REL Freedom Podcast

Have you ever thought that your home could become a powerful tool for creating financial flexibility in retirement? Cheryl Scheidell is a mortgage industry professional with more than 20 years of experience, including a decade specializing in reverse mortgages. A Phoenix native, Cheryl is passionate about educating homeowners and their families on how reverse mortgages can help eligible homeowners age 62 and older access their home equity, potentially supplement retirement income, and create more options for aging in place. She believes in the benefits so strongly that her own mother has a reverse mortgage! 

Cheryl will break down how r...

Harley Green is a former software architect and computer engineer who traded a career designing complex systems for a different kind of freedom through real estate investing. After more than 15 years in technology, Harley and his wife, Adrienne, began investing in real estate in 2013, learning the business firsthand through renovations, investor networking, private lending, and self-directed IRAs. Those experiences ultimately led them to build InvestAway, a private lending company focused on short-term, first-lien real estate loans for experienced operators across the Southeast. 

Harley is passionate about helping investors put their capital to work through real estate-backed lending w...

What happens when you combine decades of investment management experience with the rapidly evolving cannabis industry? Chris Reece is Chairman and CEO of MJ REIT and co-founder of AC Capital Partners. He sits at the intersection of private real estate, alternative investments, and the state-legal cannabis industry. With more than 25 years of experience in asset management, helping raise over $10 billion at FS Investments, and a background spanning Vanguard and other major investment firms, Chris brings a unique perspective on alternative investment strategies. 

Discover how MJ REIT approaches commercial real estate through traditional first-lien mortgages and sale-leaseback transactions i...

Roughly $300 billion in multifamily mortgage debt is scheduled to mature in 2026—but does that mean $300 billion worth of distressed apartment buildings are about to hit the market? Not necessarily. It means thousands of property owners are facing a decision: refinance, sell, bring additional capital to the table, or find another creative solution. And when today's financing environment looks very different from when many of these loans were originally made, some interesting opportunities can emerge. 

In this episode with podcast host Mike Swenson, we break down what the $300 billion maturity wave really means for real estate investors, where pot...

What does it take to make smart lending decisions and protect capital in the world of private lending and note investing? Doug Smith is the founder of Castle Rock Capital Funding and The Mad Lender, who brings 35 years of commercial and residential lending experience and a deep background in credit and underwriting. Doug shares insights from his career with some of the world's largest banks and explains what investors should understand before putting money into loan-based assets. 

Doug also discusses how The Mad Lender works behind the scenes with private lending funds, individual private lenders, and note i...

What if your business could run more efficiently and give you back the freedom you started it for? Ryan Schuetter is an operations expert and AI implementation leader who has helped more than 100 businesses adopt AI and build better systems. Ryan isn't a guru. He's an operator. Through Schuetter Consulting and Schuetter AI, he helps companies turn technology into practical workflows that reduce chaos, improve profitability, and empower teams to work smarter. 

Ryan explores why founders become trapped by their businesses, how AI can transform everyday operations, and what it takes to build a company that creates f...

What if investing in commercial real estate could be as accessible as buying stocks? Mor Milo is Co-Founder and CEO of Relli, a PropTech platform built to change how everyday investors access commercial real estate. Growing up, Mor watched his immigrant parents build generational wealth one property at a time—and eventually became determined to figure out why that same opportunity remained out of reach for so many people. After several startup ventures, Mor and his co-founder Ross Iannarelli identified a major gap in the market: commercial real estate syndications offered powerful passive-income opportunities, but high barriers to entry an...

Can you build a real estate portfolio in the United States without living here? Jullion Cooper is doing just that. He founded Properties By JMC and is proving that geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to building wealth through real estate. Living and working in countries all over the world, Jullion started by acquiring single-family properties in Michigan for $30,000–$40,000 before deciding it was time to “play a bigger game.” Just nine months later, he closed on a 23-unit apartment community in Lansing, Michigan.

Jullion shares how he successfully invests remotely, makes the leap from single-family rentals...

