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In this high-energy episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik welcomes Oliver Graf, the visionary behind Big Block Realty. Based in sunny San Diego, Big Block Realty has consistently ranked as one of the top real estate teams in the nation by sales volume and holds the #1 spot in California. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Oliver Graf ☀️ 0:45 - San Diego vs. New York: The Real Estate Lifestyle Advantage 🏆 1:50 - What is Big Block Realty? Building California’s Top Team 📈 5:15 - Scaling Systems: How to Handle Massive Sales Volume 🍎 8:40 - Lessons from Steve Jobs: Simplicity as a Business Strategy 🔬 11:25 - Introducing Commission Lab: Digital Tools for Modern Agents 🤝 13:50 - Hiring and Retaining A-Players in a Competitive Market 📚 15:10 - Book Recommendation: Walter Isaacson’s "Steve Jobs" 🏁 16:30 - Final Thoughts: How to Connect with Oliver Graf Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 [email protected] *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #OliverGraf #BigBlockRealty #RealEstateScaling #RealEstateTeam #BrokerageGrowth #SteveJobs #CommissionLab #SanDiegoRealEstate #RealEstateMarketing #HighVolumeSales #RealEstateSystems #Entrepreneurship #WealthBuilding #BigMikeFund #REI #RealEstateSuccess

In this deep-dive episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Sean Ross, CEO of 1031X. With over 32 years of industry experience, Sean’s firm is one of the longest-standing boutique qualified intermediaries in the country. Sean brings a massive wealth of financial knowledge—ranging from M&A and currency trading to economics—to help investors navigate the complexities of 1031 exchanges. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Sean Ross 🏛️ 0:43 - Sean’s Background: M&A, Economics, and 1031 Mastery 🌎 1:27 - Life Between Denver and Toronto: A Cross-Border Perspective ❄️ 2:56 - Comparing the Snow: Denver vs. Chicago vs. Toronto 📈 4:32 - Why Do Investors Use 1031 Exchanges? 💼 5:19 - Sean’s Path to CEO: Succession Planning in the 1031 Space 📜 6:10 - The History of Section 1031: From Cattle to Real Estate 🚀 7:14 - Strategic Flexibility: Active vs. Passive & Geographic Shifting 🏛️ 8:01 - Why You Can't Do a 1031 Alone: The Role of the QI 🏢 8:38 - Choosing Your Intermediary: Institutional vs. Boutique ⚖️ 9:36 - The "Lane" Rule: Legal Boundaries for 1031 Providers 💡 10:02 - Providing "Additional Value" Beyond Compliance ⚠️ 28:45 - What is Constructive Receipt? Avoiding Catastrophic Tax Errors 🛡️ 29:08 - Protecting Your Money: Wire Fraud and Secured Bank Accounts Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 [email protected] *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #1031Exchange

In this informative episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik welcomes Owen Lynn from Advanta IRA. With a decade of experience at institutional giants like Merrill Lynch and TD Ameritrade, Owen now helps investors break free from the limitations of traditional brokerages by utilizing Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs). Whether you are a brokerage leader looking to scale or a real estate investor tracking California's inventory shifts, this episode provides institutional-grade insights into the "Big Block" way of doing business. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Owen Lynn 🏛️ 0:19 - Owen’s Background: From Merrill Lynch to Advanta IRA 📈 3:06 - Why Florida is the New Hub for Finance & Wealth 💼 5:45 - The Limitation of Traditional Custodians (Merrill, TD, Scottrade) 🏘️ 10:12 - Investing in Alternatives: Real Estate, Notes, and Private Equity ⚖️ 15:30 - Understanding the "Self-Directed" Difference 📚 18:15 - Resources for SDIRA Research & Compliance 🏁 19:20 - How to Connect with Owen Lynn & Advanta IRA Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 [email protected] *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #OwenLynn #AdvantaIRA #SelfDirectedIRA #SDIRA #RealEstateInvesting #RetirementPlanning #TaxFreeWealth #AlternativeInvestments #BigMikeFund #WealthBuilding #401kRollover #FinancialFreedom #PassiveIncome #PrivateEquity #IRAInvesting

