Beyond the Deal

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Tyler Harding, a multifamily operator who left retail management to build a thriving real estate portfolio alongside his entire family. From a spreadsheet plan to buy single-family homes one by one, to managing 750+ units today, Tyler’s story is a crash course in scaling smarter—not harder.

He shares how a shift in mindset around debt and scalability led to multifamily investing, why his family business thrives on clearly defined roles, and the overlooked danger of not raising enough capital to finish the job.

Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to level up your multifamily game, this episode is packed with honest insights and tactical gems.

🎯 Key Takeaways:
✅ Why scaling with single-family homes wasn’t sustainable
✅ How Tyler and his family built High Caliber Multifamily from the ground up
✅ The mindset shift that turned debt into a tool for growth
✅ Why raising enough capital is just as important as closing the deal
✅ The family dynamic behind managing acquisitions, asset management, and marketing

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 Website: https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Tyler Harding:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-harding-89960b84/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom?

👉 Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship:

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow LPs and real estate investors!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with David Hrizak—a serial operator and acquirer who’s built his career by mastering the fundamentals: great partnerships, operational excellence, and long-term thinking. David shares how he transitioned from contractor gigs to acquiring companies, why he bets on people first, and how he structures deals for both growth and sustainability.

From creative financing to defining roles early on, David brings a no-fluff approach to building successful business partnerships. If you’re looking for insight into operator-led growth, this episode breaks down the mindset and systems required to scale without chaos.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why great partnerships start with aligned vision and clear roles
• How David structures equity and compensation to keep operators motivated
• His approach to buying companies without being the day-to-day guy
• Lessons from failed deals—and what he looks for now before moving forward
• The value of creative structures, even in simple service businesses

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet David Hrizak and his early entrepreneurial roots

03:30 – Why long-term alignment matters more than quick wins

07:00 – Structuring ownership, equity, and incentives

10:00 – The operator-first approach to deal-making

14:00 – How to recover when deals fall apart

18:00 – Raising capital and attracting the right investors

22:00 – Making acquisitions without losing control

26:00 – Final advice on partnerships, clarity, and playing the long game

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 Website: https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – David Hrizak:

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-j-hrizak-29634627/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom?

👉 Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship:

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow LPs and real estate investors!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Jacobo Hernandez, the entrepreneur who unknowingly launched Michael’s coaching journey. From building a 7-figure Amazon business and weathering supplier sabotage, to scaling Airbnbs with social media-style tactics, Jacobo reveals the mindset and strategies that helped him thrive through risk and reinvention.

Now focused on boutique hotels—a.k.a. commercial Airbnbs—Jacobo shares why he pivoted to commercial real estate, how he evaluates opportunities, and how his background in e-commerce gives him an edge. This is a must-listen masterclass in scaling income and impact, all while designing a life of freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How Jacobo scaled his first Airbnb portfolio using influencer wishlists and Amazon-style SEO tactics
• Why boutique hotels offer better margins, scalability, and operational freedom
• The difference between residential and commercial real estate valuation (and why it matters)
• How Jacobo managed debt, stress, and burnout during his Amazon days
• The power of manifestation, mentorship, and immersion in new ventures

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – How Jacobo inspired Michael to coach capital raising

01:30 – From Airbnb to boutique hotels: what it really means

04:00 – Profit margins and operational differences in boutique hotels

06:00 – Extra revenue streams: weddings, resort fees, and more

10:00 – Jacobo’s early entrepreneurship journey in China and Amazon

13:00 – How he hacked Airbnb’s algorithm and scaled with influencers

16:00 – The downside of product-based businesses and why he left Amazon

20:00 – Law of attraction, spirituality, and managing financial panic

23:00 – Why education and masterminds are Jacobo’s first step in any venture

26:00 – Building the right routines for sustained high performance

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Jacobo Hernandez:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobo-hernandez-747299128/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom?

👉 Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship:

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow LPs and real estate investors!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, Michael Wagman speaks with Sid Shamim—an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who walked away from a high-paying oil and gas job to take control of his first underperforming apartment complex. That decision sparked a 10+ year journey to building a vertically integrated real estate firm managing over $500 million in assets and 4,300+ units across Texas and Arizona.

