The Academy Presents podcast

The Academy Presents podcast

por Angel Williams

Building Wealth Quietly Through Real Estate and Purpose

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel welcomes Hoa Nguyen for a powerful conversation about building wealth through real estate while staying grounded, intentional, and values driven. Hoa shares her journey from a demanding medical career to multifamily investing, highlighting how real estate became a vehicle for time freedom, legacy building, and personal growth. The discussion goes beyond numbers to explore humility, resilience, mentorship, and teaching the next generation empathy and gratitude. Topics Covered • Why most millionaires use real estate as a long term wealth strategy • Starting in real estate with no prior experience and learning through action • Transitioning from active careers to time freedom through multifamily investing • The role of mentorship, coaching, and community in scaling faster • Living below your means and redefining what success really looks like • Teaching children empathy, giving, and awareness despite financial comfort • How early struggles and adversity shape stronger investors and leaders • The value of partnerships and relationships in navigating complex deals Quotes “Real learning doesn’t happen in the modules. It happens when you’re actually in the deal.” “Success doesn’t always look the way you think it will, but freedom of time is the greatest reward.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Hoa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoa-nguyen23/

Building Wealth Without Lifestyle Inflation With Hoa Nguyen

In this powerful episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Hoa Nguyen to unpack what real estate investing really looks like behind the scenes. Hoa shares her journey from growing up in extreme hardship as an immigrant to building time freedom through multifamily syndication. This conversation goes beyond highlight reels. Hoa opens up about starting with zero real estate experience, massive student loan debt, and long workweeks as an optometrist, then intentionally choosing frugality, role clarity, and alignment with strengths to scale sustainably. Listeners will hear honest lessons about partnership dynamics, investor relations, asset management boundaries, and why living below your means can be a long term advantage, not a sacrifice. Whether you are new to investing, feeling stuck, or already active and looking to refine your lane, this episode delivers perspective, strategy, and inspiration rooted in real life experience. Topics Covered • Why most millionaires build wealth through real estate • Transitioning from high income careers to passive investing • Starting in real estate with no experience and limited capital • International investing and early lessons from Belize • Multifamily syndication as a vehicle for time freedom • Defining roles within partnerships based on strengths • Investor relations versus underwriting and asset management • Learning what not to do by getting too close to operations • Raising capital without being the numbers expert • Growing up immigrant and how hardship shapes money mindset • Living below your means even after financial success • Avoiding lifestyle inflation while building long term wealth Quotes “Freedom of time has been the biggest reward of our real estate journey.” “People see the highlight reel, but they don’t see the years of living like students to build assets.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Hoa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoa-nguyen23/

From Full Time Careers to Financial Freedom with Hoa Nguyen

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Hoa Nguyen to discuss her journey from full time eye doctor to multifamily investor with true time freedom. Hoa shares how she and her husband entered real estate with no prior experience, explored multiple investment paths, and ultimately found clarity and scale through multifamily syndication. This conversation offers a realistic look at the long term nature of real estate, the effort behind “passive” income, and what it truly means to build generational wealth. Topics Covered Hoa Nguyen’s transition from medical practices to real estate investing Starting in real estate with zero experience and a steep learning curve Early investments overseas including land, resorts, and short term rentals Why multifamily syndication became the primary focus The difference between LP and GP roles in multifamily deals Time freedom, setbacks, and staying committed through challenges Building the right partnerships and identifying your strengths Using real estate as a tool for long term and generational wealth Quotes “Multifamily is not a get rich quick strategy. It’s a long term play, and you have to commit to it.” “Anybody can do it, but not everybody will. The ones who succeed are the ones who don’t quit.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Hoa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoa-nguyen23/

Asset Management part 3: the Real Work Behind the Wealth

In this episode, Angel sits down with Greg Scully to unpack what asset management really looks like behind the scenes. From apartments to RV parks, accrual versus cash accounting, and the reality of property management, this conversation dives into the unglamorous but critical work that keeps real estate investments alive and growing. It is an honest look at the many layers of ownership, partnerships, and finding the lane that fits your strengths. Topics Covered What asset management actually involves day to day The difference between cash basis and accrual accounting and why it matters Managing apartments versus RV parks When it makes sense to self manage versus hiring a property management company The importance of scale in property management efficiency Thinking in ranges instead of exact numbers when underwriting deals Why spreadsheets cannot predict real life problems The hidden work behind investor updates and reports Different roles within a real estate partnership Why every role in real estate is hard in its own way Finding your niche and building around your strengths The reality behind the freedom real estate can provide Quotes from the Episode "Everything in this business is hard, just different kinds of hard" "You have to find your spot, find your lane, and buckle into it" Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Greg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregjscully/

Asset Management Real Talk: Self-Manage or Hire the Pros?

Asset management can make or break your real estate portfolio. In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with investor and operator Greg Scully to unpack the real-world challenges of asset management, property management companies, and scaling in small to mid-size multifamily deals. From managing apartments and RV parks to navigating vendors, staffing, and software, this is an honest conversation about what actually happens behind the scenes. Topics Covered The difference between asset management and property management Self-managing vs third-party management: pros and cons Managing small to mid-size multifamily properties Scaling challenges in tertiary and rural markets Vendor relationships, fuel costs, and labor shortages Residential vs commercial management realities Hiring maintenance staff without full-time scale Property management software and reporting frustrations Lessons learned from apartments and RV park operations Quotes “There’s a weird space where deals are too big for residential managers but too small for commercial operators.” “Self-managing gives you control, but third-party managers bring relationships you can’t build overnight.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Greg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregjscully/

