BigMikeFund

On this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike sits down with Jack Martin, co-founder of 52TEN Partners, to break down why mobile home parks remain one of the most resilient asset classes in real estate.

Jack explains how shrinking supply, strong demand, and affordability drive consistent performance across market cycles. The conversation covers rent growth versus apartments, value creation through operations and infill, and a real-world mobile home park acquisition—including cap rates, leverage, and agency debt. They also discuss near-perfect rent collections during COVID, bonus depreciation, and why mobile home parks continue to attract investors focused on capital preservation and steady cash flow.

About the Guest:

Jack Martin is the co-founder of 52Ten Partners, a Scottsdale-based investment firm focused exclusively on mobile home parks. The firm manages approximately 1,600 lots across four states and $55+ million of private investor capital. Jack has participated in over $450 million of residential and commercial acquisitions and dispositions and is known for a disciplined, recession-resistant approach with an unblemished track record of on-time reporting and distributions for more than 200 investors.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:30 – Guest Intro: Jack Martin

1:17 – Severe supply constraints in mobile home parks

2:29 – Shrinking supply from redevelopment and institutional consolidation

4:28 – Rent growth stability vs apartment volatility

6:37 – Difference between mobile home parks and RV parks

7:44 – Stabilized cap rates across markets

10:41 – Cost advantage of mobile home living vs apartments

12:30 – Homeownership, low turnover, and tenant stickiness

14:23 – Real deal example: Omaha acquisition and value-add strategy

16:01 – Expense reduction and auxiliary income as core value drivers

19:26 – Why mobile home parks require in-house management

22:27 – Capital preservation as the primary LP attraction

23:27 – Performance during GFC and COVID

27:01 – Extremely low tenant turnover rates

29:17 – Bonus depreciation advantages in mobile home parks29:54 – Agency debt, leverage, and DSCR constraints

32:14 – How to connect with Jack Martin

32:30 – Book recommendation: The Secret Life of Real Estate and Banking

33:07 – Market cycles, Fed policy, and closing thoughts

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: 52ten.com

Full Transcript:

Mike Zlotnik (02:04.075)

Welcome to the BigMikeFundPodcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Jack Martin. Hey Jack, thanks for coming on the show, let me give you a formal quick intro. So, you are a co-founder of 52Ten Partners with qualified investors to acquire and reposition mobile parks.

Jack Martin (02:12.456)

Thank you, Mik...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike chats with Delta Captain James Reeman from a sunny Hawaii layover. Drawing parallels between high-stakes fighter pilot missions and savvy investing, James shares aviation's "threat brief" for risk mitigation—identifying pitfalls, prepping contingencies, and debriefing lessons to avoid repeats. From commanding F-16s and a Space Force squadron to mentoring pilots on tax-efficient diversification (beyond 401(k)s into alternatives), he stresses fulfillment over achievement: "Wealth is for enjoying life." As a new grandfather in Colorado, James reflects on family traditions, financial education gaps, and giving back via the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Ideal for high earners seeking disciplined, gratitude-fueled strategies amid market cycles—discover how "earning your keep" in turbulence builds lasting security.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Guest Intro: James Reeman

0:37 - Holiday Recording: Christmas Gratitude & Service Thanks

1:02 - Hawaii Layover: Job Perks of Food, Hikes & Red-Eye Flights

1:20 - Career Journey: F-16s, Space Squadron Command to Delta

2:24 - Flying-Investing Parallel: Earn in Challenges, Prep for Worst

3:11 - No Catastrophe Option: High-Stakes Parallels in Aviation & Business

3:38 - Family Roots: 3 Kids, Aviation Tradition & New Grandparent

4:30 - Wings Over the Rockies: Inspiring Youth in Aerospace

5:43 - Chess Analogy: Prep, Execute & Debrief for Continuous Learning

6:13 - Risk Management: Identify Threats, Mitigate & Debrief Missions

8:49 - Debrief Power: Learn from Wins/Losses to Refine Processes

10:11 - Leadership Evolution: Ego in Fighters vs. Diverse Space Teams

12:59 - Space Force Explained: From Air Force Roots to Satellite Defense

14:20 - Satellites' Role: GPS Timestamps Power Global Commerce

17:48 - Blackouts Impact: Critical Systems Halt Modern Life

18:28 - Pilot Coaching: Taxes as Top Expense, Diversify Beyond 401(k)s

20:18 - Financial Gaps: Schools Skip Money Management Education

23:21 - Pilots' Habits: Index Funds, Cash Balance Plans & Alternatives

26:53 - Reversion to Mean: Bulls/Bears Demand Diversification

29:42 - Evolution to Fulfillment: Service, Gratitude Over Achievement

31:52 - Connect with James

33:22 - Giving Back: Helping Others as Life's Guiding Light

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTInstagram: @f16pilot

James' Favorite Charity: https://wingsmuseum.org/

Website: https://www.jamesreeman.com/

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:04.952)

Hi folks, this is Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik. Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. And today my guest is James Reeman. Hi James, how are you, sir?

James Reeman (00:14.47)

Big Mike, doing great. Merry Chris...

Join Big Mike for a deep dive into resilient multifamily investing and life's bold pivots with Gino Barbaro, co-founder of Jake & Gino, a real estate education platform. With a self-funded portfolio exceeding 1,800 doors and $350M in assets under management—mostly in Tennessee—Gino transformed from a New York pizza shop owner to Florida-based family man, driven by a vision for his six kids' future amid skyrocketing Northeast costs.

From his 2017 migration south for affordability and freedom (echoing today's exodus trends) to spotting DeSantis' game-changing property tax cut bill, Gino shares why Florida's "last stop" vibe is now a launchpad. Delve into his Knoxville origin story: snagging deals at $35K/door in 2011-12 fear, holding for explosive rent growth (from $300 to $1,100+), and balancing value-add grit with stable new-builds at near-1% rules. He breaks down today's "Jesus moment" for overleveraged owners—flat rents, oversupply, and the $1.5T debt wall—while urging disciplined underwriting, capacity checks, and patience for 2025-26 bargains.

Whether navigating builder distress, Fed delays, or post-QT liquidity waves, Gino's no-BS wisdom on cash flow, operations, and long-term legacy will arm you to surf market cycles like a pro. If you're eyeing contrarian plays or family-first freedom, this is your blueprint—raw, real, and ready to deploy.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Welcome and Intro: Gino Barbaro

