Go Big! Live Podcast

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin sits down with Steven, Managing Partner of Rust Belt Capital. They delve into Steven's background, his shift from commodity trading to real estate, and his pursuit of building multigenerational wealth. The conversation covers the significance of due diligence, leveraging properties, and the strategic growth of Rust Belt Capital. Steven shares valuable insights on scaling up in real estate, the importance of building relationships, and how his first big deal—a 64-unit apartment complex—unfolded.

00:21 Guest Introduction: Steven's Background and Rust Belt Capital

01:11 The Appeal of the Rust Belt

03:29 Steven's Journey into Real Estate

06:32 From Stocks to Real Estate: A Strategic Shift

14:44 The Power of Leverage in Real Estate

18:23 Creative Financing and Scaling Up

21:02 Diving into the First Big Deal

22:10 Seizing the Opportunity

23:35 Lessons from Due Diligence

25:42 Building Relationships and Networks

28:47 Partnering with Nate

31:47 Avoiding Costly Mistakes

33:28 Calculating Contingencies

36:03 Actionable Steps for Scaling Up

39:15 Connecting with Rust Belt Capital

Connect with Steven:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenspeckii/
Instagram: @steven_speck

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin sits down with Chris Lawrence, a successful real estate investor. Chris shares his journey from flipping houses and working a demanding sales job to becoming a managing partner at Stepping Stone Storage. He discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, the challenges and successes in transitioning to commercial real estate, and his approach to scaling his business. Chris also delves into specific deals, including the hurdles he faced and overcame, providing listeners with valuable insights and advice on investing in self-storage and the importance of mindset and mentorship.

00:22 Meet the Guest: Christopher Lawrence

01:59 Chris's Journey into Real Estate

04:00 Flipping Houses and Early Challenges

05:42 Transition to Self Storage

07:12 First Self Storage Deal

14:45 Cold Calling and Prospecting

21:47 Navigating Bank Loans and Refinancing

22:59 Building Trust with Business Partners

24:37 Leveraging Securities-Based Lines of Credit

25:40 Challenges in Real Estate Deals

26:58 Closing a Complex Property Deal

31:51 Overcoming Operational Hurdles

35:27 Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

39:25 Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Investors

42:01 Connecting with Chris

Connect with Chris:
Instagram: @wealthfromstorage

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin welcomes special guest Patrick Dutton, principal of Fortified Real Estate. Patrick shares his journey from working as an equity trader on Wall Street to becoming a successful real estate developer in Rochester. He details his strategic shift to acquiring and transforming downtown properties, including the monumental task of repurposing Chase Tower into the Metropolitan. Patrick discusses the importance of perseverance, the role of strategic partnerships, and his approach to tackling large-scale projects. The conversation also highlights Patrick's ongoing projects aimed at revitalizing downtown Rochester, showcasing his commitment to community development and innovative real estate solutions.

00:29 Guest Introduction: Patrick Dutton

01:36 Patrick's Background and Early Career

04:01 Transition to Real Estate

10:24 The Metropolitan Deal: Initial Steps

14:36 Challenges and Breakthroughs

21:59 Securing the Deal and Strategic Partnerships

31:18 Project Execution and Learnings

37:29 Current Projects and Future Plans

44:16 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews Sterling Seizert, a former Green Beret turned successful real estate investor. Sterling shares his experience from serving in the military to building a business empire in real estate. He talks about starting with an 18-unit apartment complex in Colorado Springs and his ventures like Legends Lodge and Patriot Capital. Sterling discusses his motivations, his first deal details, including creative financing, and his philosophy on tenant management and property improvement. He also expresses his passion for helping military personnel achieve financial freedom through real estate investing.