Sid breaks down how he scaled from single-family homes to multifamily syndications, what made him ditch third-party property managers, and the systems behind raising $150 million in investor capital. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to go from side-hustle landlord to full-time operator, this one’s for you.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why operational control changed everything for Sid’s portfolio
• How he raised his first round of capital through trust, not marketing
• The key difference between a good spreadsheet and a good property
• His approach to scaling with accountability—and why it starts with hiring
• The massive tax advantages of multifamily real estate (and how he pays almost nothing legally)
• Why the real edge in real estate is being both an operator and an owner
• How Sid structures bonuses to build long-term commitment from his team
• What he looks for in today’s market and how he’s positioning for distressed opportunities

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Sid Shamim's Journey: From Immigrant to Real Estate Mogul
00:01:55 From Academia to Oil and Gas Industry  
00:03:47 Transition from Oil and Gas to Real Estate Investing
00:05:33 Transitioning from Single Family to Multifamily Real Estate
00:07:14 Transitioning to Multifamily Syndication  
00:09:00 Understanding Real Estate Depreciation and REP Status
00:10:46 Becoming a Property Manager: A Personal Journey
00:12:28 Overcoming Challenges in Real Estate Management
00:14:20 Strategies for Raising Capital Without Digital Presence
00:16:19 Building a Property Management Empire
00:17:51 Innovative Employee Incentive Structures
00:19:31 Navigating Multifamily Investments in a Competitive Market
00:21:19 Interest Rates and Market Cycles in Real Estate
00:23:03 The Role of Timing in Real Estate Investment
00:24:53 Market Challenges for Recent Buyers  
00:26:42 Navigating Investment Challenges: Problem-Solving and Discipline

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Sid Shamim:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-shamim-a920b6177/

https://headwayinvestment.com/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom? Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship.

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow acquirers and operators!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Pat Zingarella, founder of InvestClearly, a platform that’s changing the way Limited Partners (LPs) evaluate General Partners (GPs) in real estate syndications.

Pat shares how his own experience with a fraudulent operator inspired him to create a review platform for LPs, where verified investors can rate and review GPs based on actual deal participation.

He walks us through the platform’s mission, challenges of launching a startup, legal limitations, and the importance of due diligence on sponsors—not just the deals. If you’re an LP looking to avoid red flags or a GP seeking to build trust with transparency, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How one bad experience led Pat to build a company that protects LPs

✅ Why underwriting sponsors is just as important as underwriting deals

✅ How verified reviews from real investors create accountability

✅ What LPs should look out for—and how to avoid influencer bias

✅ Lessons from launching a tech startup in a traditionally private industry

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Deal

00:01:44 Journey from Corporate Sales to Real Estate Entrepreneur

00:03:19 Discovering a Fraudulent Mentor  

00:04:43 Navigating LP Fraud Prevention Strategies

00:06:22 Evaluating Real Estate Investment Testimonials

00:08:03 Balancing GP and LP Perspectives on Investment Platforms

00:09:54 Introduction to Nimble Capital Group

00:11:23 Launch and Growth Strategy for Investment Platforms

00:13:00 Optimizing GP Profiles for Better LP Engagement

00:14:35 Startup Challenges: First Launch Failure and Lessons Learned

00:16:07 Challenges in Product Development and Launch

00:17:42 Overcoming Challenges in App Development

00:19:19 Negative Reviews Impact on GP Practices  

00:21:02 Transformative Power of Routine and Health

00:22:36 Overcoming Mental Challenges in Entrepreneurship

00:24:12 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Stress and Building Resilience

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Pat Zingarella:

🔗 https://investclearly.com/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/pasqualezingarella/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom? Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship.

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow LPs and real estate investors!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Alice Chen, former corporate lawyer turned serial entrepreneur and private equity investor. Alice shares her remarkable journey from working in mergers and acquisitions law to founding multiple businesses—including a top Canadian wine export firm and a boutique M&A company acquired by PwC.

Now, as a partner at Pendra Hastings Capital, Alice leads U.S. operations focused on land development, investing in best-in-class developers who turn raw land into build-ready lots for national homebuilders. She explains why entitlement and horizontal development are overlooked wealth-building strategies and breaks down the model that allows her firm to deliver 25–27% targeted IRRs with pre-structured exits.

From scaling startups to managing investor capital and maintaining daily peak performance, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Alice identifies trends, adapts to global forces, and makes big moves in real estate and business.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why Alice left a promising legal career to chase entrepreneurial freedom

✅ How she scaled a wine export business to 16% of Canada’s wine exports to China

✅ What makes land entitlement & development so powerful in today’s market

✅ The mechanics of pre-structured exits with national homebuilders

✅ Her morning routine & mindset shifts that support long-term success

Timestamps:

00:00:00 From Lawyer to Serial Entrepreneur: Alice Chen's Journey

00:01:40 Journey from Lawyer to Entrepreneur: Embracing Entrepreneurship

00:03:20 From Legal Path to Wine Exportation Business Success

00:05:01 Passive Investing Strategies for Building Wealth

00:06:48 Chinese Acquisition of American Businesses and the Shift in Government Mandates

00:08:31 Becoming a Passive Real Estate Investor

00:10:11 The Role of Horizontal Developers in Land Development

00:11:53 Strategies for Sustainable Land Development Investments

00:13:35 Addressing the U.S. Housing Supply Gap

00:15:22 Land Ownership and Its Financial Implications

00:17:02 Profitable Land Acquisition Strategies and IRR Goals

00:18:50 Future Trends in Housing: Single Family vs. Multifamily Development

00:20:36 The Rise of Built-to-Rent Communities

00:22:20 Optimal Daily Habits for High Performance

00:23:56 Morning Gratitude Practice and its Importance

00:25:32 Morning Routine for Success

00:27:02 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Alice Chen:

🔗 https://alicechencompanies.com/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliceychen/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom? Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship.