0:48 - Family Move: NY to Florida for Kids' Affordability

1:50 - Migration Trends: Southward Shift Post-2010s

2:47 - Location: St. Augustine's Small-Town Appeal

4:15 - DeSantis Bill: Eliminate Owner-Occupied Property Taxes

5:43 - Multifamily Focus: Tennessee Portfolio Origins

6:00 - Early NY Struggles: High Taxes, Poor Pencil

6:34 - Meeting Jake: Knoxville Entry in 2011

7:05 - Low Prices: $35-40K/Door in Fear Market

7:41 - First Deals: Hold Long-Term for Rent Growth

8:48 - Market Cycle: Buy in Fear, Patience Pays

10:45 - Supply Surge: 92% Occupancy, Concessions

11:44 - Debt Crunch: Sellers' "Jesus Moment" at 4-5 Caps

13:13 - 12-24 Month Window: Debt Resets Create Deals

13:36 - 1% Rule: $100K Door Needs $1K Rent

15:04 - Newer Assets: 2024 Build at $180K/Unit

17:04 - Portfolio Balance: Value-Add vs. Core Plus

18:16 - 2023 Lesson: Overcommitment Stressed Infrastructure

19:13 - No Deal Better Than Bad: Fit Business Plan

22:15 - Builders' Habits: Overbuild Leads to Distress

25:03 - Risk Tolerance: Buy Stable Over Build Speculative

27:08 - 2026 Outlook: Motivated Sellers Clear Supply

28:44 - Fed Delay: Wanted Failures, Late on Cuts

29:51 - Rate Drops: Spur Activity, Pencil Deals

37:42 - Connect with Gino

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: http://jakeandgino.com/

<...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike sits down with Lancelot Lennard, a dynamic real estate and mortgage broker from Florida's Daytona area. Recorded in December 2025, they dive into the evolving Florida real estate market, including softening values, rising construction costs, and the impact of DeSantis' proposed property tax cuts for primary residences. Lancelot shares insights on negotiating deals in a buyer's market, the surge in inventory, and how commercial developments like Amazon warehouses are boosting local infrastructure. They also explore his family legacy-building through The Lancelot Group, blending real estate, construction, mortgages, and philanthropy. Whether you're eyeing Florida investments or seeking strategies to maximize home sales, this episode offers actionable tips for navigating volatility and seizing opportunities.

Lancelot Lennard is the founder of The Lancelot Group (thelancelotgroup.com), a multifaceted enterprise spanning real estate brokerage, mortgages, construction, and philanthropy. A Hungarian immigrant and proud father of two, Lancelot has built a legacy-focused business in Port Orange, Florida, helping clients buy, sell, and develop properties while advocating for efficient governance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Guest Intro: Lancelot Lennard

0:46 - Lancelot Group: Real Estate, Construction, Mortgages, Philanthropy

1:26 - Name Origin

2:10 - Location: Port Orange/Daytona Area

2:16 - Family

3:36 - Father's 1956 Hungarian Revolution Role

4:14 - Residential Market: Softening, Easier Negotiations

5:10 - Commercial: Larger Multifamily Unrealistic

5:45 - Price Drops Emerging on Listings

6:11 - Rate Uptick: High 5s Boosting Activity

7:06 - Leverage Window: Negotiate Before Rates Drop Further

8:35 - Transaction Volume: 20% Aug-to-Aug Increase

9:38 - Inventory High: 3600 vs. 2400 Average

10:34 - DeSantis Bill: Eliminate Primary Residence Property Taxes

11:47 - Funding: Audits Cut Waste (e.g., $2M Orlando Poetry)

13:46 - Excess Spending from Rising Assessments

15:22 - Commercial Influx: Pepsi, Boeing, Amazon

16:12 - Developer Negotiations for Infrastructure

17:02 - High FL Insurance Costs Post-Hurricanes

18:43 - Bill's Appeal: Attract Seniors, Offset Insurance

19:57 - Low-Insurance Areas vs. FL's Single Bill Relief

21:31 - Daytona: Rare Direct Hurricane Hits

23:02 - Book: "How to Prepare Your Home for the Market"

30:27 - Closing: Website for Free PDF DownloadIf you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.thesirlancelotgroup.com/

Instagram: @sirlancelottherealtor

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.413)

Welcome to the Big Mike Fund podcast. the Big Mike, Mike Zlatnik, and toda...

Join Big Mike for a no-holds-barred chat with Mike Stohler, Navy veteran, former commercial airline pilot, and co-founder of Gateway Private Equity Group. With a battle-tested portfolio of over 150 value-add units—from multifamily gems scooped during the 2008 crash to boutique hotels in the U.S. and beyond—Mike embodies the grit of turning setbacks into seven-figure wins.

