In this unscripted, heartfelt episode, Amanda reflects on the milestones and personal challenges she faced in 2024. Marking the conclusion of Season 1 of The Internal Rate of Return podcast, the episode delves into the impact of losing a child, the importance of family, and the drive to achieve financial freedom through real estate and business acquisitions. Amanda highlights key achievements, including surpassing 21 podcast episodes and making significant financial strides, and sets the stage for future growth and a potential return in Season 2. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected through social media and a possible monthly newsletter.

00:00 Reflecting on the End of the Year

00:49 Closing Season 1 of the Podcast

02:20 Personal Reflections and December Memories

04:38 Journey into Real Estate and Investments

08:34 Highlights of 2024

10:08 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we sit down with Pasha Esfandiary, a former professional poker player who transitioned into the real estate industry, amassing a portfolio worth close to $350 million in deals. Pasha shares his journey from playing poker to becoming a significant player in the real estate market, focusing on mobile home communities. He discusses the financial strategies behind his investments, the importance of community, and his people-first philosophy. Pasha also touches on the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and the importance of delegating effectively. This episode provides real estate insights, especially in mobile home parks, and emphasizes the power of relationships and continuous self-improvement.

00:00 Economic Shifts and Inflation

00:29 Introducing Pasha Esfandiary

01:04 Pasha's Real Estate Journey

01:22 Personal Life and Gratitude

03:29 Early Career and Poker Days

05:20 Cultural Influences and Money

00:00 Real Estate Investments and Strategies

17:08 Transition to Mobile Home Communities

26:31 Managing Mobile Home Communities

27:07 Depreciation Benefits in Real Estate

28:11 Investment Strategies and Returns

31:24 Investor Relations and Team Structure

37:49 Operational Challenges and Solutions

46:05 Recruitment and Company Culture

49:58 Personal Insights and Daily Routines

53:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Amanda interviews Jens Nielsen, founder and managing member of Open Doors Capital. Jens shares his journey from a background in IT and telecommunications to becoming a prominent figure in real estate investing. With over 25 years of experience and involvement in over 2,700 apartment units, Jens discusses critical lessons in raising capital, the importance of partnerships, and the value of diversification in real estate. He opens up about his upbringing, work ethic, and how his past influences his current success. Jens also highlights the importance of clear communication, especially when dealing with investment challenges, and offers advice on striving for significant cash flow through real estate. The episode underscores the importance of aligning with values and nurturing professional relationships for long-term success.

To connect with Jens go to  JensNielsen.us or email him at [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Networking

00:23 Meet Jens Nielsen: Background and Achievements

02:12 Jens' Real Estate Portfolio Overview

03:29 Challenges aind Learning in Short-Term Rentals

04:52 Personal Real Estate Investments

12:07 Transition to Syndication and Coaching

17:35 Childhood and Early Influences

25:42 Discussing Work-Life Balance

28:01 Reflecting on Financial Struggles

29:57 Starting in Real Estate

32:51 Lessons Learned in Real Estate Investing

40:20 Evaluating Property Investments

46:54 Advice for Aspiring Investors

50:44 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode, Amanda interviews Ashton Levarek, the founder of Valkere Investment Group and a retired Air Force Special Warfare pararescue jumper. Ashton shares his journey from military service to financial freedom, discussing the importance of personal development, the power of authentic storytelling, and strategies for scaling a real estate portfolio. The conversation covers Ashton's daily routines, his mindset work, and practical advice for anyone looking to achieve their financial goals. Listeners will gain insights into aligning actions with their vision of abundance and the importance of being present in their journey.

