Jake & Gino: Real Estate Investing & Multifamily

In this episode of the Jake & Gino Podcast, we sit down with Marcus Higgins, a seasoned operator with a proven track record in scaling high-growth hospitality and consumer brands. Marcus previously led U.S. operations for OYO—one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the world—and now brings his expertise to Landing, a company revolutionizing the way people experience flexible, mid-term living. 

If you're interested in real estate, multifamily trends, or innovative housing models, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 

Connect with Marcus & Learn More 

Landing Website: https://www.hello...

Why do so many people feel stuck financially, even when they’re making money?

In this episode, Gino breaks down the core principles you need to understand to stop living paycheck to paycheck. He introduces the concept of “baby money soldiers” as a simple way to visualize how money flows in and out of your life—and why most people struggle to build wealth.

By understanding income types, expenses, and financial behavior, you can begin to take control and build a more intentional financial future.

This episode is sponsored by Wheelbarrow Profits

How do you scale a property management business while maintaining service quality and operational efficiency?

In this episode of the Jake & Gino Podcast, Gino Barbaro sits down with Mike Steward, Vice President of Real Estate Sales at Real Property Management.

With over 18 years of experience across real estate, construction, and property management—and a background as President and COO of a Sotheby’s International Realty franchise—Mike shares proven strategies to help operators grow door count, increase market share, and reduce churn.

This conversation dives deep into the systems, metrics, and leadership principles requir...

In this episode of How To Show, Gino Barbaro shares a powerful mindset shift for real estate investors: sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way to scale.

Drawing from his own journey, Gino breaks down the early stages of his real estate career and explains how taking a more intentional, strategic approach helped him grow a stronger and more sustainable portfolio. From avoiding costly mistakes to focusing on long-term wealth, this episode is packed with actionable insights for both new and experienced investors.

If you’re looking to grow your real estate portfolio the right wa...

What if the business you’re building today… isn’t actually sellable? In this episode of the Jake & Gino Podcast, Gino Barbaro sits down with Brian T. Franco — founder & CEO of Meritage Partners — who has guided over $2 billion in business sales. Brian breaks down a hard truth: 

👉 If your business can’t run without you, you don’t own a company… you own a job. This conversation dives deep into how founders can move from owner-dependent chaos to building durable, sellable companies that buyers actually want. Whether you’re years away from exiting or just getting started, this episode will chal...

In this episode, we talk with Eddie Speed, a pioneer in note investing with over 40 years of experience and 50,000+ notes purchased.

We break down how to generate passive income through mortgage notes, why investors are shifting from landlord to lender, and how you can start building wealth by becoming the bank.

As the founder of NoteSchool, Eddie has helped thousands confidently invest in notes and create long-term cash flow.

https://noteschool.com/ginostarter

00:00 Start Here
01:10 Meet Eddie Speed (50,000+ Deals)
03:30 What Is Note Investing?
07:45 Landlord vs Lender (Big Shift)<...

Guest: Lon Welsh
Founder of Ironton Capital, Your Castle Real Estate, and First Alliance Title, with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate.
0:33 - Discussion on current market conditions

1:16 - Lon Welsh's insights on seller strategies

2:04- Gino Barbaro talks about market cycles

3:04- Lon Welsh on historical market trends

5:12- Discussion on current events affecting multifamily

7:05 - Gino Barbaro on asset opportunities

8:06 - Lon Welsh on investment strategies

10:21 - Gino Barbaro on past investment experiences

11:13 - Lon Welsh on...

If you want to build a legacy, you need more than just money—you need the right foundation.

In this episode, Gino breaks down the 3 essential pillars required to create a lasting legacy through business, family, and intentional living.

Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or just getting started, this framework will help you think bigger and act with purpose.

00:00 Intro
00:35 What does “building a legacy” actually mean?
02:10 Why most people never build one
04:05 Gino’s personal journey & lessons
06:40 The mindset shift you need first
09:15 Pillar #1: Clarity & Vision
13:20 Pillar...

Navigating the Current Multifamily Market: Insights from Matt Frazier

In this episode, Jake and Gino host Matt Frazier, founder and CEO of Jones Street Investment Partners, to discuss the nuances of the multifamily real estate landscape amid shifting market dynamics. Matt shares his journey, investment strategies, and predictions for the coming year, providing valuable lessons for both new and seasoned investors.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and guest background: 25+ years in real estate and finance

02:21 - Current state of the multifamily market and interest rate outlook

03:51 - The fundamental problem: capital...

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Why starting a business today is different
02:30 The mindset you need before launching a business
04:10 Identifying the right opportunity
06:05 Why most people start businesses the wrong way
08:00 The importance of learning before scaling
09:45 Building the right network and partnerships
11:30 Taking action instead of waiting for perfect conditions
13:20 Avoiding common beginner mistakes
15:00 Long-term thinking vs quick money
16:40 Final advice for new entrepreneurs
17:40 Closing thoughts

• Starting a business begins with mindset and clarity
• Focus on solving real problems
• Build relationships and partnerships early
•...

In this episode of the Jake & Gino Podcast, hosts Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro sit down with real estate developer and investor Evan Holladay. In this conversation, Evan shares his journey into real estate development, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the key lessons he learned while scaling large projects. He also explains how aspiring developers can get started, what it really takes to succeed in this space, and how real estate development can become a powerful path to building long-term wealth.

00:00 Intro
01:12 Introducing Evan Holladay
03:05 Evan’s Background and How He Got In...

In this episode of the Jake and Gino Podcast – How To Show, we discuss how to create multiple streams of revenue without sacrificing focus or stability.
True growth doesn’t come from chasing opportunities. It comes from mastering your core business, building repeatable systems, and expanding strategically.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
02:10 The Truth About Multiple Income Streams
05:05 Why Most Entrepreneurs Diversify Too Early
08:20 The Importance of a Strong Foundation
11:40 Active vs Leveraged Revenue Explained
14:50 Signs You’re Ready to Expand
17:30 Systems Create Scalable Growth
20:10 Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome
22:30 A Smar...

In this episode, Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro sit down with Evan Holladay, a developer focused on affordable housing. Evan shares how he broke into the industry, the realities of managing complex development projects, and the critical role strong partnerships play in bringing deals to life.

The conversation explores the growing demand for affordable housing in the U.S., the financial structure behind these projects, including the use of tax credits, and the many layers involved in navigating approvals and construction. Evan also offers practical advice for investors and developers looking to enter the space while creating...

Are you investing in real estate the right way to achieve your financial goals? 

There are two ways to invest in real estate:
👉 Active
👉 Passive

But here’s the real question — are you truly generating passive income, or just hoping you will?

Many investors jump into deals without fully understanding the risks, the operator, the numbers, or the exit strategy. Real estate can create life-changing wealth — but only if you understand how the game works.

If you're unsure whether active or passive investing is the right fit for your goals, time...

In this episode, Jake and Gino welcome investor Axel Ragnarsson for an in-depth conversation on building and sustaining success in real estate. Axel reflects on his path from small entrepreneurial ventures to owning multifamily properties, underscoring the importance of long-term thinking, disciplined execution, and surrounding yourself with the right people. The discussion covers market shifts, operational efficiency, financing approaches, and how technology is reshaping property management. Axel also shares practical lessons on overcoming today’s market challenges, offering actionable guidance for investors at every stage of their journey.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction 

01:05 The Shift in Rea...

In this episode of the Jake and Gino Podcast, hosts Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro welcome Lon Welsh, a seasoned commercial real estate expert, for a deep dive into leadership, investing strategy, and evolving market trends.

Lon shares practical insights on what effective leadership really looks like—highlighting the power of clear communication, accountability, and disciplined execution. He reflects on his transition from residential to commercial real estate, the lessons he learned while raising capital, and the realities of navigating shifting market cycles. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding market dynamics, staying adaptable, and building strong op...

In this conversation, Gino Barbaro explores the behavioral side of business coaching—an area he believes is often ignored. While most coaching programs focus on strategies, systems, and models, Gino argues that real success is driven by the beliefs, habits, and emotional patterns operating beneath the surface.

Drawing from his experience in both the restaurant and real estate industries, he reflects on how early family influences and childhood experiences shaped his mindset around money and risk. Gino emphasizes the importance of combining practical business strategy with deep behavioral awareness, advocating for a more holistic approach that addresses bo...

Takeaways:

Access to 0% interest credit can boost business growth.

Building a strong personal credit profile is essential.

Credit stacking allows for maximizing funding potential.

Risks include overextending financially with credit.

Preparation is key to seizing business opportunities.

We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... 

 About Jake & Gino: Jake & Gino are multifamily investors, operators, and owners who have created a vertically integrated real estate company. They control over $350M in assets under management. Connect with Jake & Gino here --> https://jake...

In this conversation, Gino outlines the key principles behind making sound real estate investment decisions. He underscores the need for a defined exit strategy, a strong grasp of core investment metrics, and disciplined, conservative underwriting. He also emphasizes evaluating the “return on effort,” encouraging investors to assess whether a deal not only makes financial sense but also aligns with their long-term goals and risk tolerance.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Investment Decisions

02:36 Understanding Exit Strategies

05:13 Evaluating Investment Metrics

08:13 The Importance of Conservative Underwriting

10:32 Return on Effort in Investments

 <...