From his small-town Indiana roots and early landlord fails in the pre-Google days to full-time investing by 2003, Mike reveals how he navigated market crashes, pivoted strategies, and uncovered untapped opportunities abroad. Facing U.S. hotel headwinds like soaring rates and labor costs, discover his bold shift to Spain's Costa Brava—where low-financing deals and tax-smart structures deliver outsized returns. Tune in for raw insights on global diversification, contrarian plays, and building a "lifestyle investment" empire that lets investors vacation at their assets.If you're ready to think beyond borders and crush cycles, this episode is your launchpad.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Guest Intro: Mike Stohler

1:24 - Small-Town Indiana to Navy and Early RE

1:44 - Pre-Google Landlord Failures

2:05 - Airline Pilot Career and Injury Pivot

2:32 - Full-Time RE Investing in 2003

3:01 - 2008 Crash: Buying Multifamily at 10+ Caps

3:52 - Pivot to Hotels ~10 Years Ago

4:05 - Napkin Deal: Selling Portfolio at 4.5 Caps

5:17 - Partnering with 25-Year Hotel Expert

5:50 - COVID Survival: From 84% to 7% Occupancy

6:30 - Current US Hotel Market: High Rates, Expenses

7:21 - Shift to Spain's Costa Brava: Lower Costs, 15 Caps

8:50 - Example: €1.5M Medieval Boutique at 15 Cap

10:09 - Low Financing: 2.55-2.7% Rates

11:12 - Focus: Catalonia/Costa Brava Tourism Hub

12:11 - Tax Structure: No Double Taxation via Treaty

14:15 - Deductible Vacations as Business Expenses

15:18 - Operations: Local Team, Niche Marketing

17:53 - SEO for Castles/Estates, Wedding Focus

20:47 - Projections: 21% IRR, 8-14% Cash Flow

21:34 - Exits: 3 Strategies, Long-Hold Lifestyle Model

23:34 - Structure: 80/20 Split, Simple Waterfalls

26:34 - Fees: 1% Management/Investor Relations

32:58 - Connect with Mike Stohler

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: gatewaype.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstohler/

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.039)

Welcome to the Big Mike Fund podcast. the Big Mike, Mike Zlatnik. And today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Mike Stoller. Hey, Mike.

Mike Stohler (00:10.55)

How you doing, Mike?

Mike Zlotnik (00:12.696)

Thanks for coming on a podcast. you said you hail from Scottsdale and you're between Scottsdale and Barcelona. And let me do a forma...

Join Big Mike in a new episode with Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples and author of The Work Optional Blueprint. Chris, a former Wall Street advisor who retired at 28, shares his journey from millionaire to welfare during the 2008 recession, rebuilding his wealth twice by 39. Discover how to achieve “work optional” freedom—passive income replacing job earnings—through infinite banking, tax strategies, and diversification beyond stocks. Chris warns against Wall Street complacency, predicts market peaks, and advocates rebalancing into alternatives like real estate amid overvalued equities.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:19 - Guest Intro: Chris Miles

0:43 - New Book Launch: The Work Optional Blueprint

2:05 - Becoming Work Optional Through Passive Income

2:34 - Chris's Journey: Retired at 28, Recession Recovery, Retired Again at 39

3:39 - Anti-Wall Street Stance Amid Market Complacency

5:18 - Chris's Background as Financial Adviser and Stock Trader

6:03 - Noise vs. Signal: Filtering Media Distractions

8:05 - False Security and Scaling Out of Overvalued Stocks

9:21 - Average Investors Sell at Bottom; Smart Ones Bail Early

11:07 - Taking Profits: Crypto Example and Stock Strategy

11:29 - Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful (Warren Buffett Wisdom)

12:51 - Diversification and Rebalancing Portfolios

13:38 - Opportunities in Beaten-Up Commercial Real Estate

15:22 - Infinite Banking Update: Steady Dividends Rising

16:05 - Warren Buffett's Cash Hoard and Float Strategy

18:58 - Infinite Banking Advantages Over Buffett's Approach

19:51 - Life Insurance as 6% Tax-Free Temporary Holding

20:10 - Vanguard's Low S&P 500 Return Prediction (2.8-4.8%)

22:22 - MAG 7 Dominance in S&P 500 (30% Weight)

23:06 - Approaching Market Peak: Signs of Elevated Risk

24:23 - Final Thoughts: Hope Through Contrarian Choices

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: moneyripples.com

Podcast: Money Ripples

Social Media Platforms: @moneyripples

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.167)

Hey, Chris.

