Path of Progress

From Welding Sparks to Real Estate Strategy: Eddie Austin’s Unfiltered Journey 🔥

In this episode of Path of Progress, Alex Kononov sits down with Eddie Austin, a former welder turned real estate fund manager, entrepreneur, and operator.

Eddie didn’t follow the traditional path. Instead of starting with syndications, he launched a real estate fund from day one—modeling his strategy after institutions like Blackstone.

Eddie breaks down the power of saying no, building a narrative investors actually believe in, and how to partner with best-in-class operators even without prior multifamily experience.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale smart, this episode is full of raw, tactical insights and mindset shifts to help you make bold moves in real estate.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ Why Eddie started with a fund—not syndications—and how he made it work

✅ How he built credibility with no multifamily track record

✅ The difference between chasing “doors” vs. building real equity

✅ What to include in your fund's PPM & investor pitch deck

✅ Lessons from giving back millions in investor capital pre-COVID

✅ Why building a business matters more than owning real estate

✅ How to raise capital before finding the deal

✅ The secret to choosing the right advisors and partnerships

✅ Why real estate is just the foundation—and the business on top is key

✅ His plan to acquire service-based businesses tied to real estate

📚 Book Recommendation:– Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill

🌐 Connect with Eddie Austin:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/eddieaustinbex/

🌍 Website → https://eddieaustinbex.com/

🌍 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-austin-bex-9358821b5/

🌍 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/eddieaustinbex

🎧 Listen & Watch the Full Episode:

📺 YouTube → https://youtu.be/8r_zvvsmvms

🎧 Spotify

🎧 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

🙌 Stay Connected:

👍 Like, Follow & turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss an episode of Path of Progress!

📲 Follow us:

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pathofpro/

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/pathofpro/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathofpro/

TikTok → @pathofpro

#PathOfProgressPodcast #EddieAustin #AlexKononov #RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilyFund #CapitalRaising #RealEstateMindset #RealEquity #PrivateEquity #FundManager #RealEstateStrategy #BusinessOverDoors #WeldingToWealth #RealEstatePodcast

How do you build a 40+ unit rental portfolio while working a full-time W2 job?

For Duane Brown, it started with a HELOC—and a serious mindset shift.

In this episode of Path of Progress, host Alex Kononov sits down with Duane Brown, a full-time electrical field engineer who went from wiring homes to owning dozens of them.

Duane shares how he used a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to buy his first multifamily deal, scaled his portfolio through strategic cash-out refis, and locked in a 5-year tax abatement that supercharged his cash flow.

With 40+ units, flips, and no partners, Duane breaks down exactly how everyday investors can get started—with no excuses.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ How Duane used a HELOC to buy his first multifamily deal 🏡

✅ Why he skipped single-family and went straight to multifamily 📈

✅ Building 40+ units while working 60+ hour weeks at his W2 💼

✅ How to apply (and qualify) for a 5-year tax abatement 🧾✅ The “rent = 2x mortgage” formula Duane still uses today 🔢

✅ Lessons from flipping houses and self-managing 40+ tenants 🧠

✅ The mindset shift that helped him scale from zero to 40+ doors in 6 years

📚 Book Recommendations:

– Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

– The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller🌐

Connect with Duane Brown:

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mr_rentals_trenton/

🎧 Listen & Watch the Full Episode:

📺 YouTube → https://youtu.be/NXEGkSQCNPM

🎧 Spotify →

🎧 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599#PathOfProgressPodcast, #DuaneBrown, #AlexKononov, #RealEstateInvesting, #MultifamilyInvesting, #HELOCStrategy, #W2Investor, #RentalProperty, #TaxAbatement, #BRRRRMethod, #PassiveIncome, #RealEstateMindset, #BuildWealth, #FinancialFreedom, #HouseHacking, #RealEstateStrategy, #SelfManaging, #RealEstateTips, #LongTermWealth, #RealEstatePodcast

How do top operators win deals AND protect investors in today’s market?
It all starts with underwriting that actually works.

In this episode of Path of Progress, host Alex Kononov sits down with Hitomi Yasuda, co‑founder of Underwrite2Win, who has personally underwritten 1,500+ multifamily and commercial deals across 10 states.

Hitomi reveals how she screens markets, stress‑tests deals, and why she focuses on conservative numbers over hype—plus the mindset shifts that helped her walk away from bad deals (including a $50M one!) and win a $19.5M property by offering less than competitors.

