REI Freedom

What if your next business move could let you live in paradise? What if your personal growth was the key to your entrepreneurial success?
In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland is joined by Ian Lobas, real estate investor, coach, and international short-term rental entrepreneur, who walks us through how he turned a vision into a thriving Airbnb empire in St. Martin.

From the family shipping business to coaching real estate agents, and now running a luxury Airbnb management company in the Caribbean, Ian's journey is as bold as it is inspiring. With over 60+ units under management in under a year, Ian shares the mindset, strategies, and personal evolution required to build a life and business on your own terms.

About Ian Lobas:
Ian is a seasoned real estate agent, investor, coach, and fractional CEO/COO. After hitting burnout as a top producer, he reinvented his life by helping others create sustainable success through systems, strategy, and personal development. Today, he leads a coaching business and a booming international STR (short-term rental) business in the Caribbean, all while staying grounded in his purpose and values.

 Key Takeaways:

• Ian’s early business roots in international shipping and how they shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The personal burnout that sparked a shift toward coaching and conscious living
• Starting a real estate coaching business focused on systems, growth, and sustainability
• The leap into international Airbnb markets: why St. Martin, and how he got started
• Overcoming unique challenges like local labor, logistics, and island culture
• The importance of building a trustworthy local team and the game-changing role of his partner, Edwin
• Diversifying services: from concierge and car rentals to design and maintenance
• How Ian scaled to 60+ units in less than a year using process-driven operations
• His #1 advice for aspiring Airbnb entrepreneurs: “Write a vision so big it scares you, and grow into it.”

📩 Connect with Ian Lobas:
Looking to collaborate, invest, or get support with your STR venture?
📧 Email Ian directly at: [email protected]

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for real estate professionals, investors, and lifestyle-driven entrepreneurs. Don’t miss Ian’s powerful message on merging purpose with profit.

Subscribe, rate, and review the REI Freedom Podcast to keep up with the stories and strategies helping you build a life of freedom through real estate.

Are You Missing Out on Wealth-Building Opportunities?

Ever wondered what’s truly holding you back from your first or next real estate deal? What if the biggest cost in your investing journey isn’t losing money, but missing out on opportunities altogether? Could taking one bold step forward set you free to live and work on your own terms?

Meet This Week’s Guest: Tyler Gibson
Tyler Gibson is a real estate entrepreneur and investor-friendly agent based out of Central Florida. Once a W2 employee who overcame his own limiting beliefs, Tyler leveraged family partnerships and self-education to build an impressive rental portfolio. Today, he leads a dynamic team of 13 agents, all focused on helping investors and house hackers succeed along Florida’s I-4 corridor. Tyler’s journey is filled with powerful lessons for anyone looking to gain both freedom and financial independence through real estate.

Key Takeaways

• Opportunity Cost Is the Biggest Expense- The greatest loss is the deals you never pursue because of fear or inaction.
• Start with What You Have and Who You Know- Tyler’s first deal was funded by a family partnership—proving you don’t need to start wealthy.
• Build Partnerships on Paper- Clear agreements, especially with family, protect both business ventures and personal relationships.
• Educate Yourself, But Prioritize Action- Mindset matters, but so does doing. Education can minimize mistakes, but jumping in is essential for real learning and growth.
• Leverage Communities for Growth- Consistently adding value online, especially in forums like BiggerPockets, builds relationships and leads to tangible business.
• Personal Growth Drives Financial Growth- To achieve the freedom you desire, you must become the person capable of thriving at a higher level.

Connect with Tyler Gibson

Want to invest or house hack in Central Florida? Reach out to Tyler and his team:

• Website: https://www.gpghome.com/
• Phone: 407934032

Resources Mentioned

• BiggerPockets Forums : An invaluable hub for investor education and networking.
• Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: A must-read for new investors.

Call to Action

Like what you heard? For more real estate wisdom, powerful guest stories, and actionable strategies to create your own path to financial freedom, be sure to subscribe to the REI Freedom Podcast. Don’t let another opportunity pass you by—take your next step with us today!

What does it take to turn $25,000 of debt into a thriving real estate business?

In this episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Shalynn “Shae” Spitz, a powerhouse real estate investor and agent from Nebraska whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From being a case manager for mentally ill adults to managing over 70 real estate transactions a year, Shae’s story is one of courage, grit, and relentless self-belief.

Meet Shalynn “Shae” Spitz

Shae Spitz is a dedicated mother, wife, real estate agent, and investor who connects clients with exceptional opportunities in buying, selling, and investing. With a strong background in real estate markets, property development, and marketing strategies, including SEO and digital media, she brings a results-driven approach to every transaction.

