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

From Physical Therapist to 1,000-Unit Multifamily Portfolio

In this episode, we break down how Lee Yoder went from physical therapist to building a 1,000-unit multifamily portfolio by buying deals most investors ignore. From finding overlooked properties on LoopNet to acquiring 400+ unit portfolios in tertiary markets, Lee shares how going where competition is lowest helped him scale while others chased crowded markets. 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/ [https://easystreetcap.com/launchrei/] 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 [https://truebookscpa.com/home1?am_id=vince2128] In this episode, we break down • How Lee went from physical therapist to full-time multifamily investor • Why he buys multifamily buildings other investors overlook • The 16-unit LoopNet deal that helped launch his portfolio • How tertiary markets can offer stronger cash flow and less competition • How he scaled into syndications and a 1,000-unit portfolio • His strategy for finding deals where competition is lowest • How he evaluates investor returns, leverage, and market risk • Lessons from operating through taxes, insurance shocks, and market shifts • Why property management determines whether deals succeed or fail • How to build wealth by going where others aren’t willing to go Time stamps 00:00 Lee’s background and path into real estate 15:42 First flip and early multifamily deals 18:34 The 16-unit deal found on LoopNet 30:19 Scaling into larger multifamily syndications 34:11 How Lee targets returns and structures deals 41:50 Buying a 400+ unit portfolio 47:49 Finding deals others overlook 50:57 Raising capital and operating 1,000 units 54:16 Long-term strategy and lessons learned Guest Bio Lee Yoder is a multifamily investor, syndicator, and founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing. After leaving a career in physical therapy, he built a portfolio of nearly 1,000 units focused on cash-flowing multifamily in overlooked Midwest markets. Through Threefold REI, Lee helps investors build wealth through apartment syndications and passive income opportunities. Connect with Lee Yoder Website: https://threefoldrei.com [https://threefoldrei.com] LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-yoder-25793215a [http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-yoder-25793215a] Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co [https://newsletter.launchrei.co] Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ [https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/] Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind [https://launchrei.co/mastermind] Website: https://launchrei.co [https://launchrei.co] Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ [https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #multifamilyinvesting #apartmentsyndication #commercialrealestate #cashflowinvesting #passiveincome #realestateinvesting #financialfreedom #valueaddinvesting #tertiarymarkets #investormindset #launchrei #leeyoder

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/ [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 [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 [https://www.amazon.com/Bank-Your-Neighbor-People-First-Strategy/dp/B0FK31LFVH] Connect with Mel Dorman Website: https://sellerfinanceacademy.com [https://sellerfinanceacademy.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel_dorman/ [https://www.instagram.com/mel_dorman/] CONNECT WITH LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co [https://newsletter.launchrei.co] Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ [https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/] Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind [https://launchrei.co/mastermind] YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane Website: https://launchrei.co [https://launchrei.co] Follow Vince Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/ [https://www.instagram.com/vincecrane_/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vincecrane #sellerfinancing #creativefinance #realestateinvesting #financialfreedom #passiveincome #wealthbuilding #realestatecashflow #creativefinancing #investormindset #financialliteracy #launchrei #meldorman

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/ [ 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/ [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 [https://nextlevelincome.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenextlevelincomeshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/thenextlevelincomeshow/] Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co [https://newsletter.launchrei.co/]Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ [https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/]Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind [https://launchrei.co/mastermind]YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane [http://youtube.com/@VinceCrane]Website: https://launchrei.co [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

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/ [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/ [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/ [https://tempofunding.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popular/mike-zlotnik/ [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_/ [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

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 [http://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/ [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/ [https://www.pinkcashcow.com/] Instagram: http://instagram.com/yiweicheng1 [http://instagram.com/yiweicheng1] Connect with LAUNCH REI Newsletter: https://newsletter.launchrei.co [https://newsletter.launchrei.co/]Podcast Guest Application: https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/ [https://launchrei.co/podcast/guest-apply/]Mastermind: https://launchrei.co/mastermind [https://launchrei.co/mastermind]YouTube: youtube.com/@VinceCrane [http://youtube.com/@VinceCrane]Website: https://launchrei.co [https://launchrei.co/] Follow Vince Inst