RealDealChat / Lessons from Real Estate Investors

Nicholas Lawless shares why mindset, leadership, and time discipline matter more than tactics for entrepreneurs and real estate investors.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Nicholas Lawless joins Jack for a deep, wide-ranging conversation on mindset, leadership, security, and entrepreneurship—and why most success (or failure) starts long before tactics or money enter the picture.

Nick shares his unconventional journey from construction and the military to national security work at the highest levels of government, including investigations tied to January 6th and other sensitive matters, before stepping away to build multiple businesses of his own. We sp...

Ryan Cadwell shares why patience, cash, and realistic underwriting matter more than optimism as real estate heads toward its next reset.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Ryan Cadwell, CPM of Resolute Realty, delivers a grounded, operator-level perspective on where real estate really stands heading into 2026.

Ryan walks through his 18-year journey—from growing up around apartments and property management to building a vertically integrated business that includes development, construction, brokerage, and operations. We dig into why many deals are still overpriced, how interest rate cuts failed to reduce the true cost of capital, and why op...

Marcy Sagel explains how disciplined design decisions directly impact budget control, lease-up speed, and long-term returns in multifamily real estate.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Marcy Sagel—principal of MSA Interiors—breaks down how interior design quietly determines whether a multifamily project stays on budget or spirals out of control.

With nearly 30 years of experience across market-rate, student housing, senior housing, and affordable housing, Marcy explains why doing all the design work upfront is the single biggest cost-saving move an investor can make. We dive into how late-stage construction changes destroy budgets, how durable materials outp...

Attorney and surety expert Gary Eastman explains how bonds protect real estate investors from delays, contractor failures, and costly litigation.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Gary Eastman—attorney and founder of Swift Bonds—breaks down what surety bonds really are, why they exist, and when real estate investors should actually use them.

Gary shares how he accidentally built a nationwide surety business after noticing a gap in how probate, construction, and licensing bonds were being handled. We dive into the three main bond categories (court bonds, contract bonds, and license & permit bonds), how bonds differ from...

Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom share how surviving the 2008 crash shaped their approach to partnerships, underwriting, and in-house property management.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom of Iron Ridge Capital break down what nearly two decades of investing together has taught them about real estate, relationships, and risk.

We start with Erik’s early exposure to apartment syndication and the decision to bet on commercial real estate just before the Great Financial Crisis. From living through 2008–2009 to swinging hammers on their first six-unit deal, Erik and Eric explain how that painful peri...

Dave Holman shares how buy-and-hold real estate, strong operations, and impact-driven housing can create durable wealth and thriving communities.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Dave Holman—real estate investor, broker, and property manager—walks through a grounded, real-world approach to building wealth through long-term ownership and responsible operations.

Dave shares how a nontraditional path—from nonprofits and entrepreneurship abroad to real estate in Maine—shaped his philosophy around housing, community, and capital. We dive into scaling from a handful of units to 360+ units owned and managed, plus 180+ units under development, while keeping a strong focus on resid...

Mark Shuler explains why real estate success isn’t about intellect or experience—it’s about grit, systems, and relentless execution.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Mark Shuler—architect turned multifamily syndicator—breaks down what it really takes to scale in commercial real estate.

With over $600M in assets, 5,000+ doors, and 200+ employees, Mark shares how he transitioned from being a hired architect to a general partner in large value-add syndications. We dive into deep C-class renovations, workforce housing ethics, supply-chain control, in-house labor models, and why most operators get crushed when assumptions break.

Mark also...

Mike Zlotnik breaks down real estate market cycles, why predictability matters more than hype, and how chess-level thinking applies to investing.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Mike Zlotnik returns for a deep, no-nonsense conversation on market cycles, risk, and building a resilient real estate portfolio.

Mike shares his journey from political refugee and chess master to tech executive and full-time real estate fund manager. We explore how chess shaped his approach to investing, why past performance is not predictive, and how investors should adapt strategies based on where we are in the market cycle.

Chris Prefontaine breaks down why creative real estate works in every market—and why most investors quit before the breakthrough.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Chris Prefontaine returns to break down the fundamentals of creative real estate investing and why patience—not tactics—is the missing ingredient for most investors.

Chris shares his journey from traditional building and brokerage to getting crushed in the 2008 crash—and how that pain forced him to rethink everything. With no credit, no cash, and no desire to rely on banks again, Chris rebuilt his business using owner financing, lease-purchase, and subj...

Colton Pace explains why most property tax bills are wrong—and how homeowners and investors can reduce expenses without upfront risk.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Colton Pace, co-founder of Ownwell, breaks down one of the most overlooked wealth drains in real estate: property taxes that go unquestioned year after year.

