The Real FI Podcast - Real Estate Investing to FI

In our insightful interview this week, Connor Cushman delves into his transition from a tech career at LinkedIn to becoming a flourishing real estate agent around Atlanta, Georgia. Connor shares his journey in real estate and discusses managing two long-term rentals and five short-term properties across Georgia, the Smoky Mountains, and Florida. Connor highlights his first real estate investment, using his agent commission as a dow...

We are delighted to welcome back Jonathan Mueller, who first appeared on our show on Episode 33. Today, Jonathan dives into his latest exploits with his motel transformations and newly acquired RV park venture. Jonathan has turned once-troubled lodgings into thriving family-run businesses, navigated the complexities of SBA loans, and shared lessons from both his professional journey and personal resilience after a snowboarding acci...

Brea Burger shares her journey of building a family real estate empire, growing from a handful of units to an impressive 160-unit portfolio in a very short period of time. Starting her investment journey in Pennsylvania, Brea expanded her portfolio across four states using the BRRRR method. With the support of her sister, brother-in-law, and other key relationships, they rapidly acquired many cash flowing properties. The key to the...

Diego Corzo, a self-made millionaire by 29, shares his inspiring journey from an undocumented DREAMer to financial independence through real estate. Arriving in the United States from Peru at 9, he faced numerous obstacles, from being unable to drive or work legally to struggling for student loans. Despite these challenges, Diego's mindset shifted after reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad" in college and today, with 63 doors ...

Joe Roberts, a former Cobra attack helicopter pilot, transitioned from a Marine Corp career into real estate, aspiring for financial independence by 35. Having expanded from 2 to 23 properties within 20 months, he soon transitioned to land flipping for its appeal and lucrative profit margins. After deploying to the Philippines, Joe successfully automated his land business, even amid challenges with direct mail campaigns. His method...

In our latest episode, we dive deep with Matt Krueger, who reached financial independence through savvy real estate investing. From humble beginnings in Iowa and working various jobs such as being a youth pastor to selling cell phones, Matt swiftly built a million-dollar portfolio in 6 years. He shares his journey of house hacking, leveraging a diverse mix of properties, and optimizing strategies like DSCR loans. Despite never earn...

Matt Cavanaugh's journey from math teacher to real estate magnate is nothing short of inspiring. Transitioning from academia to B2B sales, and then venturing into investments, Matt dives deep into his focus on growing his real estate business from the ground up. Throughout the episode, Matt provides invaluable insights on property management, the art of flipping, and the hidden goldmine in mobile home parks. With a flair for f...

In this episode, we interviewed Joe Bird, a real estate agent and investor with a unique path to financial independence. Joe shares how his family's rental properties, dating back to the 1940’s, set the stage for his success and ambitions. Transitioning from music to real estate, Joe discusses the changing market dynamics and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the numbers in investment decisions. Joe's strategy cent...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Justin "the Cashflow Cowboy" Wawrzyniak. He went from a 9-5 engineering job to a full-time multifamily investor at the age of 25. With 5 in his current portfolio comprising 32 units, and an additional 27 units about to close, he's generated $1M in equity and $130,000 in wholesale profits in just 2 years. Justin shares his journey from overcoming past challenges to leveraging...

In this episode, we sit down with James Ledbetter, the unconventional investor who has built a diverse portfolio of real estate assets. James shares his journey from buying his first property in his 20s to managing a portfolio of single-family rentals and commercial spaces. He emphasizes simplicity in strategy, leveraging his strengths, and the importance of living within one's means. Tune in to discover James' valuable i...

Join us as we chat with Drew Breneman, a born entrepreneur who went from childhood ventures at the age of 14 into successful his current real estate syndication business. From Beanie Baby trading in high school to real estate investments using the BRRRR method, Drew shares his journey and provides some actionable insight for our listeners. Learn about data-driven strategies in the multi-family market and how Drew has pivoted in the...

Discover Thomas McCrossin's remarkable journey from duplex investor to managing a 425,000 square foot industrial real estate portfolio. With daring investments, strategic acquisitions, and an unyielding goal of 5 million square feet in 5 years, Thomas and his wife's audacious story of success unfolds, offering invaluable insights into the world of industrial real estate. Tune in to be inspired.

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Discover how to fast-track financial independence through real estate with CPA, Thomas Castelli. In our conversation with Thomas, we uncover the power of passive activity losses, depreciation strategies, applying real estate professional status to taxes, along with other key investment insights. Thomas also touches on his current investments in various commercial and industrial syndications. Tune in for expert guidance on your jour...

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Join us as we sit down with Josiah Smelser, a seasoned real estate expert hailing from Florence, Alabama. With an eye for opportunity, Josiah ventured from a corporate Big 4 accounting job to appraisals and real estate brokering. Discover his journey from distressed property rehabs and refinancing to building a remarkable $4M BRRRR portfolio. Post-COVID, he strategically transitioned to a $16M vacation rental empire, sharing insigh...

Today's guest, Tom McGreevy, is a high school principal who ventured into the real estate market as a side hustle over 15 years ago. Since starting on the real estate investor path, Tom has acquired 13 long-term rentals (LTRs) and 2 short-term rentals (STRs). Starting as only a side hustle in 2008, Tom has now built a successful real estate business that affords him plenty of flexibility in life. Tom is now looking to 1031 exc...

On this week’s episode, our guest, Jeff Higgins, takes us on a journey through his remarkable business and investment ventures. Starting in 2005, Jeff has built his portfolio up to nearly 90 units across Massachusets and Florida. In our conversation, Jeff shares his pursuit of financial independence and success as an entrepreneur. With a keen focus on cash flow from class C/D properties, Jeff emphasizes the benefits of Section 8 te...

In this thought-provoking episode, we engage in a transformative conversation with Rod Khleif, a seasoned investor who has experienced immense success and setbacks, which he aptly calls “seminars”. Rod emphasizes the significance of mindset and psychology in achieving financial goals, sharing his personal journey of making and losing $50 million. He encourages listeners to develop a burning desire, embrace discomfort, and overcome ...

In this episode, we chat with Dan Saravia, an immigrant from El Salvador who achieved financial independence through real estate investing. With a total of eight properties, including his primary residence, Dan shares his inspiring journey of starting with nothing and building a successful portfolio from the ground up. He emphasizes the importance of short-term sacrifice for long-term options and advises aspiring investors to inves...