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What if the best time to think about your goals is not when you are rushing into a new year, but when things finally slow down? In this holiday episode, Steven talks about setting goals from gratitude instead of pressure. When work eases up and life feels a little quieter, it is easier to step back and think about what actually matters to you. We walk through a simple goal-setting process you can come back to anytime, one that focuses on the kind of person you want to become, not just the boxes you want to check. We also talk about money, investing, and work as tools that support more time, freedom, and peace of mind. You will leave with clear steps to think about the next year, the next few years, and the long road ahead in a way that feels honest and doable.

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:44) Why the holidays are a great time to reflect
(1:17) Goals rooted in gratitude work better
(1:47) Why reviewing goals matters more than talent
(3:48) Identity, values, and long-term thinking
(11:05) Money as a tool, not the goal
(14:16) Create the space
(15:12) Get in the right state
(17:10) Prime your mind before asking
(21:14) Ask yourself the bigger question
(23:07) Capture everything
(23:59) Think across your core life areas
(25:50) Look at the actual time horizons
(29:01) Set goals with high energy
(30:33) Write down your wins first
(33:20) Real personal goals for the year ahead
(38:05) Outro

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• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

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What if you could learn how the Hilton family invests, and apply some of those same strategies to your own money, even if you're not a millionaire? In this episode, Steven Arita chats with Mark Miller, co-founder of Hilton Tax and Wealth Advisors. Mark has spent decades working with the Hilton family office, and now he’s on a mission to bring those smart money principles to everyday investors. They talk about how wealthy families protect and grow their money, how retail investors are being steered wrong, and what you can do differently, even if you're just getting started with a $250K portfolio. If you care about building wealth and leaving a legacy, this one's for you.

Mark Miller is a veteran in the tax and financial services world, with over 30 years of experience helping business owners, physicians, executives, and high-net-worth individuals grow and protect their wealth. From building smart investment portfolios to cutting taxes and preserving family legacies, Mark has guided hundreds of clients through both good and challenging times.

He’s the best-selling author of Hilton Wealth: How to Invest Like an American Dynasty, where he breaks down how the Hilton family and other elite investors build wealth and often pay little to no taxes — and how everyday investors can apply the same strategies. Mark has been featured in over 200 media outlets including Money Magazine, Kiplinger, Fox News, and The New York Times. He’s also a recipient of the Presidential Businessman of the Year award and holds Ethics Approved status with the IARFC.

Connect with Mark:
Website: https://www.hiltonwealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmiller-hiltonfo/

Grab a copy: Hilton Wealth – How to Invest Like an American Dynasty


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(4:11) Who is Mark Miller?
(6:04) What is a family office and why does it matter?
(11:31) What smart money does that most people don’t
(15:57) A simple breakdown of how wealthy people invest
(25:04) Why patience and discipline matter in investing
(29:42) How wealthy families think about legacy
(36:16) The mindset shift new clients need to make
(41:43) How smart money avoids high fees
(45:42) Free book info and where to learn more
(47:19) Outro

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• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

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How does someone go from being an overworked civil engineer to building a $2 billion real estate portfolio? In this episode, Steven sits down with Lane Kawaoka as he shares his surprisingly relatable story. Lane breaks down how one simple rental in Seattle led to a whole new way of thinking about money, freedom, and how tech and engineering pros can get ahead faster by doing things differently. We talk about his Wealth Elevator framework, how to avoid the trap of traditional investing advice, and why buying one rental at a time might not be the best move if you're already earning well. If you're trying to figure out what to do with your income besides working harder, this one’s for you.

Lane Kawaoka is a former civil engineer turned full-time real estate investor and entrepreneur. After growing tired of the 9-to-5 grind, Lane began investing in rental properties and eventually built a portfolio of over 10,000 units across the U.S., managing more than $2 billion in assets. He is the founder of The Wealth Elevator, a private community for high-income professionals looking to build passive income through real estate and alternative investments. Lane has helped over 1,000 investors move from active income to financial freedom, and he’s passionate about making wealth-building simple and accessible—especially for tech and engineering professionals. He’s also the author of The Wealth Elevator, where he outlines the stages of financial growth and how to avoid common mistakes along the way.

Connect with Lane:
Website: https://thewealthelevator.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanekawaoka/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplePassiveCashflowdotcom
Email: [email protected]

Grab a copy: https://thewealthelevator.com/home/book/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:50) Lane’s background: from engineer to real estate investor
(4:52) Lane’s journey from first rental to $2B in assets
(10:36) Should accredited investors buy single-family rentals?
(13:56) Wealth Elevator framework explained
(20:17) Single asset vs fund investing
(26:37) How to spot red flags in deals
(34:34) Reaching true financial freedom
(42:29) Rethinking 401(k)s and retirement strategies
(47:42) Lane’s personal investing “aha” moments
(52:32) Where to get The Wealth Elevator and connect with Lane
(53:39) Outro

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

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What does it take to walk away from a 14-year-old business and fully commit to passive real estate investing? In this episode, Steven chats with Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments, as he shares how he scaled a 14-location service business in Austin, led 90+ employees, and ultimately exited in 2023. Now fully focused on helping others invest passively in real estate funds, like mobile home parks and private credit, Ian breaks down what he looks for in deals, why partnerships matter, and the shift from “doing it all” to trusting others with your capital. He also touches on real estate as a tool for tax strategy, creating time freedom, and making smarter decisions as a family. Whether you're in tech, running a business, or just trying to make your money work harder, Ian’s journey offers real, relatable lessons.