She and her husband took a leap of faith, investing $25,000 they didn’t have into a real estate training program. That bold decision became the turning point in her life. Despite juggling young kids and multiple businesses, Shae’s determination to create a better future pushed her to keep showing up and putting in the work—even when the odds were stacked against her.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Taking the Leap with $25K of Debt
Shae opens up about the moment she decided to invest in herself and her future, even though she didn’t have the money. She shares how that investment in education laid the foundation for everything that came next.

From Flipping to Full-Time Agent
She walks us through her journey from flipping homes to earning her real estate license and eventually going full-time as an agent, handling up to 72 transactions per year while also investing in rental properties.

Balancing Business and Family
As a wife and mom, Shae talks candidly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and how she manages to show up fully in both areas of her life.

Launching a 75-Acre Development
Shae reveals the details of her most ambitious project yet: a 75-acre development featuring single-family homes, townhomes, commercial lots, and more. She discusses how she prepared for such a large-scale endeavor and what it’s taught her about leadership and vision.

The Power of Mindset and Mentorship
Whether it’s bouncing back from setbacks or navigating tough decisions, Shae credits much of her growth to mentorship and mindset. She shares how these two factors have been instrumental in her journey.

Real Moms Community and Podcast

Shae is also the founder of Real Moms, a community and podcast designed to uplift and empower entrepreneurial mothers. Through shared stories, actionable advice, and authentic connection, Real Moms is a space where women support each other through the highs and lows of business and family life.

🎧 Listen to the Real Moms Podcast
👩‍👧‍👦 Facebook

Ready to Start Your REI Journey?

If you’re inspired by Shae’s journey and want to take that first bold step toward real estate freedom, book a discovery call with Jeremy today. Visit reifreedom.com/apply and start building your freedom through real estate.

What does it take to achieve financial freedom through real estate?

In this episode of REI Freedom, we explore the inspiring journey of Alex Pardo, a former corporate professional who found his path to financial independence through self-storage investing. From closing a short sale that netted $44,000 to building a semi-passive income portfolio with storage facilities, Alex’s story is one of vision, bold decisions, and personal growth.

Meet Alex Pardo

Alex Pardo is a self-storage investor, entrepreneur, and coach who walked away from a promising career at General Electric to pursue real estate full-time. His passion for personal development and freedom led him to wholesale deals, international travel, and ultimately, to building a successful business in the self-storage space. Today, Alex helps others do the same through his coaching program.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

Leaving Corporate for Real Estate
Alex shares how he left his job at GE in search of more meaningful and flexible work. His first real estate deal, a short sale, earned him $44,000 and ignited his belief in what’s possible outside of the 9-to-5 grind.

The Power of Mentorship
He opens up about costly mistakes in his early investing days and why investing in mentorship and coaching would’ve accelerated his growth. Alex explains how OPM (Other People’s Money) became a powerful tool in his real estate toolbox.

Why Self Storage?
After years of wholesaling, the pandemic pushed Alex to pivot into self-storage in 2019. He dives into the advantages of commercial real estate, especially storage units, and how this niche helped him build semi-passive income streams.

Finding Off-Market Storage Deals
Alex reveals his strategies for sourcing storage facility leads, everything from direct mail and cold calling to Google Maps and virtual assistants. He targets mom-and-pop storage operators in rural and secondary markets who are often ready to retire or sell.

Creative Deal Structuring Without Personal Capital
Think you need tons of money to invest in self-storage? Think again. Alex breaks down how he’s used seller financing, private money, partnerships, and SBA loans to acquire properties without using his own capital.

Alex’s Coaching Program

If you’re serious about getting into self-storage investing, Alex offers a hands-on coaching program designed to help you purchase your first facility within 6–12 months. His approach focuses on mindset, action, and smart deal-making.

📍 Apply to his program: storagewins.com/apply
📺 Watch his content: youtube.com/alexpardo

Ready to Start Your REI Journey?

If you’re inspired by Alex’s story and want to learn how to create time freedom through real estate, book a discovery call with Jeremy today. Visit reifreedom.com/apply and take the first step toward achieving your REI freedom!

Have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to build your real estate portfolio without relying on banks, big down payments, or perfect credit?

In this week’s episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Chris Prefontaine, a real estate veteran with over 34 years of experience, to answer that exact question. Chris shares how creative financing has allowed him, and hundreds of his students to create long-term wealth with minimal risk.

Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to pivot your strategy, this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible when you ditch the conventional route.

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

🚪 Unlocking Creative Financing

Chris dives into owner financing, subject-to deals, and lease options, explaining how each strategy works, when to use them, and why they’re ideal for investors who want to grow without massive upfront costs.

