Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Mathew Owens, founder of OCG Properties, shares his journey from CPA to full-time real estate investor. After flipping over 1,000 homes, Mat was hit hard by the 2008 crash—losing everything but choosing to pay back investors out of pocket. That decision earned him a reputation for integrity and became the foundation for a career that’s since raised $150M+ in private capital.

Today, Mat focuses on debt funds, mobile home parks, short-term rentals, and helping other capital raisers build compliant fund-of-funds structures. He pulls back the curtain on what it takes to raise capital at scale and how to build trust that lasts beyond the deal.

Key Points Discussed

• From CPA to Full-Time Investor: Mat shares how he went from preparing tax returns to flipping homes full time, and how early volume forced him to build systems, teams, and capital partnerships quickly.
• The 2008 Collapse and Rebuilding from Scratch: When the market turned, Mat chose to honor every investor obligation—even when it meant draining his credit cards. That decision shaped his future and his investor base.
• Why He Pivoted from Flips to Funds: After managing dozens of projects, Mat realized the value of recurring income over transactional revenue. He now focuses on debt funds and asset-backed lending strategies.
• Raising Capital Through Fund-of-Funds: Mat now teaches syndicators how to legally and effectively raise capital using a fund-of-funds model. He breaks down the structure, compliance, and investor psychology that makes it work.
• What He’d Do Differently: Mat reflects on the systems he wishes he’d built earlier—including investor CRM tools and back-office infrastructure—and how it would’ve saved him stress and capital raising headaches.

Guest Information

• Name: Mathew Owens
• Role: Founder at OCG Properties
• LinkedIn: Mathew Owens
• Website: OCG Properties

Conclusion

Mathew Owens’ story is a rare blend of scale, integrity, and resilience. From losing everything in 2008 to raising $150M+ in private capital, his journey is packed with lessons on trust, reinvention, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re raising capital for your first fund or looking to build long-term investor relationships, this episode is filled with hard-earned insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Mitchell Rice, founder of Elkstone Capital, shares how he went from a sales intern to raising $7M for a $27M multifamily deal—before he ever quit his W2. Mitch walks through how that first deal gave him a seat at the table, what he learned working inside the LDS Church’s real estate investment division, and how he now approaches hotel-to-multifamily conversions across the U.S.

His story is a masterclass in resourcefulness, long-term thinking, and how to break into real estate by solving real problems for experienced operators.

Key Points Discussed

• Breaking Into Syndication. Mitch’s journey started by cold calling sponsors and offering to help. When a deal was at risk of losing $350K in earnest money, Mitch stepped in and helped raise the missing $7M—earning a co-GP spot and kickstarting his career.
• Hotel-to-Multifamily Strategy. Through Elkstone Capital, Mitch focuses on converting extended-stay hotels into workforce housing. He breaks down the underwriting, entitlement, and capex strategies that make these deals work in today’s environment.
• What It’s Like Inside a $100B Real Estate Org. Mitch shares lessons from his time at Property Reserve, Inc., the real estate arm of the LDS Church. From underwriting standards to asset class diversification, this experience shaped how he evaluates deals today.
• Creative Capital and Hard Lessons. Whether it’s seller-financed deals at 4.5% interest or learning how to communicate fees to a $70M investor who walked away, Mitch shares candid stories about what works—and what doesn’t—when raising capital.

Guest Information

• Name: Mitchell Rice
• Role: Founder at Elkstone Capital
• LinkedIn: Mitchell Rice
• Website: Elkstone Capital

Conclusion

Mitchell Rice’s journey is proof that you don’t need decades of experience or a huge track record to add value and earn your place in this business. By staying resourceful, focused, and relentlessly helpful, Mitch carved out his own lane—and is now scaling it on his terms.

Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn or visit Elkstone Capital to learn more about his approach to hotel conversions and capital raising.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Zach Bagby and Courtney Erickson, co-founders of ZB3 Real Estate, share how they’ve built a $5M+ real estate portfolio across Colorado and the Midwest—all while working full-time in tech.

Zach works at Medley. Courtney is at Visa. And together, they’re scaling ZB3 through careful underwriting, creative deal structuring, and a long-term thesis that embraces market volatility. From buying back a property they sold to navigating a tenant situation that made the local news, they’ve learned by doing—and built a system that balances career, capital, and cash flow.

