The Academy Presents podcast

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Ruben Greth to discuss what it really takes to scale in real estate through capital raising and strategic relationships. Ruben shares insights from his journey building systems, growing a network of investors, and focusing on a niche strategy in the build to rent space. The conversation highlights how consistent communication, authenticity, and staying in your lane can help investors grow their businesses and build long term trust with their investor community.

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Short Overview

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Ruben Greth to discuss the importance of defining your investor avatar when building a real estate brand and raising capital.

Ruben shares insights on how understanding your ideal investor allows you to create clearer messaging, stronger marketing strategies, and deeper connections with the people most likely to invest in your deals. The conversation also explores how storytelling, branding, and emotional connection play a major role in attracting the right investors.

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In this episode, Angel sits down with real estate investor and capital raising expert Ruben Greth to discuss the critical role of raising capital in real estate investing. Ruben shares his journey from raising funds for small multifamily properties after the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a GP and launching large real estate projects.

The conversation dives into how investors can build networks, develop credibility, and create systems that attract investors over time. If you want to understand how relationships, branding, and strategy come together to fund deals, this episode offers valuable insight into the world...

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation specialist Mark Gross of Cost Segregation Services Incorporated to unpack how real estate investors can strategically use cost segregation to accelerate depreciation and reduce tax liability.

They discuss how the strategy applies to short term rentals, multifamily properties, and even house hacking situations, along with the importance of timing and understanding IRS guidelines.

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In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation expert Mark Grossman of CSSI to break down how investors can legally accelerate depreciation, increase cash flow, and strategically reinvest tax savings.

From short-term rentals to industrial warehouses and even golf courses, Mark explains how cost segregation works across property types, how it pairs with 1031 exchanges, and what investors need to know to stay audit-ready in today’s IRS environment.

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In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel breaks down how real estate investors at every stage can level up by understanding cost segregation, especially within the short-term rental space. Joined by cost segregation expert Mark Gross of CSSI, the conversation dives deep into depreciation strategies, bonus depreciation timelines, STR classifications, CAPEX considerations, and why doing cost seg the right way can mean massive tax savings and peace of mind.

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In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT Lynch to break down why insurance has become one of the biggest deal killers in today’s market. They discuss how rising premiums, property claims history, lender requirements, and market conditions are reshaping the way investors must underwrite and plan. This conversation helps investors understand how to budget for insurance, avoid surprises, and treat it as a core part of doing business rather than an afterthought

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• Why insurance premiums are increasing across the country

•...

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel is joined by insurance expert J T Lynch for an honest conversation about the role insurance plays in real estate investing, and how it can make or break a deal.

From skyrocketing premiums and high wind and hail deductibles to regional weather risks and insurance carriers exiting the market, this episode helps investors understand how to better manage risk, protect their properties, and think proactively about safety and prevention. Whether you’re new to investing or managing large portfolios, this discussion highlights why insurance strategy ma...

Insurance is no longer a line item investors can afford to gloss over. In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT to unpack why rising insurance costs are killing deals, how carriers are exiting key markets, and why getting an insurance quote early can save you months of wasted time and lost momentum.

From underwriting surprises to negotiating around major claims, this conversation gives investors real-world insight into navigating today’s insurance landscape with clarity and confidence.

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• Why 90 percent of millionaires inve...

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Field, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss the complexities of property management. From handling challenging tenants and ensuring clear communication to conducting site visits and managing high-stress situations, Janet shares her experience running a property management company with hundreds of units. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable insights to protect your investments and build strong tenant relationships.

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In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties in Charleston, South Carolina, for an honest and insightful conversation about scaling a real estate business the right way.

From managing 600 properties to building efficient teams, setting geographic boundaries, and understanding your highest contribution as a leader, this episode breaks down what it really takes to grow sustainably in real estate while protecting your time, energy, and family life.

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Short Overview

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss what it really takes to scale a real estate business sustainably. From prioritization frameworks to building systems that survive growth, this conversation dives deep into leadership, operations, and the mindset shifts required to move from reactive chaos to intentional scale.

