Ready Investor One

Episode Description In this episode, Paul Thompson sits down with David Olds, co-founder of EZ REI Closings, the nation’s largest transaction coordination company. David shares his raw journey from hitting rock bottom during the 2009 crash and moving to Chattanooga with just $5,000, two kids, and three dogs to building a powerhouse business that has helped investors close over 8,000 deals. If you’ve ever wondered how to start over from scratch—or how to scale your investing business without burning out—this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom you don’t want to miss. Key Takeaways Starting from zero isn’t failure — it’s proof you can rebuild faster the second time Hustle beats hesitation — even bandit signs can launch an empire. The best deals aren’t found, they’re created — think sub-to, lease options, novations. Half of all deals die at closing — unless you have the right systems in place. Real growth comes when you stop doing it all yourself and focus on what actually drives profit. Mindset wit

Description: In this compelling episode, real estate veteran Paul David Thompson delves into how visionary thinking can transform the real estate industry. Through engaging discussions about the unprecedented wealth transfer from baby boomers and evolving market dynamics, Thompson reveals how investors can position themselves for success. He weaves together practical insights on commercial real estate strategy with powerful mindset principles, demonstrating why both are essential for long-term achievement. Drawing from real-world success stories and using Lorne Michaels as an exemplar of visionary leadership, Thompson provides a masterclass in turning market challenges into opportunities.   Key Takeaways: A clear vision is essential for transforming any industry - whether you're breaking into real estate or building an entertainment empire like Lorne Michaels The baby boomer retirement wave is creating massive opportunities for wealth transfer in real estate Both mindset and practical skills matter - having

Description: Join seasoned real estate investors Paul David Thompson and Dustin Heiner as they unpack the transformative power of real estate investing. From mindset mastery to creating lasting value, this episode dives deep into the strategies that turn property investments into pathways to financial freedom. The duo shares candid insights about their journey from individual investors to business owners, emphasizing how community, mentorship, and a service-oriented approach can accelerate your success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this conversation offers actionable wisdom on building passive income streams while making a meaningful impact in others' lives. Key Takeaways: Success in real estate investing starts with cultivating the right mindset and vision for financial independence. Building a strong network isn't just about finding deals – it's about creating a community that supports and accelerates your growth. The transition from active investor to business owner is crucial

Description: In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate 101 podcast, host Paul David Thompson sits down with Justin Goodin, a successful commercial multifamily developer based in Indianapolis. Justin shares his personal journey from traditional employment to becoming a thriving real estate developer, discussing the challenges and opportunities he has navigated in the current market.    Key Takeaways: Justin Goodin's transition from a traditional career to a successful multifamily developer. The significance of self-education and networking in the real estate industry. The current market conditions and the advantages of focusing on development over value-add projects. The importance of asset management and the complexities involved in development. The benefits of building to sell versus long-term property ownership. The role of local partnerships and relationships with city officials in project success. The importance of identifying supply-constrained areas for development opportunities. Resources: Join

Description: In this episode, Paul and Peter are joined by Erin Vandegrift, a former professional equestrian turned mobile home park investor. Erin shares her journey from managing a 1,200-pound horse to overseeing mobile home parks across the U.S. She dives into the challenges of switching careers, learning the ins and outs of real estate investing, and how creative financing helped her build a growing portfolio. With a clear focus on mobile home parks, Erin offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to enter the world of real estate investment. Takeaways: Confidence grew through community support and networking. Creative financing strategies were key to her first deal. The importance of due diligence in real estate. Erin prefers tenant-owned homes for reduced maintenance costs. Taking action is crucial for learning and growth in real estate. Value-add investing in mobile home parks Join Our Free Skool Community: https://shorturl.at/THtsf 5 day challenge: https://www.commercialdreampartner.com/challe

Description: In this conversation, Paul David Thompson and Peter Conti, were joined by Barry Rogge, a commercial real estate investor who transitioned from single-family homes to multifamily properties. Barry shares his experience of diving into the world of commercial real estate, navigating unique challenges like creative financing, property repairs, and even beekeeping! Tune in to hear how Barry's perseverance and strategic thinking helped him acquire 34 units in less than a year, all while developing a balanced approach to real estate investing.   Takeaways: Understanding the local market is crucial for investment success. Financing strategies can include creative solutions like loan stacking. Property management comes with its own set of challenges. Networking and marketing are essential for finding deals. Negotiating price reductions is a viable strategy in real estate. Wholesaling can provide quick capital for further investments.   Join Our Free Skool Community: https://shorturl.at/THts

