Welcome back to another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! Host Jasmine Trocchia sits down with Karl Krauskopf, founder of Gold Multifamily, for a candid discussion about real estate investing, portfolio diversification, and the power of business fundamentals in the multifamily space.

Karl shares his journey from a background in international business and corporate health care strategy to building a successful real estate investment company in the Pacific Northwest. Listeners will gain insight into the reasons behind his transition from residential redevelopment to value-add and turnkey multifamily properties, including the stability and scalability that come with long-term business planning.

Jasmine and Karl also explore practical advice for financial education—both for children and adults, the importance of self-education and entrepreneurial thinking, and the founding values that drive Gold Multifamily’s unique company culture. The duo discusses opportunities for self-directed IRA holders to invest passively in real estate, regardless of their geographic location, and what the current and future market trends might hold for multifamily investors.

Karl walks through what prospective investors should ask before getting involved, the role of due diligence, and why he believes the Seattle area offers unique advantages thanks to its strong tech-driven employment base. This episode is full of actionable wisdom for anyone interested in real estate, self-directed retirement accounts, or building a business with integrity and longevity.

Key takeaways:

1. Building Gold Multifamily: From Residential to Value-Add Multifamily: Karl shared his journey from working in health tech and running a residential remodel/development company to founding Gold Multifamily over six years ago. His company focuses on purchasing and operating multifamily properties, especially value-add projects where they improve Class B and C buildings, and recently ventured into Class A properties for further diversification.
2. Business Mindset and Education are Key: Both Karl's academic background (degrees in international business and an MBA) and his emphasis on continuous self-education played a big role in his success. He highlighted that self-education and entrepreneurial thinking at an earlier age could have accelerated his journey and he actively seeks to instill financial literacy and entrepreneurial concepts in his own daughter.
3. Investing Through IRAs: Flexibility and Structure: The conversation explored how Gold Multifamily’s projects can be an option for IRA investors, specifically self-directed IRA holders. Karl explained that investors select individual syndication deals (not funds), allowing them to choose their desired level of risk and diversification. Once invested, IRA participants are hands-off, ensuring compliance and true passive investment.
4. Market Trends: Northwest Focus and Nationwide Relevance: Karl discussed how the Pacific Northwest, particularly Seattle, is poised for opportunity due to slowdowns in new apartment construction and the tech-driven job market. While current market conditions are challenging for sellers, they present opportunities for buyers, with value growth expected in coming years. He emphasizes that, while some trends are local, similar cycles are emerging nationally as supply and demand rebalance.
5. Company Values: Relationships Matter: Karl highlighted the core values of Gold Multifamily, with “GOLD MF” serving as an acronym for the company’s principles (Growth, Obsession, Love-driven, impacting a Million Families, and Flourishing). He stressed that genuine care for employees, tenants, investors, and partners is crucial for long-term success, and that business connections should be rooted in respect and empathy—not just transactions.

Tune in

1. Building Community Impact: Amir Khan explains how Dream Prime Homes acquires and rehabilitates distressed properties in underappreciated Midwest markets, offering new pathways to homeownership and revitalizing neighborhoods at risk of decline.
2. Private Money Lending and Self-Directed IRAs: The episode highlights how investors can passively participate via private money lending, especially through self-directed IRAs, making real estate investing accessible with low minimums and without hands-on involvement.
3. Hands-On Experience and Education: Amir shares how his background in both business and music education informs his approach, and introduces his new eight-week certification course to empower aspiring private money lenders—free for American IRA clients.
4. Market Trends and Housing Solutions: Jasmine and Amir discuss the shortage of affordable housing, the importance of leveraging existing housing stock over new construction, and the positive long-term trends for investors who support underserved communities.
5. Personal Growth and Mission: Amir emphasizes the importance of aligning business with personal values, helping hardworking families realize their dreams of homeownership, and building partnerships with investors focused on both financial returns and social good.

1. Early Action in Real Estate: Rob and Clay both stress the value of getting involved in real estate early, encouraging new professionals and investors to take their time but remain proactive in seeking educational opportunities and deals.
2. Multi-Generational Family Business: Shining Rock Equity stands as a true family enterprise, involving multiple family members and leveraging shared trust and values to enhance business operations and client relationships.
3. Private Credit Fund Strategy: The Aspen Private Credit Fund, Shining Rock’s current active offering, is designed to appeal to investors seeking lower-risk, more stable returns. The fund works by lending investor capital to commercial real estate borrowers, with returns generated through interest and fees.
4. Emphasis on Due Diligence: The Stanleys highlight the importance of rigorous due diligence not only on deals, but also on operators, and encourage investors to build relationships with firms to ensure alignment of values and trust.
5. Market Outlook: Clay provides a macro-level view of multifamily trends, noting a short-term oversupply in certain Sunbelt markets, but anticipating strong rent growth in the coming years due to a pipeline drop-off in new development starts.
6. Advice for New Investors: Both Rob and Clay underscore the importance of understanding investment risks and advocate for investors to ask questions, understand sponsor track records, and prioritize personal comfort and trust before committing funds.
7. Client-Centric Approach: Shining Rock Equity works with a broad range of investors and is committed to providing education and guidance, especially for those using self-directed IRAs for real estate investments.