In this episode, Jake and Gino welcome Benjamin D. Summers, managing director at Agio Group and author on shadow banking. The conversation delves into the intricacies of shadow banking, its implications on traditional finance, and the current market landscape. Benjamin shares insights on investment strategies, the importance of understanding risk-adjusted returns, and the psychological aspects of marketing. The discussion emphasizes the need for critical thinking in finance and the challenges posed by central banking and market trends.

Takeaways:

Shadow banking encompasses all finance outside of traditional deposit banking.

The pe...

In this conversation, Gino Barbera discusses the challenges of raising capital in the current economic climate, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business, creating connections with investors, and addressing their pain points. He highlights the need for financial stewardship and the psychological aspects of investor relations, advocating for a genuine approach to building trust and excitement in capital raising efforts.

Sound Bites:

"Try to connect with that person first."

"Understand how the brain works."

"Seek first to understand that person."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Capital Raising Challenges

In this episode of the Jake and Gino podcast, Gino Barbaro interviews John Gafford, a luxury real estate entrepreneur and author of 'Escaping the Drift.'  

John Gafford is a luxury real estate entrepreneur, speaker, and host of Escaping The Drift, a top 20 business podcast with over 3 million downloads. A former Apprentice contestant and CEO of Simply Vegas, he empowers people to break free from mediocrity, take control of their lives, and lead with purpose.

They discuss the importance of personal accountability, the concept of 'the drift' in life, and how to...

Takeaways:

The three-step process includes buy, finance, operate, and exit.

Understanding your exit strategy is crucial for real estate success.

Be intentional with your buy right criteria to ensure value addition.

Market analysis is essential for determining property value and potential.

Operational efficiency can significantly impact the success of a real estate investment.

Financing options vary and should align with your investment strategy.

Building a business mindset is key to successful real estate investing.

Utilizing data and market insights can enhance decision-making.

In this engaging conversation, Jake and Gino discuss the journey of entrepreneurship with Jeff Burningham, exploring personal stories, the role of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating politics as an entrepreneur. They delve into the impact of growth on community infrastructure, the aftermath of political campaigns, and the intersection of AI and human consciousness. The discussion also touches on education reform in the age of AI, the importance of finding joy and wisdom in a digital world, and the rituals that contribute to personal success and inner peace.

Jeff Burningham is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist...

In this episode, Gino Barbera shares his insights on the three essential steps to create meaningful change in both personal and professional life. He emphasizes the importance of perceiving the need for transformation, recognizing one's ability to change, and being ready to take action. Drawing from his own experiences, particularly during the Great Recession, Gino illustrates how he transitioned from being a 'pizza guy' to embracing a new mindset that allowed him to pursue real estate and personal growth. He encourages listeners to shift their perspective from merely wanting to change to actively transforming their lives by understanding their...

In this engaging conversation, Chris Hunsicker shares his journey from a marriage and family therapist to a leadership consultant, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and building a strong company culture. He discusses the dynamics of leadership, the significance of feedback, and the necessity of developing psychological resilience and self-efficacy in employees. The conversation also touches on the parallels between family values and business culture, highlighting how strong family foundations can lead to successful business practices.

Chris outlines five essential skills for success: psychological resilience, self-efficacy, grit, a servant's heart, and emotional stamina, urging leaders to...

Takeaways

We're here to help create real estate entrepreneurs... 

 Abou...

In this engaging conversation, Paul Shannon discusses the nuances of being an investor versus an entrepreneur in the real estate space. He emphasizes the importance of asset agnosticism, multiple exit strategies, and the evolving role of limited partners in today's market. The discussion also touches on current market conditions, investor sentiment, and the significance of teamwork in multifamily investing. With a focus on long-term wealth building and strategic decision-making, the conversation provides valuable insights for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike.

Takeaways

There's a distinction between being a good investor and a good entrepreneur.

In this conversation, Gino shares insights on creating a vision for your business, emphasizing the importance of clarity, core values, and metrics. He reflects on his past experiences in the restaurant industry and how they shaped his approach to business today. Gino discusses the significance of establishing a strong company culture and the role of accountability in achieving growth. He also highlights the need for effective systems and metrics to track progress and ensure success in any business venture.

Takeaways

In this episode, Jake and Gino get real about the current state of the market, why underwriting deals has become a nightmare, and the crucial shift investors must make from "buy right" to "manage right" to survive this cycle. Learn how to implement a "cadence of accountability," control your expenses with a fine-toothed comb, and create immense value in your existing portfolio while you wait for the acquisition market to thaw.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

☑️ The 4.5% Reality Check: Achieving a 7% cash-on-cash return is now "moderately to very difficult" in most major metros, with realistic returns hovering around 4.5%-5%.