📌 Key Takeaways:
✅ From corporate burnout to multifamily pro 🏢
✅ How to define your “buy box” and stop chasing everything 🎯
✅ Why underwriting is the backbone of every deal 🔎
✅ Screening markets with crime data, income levels, and exit strategy 📊
✅ Stress‑testing deals for worst‑case scenarios 🧩
✅ Building broker relationships that help you win—even with a lower offer 🤝
✅ How to start underwriting with confidence (and avoid analysis paralysis)

📚 Book Recommendations:
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Start With Why by Simon Sinek

🌐 Connect with Hitomi Yasuda:
💼 Website → https://learn.uw2win.com/courses/uw2win
📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hitomixyasuda/
🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyasuda/

🎧 Listen & Watch the Full Episode:
📺 YouTube:
🎧 Spotify

& Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

#HitomiYasuda, #Underwrite2Win, #RealEstateUnderwriting, #MultifamilyInvesting, #RealEstateInvesting, #PathOfProgress, #AlexKononov, #RealEstatePodcast, #ProtectYourCapital, #InvestorEducation, #DealAnalysis, #FinancialFreedom, #PassiveIncome, #CommercialRealEstate, #UnderwritingTips, #ThinkLikeAnInvestor, #MarketResearch, #StressTesting, #RealEstateDeals, #RealEstateMentorship, #ApartmentInvesting, #RealEstateStrategy, #BuyAndHold, #UnderwritingProcess, #BuildingWealth, #ConservativeUnderwriting, #MultifamilyDeals, #RealEstateJourney, #TeamBuildingInRealEstate

Can real estate be traded like stocks or crypto?
Tyler Vinson says — yes. And it’s already happening.

In this eye-opening episode of Path of Progress, Alex sits down with Tyler Vinson, founder & CEO of REtokens, the world’s first SEC-regulated secondary marketplace for real estate tokens.

We dive deep into how real estate tokenization works, how it’s transforming capital raising, and what it means for investors, sponsors, and the entire syndication industry.

From creative financing after the 2008 crash to raising millions without using banks — Tyler shares how necessity, vision, and tech collided to build the future of real estate investing.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ Started in 2002 with zero down duplexes

✅ Survived the 2008 crash using private money & lease options

✅ Raised millions without bank loans for a decade

✅ Why multifamily beats single family on wealth creation

✅ What is real estate tokenization (and what it’s NOT)

✅ How it lets investors trade real estate like stocks & crypto

✅ Difference between tokenizing a deed vs a security

✅ How REtokens became FINRA/SEC approved

✅ How K-1s and taxes are handled with 1,000s of investors

✅ What sponsors need to know before tokenizing

✅ How liquidity pools and market makers will transform RE

✅ Why this opens the door for non-accredited investors

✅ How you could sell tokens on the marketplace like Coinbase

✅ Real use cases — from self-storage to multifamily and beyond

✅ Why tokenized real estate could create higher valuations

✅ Tyler’s vision for a global real estate investing platform

📚 Book Recommendation:

📖 Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

🌐 Learn More or Connect with Tyler:

🔗 Website + Free Quick Start Guide → https://retokens.com/

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/retokens/

📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@REtokens

🎧 Listen Now:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fcm-c1q19Gg
🎧 Spotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

🙌 Stay Connected:

👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Path of Progress!

📲 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathofpro/
📲 Follow us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pathofpro/

📲 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pathofpro/

📲 Follow us on tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pathofpro

#TylerVinson #REtokens #RealEstateTokenization #TokenizedRealEstate #PathOfProgress #AlexKononov #RealEstatePodcast #MultifamilyInvestor #BlockchainRealEstate #PassiveIncome #AlternativeInvesting #SECRegulatedTokens #RealEstateInnovation #TokenizedAssets #ThinkAndGrowRich #FinancialFreedom #REtech #ModernWealthBuilding #FractionalOwnership #RealEstateFuture #LiquidityInRealEstate

From rebuilding $20K crack houses with a baby in tow… to losing 8 units in a fire… and still growing a $30M portfolio — Rachael Jones is redefining resilience in real estate.

On this episode of Path of Progress, Rachael shares her incredible evolution from mechanical engineer in the energy industry to a powerhouse multifamily investor and operator in the Carolinas.