00:00 Introduction to Ashton Levarek

02:53 Ashton's Real Estate Journey

04:53 Networking and Building Connections

08:15 Mindset and Personal Development

12:26 Balancing Work and Personal Life

24:07 Daily Routine and Work Schedule

26:56 Crafting a Vivid Vision

27:15 Balancing Early Mornings and Family Time

29:04 Cultural Differences in Daily Routines

31:59 Financial Upbringing and Scarcity Mindset

35:42 Embracing Abundance and Present Moment Awareness

42:59 Overcoming Financial Anxiety

46:44 The Power of Being Present

50:02 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this special 21st episode airing on Thanksgiving, Amanda reflects on personal growth and career shifts, moving from a corporate role to aspiring to own a business. The episode celebrates surpassing the 21st episode milestone in podcasting and Amanda shares her journey of balancing a demanding career, family life, and a passion for investing and learning. Key themes include the importance of knowledge, hustle, and capital in achieving success, and recapping 21 influential books read over the past year. The books cover topics from real estate investing and business scaling to mindset and goal setting, all contributing to Amanda’s evolving vision for the future.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

00:43 Celebrating 21 Episodes

01:43 Thanksgiving Reflections

02:21 The Triad for Success

03:37 21 Books That Shaped My Year

04:05 Overcoming Adversity Through Books

06:40 Career Evolution and Burnout

07:42 Investing and Side Hustles

09:06 Book Reviews: Real Estate Investing

26:44 Book Reviews: Mindset and Personal Growth

34:51 Book Reviews: Scaling and Business Strategies

41:42 Book Reviews: Goal Setting and Journaling

50:05 Conclusion and Gratitude

In this episode, the host sits down with Cheryl Heller, co-founder of the Strategic Board Collective and managing principal at Pillar One Consulting. Cheryl, who boasts over two decades of executive experience, discusses her journey from a long tenure at Capital One to becoming a fractional CFO and a partner at Clipper Ship Ventures. The conversation covers her real estate portfolio, including short and mid-term rentals, and how she vets investment deals. Cheryl also shares insight on managing financial operations for startups, the importance of networking, and transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. The episode concludes with advice on being in the right networks and mastering the balance between a scarcity and abundance mindset in financial planning.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

02:21 Cheryl Heller's Real Estate Portfolio

03:11 Insights on Syndications and Underwriting

08:17 Managing Midterm Rentals

13:40 Personal Financial Journey and Mindset

20:48 Balancing Abundance and Scarcity in Business

22:43 Exploring Cheryl's Businesses

26:19 Exploring Fractional CFO Services

26:48 Specializing in FinTech, Real Estate, and Professional Services

27:56 Understanding Professional Services and FinTech

28:38 The Impact of FinTech on Daily Life

30:03 Cryptocurrency and Clipper Ship Ventures

30:49 Private Equity and Institutional Investors

38:23 Balancing Work and Personal Life

43:14 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

47:08 The Importance of Networking and Masterminds

48:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Amanda interviews Flint Jamison, a former aerospace engineer who transitioned into real estate investing. Flint discusses the concept of syndications, where groups of investors pool resources to acquire larger properties. He shares his journey from designing for Boeing to founding Vestus Capital, a firm focused on educating leaders on passive commercial real estate investment. Flint provides insights into syndications, fund-to-fund structures, and the booming trend of build-to-rent communities. The conversation also covers challenges, strategies, and the importance of taking action in investment.

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Syndication

00:41 Meet Flint Jamison: From Aerospace to Real Estate

01:16 Flint's Journey to Financial Freedom

02:05 Understanding Syndications and Capital Raising

04:45 The Basics of Fund to Fund

10:51 Vetting Operators and Ensuring Trust

16:41 Exploring Build to Rent

24:12 Leveraging Third-Party Inputs for Underwriting

26:26 Understanding the Phases of Build-to-Rent

26:42 Navigating Entitlements and Approvals

29:02 Exploring Yield on Cost and Investor Returns

30:50 Trends in Construction Costs

36:01 Marketing Strategies for Fund-to-Fund Investments

39:40 Using Retirement Accounts for Real Estate Investments

44:02 Advice for Aspiring Investors

44:58 A Glimpse into the Life of a Real Estate Investor

In this episode, the host Amanda welcomes Yonah Weiss, a renowned expert in cost segregation and a business director at Madison Spex. The discussion revolves around the benefits and mechanics of depreciation and cost segregation in real estate, highlighting the tax-saving opportunities available to property investors. Yonah shares insights into his real estate investments, his approach to vetting deals, and the importance of trust in partnerships. The conversation also touches on Yonah's personal background, including his early financial experiences, his views on money management, and his transition from being a teacher to a real estate expert. Yonah emphasizes the importance of education and mentorship for those new to real estate investing.

