The Academy Presents podcast
Season 1
by Angel Williams
How do you explain the difference between buying toys and building wealth to a nine-year-old—and why does it matter for high-earning professionals too? In this final segment with Ashley Garner, Angel Williams and Ashley explore the parallels between teaching kids about money and helping high-income professionals understand real estate investing. Ashley shares how he used his son's 3D printer purchases to teach about cash flow versus consumption, while Angel recounts her daughter's accidental entrepreneurship with pompoms that funded three years of camp expenses. They discuss how syndications provide a solution for busy professionals who want real estate benefits without the work, why the classic 1% rule might need updating to 1.5%, and the critical importance of always factoring in management fees—even when self-managing. [00:01 - 04:00] Syndications: Meeting High Earners Where They Are How syndications allow doctors, lawyers, and athletes to benefit from real estate without the work Overcoming the mindset barriers of asking successful people to invest Why high-income professionals need operators like Ashley and Angel [00:04 - 07:00] Teaching Money Lessons Through Real Examples Ashley's lesson to his son: apartment buildings vs. 3D printer toys The concept of income-producing assets versus consumption Why understanding cash flow matters at any age [07:01 - 09:30] Angel's Daughter's Accidental Business Empire How selling one pompom turned into a three-year business funding camp expenses The teacher intervention that required a "business license" Learning to recognize and nurture entrepreneurial moments [09:31 - 12:30] Why Residential Experience Translates to Multifamily How transaction processes, lending, and inspections remain fundamentally the same Breaking through the mental block that separates "residential" from "commercial" The importance of taking the first step despite perceived knowledge gaps [12:31 - 16:00] The Evolution of the 1% Rule Why the classic 1% rule might need to become 1.5% due to inflation How to properly evaluate deals in today's market conditions The critical importance of factoring in management fees regardless of who manages [16:01 - 20:00] Different Paths, Same Destination Wealth building through multifamily versus cash flow through residential Why some investors prefer solo ownership while others embrace syndications How to choose the right strategy based on your goals and risk tolerance Connect with Ashley: Website: abgmultifamily.com Key Quotes: "When you're not investing your money, it's just sitting there and you wind up just spending it and the next thing you know, it's all gone." - Angel Williams "You've gotta take that first step, just get into it and you'll realize you know a whole lot more than you think already." - Ashley Garner Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What happens when you realize that saving money on property management fees is actually costing you more in stress, quality of life, and your ability to scale? In this continuation episode, Angel Williams and Ashley Garner dive deeper into the critical decisions that separate surviving real estate investors from thriving ones. Ashley reveals why he abandoned self-management despite the cost savings, how the "survival mode" that once saved him became his biggest limitation, and why outsourcing everything to specialists accelerated his growth. Angel shares her hesitations about creating a third-party management company and discovers why the math might not add up. This conversation explores the hidden costs of doing everything yourself and how quality of life decisions—like hiring house cleaners instead of buying luxury cars—create the freedom that makes real estate investing worthwhile. [00:01 - 04:00] Breaking Free from Survival Mode Why the survival instincts that help you start can limit your scaling How spreading yourself thin defeats the original goal of financial freedom The counterintuitive relationship between delegation and control [04:01 - 07:30] The Self-Management Experiment Ashley's experience managing 100+ units with his own employee Why Saturday night toilet calls made him rethink the "savings" How third-party management fees compare to the true cost of self-management [07:31 - 10:00] The Real Math of Property Management Why management fees range from 3% to 10% depending on property size The hidden costs that bring third-party management close to 10% anyway Why Ashley believes property managers deserve 30% for what they deal with [10:01 - 13:30] Finding Your Superpower Strategy Why working on weaknesses keeps you mediocre instead of exceptional The reality that personality doesn't drastically change after your thirties How to identify what to outsource versus what to keep in-house [13:31 - 17:00] Quality of Life Over Material Wealth Why Ashley's first purchase with extra income was house cleaning, not luxury cars How real estate investing provides freedom to attend school events and family activities The short window of opportunity for being present during children's formative years [17:01 - 20:25] The Feast or Famine Reality Why real estate investing requires discipline for irregular income flows How to budget when a $50K distribution might need to last 12 months Introduction to syndications as a way to help others benefit from real estate without the work Connect with Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybgarner/ Key Quotes: "That survival is a trait that I would never give up " - Ashley Garner "Don't spend all your time working on your weaknesses." - Angel Williams Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What happens when you realize you're "mathematically eliminated" from reaching your financial goals at your current pace—and decide to do something about it? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Ashley Garner, a residential real estate broker who scaled from single-family properties to a recent 196-unit acquisition. Ashley shares his journey from working with a hammer in hand alongside his father in junior high to building a multifamily empire. He reveals the power of infinite returns through strategic refinancing, why he never sold his residential portfolio, and how the tax benefits of multifamily can offset active income. This conversation explores the mindset shifts required to move from doing everything yourself to building a team, and why finding your lane—rather than trying to master everything—accelerates growth. [00:01 - 03:30] The Foundation: Learning with a Hammer How Ashley's real estate education started in junior high with his father Why they still own most of those original student rental properties from the 1980s The progression from single houses to duplexes, triplexes, and beyond [03:31 - 07:00] The Power of Infinite Returns How Ashley refinanced his 10-unit property three times for cash-out refinancing Why keeping residential properties alongside multifamily creates infinite returns The difference between overnight success myths and building wealth over decades [07:01 - 11:00] The Mathematical Reality Check Why Ashley realized he was "mathematically eliminated" from his goals at his current pace How multifamily "balloons your net worth" compared to single-family properties The tax advantages: making $15K in cash while showing a $51K loss to the IRS [11:01 - 14:00] From Residential to Commercial Mindset Why larger multifamily is "a whole business" with staff, maintenance, and operations The importance of accrual accounting for managing monthly expenses How to avoid cash flow disasters by setting aside money for annual expenses [14:01 - 18:40] Scaling Through Delegation Breaking the "hands-on" mindset inherited from family business Why outsourcing to specialists beats being a beginner at everything How AI and international outsourcing can improve quality while reducing costs [18:41 - 19:05] Finding Your Lane in Partnerships Angel's strategy: "Numbers are not my thing" to optimize team dynamics How specialization allows partners to play to their strengths Why staying in your lane accelerates overall team performance Connect with Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybgarner/ Key Quotes: "I've purchased millions of dollars of other real estate with none of my own money, just equity from that [10-unit property]." - Ashley Garner "Why wouldn't I outsource it to somebody that that is their specialty? There's a better use of my time than learning how to create graphics in Canva." - Angel Williams Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What happens when you discover that everything you've been taught to accept without question—from lender rates to management contracts—is actually negotiable? In this continuation episode, Angel Williams and Bethany Finch dive deeper into the hard-earned lessons that come from real estate investing mistakes. Bethany reveals why she never accepts a contract without red-lining it first, how a coaching breakthrough taught her that "everything is negotiable," and why teachers must unlearn the habit of accepting status quo. Angel shares her own painful lessons about property management contracts and trust account nightmares that left six figures inaccessible during a crisis. This conversation explores how educators can transfer their problem-solving skills to real estate while breaking free from the employee mindset that limits their negotiating power. [00:01 - 04:00] Property Management Reality Check Why Angel felt isolated during a crisis with no local syndication support The costly lesson of having six figures trapped in inaccessible trust accounts How residential real estate friends can't always help with commercial challenges [04:01 - 06:30] Contract Lessons Learned the Hard Way Why reading every contract line by line is non-negotiable How red-lining contracts becomes standard practice after expensive mistakes The importance of understanding landlord laws and trust account regulations [06:31 - 09:30] Breaking the Employee Mindset Why traditional jobs train us to accept procedures without question How teachers can leverage their outside-the-box thinking in business The difference between companies that recognize valuable input versus those that don't [09:31 - 12:00] Teaching Innovation Transfers to Real Estate Bethany's unconventional approach to helping