Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

Forget what you’ve been told about retirement. In this episode, Michael Blank breaks down why chasing the dream of sitting on a beach at 65 is not just outdated—it’s dangerous. He unpacks the flawed math behind 401(k)s, FIRE, and single-family rentals, and lays out a smarter, faster path to freedom through multifamily syndications. If you're a high-income earner chasing control over your time, this episode will reframe how you think about “retirement” and show you how to buy your time back—on your terms. KEY TAKEAWAYS Retirement Is Not the Goal—Freedom Is * Traditional retirement means doing nothing, and that’s not fulfilling for most people. * After a short break, high performers crave impact, purpose, and productivity. * Financial freedom gives you options—to work, to rest, to choose how you live. The Math of Retirement Doesn’t Work * The 4% Rule requires you to save $3M+ for $10K/month in passive income—before inflation. * With inflation, that number balloons to $7.3M to maintain your current lifestyle. * Very few people are saving $2K–$15K/month for 10–30 years consistently. Why the FIRE Movement Falls Short * FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) demands extreme frugality—up to 70% savings rates. * It's built on sacrifice and still relies on fragile stock market assumptions. * Once “retired,” most FIRE followers still live lean—without true freedom or fulfillment. Why Rentals Are Better—But Still Not Enough * Even buying one rental per year doesn’t get you to $10K/month cash flow fast. * 50 rentals = $10K/month at $200/month per property—a huge operational burden. * BRRRR and flips can help, but they’re still slow, time-intensive, and hard to scale. Multifamily Syndications: The Fast Track to Freedom * Acquisition fees from one deal can replace your income and give you a 12-month runway. * Syndications have multiple profit centers: fees, cash flow, equity, and backend profits. * With the right coaching, you can quit your job within 1–2 years—not 30. Break the “DIY” Trap: Why Coaching Matters * Most people try to figure it out alone and stay stuck for years. * Multifamily syndications are a team sport—scale comes from partnerships, not hustle. * Without a roadmap, you’ll hit a ceiling fast or never start at all. CONNECT WITH NIGHTHAWK EQUITY Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/themichaelblank] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichaelblank/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/themichaelblank?sub_confirmation=1] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichaelblank] RESOURCES TheFreedomPodcast.com  [http://thefreedompodcast.com] Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) [https://apartments101.co/] Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors [https://call.themichaelblank.com/clarity] Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program [https://themichaelblank.com/mentor/] Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430] Syndicated Deal Analyzer [https://themichaelblank.com/syndicated-deal-analyzer/] Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank [https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07GJRH6WL]  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session478/

How do you scale to 350 multifamily units in a high-regulation, tenant-friendly market like Massachusetts—starting with a single house hack and a HELOC? In this episode, Andrew Freed breaks down how he did exactly that. He shares how he transitioned from a high-paying W-2 to full-time real estate investor, why he leaned into a market most investors avoid, and how strategic partnerships and capital raising unlocked serious growth. You’ll learn what actually worked, what didn’t, and how Andrew built a business that now self-manages 250+ units—all without starting rich or flashy. If you're serious about scaling and want a real-world blueprint from someone who's done it in a tough market, this one's worth your time. KEY TAKEAWAYS Turning a W-2 Into a Real Estate Exit Plan * Why Andrew stayed at his W-2 way longer than he needed to * The mastermind moment that finally pushed him to quit * How he 5X’d his income after going all-in How to Go from One House Hack to Hundreds of Units * The simple playbook he used to scale with zero previous experience * Why he ditched the “one duplex a year” plan and went big * How small, boring properties (2–30 units) became his superpower Raising Capital Without Feeling Salesy or Sleazy * How Andrew raised over $20M—even as an introvert * The mindset shift that made all the difference * What NOT to do when asking people to invest Investing Where No One Else Wants To * Why he’s buying in Massachusetts—and crushing it * How Section 8 became a secret weapon * His strategy for thriving in “landlord-unfriendly” markets Partnering the Right Way (So You Don’t Get Burned) * How to structure roles, control the money, and build trust * Why partnerships skyrocketed his growth—and what to watch out for * His “video game” approach to business (seriously) CONNECT WITH ANDREW https://freedommanagement.net/ [https://freedommanagement.net/]  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-freed-msm/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/afreed2] CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/themichaelblank] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichaelblank/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/themichaelblank?sub_confirmation=1] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichaelblank] RESOURCES TheFreedomPodcast.com  [http://thefreedompodcast.com] Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) [https://apartments101.co/] Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors [https://call.themichaelblank.com/clarity] Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program [https://themichaelblank.com/mentor/] Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430] Syndicated Deal Analyzer [https://themichaelblank.com/syndicated-deal-analyzer/] Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank [https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07GJRH6WL]  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session477/