Chris Miles Money Ripples (00:03.371)

Hey, how's it going Mike?

Mike Zlotnik (00:05.274)

Great to see you.

Chris Miles Money Ripples (00:06.658)

Same here.

Mike Zlotnik

Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik. And today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome back my really good friend. Chris miles with money ripples. Hey Chris.

Chris Miles Money Ripples (01:47.586)

Hey Mike, it's good to be back on again.

Mike Zlotnik (01:50.114)

Awesome to have you back. How things are going? What's going on? We are getting this recording done in mid October 25. So what's new and exciting in your world?

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, host Mike Zlotnik (Big Mike) sits down with real estate powerhouse Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®. Chris is a 4x best-selling author, Forbes Business Council Member, and a 3-time Inc. 5000 Honoree who has led one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. With more than three decades of experience and hundreds of creative-finance real estate transactions under his belt, Chris has built a thriving community that empowers investors to succeed in any market.

Mike and Chris dive deep into the world of creative real estate, exploring how Chris rebuilt his business after the 2008 crash and why strategies like lease-purchase, owner financing, and subject-to deals remain powerful tools for today’s investors. Chris explains how his “buying on terms” approach works in both residential and commercial markets, why many sellers prefer creative structures over traditional cash offers, and how he and his family continue to complete deals weekly—while coaching students across 80+ markets to do the same.

They also discuss the importance of mentorship, real-world deal support, and proper expectations for long-term success. Chris shares how the Wicked Smart Community helps investors avoid common pitfalls, accelerate learning through hands-on deal flow, and build credibility through unique certifications.

Whether you’re new to creative real estate or looking to sharpen your strategy, this conversation offers practical insights, mindset shifts, and a clear look at how to thrive in any economic climate.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

0:53 – Chris’s Background

1:17 – Chris’s Credentials & Wicked Smart Community

3:11 – Creative Real Estate After the 2008 Crash

4:45 – Lease Purchase, Owner Financing & Subject-To Explained

5:55 – Creative Finance in Commercial Transactions

6:10 – Recent Creative Finance Deal Example

8:59 – Principal-Only Payments & Deal Structure

9:43 – Creative Financing in Various Asset Classes

9:48 – How Students Work with Chris & His Team

10:59 – Coaching Model, Deal Review & Support System

12:44 – Certification & Credibility in Seller Conversations

13:31 – How to Reach Chris | Free Resources

14:54 – Current Market Conditions & 2025 Real Estate Environment

15:37 – AI, Technology & Faster Deal Analysis

17:22 – Modeling Success & Learning Through Technology

18:49 – AI Tools for Real Estate Due Diligence

19:30 – Integrated Tech Stack for Real Estate Students

21:40 – Scalability & Local Execution

21:52 – Recommended Podcasts

22:19 – Recommended Books

23:01 – Closing Thoughts

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/

Books:

In this episode of The Big Mike Fund Podcast, host Mike Zlotnik sits down with Dwan Bent-Twyford, affectionately known as The Queen of Short Sales™ and host of The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever.

Dwan Bent-Twyford, America’s Most Sought-After Real Estate Investor™, started as a broke single mom who had just been fired from Denny’s — and went on to personally flip over 2,000 properties while teaching thousands of people how to achieve financial freedom. Today, she is recognized as the nation’s #1 expert on short sales and foreclosures. She has authored three bestsellers, including Short Sale Pre-Foreclosure Investing, How to Sell a House When It’s Worth Less Than the Mortgage, and the New York Times bestseller SuccessOnomics co-written with Steve Forbes. Dwan has also been featured on Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Naomi’s Good Morning, Colorado & Company, and numerous media outlets nationwide.

