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.

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

https://lscre.com/

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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.

From the Corporate Grind to Full-Time Investors

• Ryan was managing $200M in power systems. Russ ran $100M+ construction projects. Both felt stuck.
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• They knew their time wasn’t really theirs, and they were done trading hours for dollars.
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• This is how they made the leap — while still working full-time — and never looked back.
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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?
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• Ryan & Russ had every reason to stay in their comfort zone — but they didn’t.
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• You’ll hear exactly what shifted their mindset and how you can do the same.
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Behind the Scenes of Their $1.9M Raise on a 240-Unit Deal

• How they found this off-market self-storage opportunity
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• Step-by-step of how they raised $1.9M in equity — without a big investor list
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• The six-figure acquisition fee they earned and how they set themselves up for long-term cash flow
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Why Mentorship and Community Made All the Difference

• The moment they realized they couldn’t do it alone
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• How they leveraged our team, the community, and deal support to get across the finish line
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• What actually moves the needle when you’re doing your first commercial deal
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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
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• Their 3-5 year vision: more deals, more cash flow, and total lifestyle freedom
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• How they’re using this deal as a launchpad to financial freedom
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LinkedIn - Ryan Kindred

LinkedIn - Russell Cannon

Sable Capital Website

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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

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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.

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.

rparmar@smfield.com

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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.

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For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session470/

In this episode, Michael Blank and Garrett Lynch talk with Axel Ragnarsson, who scaled from self-funding small multifamily deals to building a 500+ unit portfolio and raising over $15 million in capital. Axel shares the turning point that forced him to move beyond his DIY approach, how he overcame mental blocks around partnering and raising money, and what it really takes to grow in today’s market. Whether you're early in your investing journey or looking to level up, Axel’s story offers powerful insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Funding Has Limits: Axel built up to 70 units on his own, but liquidity challenges and stress forced him to rethink his approach and start partnering.
• Mindset is Everything: His biggest obstacle wasn’t skill—it was fear of raising capital and losing control. Overcoming that changed everything.
• Adapt or Miss Out: In today’s shifting market, underwriting must adjust constantly. Flat rents and rising interest rates mean conservative assumptions are critical.
• Scale with Purpose: You don’t have to grow endlessly. Axel is evaluating whether to stay put or expand into new markets—and why lifestyle alignment matters.

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Syndicated Deal Analyzer

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session469/

In this special episode of the Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing podcast, Michael Blank sits down with his mentors—Barry Flavin, Brad Tacia, Jonathan Nichols, Paula Nichols, and Philippe Schulligen—for a powerhouse discussion. These incredible mentors, who’ve helped countless students achieve their multifamily investing goals, share their wisdom, personal journeys, and actionable tips for getting started or scaling up in real estate. Whether you’re working on your first deal or growing your portfolio, this episode is packed with inspiration and strategies to guide you to financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Current Market Outlook: Despite uncertain times, the mentors agree on being bullish about the multifamily market's long-term prospects. They emphasize ongoing housing demand and discuss factors like rent increases and occupancy rates that strengthen the sector.
• The Role of Brokers: Building strong relationships with brokers is crucial for consistent deal flow. The mentors share strategies for establishing these connections, highlighting the advantages of frequent communication and personal meetings.
• Student Success Stories: Real-world examples illustrate how students are finding and closing deals—often through creative financing solutions like seller financing. A common theme is the powerful combination of consistency and leveraging mentorship to make informed decisions.
• Capital Raising Strategies: Distinguishing between deal finders and capital raisers, the panel discusses tailoring approaches to suit different personalities and skill sets. They also underline the importance of using personal networks, social media, and educational content to attract investors.
• The Value of Mentorship: The mentors highlight the dual benefits of mentorship in keeping students on track and opening pathways for scaling more quickly. They stress the significance of being "all in" and actively engaging in the process to maximize the benefits of mentorship.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples from the world of multifamily syndication. If you are looking to delve deeper into real estate investing and have access to expert guidance, consider exploring mentorship options on theMichaelBlanc.com/mentor.

Jonathan’s Mentor Bio

Paula’s Mentor Bio

Apogee Capital

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Boost Capital Group

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In this episode, Michael Blank delves into the art of raising capital for real estate, highlighting the importance of using other people's money to build a real estate empire. He discusses the common mistakes people make when raising capital and shares insights on overcoming these challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Limiting Beliefs:
• Many aspiring real estate investors struggle with the idea of raising capital due to limiting beliefs, such as "I can't do it," "I don't know anyone with money," and fear of using sales tactics.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes:
• Going online for raising money without prior experience is a common mistake.
• Assuming the money will follow once you have a deal is misleading.
• Start raising capital before securing a deal by using a sample deal package.
• The Importance of Networking and Education:
• Real estate investors should educate themselves and others about the benefits of real estate investing.
• Networking and leaving a positive impression are crucial in building relationships with potential investors.
• Referrals and Expanding Your Network:
• Always ask for referrals to expand your network and potential investor base.
• Stay in touch with potential investors to nurture relationships.
• Leveraging IRA Money:
• Many people have significant funds in IRAs or 401(k)s. Educate potential investors on how they can invest their IRA money in real estate.
• Scaling by Raising Money Online:
• Once you've raised money one-on-one successfully, transition to online platforms to scale up.
• Building a strong online presence requires more than just a website; it involves creating valuable content and having a clear target audience.
• The Who, Not How Mentality:
• Emphasize finding partners who can help fill gaps, such as those who can raise funds while you focus on finding deals.

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Syndicated Deal Analyzer

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session467/