Go Big! Live Podcast

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Druin interviews Vlad Mirochnik, a Rochester-based real estate investor with a remarkable journey. Vlad shares his background, from moving to the US from Ukraine in 1995 to his evolution through multiple business ventures, and ultimately focusing on real estate. They discuss Vlad's partnership with Anton, their strategic real estate investments, pivotal moments in scaling their portfolio, and the challenges they faced, including two devastating fires. Vlad also delves into their current projects, lessons learned, and future ambitions. Tune in to gain insights on running numbers for new construction deals, building partnerships, and raising capital for commercial real estate ventures. Don't miss the captivating story of overcoming obstacles and turning them into opportunities.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

00:47 Guest Introduction: Vlad Mirochnik

01:38 Vlad's Background and Early Career

02:38 Partnership with Anton

03:39 First Real Estate Ventures

04:35 Challenges and Lessons Learned

07:37 The 24-Unit Deal in Macedon

10:22 Rebuilding and New Strategies

17:59 Capital Raising Insights

28:33 Future Plans and Closing Remarks

In this episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Mandy McAllister, CEO of GoBundance Women and a full-time real estate investor with a diverse portfolio. Mandy shares invaluable insights on the importance of defining clear goals and criteria in real estate investing. From starting with small apartment buildings to conducting meticulous market research, Mandy's disciplined and focused approach highlights the difference between those who struggle to find deals and those who succeed. Her story encompasses everything from her initial experiences in medical device sales to acquiring a substantial portfolio including 373 doors of B class workforce housing, furnished student housing, and more. Tune in to learn how clarity, networking, and strategic partnerships have fueled Mandy’s remarkable success in real estate.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:48 Mandy McAllister's Journey to Real Estate

02:51 First Steps in Real Estate Investing

05:11 Scaling Up: From Small Deals to Big Investments

09:38 Finding the Right Market and Partners

15:39 Overcoming Challenges and Building Partnerships

28:58 Parenting and Generational Wealth

35:33 Conclusion and Final Advice

Mandy's Show: https://programs.mandymcallister.com/webinar#submit-form

Join host Matt Drouin on the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast as he interviews special guest Gaurang Gala of Gala Investments. With $40 million in assets under management, Gaurang shares his journey from his family's migration to the US, to managing gas stations, and eventually growing a significant real estate portfolio. Learn about his insights into development, capital raising, and the importance of staying optimistic and well-informed. Discover Gaurang's strategies for securing land loans, raising capital, and the unique dynamics of investing in emerging markets like the Research Triangle. Tune in for valuable lessons on navigating the complexities of large-scale real estate projects and capitalizing on growth opportunities.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:24 Guest Introduction: Garang Gala

01:00 Garang's Early Life and Family Background

02:41 Starting in the Family Business

03:37 Growth and Challenges in the Gas Station Business

08:09 Transition to Real Estate and Commercial Loan Brokerage

09:20 First Steps into Real Estate Development

16:55 Navigating Zoning and Community Challenges

26:31 Land Financing and Capital Raising Insights

40:21 Advice for Aspiring Capital Raisers

46:29 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Connect with Gaurang:
Instagram: @thegrandgala
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurang-greg-gala-29481333/

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews Axel Ragnarsson, founder and managing partner of Aligned Real Estate Partners. Axel shares his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings flipping cars to managing a multifamily portfolio of over 450 units and raising millions in capital. They discuss the challenges and successes he faced on his first big deal, his approach to deal sourcing, and his strategies for raising capital. Axel also offers valuable advice for aspiring real estate investors on building a network, finding deals, and managing properties effectively.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:55 Axel Ragnarsson's Background and Early Career

02:54 First Steps in Real Estate Investing

04:23 Scaling Up and Challenges Faced

12:20 The Big Deal: A Case Study

19:11 Challenges in Multifamily Rentals

20:42 Raising Capital: Personal Experiences

22:15 Building Investor Relationships

25:15 Effective Networking Strategies

27:03 Structuring Deals and Investor Communication

30:58 Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Management

35:27 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Axel:
Instagram- @multifamilywealth
LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/axelragnarsson

Join host Matt Drouin on the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast as he sits down with Melanie McDaniel, founder and CEO of Freestyle Capital Group. In this episode, Melanie shares her inspiring journey from park ranger and Navy veteran to successful real estate investor and private equity fund manager. Discover how Melanie leveraged her skills in networking to build a life by design, her first big real estate deal, and the crucial lessons she learned along the way. Learn about the challenges of asset management, the importance of sticking to fundamentals, and why diversification and customization are key in her investment strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up your real estate investments, this episode offers actionable advice and invaluable insights.