📉 Thriving Through Market Crashes

He shares how the 2008 crash reshaped his mindset and business model, and how you can prepare your own investing business to weather any storm.

👥 Mentorship That Actually Works

Tired of one-size-fits-all real estate education? Chris reveals his hands-on mentorship approach that supports students through real deals, not just theory.

📈 Generating Quality Leads

Discover how Chris uses targeted lists, virtual assistants, and automated outreach to find motivated sellers and keep his pipeline full.

📅 Event Invitation

Don’t miss the scoop on Chris’s 10th-anniversary event this October, featuring top-tier speakers and advanced training on creative financing techniques.

Connect with Chris Prefontaine

Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/

Podcast: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/

Check out his book: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Chris-Prefontaine/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AChris%2BPrefontaine

Join the REI Freedom Coaching Program:
Learn how to find and manage great properties with our coaching program. Visit https://reifreedom.com/apply/ to book a discovery call.

Don’t Forget to Subscribe!
Never miss an episode of REI Freedom. Subscribe now and join us every week for more expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice.

Have you ever wondered how some real estate investors seem to effortlessly generate leads while others struggle? 

What if the secret to unlocking a steady stream of off-market leads is not only possible but also surprisingly affordable? Join host Jeremy Beland as he looks into the transformative journey of Nicholas Nick, the founder of Lead Mining Pros, who went from the chaos of managing a restaurant to revolutionizing lead generation for real estate investors.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• The Journey to Entrepreneurship: Nicholas shares his unexpected path from the restaurant industry to real estate, revealing how the skills he developed helped him thrive as an entrepreneur.
• Lead Mining Pros: Discover the innovative services offered by Lead Mining Pros, including cold calling and text messaging, which provide cost-effective lead generation solutions for real estate investors.
• Mentorship Matters: Nicholas emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the real estate space, offering free courses, group coaching calls, and one-on-one sessions to help clients convert leads into successful deals.
• Mindset and Process: The episode discusses the critical role of maintaining a positive attitude and having a structured process when dealing with leads, encouraging listeners to treat every lead as a potential goldmine.
• Real-Time Adjustments: Nicholas explains how his company allows for real-time adjustments in marketing strategies, ensuring clients can optimize their lead generation efforts effectively.

Connect with Nicholas Nick:

• Website: Lead Mining Pros
• Phone: 727-877-8772 (Feel free to reach out for guidance on your lead generation strategy!)

If you're ready to take your real estate investing to the next level, don’t miss this episode! Tune in to gain valuable insights from Nicholas Nick and discover how you can unlock a steady stream of off-market leads. Subscribe to the REI Freedom Podcast for more inspiring stories and actionable tips that can help you achieve financial freedom through real estate investing!

Are you curious about how to build wealth through real estate while minimizing tax burdens? Many investors are exploring the powerful strategies of 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) to achieve financial freedom.

In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Ben Carmona, a seasoned expert in real estate investment strategies. With over 20 years of experience, Ben shares invaluable insights into how these tools can help investors defer taxes and create sustainable income streams.

In this episode you will learn: 

• The fundamentals of 1031 exchanges and how they allow property owners to defer taxes when selling investment properties.
• The advantages of Delaware Statutory Trusts, which provide a passive investment option for those looking to reduce management responsibilities while still generating income.
• The importance of working with a knowledgeable professional to navigate the complexities of these investment strategies.
• Strategies for building generational wealth through real estate, including the tax benefits that come with these investment vehicles.

Connect with Ben

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  818-269-4972.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/perch-wealth/

For anyone looking to enhance their real estate investment strategy, connecting with Ben Carmona could be a pivotal step toward achieving financial goals and securing a prosperous future.

Connect with us: 

For those interested in off-market deals, visit  https://reifreedom.com/apply/ for a discovery call with Jeremy and the team.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the podcast for more insider tips and strategies in real estate investing!

In this episode of REI Freedom, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Michael Ketchen, founder of Commonwealth Collective LLC, who transitioned from a career in high school administration to becoming a successful real estate investor. With over $100 million in property investments across eight states and a proven track record of completing more than 25 deals from acquisition to full cycle, Michael shares valuable insights that are relevant for both new and experienced investors.

Key Takeaways:

• The essential questions investors should ask before partnering in real estate, including how to evaluate a business plan, market preferences, and investor experience.
• Michael’s transition from wholesaling and single-family homes to multifamily investments and short-term rentals, and how this shift contributed to his long-term success.
• His philosophy as an "inefficiency investor," focusing on properties with untapped potential for increased cash flow and equity appreciation.
• An analysis of the current real estate market, particularly the challenges faced by investors who acquired properties during the low-interest-rate environment of 2021 and 2022, and how these conditions create new opportunities.
• The importance of self-management, leveraging technology, and maintaining a proactive approach in property management to maximize investment returns.
• A look into Michael’s short-term rental ventures, including his acquisition of a unique property in South Carolina at a significant discount due to insurance challenges, as well as his current projects in Arizona and Montana.
• Practical advice for aspiring investors on scaling their real estate business, thinking bigger, and seeking mentorship from those who believe in their potential.