In this highly anticipated reunion on the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik welcomes back Tim Bratz for their first post-COVID deep dive into the state of commercial real estate. Tim, the founder of Legacy Wealth Holdings, shares how he scaled to over 4,000 units and why the "operational friction" of managing a massive portfolio led him to build a tech company. Whether you are a brokerage leader looking to scale or a real estate investor tracking California's inventory shifts, this episode provides institutional-grade insights into the "Big Block" way of doing business. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik Welcomes Back Tim Bratz 🏢 0:52 - Scaling a 4,000+ Unit Multifamily Portfolio 🤖 1:30 - The Birth of Smart Management: Why Tech Was the Only Solution 📊 4:15 - Why Traditional "Legacy" Software is Killing Your NOI 🚀 10:45 - The Power of AI in Leasing, Marketing, and Communication 🏗️ 18:30 - Operating at Scale: Turning Problems into SOPs 📉 25:10 - Market Outlook: Finding Opportunities in High-Interest Cycles 🏁 29:24 - Conclusion: Radical Transparency in Property Operations Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 [email protected] *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #TimBratz #LegacyWealth #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #AIRealEstate #MultifamilyInvesting #SmartManagement #PropTech #PassiveIncome #WealthBuilding #BigMikeFund #CommercialRealestate #REI #AssetManagement

In this deep-dive episode of the Big Mike Fund Podcast, "Big Mike" Zlotnik sits down with Brendan Cobb to discuss why many ground-up developers struggled in 2024–2025 and how to pivot for success in 2026. Brendan breaks down his "Land Development Accelerator" model, which focuses on forcing appreciation through government approvals rather than taking on the high risk of vertical construction. Whether you are a land flipper looking to scale or a passive investor seeking downside protection, this episode reveals the blueprints for institutional-grade land development. STOP! Your free eBook is ready. 🎁🚀 Get into the link to get instant access (before we take it down!): ➡️⏳ https://TempoFunding.com/ebook 📌 Learn our full investment playbook & connect: https://TempoFunding.com/Connect 🔑 Book your FREE strategy call to apply these conservative principles to your portfolio: https://TempoFunding.com/IRCall Timestamps 🎙️ 0:00 - Intro: Mike Zlotnik welcomes Brendan Cobb 🏗️ 1:54 - The 3 Phases of Real Estate Development Explained 🗺️ 2:03 - Phase 1: Land Entitlement & Forcing Appreciation 🛣️ 2:27 - Phase 2: Horizontal Infrastructure & Selling Lots 🏘️ 2:39 - Phase 3: The Risks of Vertical Construction in 2026 🤝 5:11 - The Arbitrage Model: Controlling Land Without "Hard Money" 🏛️ 6:03 - Collaborating with Cities: Turning Farmland into Housing 💰 10:25 - Case Study: Creating a $30,000 Per Unit Spread 📉 23:50 - The Affordability Crisis & The Future of Mortgage Rates 🏛️ 27:47 - Macro Analysis: $7 Trillion in Debt and the Fed’s Next Move Socials & Contact Links Facebook: 📘 https://tempofunding.com/facebook Twitter/X: ✖️ https://tempofunding.com/twitter LinkedIn: 💼 https://tempofunding.com/linkedin Instagram: 📸 https://www.instagram.com/tempofunding Email: 📧 mailto:[email protected] Connect with Brandon Cobb Email: mailto:[email protected] Website: http://hbgcapital.net Number: (901) 596-6425 LinkedIn: in/hbgcapital Facebook: /hbgcapital Instagram: @hbgcapital *ABOUT US* At Tempo Family of Funds & Syndications, we provide diversified, conservative commercial real estate investment opportunities tailored to meet the needs of busy investors. Our offerings include high depreciation deals, strong income funds for passive investors, and hard money loans. We manage everything from private lending to private equity and consulting. Our commitment to transparent communication, professional administration, and robust partnerships sets us apart. Our investment options span multifamily projects, self-storage, shopping plazas, industrial, hotel conversions, and more. We aim to be your go-to resource for institutional-quality investments that are tax-friendly and IRA-compatible. #MikeZlotnik #BrandonCobb #LandDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting

In this eye-opening episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike explores Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) with expert Matt Middendorp. Recorded during the holiday season, they break down how ESOPs serve as a powerful exit strategy for business owners—preserving control, legacy, and community impact while rewarding employees with retirement ownership. Matt explains the mechanics: creating a trust that buys shares (often 100% over time), tax advantages (S-Corp ESOPs can eliminate federal/state taxes), seller financing, annual valuations, and vesting. Ideal for profitable companies seeking long-term transitions, ESOPs differ from stock options by being qualified retirement plans with no direct employee investment. […]

On this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike sits down with Jack Martin, co-founder of 52TEN Partners, to break down why mobile home parks remain one of the most resilient asset classes in real estate. Jack explains how shrinking supply, strong demand, and affordability drive consistent performance across market cycles. The conversation covers rent growth versus apartments, value creation through operations and infill, and a real-world mobile home park acquisition—including cap rates, leverage, and agency debt. They also discuss near-perfect rent collections during COVID, bonus depreciation, and why mobile home parks continue to attract investors focused on capital preservation and steady cash flow. About the Guest: Jack Martin is the co-founder of 52Ten Partners, a Scottsdale-based investment firm focused exclusively on mobile home parks. The firm manages approximately 1,600 lots across four states and $55+ million of private investor capital. Jack has participated in over $450 million of residential and commercial acquisitions and dispositions and is known for a disciplined, recession-resistant approach with an unblemished track record of on-time reporting and distributions for more than 200 investors. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:30 – Guest Intro: Jack Martin 1:17 – Severe supply constraints in mobile home parks 2:29 – Shrinking supply from redevelopment and institutional consolidation 4:28 – Rent growth stability vs apartment volatility 6:37 – Difference between mobile home parks and RV parks 7:44 – Stabilized cap rates across markets 10:41 – Cost advantage of mobile home living vs apartments 12:30 – Homeownership, low turnover, and tenant stickiness 14:23 – Real deal example: Omaha acquisition and value-add strategy 16:01 – Expense reduction and auxiliary income as core value drivers 19:26 – Why mobile home parks require in-house management 22:27 – Capital preservation as the primary LP attraction 23:27 – Performance during GFC and COVID 27:01 – Extremely low tenant turnover rates 29:17 – Bonus depreciation advantages in mobile home parks29:54 – Agency debt, leverage, and DSCR constraints 32:14 – How to connect with Jack Martin 32:30 – Book recommendation: The Secret Life of Real Estate and Banking 33:07 – Market cycles, Fed policy, and closing thoughts If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: 52ten.com Full Transcript: Mike Zlotnik (02:04.075) Welcome to the BigMikeFundPodcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Jack Martin. Hey Jack, thanks for coming on the show, let me give you a formal quick intro. So, you are a co-founder of 52Ten Partners with qualified investors to acquire and reposition mobile parks. Jack Martin (02:12.456) Thank you, Mik...