00:00 Introduction to Depreciation Benefits

00:25 Meet Yona Weiss: The Cost Seg King

01:42 Yona's Real Estate Journey

05:47 Early Financial Lessons and Challenges

10:54 First Steps in Real Estate Investing

13:58 Becoming a Cost Segregation Expert

17:11 Understanding Cost Segregation

21:48 Depreciation and Cost Segregation in Practice

31:01 Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Investors

32:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this special Halloween-themed episode of 'The Internal Rate of Return,' we explore 13 tricks and treats related to real estate investing. Dressed in engaging Halloween attire, Amanda first addresses investing challenges and opportunities, revealing insights such as the benefits of property investment despite high mortgage rates and debunking the myth of needing to own a home before investing in rentals. The host discusses essential topics like establishing an LLC, comparing 401k returns to syndication investments, and the trade-off between liquidity and gains. In the second part, the episode shifts to mindset strategies, highlighting relationship importance, vision clarity, continuous action, and adopting high-performance habits. The value of coaches, communities, and concepts like infinite banking are also highlighted. The episode concludes with actionable insights and practical examples, encouraging listeners to rethink mainstream financial advice and embrace diverse investment strategies, thereby ensuring a deeper understanding and a strategic approach to real estate investing.

00:00 Introduction and Halloween Special

01:05 Trick 1: High Mortgage Rates

02:57 Trick 2: Owning a Home vs. Renting

06:25 Trick 3: Establishing an LLC

07:17 Trick 4: 401k Returns vs. Syndication

09:19 Trick 5: Liquidity vs. Gains

10:13 Trick 6: Exploring the Infinite Banking Concept

10:56 Trick 7: Understanding 1031 Exchange

11:59 Trick 8: The Value of Coaches and Communities

14:40 Trick 9: Mindset Matters: Go Far, Go Together

15:19 Trick 10: Mindset Shift: Imagine If

16:05 Trick 11: Vision and Values: Your Investment GPS

16:37 Trick 12: Clarity Through Action

17:18 Trick 13: Defining Your All

17:59 Patience in Real Estate Investing

18:21 Final Thoughts and Summary

In this episode, Erik Cabral, founder and CEO of On Air Brands, shares his inspiring journey from corporate marketing to becoming a successful entrepreneur, real estate investor, and brand builder. The discussion covers his transition from a high-paying corporate job to real estate investing, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal role of mindset and education in his success. Erik emphasizes the importance of authenticity, documenting one's journey, and building trust through an online presence. He also shares insights on capital raising, networking, and the power of community in achieving investment goals. The episode provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors on leading by example and taking action to reach success.

00:00 Authenticity in Documenting Your Journey

00:34 Introducing Erik Cabral: Entrepreneur and CEO

02:20 Erik's Real Estate Portfolio

04:40 Early Financial Struggles and Lessons

09:11 Transition from Corporate to Real Estate

13:13 First Steps in Real Estate Investing

17:51 Importance of Financial Planning and Savings

19:52 Venturing into Syndication and Capital Raising

20:29 Personal Real Estate Journey Begins

21:13 Meeting Josh McCallan: A Turning Point

22:08 Launching the Podcast and Building a Brand

24:00 Creating the Learn and Grow Community

28:13 Expanding Through BiggerPockets and Other Ventures

31:58 Advice on Building Trust and Online Presence

34:34 Documenting the Journey and Authenticity

43:18 Final Thoughts and Resources