Description   In this engaging conversation, Paul David Thompson and Peter Conti sit down with Jeff Rappaport, an experienced real estate investor with over 24 years of expertise in creative finance. They discuss the current state of the real estate market and share their insights on making successful deals.    Jeff shares his journey through market cycles, from surviving the 2008 crisis to thriving in today’s unpredictable landscape. They dive into creative financing strategies, the importance of flexibility, and the mindset required to succeed in real estate. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, Jeff’s insights will equip you to navigate market challenges and create wealth through smart investments.   Takeaways Adaptability is crucial for investors in fluctuating markets. Avoid forced sales by structuring deals wisely. Creative financing can provide multiple options for investors. Long-term planning helps mitigate risks during downturns. Lead generation requires proactive

Description: Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. Simon Severino discusses his background in strategy advising for Fortune 500 boards and his passion for helping businesses enter and dominate markets. He explains the concept of pipeline coaching, which focuses on filling the sales pipeline, de-risking the buying process, and making it easy for customers to buy. The conversation also covers the importance of creating irresistible offers, the benefits of using the sprint method for strategic planning, and the challenges faced by CEOs who are visionaries but lack operational focus.    Key Takeaways: Market entry and domination require strategic planning and focusing on filling the sales pipeline. Pipeline coaching involves de-risking the buying process and making it easy for customers to buy. Creating irresistible offers and validating ideas are key to

Description: Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. Paul and Mischa discussed strategies for podcasting, including the use of guest speaking to increase impact and income, and the importance of building relationships within the podcasting community. They also explored tools for finding podcast email addresses and tracking appearances, as well as the benefits of leveraging hosts' audiences and repurposing content.    Key Takeaways: Podcast guesting is a lightweight way to grow your network and audience without much investment. All it requires is being comfortable talking about yourself and your expertise. The process involves finding relevant podcasts to guest on, crafting a simple email pitch, and following up on responses. Tracking links can help see which podcasts drive the most leads. It's important to build rapport with hosts to explore collabora

Description: Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. Ron Koenigsberg, president of American Investment Properties, discusses the importance of relationships and communication in the commercial real estate industry. He emphasizes the value of working with commercial real estate brokers to gain access to the best deals and shares his insights on finding opportunities in a challenging market.  Ron also highlights the significance of active listening, negotiation skills, and human engineering in achieving success in business and life. In this conversation, Paul and Ron Koenigsberg discuss the importance of sales skills and critical thinking in various aspects of life, including business and personal relationships.  They emphasize the need for active listening, asking questions, and building genuine connections with others. Ron shares his strategies for success

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. Paul interviews the president and founder of Swan Capital, a wealth management firm, Andrew McNair. Andrew shares his background and how he got into finance and real estate investing. He discusses the importance of diversification and the lessons he learned from losing a significant amount of money in the stock market.  Andrew also talks about creating Swan Capital and the Cignet Fund, which invests in various commercial real estate assets. He emphasizes the need for teamwork and collaboration in scaling real estate investments. In this conversation, Andrew McNair and Andrew discuss the importance of asking the right questions, the value of building a team, and the power of processes in business. They also delve into philanthropy and the impact of giving on personal fulfillment. Andrew shares book recom

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this thought-provoking episode, Paul and Chris delve into the profound concepts of individual agency, self-sabotage, and the power of alignment between our inner experiences and external realities. They explore strategies for breaking free from limiting beliefs, overcoming procrastination, and harnessing the transformative potential within each of us. With real-life examples and actionable insights, this episode equips listeners with the tools to become the architects of their personal operating systems and achieve their most audacious goals. Key Takeaways: The Banister Principle: Our beliefs shape our reality, and by shifting our mindset, we can break through self-imposed limitations and accomplish seemingly impossible feats. Self-Verification Loop: Our thoughts drive our actions, which reinforce ou

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this thought-provoking episode, Paul shares a profound life lesson he learned from a humbling experience in his corporate career. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual humility – recognizing that we don't have all the answers and being open to learning from our mistakes. Paul discusses how embracing intellectual humility can lead to greater success, resilience, and personal growth, as it allows us to adapt and grow in ways we never thought possible. He encourages listeners to approach life with humility, knowing that challenges and curveballs will inevitably arise, and that putting our egos aside and being willing to learn from these experiences is crucial.    Key Takeaways: Intellectual humility: Recognizing that we don't have all the answers and being open to learning from our mistakes is es