Key Points Discussed

• Building While Working Full-Time: Zach and Courtney share how they’ve closed five real estate deals without leaving their day jobs, and how their W2 income has been a strategic advantage during a tough market cycle.
• The Buy-Sell-Buy Deal: One of their early deals involved buying a fourplex for $900K, selling it for $1.3M, then buying it back for $1M—showing the value of staying close to the deal and trusting your thesis.
• Operational Lessons from Crisis: After a tenant incident went viral and made the news, Zach and Courtney learned the value of hands-on management, emergency response systems, and having the right team on speed dial.
• Underwriting in Today’s Market: ZB3 is staying disciplined while others overpay. They’ve walked away from dozens of deals, focusing instead on long-term cash flow and operator-friendly financing structures.
• Survive, Then Scale: Their thesis? “Survive 25. Fix in 26. Heaven in 27.” It’s about putting in the reps now so they’re in position to win when the next cycle turns.

Guest Information

• Names: Zach Bagby & Courtney Erickson
• Role: Co-Founders at ZB3 Real Estate
• LinkedIn: Zach Bagby | Courtney Erickson
• Website: ZB3 Real Estate

Conclusion

Zach and Courtney’s story is proof that you don’t need to quit your job to scale a meaningful real estate portfolio. With discipline, a strong partnership, and a willingness to learn through experience, they’re building something special—one deal at a time.

Connect with Zach and Courtney on LinkedIn or visit ZB3 Real Estate to learn more about their journey and future projects.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Ryo Ishida, Managing Partner at Rainbow Capital Partners, shares how he’s unlocking alpha by backing overlooked operators and investing in underfunded markets. From working construction in high school to deploying over $100M in capital, Ryo’s journey is a masterclass in identifying market inefficiencies and betting on long-term trends.

Ryo breaks down his firm’s investment thesis, how they built a 1,200+ person investor community, and why diverse teams consistently outperform in commercial real estate.

Key Points Discussed

• Backing Underrepresented Operators: Ryo explains how Rainbow Capital focuses on funding diverse sponsors—often people of color, women, and LGBTQ operators—who are driving strong returns but remain undercapitalized by institutional investors.
• Finding Alpha in “Unsexy” Markets: Instead of chasing hot multifamily deals, Rainbow looks for opportunity in mobile homes, self-storage, mental health housing, and overlooked regions like Southeast LA and Baltimore.
• The Power of Community: By reserving 10% of each deal for non-institutional investors, Rainbow has built a community that fuels both capital and deal flow—creating a flywheel effect for sourcing opportunities.
• Lessons from the Downturn: Ryo shares how avoiding mezzanine debt, betting on long-term trends, and sticking to capital-efficient deals has helped Rainbow thrive during market corrections.
• What Makes a Great Operator: Ryo looks for hustle, creativity, and financial fluency. He prefers operators who’ve raised from friends and family and are ready to scale—bringing a startup mindset to real estate.

Guest Information

• Name: Ryo Ishida
• Role: Managing Partner at Rainbow Capital Partners
• LinkedIn: Ryo Ishida
• Website: Rainbow Capital Partners

Conclusion

Ryo Ishida’s story is a powerful reminder that real estate is still full of hidden opportunity—if you’re willing to go where others won’t. His approach to building a values-driven, data-backed investment firm shows how community, diversity, and long-term thinking can outperform the status quo.

Connect with Ryo on LinkedIn or check out Rainbow Capital’s quarterly webinars to learn more about their work funding the next generation of real estate operators.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Chris Lento, founder of EM Capital, shares how he scaled from small house hacks in Boston to building a $100M+ real estate portfolio. Starting with a mechanical engineering degree and a career in aerospace, Chris realized that real estate offered a better path to financial freedom. Over time, he transitioned from self-managing triplexes to leading large syndications across the Southeast. His story is a masterclass in scaling, raising capital, and making smart investment pivots.

Key Points Discussed

• From House Hacking to Syndications – Chris started by living in his own rental properties while fixing them up. Over the years, he transitioned to larger deals and raised outside capital to scale.
• The Challenge of Raising Capital – Even when investors verbally committed, getting them to wire funds was a different story. Chris shares how he overcame this hurdle.
• Picking the Right Markets – He explains why North Carolina and Florida are prime locations for long-term real estate growth.
• Red Flags in Partnerships – Chris highlights the warning signs he looks for in potential business partners, including defensiveness and lack of transparency.
• Lessons From Managing $100M+ in Assets – Chris shares the biggest takeaways from his journey, from property management struggles to executing complex condo conversions.