Colton shares how his experience working with a multi-billion-dollar family office revealed a massive gap between how institutions manage real estate and how everyday owners do. That insight led to Ownwell—a platform designed to help homeowners and investors optimize their largest recurring expenses, incl...

After serving time in federal prison, Fuzzy Jardine rebuilt his life—and went on to build 150+ affordable homes in Hawaii using values-driven real estate.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Kolaiah “Fuzzy” Jardine shares one of the most powerful real estate journeys you’ll hear—rising from a troubled past and federal prison sentence to becoming a successful developer focused on affordable housing for local families in Hawaii.

Fuzzy walks through the mindset shift that changed everything, why investing in education (even when it felt impossible) was the turning point, and how surrounding himself with the right ment...

Nathan Schiess explains why personal branding isn’t optional for real estate investors—and why waiting until you need capital is already too late.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Nathan Schiess—real estate investor turned personal branding consultant—breaks down why documenting your journey matters more than perfecting your pitch.

Nathan shares his own story of building and liquidating a real estate portfolio without documenting any of it—and how that hard lesson shaped his work helping investors, agents, syndicators, and capital raisers build trust before they need it. We unpack the difference between personal brands and...

Natalie Cloutier shares how she built a multimillion-dollar rental portfolio by focusing on small new builds, sweat equity, and long-term thinking.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Natalie Cloutier—co-founder of The New Build Couple and author of a new book on small-scale development—breaks down how she and her husband built a $13M+ rental portfolio by starting with their own home and scaling into duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and sixplexes.

We explore how new-build rentals can work even without large upfront capital, the power of sweat equity, and why credit unions and construction-to-permanent loans are often over...

Cost segregation expert Erik Oliver explains why this strategy now works for small rentals—and how 100% bonus depreciation changes the game.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Erik Oliver breaks down cost segregation in plain English and explains why it’s no longer just for massive commercial properties.

We cover how accelerated depreciation works, why bonus depreciation puts cost segregation “on steroids,” and how investors can unlock massive tax savings—even on single-family rentals. Erik also walks through common misconceptions, why most CPAs don’t offer cost segregation, how depreciation recapture really works, and when this strategy doe...

Jason Hull explains why bad property managers destroy returns—and why smart investors start with the manager, not the property.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jason Hull, founder of DoorGrow and host of The DoorGrow Show, breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in real estate investing: property management—not the property—is the key to true passive income.

We unpack why so many investors struggle with micromanagement, misaligned incentives, and emotional decision-making—and how most property managers end up trapped in what Jason calls the “cycle of suck.” Jason explains how elite investors flip the scr...

Franchise expert Adam Goldman explains how the right franchise can complement real estate investing, create deal flow, and unlock scalable systems.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Adam Goldman—former franchise owner turned franchise consultant—breaks down how franchising can work alongside real estate investing to create additional income, systems, and leverage.

Adam shares his journey from owning an office-cleaning franchise to placing hundreds of franchisees across dozens of industries. We discuss why SOPs and brand systems are often undervalued, how franchises can support real estate investors with capital and deal flow, and which business models are...

One answered phone call launched Brian Truman into multifamily real estate—and built a career powered by relationships, not transactions.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Brian Truman shares the unlikely origin story that launched his multifamily career just weeks after getting his real estate license—starting with a Saturday night phone call, a last-minute 1031 exchange, and a connection that changed everything.

Brian breaks down why commercial real estate is a relationship business, how a small group of repeat clients can create massive leverage, and what he’s seeing right now in multifamily markets—from emerging tertiary...

After losing everything in the 2008 crash, Allen Lomax rebuilt his life by rethinking wealth, taxes, and trust—and created The Great Tax Escape.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Allen Lomax shares a deeply personal story of loss, reinvention, and clarity after the 2008 financial crash wiped out everything he had built.

We explore why high-income professionals often feel trapped despite success, how taxes quietly erode wealth, and why working harder inside a broken system rarely leads to freedom. Allen breaks down his six-phase framework for becoming a capital allocator—covering trusted networks, due diligence, infrastructure, tax stra...

After a near-fatal accident put him in a coma, Nick Prefontaine rebuilt his life by learning to trust his inner voice—and that mindset shaped everything that followed.

In this powerful episode of RealDealChat, Nick Prefontaine shares the life-altering story that began with a snowboarding accident, a coma, and doctors saying he might never walk, talk, or eat again.

Nick breaks down the STEP System—Support, Trust, Energy, and Persistence—and how it guided his recovery, his entry into real estate, and eventually his purpose-driven work as a speaker and mentor. We explore trusting your inner...

Mortgage note investing is often pitched as “passive income,” but that’s not the full story.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Jamie Bateman of Labrador Lending to explain how mortgage note investing actually works, why it’s different from owning rental properties, and what investors should realistically expect before getting started.