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike chats with Delta Captain James Reeman from a sunny Hawaii layover. Drawing parallels between high-stakes fighter pilot missions and savvy investing, James shares aviation's "threat brief" for risk mitigation—identifying pitfalls, prepping contingencies, and debriefing lessons to avoid repeats. From commanding F-16s and a Space Force squadron to mentoring pilots on tax-efficient diversification (beyond 401(k)s into alternatives), he stresses fulfillment over achievement: "Wealth is for enjoying life." As a new grandfather in Colorado, James reflects on family traditions, financial education gaps, and giving back via the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. Ideal for high earners seeking disciplined, gratitude-fueled strategies amid market cycles—discover how "earning your keep" in turbulence builds lasting security.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:19 - Guest Intro: James Reeman 0:37 - Holiday Recording: Christmas Gratitude & Service Thanks 1:02 - Hawaii Layover: Job Perks of Food, Hikes & Red-Eye Flights 1:20 - Career Journey: F-16s, Space Squadron Command to Delta 2:24 - Flying-Investing Parallel: Earn in Challenges, Prep for Worst 3:11 - No Catastrophe Option: High-Stakes Parallels in Aviation & Business 3:38 - Family Roots: 3 Kids, Aviation Tradition & New Grandparent 4:30 - Wings Over the Rockies: Inspiring Youth in Aerospace 5:43 - Chess Analogy: Prep, Execute & Debrief for Continuous Learning 6:13 - Risk Management: Identify Threats, Mitigate & Debrief Missions 8:49 - Debrief Power: Learn from Wins/Losses to Refine Processes 10:11 - Leadership Evolution: Ego in Fighters vs. Diverse Space Teams 12:59 - Space Force Explained: From Air Force Roots to Satellite Defense 14:20 - Satellites' Role: GPS Timestamps Power Global Commerce 17:48 - Blackouts Impact: Critical Systems Halt Modern Life 18:28 - Pilot Coaching: Taxes as Top Expense, Diversify Beyond 401(k)s 20:18 - Financial Gaps: Schools Skip Money Management Education 23:21 - Pilots' Habits: Index Funds, Cash Balance Plans & Alternatives 26:53 - Reversion to Mean: Bulls/Bears Demand Diversification 29:42 - Evolution to Fulfillment: Service, Gratitude Over Achievement 31:52 - Connect with James 33:22 - Giving Back: Helping Others as Life's Guiding Light If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTInstagram: @f16pilot James' Favorite Charity: https://wingsmuseum.org/ Website: https://www.jamesreeman.com/   Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:04.952) Hi folks, this is Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik. Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. And today my guest is James Reeman. Hi James, how are you, sir? James Reeman (00:14.47) Big Mike, doing great. Merry Chris...

Join Big Mike for a deep dive into resilient multifamily investing and life's bold pivots with Gino Barbaro, co-founder of Jake & Gino, a real estate education platform. With a self-funded portfolio exceeding 1,800 doors and $350M in assets under management—mostly in Tennessee—Gino transformed from a New York pizza shop owner to Florida-based family man, driven by a vision for his six kids' future amid skyrocketing Northeast costs. From his 2017 migration south for affordability and freedom (echoing today's exodus trends) to spotting DeSantis' game-changing property tax cut bill, Gino shares why Florida's "last stop" vibe is now a launchpad. Delve into his Knoxville origin story: snagging deals at $35K/door in 2011-12 fear, holding for explosive rent growth (from $300 to $1,100+), and balancing value-add grit with stable new-builds at near-1% rules. He breaks down today's "Jesus moment" for overleveraged owners—flat rents, oversupply, and the $1.5T debt wall—while urging disciplined underwriting, capacity checks, and patience for 2025-26 bargains. Whether navigating builder distress, Fed delays, or post-QT liquidity waves, Gino's no-BS wisdom on cash flow, operations, and long-term legacy will arm you to surf market cycles like a pro. If you're eyeing contrarian plays or family-first freedom, this is your blueprint—raw, real, and ready to deploy. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:19 - Welcome and Intro: Gino Barbaro 0:48 - Family Move: NY to Florida for Kids' Affordability 1:50 - Migration Trends: Southward Shift Post-2010s 2:47 - Location: St. Augustine's Small-Town Appeal 4:15 - DeSantis Bill: Eliminate Owner-Occupied Property Taxes 5:43 - Multifamily Focus: Tennessee Portfolio Origins 6:00 - Early NY Struggles: High Taxes, Poor Pencil 6:34 - Meeting Jake: Knoxville Entry in 2011 7:05 - Low Prices: $35-40K/Door in Fear Market 7:41 - First Deals: Hold Long-Term for Rent Growth 8:48 - Market Cycle: Buy in Fear, Patience Pays 10:45 - Supply Surge: 92% Occupancy, Concessions 11:44 - Debt Crunch: Sellers' "Jesus Moment" at 4-5 Caps 13:13 - 12-24 Month Window: Debt Resets Create Deals 13:36 - 1% Rule: $100K Door Needs $1K Rent 15:04 - Newer Assets: 2024 Build at $180K/Unit 17:04 - Portfolio Balance: Value-Add vs. Core Plus 18:16 - 2023 Lesson: Overcommitment Stressed Infrastructure 19:13 - No Deal Better Than Bad: Fit Business Plan 22:15 - Builders' Habits: Overbuild Leads to Distress 25:03 - Risk Tolerance: Buy Stable Over Build Speculative 27:08 - 2026 Outlook: Motivated Sellers Clear Supply 28:44 - Fed Delay: Wanted Failures, Late on Cuts 29:51 - Rate Drops: Spur Activity, Pencil Deals 37:42 - Connect with Gino If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: http://jakeandgino.com/ ...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike sits down with Lancelot Lennard, a dynamic real estate and mortgage broker from Florida's Daytona area. Recorded in December 2025, they dive into the evolving Florida real estate market, including softening values, rising construction costs, and the impact of DeSantis' proposed property tax cuts for primary residences. Lancelot shares insights on negotiating deals in a buyer's market, the surge in inventory, and how commercial developments like Amazon warehouses are boosting local infrastructure. They also explore his family legacy-building through The Lancelot Group, blending real estate, construction, mortgages, and philanthropy. Whether you're eyeing Florida investments or seeking strategies to maximize home sales, this episode offers actionable tips for navigating volatility and seizing opportunities. Lancelot Lennard is the founder of The Lancelot Group (thelancelotgroup.com), a multifaceted enterprise spanning real estate brokerage, mortgages, construction, and philanthropy. A Hungarian immigrant and proud father of two, Lancelot has built a legacy-focused business in Port Orange, Florida, helping clients buy, sell, and develop properties while advocating for efficient governance. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:19 - Guest Intro: Lancelot Lennard 0:46 - Lancelot Group: Real Estate, Construction, Mortgages, Philanthropy 1:26 - Name Origin 2:10 - Location: Port Orange/Daytona Area 2:16 - Family 3:36 - Father's 1956 Hungarian Revolution Role 4:14 - Residential Market: Softening, Easier Negotiations 5:10 - Commercial: Larger Multifamily Unrealistic 5:45 - Price Drops Emerging on Listings 6:11 - Rate Uptick: High 5s Boosting Activity 7:06 - Leverage Window: Negotiate Before Rates Drop Further 8:35 - Transaction Volume: 20% Aug-to-Aug Increase 9:38 - Inventory High: 3600 vs. 2400 Average 10:34 - DeSantis Bill: Eliminate Primary Residence Property Taxes 11:47 - Funding: Audits Cut Waste (e.g., $2M Orlando Poetry) 13:46 - Excess Spending from Rising Assessments 15:22 - Commercial Influx: Pepsi, Boeing, Amazon 16:12 - Developer Negotiations for Infrastructure 17:02 - High FL Insurance Costs Post-Hurricanes 18:43 - Bill's Appeal: Attract Seniors, Offset Insurance 19:57 - Low-Insurance Areas vs. FL's Single Bill Relief 21:31 - Daytona: Rare Direct Hurricane Hits 23:02 - Book: "How to Prepare Your Home for the Market" 30:27 - Closing: Website for Free PDF DownloadIf you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.thesirlancelotgroup.com/ Instagram: @sirlancelottherealtor Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.413) Welcome to the Big Mike Fund podcast. the Big Mike, Mike Zlatnik, and toda...