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• Why 90 percent of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate

• Finding your niche and thriving as a “small giant” in a big market

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel welcomes Hoa Nguyen for a powerful conversation about building wealth through real estate while staying grounded, intentional, and values driven.

Hoa shares her journey from a demanding medical career to multifamily investing, highlighting how real estate became a vehicle for time freedom, legacy building, and personal growth. The discussion goes beyond numbers to explore humility, resilience, mentorship, and teaching the next generation empathy and gratitude.

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• Why most millionaires use real estate as a long term wealth strategy

• Star...

In this powerful episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Hoa Nguyen to unpack what real estate investing really looks like behind the scenes.

Hoa shares her journey from growing up in extreme hardship as an immigrant to building time freedom through multifamily syndication.

This conversation goes beyond highlight reels. Hoa opens up about starting with zero real estate experience, massive student loan debt, and long workweeks as an optometrist, then intentionally choosing frugality, role clarity, and alignment with strengths to scale sustainably. Listeners will hear honest lessons about...

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Hoa Nguyen to discuss her journey from full time eye doctor to multifamily investor with true time freedom. Hoa shares how she and her husband entered real estate with no prior experience, explored multiple investment paths, and ultimately found clarity and scale through multifamily syndication.

This conversation offers a realistic look at the long term nature of real estate, the effort behind “passive” income, and what it truly means to build generational wealth.

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In this episode, Angel sits down with Greg Scully to unpack what asset management really looks like behind the scenes. From apartments to RV parks, accrual versus cash accounting, and the reality of property management, this conversation dives into the unglamorous but critical work that keeps real estate investments alive and growing. It is an honest look at the many layers of ownership, partnerships, and finding the lane that fits your strengths.

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Asset management can make or break your real estate portfolio. In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with investor and operator Greg Scully to unpack the real-world challenges of asset management, property management companies, and scaling in small to mid-size multifamily deals. From managing apartments and RV parks to navigating vendors, staffing, and software, this is an honest conversation about what actually happens behind the scenes.

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In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with real estate investor and operator Greg Scully to unpack the realities of asset management vs property management. From working with third-party managers to building an in-house management company, Greg shares real-world lessons from apartments, RV parks, and syndications across Tennessee. This conversation goes beyond theory and dives into the human, operational, and financial sides of managing real estate at scale.

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Episode Overview

Did you know that nearly 90% of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate?

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Edmund Chien, a seasoned real estate investor and former private equity partner with over 20 years of experience managing hundreds of millions of dollars in assets.

Edmund shares the methodical, proven approaches he learned on Wall Street, in private equity, and through military-style training to help investors confidently raise capital, handle objections, and communicate at a higher level. This conversation moves beyond “tips and...

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with seasoned capital-raising and wealth management expert Edmund Chien to break down what truly drives successful investor relationships. With over 20 years of experience across private equity, family offices, and estate planning,

From navigating rejection and emotional burnout to mastering consultative sales and investor communication, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts and practical strategies for new, stuck, and seasoned real estate investors alike. If you want to raise capital without feeling salesy, build long-term trust, and position yourself as a confident leader in...

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Edmund Chien, a seasoned real estate investor and capital raising coach with over 20 years of experience spanning private equity, family offices, and wealth management.

Edmund breaks down how shifting from a traditional sales mindset to a consultative approach can completely transform the way investors raise capital, connect with accredited investors, and build long-term trust. This conversation also dives deep into mindset, efficiency, and the emotional discipline required to succeed in capital raising.

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Overview

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Stuart to break down what it really takes to get started and keep moving forward in real estate investing.

Whether you are brand new, feeling stuck, or already investing and looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation focuses on the foundational habits that create long term wealth.

From building financial literacy to taking control of your money and surrounding yourself with the right people, this episode is all about learning, growth, and momentum.

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Overview

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel breaks down why financial literacy is the foundation of true financial freedom.

Whether you are brand new to investing, feeling stuck, or already experienced and looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation brings clarity to what really separates those who build lasting wealth from those who don’t.

