Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

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]

Think you need years of experience or loads of cash to invest in multifamily? Think again. In this solo episode, Michael Blank busts the two biggest myths that keep people from getting started in apartment syndications: lack of experience and lack of capital. He shares real-life strategies for building a winning team, raising money as a beginner, and scaling fast—even if you're starting from scratch. Key Takeaways: * Experience ≠ Access: Multifamily brokers care more about your team’s track record than yours. * Build the Right Team: Partner with experienced operators, lenders, and property managers to gain instant credibility. * Capital Raising Is a Learnable Skill: You don’t need your own money—just the ability to educate and connect with potential investors. * Focus on “Who,” Not “How”: Don’t try to do everything. Find partners who fill your gaps. * Anyone Can Start: With the right mindset and system, beginners have raised millions—even on their first deal 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/session473/

If you think property management is just about collecting rent and fixing toilets, you're leaving serious money on the table. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Robert Parmar to talk about how the best operators are using systems and tech to run their properties more profitably — and why poor management is the fastest way to kill your financial freedom. Robert’s pulling back the curtain on the biggest mistakes property managers make (and what it’s really costing you), the secret sauce that separates good from great, and the practical systems you can use to finally step out of the day-to-day — without sacrificing profits. Whether you're managing yourself or outsourcing it, if you want more cash flow, less stress, and more freedom, you can't afford to miss this one. KEY TAKEAWAYS Leveraging Technology for Better Remote Management * Why top property managers are heavily investing in tech tools and automation. * How the right systems can reduce vacancy, boost cash flow, and create a "set-it-and-forget-it" ownership experience. * Examples of technology Robert uses to deliver better tenant experiences and operational efficiencies. Biggest Mistakes Property Managers Make * The "set it and forget it" myth: why poor communication is the fastest way to lose owners and tenants. * Overlooking preventative maintenance and its long-term cost. * The importance of hiring based on cultural fit—not just experience. What Makes a Great Property Manager Stand Out * Proactive communication and transparent reporting as a key differentiator. * Why having a true investor mindset (not just a service mindset) sets the best managers apart. * The power of KPIs: which numbers your property manager must track to ensure you're hitting your investment targets. Property Management Best Practices that Crush * Structured onboarding processes for new properties to set expectations early. * Regular financial and operational reviews (not just quarterly). * Strategic tenant retention tactics that reduce turnover and boost lifetime value. CONNECT WITH ROBERT rparmar@smfield.com [rparmar@smfield.com] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertparmar/] 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/session471/ [https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session471/]

In this solo episode, Michael Blank shares the raw truth behind why he stopped flipping houses and made the game-changing leap into multifamily investing. He breaks down the exact moment that shift happened, how it transformed his life and finances, and why multifamily syndication is hands-down the fastest, safest, and most scalable path to financial freedom with real estate. Key Takeaways: * Flipping Wasn’t Freedom: Even successful flipping felt like another job with no scalability or passive income. * Multifamily = Mailbox Money: One 12-unit deal opened Michael’s eyes to the power of passive income. * Syndications Create Wealth Fast: With acquisition fees and cash flow, you can quit your job after just 1–2 deals. * Multifamily Is Low Risk: Stronger tenant diversification and long-term demand make it more recession-proof than single family. * You Don’t Need Experience or Cash: You can start by building a team and learning to raise capital. 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/session470/

In this episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with two of our Deal Maker Mentoring students — Ryan Kindred and Russell Cannon — who broke free from the grind and did something most people only talk about: they bought a 240-unit self-storage facility and raised $1.9 million to do it. Ryan and Russ didn’t grow up in real estate. They weren’t born entrepreneurs. But they took action, surrounded themselves with the right people, and now they’re building a portfolio that’s changing their lives forever. Whether you're a high-income earner ready to pivot, or a burned-out investor trying to scale, this episode is packed with real talk, tactical steps, and one heck of a comeback story. KEY TAKEAWAYS From the Corporate Grind to Full-Time Investors * Ryan was managing $200M in power systems. Russ ran $100M+ construction projects. Both felt stuck. * * They knew their time wasn’t really theirs, and they were done trading hours for dollars. * * This is how they made the leap — while still working full-time — and never looked back. * Crushing Limiting Beliefs That Keep Most People on the Sidelines * “I don’t have the money.” “I’ve never done this before.” “Who’s gonna invest with me?” Sound familiar? * * Ryan & Russ had every reason to stay in their comfort zone — but they didn’t. * * You’ll hear exactly what shifted their mindset and how you can do the same. * Behind the Scenes of Their $1.9M Raise on a 240-Unit Deal * How they found this off-market self-storage opportunity * * Step-by-step of how they raised $1.9M in equity — without a big investor list * * The six-figure acquisition fee they earned and how they set themselves up for long-term cash flow * Why Mentorship and Community Made All the Difference * The moment they realized they couldn’t do it alone * * How they leveraged our team, the community, and deal support to get across the finish line * * What actually moves the needle when you’re doing your first commercial deal * What’s Next: Scaling Up & Building a Real Estate Business * Ryan and Russ aren’t stopping at one deal — they’re already teeing up the next * * Their 3-5 year vision: more deals, more cash flow, and total lifestyle freedom * * How they’re using this deal as a launchpad to financial freedom * CONNECT WITH RYAN AND RUSSELL LinkedIn - Ryan Kindred [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-kindred-41a38658/] LinkedIn - Russell Cannon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-cannon-709005329/] Sable Capital Website [https://sablecapitaltx.com/contact] 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/session472/