Ian Noble is the founder of RunSteady Investments and a former small business owner who successfully scaled and exited a 14-location service company in Austin, Texas, after 14 years in operation. With over a decade of experience in real estate investing, Ian now helps individuals invest passively in real estate funds, including mobile home parks, self-storage, and private credit. His personal portfolio includes residential, commercial, and syndicated investments across Texas and Colorado. Today, his focus is on helping busy professionals and business owners build wealth and time freedom through low-risk, well-vetted real estate opportunities.

Connect with Ian:
Website: https://runsteadyinvestments.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/
Instagram: @ian_invests

Join Ian’s Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club

Get his Investor Q&A cheat sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/passive-investor-cheat-sheet405547


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:52) Meet Ian Noble and his business background
(5:05) Starting from the bottom, pressing clothes to running operations
(7:16) Early real estate investing in Austin
(12:01) What passive investing really means
(15:05) Time freedom, parenting, and seasons of life
(15:22) Lessons from being a business bottleneck
(22:00) How Ian vets deals and protects investor capital
(28:54) Building a trusted investor network
(33:04) Matching deals with investor goals
(46:10) Why financial decisions should be made together
(48:22) Financial literacy, relationships, and long-term wealth
(52:26) Where to connect with Ian and download his free investor c

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

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What if gratitude wasn’t just a “feel-good” exercise, but the key to seeing your life clearly? In this personal and real episode, Steven opens up about the kind of gratitude that actually means something, not the checklist kind, but the type that comes from lived experiences, growth, pain, and the people who showed up along the way. He shares what he's most thankful for this year: from his health and family to early job breaks, the wild ride at Amazon, his relationship, and the raw challenges that shaped him. If you’re growth-minded, curious, and want to build something that matters, this one’s for you. Expect some laughs, a few deep thoughts, and lots of real talk.


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:48) Not your typical gratitude talk
(2:16) Why just being here is worth a thank you
(3:40) Health: movement, breath, fitness, and blood tests
(7:00) Family, real talk, and how many times you actually have left
(10:16) Relationship and the rare feeling of being seen and supported
(11:17) Early jobs, tool belts, drum sets, and small-town breaks
(14:47) Amazon career growth: 5 roles, 10 years, all-in curiosity
(16:51) Challenges: the hard stuff that made him better
(17:56) Coaches, mastermind groups, and paying for the room
(19:43) Curiosity: the inner engine that won’t quit
(20:38) Aritaa Capital and why purpose is something you build
(22:54) Momentum, systems, leadership, and what’s next
(23:34) Final thought: Gratitude isn’t a list, it’s how you look at life
(24:31) Outro

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

Send us a text

Think your W-2 income is safe once you invest in real estate? Think again. In this episode, Rich Dad Advisors Garrett and Ted Sutton join Steven to break down exactly how tech professionals can protect their assets before problems happen. From the right way to use LLCs, to why insurance alone isn’t enough, this father-son legal team shares clear, practical strategies every investor should know. Plus, hear about their upcoming financial education projects, including a law book for teens, narrated by a golden doodle. Whether you own one rental or ten, this episode could save you thousands (and a lawsuit).

Connect with our guests:

Facebook @corporatedirect

Instagram @corporatedirect

YouTube - TENERO and Garrett Sutton

https://www.youtube.com/@TeneroOfficial

https://www.youtube.com/c/GarrettSutton

Twitter / X @GarrettSutton

LinkedIn - Garrett Sutton https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettsutton/

LinkedIn  - Ted Sutton https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-sutton-esq-703493116/

Episode highlights:

(1:14) Why asset protection is critical for investors

(11:01) What is an LLC, and why every property shouldn’t be in the same one

(15:21) Should you invest in syndications through your name or an LLC?

(18:08) The charging order: how it protects your assets after a lawsuit

(24:07) How in-state LLCs and Wyoming holding LLCs work together

(28:28) Can you move an existing property into an LLC after purchase?

(30:00) Insurance tips most investors forget when using LLCs

(47:16) Why annual LLC maintenance matters, and how most people mess it up

(50:01) A law book for teens? Ted’s new legal literacy project

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

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What would you do if your high-paying tech job suddenly disappeared? In this episode, Steven chats with Mike Deaton, who shares how getting laid off, alongside his wife, became the moment that changed everything. With no real estate background and a $1,000 land course collecting dust, they took a chance on land investing. Today, that business gives them steady income, control of their time, and a life they love in the Colorado mountains. Mike breaks down how they got started, what it really takes, and how you can build your own safety net before you ever need it.