The Real Work Behind Real Estate: Asset Management, People, and Performance

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with real estate investor and operator Greg Scully to unpack the realities of asset management vs property management. From working with third-party managers to building an in-house management company, Greg shares real-world lessons from apartments, RV parks, and syndications across Tennessee. This conversation goes beyond theory and dives into the human, operational, and financial sides of managing real estate at scale. Topics Covered The difference between asset management and property management How to effectively “manage the manager” when using third-party property management Key reports and metrics asset managers should review regularly Handling underperformance, communication, and accountability with management teams Labor shortages, maintenance challenges, and operational bottlenecks Knowing your lane and avoiding opportunity cost as an investor The emotional and human side of owning and operating properties Navigating rent increases responsibly within local communities Using unit tiers and alternative income streams instead of blanket rent hikes The pros and cons of starting an in-house property management company Controlling timelines, expenses, and vacancy during heavy rehab projects Quotes “Anybody can do it, but not everybody can do it well.” “You can be uncomfortable and growing, or uncomfortable and not operating in your lane.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Greg : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregjscully/

The Art of Capital Raising: Communicating with High-Net-Worth Investors

Episode Overview Did you know that nearly 90% of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate? In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Edmund Chien, a seasoned real estate investor and former private equity partner with over 20 years of experience managing hundreds of millions of dollars in assets. Edmund shares the methodical, proven approaches he learned on Wall Street, in private equity, and through military-style training to help investors confidently raise capital, handle objections, and communicate at a higher level. This conversation moves beyond “tips and tricks” and dives into real frameworks for consultative sales, investor psychology, and long-term credibility. Whether you’re brand new to investing, stuck raising capital, or ready to operate at a higher level, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Topics Covered How professional investors evaluate deals and sponsors Capital raising through preparation, repetition, and confidence Military-inspired training methods for sales conversations Role play: explain, demonstrate, imitate, practice Identifying the real meaning behind investor objections Shifting from reactive selling to consultative conversations Using open-ended questions to build trust and authority Why capital raising is a process, not a performance Quotes “It’s not about scripts, it’s about understanding the motivation behind the question.” — Edmund Chien “Great capital raising isn’t a trick. It’s a methodical process of helping people solve real problems.” — Edmund Chien Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Edmund: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundchien/

Raising Capital with Confidence: Building Trust, Authenticity, and Investor Relationships That Last

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with seasoned capital-raising and wealth management expert Edmund Chien to break down what truly drives successful investor relationships. With over 20 years of experience across private equity, family offices, and estate planning, From navigating rejection and emotional burnout to mastering consultative sales and investor communication, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts and practical strategies for new, stuck, and seasoned real estate investors alike. If you want to raise capital without feeling salesy, build long-term trust, and position yourself as a confident leader in the room, this episode delivers. 📌 Topics Covered Why 90% of millionaires invest in real estate The biggest mistakes new investors make when raising capital How to raise money without cold calling or leaving your house The difference between flattery and meaningful validation Managing rejection, emotional burnout, and momentum loss Building trust through empathy and investor-centered conversations Consultative sales vs. transactional selling How to handle tough investor questions with confidence Why emotion drives action more than logic in capital raising Creating long-term investor relationships across generations 💬 Memorable Quotes “Logic gets people to think. Emotion gets people to act—and when you’re raising capital, you need people to act.” “Raising capital isn’t about selling a deal. It’s about deeply understanding someone’s values and showing them you genuinely care.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Edmund: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundchien/

Consultative Capital Raising and Investor Mindset with Edmund Chien

In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Edmund Chien, a seasoned real estate investor and capital raising coach with over 20 years of experience spanning private equity, family offices, and wealth management. Edmund breaks down how shifting from a traditional sales mindset to a consultative approach can completely transform the way investors raise capital, connect with accredited investors, and build long-term trust. This conversation also dives deep into mindset, efficiency, and the emotional discipline required to succeed in capital raising. Topics Covered Why 90 percent of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate Edmund Chien’s background in private equity, family offices, and wealth management The shift from selling to consultative capital raising • How to position passive income as a “third source of income” Identifying and qualifying accredited investors Understanding investor avatars by wealth level, geography, and generation Protecting your time and staying efficient while raising capital Navigating SEC guidelines and investor conversations ethically Managing rejection, emotional highs and lows, and momentum Using gratitude, validation, and service to reset mindset and confidence Quotes “Capital raising isn’t about selling. It’s about consulting, discovering problems, and offering real solutions.” “When you fill your cup with gratitude and positivity, it shows up in every investor conversation you have.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Edmund: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundchien/

Leading Yourself to Financial Freedom One Real Estate Decision at a Time

Overview In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Stuart to break down what it really takes to get started and keep moving forward in real estate investing. Whether you are brand new, feeling stuck, or already investing and looking to sharpen your skills, this conversation focuses on the foundational habits that create long term wealth. From building financial literacy to taking control of your money and surrounding yourself with the right people, this episode is all about learning, growth, and momentum. Topics Covered Why real estate is a common wealth building tool among millionaires The importance of financial literacy and investing in yourself Book and podcast recommendations that spark a mindset shift Understanding good debt versus bad debt Why giving every dollar a name changes your financial future Real life examples of budgeting, discipline, and delayed gratification A powerful story of a young investor who transformed his spending habits Why networking matters and how relationships create opportunities How immersing yourself in the language of real estate accelerates growth A recap of the three core principles to lead yourself toward financial freedom Quotes "Formal education will make you a living, self education will make you wealthy" "Your network really does shape your opportunities, many of the biggest wins come directly from the people you surround yourself with" Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/ Connect with Stuart https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-berryhill-67382486/

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