In this episode of The Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Marcin Drozdz breaks down the exact playbook he used to raise over $100M for multifamily deals—even in challenging market conditions. He shares why multifamily remains the smartest path to financial freedom, how to raise capital without prior experience, and what new investors must focus on to close their first (or next) deal faster. If you want to scale with other people’s money and build lasting wealth, this episode gives you the blueprint. KEY TAKEAWAYS HOW MARCIN BUILT A $100M+ CAPITAL RAISING MACHINE * Focused on relationships, trust, and long-term partnerships—not flashy sales pitches. * Built credibility without relying on a massive personal portfolio upfront. * Scaled by consistently delivering value to investors first. WHY MULTIFAMILY BEATS OTHER REAL ESTATE STRATEGIES * Offers superior scalability compared to flips, single-family rentals, and STRs. * Combines cash flow, appreciation, and tax advantages into one asset. * Remains resilient through recessions and high-interest rate cycles. HOW TO RAISE CAPITAL WITHOUT A TRACK RECORD * You don’t need your own cash—you need the right frameworks for raising it. * Start building soft commitments from investors before your first deal. * How to position yourself confidently even as a newer operator. AVOIDING THE BIGGEST MISTAKES NEW INVESTORS MAKE * Why waiting for the “perfect deal” or “perfect timing” is a recipe for failure. * The danger of trying to figure it out alone without mentorship or a proven system. * How successful investors create momentum by taking imperfect action. MARCIN’S ADVICE FOR SCALING A REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO * Focus on building a strong personal brand and investor network early. * Surround yourself with experienced operators and communities that accelerate your learning. * Play the long game: Reputation and relationships compound faster than anything else. CONNECT WITH MARCIN Download Marcin's "Unlimited Investor Leads" Book [https://www.marcindrozdz.ca/optin-podcastm1?utm_source=FFwithREI] Website [https://www.marcindrozdz.com/] Instagram [http://@realmarcindrozdz] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcindrozdz/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/marcin.drozdz.16] CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/themichaelblank] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichaelblank/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/themichaelblank?sub_confirmation=1] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichaelblank] RESOURCES TheFreedomPodcast.com  [http://thefreedompodcast.com] Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) [https://apartments101.co/] Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors [https://call.themichaelblank.com/clarity] Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program [https://themichaelblank.com/mentor/] Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430] Syndicated Deal Analyzer [https://themichaelblank.com/syndicated-deal-analyzer/] Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank [https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07GJRH6WL]  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session476/

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 [https://www.alliancecgc.com] – Learn about his company and accredited investment opportunities * Personal Site: BenReinberg.com [https://www.benreinberg.com] – Buy his book "Hard Assets for Hard Times", explore wealth-building courses, and watch his TV show Obsessed * Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn: Just search Ben Reinberg on your favorite platform * Book: Hard Assets for Hard Times – A visual, actionable blueprint to start building your own real estate empire CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/themichaelblank] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichaelblank/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/themichaelblank?sub_confirmation=1] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichaelblank] RESOURCES TheFreedomPodcast.com  [http://thefreedompodcast.com] Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) [https://apartments101.co/] Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors [https://call.themichaelblank.com/clarity] Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program [https://themichaelblank.com/mentor/] Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430] Syndicated Deal Analyzer [https://themichaelblank.com/syndicated-deal-analyzer/] Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank [https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07GJRH6WL]  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session475/

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 TAKEAWAYS From College Kid to $750M Operator * Why Rob skipped flipping and went straight to syndications * How growing up in a struggling real estate household shaped his long-term mindset * What 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 action * The moment Rob realized capital raising is sales and marketing * How 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 instead * How Rob structured his first deals with more experienced partners * The 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 business * How Rob built Lone Star Capital from a two-man shop to a vertically integrated firm * The 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 deal * Why he avoids C-class properties despite their “better returns” on paper * How 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 excellence * How Rob stayed active—even without new acquisitions—by doubling down on systems and team * The creative strategies he uses to stay top-of-mind with investors between deals CONNECT WITH ROB https://lscre.com/ [https://lscre.com/]  CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/themichaelblank] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichaelblank/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/themichaelblank?sub_confirmation=1] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichaelblank] RESOURCES TheFreedomPodcast.com  [http://thefreedompodcast.com] Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101) [https://apartments101.co/] Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors [https://call.themichaelblank.com/clarity] Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program [https://themichaelblank.com/mentor/] Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club [https://nighthawkequity.com/invest-now/] Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430] Syndicated Deal Analyzer [https://themichaelblank.com/syndicated-deal-analyzer/] Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank [https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07GJRH6WL]  For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session474/