Mike Deaton is a former supply chain executive who spent over 30 years in international operations at Fortune 50 tech companies. In 2016, after both he and his wife Ligia were laid off from their corporate jobs, they decided to pivot. With no real estate experience but a strong desire for freedom, they launched a land investing business, buying vacant parcels at steep discounts and reselling or offering owner financing.

Since then, they’ve expanded into multifamily syndications and other tax-efficient investments, fully replacing their W-2 income and building long-term wealth. Today, Mike also leads coaching programs through Flipping Dirt, where he helps other professionals create income and flexibility through land investing.

Connect with Mike:
Website: https://flippingdirt.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbdeaton/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandligia
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandligia
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mike_and_ligia/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:55) Who is Mike Deaton?
(5:14) His career in tech and how it shaped his mindset
(8:52) Why land investing stood out and how he got started
(16:44) Their first deals and surprising returns
(22:06) Owner financing explained: How passive income works in land
(34:08) Who the buyers really are and how to find them
(40:01) The traits of a successful land investor
(54:53) How this business changed their family and future
(59:48) Where to learn more: Free resources and coaching from Mike
(1:01:18) Outro

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

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Email: [email protected]

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Ever seen one of those picture-perfect hotel ads and thought, “Wow, I wish I was there”? That’s kind of what a real estate pitch deck is like; it looks amazing and full of promise. But what’s really inside? In this episode, Steven breaks down what you’ll actually find in a multifamily real estate pitch deck. He goes over what’s real, what’s just marketing, and what to look out for before you invest. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what you’re looking at or didn’t know what to ask, this episode will help you feel clearer and confident about what comes next.

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:45) What a pitch deck is and why it matters
(1:53) Where it fits in the investment process
(4:01) Property overview: photos, location, maps
(5:06) Business plan: renovation and rent strategy
(6:09) Sponsor team: experience and track record
(7:05) Projected returns and deal structure
(10:11) Exit strategy: refinance or sell
(11:11) Risk factors to look for
(11:50) Timeline and funding steps
(13:03) Smart questions to ask before investing
(16:40) How to get more help and sample pitch decks
(18:44) Outro

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.arita

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What if you could legally keep up to 40% of your profits when you sell real estate, and most people don’t even know it’s possible? In this episode, Steven chats with Jon Hilley, aka “Mr. 1031,” to talk about one of the biggest tax-saving moves in real estate: the 1031 exchange. Jon explains what it is, how it works, and why more investors should be using it. He also shares his own story, from working at Goldman Sachs to running cannabis companies to now leading one of the top 1031 exchange firms in the country. You’ll also hear how he’s using AI to make the process easier and more accessible for everyone. If you own or plan to sell investment property, this episode could save you a lot of money.

Jonathan Hilley is the co-founder and CEO of 1031 Specialists, a fast-growing, tech-forward Qualified Intermediary (QI) firm focused on improving the 1031 exchange experience for real estate investors. Originally from Jupiter, Florida, Jonathan graduated with highest honors from the University of Florida. He began his career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, then moved into hedge fund and private investment roles, later becoming an executive in operating companies. Drawing on that experience, he launched 1031 Specialists to bring better technology, service, and national reach to a niche industry. Under his leadership, the company has expanded rapidly and continues to reshape how investors approach tax-deferral strategies.

Connect with Jonathan:
Website: https://www.1031specialists.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhilley/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/1031specialists/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:59) Meet Jon Hilley: From Goldman Sachs to Mr. 1031
(6:22) Discovering Qualified Intermediaries and a niche ripe for change
(12:32) What a 1031 exchange actually is (and isn’t)
(15:14) How 1031 compounding builds serious long-term wealth
(18:27) 222 QIs in the U.S., but only 10 with real scale
(25:42) The downside of not doing 1031
(30:06) Why 1031 exchanges should be your default strategy
(32:22) How the NAR incubator is helping push 1031 education
(38:45) Solving $500 legal bills with AI: Building a 1031 GPT
(48:28) Advice from Jon: Life will teach you more than books ever will
(55:02) Outro

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• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

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Ever open a thick investment packet and think, “Yeah… not reading all that”? You’re not the only one. In this episode, Steven breaks down the Private Placement Memorandum, or PPM, that long, legal-looking document most new investors ignore (but really shouldn’t). If you’re in tech and starting to look at private real estate deals, funds, or syndications, this episode will show you what actually matters in a PPM, what to watch out for, and how to tell if a deal makes sense for you. No legal background needed, just clear, simple guidance to help you feel confident before you invest.

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:40) What is a PPM and why does it matter
(2:57) Key documents you'll get when reviewing a deal
(3:57) The main purpose of the PPM
(5:12) The 5 major sections to focus on
(7:06) Why most of the PPM is about risk
(8:23) Questions to ask yourself before investing
(9:41) The importance of track record and liquidity
(11:10) Final advice on reading the PPM with confidence
(12:24) Outro

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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

If you want to learn more, reach out at:

Email: [email protected]

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

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