00:29 Guest Introduction: Sterling's Impressive Journey

01:50 Sterling's Early Life and Family Background

03:35 Military Service and Transition to Real Estate

05:03 The Turning Point: Discovering Real Estate

09:21 First Steps in Real Estate: Challenges and Learning

14:08 The Breakthrough: Securing the First Deal

16:15 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

20:15 Starting the Journey: Buying a Property

20:34 Building Relationships: The Key to Business

21:55 Negotiating the Deal: From Offer to Agreement

22:58 Creative Financing: Seller Financing Explained

27:16 Resourcefulness: Securing the Down Payment

32:56 Structuring the Investment: LLCs and Equity Splits

36:27 Lessons Learned: Applying Knowledge to Future Deals

38:11 Giving Back: Mentoring Military and Veterans

40:35 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors podcast, host Matt Drouin speaks with Evan Polaski of Axia Partners. Evan shares his journey from a fascination with real estate in his childhood to orchestrating over $1 billion in debt and equity acquisitions in commercial real estate. The conversation delves into his psychological transition from small single-family investments to large-scale commercial ventures. They discuss the importance of networking, overcoming fears in initial investments, and the current challenges in capital raising amidst uncertain market conditions. Evan also provides insights on how newcomers to larger deals can position themselves for successful capital raises by leveraging their existing networks. Listeners can expect practical advice on navigating the complexities of real estate investment and maintaining investor trust.

00:32 Guest Introduction: Evan Pulaski

01:25 Evan's Real Estate Journey

03:31 First Investment Property Experience

06:26 Challenges and Lessons Learned

07:14 Psychological Journey of Investing

10:51 Navigating the Real Estate Market

19:37 Capital Raising and Networking

26:51 Evolving Real Estate Investment Landscape

28:20 Differentiation and Risk Mitigation Strategies

29:58 Diversification in Real Estate Investments

32:13 Advice for New Investors

36:12 Challenges in Capital Raising

43:11 Current Market Conditions and Future Outlook

49:18 Connecting with Axia Partners

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin talks with guest Brett McManus about his transition from a corporate career to becoming a successful real estate investor in the hospitality industry. Brett shares his early ventures in entrepreneurship, his experience working at Polaris, and his decision to invest in real estate with his partner Casey. 

He details the progression from buy and hold rentals, through creative financing and short-term rentals, to finally venturing into the hospitality industry with a boutique motel investment. The discussion covers challenges faced, such as securing financing and adapting to the operational demands of the hospitality business, as well as strategies for raising capital and building strong investor relationships. Brett emphasizes the importance of starting from scratch, networking, and taking massive action towards achieving greater success in real estate investment.

00:17 Welcome to the GoBigLive Real Estate Investors Podcast

00:26 Brett McManus: From Corporate to Real Estate Mogul

01:19 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

03:40 Diving into Short-Term Rentals

06:23 The Shift to Industrial Real Estate

07:58 Learning from Industrial Real Estate Challenges

10:00 Venturing into the Hospitality Industry

12:52 The Power of Personal Development in Business

14:00 Acquiring and Revamping a Boutique Motel

17:40 Leveraging Social Media for Capital Raising

18:27 The Art of Cold Calling and Investor Relations

36:07 Executing the Motel Renovation Plan

39:29 Future Plans and Advice for Aspiring Investors

Connect with Brett:
Website- 
https://www.instagram.com/innvestors/

This episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast features an in-depth conversation with Alex Kaufman, a real estate investor with a remarkable story of personal transformation. Alex shares his journey from struggling with addiction and facing legal troubles to becoming a multimillionaire with a substantial real estate portfolio. Born and raised in Round Rock, Texas, Alex's early experimentation with drugs and alcohol led him to severe addiction, eventually culminating in a pivotal moment that propelled him towards recovery and spiritual growth. Determined to rebuild his life, Alex pursued entrepreneurship within the recovery industry before venturing into real estate alongside his partner, Matt Teichke. Together, they've amassed over 240 doors and a $45 million growing portfolio. The discussion also explores strategies for effective cold calling, the importance of thinking big in real estate investments, and the dynamics of successful partnerships. 

00:19 Welcome to the Go Big Live Podcast with Alex Kaufman

00:45 Alex Kaufman: From Addiction to Real Estate Mogul

05:14 The Turning Point: Overcoming Addiction

11:16 A New Beginning: Recovery and Rediscovery

13:35 Entrepreneurial Journey: From Sober Living to Business Success

18:11 Transitioning to Real Estate: Building a Portfolio with Matt

20:32 The Big Deal: A 14-Unit Mobile Home Park Investment

27:07 Navigating Real Estate Deals with Creative Solutions

30:47 The Power of Partnerships in Real Estate

33:59 Mastering the Art of Cold Calling

40:20 Reflecting on the Journey: From Small Deals to Big Leagues

44:15 The Scale Dilemma: Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Real Estate

46:44 Closing Remarks and How to Connect

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin interviews entrepreneur Mike O'Connor, who shares his journey from leaving a six-figure corporate job to building a seven-figure real estate business. Mike talks about starting with real estate investments during a market opportunity in 2012, acquiring 180 units, and building a vertically integrated business that includes management, construction, brokerage, and more, all by the age of 34. 