What happens when you skip the traditional corporate path, lean into networking, and turn relationships into real estate opportunities? Haydynn Fike is co-founder of Acadia Capital and host of The Art of Connecting Podcast. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Haydynn quickly realized the corporate world wasn't for him and began attending every networking event he could find. That decision led to a partnership with Dan, a 74-unit storage facility, and eventually the creation of Acadia Capital. Today, Haydynn has helped investors place more than $7 million into Acadia Capital while building a growing network of real...

Can you build meaningful income through real estate without becoming a landlord or adding another job to your already busy schedule? Chad Ackerman is a former corporate HR and compensation executive with more than 25 years of experience who realized his financial future was far too dependent on his W2 income. That realization sent him down the path of passive real estate investing, where he made early mistakes, learned valuable lessons, and eventually co-founded Left Field Investors, one of the largest communities for passive investors, later acquired by BiggerPockets. 

Today, through CARE (Chad Ackerman Real Estate), Chad helps b...

What happens when the very experiences that could break you become the foundation for your purpose? rochanne Douglas is an entrepreneur, real estate professional, investor, author, and founder of Loving 2 Learn Child Care Center, a childcare organization that has served children and families for more than 30 years. Her journey includes growing up around addiction and instability, becoming a teenage mother, surviving domestic violence, building successful businesses, raising a family, and navigating tremendous personal and professional challenges. Through it all, faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief that circumstances do not determine destiny became the foundation for a remarkable life.
<...

Meet Courtney Poulos — a 20+ year LA real estate powerhouse who got tired of waiting for the industry to fix itself, so she built the fix herself. After 14 years grinding it out as a licensed broker, she launched ACME in 2011 with one mission: build the brokerage she desperately wished existed when she was coming up as an agent. No absentee bosses. No cookie-cutter training. No corporate fluff. Just real expertise, real accountability, and real results — and somewhere along the way, she turned it into one of LA's most respected boutique brokerages. 

These days, Courtney's running the show as found...

Cameron Tope comes back to our podcast as a Part 2 on property management. Cameron is the founder of Emerson Property Management, and also a real estate investor and entrepreneur who used rental properties to break free from the unpredictability of the oil and gas industry. 

After seeing firsthand how unstable the corporate world could be, he began building a rental portfolio that would eventually allow him to quit his W-2 job and create life on his own terms. When he couldn’t find a property manager he trusted, he built his own company from the ground up. Tod...

What does it take to overcome incredible adversity and build lasting wealth through real estate? Kevin "KAYR" Robinson went from growing up in deep poverty in West Philadelphia—moving more than 18 times before adulthood—to building a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio with more than 160 rental units. After attending Bowdoin College and working in investment banking at Goldman Sachs, KAYR combined disciplined systems, conservative investing principles, and relentless execution to create long-term financial independence.

Kevin also shares the inspiring story behind his two-time USA TODAY best-selling memoir, Can't Break Me, and how resilience became the foundation of his succ...

What if your everyday spending could unlock business-class flights, luxury hotels, and unforgettable vacations—without spending more money or becoming a travel hacking expert? 

Kunal Lakhwani is the creator behind Rentals & Runways, who shares how he went from engineer and immigrant to mastering the art of travel hacking. He breaks down a simple, repeatable system for turning everyday purchases into premium travel experiences using credit card points and rewards. You'll learn how to choose the right credit cards, maximize everyday spending, and book flights and hotels that most people assume are only for the wealthy. Whether you're a r...

Matthew Ricciardella is Founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, a private equity real estate firm specializing in value-add manufactured housing communities and self-storage across the U.S. With over 20 years of experience and more than $1 billion in transaction volume, Matt has built a vertically integrated platform overseeing $650M+ in assets across multiple funds. He shares what it really takes to scale in commercial real estate while staying grounded in disciplined underwriting, conservative leverage, and long-term thinking.

