Investing in real estate can be a game-changer, but how do you do it strategically? In this episode, Angel sits down with Michael Drew, a real estate investor and property management expert, to break down the process. They discuss the power of vertically integrated real estate investing, how to scale a portfolio efficiently, and why action beats endless research. Michael shares real-life examples of investors who built wealth through rental properties, the benefits of landlord-friendly states, and the importance of treating real estate as a business rather than a passion project.

[00:01 - 04:46] The Power of Vertical Integration

• How investing with a vertically integrated company simplifies the process
• The role of property management fees in rental investments
• Why having the right mortgage broker makes all the difference

[04:07 - 08:57] Rent Increases and Property Management Strategies

• The importance of raising rent to match market value
• How lazy landlords lose money without realizing it
• The eviction and late payment policies that keep cash flow steady

[08:59 - 12:19] Why Pensions Are Dying & What Investors Need to Know

• The history behind the decline of pension systems
• Why 401(k)s shifted financial responsibility onto employees
• How real estate provides stable, long-term income compared to traditional retirement plans

[12:20 - 16:33] Leveraging Real Estate for Major Life Events

• How investors use properties to pay for weddings, college, and emergencies
• The power of cash-out refinances and 1031 exchanges
• A real-life example of an investor funding Yale tuition with rental properties

[16:34 - 19:10] Taking Action: The Key to Real Estate Success

• Why knowledge without execution won’t build wealth
• Common misconceptions about real estate investing
• How to overcome analysis paralysis and make your first move

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldrew212/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateDone4U/

Key Quotes:

"You have to take action. Reading books is great, but if you never do anything with that knowledge, it’s useless.” – Michael Drew

“Rent is due on the first, late on the fifth, and we evict on the 16th. It’s that simple.” – Michael Drew

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What if financial freedom meant working on your own terms? Many people assume that financial security requires trading time for dollars, but what if there was another way? In this episode, Angel and Michael Drew dive into the realities of wealth-building, breaking free from traditional employment, and setting up financial safety nets. They discuss the importance of multiple income streams, the value of financial education for women, and why investing wisely can lead to freedom and flexibility. With personal insights and practical advice, they explore how to create a sustainable future, navigate financial challenges, and ensure long-term stability.

[00:01 - 04:23] The Myth of the 5 AM Club

• Productivity looks different for everyone; understanding your peak performance time is key
• Financial independence allows for flexibility in work schedules
• Trading time for money can be restrictive—building assets changes the equation

[04:24 - 08:08] "A Man is Not a Plan" – Women & Financial Independence

• Women should cultivate financial independence, regardless of marital status
• Alternative income sources provide security in case of unexpected life changes
• Investing wisely ensures stability beyond traditional employment

[08:09 - 12:33] Wealth Beyond the Paycheck

• Passive income streams allow people to step away from toxic work environments
• Investing in real estate and alternative assets can generate consistent returns
• Financial freedom isn’t about hitting it big but about creating sustainable income

[12:34 - 15:19] The Role of Failure & Learning in Investing

• Mentors and coaches can accelerate financial learning
• Failing early is better than failing late; learning from mistakes is crucial
• Investing should be treated as a business, not a hobby, for real success

[15:20 - 18:49] Trust, But Verify – Investing with Confidence

• Due diligence is essential when working with financial partners
• Educated investors make smarter decisions and minimize risk
• Having a solid financial plan prevents missteps in volatile markets

Key Quotes:

"A man is not a plan. Women need to have their own financial foundation—invest wisely and take control of your future." - Michael Drew

"You don’t learn by succeeding. You learn almost everything by failing." - Michael Drew

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What’s holding you back from true passive income in real estate? Many investors struggle with balancing cash flow, scalability, and vacancy risks in real estate. Michael Drew, founder of Real Estate Done For You, shares how he transitioned from stock market trading to real estate investing, managing over 1,100 properties. He breaks down the systems and strategies that make single-family rental investments a reliable source of passive income. From navigating 1031 exchanges to avoiding high-risk markets, Michael reveals the key decisions that separate successful investors from those stuck in uncertainty.

[00:01 - 04:16] From the Trading Floor to Real Estate

• Michael Drew’s journey from stock trading to real estate investing.
• The importance of cash flow and passive income
• Why he pivoted from stock market strategies to real estate

[04:17 - 08:34] Vacancy Risks & How to Avoid Them

• The impact of job markets on rental property demand
• Why picking the right location eliminates long vacancies
• How systems and discipline create predictable results.

