The Dirty Truth About Institutional Money That No One Talks About Derek Czarkowski

Sparking the ADU Revolution Across America

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What happens when keeping your word becomes your greatest business advantage? Kol Peterson is an ADU expert, housing advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and author who has spent more than a decade helping shape the accessory dwelling unit movement across the United States. He shares how his environmental planning background led him to champion ADUs as a practical solution for housing affordability, sustainability, aging in place, and wealth creation. In this conversation, Kol explains the policy reforms that transformed California into the largest ADU market in the world, discusses the biggest barriers still facing homeowners and developers, explores financing challenges, modular construction, tiny homes, RV housing, and reveals why states across the country are now adopting stronger housing policies. He also shares insights from his work with Casita Coalition, AARP, ADU Academy, and numerous initiatives helping drive housing innovation nationwide. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Skip the Lines, leave a review, and share this conversation with anyone interested in housing, real estate investing, ADUs, development, or creating more affordable housing opportunities in their community.   Chapters 00:00 How Kol Peterson Discovered ADUs and Helped Launch Portland's Early Movement 06:10 The Environmental Economic and Social Benefits That Make ADUs a Powerful Housing Solution 15:42 Casita Coalition Statewide Reform Efforts and the Policies That Unlocked ADU Growth 29:00 Financing Challenges Construction Costs and the Future of Modular ADU Development 40:07 ADU Academy Professional Education and the Growing National Housing Network 50:31 Tiny Homes RV Housing Statewide Zoning Reform and the Future of Housing Innovation   Quotes "ADUs are kind of a win win win win win thing. There's nothing quite like it out there." "My theory was just I'm going to lean into ADUs because I believe it is an important thing." "The biggest question today is how do we get better second position financing without touching the first mortgage." "States are now saying local jurisdictions you can no longer regulate housing because you're doing a poor job of it."   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Kol Peterson!  Website: https://accessorydwellingstrategies.com/ [https://accessorydwellingstrategies.com/]  Twitter: https://x.com/kolpeterson [https://x.com/kolpeterson]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolpeterson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolpeterson/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] #SkipTheLines #ADU #AccessoryDwellingUnit #HousingCrisis #AffordableHousing #RealEstate #HousingPolicy #UrbanPlanning #KolPeterson #SkipTheLinesPodcast #ADUAcademy #CasitaCoalition #TinyHomes #ModularHousing #MiddleHousing #HousingInnovation #PropertyInvestment #SustainableHousing #HousingDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #BackyardHomes Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Untold Opportunity in Aviation Finance ~ Eljona Shkreli

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What happens when keeping your word becomes your greatest business advantage? Eljona Shkreli is a capital raiser at Stratus Financial, an immigrant from Albania, a mother, wife, world traveler, and finance professional with deep experience in banking and alternative investments. In this episode, Eljona shares her journey from growing up in the mountains of Albania to rebuilding her career in the United States. She talks about starting over, earning an MBA, working in major banks, and learning that trust, listening, and authenticity are the true foundations of sales. She also explains how Stratus Financial helps fund commercial pilot training, why aviation lending is an overlooked opportunity, and how investors can receive predictable monthly returns while helping future pilots pursue their dreams. Subscribe, share this episode, and connect with Eljona if you want to learn more about alternative investments, aviation finance, and authentic relationship-based business.   Chapters 00:00 From Albania to America and Starting Over 04:16 Building Trust Through Authentic Relationships 08:32 From Wall Street Banking to Alternative Investments 13:10 Inside Stratus Financial and Aviation Lending 18:41 Why Investors Are Paying Attention to Private Credit 23:12 Networking Mindset and Skip the Line Advice   Quotes “I was raised with a lot of structure at home.” “If I give you my word or I promise that something will be done, it will get done.” “I never try to sell something that does not make sense to you and your family.” “Never miss being authentic.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Eljona Shkreli!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eljona-shkreli-mba-8bb489177/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eljona-shkreli-mba-8bb489177/] https://www.instagram.com/eljona.85/ [https://www.instagram.com/eljona.85/] https://stratus.finance/meet-the-team/ [https://stratus.finance/meet-the-team/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] #SkipTheLines #EljonaShkreli #SkipTheLines #StratusFinancial #CapitalRaising #AlternativeInvestments #PrivateCredit #AviationFinance #PilotTraining #InvestorRelations #WomenInBusiness #ImmigrantSuccess #FinancePodcast #TrustBasedSelling #Networking #Entrepreneurship #WealthManagement #Mindset #Authenticity #PrivateLending #CommercialPilots Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Building a 30 Million Dollar Construction ~ Brandon Holtzman