Guest Information

• Name: Christopher Lento
• Role: Founder & CEO at EM Capital
• LinkedIn: Christopher Lento
• Website: EM Capital

Conclusion

Chris Lento’s story proves that real estate is a long game, and strategic scaling is key. From house hacking to syndications, his journey offers invaluable lessons for investors looking to grow beyond small rentals.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, David Hamer, founder of Expedition Capital, shares his journey from spending 15 years on the sidelines to building a $15 million multifamily portfolio. David discusses how reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad sparked his real estate ambitions, the mental hurdles of raising capital, and why he focuses on value-add multifamily deals in landlord-friendly states. His story is a testament to the power of taking action, adapting to market challenges, and building a scalable investment strategy.

Key Points Discussed

• Taking the First Step: After 15 years of hesitation, David finally pulled the trigger on his first investment in 2017. He explains why waiting for the “perfect time” is a mistake.
• From Small Deals to Syndications: David started with duplexes and fourplexes before realizing he needed to raise capital to scale into larger multifamily properties.
• The Mental Hurdle of Raising Capital: David shares his challenges in transitioning from investing his own money to handling funds from passive investors.
• Why He Invests in Nevada, New Mexico, and Alabama: David explains how population growth, landlord-friendly laws, and lower taxes shape his investment strategy.
• The Hidden Risks of Insurance and Property Management: His first syndication deal nearly fell apart due to insurance costs and a property management failure—he shares how he navigated those challenges.
• Tax Advantages of Real Estate: David breaks down depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and passive income strategies that allow investors to build wealth tax-efficiently.

Guest Information

• Name: David Hamer
• Role: Founder at Expedition Capital
• LinkedIn: David Hamer
• Website: Expedition Capital

Conclusion

David Hamer’s story proves that it’s never too late to start investing. His insights into raising capital, underwriting deals, and overcoming market challenges make this episode a must-listen for aspiring and experienced real estate investors alike.

Thinking about investing in multifamily real estate? Listen now and learn from David’s journey!

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Chelsea Garber, CEO of Ascend Equity and ROI by Design, shares how she transitioned from a career in high-end interior design to managing a multifamily portfolio of over 430 units. Chelsea’s journey highlights the power of leveraging creativity, partnerships, and strategic design to scale in real estate investing.

She discusses the lessons learned from flipping houses, the challenges of breaking into multifamily, and how design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a key driver of tenant retention, rent growth, and asset value.

Key Points Discussed

• From Design to Investing: Chelsea spent 15 years in residential and commercial design before making the leap into real estate. Her early experiences flipping houses taught her the fundamentals of deal structuring, risk management, and value creation.
• Scaling with Partnerships: Chelsea didn’t try to do it alone. She built strong relationships with experienced operators, allowing her to scale into larger multifamily projects while bringing a unique skill set to the table.
• The Overlooked Value of Design in Multifamily: Most investors focus on financial modeling and market fundamentals, but Chelsea explains why intentional design choices can directly impact NOI, tenant retention, and exit valuations.
• Lessons from House Flipping: While house flipping can be a great way to start, it doesn’t always translate to success in multifamily. Chelsea shares what she learned from the transition and how she approaches risk differently now.

Guest Information

• Name: Chelsea Garber
• Role: CEO at Ascend Equity & ROI by Design
• LinkedIn: Chelsea Garber
• Website: ROI by Design

Conclusion

Chelsea’s story is a testament to the fact that real estate investing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, creativity, and the right partnerships. Her ability to blend design thinking with investment strategy has set her apart in the industry.

If you’re looking to scale in real estate, this episode offers valuable insights into the role of design, partnerships, and long-term thinking in building a successful investment portfolio.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Brooke Ceballos-Piñero, founder of 10X Business Consulting and an active real estate investor, shares how she left a successful corporate career to build a real estate portfolio spanning 1,000+ multifamily and Triple Net (NNN) units.

Brooke breaks down the lessons she learned transitioning from corporate sales to full-time real estate investing, why she pivoted from multifamily to NNN retail properties for passive cash flow, and the importance of mentorship and partnerships in scaling quickly.