ADD students without medication How asking better questions leads to breakthrough solutions Why removing obstacles (mental or physical) unlocks potential [12:01 - 14:25] Taking Action Beyond Mindset The importance of reaching out to experienced mentors for guidance Why passive income opportunities require the right questions before investing How real estate investing provides freedom to retire on your terms, not the system's timeline Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-finch-amhs/ Key Quotes: "Everything is negotiable." - Bethany Finch "We will never sign another contract without red lining. Ever." - Angel Williams Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What happens when a teacher maxes out credit cards and takes loans against retirement to break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle—and it actually works? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Bethany Finch of American Made Home Solutions to explore the raw reality of transitioning from teaching to real estate investing. Bethany opens up about the financial struggles that pushed her to take massive action, the coaching that kept her accountable, and the contractor nightmares that nearly broke her spirit. She shares why teachers have unique advantages in real estate, the importance of choosing multifamily over single-family properties, and how building the right team transforms everything. This conversation reveals not just the strategies for success, but the emotional resilience required to push through when everything seems to be falling apart. [00:01 - 03:00] The Financial Reality Check Why being paycheck-to-paycheck as an educator created urgency for change How teachers' natural problem-solving skills translate to real estate success The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance thinking [03:01 - 06:30] Paying for Education with Everything You Have Why Bethany chose to pay for coaching despite having no money How maxing out credit cards and borrowing from retirement accelerated her timeline The importance of momentum over perfect financial circumstances [06:31 - 09:58] The Contractor Nightmare Bethany's experience firing eight contractors on a single project How a 2 AM breakdown led to a crucial coaching breakthrough Why accepting that 10% of deals will lose money changes everything [09:59 - 13:00] From Single-Family to Multifamily Mindset Why most teachers get stuck in the single-family trap How multifamily investing provides better returns and passive income The education process needed to shift from personal liability to business thinking [13:01 - 16:15] Building and Trusting Your Team Why teachers struggle to rely on others after years of self-reliance How GP team dynamics work when everyone goes on vacation at once The importance of setting boundaries and communication protocols [16:15 - 18:05] The Power of Permission and Support Why team members need explicit permission to reach out during emergencies How to transition smoothly through challenges without stressing your team Learning to ask for help before you're overwhelmed Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-finch-amhs/ Key Quotes: "You're gonna pay for your education one way or the other. Either with time or with money." - Bethany Finch "I don't need a cheerleader. I need a coach." - Bethany Finch "10% of all the deals you'll do in a year, you're gonna bring money to that table. The home run King doesn't always hit a home run." - Bethany Finch "Teachers come with a unique skillset already because we're figuring things out on the fly." - Angel Williams Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What would you do if all you had was $250 and a dream of financial freedom—could it really change your life? In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Bethany Finch of American Made Home Solutions to explore how a teacher living paycheck to paycheck turned a modest $250 into the start of a real estate career. Bethany shares her journey from teaching and coaching with no retirement plan to building multifamily syndications across the country. She opens up about the mistakes she made on her first deal, the importance of coaching, and why determination and resourcefulness matter more than perfect circumstances. This conversation highlights not only the practical steps for entering real estate but also the mindset shifts required to succeed. [00:01 - 03:00] From Teacher to Investor The significance of starting from a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle Why having no retirement plan pushed Bethany to act How a side business helped open the door to real estate [03:01 - 06:30] The $250 Decision What led Bethany to attend her first real estate event How a free seminar turned into her first deal opportunity Why the importance of education outweighed the fear of failure [06:31 – 09:58] First Deal, First Lessons How she locked up her first property under contract Why small mistakes in contracts matter and what she learned The need for persistence when faced with obstacles [09:59 – 13:00] Building Through Resourcefulness How family and friends helped on her first renovation Why creativity and problem-solving were key to success The importance of refusing a victim mindset in business [13:01 - 16:15] Coaching and Accountability How a coach helped Bethany stay on track with timelines Why giving permission to be held accountable is vital The significance of finding the right coaching fit for growth Connect with Bethany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-finch-amhs/ Key Quotes: “I scrounged that $250, and instead of putting it into stocks, I invested in education—and that decision changed everything.” - Bethany Finch “I don’t need a cheerleader. I need a coach.” - Bethany Finch Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