Matt breaks down his approach to finding underperforming, often overlooked “mom-and-pop” assets and transforming them through operational improvements, rent optimization, and...

What if everything you've been told about building wealth is only part of the story? Dr. Dipesh Sitaram was a practicing dental surgeon who discovered that even a high-income career wasn't enough to create true financial freedom. Instead of relying solely on traditional investments like stocks and retirement accounts, he began building a multi-million-dollar portfolio through private real estate and alternative investments—the same types of opportunities that many wealthy investors have used for decades. 

As the founder of Responsible Real Estate and Acuere Capital Partners, Dipesh helps physicians and everyday investors understand how to evaluate private dea...

What if you stopped waiting until retirement to start living? Chris Larsen, founder of Next-Level Income, made it his mission to achieve financial freedom after losing his father at a young age and his best friend at just 18. While building a successful career in medical device sales, Chris quietly built a real estate portfolio, starting with his first rental property at age 21 with less than $3,000 down. Over time, his passive income grew to the point where his paycheck became optional.

Today, Chris helps investors build wealth through commercial real estate investments across multifamily, self-storage, car washes, and...

What would it take for you to walk away from a guaranteed pension… and bet on yourself instead?F ormer United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Tim Kelly made one of the boldest decisions of his life: leaving the military four years before retirement eligibility to pursue true financial freedom through real estate, mindset, and high-performance living.

After spending 15 years leading under pressure in the Navy, he realized he wanted more than just security—he wanted freedom of time, freedom of choice, and the ability to build a life fully on his own terms. That journey led him...

What does it take to lead at the highest level—in both the military and luxury real estate? Shaun Guardanapo is a Marine Corps veteran and Managing Broker of The Agency Reno. He shares with us how discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking helped him rise to the top 1% of real estate producers in one of the fastest-growing luxury markets in the country.

 With more than $100 million in career sales and deep roots in the Reno–Tahoe region, Shaun brings a unique insider perspective on the explosive growth reshaping Northern Nevada—from luxury lakefront estates to emerging investment opportu...

Mathew Owens is a CPA, real estate investor, and founder of OCG Capital. He shares with us the strategies behind building a real estate empire that spans more than 1,500 units, over 1,000 home flips, and more than $500 million in loans to investors. Matt has also raised over $200 million in private capital, giving him a unique perspective on what separates successful investors from those who struggle to scale. 

We dive into his disciplined approach to investing, including the 200-point due diligence checklist he uses to evaluate opportunities and minimize risk before committing capital. Matt shares lessons learned from decades o...

What happens when a firefighter working 24-hour shifts decides to build a future through real estate? Thomas St. John, founder of North Corp Capital, who also worked part of his career as a mailman, shares hear how he went from serving his community to building a successful multifamily investment company with over 20 years of experience in the trenches of real estate. 

Starting with his first duplex back in 2006, Thomas steadily scaled his portfolio and eventually created a vertically integrated operation complete with in-house property management. Today, through North Corp Capital, Thomas specializes in multifamily investing, asset syndication, a...

What if smarter property management—not just buying more properties—was the real key to financial freedom? Cameron Tope is the founder of Emerson Property Management, and also a real estate investor and entrepreneur who used rental properties to break free from the unpredictability of the oil and gas industry. 

After seeing firsthand how unstable the corporate world could be, he began building a rental portfolio that would eventually allow him to quit his W-2 job and create life on his own terms. When he couldn’t find a property manager he trusted, he built his own company...

We take you behind the scenes of our latest multifamily apartment acquisition—a 128-unit building we closed on for $6.6M—and break down every step of the deal: how we found and financed the property, the due diligence, the negotiation process, the renovation strategy, and the property's future. We share the numbers, projected challenges, and value-add opportunities that made this investment worth pursuing, while offering practical insights for both new and experienced investors. If you’ve ever wanted a firsthand look at how successful multifamily deals come together, this episode delivers a transparent, real-world blueprint for building wealth through apartm...