[08:35 - 14:24] 1031 Exchanges & Scaling Your Portfolio

• How investors can roll over equity without paying capital gains taxes
• Understanding cap rates and financing strategies
• The role of no-doc loans in expanding a rental portfolio

[14:25 - 18:59] The Power of Single-Family Investing

• Why single-family homes offer better exit strategies
• The benefits of investing in properties that appeal to end buyers
• Comparing single-family exits to multifamily and commercial deals

[20:00 - 23:57] Leveraging Experts & Building Wealth

• The mindset shift from DIY investor to business owner
• How hiring the right professionals saves time and increases returns
• The difference between being rich and being truly wealthy

Key Quotes:

"You don’t rise to your goals, you fall to your systems.” - Michael Drew

"Wealthy people have time, rich people have money. If you want financial freedom, start thinking about time as your most valuable asset.” - Michael Drew

Connect with Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldrew212/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealEstateDone4U/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What makes self-storage a recession-proof investment? Self-storage has become one of the most resilient and lucrative asset classes in real estate. But what makes it so unique? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Joe Downs to uncover the strategies behind self-storage investing, pricing models, and why major players manipulate the market. They also discuss how generational shifts impact demand, the role of technology in facility security, and what investors need to know before entering the space. If you’ve ever wondered whether self-storage is a good investment or how pricing structures actually work, this conversation breaks it all down.

[00:01 - 04:00] The Psychology of Learning in Real Estate

• Learning new asset classes is about stacking knowledge, not starting from scratch
• Self-storage shares 80% of the fundamentals with multifamily real estate
• The real challenge is understanding industry-specific terminology and operations

[04:01 - 08:23] How Big Players Dominate the Market

• Large storage companies manipulate pricing with steep discounts, then raise rates drastically
• Their strategy forces smaller operators to lower rates, affecting competition
• Customers are often unaware of price hikes due to auto-pay and infrequent visits

[08:24 - 13:49] Generational Shifts & The Growing Demand for Storage

• Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to use storage than previous generations
• Smaller living spaces and lifestyle preferences increase storage reliance
• Self-storage thrives in both economic booms and downturns, making it recession-resistant

[13:50 - 18:05] Security, Technology, and Preventing Theft

• Modern storage facilities use Bluetooth access to track individual entries
• Upgraded lighting, fencing, and AI security reduce crime rates
• Remote monitoring allows facility owners to manage security from anywhere

[18:06 - 23:56] Expansion vs. Optimization: How Investors Maximize Profits

• Value in self-storage investing comes from expansion or improving operations
• Some properties hold potential for future development based on market demand
• Strategic pricing adjustments and marketing drive higher occupancy rates

Key Quotes:

"Self-storage is a sticky business—just like a gym membership, there’s never a good time to cancel." — Joe Downs

"Millennials aren’t minimalists—they just live in smaller spaces but still want all the same stuff." — Joe Downs

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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What if your next investment move was hiding in plain sight? When Joe Downs received an unexpected email about self-storage investing, he had no idea it would completely change his business trajectory. From buying distressed second mortgages to building a thriving self-storage empire, Joe shares his journey of pivoting during tough times, navigating industry shifts, and uncovering hidden opportunities in real estate. He breaks down why self-storage is one of the most overlooked yet lucrative asset classes, how technology is reshaping the industry, and why now is the best time to invest.

[00:01 – 05:26] Behind the Scenes of the Debt Market

• Why banks are cautious about selling loans and how it affects investors
• The CFPB’s role in changing the debt-buying landscape
• How Joe navigated a three-year period with no new loan acquisitions

[05:27 – 10:48] The Unexpected Path to Self-Storage

• How a simple email introduced Joe to self-storage investing
• Why self-storage was an overlooked niche in commercial real estate
• The surprising similarities between distressed second mortgages and storage facilities

[10:49 – 15:31] Mom & Pop-Owned Storage: The Hidden Goldmine

• How 70%+ of self-storage facilities are still owned by small investors
• The common mistakes these owners make and how investors can capitalize
• The role of technology in transforming storage facility operations

[15:32 – 20:19] Why Self-Storage is a Smart Investment Today

• Why the current market correction presents a buying opportunity
• How aging storage owners are creating a wave of motivated sellers
• The power of SBA loans in making storage investing accessible

[20:20 – 25:13] The Future of Storage & Real Estate Investing

• The technology driving the next generation of storage facilities
• Why monthly pricing models give storage an edge over multifamily investing
• Lessons learned from navigating economic cycles in real estate

Key Quotes:

"When I saw that over 70% of storage facilities were still owned by mom-and-pop operators, I knew there was an opportunity." – Joe Downs

"Self-storage isn’t the future – it’s happening now. And the biggest players don’t even see it yet." – Joe Downs

 Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

What if every setback in your career was a setup for something greater?

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel welcomes Joe Downs, CEO of Belrose Storage Group, for a deep dive into self-storage investing. Joe shares his winding journey from financial advisor to entrepreneur, real estate investor, and distressed debt expert. He reveals how failures—like losing a bar business—became stepping stones to success, the power of persistence in wholesaling, and why self-storage is one of the most lucrative real estate niches today.

[00:01 - 04:13] The Wake-Up Call: From Finance to Real Estate

• A career in financial advising wasn’t fulfilling, prompting Joe to seek new opportunities
• 9/11 provided a moment of reflection, making him question his long-term career path
• Seeing the wealthiest people Joe knew thriving in real estate inspired his pivot

[04:14 - 08:25] Lessons from Failure: The Bar Business & Beyond

• Entrepreneurship comes with risks—Joe’s first major business, a bar, failed
• Instead of quitting, Joe saw it as an expensive but valuable education in business
• What led Joe to real estate investing, where he started with wholesaling

[08:26 - 12:57] Mastering Real Estate Investing & Raising Capital

• Joe transitioned into raising millions for large multifamily and office deals
• The importance of networking and relationship-building in real estate
• 1031 exchanges became a key tool in his real estate investment strategy

[12:58 - 16:07] The 2008 Crisis & the Move into Distressed Debt

• The mortgage meltdown changed the game, forcing Joe to pivot again
• An opportunity in distressed debt, buying non-performing second mortgages
• His experience in capital raising and risk management made this transition successful

[16:08 - 20:57] Why Self-Storage? The Final Pivot to Success

• Self-storage investing combines low risk with high cash flow potential
• How relationships and creative financing helped him break into this market
• Every challenge Joe faced in the past contributed to his expertise in this niche

Key Quotes:

“You’re not losing—you’re learning. Every business challenge is another lesson that prepares you for the next opportunity.” - Joe Downs

“If you want to succeed in real estate, you need relationships. No matter your personality type, building connections is key.” - Joe Downs

Connect with Joe:

Website: https://www.belrosestoragegroup.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-downs-7990851/

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

What if the key to successful marketing isn't just about systems and strategies, but about being the person others naturally turn to for help?

In this enlightening conversation with Julia Anderson, listeners dive deep into the human side of marketing and client relationships. Julia shares valuable insights about matching clients with CMOs, the importance of systematizing successful practices, and how genuine helpfulness becomes a powerful marketing strategy. The discussion reveals how authentic relationships and consistent presence can trump traditional affiliate programs, while also exploring the evolution of marketing approaches as businesses mature.

[00:01 - 05:16] The Art of Perfect Matches

• The client-matching process reflects a deep understanding of individual needs
• Experience and professionalism help navigate challenging client relationships
• Systematic approaches can enhance already successful practices

[05:17 -10:23] Beyond Digital Funnels

• Traditional funnels can start with face-to-face connections
• The importance of having systems to maintain relationships
• How AI and data collection could revolutionize understanding client needs

[10:24 - 14:54] Content Creation Strategy

• Converting real-world problems into valuable content
• The power of repurposing content in different formats
• Building relationships beyond affiliate programs

[14:55 - 18:09] The Evolution of Marketing Relationships

• Shifting from affiliate programs to meaningful connections
• The value of being a helpful resource in your industry
• The impact of authentic assistance over monetary exchanges

[18:10 - 22:13] Building Consistent Connections

• The power of showing up consistently for your community
• Vulnerability as a relationship-building tool
• The importance of making yourself accessible to your audience

Key Quotes:

"Your candle doesn't go out if you light another one." - Julia Anderson

"Being vulnerable and expressing that everyone is going through the same stuff... that is a common ground to build a relationship and friendship upon." - Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

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

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Retail giants and digital platforms use subtle strategies to shape customer behavior, maximizing time spent in stores and online. In this episode, Angel and Julia Anderson dive into the psychology behind these tactics, discussing everything from store layouts to marketing funnels. They explore how understanding consumer behavior can transform business strategies and personal decision-making.

[00:01 - 04:30] The Hidden Power of Store Layouts

• Retailers use strategic layouts to keep customers in stores longer
• Even minor adjustments can significantly impact annual revenue
• The frustration of changing store layouts is often a deliberate marketing tactic

[04:31 - 08:17] Target Audience vs. Avatar: What Really Matters?

• Defining a broad target audience versus a highly specific avatar
• The common link among customers is often the problem they need solved
• Understanding customer motivations leads to better marketing strategies

[08:18 - 13:22] The Power of Problem-Solving in Marketing

• Successful businesses position themselves as solutions to customer pain points
• Many people delay seeking help, assuming they can figure things out alone
• The moment they recognize the need for an expert, transformation begins

[13:23 - 18:44] Who, Not How: The Secret to Scaling a Business

• Delegation is crucial for business growth and efficiency
• Entrepreneurs often slow themselves down by trying to do everything alone
• Investing in the right team accelerates success while saving time and money

[18:45 - 22:32] Managing Ideas and Avoiding Overwhelm

• Entrepreneurs often struggle with prioritization and execution
• Keeping an "idea document" helps structure business decisions
• A strategic approach ensures resources are focused on the most impactful projects

Key Quotes:

"Marketing is all about solving a problem your audience already has." – Julia Anderson

"Your target audience isn’t just one ideal customer—it’s a range of people with the same core problem that you solve." – Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

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

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

Many real estate investors struggle with the marketing side of raising capital, often underestimating the importance of branding and visibility. Julia Anderson, founder of Capital Marketing Officer, shares how she helps investors build a solid marketing foundation to attract new investors, nurture leads, and establish credibility. She discusses the power of storytelling, the importance of personal branding, and why capital raising is more about relationships than just having a great deal.

[00:01 - 04:24] From Restaurant Marketing to Real Estate Revolution

• The transition from traditional marketing to real estate syndication
• Birth of Capital Marketing Officer through industry pain points
• Value of building marketing foundations for scalability

[04:25 - 08:55] The Psychology of Capital Raising

• Marketing strategies for different investor relationships
• Importance of trust-building in investment relationships
• Balance between personal connections and professional marketing

[08:56 - 13:38] Authenticity in Digital Presence

• The pitfalls of being a "deal-only" networker
• Evolution from behind-the-scenes to personal branding
• Power of vulnerability in content creation

[13:39 - 18:19] The Human Touch in Marketing

• Personal engagement versus automated solutions
• Importance of direct communication in capital raising
• The balance between automation and authentic relationships

[18:20 - 22:07] Navigating Public Presence

• Managing content authenticity in the digital age
• Strategic approach to social media planning
• Importance of intentional online presence

Key Quotes:

"People invest in people, not just deals. If you don’t market yourself, how will investors trust you? - Julia Anderson

"You don’t want to be the person who only shows up when they have a deal to pitch. People notice that." - Julia Anderson

"Marketing isn’t just about branding; it’s about building relationships that lead to trust and, ultimately, investments." - Julia Anderson

Connect with Julia:

Website: https://capitalmarketingofficers.com /

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

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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Are you confused about where to start? Join our community and learn more about real estate investing. 

Are you leveraging your brand to open doors and create opportunities, even before your first big win?

In this episode, Nicole Pendergrass shares invaluable insights on personal branding, amplifying your reach through social media, and the power of mindset in achieving success. Nicole discusses creating an authentic brand around your strengths, using social media strategically to build credibility, and acting purposefully toward your goals. She also touches on the benefits of virtual networking, setting clear expectations, and the role of accountability in personal and professional growth.

[00:01 - 04:49] The Power of Personal Branding

• Understanding yourself as a brand
• Identifying your superpowers and building around them
• Amplifying your reach beyond one-on-one connections

[04:50] - 08:31 Content Strategies for Social Media Success

• What to post if you feel you have nothing to share
• Leveraging mindset and personal growth stories
• Using social media for accountability and connection

[08:32 - 12:19] The Expectation Effect

• Acting with purpose toward success
• Setting expectations to create momentum
• How the law of attraction works in practical terms

[12:20 - 16:43] Virtual Networking: A Game-Changer

• The impact of virtual meetups on business growth
• The importance of building global connections
• Adapting to technology to avoid missed opportunities

[16:44 - 19:45] Sharing Knowledge and Creating Abundance

• Why abundance thinking is key to growth
• How sharing information builds stronger communities
• Giving doesn’t take away from your success

Key Quotes:

“People see certain things in you that you don’t see in yourself.” – Nicole Pendergrass

“Act as if you believe in success because you do believe it.” – Nicole Pendergrass

Connect with Nicole:

Company Website: https://noirvestholdings.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pendergrass/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nvestornikki/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShareTheWealthShow  

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

Calendly: https://calendly.com/noirvest/30-minute-connection-call

Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!

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