Key Points Discussed:

• From Corporate to Real Estate – After 22 years in corporate sales & marketing, Brooke took the leap into real estate investing. She shares how she built momentum and gained credibility in a new industry.
• The Role of Mentorship & Masterminds – Brooke credits much of her success to getting in the right rooms with experienced investors who helped her avoid costly mistakes.
• Why She’s Investing in Triple Net Leases (NNN) – Brooke explains why she’s shifting more of her portfolio into NNN retail properties (think Starbucks, AutoZone, Walgreens) for truly passive, long-term cash flow.
• The Power of Strategic Partnerships – From passive investing to sponsorship, Brooke shares how she leverages partnerships to scale efficiently while mitigating risk.
• The Mindset of a Successful Operator – Brooke emphasizes why taking action is the #1 factor in getting results and how showing up consistently helped her close more deals.

Guest Information:

• Name: Brooke Ceballos-Piñero
• Role: CEO of Empower Capital & Coach at Multifamily Momentum
• LinkedIn: Brooke Ceballos-Piñero
• Website: Empower Capital

Conclusion:

Brooke Ceballos-Piñero’s journey from corporate America to real estate investing at scale is a masterclass in taking action, leveraging mentorship, and pivoting into lower-risk, high-cash-flow investments like NNN leases.

If you’re an investor considering diversifying into commercial real estate or making the leap into full-time investing, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Todd Dexheimer, Co-Founder and Principal at Endurus Capital, shares his journey from being a high school teacher to completing over 100 real estate deals and scaling a multifamily and senior housing portfolio. Todd discusses the lessons he learned flipping houses, why he pivoted into larger commercial assets, and how he’s now focused on bringing property management and construction in-house to maximize efficiency.

His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and long-term vision—showing that the best operators don’t just chase deals, they build lasting systems.

Key Points Discussed

• From Teacher to Full-Time Investor: Todd started his real estate journey in 2008 while working as a teacher, flipping houses on the side before transitioning to multifamily syndications.
• Scaling Up with Multifamily: After flipping over 100 properties, Todd realized that long-term wealth was built through cash-flowing rentals, leading him to acquire his first 200+ unit apartment deal.
• The Power of In-House Operations: Todd breaks down why Endurus Capital is bringing property management and construction under one roof—and how vertical integration creates efficiency, lowers costs, and improves investor returns.
• Finding Deals in Today’s Market: With high interest rates and market uncertainty, Todd shares his approach to sourcing deals, negotiating with sellers, and structuring financing to minimize risk.

Guest Information

• Name: Todd Dexheimer
• Role: Founder & Principal at Endurus Capital
• LinkedIn: Todd Dexheimer
• Website: Endurus Capital
• Podcast: Pillars of Wealth Creation

Conclusion

Todd’s journey proves that persistence and adaptability are key to long-term success in real estate. His approach to vertical integration, smart deal structuring, and capital raising provides valuable insights for investors looking to scale.

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn or check out Pillars of Wealth Creation for more real estate investing insights.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Groundbreakers, Rodrigo Camargo, founder of Tantum, shares how he transforms distressed real estate into high-value investments. From navigating complex legal disputes to structuring creative financing, Rodrigo’s expertise lies in unlocking hidden opportunities where others see obstacles. With projects spanning Texas and Mexico, he’s redefining what’s possible in real estate development by combining legal strategy, marketing, and investment structuring into a seamless one-stop-shop model.

Key Points Discussed

• Turning Legal Roadblocks into Investment Wins – Rodrigo has built a niche around solving title issues, zoning challenges, and ownership disputes to unlock significant property value.
• Investing Across Borders – With a deep understanding of both U.S. and Mexican markets, Rodrigo explains how nearshoring trends and economic shifts are driving investment opportunities in Texas and Baja California.
• The One-Stop-Shop Approach to Development – From underwriting and legal structuring to marketing and construction, Tantum streamlines the entire development process to maximize efficiency and investor returns.
• Why Some of the Best Deals Are the Most Complicated – Rodrigo shares real case studies of deals that looked too messy for traditional investors but turned into lucrative opportunities through smart structuring and patience.

Guest Information

• Name: Rodrigo Camargo
• Role: Founder at Tantum
• LinkedIn: Rodrigo Camargo
• Website: Tantum

Conclusion

Rodrigo Camargo’s expertise in solving complex real estate challenges proves that the best deals often require out-of-the-box thinking. Whether it’s clearing legal hurdles, structuring creative financing, or developing sustainable projects, his work at Tantum showcases the power of strategy in real estate.

Connect with Rodrigo on LinkedIn to learn more about his latest projects and investment opportunities in high-growth markets.