The Remote Investor

Why you'll never retire on single-family rentals! Interview with Michael Blank

In this episode, seasoned real estate investor Michael Blank shares his journey from a career in computer science to building a thriving portfolio in multifamily real estate. Michael delves into the strategic advantages of multifamily investments, offering insights on scaling for greater returns and creating passive income streams. He unpacks the challenges of navigating fixed-rate debt, the flexibility of bridge loans, and the importance of meticulous due diligence. Michael also addresses the impact of rising insurance and interest rates, and the value of professional property management. Tune in to gain actionable strategies and discover the tools and educational resources that can help you succeed in multifamily investing.
Episode brought to you by: https://myfiacademy.com/ 
 
Michael Blank's Links:
https://apartments101.co/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@Themichaelblank 
 

Do you need an LLC to start investing in real estate? with Kellie Chrisman

Protect your assets as a real estate investor with insights from attorney Kellie Chrisman! In this episode, Kellie dives into the importance of LLCs for liability protection, the risks of operating without an entity, and the cost considerations like California’s $800 annual fee. She explains the differences between S corps and C corps, provides tips for building a strong legal foundation, and emphasizes the value of having a professional team, including lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your portfolio, this episode is packed with essential advice for real estate investors!
 
Kellie's website: https://www.taylorchrismanlaw.com/
 
This episode is brought to you by https://myfiacademy.com/ 

House Hacking: How to live for free and build wealth

In this episode, we sit down with Craig Curelop, founder of the FI Team and author of The House Hacking Strategy, to uncover the ins and outs of house hacking. Craig shares his journey in real estate, explaining how house hacking—a strategy of buying a property larger than you need, with a low down payment, living in one unit or a room, and renting out the others—can help cover mortgage costs and build wealth. From living behind a curtain in a duplex to achieving financial freedom, Craig highlights the sacrifices and strategies needed to make house hacking work, even in expensive markets like Denver and California. Learn how to analyze cash flow, gauge appreciation potential, and make house hacking a profitable path to financial independence. 
 
Episode brought to you by: https://www.myfiacademy.com/
Buy Craig's book here: www.biggerpockets.com/househacking
Invest2FI Podcast here: https://invest2fi.com/
The FI Team: https://www.thefiteam.com/
 
 

How 18-25 year-olds can prepare to invest in real estate

Pierre Carrillo and Michael Albaum share insights on how young people can prepare for real estate investing despite financial challenges. Michael recounts how he maximized his savings by prioritizing jobs that offered valuable perks, such as car and phone coverage, and by sharing living expenses with roommates. He highlights the value of high-yield savings accounts and advises caution around stock market volatility. Michael also details his use of a 401(k) loan to fund a real estate down payment, which he repaid with interest, allowing him to grow his retirement fund in the process. Their advice centers on frugal living, careful budgeting, and leveraging tax-advantaged accounts. The key takeaway: making small sacrifices now can pave the way for significant, long-term success in real estate investment.

How will lower rates affect home prices?

Join Michael Albaum and Pierre Carrillo as they explore how the recent half-percent federal funds rate cut is shaking up the real estate market. Michael shares his personal experience with a loan modification, saving $500 a month on his mortgage, while the two debate whether lower rates will drive home prices up. They break down the effects of supply and demand, geographic factors, investor behavior, and the potential impact on new construction. Tune in for our discussion on how this rate cut might influence our next real estate move.
Brought to you by: https://www.myfiacademy.com/ 
 

How to Maximize Real Estate Returns: Cash or Leverage?

Michael Albaum and Pierre Carrillo explore the differences between paying all cash for a property and using a mortgage. Mike demonstrates how each variable in the consideration effects the return. Through an example of a property that is listed at $250,000, they discuss how a minimal rent increases, or a small difference in interest rates can drastically change the cash-on-cash performance of the asset. They also discuss why which types of offers are more attractive to sellers and ways that you could mix these approaches to purchasing property. This conversation provides valuable insights for real estate investors weighing the pros and cons of either approach.

5 Things I wish I knew before investing

In this episode, Michael Albaum and Tom Schneider share key real estate investing insights. They emphasize acting quickly, learning from mistakes, and having financial reserves for unforeseen expenses. The duo highlights the long-term value of property appreciation, tax benefits like depreciation, and balancing cash flow with growth. They also discuss the importance of school ratings and safety in property selection. Real estate investing, they note, is more nuanced than social media suggests but remains achievable with the right approach and relationships, especially with property managers.
 
Brought to you by: https://www.myfiacademy.com/ 

Master Your Credit: A lender’s guide to boosting your score for loan approval

Resources mentioned:
https://www.idiq.com/ 
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRateUpdatewithDanFrio 
https://www.myfiacademy.com/
In this episode, Michael Albaum and Dan Frio dive into practical strategies for maintaining and improving credit scores. Dan explains that while a 100-point increase in 30 days is unrealistic, incremental improvements are possible. Dan also discusses some not so obvious ways to boost your score. Michael shares his approach of using 0% interest credit cards for home renovations, with a HELOC as a backup plan, and Dan assesses his strategy and gives some important warnings.