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, host Angel welcomes Stuart Berryhill for a powerful conversation on financial literacy, mindset, and getting started in real estate investing. Stuart shares his journey from being a high school teacher and basketball coach to building a growing real estate portfolio and launching the Money Vision U podcast.

Together, they break down the basics of financial freedom, explain why real estate remains one of the most accessible wealth-building tools, and challenge common myths that keep people stuck in the rat race. This episode...

In this episode of the Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks podcast, Angel sits down with a seasoned investor who shares candid lessons from the trenches.

From managing unexpected renovation nightmares to navigating million dollar capital calls, this conversation highlights the true realities of multifamily investing.

Listeners will learn how trust, reputation, and relationships become the most valuable currency in the business and why the willingness to do hard things can shape the trajectory of an investor’s entire career.

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How unexpected issues in older properties can derail a pr...

📘 Episode Overview

In this episode, we dive into the real side of real estate investing, the parts most people don’t see.

From unpredictable cash flow cycles to ethical decisions around asset management fees, this conversation breaks down what it truly means to operate deals in today’s challenging market. You’ll hear a candid discussion about transparency with investors, navigating tough periods without distributions, and how to use modern tools like AI to decode complex documents.

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• The feast-or-famine nature of real estate cash flow How investing mirrors other...

In this episode of the Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with investor and entrepreneur Joe Rinderknecht.

Joe shares how growing up on a ranch, working construction with his dad, and discovering Rich Dad, Poor Dad shaped his mindset and work ethic.

He walks through his early days bird-dogging deals, the challenges new investors face in today’s economic landscape, and how real-world experience prepared him for success in real estate. Whether you are new, stuck, or seasoned, this conversation offers practical insight and relatable guidance for navigating today’s inve...

This episode is part two of my insightful conversation with my good friend, Keri Bednarz, as we continue exploring the world of Virtual Assistance — what it takes to build a productive relationship with your VA, how to train them effectively, and the systems that make delegation seamless and successful.

If you haven’t tuned in to part one yet, I highly recommend going back to hear the beginning of Keri’s journey and how she built her virtual team from the ground up. In this follow-up, we go deeper into the training process, communication tools, delegation strategies, and pl...

In this episode, Dylan Vaccaro demonstrates Deal Queue, his AI-powered underwriting platform that transforms the grueling 2-3 hour underwriting process into a streamlined 10-15 minute workflow. Through a live demonstration, Dylan shows how the tool parses rent rolls, T-12s, and offering memorandums from PDFs and Excel files, automatically populating custom financial models while flagging common seller manipulations like miscategorized expenses. Angel emphasizes that underwriting should be treated as a living business plan rather than just an LOI tool, while both discuss the critical importance of human verification—AI assists but never replaces the underwriter's judgment. The conversation covers co...

What happens when NYC properties drop 30-50% in value and investors can buy buildings for less than the debt—and how do you know when a construction boom signals the market top?

In this continuation episode, Dylan Vaccaro reveals how regulatory pressure and investor flight have created unprecedented opportunities in New York City real estate. He explains his "crane theory" for identifying market tops—when you see maximum construction activity in an established city, it's usually time to stop building and start preparing for the downturn. Dylan shares insights about buying properties in bank workout situations, why rent...

What happens when a building bought for $10,000 per door gets lost to foreclosure, returned by the bank for free, and eventually becomes worth $1.2 million per unit—and what does that teach us about staying power?

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Dylan Vaccaro, a New York City multifamily investor who works alongside self-made real estate billionaire Francis Greenberger at Time Equities. Dylan shares his unconventional journey from architecture school to USC's real estate program, through lending and capital raising, to his current role managing acquisitions and operations for a $7+ billion portfolio. He reveals the three ca...

What's the fundamental difference between losing $50,000 as an LP versus potentially losing much more as a GP when deals go sideways—and how do you manage the stress that comes with higher stakes?

In this final episode with Sean, Angel and Sean dive into the psychological and financial realities of real estate investing at different levels. Sean explains the "lizard brain" reactions that cause panic over non-life-threatening situations and shares wisdom from habit-formation books like Atomic Habits. They discuss the critical risk difference between limited and general partners, why higher returns always come with higher risks, and ho...