Bree Hartman was a successful gym owner, but after attending a self-storage conference, she decided it was time to jump in with both feet into real estate. In her first 12 months she acquired 2 self-storage facilities, and operates across Sacramento, Louisiana, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and the Sunbelt States. She is also the founder of Self Storage School, where she helps investors and W2 employees find, fund, and buy their first cash-flowing self-storage facility. Her 5 year goal is to own 12 facilities by June 2029, while remotely managing non-manned locations and working just 20 hours per week.

Follow Bree 👇
https://www.sel...

What if you could build a $60M real estate portfolio without syndications, big money, or insider connections? James Gleeson shares how he went from buying his first rental at 21 to owning 400+ units—using simple, repeatable strategies like BRRRR and value-add investing in his own backyard of St. Louis. 

He breaks down the real lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped him scale. Now mentoring dozens of investors who’ve collectively closed $50M+ in deals, James proves that building real wealth through real estate is simpler—and more attainable—than most people think.

SUBSCRIBE...

What does it really take to build multi-million dollar wealth through real estate - and keep it growing? Willie Mandrell is a self-made real estate investor, broker, coach, and author who has been involved in over $200 million in transactions. From buying and selling to brokering and mentoring, Willie has seen every angle of the game - and he’s here to share what actually works.

Known for his expertise in value-add investing in competitive markets like Boston, Willie breaks down proven strategies like buy-and-hold, build-to-hold, and BRRRR in a way that’s both practical and powerful. He also...

Are you ready to buy your first investment property but don’t know where to start? We break down a step-by-step guide for beginner real estate investors to find, analyze, and secure their first rental property. You’ll learn how to define your investing goals, pick the right market, secure financing, and discover deals using MLS, off-market listings, and local networking. We cover essential tips for evaluating properties, performing due diligence, making competitive offers, and setting up your first rental for maximum cash flow and long-term passive income. If you’re interested in house hacking, buy-and-hold rentals, fix-and-flips, or short...

What does it take to stand out in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world—and actually make it fun to learn about? David Cinelli is one of Canada’s top 1% Realtors®, HGTV co-host, and a trusted advisor with nearly 20 years of experience helping clients navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape. Known for his charisma and clarity, David has a rare ability to break down complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies anyone can understand. 

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a high-income professional looking to grow your wealth, this conversa...

What does it really take to build an 8-figure business… and survive the crashes along the way? Tom Dunkel is a battle-tested entrepreneur who’s spent nearly 30 years in the trenches of business. He’s built two 8-figure companies, lost six, and raised over $50 million across multiple asset classes. Tom doesn’t just talk about success—he’s lived the full spectrum of wins, setbacks, and hard-earned comebacks. 

Now serving as Managing Director of Eagle Capital, Tom helps investors grow their wealth through operator-backed deals, but his true passion is still building businesses from the ground up. From assembli...

Jay Conner is a seasoned real estate investor who transformed his business by walking away from traditional bank financing and mastering the art of private money. After starting out in 2003 relying on banks—bringing large down payments, paying hefty fees, and signing personal guarantees—Jay found himself stressed and controlled by lenders. Everything changed after the 2008 market crash when his banker cut him off, forcing him to rethink how he funded deals. That turning point led him to develop a powerful, repeatable system for raising private money, allowing him to secure over $2 million in just a few months—starting with a...

Leo Young is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Communities, who has led over $75 million in real estate transactions and built a portfolio of more than 500 manufactured housing units. Leo shares his journey from becoming the #1 regional salesperson at Tesla to launching and scaling his own real estate firm focused on acquiring and turning around affordable housing communities. As a first-generation immigrant shaped by financial scarcity, Leo brings a candid perspective on risk, resilience, and entrepreneurship—opening up about raising capital, rebuilding after burnout, and leading through the challenges of growing a business. This conversation blends mindset and st...