What if the key to building lasting business relationships wasn’t about selling harder, but about genuinely understanding others’ perspectives? In this conversation, Alina Trigub joins Angel to share practical strategies for connecting with people, raising capital, and navigating compliance in real estate syndications. Drawing from Dale Carnegie’s timeless principles, Alina explains why empathy, sincerity, and genuine rapport are essential for success. She also breaks down key SEC regulations, including the differences between 506(b) and 506(c) exemptions, and how to avoid costly compliance mistakes. [00:01 - 03:50] The Power of Positive Interaction How avoiding confrontation keeps conversations flowing in a positive direction. Why making people say “yes” early in a conversation builds rapport. The significance of seeing situations from another person’s perspective. [03:51 - 06:40] Rapport-Building in Action How remembering small personal details, like children’s names, strengthens connections. Why sincerity in your smile matters more than you think. The importance of authentic listening to make people feel valued. [06:41 - 09:31] Practice and Personalization How repeated practice reduces fear and builds confidence. Why you should focus on the strategies that resonate most with you. The importance of implementing a few effective techniques rather than forcing all of them. [09:32 - 13:01] Compliance and the Rules of Raising Capital What the differences are between 506(b) and 506(c) exemptions. Why understanding “preexisting relationships” is critical for 506(b) offerings. The need to avoid compensation tied directly to capital raised. [13:02 - 17:11] Finding the Right Fit with Investors How matching investor needs with your offering is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. Why a “no” today doesn’t mean “no” forever. The importance of staying connected for future opportunities. Connect with Alina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinatrigub/ Key Quotes: “The best way to be successful in anything you do is to understand the other person's point of view.” - Alina Trigub “Just because they’re not the buyer today doesn’t mean they won’t be the buyer next month.” - Angel Williams Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
How can identifying your ideal audience and building genuine relationships transform the way you raise capital? In this episode, Alina Trigub talks about the art of finding and connecting with your ideal investors. Alina explains why creating a detailed audience profile is the foundation for successful capital raising and how authentic, relationship-driven conversations outperform hard selling. She shares practical ways to identify prospects in everyday settings, turn casual interactions into opportunities, and leverage past career skills in real estate investing. The discussion also draws from timeless relationship principles inspired by Dale Carnegie, offering listeners actionable strategies to deepen trust and credibility with potential investors. [00:01 - 04:30] Defining Your Ideal Investor Avatar How identifying your audience early makes capital raising easier. Why everyday interactions in familiar environments are ideal for finding investors. The significance of asking open-ended “what” and “why” questions to understand investor needs. [04:31 - 08:52] Relationship-First Approach to Capital Why trust and rapport often matter more than pitching returns. How to build investor relationships like nurturing a family connection. The need to overcome lack of experience by partnering with seasoned professionals. [08:53 - 12:00] Leveraging Past Career Skills in Real Estate How skills from previous industries can be repurposed for real estate investing. Why clear communication is vital for explaining complex deals in simple terms. The importance of viewing all past experiences as assets for building credibility. [12:01 - 16:27] Building Credibility Through Experience How shared backgrounds and personal stories can connect with investors. Why long-term experience, even in different areas of real estate, holds weight. The significance of surrounding yourself with a capable, complementary team. [16:28 - 20:15] Timeless Relationship Principles for Investors How Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” applies to capital raising. Why listening, remembering names, and showing genuine interest strengthen trust. The need to focus on others’ priorities to create meaningful, lasting connections. Connect with Alina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinatrigub/ Key Quotes: “Think of your day-to-day environment. That’s where you’ll find people who already know, like, and trust you — your ideal investors.” - Alina Trigub “When you lack a track record, borrow one by partnering with someone experienced. You’re offering them and their credibility.” - Alina Trigub Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
