MILMO Show

Building a real estate investing empire while on active duty may seem like a monumental task, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. Johnny Lynum, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has done just that, growing his portfolio to over 115 properties worth $14 million.

In this episode, Johnny shares his journey into real estate investing, the methods he used to build wealth while serving full-time, and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses how he identifies promising markets, common pitfalls new investors should avoid, and offers practical advice for fellow service members who want to get started in real estate.

Johnny Lynum is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force who has served for over 19 years as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer. He is also an author, philanthropist, seasoned real estate investor, and coach. He has actively invested in real estate since 2006 and has purchased and sold single and multifamily properties across the SouthEast.

Johnny has over 115 doors in his real estate portfolio valued at over $14M, primarily located in Panama City, FL, and Montgomery, AL, real estate markets. Through his military service, Johnny has gained tremendous experience by leading diverse teams in deployed environments and managing a $1.3 billion dollar development contract. These skills have been instrumental in his ability to scale his real estate investing business while still actively serving our country full-time.

https://milmo.co/podcast/real-estate-investing-empire

Serving in the military comes with some perks. The VA home loan guarantee is one of the more popular benefits. It helps service members and veterans with home ownership. While it's generally talked about, sometimes the exact details aren't and can lead to not getting the most out of your benefit.

In this episode, Dr. Paul Lawrence discusses VA home loans in detail. He shares how the benefit works, who is eligible, how it can be used, and common misconceptions about it. He also talks about lesser-known VA loan benefits like Specially Adapted Housing grants.

https://milmo.co/podcast/VA-home-loan-guarantee

Members of the military are involved in problem-solving. It's at the heart of a successful mission. Many don't realize that it is also at the heart of STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It's all about data and problem-solving.

In this episode, Navy veteran Anne Gibbon discusses how she is building a business to help others use data to its fullest potential to make better decisions. We also talk about her experience as the first woman to box for the Naval Academy and building a think tank for Seal Team 6.

https://milmo.co/podcast/data-to-drive-change

It's no secret that I've had some trademark issues. When you build a business, you're bound to be touched by trademarks in some way. You could file for your own trademark, or someone could be infringing on yours or you could be trying to be preventative. There are a lot of areas.

One that is particularly unnerving is getting a notice from an attorney or, even worse, the United States Trademark and Patent Office that you're infringing on someone else's trademark or that your trademark is in jeopardy. Everyone can guess the reaction letters like that would cause. Pure panic to anyone who receives it. Do you know who knows that best? Scammers. I know this because I just almost got trademark scammed.

In this episode, I'm sharing what trademark scam I was targeted with, what I did, the most common types of trademark scams, and how to keep yourself protected.

Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/trademark-scam

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a new career path in entrepreneurship. Not only are you starting something new, you have to make your own paycheck.

In episode 305, I'm joined by Justin Brock, a Marine veteran who went from aviation operations in the Marine Corps to building a successful career in financial services and running a thriving business. We dive into his journey, the lessons he learned about sales and marketing, and how he grew his insurance business by focusing on authentic relationships and quality service. Justin also shares valuable insights for veterans looking to start their own businesses.

The show notes can be found here: https://milmo.co/podcast/authentic-marketing-and-sales

Service members and their families are a protected group when it comes to their finances. The Department of Defense intentionally protects the military community from predatory financial sales practices while they are serving. Those protections are no longer there when you separate or retire, making transitioning service members top targets of predatory sales practices.

In this episode, Drew Stamp discusses what service members and their families are up against when they're leaving the military and how to educate themselves and combat bad actors in the financial and veteran space. We also discuss whether all the benefits the community receives could negatively affect them.

We talk about:

• Transitioning from Military Service
• Purpose, Identity, and Community
• Predatory Financial Practices
• Financial Literacy Gaps
• Misleading Sales Practices
• The Importance of Gratitude and Self-Sufficiency
• Positive Traits of Financial Professionals
• Financial Planning for Transition

Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/predatory-financial-sales-practices

The relationship between money and marriage can be complex especially when you add military service to the mix. When you bring two different backgrounds to a relationship and if you've had marital problems, managing money together can be all the more challenging.

In this episode, veteran and military spouse Tyron White and I discuss the financial challenges military couples face, the importance of seeking help for both marital and financial issues, the power of financial therapy, and the misconceptions about getting help.

Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/rebuilding-financial-health /

Separating or retiring comes with changes in many areas of your life and money. One of those often overlooked big changes is your taxes.

What you did or didn't pay in taxes looks a lot different after military service.

In this episode, Matt Stephens and I discuss what the tax differential wage equivalent is, why it matters, and how it can significantly impact your financial decisions as you move from military to civilian life. Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/tax-reality-every-veteran-needs/

It's my Birthday Week on the MILMO® Show. Every year for my birthday, I like to interview someone special in my life. In past years, I've interviewed my Mom, Dad, and my 97-year-old grandmother. This year is no different. I have a very special guest to help me celebrate my birthday on the show.

In this episode, my brother, Brian Flanigan is in the hot seat answering all of my questions. He shares the biggest challenges he has faced retiring from the Air Force, the best thing he got out of the military and advice for people getting ready to separate or retire. He even shares his experience of being diagnosed and fighting cancer on active duty.

Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/2024-birthday-week

It's my 300th episode. When I started, I never imagined being where I'm at now. Having a podcast is like being on a roller-coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, but it's all exhilarating.

In this special episode, I'm sharing a look back on podcasting 300 episodes of the MILMO Show, a behind-the-scenes look at what I do, lessons learned, and the questions and answers I'm asked about podcasting.

Show notes: https://milmo.co/podcast/podcasting-look-back-300-episodes