What happens when you stop trying to do everything yourself and start focusing on your superpower while building a team around your weaknesses?

In this continuation episode, Sean shares how he and his wife transitioned from their kitchen table retirement crisis to successfully closing multiple general partnership deals within months. He explains the power of persistence, finding the right coaching, and building complementary partnerships where each person focuses on their strengths. Angel reveals her approach to being upfront about not doing underwriting while excelling at investor relationships, and how this honesty actually builds more trust than trying...

What does it take to go from writing your first passive investment check to becoming a general partner with 3,500 doors—and what due diligence mistakes do most new investors make?

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Sean Griffith, who shares his 10+ year journey from passive investor to general partner. Sean Griffith reveals how his first deal in Carrollton, Texas spoiled him with 12-14% cash-on-cash returns when 10% was the minimum standard. He explains the critical importance of reading PPMs thoroughly, getting SEC attorney reviews, and asking hard questions about contingency planning. This conversation covers the reality of...

When does it make sense to hold real estate "until the wheels fall off" versus flipping for quick profits—and how does cost segregation factor into that decision?

In this final episode with Diana Gipe from Core, Angel and Diana explore investment philosophy and timing in an uncertain economic environment. Diana reveals how recapture obligations diminish over time, making long-term holds more attractive from a tax perspective. Angel shares her residential investing background and preference for infinite returns through extended ownership, questioning the 3-5 year multifamily flip model. They discuss current economic uncertainty, rising grocery costs as in...

What happens when you discover there's a tax planning tool you've never heard of that could save you thousands on property sales—and it's been available all along?

In this continuation episode, Diana Gipe from Core reveals advanced tax planning strategies that go far beyond basic cost segregation. She introduces recapture analysis, a service Angel had never encountered despite years in real estate investing, which helps investors understand the true cost of selling properties with accelerated depreciation. Diana explains how Core's internal CPA can project recapture scenarios 3-5 years into the future, enabling better investment decisions and ex...

What does it mean when a cost segregation company has zero IRS disallowances in 18 years of business—and why does that matter more than ever with the IRS forming dedicated cost seg review teams?

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Diana, Director of Operations at Core, to discuss why quality matters more than price in cost segregation services. Diana explains Core's rigorous engineering process, including on-site property visits and detailed documentation that has resulted in zero disallowances over 18 years. She reveals how the IRS has formed specialized cost segregation review teams as bonus depreciation approaches it...

What happens when you combine syndication education with a deep-dive Q&A about industrial real estate operations—and discover why "ugly buildings that cash flow are sexy"?

In this final episode of the three-part series, Daniel Holmlund wraps up his industrial flex space presentation with syndication fundamentals and answers Angel's detailed operational questions. He explains the difference between 506B and 506C offerings, preferred return structures, and how LLC partnerships distribute income and depreciation benefits. Angel dives deep into practical concerns: temperature control systems, security requirements for specialized tenants like seed storage, and the complexities of triple net le...

What if you could buy a property that cash flows from day one, has tenants who've been there for 10+ years, and just experienced 22% rent growth while multifamily struggles with competition?

In this continuation episode, Daniel Holmlund dives deep into the mechanics of industrial flex space investing and why it's outperforming traditional real estate sectors. He explains how supply chain disruptions created a "computer cache" effect—businesses want inventory stored close to consumers rather than sitting on ships at sea. Daniel breaks down the advantages of triple net leases where tenants pay utilities, taxes, and maintenance, plus shares re...

What happens when a 25-year software engineer discovers that illiquid real estate assets outperform the volatile stock market—and finds the next big opportunity in industrial flex space?

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Daniel Holmlund, founder of the Alternative Investing Club and Good Samaritan Capital, to explore why industrial flex space represents an untapped opportunity for real estate investors. Daniel explains how supply chain disruptions post-pandemic have created massive demand for last-mile storage and flexible industrial spaces. He shares his journey from converting 80% of his tech portfolio into real estate and reveals his...