1. Continuous Education and Credentialing: Eric Brotman highlights the importance of ongoing education and certifications in the financial planning industry. His journey from English major to CEO underscores the value of diverse learning experiences and credentials such as CFP, AEP, and CPWA to achieve expertise and credibility.
2. Relationship Building over Cold Calling: Eric's career flourished through genuine networking and relationship-building rather than cold calling. He engaged extensively with community groups and professional organizations to establish trust and connections, emphasizing authenticity in client relationships.
3. Mentorship in Career Development: A pivotal moment in Eric's career was meeting a mentor who complemented his abilities and ambitions, exemplifying the significance of mentorship in professional growth and the founding of BFG Financial Advisors.
4. Evolution of Retirement Concepts: "Don't Retire Graduate" presents a new perspective on retirement, focusing on fulfillment and autonomy rather than the mere absence of work. Eric advocates for redefining retirement as a period of choice and personal growth.
5. Future Financial Industry Trends: Eric foresees a vast wealth transfer between generations amid a shortage of financial advisers, highlighting the need for young professionals to pursue careers in financial advisory to fill the impending gap and capitalize on unprecedented opportunities.
6. Financial Planning and Independence: Emphasizing the importance of having a solid financial plan, Eric encourages listeners to start planning now, regardless of age, to secure financial stability and independence. His message urges individuals to prioritize financial planning over daily distractions.

Welcome back to the IRA Cafe podcast. In this episode, your host, Jasmine Trocchia, sits down with Whitney Elkins-Hutten, the Director of Investor Education at passiveinvesting.com.

Whitney shares her journey from accidental investor to real estate guru, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and strategic action. You'll get insights on how to avoid common financial pitfalls, build a robust investment portfolio, and the significance of educating the next generation about wealth management. Plus, don't miss Whitney's tips on identifying and leveraging current market trends to enhance your financial future. Tune in for a treasure trove of knowledge that promises to elevate your financial savvy and investment strategies!

Key Takeaways:

Path to Real Estate: Whitney's journey began in 2002 when a breakup left her with a house to manage. Turning challenge into opportunity, she filled the house with roommates and completed a profitable flip, sparking her passion for real estate.

The Role of Education: Whitney emphasizes the importance of learning and mentorship. From leveraging resources like books to seeking mentors, she highlights how education has been pivotal in her success.

Asset Strategies: Whitney explains strategies for leveraging real estate investments, focusing on capital preservation, cash flow creation, appreciation, and diversification. She underscores the need to adapt strategies based on market conditions.

Future Trends: Looking forward, Whitney discusses the significance of debt-like structure investments, emphasizing the opportunities in being "the bank" in times of capital constraints.

Personal Finance Wisdom: Sharing advice for her younger self and for her daughter, Whitney stresses the importance of understanding money, leveraging compounding interest, and taking strategic, informed action to build a secure financial future.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of real estate investing and achieve financial freedom. Tune in to hear more from Whitney Elkins-Hutten. Plus, Jasmine will be answering a common listener question about obtaining an EIN number for IRA investments.

For more information on American IRA and self-directed IRAs, or to have your questions answered on the podcast, reach out to Jasmine at marketing@americanira.com.

In this episode of the IRA Cafe podcast, Jasmine Trocchia, head of the marketing department at American IRA, engages in an insightful conversation with Deidre Mazzoni.

