The Mentee Podcast

Today’s conversation is with Gary Lipsky, a SoCal-based real estate investor, author, and operator who’s built a multifamily portfolio of over 1,400 units in the southwest.

I invited Gary on the show because I’m in a season of growing my own portfolio, and I wanted to hear firsthand how someone with Gary’s track record is thinking about team building, underwriting, and making smart decisions in today’s market.

We talk about everything from navigating shifting economic conditions to what it really takes to lead a high-performing real estate business with clarity and intention.

If you're building in the real estate space—or looking to learn from someone who’s in the trenches, scaling with integrity—this episode is full of the kind of insight I’m trying to apply in my own journey.

Let’s dive in!

0:00 Intro

5:08 Gary's multifamily portfolio and acquisition strategy

13:48 Team structure and roles

18:49 Scaling the team from first deal onwards

21:14 Investor profile and education process

36:53 Importance of investing in your team

39:09 Navigating new hires

Resources Mentioned:

📚 Invest Smart: Spotting Red Flags in Real Estate Syndications by Gary Lipsky

🌐 Invest Smart Summit

Connect with Wyatt:

🌐 https://wyattgraves.com/

Today’s conversation is with Dirk van Reenen, founder of MERUS Adventure—a 6,000-acre ranch in Texas designed to create transformative experiences and help people connect more deeply with their purpose.

I invited Dirk on the show after experiencing a literal and metaphorical breakthrough at his ranch. It was a transformational few days that helped me clarify my mission, surrender more fully to my calling, and integrate my purpose, my family, and my business in a more aligned way.

We talk about what it means to live on purpose, how adventure can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, and the work Dirk is doing to create space for others to experience clarity.

This conversation helped me see my journey in a new light—and gave me words for things I’ve been feeling for a long time. 

0:00 Intro

5:50 Dirk's journey from immigrant to entrepreneur

13:10 Overcoming financial struggles and finding purpose

25:42 The power of having a calling versus just goals

35:26 Facing fears in the cave: A metaphor for life

46:26 Living with faith and courage unlocks potential

56:26 Purpose resides in the heart, not just the mind

1:02:26 Information on MERUS Adventure

1:04:09 Multi Service Mastery: Coaching for business owners

1:06:48 Closing thoughts and future plans

More from Dirk:

🌐 MERUS Adventure https://merusadventure.com/

🌐 BERGflow https://bergflow.com/

🌐 Multi-Service Mastery https://multiservicemastery.com/ 

Connect with Wyatt:

🌐 https://wyattgraves.com/

Today’s conversation is with Anthony Tolliver, NBA veteran turned entrepreneur and investor.

I invited Anthony on to better understand how he’s building a portfolio—and a life—that’s driven by purpose FIRST.

We talk about how faith shapes his decision-making, his unconventional life insurance company designed for pro athletes, and the mindset that’s carried him from the court to building a portfolio.

Anthony’s commitment to lifting up those he loves while investing with integrity is shaping how I think about legacy… I hope it does the same for you!

0:00 Intro

5:58 Faith as the foundation for success

13:47 Innovative approach to life insurance for athletes

22:56 Intentional living and clear values

38:28 Investment strategy and partnership criteria

50:02 Top NBA moments and career highlights

54:48 Interest in co-living real estate investments

56:15 Outro

Connect with Anthony:

🌐 Website: https://www.anthonytolliver.me/

🌐 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tolliver-677a7767

🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atolliver44/

Connect with Wyatt:

🌐 https://wyattgraves.com/

Today’s conversation is with Ryan Chaw, a pharmacist-turned-investor who’s built an impressive portfolio of student co-living rentals.

I invited Ryan to walk me through how he scaled his business—from house-hacking his first property to managing a network of student rentals across multiple markets.

We talk about what’s working in his model, how he handles remote management, and what I’m taking away as I look to apply some of these strategies in my own co-living real estate journey.

This one gave me a lot to think about when it comes to overcoming challenges and embracing growing pains–I hope it does for you, too!

0:00 Intro

5:32 Ryan's student housing business model overview

10:31 Furnishing and amenities in student rentals

21:14 Marketing and property management team structure

30:25 Financial performance of student housing portfolio

33:52 Keys to success in student housing investing

40:41 Benefits of GoBundance community membership

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Ryan:

🌐 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ryanchaw1

🌐 IG: https://www.instagram.com/caocao8888/

🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.chaw/

🌐 https://www.newbierealestateinvesting.com/

Connect with Wyatt:

https://wyattgraves.com/

Today’s conversation is with Nick Uhas, a viral content creator and social media strategist who knows how to turn attention into real traction.

I invited Nick to lead a teaching session for a small group of us, and I wanted to share that conversation with you. In this episode, he walks us through how to pass a “social media audit,” create content that connects (not just impresses), and build momentum without burning out.

We cover profile optimization, algorithm insights, and the kind of content that actually drives results—without feeling like you’re putting on a show all the time.

If you’ve ever wanted to show up online in a way that feels more YOU while still growing your business, this one's for you. I’m learning in real-time here, and you’ve got a front-row seat.