Connect with Michael Ketchen:

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

Youtube: https://youtu.be/FS4bN7zlCuk?si=5DB1SFZfuJBavk60

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ketchen-68b202201/

Are you ready to unlock the potential of land investing? Subscribe to the REI Freedom Podcast today and learn from top experts like Michael Ketchen. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode!

If you’re inspired by  Michael Ketchen's  story and eager to take your first step toward financial freedom, book a discovery call with Jeremy at REI Freedom. Visit reifreedom.com/apply and start your journey today. Success in real estate is possible, with the right mindset, strategies, and persistence, you too can achieve REI freedom!

Have you ever considered land investing as a path to financial freedom? Could this overlooked niche be your key to success in real estate?

In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland welcomes Brent Bowers, a seasoned investor, coach, and owner of The Landsharks. Brent’s journey from an eight-year career in the Army to becoming a successful land investor is nothing short of inspiring. 

Faced with the need for more financial stability and time with his family, Brent turned to real estate, eventually discovering the immense potential in land investing. Today, he has built a thriving business that generates passive income and helps others achieve financial freedom through strategic land investments.

Brent shares his expertise in acquiring land through direct mail strategies, utilizing land offer letters to reach motivated sellers. He explains how he identifies high-demand areas, prices land effectively and conducts thorough due diligence to ensure profitable transactions. Listeners will also learn about his transition from house flipping and wholesaling to focusing solely on land investing—a move that has provided less stress and higher returns.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Land Investing: Brent chose land over traditional real estate investments.
• Land Offer Letters: A proven strategy to acquire land directly from motivated sellers.
• Creating Passive Income: How seller financing can generate long-term cash flow.
• Navigating Challenges: Lessons learned from tax burdens and adapting investment strategies.
• Building a Scalable Business: How Brent systemized his business and built a reliable team.
• Light Industrial Investments: How Brent is diversifying his portfolio to mitigate risks and enhance profitability.

Connect with Brent Bowers:

• Phone: 8638016959
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent1/
• The Landsharks Community: https://www.thelandsharks.com/

Are you ready to unlock the potential of land investing? Subscribe to the REI Freedom Podcast today and learn from top experts like Brent Bowers. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with fellow real estate investors and agents looking to diversify their portfolios. Land investing could be your next big move, start exploring the opportunities now!

What does it take to achieve financial freedom through real estate? 

In this episode of REI Freedom, we look  into the remarkable journey of John Luka, a thriving real estate entrepreneur who turned challenges into opportunities. From emigrating from Uganda to building a successful investment business in Maine, John’s story is a testament to resilience, strategic action, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Meet John Luka

John Luka is a passionate real estate investor specializing in wholesaling, fixing and flipping, and mentorship. After moving to the United States from Uganda over two decades ago, John built his real estate career from the ground up, leveraging knowledge, determination, and strategic networking to carve out his place in the industry.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• From Network Marketing to Real Estate – John’s early career in network marketing helped him develop essential business skills, which later fueled his success in real estate.
• Overcoming Early Challenges – Despite long work hours and tough winters, John’s persistence in using Bandit signs led to his first major deals, earning him $20,000.
• Scaling His Business – John transitioned from traditional methods like Bandit signs and driving for dollars to more sophisticated lead generation strategies, including cold calling, inbound marketing, and virtual wholesaling.
• Building a Sustainable Real Estate Model – His diversified approach includes wholesaling in North Carolina and South Carolina while managing fix-and-flip projects in Maine.
• Advice for New Investors – John emphasizes choosing one marketing channel and mastering it, whether it’s driving for dollars, PPC ads, or cold calling.
• What REI Freedom Means to Him – For John, real estate investing is about creating time freedom, financial stability, and the ability to focus on his faith, family, and community.

Connect with John Luka

John is committed to mentoring action-oriented investors who are serious about real estate success. 

 Facebook group: Kings Investors Elite Group, 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=10008560630494

 YouTube channel: John D. Luka, where he shares invaluable insights into real estate investing.

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

Ready to Start Your REI Journey?

If you’re inspired by John’s story and eager to take your first step toward financial freedom, book a discovery call with Jeremy at REI Freedom. Visit reifreedom.com/apply and start your journey today. Success in real estate is possible, with the right mindset, strategies, and persistence, you too can achieve REI freedom!