00:19 Meet the Host and Guest

01:35 Early Life and Career Beginnings

02:52 Military Service and Travel

04:04 Transition to Real Estate

08:19 First Big Real Estate Deal

16:32 Capital Stack and Financial Details

19:29 Negotiating the First Deal

21:02 Reflecting on Capital Decisions

21:43 Challenges During COVID

22:57 Lessons Learned and Advice

25:09 Scaling and Investor Relations

29:10 Building a Niche in Real Estate

35:54 Current Market Challenges

39:52 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Melanie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniemcdanielinvest/

In this episode of the Go Big! Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews Michael Zaransky, founder and managing principal of MZ Capital Partners. Michael shares his extensive journey in real estate development, including key mistakes and lessons learned. With a background that includes a law degree from Northwestern University and being a third-generation real estate developer, Michael offers invaluable advice on site selection, capital raising, and the entitlement process. He also provides insights on building a track record and working with family in the real estate business. This episode is packed with tips for both experienced investors and those looking to scale into larger commercial deals.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Mistake

00:23 Meet Michael Zuranski

01:26 Michael's Background and Early Career

04:12 Generational Real Estate Development

09:26 First Big Deal and Lessons Learned

18:02 Ground-Up Development Masterclass

18:23 Site Selection and Market Analysis

32:14 Negotiating Land Deals and Entitlements

40:41 Raising Capital and Final Thoughts

Connect with Michael:
LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-h-zaransky/
Website- https://mzcapitalpartners.com/

In this episode of the Go Big! Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews Rebekah Taylor, co-founder of Taylored Investments. Rebekah shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a financially tight household to becoming a successful real estate investor. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life while pursuing investment opportunities, the importance of community, and her strategies for scaling in the real estate sector. Rebekah also addresses overcoming a major health scare and how it reshaped her priorities. Learn about her first big syndication deal, finding the right partners, and actionable tips for aspiring real estate investors. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with valuable lessons and practical advice!

00:00 Introduction and Personal Insights

00:19 Meet Rebekah Taylor: Real Estate Journey

01:30 Rebekah's Early Life and Family Background

02:23 First Steps into Real Estate

03:52 Balancing Career and Family

04:59 Health Scare and Life Realizations

09:12 Scaling Up: From House Hacking to Syndications

11:53 Case Study: Lynchburg Syndication Deal

16:53 Partnerships and Community Building

20:36 Quarterly Distributions and GP Calls

21:16 Understanding the Capital Stack

21:59 Renovation Plans and Cash Flow Strategy

24:45 Overcoming Capital Raising Challenges

26:55 Building Investor Relationships

28:16 Effective Email List Strategies

35:53 Networking and Continuous Learning

37:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Rebekah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-taylor1986/

Join host Matt Drouin on the 'Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast' as he welcomes back Gino Barbaro of Jake & Gino for an insightful discussion on scaling in commercial real estate. Gino shares his journey from the pizza business to owning over $350 million in multifamily assets, emphasizing the importance of the 'Buy Right, Manage Right, and Finance Right' pillars. This episode dives deep into actionable strategies for navigating market cycles, evaluating properties, and leveraging mentorships. Perfect for both new and seasoned investors, this episode is packed with valuable advice on achieving financial independence through real estate.

01:14 Gino's Real Estate Journey and Insights

04:08 Understanding Market Cycles and Investment Strategies

06:20 The Importance of Buy Right Criteria

10:29 Navigating the Current Market Conditions

17:05 Creative Deal Structuring and Negotiation Techniques

19:22 Syndicating Deals and Cash Flow

19:47 The Business of Real Estate

20:27 Extracting Equity and Liquidity

23:13 Personal Real Estate Journey

25:20 Diversifying Investments

29:56 Evaluating Market Locations

32:01 Upcoming Conference and Advice for Investors

Connect with Gino:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gino-barbaro-03973b4b/

In this episode of the GoBigLive Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin talks with Danté Belmonte, managing partner of Victory Capital Group and real estate agent, about his impressive journey in real estate. Starting from a teenage hoverboard salesman to successfully syndicating large multifamily deals, Dante shares his experiences, insights, and strategies on raising capital, finding deals, and scaling up in the real estate market. Learn about his first big deal, the importance of relationships, face-to-face broker meetings, and advice for aspiring real estate investors looking to make it big.

00:24 Meet the Host: Introduction to GoBigLive Podcast

00:39 Guest Spotlight: Dante Belmonte's Background

01:30 Early Career: From Car Sales to Real Estate

06:45 First Steps in Real Estate: Overcoming Analysis Paralysis

08:44 Scaling Up: Transition to Bigger Deals

13:31 The Big Deal: 24-Unit Acquisition in North Carolina

22:43 The Journey of Capital Raising

23:20 Building Trust and Relationships

23:58 First Deal Challenges

24:58 Methodology for Raising Capital

25:32 Effective Communication Strategies

26:15 Growing the Investor List

28:22 Leveraging Social Media and Networking

29:35 Cold Calling and Direct Mail

30:42 Advice for Aspiring Capital Raisers

33:47 Navigating the Deal Flow

37:56 Financing and Partnerships

41:47 Final Words of Wisdom

Connect with Danté:
LinkedIn- Danté Belmonte 
Instagram- @dantebelmonte

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews Ethan Gao, a corporate and real estate attorney, life insurance salesman, and seasoned real estate investor. Ethan shares his journey from a small town in Texas, through an accelerated academic career at Cornell and Columbia, to working on Wall Street and transitioning into professional investing. He discusses his career shift post-2008 financial crisis, moving to Hong Kong, and finally settling in Houston, Texas. The conversation delves into Ethan's expertise in hard money lending, leveraging bank financing, and the importance of networking. He also provides advice for investors looking to scale up from small properties to larger deals. 

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:35 Meet Our Special Guest: Ethan Gao

01:43 Ethan Gao's Background and Career Journey

06:25 Transition to Real Estate and Hard Money Lending

12:25 Insights on Hard Money Lending

25:14 Networking and Building Relationships

27:37 Conclusion and Next Steps

Connect with Ethan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elgao/