Description:  In this insightful episode, Steven, a seasoned real estate investor, shares his journey from being in debt to building a successful real estate empire. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence, active management, and assessing individual circumstances before investing in properties.  Additionally, Steven discusses creative financing strategies, location considerations, and the potential of distressed properties for wealth building. Paul and Steven delve into the evolving interpretation of the American Dream, highlighting the increasing interest in real estate investments among younger generations.  Throughout the episode, Steven offers valuable insights and announces exciting initiatives, including a monthly $1,000 giveaway and the chance to win $500,000 to kickstart a real estate business. Key Takeaways: Thorough due diligence is crucial before investing in real estate to avoid impulsive purchases and ensure long-term success. Active management and involvement are essential, even with

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this episode, Krista and Paul discussed the advantages of Turbo Tenant, an all-in-one landlord software solution. Krista emphasized that the software, developed with input from landlords, offers a comprehensive suite of features and a free trial, making it accessible to a wider range of users. She also highlighted the company's affordable pricing, driven by its commitment to assist as many people as possible. Paul expressed his appreciation for the company's practice of using its product, which he saw as a testament to its effectiveness and dedication to user experience. Additionally, they explore the challenges faced by landlords, such as financial compliance, auditing, and the importance of using data-driven decision-making in the real estate business. Key Takeaways: Turbo Tenant offers a comprehe

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this episode, Carmen and Paul dived in to the intricacies of structuring family-owned businesses and managing real estate investments. They discuss the use of subsidiaries, parent entities, and the advantages and challenges of various business structures. Additionally, they explore the benefits of self-directed IRAs for real estate investing, tax planning strategies, and asset structuring for optimal financial management and intergenerational wealth transfer. Key Takeaways: Utilizing subsidiaries and a parent entity can streamline management and consolidate filings for family-owned businesses operating in multiple states. Separate entities and accounts are essential for managing real estate investments, with technology playing a crucial role in consolidation and integration. Self-directed IRAs o

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this insightful episode, host Paul welcomes Engelo, a self-made real estate entrepreneur with a unique background. From dropping out of school at 14 to playing professional soccer in Hong Kong, and later transitioning to construction and self-development, Engelo's journey is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of one's passions.  Engelo shares his experiences in the US real estate market, particularly in Toledo, Ohio, where he found significant investment opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of networking, in-house property management, and focusing on cash flow fundamentals.  Engelo and Paul also discussed optimizing rental management, tenant experience, and achieving a balance between business and personal life. Key Takeaways: Perseverance and Self-Belief: Engelo's unconventional jou

Description:  Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this insightful episode, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Mateo, the CEO of Xseed, a software development company based in Uruguay. Mateo shares his inspiring story, from his early career as a manager in the teleconsultancy industry to his transition into the outsourcing sector and eventually becoming an entrepreneur.  He highlights the challenges he faced along the way, the mindset shifts required, and the importance of networking and seizing opportunities. Mateo also emphasizes the significance of building a strong team, delegating tasks effectively, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a business owner. Key Takeaways: Embrace Networking and Opportunities: Networking plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges and unlocking valuable opportunities, especially in the entrepre

Description: Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your own lifestyle and economy. In this episode, we sit down with Andrew, the founder of LevelFields AI, to discuss how his company is using advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence to give individual investors access to the same powerful insights that were previously only available to large financial institutions.  Andrew shares how his platform scans thousands of news sources and company filings in real-time to detect market-moving events and predict their impact on stock prices. He explains how this technology can be used for both short-term trading strategies as well as longer-term portfolio management. We explore the implications of democratizing this type of high-powered analytics and how it has the potential to fundamentally change the investment landscape. Key Takeaways: LevelFields AI is using AI and natural langu

Description: Your WakeUp Call begins when you start to challenge conventional thinking. When you empower yourself to break free from the daily grind. When you choose to design your lifestyle and economy. In this episode, Paul and Brad delve deep into the intricate world of college planning and financing. They discuss the critical steps involved in the late-stage college planning process, including visits, testing, negotiating with schools, and securing various forms of financial aid.  They also explore the differences in guidance counseling services between private and public schools, and the importance of understanding the available resources. Additionally, they provide insights on strategies for financing a college education without incurring excessive debt, the complexities of the FAFSA system, and the potential impact of assets and business ownership on financial aid eligibility. Whether you're a parent with college-bound children or a student preparing for the next chapter, this episode is a must-listen