leverage ecosystems and joint ventures. How to stand out to brokers: Build a team first, stop using newbie language, stay responsive, and meet them in person. Know when to walk away from a deal: Sometimes you should — sometimes you shouldn’t. Experienced mentors help you see the difference. Focus on passive income, not net worth. Financial freedom is when passive income exceeds living expenses. Most valuable life lesson for his kids: Live intentionally. Not defaulting into a career or life path. Success is less about outcomes and more about who you become. Mindset, peace, and character matter more than money. Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session500/

What if you could build wealth through real estate… without paying taxes along the way? In this episode, Michael Blank welcomes Louis Rogers, founder of Capital Square and pioneer of the tenants-in-common model still widely referenced today. Lewis breaks down the simplicity of 1031 exchanges, why DSTs have replaced TICs, and how investors can eventually move into a REIT structure to enjoy completely passive investing — while still deferring taxes. If you want to learn how the wealthy use the tax code to accelerate their net worth, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways: 1031 exchanges are simpler than most people think — and typically cost about $1,000 using a qualified intermediary. The old tenants-in-common (TIC) structure is obsolete — DSTs are now the preferred option for 1031 investors. Investors can move from active ownership → DSTs → UPREIT, getting more passive over time. Tax deferral can continue for life — with a step-up in basis eliminating capital gains upon inheritance. The U.S. tax code is uniquely favorable to real estate — wealthy families use it strategically. Paying taxes is a choice: learn the rules and keep more of your money working for you.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session499/

Did you know there’s more than $40 trillion sitting in U.S. retirement accounts — most of which could be invested in real estate? In this episode, Michael Blank chats with Karen Hall, Founder of uDirect IRA and author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing, to break down the rules, tax implications, and best practices that allow investors to use their retirement funds to participate in real estate syndications. Whether you're a GP raising capital or an LP investing passively, this conversation will help you unlock one of the biggest capital sources in the world.Key Takeaways: There is $40 trillion in retirement accounts — a huge capital pool most investors overlook. Self-directed IRAs can invest in syndications, rentals, notes, crypto, precious metals, and more. The IRS has prohibited transaction rules — keep investments arm’s length to avoid penalties. UBIT/UDFI taxes can apply when leverage is involved — tax advisors are essential. A solo 401(k) can reduce some debt-related tax exposure. Recent laws may allow employer 401(k)s to include alternative investment funds, opening the door wider. Always ask investors: “Do you have retirement funds?” — because most won’t think of it themselves.Connect with MichaelFacebookInstagramYouTubeTikTokResourcesTheFreedomPodcast.com Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of AdvisorsExplore Michael’s Mentoring ProgramJoin the Nighthawk Equity Investor ClubReview the Podcast on Apple PodcastsSyndicated Deal AnalyzerGet the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session498/