In this conversation, Dwan shares her inspiring 35-year journey — from overcoming hardship as a single mother, to pioneering short sales before they had a name, to now leading a full-scale revitalization project in Clinton, Iowa. She and Mike discuss the philosophy of people before profits, the power of mentorship, the lessons learned from rehabbing communities, and what it truly means to build both wealth and legacy through real estate.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast

00:17 — Guest Intro: Dwan Bent-Twyford

01:13 — Dwan’s beginnings in real estate

03:05 — Rehabbing a town in Clinton, Iowa

07:43 — Opportunity zones and revitalization potential

11:23 — Philosophy: People before profits

16:02 — Becoming the “Queen of Short Sales”

23:09 — Hitting one million podcast downloads

24:22 — Starting The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever

29:12 — Favorite books and current reads

30:34 — Advice for new and passive investors

32:41 — Final thoughts | Connect with Dwan

If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: http://dwanderful.com/

Instagram: @dwanderful

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dwanderful/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-investor's-edge-university/

Tiktok: @officialrealestateguru

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik: Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast.

I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik, and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Dwan Bent-Twyford. Did I say it the right way?

Dwan Bent-Twyford: That's right. You did.

Mike Zlotnik: Dwan like a swan. You taught me this.

Dwan Bent-Twyford: I taught you this.

Mike Zlotnik: So wonderful to have you. You hail from col...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Mike Zlotnik sits down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer — founder of Ideal Wealth Grower and host of the Ideal Investor Show. A former German Air Force pilot turned real estate mentor, Dr. Axel shares his extraordinary journey from flying F-111 fighter jets to helping investors achieve financial freedom through turnkey and build-to-rent (BTR) properties.

Together, Mike and Dr. Axel unpack the fundamentals of the “IDEAL” framework — Income, Depreciation, Equity, Appreciation, and Leverage — and explore how everyday investors can grow secure, cash-flowing portfolios even from afar. He also breaks down his “GROWER” coaching model, his philosophy of building clusters for efficient property management, and his community’s transition toward BTR homes as a long-term wealth strategy.

Whether you’re a new investor looking to start your first turnkey property or an experienced one exploring BTR projects, this episode offers deep, actionable insight on scaling your portfolio, structuring your business for protection, and creating lasting wealth.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE

01:33 – Dr. Axel’s Early Journey: From Aviation Dreams to the U.S. Air Force

03:19 – Transitioning from Military Life to Entrepreneurship

04:16 – Discovering Real Estate & the Power of Turnkey Investing

05:16 – Building a Boutique Mentorship Community

07:46 – What “IDEAL” Stands For in Real Estate Wealth Building

09:46 – Coaching with the “GROWER” Model

14:00 – Setting Up for Success: Business Structure & Asset Protection

15:58 – Why Every Investor Needs a Coach

16:52 – Turnkey vs. Commercial: Staying in Your Lane

17:38 – The Cluster Strategy: Managing 100 Properties in 10 Hours a Month

20:21 – Why He Avoids Commercial: Mastering One Discipline

23:23 – Turnkey Property Challenges: Repairs, CapEx & Management

25:44 – Dr. Axel’s Approach to Maintenance & Reserves

29:10 – The Evolution of Turnkey Providers into Build-to-Rent (BTR)

32:27 – BTR Case Studies: Oklahoma, Alabama, and Dallas

35:18 – Legacy Planning & Portfolio Conversion

36:25 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Dr. AxelIf you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr

X: https://twitter.com/management_tf

CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://idealwealthgrower.com/

Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/axelmeierhoefer/60min

Podcast: Ideal Investor Show

Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik: Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast.

I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik, and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome. Should I call you Dr. Axel or just Axel?

Dr. Axel Meierhoefer: Whatever you like best.

Mike Zlotnik: I appreciate your flexibility. And he hails from sunny Spain. How are you,...