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow investors and entrepreneurs!

What if you could scale and exit multiple companies—without being the expert in the trade? In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Guy Salani, a serial entrepreneur and mentor who’s built and exited 4+ home improvement businesses in roofing, siding, closets, cabinetry, and more.

🚀 Want to raise capital and scale your business with expert guidance? Book a free discovery call:

🔗 https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

From tripling revenue in 18 months to selling a company for nearly 4x EBITDA, Guy breaks down the sales-first mindset and scalable systems that helped him succeed—without having to swing a hammer. You’ll learn what makes a business valuable at exit, how to build a team that drives results, and why most buyers fail when they don’t get hands-on.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How Guy scaled and exited multiple 7-figure home service businesses

✅ Why sales systems matter more than trade expertise

✅ What every new business buyer must understand

✅ A real-world look at EBITDA multiples and valuations

✅ Why team-building and clean financials are essential for scale

📺 Videos to Watch Next:

🎥 Real Estate Transformations: From Different Careers to Wealth

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zMZucg5Z9FytFHG3jod_6Nl2naRko-u

🎥 Overcoming Setbacks & Scaling to Success

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zMZucg5Z9Fm7W7oOOXaXZle4VIkFbC9

🎥 Niche Real Estate Investment Opportunities

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zMZucg5Z9GjZQ7Ewg97T9jI4x2YEZgU

🎥 Raising Capital & Investing While Balancing a Career

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6zMZucg5Z9Gtw-wHy3QrskVVkO3917ZD

📌 Timestamps:

00:00:00 Insights from a Serial Entrepreneur: Featuring Guy Salani

00:01:40 Evolution from Mortgage Brokerage to Home Improvement Maven

00:03:20 Scaling Home Services Business: Essential Strategies

00:05:05 Transformational Coaching Experience with Rodney Webb

00:06:51 Building a Sales Empire: Key Strategies for Growth

00:08:36 Leveraging Business Exits for Growth

00:10:23 Understanding Gross Sales and EBITDA Calculation

00:12:13 Insights on Selling a Cabinetry Company

00:13:51 The Pitfalls of Business Acquisition  

00:15:33 Building Strong Organizational Relationships  

00:17:13 From Zoning Boards to Commercial Development in Florida

00:18:53 Real Estate Opportunities in South Florida

00:20:34 Real Estate Investment Strategies and Exclusivity

00:22:10 Balancing Multiple Business Ventures  

00:23:49 Healthy Eating on a Busy Schedule

00:25:26 Structuring Your Day for High-Level Success

🔗 Follow the Host & Guest:

👤 Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/

🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

👤 Guy Salani:

Call or Text: 609-457-6727

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/guymichaelsalani/

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-michael-s/

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs!

#BusinessAcquisition #HomeServices #Entrepreneurship #SalesSystems #EBITDA #SmallBusinessExits

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Lauren Brychell, a capital raising expert and founder of Equity Elevated, who has personally raised over $55 million in retail capital, primarily in the self-storage space.

Lauren shares how she went from being hired for marketing to leading investor relations at a major self-storage firm, and how that experience inspired her to launch a consulting company that now trains other operators and syndicators to raise capital effectively, build powerful tech stacks, and stand out in a crowded market.

She also dives into key lessons on investor communication, follow-up systems, and how to build trust with limited track record—especially for new capital raisers trying to break into the game.

Whether you're just starting out or want to refine your investor engagement strategy, this episode is packed with actionable capital raising tactics and mindset shifts to grow your investor base.

Key Takeaways:
✅ How Lauren raised $55M in capital with no finance background
✅ The biggest mistakes operators make with investor follow-up
✅ How to optimize your pitch deck, tech stack, and CRM
✅ What to do when you feel like you’re “chasing” investors
✅ How to grow a consulting firm that empowers other capital raisers

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Deal Podcast
00:01:58 Introduction to Capital Raising
00:03:42 Transition to Capital Raising: Overcoming Challenges and Learning the Ropes
00:05:21 Networking for Capital Raising  
00:06:56 Overcoming Career Fears to Become a Capital Raising Consultant
00:08:34 Best Practices for Following Up with Leads
00:10:09 Effective Follow-Up Strategies in Networking and Marketing
00:11:46 Tips for Successful Capital Raising
00:13:27 Identifying Your Investor Avatar in a Changing Market
00:15:09 Building Investor Personas for Market Success
00:16:57 Strategies for Success in High Net Worth Industries
00:18:55 Strategies for Successful Investor Relations
00:20:25 Building Strong Investor Relationships through Personal Touchpoints
00:22:27 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges: From Employee to Success
00:23:52 Entrepreneur Sleep Tips: Clearing Your Inbox for Better Rest
00:25:52 Scaling a One-Woman Business: Challenges and Goals
00:27:13 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/
🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Lauren Brychell:
🔗 https://equity-elevated.com/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brychell-capital-raise-consulting/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom? Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship.