Jamie shares his journey from W-2 employee to rental owner to full-time note investor, including:

Thomas Collins explains house hacking, multifamily investing, and how to make your assets pay for your lifestyle—starting with your first property.

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In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Thomas Collins, founder of Shift Rich Academy, to break down one of the most powerful entry points into real estate investing: house hacking.

Thomas shares how a single conversation at his day job sparked a mindset shift that led him from renting at $1,400/month to owning a duplex where his tenants paid nearly the entire mortgage. He explains why mu...

Eddie Speed explains why note investing is outperforming rentals, how investors become the bank, and why seller financing is the next shift.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Eddie Speed, founder of NoteSchool, to break down why note investing and seller financing are rapidly outperforming traditional rental properties in today’s market.

Eddie explains why rising expenses, compressed cap rates, and stagnant rents are breaking the rental model—and how investors are pivoting by becoming the bank instead. He shares how landlords, realtors, and investors can transition from owning rentals that bare...

Mitchell Osmond explains why high-performing men feel powerful at work but disconnected at home—and how to rebuild marriage, health, and purpose.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Mitchell Osmond, founder of Dad Nation and host of the Dad Nation Podcast, for a powerful conversation on marriage, masculinity, leadership, and emotional connection.

Mitchell works exclusively with high-performing, career-driven men who feel successful professionally—but disconnected, confused, or powerless at home. He breaks down why men are more medicated, divorced, and emotionally lost than ever before, and how cultural confusion around masculinity is q...

Giuseppe Grammatico explains franchising, AI automation, and how real estate investors use franchises to build predictable cash flow and scale smarter.

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In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Giuseppe Grammatico, franchise consultant and founder of GG The Franchise Guide, to break down how franchising intersects with real estate investing, cash flow, and AI-powered operations.

Giuseppe shares his journey from Wall Street to entrepreneurship, why franchising is often misunderstood, and how “business-in-a-box” models help investors shortcut years of trial and error. He explains how real estate investors can leverage fran...

Jose Berlanga explains how he created his own real estate market, why focus beats growth, and the costly mistakes developers make chasing trends.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Jose Berlanga, a veteran real estate developer and entrepreneur, to break down how he created demand where none existed—and why focus, patience, and clarity matter more than chasing hot markets.

Jose shares how he started developing inner-city Houston neighborhoods when they were considered “unbuildable,” why fear actually guided his best decisions, and how saturating a small area with consistent product helped him es...

David Morgan explains gold, silver, real estate, and why the dollar is losing trust—plus how investors protect wealth when the monetary system breaks.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with David Morgan, founder of The Morgan Report and one of the most respected analysts in precious metals, to unpack what’s really happening inside the global monetary system.

David shares how his fascination with money started as a child noticing the difference between silver coins and debased currency, and how that curiosity led to more than four decades analyzing markets, banking syst...

David C. Barnett breaks down buying small businesses vs real estate, the risks investors overlook, and how to build resilient, cash-flowing companies.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with David C. Barnett, author of The Business Fortress and one of the most respected voices in small business acquisition, to unpack the real differences between buying businesses and investing in real estate.

David shares his journey from business brokerage to banking to building a global advisory firm helping buyers and sellers avoid catastrophic mistakes. He explains why business brokerage is fundamentally broken, how...

Brent Kesler explains infinite banking, how he paid off nearly $1M in debt, and why the wealthy recycle money using the Money Multiplier method.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss welcomes back Brent Kesler, founder of The Money Multiplier, to break down one of the most misunderstood wealth strategies in real estate and investing: infinite banking.

Brent shares how he and his wife eliminated $984,711 of third-party debt in just 39 months—without changing cash flow, working harder, or taking on more risk. He explains how specially designed whole life policies allow investors to recycle and re...

Martine Richardson explains how to buy rental properties with no money down, use private lenders, negotiate smarter, and build cash flow for freedom.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Martine Richardson, real estate investor, lender strategist, and coach, to break down how everyday investors can buy rental properties with no money down—even in today’s market.

Martine shares her journey from getting fired at Fannie Mae and having her car repossessed to building long-term freedom through rental real estate. She explains how wholesaling led her to rentals, why private lenders are...

Paul do Campo explains why real estate investors lose deals in follow-up, how value-based messaging works, and why human connection beats automation alone.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Paul do Campo, founder of REI Omni Drip, to break down one of the most overlooked profit centers in real estate investing: follow-up.

Paul explains why most investors overspend on lead generation while leaving massive money trapped inside their CRM. He shares how value-based follow-up, storytelling, and multichannel communication (email, SMS, and direct mail) dramatically increase seller responses—without sounding salesy or sp...

Jack McColl shares how entrepreneurs can access $50K–$250K in 0% interest business credit, build capital the right way, and scale without giving up equity.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Jack McColl, entrepreneur and founder of Credit Stacking, to break down how investors and business owners can get $50K–$250K in 0% interest business credit—even with no business credit history.

Jack shares how he discovered business credit seven years into entrepreneurship, why personal credit unlocks huge business limits, and how he used $500K in approvals to build multiple successful companies. He explai...

Alan Franks reveals why so many business owners stay broke, how to build wealth outside your company, and why financial planning must include real estate.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Alan Franks, founder of Empowered Money and Business Planning Institute, to discuss why so many entrepreneurs stay broke — despite high revenue, long hours, and endless sacrifice.

Alan explains why entrepreneurs often treat their business like a “baby,” reinvesting everything back in and starving their personal finances. He lays out the framework he uses to help business owners build real wealth, divers...

Jack Hoss shares the top 5 tools real estate investors use to manage rentals remotely—covering cameras, smart locks, software, and automation.

In this episode of RealDealCast, Jack Hoss reveals his top 5 tech tools for managing rental properties remotely. These are the exact systems he uses daily to monitor properties, communicate with tenants, and save hours every week.

From Blink cameras and smart Wi-Fi door locks to Asana, TurboTenant, and his own RealDealCrew platform, Jack explains how each tool helps him manage rentals efficiently — even in rural areas or during harsh winter months.

You’ll lea...

John Azar breaks down today’s capital markets, why deals are failing, and how to raise money, communicate with investors, and scale a commercial real estate fund.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with John Azar, founder of Peak 15 Capital, to discuss the real state of capital markets, the rise of distressed commercial assets, and what operators must do to survive today’s environment.

John shares his origin story—from structured finance at Morgan Stanley to launching multiple companies, navigating the 2008 crisis, and ultimately raising and managing large funds. He explains the differ...

Melissa Nash reveals how she rebuilt her life after losing a multimillion-dollar business and scaled a $5M+ rental portfolio without ever seeing her properties.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss interviews Melissa Nash, founder of HelloMelissaNash.com, who shares her remarkable journey from losing a multimillion-dollar business to building a completely remote rental portfolio using systems, strategy, and the power of people.

Melissa explains how she transitioned from a failed children’s manufacturing company into real estate, why she hated being an agent, and how she discovered the freedom of long-distance investing. Today she ow...

Landscape expert Steve Griggs reveals the curb-appeal upgrades that help real estate investors sell faster, boost value, and win emotional buyers.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Steve Griggs, award-winning landscape designer and founder of Steve Griggs Design, to uncover the most overlooked value-add in real estate: landscaping.

Steve explains why curb appeal is the first showing, how the wrong trees and bushes can kill deals, and how investors can dramatically increase perceived value with surprisingly low-cost upgrades. From greening up the lawn to using proper lighting, to designing outdoor “living ro...

JB Thibodeaux shares how he became the “Duplex King,” scaled pocket developments, and created a $100M+ housing portfolio through innovation and relationships.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with JB Thibodeaux, founder of JB Thibo Homes & Properties and the man known as the “Duplex King.” JB explains how growing up in construction became both an advantage and an Achilles heel — and why relying on hustle alone nearly destroyed his early real estate career.

He shares the full story behind his pocket development strategy, how he scaled from flipping to building dozens of duplexes a...

Neil Twa reveals how he builds 7–8 figure “virtual real estate” brands using AI, data, SOPs, and operator development—plus his path from IBM to e-commerce.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with Neil Twa, co-founder of Voltage DM, who breaks down how he uses AI, massive data sets, and a refined operator training system to build, scale, and exit profitable “virtual real estate” brands.

Neil shares his journey from IBM’s early machine-learning projects to building Amazon brands doing $5M/month and helping entrepreneurs create e-commerce assets similar to multifamily portfolios. He explains how h...

David Hoffman shares how he overcame childhood trauma, built a successful real estate business, and created a life centered on faith, service, and relationships.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss sits down with David Hoffman, real estate broker, speaker, and author of Relationship Over Rules. David shares one of the most powerful personal stories ever featured on the show — from growing up isolated, abused, and deprived to building a thriving family, career, and faith-centered life.

David explains how hardship gave him emotional intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. He reveals the th...

Ashley Garner shares how he scaled from duplexes to 196-unit acquisitions, overcame fear, and built a multifamily business powered by outsourcing and relationships.

In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss interviews Ashley Garner of ABG Multifamily, who reveals how he went from flipping student rentals with his father to buying large multifamily properties — including his most recent 196-unit acquisition.

Ashley explains why “go bigger sooner” has become his core philosophy, how fear and past failures shaped his decision-making, and why outsourcing has been the key to unlocking scale. He breaks down exactly how he sources deals...