Join Big Mike for a no-holds-barred chat with Mike Stohler, Navy veteran, former commercial airline pilot, and co-founder of Gateway Private Equity Group. With a battle-tested portfolio of over 150 value-add units—from multifamily gems scooped during the 2008 crash to boutique hotels in the U.S. and beyond—Mike embodies the grit of turning setbacks into seven-figure wins. From his small-town Indiana roots and early landlord fails in the pre-Google days to full-time investing by 2003, Mike reveals how he navigated market crashes, pivoted strategies, and uncovered untapped opportunities abroad. Facing U.S. hotel headwinds like soaring rates and labor costs, discover his bold shift to Spain's Costa Brava—where low-financing deals and tax-smart structures deliver outsized returns. Tune in for raw insights on global diversification, contrarian plays, and building a "lifestyle investment" empire that lets investors vacation at their assets.If you're ready to think beyond borders and crush cycles, this episode is your launchpad. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:19 - Guest Intro: Mike Stohler 1:24 - Small-Town Indiana to Navy and Early RE 1:44 - Pre-Google Landlord Failures 2:05 - Airline Pilot Career and Injury Pivot 2:32 - Full-Time RE Investing in 2003 3:01 - 2008 Crash: Buying Multifamily at 10+ Caps 3:52 - Pivot to Hotels ~10 Years Ago 4:05 - Napkin Deal: Selling Portfolio at 4.5 Caps 5:17 - Partnering with 25-Year Hotel Expert 5:50 - COVID Survival: From 84% to 7% Occupancy 6:30 - Current US Hotel Market: High Rates, Expenses 7:21 - Shift to Spain's Costa Brava: Lower Costs, 15 Caps 8:50 - Example: €1.5M Medieval Boutique at 15 Cap 10:09 - Low Financing: 2.55-2.7% Rates 11:12 - Focus: Catalonia/Costa Brava Tourism Hub 12:11 - Tax Structure: No Double Taxation via Treaty 14:15 - Deductible Vacations as Business Expenses 15:18 - Operations: Local Team, Niche Marketing 17:53 - SEO for Castles/Estates, Wedding Focus 20:47 - Projections: 21% IRR, 8-14% Cash Flow 21:34 - Exits: 3 Strategies, Long-Hold Lifestyle Model 23:34 - Structure: 80/20 Split, Simple Waterfalls 26:34 - Fees: 1% Management/Investor Relations 32:58 - Connect with Mike Stohler If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: gatewaype.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstohler/ Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.039) Welcome to the Big Mike Fund podcast. the Big Mike, Mike Zlatnik. And today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Mike Stoller. Hey, Mike. Mike Stohler (00:10.55) How you doing, Mike? Mike Zlotnik (00:12.696) Thanks for coming on a podcast. you said you hail from Scottsdale and you're between Scottsdale and Barcelona. And let me do a forma...

Join Big Mike in a new episode with Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples and author of The Work Optional Blueprint. Chris, a former Wall Street advisor who retired at 28, shares his journey from millionaire to welfare during the 2008 recession, rebuilding his wealth twice by 39. Discover how to achieve “work optional” freedom—passive income replacing job earnings—through infinite banking, tax strategies, and diversification beyond stocks. Chris warns against Wall Street complacency, predicts market peaks, and advocates rebalancing into alternatives like real estate amid overvalued equities. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:19 - Guest Intro: Chris Miles 0:43 - New Book Launch: The Work Optional Blueprint 2:05 - Becoming Work Optional Through Passive Income 2:34 - Chris's Journey: Retired at 28, Recession Recovery, Retired Again at 39 3:39 - Anti-Wall Street Stance Amid Market Complacency 5:18 - Chris's Background as Financial Adviser and Stock Trader 6:03 - Noise vs. Signal: Filtering Media Distractions 8:05 - False Security and Scaling Out of Overvalued Stocks 9:21 - Average Investors Sell at Bottom; Smart Ones Bail Early 11:07 - Taking Profits: Crypto Example and Stock Strategy 11:29 - Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful (Warren Buffett Wisdom) 12:51 - Diversification and Rebalancing Portfolios 13:38 - Opportunities in Beaten-Up Commercial Real Estate 15:22 - Infinite Banking Update: Steady Dividends Rising 16:05 - Warren Buffett's Cash Hoard and Float Strategy 18:58 - Infinite Banking Advantages Over Buffett's Approach 19:51 - Life Insurance as 6% Tax-Free Temporary Holding 20:10 - Vanguard's Low S&P 500 Return Prediction (2.8-4.8%) 22:22 - MAG 7 Dominance in S&P 500 (30% Weight) 23:06 - Approaching Market Peak: Signs of Elevated Risk 24:23 - Final Thoughts: Hope Through Contrarian Choices If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: moneyripples.com Podcast: Money Ripples Social Media Platforms: @moneyripples Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik (00:02.167) Hey, Chris. Chris Miles Money Ripples (00:03.371) Hey, how's it going Mike? Mike Zlotnik (00:05.274) Great to see you. Chris Miles Money Ripples (00:06.658) Same here. Mike Zlotnik Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik. And today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome back my really good friend. Chris miles with money ripples. Hey Chris. Chris Miles Money Ripples (01:47.586) Hey Mike, it's good to be back on again. Mike Zlotnik (01:50.114) Awesome to have you back. How things are going? What's going on? We are getting this recording done in mid October 25. So what's new and exciting in your world?