With a portfolio exceeding $30 million in annual revenue, Mike also founded Nexus Point to connect businesses with high-level employees. The episode covers Mike's approach to business, focusing on cash flow, service quality, and the importance of brand recognition, as well as the significance of networking and strategic partnerships in growing a real estate portfolio and other business ventures.

00:28 Meet Mike O'Connor: From Corporate to Real Estate Mogul

01:52 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Early Life and Career Shifts

02:51 The Leap into Real Estate Investing

05:34 Building Partnerships and Scaling Up

06:30 Navigating the First Major Multifamily Deal

12:33 Expanding the Network: Finding the Right Partners

16:36 Navigating a Unique Real Estate Deal

16:57 Structuring the Partnership and Ownership

18:06 The Challenges and Strategies of Property Renovation

20:19 Learning from Third-Party Management to Self-Management

22:42 Innovative Solutions for Property Management

25:13 Reflecting on a Successful Real Estate Exit

29:09 Leveraging Real Estate Experience into Broader Business Ventures

32:36 Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Investors

Connect with Mike:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: NexusPoint

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Drouin shares an enlightening conversation with real estate investment expert Brandon Giddickson. They delve into the specifics of achieving an 8% preferred return on real estate investments, insights into sourcing, buying, and selling opportunities, and the nuances of managing multifamily and triple net leased properties. 

Brandon shares his journey from raising money for nonprofit causes to evaluating over $300 million in commercial real estate across the U.S. They touch upon the importance of setting and meeting investment targets, such as aiming for a 2 to 2.5 equity multiple, and the strategy behind selecting properties in recession-resistant markets for better returns. The discussion also covers vital advice for new investors on getting started in the commercial real estate space, highlighting the importance of research, finding the right operators, and the value of providing value to others in the industry. Additionally, they explore the power of personal outreach in successful fundraising, leveraging social media, and hosting events to raise capital effectively.

00:30 Meet the Host and Special Guest: Brandon Giddickson

01:47 Brandon's Journey: From Childhood to Real Estate Mogul

04:24 Navigating Career Paths: From Law Enforcement to Real Estate

11:03 The Art of Raising Capital: Lessons from Charity to Commercial Real Estate

14:51 Launching into the Fund Space: A Deep Dive into Strategy and Process

24:00 The Fundamentals of Fundraising and Investment Strategy

31:47 Advice for Aspiring Commercial Real Estate Investors

32:56 Join the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Group

Connect with Brandon:
Instagram- @brandongidicsin
Youtube- Brandon Gidicsin

In this episode of the Go Big Live Real Estate Investors Podcast, host Matt Druin welcomes Mike Ely, CEO of Nassau Invests, a key development firm in Cincinnati. Mike shares his remarkable journey from starting off with small ventures in college to becoming homeless following a failed investment in a car wash. Despite these setbacks, Mike's relentless study and belief in the principles of treating others well and taking action propelled him from homelessness to owning over 1500 units and four hotels, with a project portfolio worth millions. 

Mike's story is a testament to the power of resilience, belief, and strategic investing in real estate, even through tough economic times like the great recession. His narrative not only covers his successful comeback but also touches upon his investment philosophy, the importance of relationships in business, and his hands-on learning through the real estate market's ups and downs. By sharing the nuances of deal-making, leveraging private money, and the impact of real estate investments on personal growth and financial success, Mike's story aims to inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their real estate ambitions with dedication.

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Guest

01:38 Mike Ely's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Real Estate Success

06:28 The Turning Point: Losing It All and Climbing Back

12:05 Philosophy and Mindset for Overcoming Challenges

17:56 Strategies and Insights on Real Estate Investing

29:57 Current Focus and Future Plans

30:42 Connecting with Mike and Closing Remarks