Deidre is a seasoned real estate investor from Clover, South Carolina, who has been active in the field since 2016. She is also a mindset coach, specializing in helping professionals make the most of their connections and relationships while enhancing their business outlook. Deidre’s background in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) allows her to guide clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and fostering positive business relationships. Additionally, she is involved in multiple real estate groups, contributing to the community both on and offline.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mindset Coaching: Deidre emphasizes the importance of language and mindset in business relationships. By addressing limiting beliefs through NLP, individuals can unlock their full potential and build stronger connections.
2. Real Estate as a Relationship Business: Deidre underscores that successful real estate investing is deeply rooted in cultivating relationships, stressing the importance of understanding and connecting with people involved in all transactions.
3. Community Involvement: Deidre and her husband are actively involved in real estate groups, such as the Build Group in Belmont, NC, to foster learning and networking among investors and service providers.
4. Optimism and Opportunity: Looking ahead to 2025, Deidre sees a trend of optimism and advises capitalizing on this positive momentum for personal and professional growth.
5. Investment Advice: Deidre advocates for early and consistent investment, particularly in real estate, to reap long-term benefits. She stresses the value of starting small and investing frequently.
6. Personal Interests: Beyond real estate, Deidre enjoys traveling and animal welfare. Her personal passions align with her belief in leveraging individual contributions to improve the world.
7. Reaching Out: Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Deidre for discussions on investing or mindset improvement, highlighting her desire to assist others in their professional journeys.
8. American IRA’s Role: The episode concludes with a Q&A segment addressing how self-directed IRAs work, emphasizing American IRA’s personalized, hands-on approach to helping clients with alternative investments.

Learn more about Deidre's work and connect with her through social media or by visiting her website, Anchor Point Properties.

For further exploration of topics discussed, visit American IRA’s website or contact them directly for more information on self-directed IRAs.

1. Financial Legacy and Client Focus: Kalan McEuen emphasizes the importance of financial legacy and quality of life for clients. They work with clients who are passionate about recapturing wealth potential lost to taxes, fees, and corporate control. The focus is on helping clients live their best life now and leave a financial legacy for their families.
2. Veteran Community Engagement: Kalan is a retired Navy veteran who actively stays connected with the veteran community. He is involved in the Veteran Business Collective, helping veterans start businesses and become entrepreneurs. This community connection is central to his personal mission and professional work.
3. Cash Flow Management: Kalan's firm focuses on improving cash flow and income management for clients. They believe in enhancing quality of life by ensuring clients have better control over their finances, rather than solely focusing on accumulating wealth through investments. This includes strategies for saving 10 to 30% of monthly income.
4. Student Loan Forgiveness Partnership: The firm partners with organizations to assist clients in navigating federal student loan forgiveness programs. This is particularly valuable given the increasing costs of higher education and the financial burden of student loans. The service aims to mitigate debt and plan for associated tax impacts.
5. Educational Background and Career Path: Kalan’s career path includes a strong educational background in economics and financial services management. His military experience and time spent in the corporate insurance sector have informed his current focus on financial advising and legacy planning, blending his analytical skills with a personal mission to help clients maximize their financial scenarios.

We are back with another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast. Our host, Jasmine Trocchia, is joined by Jared Benson from Clotine Capital. Together, they’re getting into the intricacies of self-directed funds, the benefits of taking control of your investments, and the current trends in the real estate market.

Jared shares insights into how Clotine Capital offers investors the unique opportunity to choose their investment paths, allowing for personalized risk and return profiles. Tune in as they discuss emerging trends in the real estate market, the influence of economic factors, and Jared's personal journey, including the impact of mentor figures like his father. They also dive into the importance of content creation in today's business world and Jared’s personal interests outside of his professional life. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about the world of self-directed investing, this episode promises valuable insights and engaging conversation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Self-Directed Funds:

• Jared explains the concept of a self-directed fund, highlighting the flexibility it offers investors in choosing where to allocate their capital. This approach empowers investors to participate in projects that match their risk tolerance and financial goals.

1. Trends in the Real Estate Market:

• The conversation covers current economic factors affecting real estate, including interest rates and housing shortages. Jared shares insights into how these elements influence investment opportunities and market dynamics.

1. The Impact of the Presidential Transition:

• Jared touches on how political changes, like the inauguration of President Trump, may impact the housing and real estate market, forecasting potential government incentives for housing and construction.

1. Personal Journey and Influences:

• Jared shares stories about his personal journey from a criminology graduate to a capital manager. Key influences on his career include his father, a former CPA, who provided invaluable advice and guidance throughout his professional life.

1. Advice for Aspiring Investors:

• Jared emphasizes the importance of understanding investment structures, conducting due diligence, and the benefits of learning from others’ experiences in the investing world.

1. Insights into Personal Life and Values:

• Outside of his professional commitments, Jared is a dedicated family man with a passion for Star Wars and Legos, and shares his hopes to impart financial literacy and investment mentality to his children.

Join Jasmine Trocchia and Jared Benson as they explore the world of self-directed investing, unravel the complexities of real estate trends, and discuss the personal journeys that shape successful financial careers.

For more information on Clotine Capital, reach out to Jared at jared@clotinecapital.com. If you have questions for the IRA Cafe podcast, send them to marketing@AmericanIRA.com.