How can focusing on relationships, education, and compliance help real estate investors raise private capital with confidence? In this episode, Alina Trigub, Head of Investor Relations at TF Management Group and founder of SAMO Financial, shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S., working in accounting and IT, to building a career in passive real estate investing. She discusses the turning points that led her to syndications, the tax benefits of real estate, and her step-by-step approach to raising private capital. Listeners will learn why understanding both the investor and operator perspectives is vital, how to build lasting trust with investors, and the importance of staying within regulatory guidelines. [00:01 - 04:42] From Accounting to Passive Investing How Alina’s early career in accounting and IT shaped her financial perspective Why rising taxes pushed her to explore real estate The significance of her first syndication investment and how it led to ongoing opportunities [04:43 - 07:39] Lessons from Early Deals Why initial naivety can sometimes work in an investor’s favor The importance of learning through each investment What the 1031 exchange is and why it matters for tax deferral [07:40 - 11:03] The Power of Real Estate Over Paper Assets Why tangible assets often provide more stability The need for diversification beyond Wall Street How tax benefits can create a stronger financial position [11:04 - 15:21] Raising Capital: The Three Big F’s Why understanding both the active and passive sides is crucial The three pillars: Focus, Find, Follow How to define and target the ideal investor avatar [15:22 - 18:30] Practical Steps for Investor Engagement How to maintain trust and transparency with investors Why compliance is non-negotiable in capital raising What long-term success looks like in investor relations Connect with Alina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinatrigub/ Key Quotes: “Sometimes there is a blessing in the naivety of not knowing.” - Alina Trigub “Where else can you get the tax advantages, if not in real estate?” - Alina Trigub Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!
Could the discomfort you’re feeling be a sign that you’re finally moving in the right direction—in real estate and life? In this episode, high-performance coach and real estate investor Trevor McGregor joins Angel to break down the mindset shifts necessary to transition from being stuck to being unstoppable. They explore the power of long-term vision, the importance of embracing discomfort, and how growth often looks like setbacks in disguise. Trevor shares how the six human needs can be fulfilled through real estate and emphasizes the impact of staying committed—even in the face of adversity. Packed with real-world examples, personal stories, and practical takeaways, this conversation challenges listeners to reevaluate their approach to fear, failure, and momentum. [00:01 - 04:53] In the Game or In the Stands? Why mindset outweighs mechanics when it comes to long-term success How to shift from being an observer to becoming an active player The importance of committing to the journey—even if progress feels slow [04:54 - 08:16] Real Estate is the Gym How small consistent actions build powerful results over time Why early discomfort is often a sign you're heading toward growth What persistence looks like in the face of slow momentum [08:17 - 12:42] The Staircase Isn’t Straight Why the path to success is more like a staircase with setbacks than a straight climb The significance of adversity as a training ground for resilience How staying in the game—even after failures—creates compound results [12:43 - 17:05] - “Six Human Needs & Real Estate” What the six human needs are and how real estate can meet them The importance of checking in with yourself regularly to measure fulfillment How growth and contribution shape long-term satisfaction [17:06 - 21:08] - “Muscle Building Through Adversity” How to reframe past pain as training, not trauma Why quitting often happens just before a breakthrough The need to actively move forward to attract the right opportunities Connect with Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mcgregor-93375862/ Key Quotes: “Success is 80% mindset and 20% mechanics.” - Trevor McGregor “Behind every dark cloud in the sky, there’s a silver lining, and I guarantee the sun is behind every dark cloud you face.” - Trevor McGregor Visit sponsorcloud.io/contact today and unlock $2,000 of free services exclusively for REI Rocks community members! Get automated syndication and investor relationship management tools to save time and money. Mention your part of the REI Rocks community for exclusive offers. Help make affordable, low-cost education summits possible. Check out Sponsor Cloud today!