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What separates contractors who stay stuck from the ones who build multi million dollar companies? Brandon Holtzman is the founder of Holtzman Construction, a design build company operating in Arizona and Southern California generating over 30 million dollars annually. In this episode, Brandon shares his journey from knocking on doors with zero dollars to building one of the top construction brands in Arizona. He breaks down how systems, branding, marketing, and operational structure became the foundation of his growth. Brandon also dives into the realities of scaling a construction company, the pros and cons of employees versus subcontractors, why most contractors struggle with profitability, and how his proprietary software Free Builder AI helps contractors estimate jobs, manage operations, and avoid costly mistakes. This episode is packed with actionable insights for contractors, investors, and entrepreneurs looking to grow sustainably. Subscribe for more conversations with top entrepreneurs, builders, and investors who are redefining their industries.   Chapters 00:00 Early Hustle and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 06:50 Launching Holtzman Construction During the Recession 12:55 Scaling Operations Through Employees and Subcontractors 18:45 Building Systems and Developing Contractor Software 24:59 Marketing Strategies Branding and Company Culture 31:17 Contractor Growth Advice and Skip the Line Hacks   Quotes “You do not have a business unless you have a system.” “If you are not calling your leads back within five minutes you lost that lead.” “Everybody wants to go from zero to one hundred too quickly and that is where you fail.” “Start small learn your niche and understand the business before trying to scale.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Brandon Holtzman!  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-holtzman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-holtzman/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com]   #SkipTheLines #Construction #GeneralContractor #RealEstate #Entrepreneur #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionBusiness #ContractorLife #HomeRemodel #DesignBuild #ArizonaBuilder #ConstructionManagement #Leadership #Marketing #Sales #BusinessSystems #FreeBuilderAI #HoltzmanConstruction #Investing #Startup #ScalingBusiness Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

Change Your Family’s Future Forever with Real Estate ~ Hans Seelinger

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] What would you do if everything you built suddenly disappeared overnight? Hans Seelinger is a multifamily syndicator, investor, and educator based in Miami Florida who has built a portfolio of more than 340 units while teaching others how to analyze and acquire profitable real estate deals. In this episode Hans shares his incredible story of surviving economic collapse in Venezuela, rebuilding his life in the United States, and discovering the power of multifamily investing and syndication. Jonathan Mitchell and Hans dive deep into mindset, mentorship, underwriting, capital raising, and the importance of adding value to others. Hans explains how he went from delivering balloons to closing multimillion dollar apartment deals while overcoming fear, limiting beliefs, and adversity. This conversation is packed with practical lessons about investing, resilience, networking, and creating long term wealth. Subscribe to Skip The Lines Podcast and share this episode with someone who wants to level up financially and mentally.   Chapters 00:00 Building a Real Estate Mindset for Wealth and Freedom 05:00 From Economic Collapse to Rebuilding Life in America 12:00 Surviving Kidnapping and Turning Pain Into Purpose 16:30 How Hans Seelinger Broke Into Multifamily Syndication 25:45 The Power of Underwriting Raising Capital and Creating Wealth 39:45 Mentorship Investing and the Keys to Long Term Success   Quotes “You do not need money to make money.” “You are never going to get paid for your time. You get paid for the value you bring to the market.” “Learn how to add value and people will want to work with you.” “Investing is risky but not investing is even riskier.”   Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Hans Seelinger!  https://www.instagram.com/hansseelinger/ [https://www.instagram.com/hansseelinger/]   📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]

The Dirty Truth About Institutional Money That No One Talks About Derek Czarkowski

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/fan_mail/new] Are you investing for hype or building real long-term wealth? Derek Czarkowski serves as Vice President, Investor Relations at Buchanan Street Partners and brings over 20 years of experience in real estate investing. In this episode, he shares his journey from institutional real estate to working with high-net-worth investors and how those experiences reshaped his approach to capital deployment and risk. The conversation dives into the realities of institutional capital, why it can pressure operators into bad decisions, and how smarter investors focus on risk adjusted returns instead of chasing flashy IRRs. Derek also explains open ended funds vs direct deals, current market opportunities, and why today may be one of the best entry points in years. If you want to understand how experienced investors think about money, risk, and real estate this episode is packed with insights you can actually use. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and career background 04:26 Buchanan Street overview 07:58 Institutional vs private capital 12:31 Capital raising and market outlook 18:50 Fund structures explained 23:32 Mindset lessons and life advice   Quotes "It is hard to be a good buyer when you have hundreds of millions to deploy." – Derek Czarkowski "People are always drawn to high return deals even when the risk is much higher." – Derek Czarkowski "If I could do it all over again, I would buy more real estate earlier." – Derek Czarkowski "Real estate gives you equity returns bond like cash flow and tax advantages all in one." – Derek Czarkowski    Enjoyed the show?  Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the “Skip The Lines Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]”   FULL VIDEOS are always uploaded on YouTube. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod [https://www.youtube.com/@skipthelinespod]   📢 Connect with Derek Czarkowski!  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekczarkowski/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekczarkowski/] Website: https://www.buchananstreet.com/personnel/derek-czarkowski/ [https://www.buchananstreet.com/personnel/derek-czarkowski/]    📢 Connect with me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088499808533] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3Bked5yNlFRoy58i2w48zNjg%3D%3D] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre]  Twitter (X): https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre [https://www.tiktok.com/@jonathanmitchellre] ADU PALS: https://adupals.com [https://adupals.com] Business Inquiries: jonathan@adupals.com [jonathan@adupals.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2347593/support] Enjoying the show? Keep the conversation going!  Skip The Lines Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlFAYIZJ2w2CUzEtK49jelO9Khn40ZnN]