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, host Mike Zlotnik (Big Mike) sits down with real estate powerhouse Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®. Chris is a 4x best-selling author, Forbes Business Council Member, and a 3-time Inc. 5000 Honoree who has led one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. With more than three decades of experience and hundreds of creative-finance real estate transactions under his belt, Chris has built a thriving community that empowers investors to succeed in any market. Mike and Chris dive deep into the world of creative real estate, exploring how Chris rebuilt his business after the 2008 crash and why strategies like lease-purchase, owner financing, and subject-to deals remain powerful tools for today’s investors. Chris explains how his “buying on terms” approach works in both residential and commercial markets, why many sellers prefer creative structures over traditional cash offers, and how he and his family continue to complete deals weekly—while coaching students across 80+ markets to do the same. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, real-world deal support, and proper expectations for long-term success. Chris shares how the Wicked Smart Community helps investors avoid common pitfalls, accelerate learning through hands-on deal flow, and build credibility through unique certifications. Whether you’re new to creative real estate or looking to sharpen your strategy, this conversation offers practical insights, mindset shifts, and a clear look at how to thrive in any economic climate. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 0:53 – Chris’s Background 1:17 – Chris’s Credentials & Wicked Smart Community 3:11 – Creative Real Estate After the 2008 Crash 4:45 – Lease Purchase, Owner Financing & Subject-To Explained 5:55 – Creative Finance in Commercial Transactions 6:10 – Recent Creative Finance Deal Example 8:59 – Principal-Only Payments & Deal Structure 9:43 – Creative Financing in Various Asset Classes 9:48 – How Students Work with Chris & His Team 10:59 – Coaching Model, Deal Review & Support System 12:44 – Certification & Credibility in Seller Conversations 13:31 – How to Reach Chris | Free Resources 14:54 – Current Market Conditions & 2025 Real Estate Environment 15:37 – AI, Technology & Faster Deal Analysis 17:22 – Modeling Success & Learning Through Technology 18:49 – AI Tools for Real Estate Due Diligence 19:30 – Integrated Tech Stack for Real Estate Students 21:40 – Scalability & Local Execution 21:52 – Recommended Podcasts 22:19 – Recommended Books 23:01 – Closing Thoughts If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ Books:

In this episode of The Big Mike Fund Podcast, host Mike Zlotnik sits down with Dwan Bent-Twyford, affectionately known as The Queen of Short Sales™ and host of The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever. Dwan Bent-Twyford, America’s Most Sought-After Real Estate Investor™, started as a broke single mom who had just been fired from Denny’s — and went on to personally flip over 2,000 properties while teaching thousands of people how to achieve financial freedom. Today, she is recognized as the nation’s #1 expert on short sales and foreclosures. She has authored three bestsellers, including Short Sale Pre-Foreclosure Investing, How to Sell a House When It’s Worth Less Than the Mortgage, and the New York Times bestseller SuccessOnomics co-written with Steve Forbes. Dwan has also been featured on Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Naomi’s Good Morning, Colorado & Company, and numerous media outlets nationwide. In this conversation, Dwan shares her inspiring 35-year journey — from overcoming hardship as a single mother, to pioneering short sales before they had a name, to now leading a full-scale revitalization project in Clinton, Iowa. She and Mike discuss the philosophy of people before profits, the power of mentorship, the lessons learned from rehabbing communities, and what it truly means to build both wealth and legacy through real estate. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast 00:17 — Guest Intro: Dwan Bent-Twyford 01:13 — Dwan’s beginnings in real estate 03:05 — Rehabbing a town in Clinton, Iowa 07:43 — Opportunity zones and revitalization potential 11:23 — Philosophy: People before profits 16:02 — Becoming the “Queen of Short Sales” 23:09 — Hitting one million podcast downloads 24:22 — Starting The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever 29:12 — Favorite books and current reads 30:34 — Advice for new and passive investors 32:41 — Final thoughts | Connect with Dwan If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: http://dwanderful.com/ Instagram: @dwanderful Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dwanderful/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-investor's-edge-university/ Tiktok: @officialrealestateguru Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik: Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik, and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Dwan Bent-Twyford. Did I say it the right way? Dwan Bent-Twyford: That's right. You did. Mike Zlotnik: Dwan like a swan. You taught me this. Dwan Bent-Twyford: I taught you this. Mike Zlotnik: So wonderful to have you. You hail from col...

In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Mike Zlotnik sits down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer — founder of Ideal Wealth Grower and host of the Ideal Investor Show. A former German Air Force pilot turned real estate mentor, Dr. Axel shares his extraordinary journey from flying F-111 fighter jets to helping investors achieve financial freedom through turnkey and build-to-rent (BTR) properties. Together, Mike and Dr. Axel unpack the fundamentals of the “IDEAL” framework — Income, Depreciation, Equity, Appreciation, and Leverage — and explore how everyday investors can grow secure, cash-flowing portfolios even from afar. He also breaks down his “GROWER” coaching model, his philosophy of building clusters for efficient property management, and his community’s transition toward BTR homes as a long-term wealth strategy. Whether you’re a new investor looking to start your first turnkey property or an experienced one exploring BTR projects, this episode offers deep, actionable insight on scaling your portfolio, structuring your business for protection, and creating lasting wealth. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE 01:33 – Dr. Axel’s Early Journey: From Aviation Dreams to the U.S. Air Force 03:19 – Transitioning from Military Life to Entrepreneurship 04:16 – Discovering Real Estate & the Power of Turnkey Investing 05:16 – Building a Boutique Mentorship Community 07:46 – What “IDEAL” Stands For in Real Estate Wealth Building 09:46 – Coaching with the “GROWER” Model 14:00 – Setting Up for Success: Business Structure & Asset Protection 15:58 – Why Every Investor Needs a Coach 16:52 – Turnkey vs. Commercial: Staying in Your Lane 17:38 – The Cluster Strategy: Managing 100 Properties in 10 Hours a Month 20:21 – Why He Avoids Commercial: Mastering One Discipline 23:23 – Turnkey Property Challenges: Repairs, CapEx & Management 25:44 – Dr. Axel’s Approach to Maintenance & Reserves 29:10 – The Evolution of Turnkey Providers into Build-to-Rent (BTR) 32:27 – BTR Case Studies: Oklahoma, Alabama, and Dallas 35:18 – Legacy Planning & Portfolio Conversion 36:25 – Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Dr. AxelIf you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr X: https://twitter.com/management_tf CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://idealwealthgrower.com/ Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/axelmeierhoefer/60min Podcast: Ideal Investor Show   Full Transcript:Mike Zlotnik: Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik, and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome. Should I call you Dr. Axel or just Axel? Dr. Axel Meierhoefer: Whatever you like best. Mike Zlotnik: I appreciate your flexibility. And he hails from sunny Spain. How are you,...