She opens up about building Clover Capital Group, the fire that destroyed nearly half her 29-unit building, and how she rebuilt smarter using strategic insurance tactics, code upgrades, and investor resilience.

If you want the real behind-the-scenes of value-add multifamily, tenant crisis management, and rebuilding wealth after disaster — this one’s unmissable.

👷‍♀️ You’ll Learn:

✅ How Rachael went from engineering turbines to buying $20K rentals

✅ What she learned doing plumbing and flooring herself — with a baby in the car

✅ How she scaled up using creative deal structuring and lines of credit

✅ The fire that wiped out 8 units and how she handled tenants, media & insurance

✅ Why she refused to sign anything in crisis — and what every landlord must know

✅ How to negotiate with brokers, follow up long-term, and find hidden deals

✅ Lessons from rebuilding a C-class property from the ashes

📲 Connect with Rachael Jones:

🔗 clovercapitalgroup.net

📧 [email protected]

📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeljonesms/

Book Recommendations by Rachael:

▶️ Never Eat Alone ( https://shorturl.at/pTTsb )

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/Kv89zvJITYs

🎧 Spotify

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

#RealEstatePodcast, #RachaelJones, #Clovercapitalgroup, #AlexKononov, #MultifamilyInvesting, #RealEstateInvestor, #PassiveIncome, #CashFlow, #RentalProperty, #PropertyInvestor, #RealEstateJourney, #RealEstateStrategy, #ApartmentInvesting, #BuyAndHold, #ComebackStory, #FromTragedyToTriumph, #FireSurvivor, #LevelUpMindset, #OvercomingObstacles, #RealEstateSuccess, #ResilienceInBusiness, #MotivationMonday, #RagsToRiches, #SuccessMindset, #PodcastEpisode, #PodcastHighlight, #WomenInRealEstate, #InvestorMindset, #EntrepreneurLife, #BusinessPodcast, #PathOfProgress, #FinancialFreedom, #WealthBuilding, #RealEstateTips,

From a full-time legal career to owning over $420 million in real estate — Jade Laye’s story is a masterclass in discipline, vision, and faith-driven action.

In this episode of Path of Progress, Jade reveals how a housing market crash forced him into landlording, and how that reluctant first rental led to a 65-property portfolio, a booming syndication business, and over 3,000 multifamily units acquired across several states — all while still practicing law.

You’ll learn how he:

✅ Accidentally became a landlord during the 2008 crash
✅ Scaled from $50 cash flow homes to $450/month infinite return deals
✅ Built a 65-home portfolio with no investors, just grit and creativity
✅ Used a line of credit and strategic BRRRRs to scale fast in overlooked markets
✅ Transitioned from single family to large multifamily syndications
✅ Raised capital, built investor trust, and multiplied returns with partners
✅ Continues to grow while staying rooted in family, faith, and service

🔑 This episode is packed with real estate strategy, market timing insights, mindset gems, and a powerful message for anyone juggling a career while building wealth through real estate.

📲 Connect with Jade Laye:
🌐 Website: www.layecapital.com

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on:

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWLivQfT6xU&list=PLq10YjZ8cABH9QfBkV7haYxJ-Uq57xwxk🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UVwAtZlCw9nt4BBrljtec?si=7x7N7lahSC-9lG1T5QFPCw🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

#RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilySyndication #PassiveIncome #PathOfProgress #RealEstateEmpire #JadeLaye #FaithAndFinance #ApartmentInvesting #InvestingWhileWorking #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #RichDadPoorDad #ValueAddRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #MindsetMatters #BRRRRStrategy #SyndicationStrategy #InvestorJourney #PatentAttorneyToInvestor, #RealEstateJourney, #MultifamilyInvestor, #RealEstateWealth, #CashFlowInvesting, #ApartmentSyndication, #RealEstateDevelopment, #BRRRRMethod, #RealEstateFinance, #RealEstateGrowth, #EntrepreneurJourney, #PassiveIncomeStreams, #LandlordLife, #RealEstateLeverage, #InfiniteReturns, #FinancialIndependence, #RealEstateEducation, #BuildingWealthThroughRealEstate, #RealEstateStrategy, #MindsetShift, #RealEstateScaling, #RentalPropertyInvestor, #FaithBasedEntrepreneur, #InvestmentProperties, #RealEstateSuccess, #LongTermWealth, #MultifamilyDeals, #InvestingInRealEstate, #TertiaryMarkets, #SyndicatorLife

From a single $1,000 rent check to building a thriving real estate business, Tyler Gibson’s journey is a masterclass in smart investing, creative financing, and empowering others to achieve financial freedom.

In this episode of Path of Progress, host Alex Kononov dives deep with Tyler Gibson, founder of GPG, a real estate consulting team in Central Florida, to uncover how he turned his first rental property into a springboard for success.

You’ll hear how Tyler:

✅ Sparked his real estate journey with a modest rental property funded by family

✅ Mastered creative seller financing to unlock $1.5M for future deals

✅ Scaled his portfolio with cash-flowing multifamily and commercial properties

✅ Built a 13-agent team serving investors and first-time homebuyers across Florida

✅ Leverages BiggerPockets to educate and connect with clients

✅ Navigates today’s buyer’s market with price-optimized listing strategies

🔑 Packed with actionable insights, from house hacking to advanced commercial strategies, this episode is perfect for new investors, seasoned pros, or anyone looking to break into real estate with confidence.

📚 Book Recommendation by Tyler Gibson:

1️⃣ The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library by Jim Rohn (https://shorturl.at/K4Htc)

– A transformative audiobook that shaped Tyler’s growth-oriented mindset, inspired by the father of personal development.

📲 Connect with Tyler Gibson:

🌐 Phone: 407-590-9858

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_tylergibson/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/real.tylergibson📘 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylergibsonrealtor/

Website: https://www.gpghome.com/

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/AQYhL2GWTt8

🎧 Spotify

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW for more real estate success stories, investing tactics, and entrepreneurial insights!

#realestateinvesting #tylergibson #pathofprogress #financialfreedom #househacking #sellerfinancing #realestateempire #biggerpockets #centralfloridarealestate #Alexkononov #passiveincome #realestatesuccess #investorlife #multifamilyinvesting #realestateforbeginners #realestatemarkettrends #propertyinvestment #realestatefinancing #commercialrealestate #realestate101 #buyandholdrealestate #realestatenegotiationtips #realestateagentadvice #realestatemarketanalysis #realestatecashflow #education #mustwatch #realestatewealthbuilding #propertymanagementtips #realestatestrategies #realestateinvestingtips #rentalpropertytips #realestatemarketforecast #realestatebusiness #investinyourself #actiontaker #realestatepodcast

From bartending in New York City to building a $300 million multifamily real estate empire — Jason Yarusi’s story is one of grit, discipline, and relentless action.

In this episode of Path of Progress, Jason reveals how a life-changing accident pushed him to break free from a dead-end job and create lasting wealth through real estate.

You’ll hear how he started with a 94-unit apartment deal, mastered syndications, and scaled to over 3,200 units while helping others achieve financial freedom.

Learn how he:

✅ Transitioned from bars and restaurants to multifamily investing

✅ Acquired his first 94-unit deal through smart negotiation

✅ Raised millions by educating investors before finding deals

✅ Built and scaled a vertically integrated real estate company

✅ Finds off-market and value-add apartment opportunities

✅ Balances massive business growth with family, health, and mindset

🔑 This episode is packed with actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build a real estate empire.

📲 Connect with Jason Yarusi:

🌐 Website: https://www.yarusiholdings.com/

📧 Email: [email protected]

🌐Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jasonyarusi/

🌐facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.yarusi

🎙️ Podcast: Multifamily Live + Live 100 Live 100: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@liveonehundred⁩ 

Multifamily Live:  ⁨@7figuremultifamily⁩ 

📚 Book Recommendation by Jason Yarusi:

1️⃣ Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (https://shorturl.at/xkTYz)

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/cKvixxaT8Hs

🎧 Spotify:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599
#PathOfProgress #JasonYarusi #AlexKononov #RealEstatePodcast #YarusiHoldings #MultifamilyRealEstate #FromBartenderToMillionaire #RealEstateEmpire #FinancialFreedom #PassiveIncome #SyndicationSecrets #ApartmentInvesting #RealEstateJourney #ScalingRealEstate #MindsetMatters #InvestorMindset #WealthBuilding #EntrepreneurLife #MultifamilyInvestor #ValueAddStrategy #CommercialRealEstate #ActionTaker

From being kidnapped at gunpoint in Venezuela to delivering balloons in Miami — Hans Seelinger's journey to building a $50 million real estate portfolio is nothing short of extraordinary.

In this episode of Path of Progress, Hans breaks down how he overcame trauma, started over in his 40s, and climbed his way up through multifamily investing, syndications, and strategic underwriting.

Learn how he:

-Started investing while living abroad

-Acquired his first 12-plex and 100-unit dealScaled across Texas, Nevada, and Florida

-Built a powerful team and system

-Created a real estate education platform helping others do the same

🔑 This episode is packed with real-world tactics, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom for real estate investors, syndicators, and entrepreneurs ready to scale.

📲 Connect with Hans Seelinger

🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansseelinger/

🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanschristian.seelinger

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-seelinger-b084b4ba/

🌐 Website: https://learn.uw2win.com/courses/uw2win

📧 Email: [email protected]

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode on:

🎙️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Mx7D5pWPCk

🎙️ Spotify:

🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599#realestateinvesting, #multifamilyrealestate, #realestatepodcast, #financialfreedom, #passiveincome, #pathofprogress, #hansseelinger, #realestatestory, #investingjourney, #realestateempire, #cashflow, #propertyinvestor, #multifamilyinvestor, #underwriting, #realestateeducation, #syndicationdeals, #apartmentinvesting, #realestatesyndication, #realestatecoach, #mindsetmatters, #entrepreneurmindset, #businessresilience, #fromstruggletosuccess, #realestateportfolio, #realestategrowth, #valueaddrealestate, #scalingrealestate, #realestateinspiration, #americanrealestate, #texasrealestate, #floridarealestate, #nevadarealestate, #landlordlife, #realestatetips, #investinyourself, #startoversuccess, #investingstrategies, #howtobuyrealestate, #wholesalingrealestate, #realestategoals, #realestatenetworking, #realestatewealth, #multifamilystrategies, #assetmanagement, #realestatedevelopment, #firstdealclosed, #100units, #buyandholdstrategy, #freedomthroughrealestate, #investorlife

Join host Alex Kononov on Path of Progress as he sits down with Trevor B. West, a U.S. Air Force veteran turned multifamily real estate investor.

Trevor shares his incredible journey from $20,000 in credit card debt to owning a 72-unit portfolio across 19 buildings in Canton, Ohio. Discover how his military discipline, faith-driven mindset, and strategic use of the VA loan propelled him to financial freedom.

Trevor dives into negotiation tactics, the power of in-house property management, and the importance of staying focused in real estate investing. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with actionable insights to unlock your path to financial success! 💰

🏠Key Takeaways: - Military to Millions

- Debt to Freedom

- VA Loan Advantage

- Scaling Smart

- Negotiation Mastery

- In-House Management

- Faith & Focus

Connect with Trevor B. West:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettertrevor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@TrevorBWest⁩ 

Website www.trevorbwest.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevor.west.948

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorbwest/

Email: [email protected]

Direct: (330) 978-4848

Watch & Listen to the Full Episode:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/1M-IT7MllBE&list=PLq10YjZ8cABH9QfBkV7haYxJ-Uq57xwxk&index=2

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/path-of-progress/id1782550599

Subscribe to Path of Progress for more inspiring stories and actionable real estate tips! 🔔

🎯 If you're in debt, stuck, or looking to scale in real estate investing, this episode is packed with real lessons and inspiration.#RealEstateInvesting #MultifamilyInvesting #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateJourney #VALoan #MilitaryToMillions #RealEstatePortfolio #NegotiationStrategies #PropertyManagement #PassiveIncome #RealEstateTips #InvestingMindset #CantonOhio #RichDadPoorDad #FinancialLiteracy #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateSuccess #InvestSmart #MultifamilyRealEstate #PathOfProgress #alexkononov #TrevorBWest #RealEstateForBeginners, #WealthBuilding, #CashFlowInvesting, #RealEstateHacks, #VeteranEntrepreneur, #RealEstateDeals, #PropertyInvestment, #FinancialIndependence, #RealEstateEducation, #RealEstateMindset, #MultifamilyProperties, #RealEstateGoals, #MoneyMindset, #RealEstateMarket, #PassiveWealth, #EntrepreneurJourney, #RealEstateStrategy, #BuildWealth real estate, wealth-building, and entrepreneurship.