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow investors and capital raisers!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman is joined by Kaaren Hall, founder and CEO of uDirect IRA Services and co-author of The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing.

With 15+ years in the industry, Kaaren shares how she built one of the leading self-directed IRA companies in the country, helping thousands of investors unlock their retirement funds and invest in real estate, private lending, crypto, and more.

Kaaren dives into her unexpected path from radio announcer to CEO, explains the power and pitfalls of SDIRAs, and gives actionable advice on how to avoid IRS penalties, use retirement money legally, and raise capital the right way.

Whether you're an investor, syndicator, or entrepreneur looking to tap into the $40 trillion pool of retirement funds, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

✅ How Kaaren transitioned from radio to leading a multimillion-dollar IRA firm

✅ Why most investors don’t know they can invest outside the stock market

✅ What you can and can’t do with a self-directed IRA

✅ Common SDIRA mistakes and how to avoid prohibited transactions

✅ How to raise capital legally and ethically using retirement accounts

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Exploring Alternative Investments with Karen Hall

00:01:34 Becoming a Successful CEO

00:03:12 Investing Beyond the Stock Market with Self-Directed IRAs

00:04:45 Tapping into Retirement Accounts for Investment Opportunities

00:06:24 Building a Network: The Key to Real Estate Success

00:08:00 Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur: The Real Story

00:09:25 Mastering Customer Service: Handling Complaints and Improving Satisfaction

00:10:46 Setting Expectations for Self-Directed IRAs

00:12:18 Managing Entrepreneurial Anxiety and Sleep  

00:13:46 Fitness Habits for Entrepreneurial Success

00:15:16 The Discipline Behind Fitness and Success

00:16:51 Journey of Writing a Book with Jean Trobridge and Bigger Pockets

00:18:15 Writing a Book: Insights and Experience

00:19:45 Empower Yourself: Investing in Alternative Assets  

00:21:23 Avoiding Prohibited Transactions with IRAs

00:22:49 Understanding SDIRA Rules for Friends and Family

00:24:28 How to Support and Engage with the Podcast

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/
🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Kaaren Hall:

🔗 https://udirectira.com/
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaarenhall/

Interested in learning how to raise capital and scale your business to build a lifestyle around freedom? Schedule a call today and let's find out if you're a good fit for mentorship.

https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration

🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow investors and entrepreneurs!

In this episode of Beyond the Deal, host Michael Wagman sits down with Jay Bourgana, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Acquisition Collective, who’s quietly built a business empire through strategic small business acquisitions and roll-ups.

Jay shares his journey from growing up in Morocco and working in global operations to building and selling a $350M real estate company—and why he walked away from it all to teach others how to buy businesses and build lasting wealth.

From turnaround consulting to post-exit mindset, Jay dives deep into buying businesses the right way, finding off-market sellers, and building scalable systems so you’re not stuck in the day-to-day. He also reveals why ownership equals control, and how he’s using business as a tool to create freedom, purpose, and generational impact.

Key Takeaways:
✅ How Jay went from a Moroccan immigrant to building a $350M company
✅ Why buying businesses is the ultimate wealth-building strategy
✅ What to look for in companies: recurring revenue, systems, & simplicity
✅ How to find off-market deals using NAICS codes and industry networks
✅ The power of mentorship, systems thinking, and personal evolution

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Jay’s immigrant-to-entrepreneur journey
06:00 – Building a $350M real estate business & getting acquired
10:45 – Why Jay walked away & started buying small businesses
16:20 – How he finds sellers & what makes a company worth buying
20:00 – Roll-ups, recurring revenue, and building for scale
26:30 – Post-exit life: Why retirement got boring & purpose matters
29:30 – Teaching others: Inside the Acquisition Collective & Raising Lions

Follow the Host – Michael Wagman:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwagman/
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/nimble_capital_group/
🔗 https://nimblecapitalgroup.com/

Follow the Guest – Jay Bourgana:
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bourgana/
🔗 https://acquisitionscollective.biz/

Want to learn how to raise capital and scale your investments? 
🔗 Book a free discovery call: https://calendly.com/mwagman/capital-coaching-exploration


🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and future business buyers!