Tim Woodbridge is a mobile home park investor whose journey proves that bold action can completely change the trajectory of your life. After spending years working long shifts as a nurse, Tim had a mindset shift after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad—and instead of just thinking about investing, he took action. Within a year of discovering mobile home parks, and with very little capital, he purchased his first deal. Fast forward just a few years, and he’s built a $45 million mobile home park portfolio spanning more than 1,100 pads, allowing him to retire from nursing and focus full-time on b...

Alex E. Edwards didn’t wait for permission to succeed — he rewrote the rules. After purchasing his first multifamily property in his early twenties, he went on to build a multimillion-dollar real estate company and become the founder of Thumbprint Realty, now the largest Black-owned brokerage in New England. But Alex’s impact goes far beyond transactions. As a TEDx speaker and author of Mortgage Before Marriage, he’s leading a bold conversation: what if financial freedom should come before marriage — not after? 

Through more than 1,200 closed transactions and millions in buyer assistance, Alex has helped turn access into...

Mike Cobb, CEO of ECI Developments and author of How To Buy Your Home Overseas & Get It Right The First Time, explores what it really takes to live—and invest—abroad successfully. More than 25 years ago, Mike saw the gap between people dreaming about retiring on a beach and actually making it happen, so he set out to build thoughtfully planned communities across Latin America, including Belize, Nicaragua, and Panama. Since then, he’s helped thousands of expats, investors, and digital nomads turn “someday” into a concrete plan through practical education, on-the-ground Discovery Tours, and real-world development experience.

FOLLOW...

Ashley Romiti serves as Founder and President of GCA1031, who specializes in helping long-term real estate investors navigate the often-overlooked side of investing: the exit. With nearly 15 years in commercial real estate underwriting and advisory, Ashley saw too many retiring landlords and business owners sitting on highly appreciated assets, facing management fatigue and major tax exposure—without fully understanding their options. She breaks down how 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) actually work, how to evaluate risk and income beyond headline returns, and how to transition from active ownership to passive income while preserving capital and deferring taxes. If yo...

Gil Vaisman is the founder and CEO of Go ADU Construction, a Los Angeles–based design-build firm redefining how homeowners approach Accessory Dwelling Units and garage conversions. With an unconventional background as a professional picture editor in Hollywood, Gil brings a storyteller’s attention to detail and clarity to an industry often plagued by confusion, surprise costs, and poor communication. Frustrated by the lack of transparency in construction, he set out to build what he calls the “Anti-Contractor”—a client-first, tech-enabled company that simplifies permitting, zoning, and engineering so homeowners can confidently turn ADUs into smart, long-term investments. Passionate about solv...

John Collins is on a mission to help renters break the rent cycle and achieve homeownership with little to no money down. With nearly four decades of experience in real estate and sales, John found his true calling in homebuyer education, teaching everyday renters how to use grants and down payment assistance programs to buy homes they never thought were possible. Through his initiative, Own The Roof, he’s helped thousands of families move from renting to owning by closing the “possibility gap” and showing that you don’t need perfect credit, 20% down, or insider knowledge—just the right strategy...

John Knowlton is an entrepreneur, investor, and former pastor who has built his life and career around one core belief: better thinking leads to better outcomes. His bi-vocational journey spans building a wealth management firm that grew to over $1 billion in client assets—allowing him to retire at 51—while also serving as a pastor, teacher, and jail chaplain, where he saw firsthand how mindset shapes direction and destiny. Today, John works with CEOs and business owners to help them think more clearly and lead with purpose, drawing from his experience facilitating executive retreats and advising leaders. He’s also redefi...

Loodmy Jacques is a real estate entrepreneur who has built a standout, system-driven business in South Florida by blending high-touch service with modern technology. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he moved to the U.S. in 2004 and, through determination and the guidance of strong mentors, grew his career into The Jacques Real Estate Team, now serving clients across Palm Beach, Broward, and St. Lucie Counties. Known for delivering an elevated client experience, Loodmy has guided hundreds of buyers and sellers, earned more than 300 five-star reviews, and consistently performs at the top of his market. 

His approach goes beyond s...