Learn how to move beyond emotional impulses and use critical thinking to evaluate opportunities, align them with your long-term vision, and assess hidden costs and consequences. Gino walks through a real-life case study of a failed partnership to show you how to avoid costly mistakes and make empowering decisions that scale your business.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✅ Don't Trust Your Gut Alone: While intuition is important, relying solely on emotions can lead to bad deals. You need a logical, rational framework for critical thinking.

➤ The 6-Step Decision Framework:

✦ Does it align with your vision? W...

In this episode, Gino Barbaro sits down with Aaron Fraser, founder of the Action Sports Club and bestselling author. Aaron shares his powerful transition from a professional snowmobile racer facing a career-ending injury to becoming a leading expert in helping athletes build personal brands.

They dive deep into why building a brand around yourself—your face, your name, and your values—is far more effective and transferable than trying to build an "external" company brand first. Learn how authentic storytelling can attract major opportunities without the need for a hard sell, and discover the crucial difference between bran...

In this video, Gino Barbaro breaks down the 5 Key Functions required to run an efficient, scalable real estate business. Most "gurus" only teach you how to buy and finance a deal (the sexy parts), but they ignore the operations and management that actually make the deal profitable. Learn how to move from being an overworked landlord to a true business executive.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Job vs. Business: Why most entrepreneurs inadvertently sign up for a "job" when they start investing, and how to shift to a business mindset.

✅ The Unsexy Truth: Marketing and Operations aren...

He dives into the secrets of the most lucrative "niche" businesses (you won't believe the average revenue of a closet company!) and reveals the non-negotiable criteria for identifying a scalable, high-profit franchise that can withstand market cycles—and why he is absolutely avoiding the food industry right now.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Franchising is the Ultimate Wealth Methodology: It takes ordinary people and gives them the tools to execute an exceptional, proven business model flawlessly, creating scalable wealth.

✔️ The Riches are in the Niches: Cliff reveals that specialty, non-glamorous businesses—like closet organization or gutter services—often...

Join Gino Barbaro of Jake and Gino as he continues the discussion on the crucial team members you need to build a scalable and successful real estate enterprise. He stresses that in the current market cycle, the focus has shifted entirely from just "buy right" to mastering the "manage right" component. If you neglect operations, even the most promising acquisitions will turn into "crappy deals".

In this video, Gino breaks down the complex reality of raising capital and highlights why Investor Relations is not a side job—it's an entirely separate business that demands a dedicated, critical hi...

Mike shares his compelling personal journey of growing up in the former Soviet Union and immigrating to the U.S., offering a vital perspective on the dangers of socialism and communism as these terms resurface in modern politics. He also unveils his "three rules" for finding and underwriting great deals in the current volatile market, explaining how he targets positive spreads and deep discounts on construction costs.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✅ The Three Rules for "Great Deals": Today, Mike focuses on deals that offer:

➜ A 2% positive spread between the cap rate and the financing interest rate.<...

We discuss the critical roles you need to fill—from property management to bookkeeping—and share the painful (and expensive) lessons learned from waiting too long to hire. Stop working in your business and start working on it.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The "I'ma" Mentality: Why doing everything yourself will cap your growth and lead to burnout.

✅ The 3-Month Test: A simple formula to determine if you can afford your first hire without breaking the bank.

✅ Top 4 Crucial Hires: Why property managers, bookkeepers, business coaches, and asset managers are non-negotiable for scaling.

Question...

We also debate the pros and cons of traditional retirement planning versus active real estate investing. Is the "4% Rule" a path to freedom or just a way to ration your life away? Jake and Gino share their unique approach to multifamily investing, profit per unit (PPU), and why managing debt is the key to surviving market downturns.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Fiduciary vs. Non-Fiduciary: Why most advisors are like "Supercuts" employees pushing their own products, and how to find an independent fiduciary who works for you.

✅ The Problem with Traditional Retirement: Why the "4% Rule" feels like...

Discover how LeaseLock is helping owners and operators maximize performance in every market cycle by rethinking the traditional security deposit.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The Rise of Resident-Centricity: The multifamily industry has shifted from a "show me the money" approach to prioritizing customer service and resident retention, especially in a competitive market with increasing supply.

✅ The Accidental Economist: Greg's journey into multifamily, like many, was serendipitous, starting in real estate research and evolving into understanding operations through technology.

✅ Decoding Market Cycles: Greg breaks down the recent market cycles, including the COVID-19 interruption, and highli...

It's not as easy as social media influencers make it seem. You need a solid framework: Buy Right, Manage Right, and Finance Right. We explore the critical questions you must ask yourself before diving in: Are you buying a job or a business? Are you looking for cash flow or a big exit? And most importantly, are you prepared for the day-to-day grind of management?

We also discuss why "boring" industries like home services (think gutters and closets!) might be the smartest investment right now, offering huge margins and resilience against AI disruption. Whether you're eyeing a...