What does real estate growth look like when you remove the hype, the massive syndications, and the pressure to scale fast at all costs? Is it possible to build a large portfolio, stay in control, and still protect your time and family life? In this replay of Episode 59, we revisit a grounded, highly practical conversation that answers those questions head-on.

In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Grant Francke, a full-time real estate investor from Lincoln, Nebraska, who built a 120-unit portfolio in under nine years. Grant shares how he transitioned from working as a railroad conductor to becoming a disciplined multifamily investor by focusing on off-market acquisitions, strong relationships, and deals that cash flow from day one.

Rather than pursuing large syndications, Grant chose a slower, more intentional path. He scaled by acquiring small multifamily properties and packages, partnering only with close family and friends, and self-managing his portfolio to maintain control and efficiency. His approach shows what’s possible when operations, consistency, and reputation come first.

Episode Highlights

• How Grant started investing in 2016 while working full-time as a railroad conductor
• His early deals, including a duplex and a seller-financed package of five houses
• Leaving his W-2 job in 2019 to focus on real estate full-time
• Why he focuses on small multifamily properties instead of large syndications
• Scaling to 120 units across Lincoln and surrounding communities
• Averaging roughly 15 units per year through steady, repeatable acquisitions
• His off-market strategy using 20 to 25 highly targeted letters per campaign
• How relationship building and referrals led to large portfolio acquisitions
• Why Grant only buys properties that cash flow from day one
• Partnering with family and friends instead of outside investors
• Self-managing all 120 units and using a virtual assistant for tenant-facing tasks
• Strict tenant screening standards and long-term thinking
• Why Nebraska’s landlord-friendly environment supports his strategy
• How Grant defines success through time freedom, family presence, and legacy

Key Takeaways

• You do not need large syndications to build a sizable real estate portfolio
• Relationship-driven off-market deals create consistent opportunities
• Taking action on the first deal is the hardest and most important step
• Fewer, more targeted marketing efforts outperform mass outreach
• Cash flow must work from day one, not on future assumptions
• Time freedom is often more valuable than chasing unit count

About Grant Francke

Grant Francke is a full-time real estate investor and author based in Lincoln, Nebraska. He built a 120-unit portfolio in under nine years by focusing on off-market acquisitions, disciplined underwriting, and self-management. Grant is the author of The Unlikely Investor and serves as an advisor in Brandon Turner’s First Deal coaching program.

Connect with Grant Francke

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grant.francke/

Book: The Unlikely Investor (available on Amazon)
Coaching and resources: https://firstdeal.com

Ready to Take the Next Step

If you want to learn how to find off-market deals and build a portfolio that supports your lifestyle, book a discovery call with Jeremy and the REI Freedom team at:
 https://reifreedom.com/apply/

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