0:00 Intro

10:30 Social Media Strategy

21:11 Content Creation Strategy

31:59 Social Media Content Authenticity

42:21 Algorithm and Social Media Strategy

50:08 Profile Consistency

1:06:01 Social Media Strategy Shift

1:10:04 Pricing and Deliverables

Resources Mentioned:

Uhas Media Co.

https://www.uhasmediaco.com/

Today’s conversation is with Jon Brooks, a former investment banker turned trailblazing real estate leader who’s redefining what it means to run a people-first brokerage.

As the founder of a thriving independent firm in Jacksonville, Florida—now home to 240 agents and over half a billion in annual sales—Jon shares how he broke away from the traditional “big box” brokerage model to build something more empowering, more human, and more impactful.

We explore agent success stories, smart strategies for navigating today’s market, and the leadership principles that drive Jon’s mission to uplift his team and community.

But this episode isn’t just for real estate pros. It’s a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and creating ripple effects of impact—no matter your industry.

0:00 Intro

5:27 Rapid growth of Jon's indie brokerage

9:04 Increasing caps at big box brokerages

14:08 Mentorship model for new agents

19:25 Kaizen Kickstart program for new agents

24:12 Empowering agents to consider buying listings

28:44 Market differences between Florida and elsewhere

Resources Mentioned:

Jon Brooks' Instagram: @iamJonbrooks

Jon Brooks' Substack newsletter

Wyatt Graves' website

Today's conversation is with Joe Moffett, a peak performance coach and real estate investor who's mastered the art of mindset and business growth.

In our chat, Joe shares his insights on transforming thought patterns for success, the power of leading with future goals, and innovative real estate strategies like co-living investments. His journey from coaching with Tony Robbins to building a diverse investment portfolio is nothing short of inspiring.

Listen to Joe give me real-time coaching that unlocks some wisdom that's going to help me make my next game-changing hire. I hope this conversation unlocks something equally valuable for you!

0:00 Introduction

5:40 What peak performance coaching entails

9:26 Applying coaching concepts to rental properties

18:08 Joe's coaching background

24:18 Unlocking leadership potential and scaling businesses

32:28 Hiring the right people to empower growth

38:18 Benefits and opportunities in co-living spaces

Resources Mentioned:

GoBundance

Master Life by Design (Joe Moffett's website)

Master Life by Design Podcast

Joe Moffett's Instagram @joemoffett

Wyatt Graves' website

Today's conversation is with Andrew Freed, whose journey from W-2 to a multifamily portfolio of 300 doors (and counting!) is nothing short of inspiring. 

We dive into his strategies for creative financing, deal sourcing, and the benefits of Section 8 housing, offering a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to scale their real estate ventures.

Andrew's wisdom and experience will leave you fired up and eager to take your investments to the next level.

So if you're ready to transform your approach to real estate and learn from a true expert, get ready to jump in! 

0:00 Introduction

5:33 Scaling a multifamily portfolio to 300 doors

8:44 Organizational structure for managing at scale

13:28 Approach to value-add renovations and budgeting

16:24 Finding deals through networking and expertise

21:08 Creative financing strategies for property acquisitions

25:22 Working with Section 8 housing and rent increases

Resources Mentioned:

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Bigger Pockets Podcast

Instagram @InvestorFreed

Andrew Freed's LinkedIn profile

Andrew Freed's Facebook profile

Wyatt Graves' website

Today's conversation is with Geoff Woods, founder of the original Mentee Podcast and a leading expert in AI leadership. 

Geoff’s dedication to owning a single thing to excellence–and changing lives along the way–is nothing short of inspiring, and that’s exactly what he’s doing now on his mission to empower AI-driven leaders.

In this conversation, we dive into the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the right people, the game-changing role of AI in leadership, and how strategic thinking can elevate your business to new heights.

The concepts in this episode have already made me a million dollars–and that’s just the beginning! If you're ready to unlock the secrets of AI and strategic growth, this episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

0:00 Intro

5:46 Geoff's journey from sales to entrepreneurship

13:47 The AI-Driven Leadership Collective explained

22:34 How AI transformed Wyatt's business strategy

28:17 Thinking bigger and evolving business plans

32:22 Three key flows: deals, talent, capital

36:25 Where to learn more about AI leadership

Resources Mentioned:

📚 The AI-Driven Leader by Geoff Woods

The ONE Thing

AI Leadership

Today's conversation is with Shane Hernandez, a firefighter turned real estate agent who made bold moves to pursue a life of greater fulfillment.

Shane shares his incredible transition from firefighting to real estate (and still balancing both!), emphasizing the power of perseverance, the essence of "The Good Life," and the importance of nurturing relationships and spirituality.

If you’ve ever felt the pull for something bigger, this conversation will challenge you to push through discomfort, embrace growth, and find balance in the chaos!

0:00 Intro

5:13 Finding flow and intrinsic motivation

10:30 Scheduling time for goal reflection

15:07 Perseverance in real estate career

19:22 Finding security vs abundance mindset

24:30 Balancing faith, family, and career

30:44 Struggles with spiritual consistency

36:51 Leveraging mentors and relationships

43:32 Strategies for being a good father

48:06 Takeaways from mentorship retreat

Resources Mentioned:

📚 The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler