The Academy Presents podcast

The Academy Presents podcast

por Angel Williams

Building the Network: How Capital Raising Fuels Real Estate Growth with Ruben Greth

In this episode, Angel sits down with real estate investor and capital raising expert Ruben Greth to discuss the critical role of raising capital in real estate investing. Ruben shares his journey from raising funds for small multifamily properties after the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a GP and launching large real estate projects. The conversation dives into how investors can build networks, develop credibility, and create systems that attract investors over time. If you want to understand how relationships, branding, and strategy come together to fund deals, this episode offers valuable insight into the world of capital raising. Topics Covered Ruben Greth’s path from small multifamily investments to large scale syndication How the 2008 financial crisis created opportunities for investors The fundamentals of multifamily syndication and capital raising Why building a strong investor network takes time and consistency The role of branding, marketing, and communication in attracting investors How co GP partnerships can help accelerate deal momentum Different ways investors can raise capital including funds and partnerships The importance of defining your investor avatar and targeted messaging Platforms that help establish authority such as podcasts, newsletters, and meetups Why collaboration and partnerships are essential for scaling in real estate Quotes “Building a network of investors doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from consistent communication, branding, and building trust over time.” “One of the fastest ways to gain momentum in real estate is partnering with people who already have the experience and network you are trying to build.” Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubengreth/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/

Leveraging Cost Segregation to Maximize Wealth in Real Estate

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation specialist Mark Gross of Cost Segregation Services Incorporated to unpack how real estate investors can strategically use cost segregation to accelerate depreciation and reduce tax liability. They discuss how the strategy applies to short term rentals, multifamily properties, and even house hacking situations, along with the importance of timing and understanding IRS guidelines. Topics Covered What cost segregation really is and how it works Why the first year of ownership can create the biggest tax advantage How bonus depreciation impacts investors Understanding recapture and why timing matters When cost segregation makes sense and when it does not How house hackers can potentially benefit by segregating the rental portion of a property Why investors should proactively plan instead of defaulting to straight line depreciation Memorable Quotes “Investing is a job. You need to line these things up so you do not find yourself in a tax laden situation.” “Reducing your tax liability does not mean you are doing something wrong. It just means you do not want to pay more than you legally have to.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

Maximizing Tax Savings on Short-Term Rentals & Beyond

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation expert Mark Grossman of CSSI to break down how investors can legally accelerate depreciation, increase cash flow, and strategically reinvest tax savings. From short-term rentals to industrial warehouses and even golf courses, Mark explains how cost segregation works across property types, how it pairs with 1031 exchanges, and what investors need to know to stay audit-ready in today’s IRS environment. Topics Covered Why 90% of millionaires invest in real estate What cost segregation is and how it accelerates depreciation How short-term rental owners can benefit from cost seg Why owning (not arbitraging) matters for tax strategies Real estate professional status and IRS audit red flags Documentation best practices to protect yourself Cost segregation for industrial, warehouse, and retail properties Hidden depreciable components like parking lots and landscaping Understanding ROI on a cost seg study Negative K-1s and long-term tax strategy How cost segregation works alongside 1031 exchanges Why opportunity cost and reinvestment strategy matter Memorable Quotes “Any money that doesn’t have to go out is money in your pocket.” “Would you spend $5,000 to get $25,000 back? It may not be flashy, but it absolutely makes sense.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

Cost Segregation Tips for Short-Term Rental Investors

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel breaks down how real estate investors at every stage can level up by understanding cost segregation, especially within the short-term rental space. Joined by cost segregation expert Mark Gross of CSSI, the conversation dives deep into depreciation strategies, bonus depreciation timelines, STR classifications, CAPEX considerations, and why doing cost seg the right way can mean massive tax savings and peace of mind. Topics Covered Why 90% of millionaires invest in real estate Who the Real Estate Investing Rocks podcast is for, from beginners to seasoned investors What cost segregation really is and who it benefits How short-term rentals are classified differently for depreciation The difference between 27.5-year and 39-year depreciation timelines Bonus depreciation and what happens as it phases out Why owning (not arbitraging) is required for cost segregation How land value impacts depreciation calculations Why turnkey STRs can unlock additional depreciation opportunities How furniture, fixtures, and furnishings factor into cost seg CAPEX expenditures and when additional studies make sense Holding period considerations and recapture risk Why site visits matter and the dangers of shortcut cost seg firms IRS audits, documentation, and defending a study How cost segregation fits into a long-term buy-and-hold STR strategy Quotes “Insurance follows the property, and depreciation follows the details.” “Even when bonus depreciation goes away, cost segregation still creates real value.” “Short-term rentals are treated like hotels, and that changes everything.” “Don’t skip the site visit. That’s where the real depreciation is found.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

Let’s Talk Insurance and Why Every Investor Has to Pay Attention

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT Lynch to break down why insurance has become one of the biggest deal killers in today’s market. They discuss how rising premiums, property claims history, lender requirements, and market conditions are reshaping the way investors must underwrite and plan. This conversation helps investors understand how to budget for insurance, avoid surprises, and treat it as a core part of doing business rather than an afterthought Topics Covered • Why insurance premiums are increasing across the country • How claims history follows the property, not the owner • Why short hold periods make insurance riskier for carriers • Insurance challenges in high risk markets and disaster prone states • Replacement cost increases and lender driven coverage demands • How renters insurance and tenant programs reduce owner risk • Using insurance costs as a negotiation and underwriting strategy Quotes “Insurance is a necessary evil, but if you understand it, it doesn’t have to be a deal killer.” “They don’t insure you, they insure the property and its history.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

Insurance Realities in Real Estate Investing: Deductibles, Risk, and Rising Costs

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel is joined by insurance expert J T Lynch for an honest conversation about the role insurance plays in real estate investing, and how it can make or break a deal. From skyrocketing premiums and high wind and hail deductibles to regional weather risks and insurance carriers exiting the market, this episode helps investors understand how to better manage risk, protect their properties, and think proactively about safety and prevention. Whether you’re new to investing or managing large portfolios, this discussion highlights why insurance strategy matters just as much as underwriting and operations. Topics Covered Why insurance premiums are increasing across the country How insurance costs can kill otherwise solid real estate deals Understanding high deductibles and percentage-based wind and hail coverage When self-insuring through higher deductibles may make sense The impact of regional weather patterns on insurance policies Why insurance companies leave certain markets Lessons learned from extreme weather events and power outages Preventative measures investors can take to reduce claims How proactive property maintenance lowers long-term risk and costs Quotes “When you take on a high deductible, you’re almost self-insuring—so you better understand your risk.” “Insurance isn’t just a line item; it’s a strategy that can protect your deal or kill it.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

When Insurance Kills the Deal: What Every Real Estate Investor Must Know

Insurance is no longer a line item investors can afford to gloss over. In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT to unpack why rising insurance costs are killing deals, how carriers are exiting key markets, and why getting an insurance quote early can save you months of wasted time and lost momentum. From underwriting surprises to negotiating around major claims, this conversation gives investors real-world insight into navigating today’s insurance landscape with clarity and confidence. Topics Covered • Why 90 percent of millionaires invest in real estate and what new investors should focus on first • How insurance costs can double underwriting assumptions and derail deals • Why investors should contact an insurance broker before submitting an LOI • The real reasons insurance premiums are rising across multifamily markets • How major events like the Texas freeze reshaped the insurance industry • Why some insurance carriers are leaving multifamily and habitational risk entirely • How to negotiate purchase prices when properties have open or large insurance claims • Practical strategies to avoid falling in love with a deal too early Quotes “Talk about wasting time. You can spend 30 minutes getting an insurance estimate upfront, or three months getting a deal killed later.” “That’s why you shouldn’t fall in love with the property. The numbers have to work before the emotions do.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

Mastering Property Management: Communication, Site Visits, and Resident Psychology

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Field, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss the complexities of property management. From handling challenging tenants and ensuring clear communication to conducting site visits and managing high-stress situations, Janet shares her experience running a property management company with hundreds of units. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable insights to protect your investments and build strong tenant relationships. Topics Covered: The importance of clear, proactive communication with residents Managing challenging tenant situations and understanding resident psychology Conducting effective site visits and inspections, including pet-related checks Leveraging client and resident surveys to improve service Handling “hot” situations, including safety risks for vendors and staff Team dynamics and using personality strengths for efficient operations Learning from mistakes and continuously improving property management practices Quotes from the Episode: “Just tell us the minute there’s a problem because we will correct it. We can’t serve you unless we know your expectations.” – Janet Field “There’s no squeaky wheels doesn’t mean everything’s fine. You have to proactively check in and keep communication open.” – Janet Field Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/

Scaling Smarter, Not Harder with Janet Fields

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties in Charleston, South Carolina, for an honest and insightful conversation about scaling a real estate business the right way. From managing 600 properties to building efficient teams, setting geographic boundaries, and understanding your highest contribution as a leader, this episode breaks down what it really takes to grow sustainably in real estate while protecting your time, energy, and family life. Topics Covered Why real estate success rates are rarely discussed honestly The reality of failure, resilience, and risk tolerance in investing Building and scaling a property management company Strategic geographic footprints and why logistics matter Single family versus multifamily management realities What “passive income” really looks like in residential real estate When self managing makes sense and when it becomes a distraction Using virtual assistants and remote teams to scale efficiently Hiring based on strengths, personality, and highest contribution How personality assessments improve leadership and team dynamics Quotes “Anybody can do real estate, but not everybody can do real estate. It comes down to how many kicks in the teeth you’re willing to take and still keep going.” “Scaling gets easier when you create constraints early and focus on what your highest contribution really is.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/

Chaos to Clarity: How Systems, Priorities, and SOPs Help Investors Scale Without Burning Out

Short Overview In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss what it really takes to scale a real estate business sustainably. From prioritization frameworks to building systems that survive growth, this conversation dives deep into leadership, operations, and the mindset shifts required to move from reactive chaos to intentional scale. Topics Covered • Why 90 percent of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate • Finding your niche and thriving as a “small giant” in a big market • How to prioritize when everything feels urgent • Creating tiered urgency systems that actually work • Revisiting priorities as teams, culture, and leadership evolve • Turning mistakes into SOPs instead of repeating them • The power of documenting processes and multiplying knowledge • Using tools like Google Drive, and automation to scale • Letting go of perfection and launching before everything feels ready • Leadership lessons from scaling a property management company to 600 doors Quotes “Everything being an emergency pulls you in a hundred directions. If everything is a priority, nothing truly is.” “If you record what you learn and turn it into systems, you don’t just grow your business, you multiply your knowledge through your team.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/
8 de 68