In this episode of Smart Real Estate Coach, you'll hear from Michael Blank, a multifamily investing expert, bestselling author, and CEO of Nighthawk Equity. With a $300 million+ portfolio and a track record of helping students acquire over 40,000 multifamily units, Michael shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to real estate mogul. He opens up about the lessons learned from a failed restaurant venture and why multifamily investing is the fastest path to financial freedom.

Discover how to break into multifamily real estate, debunk common myths, and start without years of experience or personal capital. Michael shares strategies for scaling, raising capital, and building a recession-resistant portfolio. If you're ready to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights for success.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

03:53 How Michael went from restaurant owner to real estate investor

06:55 Why single-family is not the best way to achieve financial freedom

07:57 Overcoming the challenges of failing in the restaurant industry

10:31 The story behind Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

11:47 Debunking the biggest myths about multifamily investing

13:25 What is a syndication?

14:21 Deal finders vs. Capital raisers

15:37 Deals from Nighthawk Equity

17:06 How to find deals that will work for you

19:22 The plan to scale Nighthawk Equity

20:08 Learn more about apartment investing with Michael

21:00 The importance of clarity in real estate investing

24:16 What is financial freedom about?

Quotables

"You don't need years of experience to buy an apartment building—you just need the right team and strategy."

"If you think flipping houses will make you financially free, think again. Multifamily is the real path to wealth."

"Real estate isn't just about making money—it's about creating freedom, legacy, and impact."

Links

Apartments 101: The Apartment Investing Masterclass

https://apartments101.co

Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/financial-freedom-with-real-estate-investing/id848693430

https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Freedom-Real-Estate-Investing/dp/1986532364

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD