The Academy Presents podcast

The Academy Presents podcast

by Angel Williams
How To

Ira Fishman: Building a Legacy Through Real Estate and Family

In this episode, Ira Fishman shares his personal journey as a real estate investor, father, and advocate for creating a secure future for his son with special needs. Ira discusses how real estate can be more than an investment vehicle by creating long term stability, passive income, and a lasting legacy. He also opens up about the realities of raising a family with special needs, the importance of planning for the future, and how his apartment building has become part of his vision for providing housing and financial security for his son. Topics Covered Real estate investing and creating long term passive income Using real estate to build a lasting legacy Providing housing for individuals with special needs Planning for the future and establishing a special needs trust The impact of special needs on the entire family The role of siblings in long term family planning Resilience, advocacy, and navigating challenges as a parent Creating inclusive communities through housing Turning personal experiences into opportunities to help others Quotes “It's our reality. I mean, it's no reason to hide it from the world.” “My why is to make sure my son Ethan is taken care of forever.”
E679
Sep 12, 2026
15:08

From Real Estate Investing to Creating a Home With Purpose

In this episode, Ira Fishman shares how real estate investing can create long term financial stability while also serving a much deeper purpose. Ira discusses his experience building a residential real estate portfolio, the importance of strategic partnerships, and why investors should focus on opportunities that make sense for their individual goals rather than simply chasing larger properties. Topics Covered Real estate investing and building long term wealth Generating passive income through rental properties Portfolio purchases and cash flowing properties Investing based on opportunity rather than property size Economies of scale in property management Finding strategic partners and building relationships in new markets Evaluating markets based on job growth, diversification, and population movement Using real estate to create a lasting legacy The challenges families face when special needs services change after young adulthood Creating supportive residential housing for adults with special needs Promoting independence through housing, employment, transportation, and community involvement The importance of having a meaningful “why” behind real estate investing Quotes “It's all relative and sometimes you just got to take what the market's giving you.” “We're trying to make the world a better place.”
E678
Sep 9, 2026
17:21

Joint Ventures, Affordable Housing, and Building Generational Wealth Through Real Estate

In this episode, Angel sits down with Ira Fishman to discuss his 12 plus years of experience in multifamily real estate and his extensive experience with joint venture partnerships. Ira shares why he has focused primarily on JVs, how they differ from syndications, and why he prefers having an active role in the properties he invests in. They also explore affordable housing, HAP contracts, the advantages and challenges of the asset class, and the importance of building long term wealth through real estate. Topics Covered Ira Fishman's background in financial services and multifamily real estate The differences between joint ventures and syndications Raising capital through larger JV partnerships The benefits of having fewer partners and faster decision making The importance of each partner bringing value beyond capital Affordable housing and Section 8 properties Understanding HAP, or Housing Assistance Program, contracts How affordable housing can serve seniors, people with disabilities, and families facing financial challenges The benefits and challenges of investing in regulated affordable housing Why Ira prefers a buy and hold strategy Refinancing properties and recycling capital into future investments Building generational wealth through real estate The importance of learning from experienced syndicators before entering a new investment strategy Balancing multifamily investments with an existing residential portfolio Quotes I like to be more involved on what’s going on in the property, the bigger decision making.” “I’m a firm believer in that. If you hold it for the long term, look at it in 10 years, 20 years from now, it’s gonna be worth more.”
E677
Sep 7, 2026
14:26

Trevor McGregor: Why Real Estate Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Trevor McGregor for a powerful conversation about using real estate as a vehicle for freedom, personal growth, meaningful relationships, and impact. Trevor shares his perspective on the five freedoms and six human needs, while emphasizing the importance of patience, relationships, education, and taking consistent action. The conversation explores why real estate is a long term game and how surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate both personal and professional growth. Trevor also shares why hunger and passion are essential to staying committed, especially during challenging market conditions. Topics Covered The five freedoms of real estate investing Financial freedom, time freedom, and geographical freedom Creating freedom to impact others Building meaningful relationships with like minded investors and entrepreneurs The six human needs and how they connect to fulfillment The importance of personal growth, mentors, coaching, and accountability Why real estate is a marathon rather than a sprint The marshmallow test and the power of delayed gratification Building pipelines during challenging market conditions Why relationships are at the center of real estate investing Finding your hunger and passion for success Taking intelligent and inspired action Teaching others what you learn and creating a greater impact Quotes “Real estate is a game of patience. It's a game of relationships.” “Where there's passion and possibility, there's profit waiting for you.”
E676
Sep 4, 2026
20:28

Building Your Capital Raising Pipeline with Trevor McGregor

In this episode, Angel Williams sits down with Trevor McGregor to talk about the realities of raising capital and what it takes to keep moving forward when things do not go as planned. Trevor shares practical strategies for building relationships, following up with potential investors, expanding beyond your existing network, and creating multiple pipelines for finding capital. The conversation also explores the importance of persistence, community, and building toward financial, time, and geographical freedom through real estate investing. Topics Covered Capital raising in challenging markets The importance of persistence and consistency Overcoming discouragement as an investor Why you should not compare your journey to someone else's Building meaningful relationships with investors How to handle being ghosted by potential investors Creating an effective follow up system Using calls, voicemails, and texts to stay connected Expanding your investor network beyond family and friends Building multiple capital raising pipelines Using podcasts, meetups, conferences, and community events Creating investor dinners and relationship building events Connecting with real estate agents and other professionals Finding new investor groups within your existing community Using social media and newsletters to expand your reach Understanding the numbers behind capital raising Building financial freedom through real estate Creating time freedom and geographical freedom The importance of community and finding your tribe Quotes “Discouragement and happiness, they're on the same coin.” “A friend doesn't like to tell a friend no.”
E675
Sep 2, 2026
19:17

The Mindset You Need to Succeed in a Challenging Real Estate Market with Trevor McGregor

In this episode, Angel sits down with her friend and coach, Trevor McGregor, to have a real and honest conversation about navigating difficult seasons in real estate. Trevor shares how investors can use slower market conditions as an opportunity to strengthen their mindset, sharpen their skills, build the right relationships, and prepare for the next market cycle. Instead of getting discouraged by the current environment, this conversation is about leaning into the season, continuing to learn, and making sure you are ready when the opportunities come back around. Topics Covered • How to stay motivated when the real estate market feels challenging • The importance of mindset during difficult economic seasons • Understanding the different seasons of the real estate market • Why slower markets can be the perfect time to educate yourself • Using hibernation as a time for preparation, reflection, and growth • How to improve your underwriting and deal analysis skills • Why investors may need to look at more deals before finding the right opportunity • Building a strong network and surrounding yourself with the right people • Taking a personal inventory of your strengths and weaknesses • Knowing when to bring the right people onto your team • Improving your capital raising strategy • How the law of familiarity can affect your confidence • Why success leaves clues and repetition builds skill • Staying committed even when the results are not immediate Quotes “There's a reason for every season.” “What you practice in private makes perfect in public.”
E674
Aug 31, 2026
19:06

From Land to Community and Affordable Housing with Brandon Cobb Part III

In this conversation, Angel sits down with Brandon Cobb to talk about the realities of real estate investing, land development, and the lessons that come from making expensive mistakes. Brandon shares why cash flow, education, and having the right guidance are so important when getting into development. They also dive into opportunity cost and how AI agents are transforming the way real estate investors run their businesses, from due diligence and bookkeeping to sales and reporting. Topics Covered 📍 The importance of cash flow in real estate investing 📍 Lessons learned from expensive investment mistakes 📍 Land development and the challenges that come with it 📍 Raising capital and building relationships with investors 📍 The importance of mentorship and learning from experienced investors 📍 Understanding opportunity cost in real estate 📍 How AI agents can automate real estate businesses 📍 Using AI for due diligence, bookkeeping and sales 📍 How investors can start using AI to improve their businesses 📍 The future of AI and the emerging agentic economy Quotes “That's your biggest enemy with this business is not knowing. The key to this business is survival.” “Whatever you can dream right now, AI agents can actually go and do.” Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E673
Aug 24, 2026
24:30

From Land to Community and Affordable Housing with Brandon Cobb Part II

In this episode of Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Brandon Cobb to dive into the world of land development, entitlement, and creating value through real estate development. Brandon breaks down the development process from concept plans and preliminary plat approvals to infrastructure, buyers, and multiple exit strategies. He also shares why designing with the end buyer in mind, building the right team, and learning from experienced mentors can save investors significant time, money, and frustration. Topics Covered 📍 Understanding the land development and entitlement process 📍 The importance of preliminary plat approval 📍 Working with civil engineers and municipalities 📍 How to avoid unnecessary development costs 📍 Designing communities with the end buyer in mind 📍 Brandon's three phases of land development 📍 Working with national home builders 📍 Creating multiple exit strategies 📍 Force appreciating land throughout the development process 📍 The value of masterminds, mentorship, and experienced teams 📍 Building a lifestyle focused real estate business 📍 Why investors should establish cash flow before pursuing development 📍 The Land Development Accelerator and Land Development 101 Quotes “We've lined up our buyer on our exit. There's no speculation. There's no what if.” “Do whatever you're passionate about. I really enjoy this business and anybody can develop, but make sure that you've got your cash flow set first.” Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E672
Aug 21, 2026
23:27

From Land to Community and Affordable Housing with Brandon Cobb

In this episode, Angel sits down with Brandon Cobb, a land developer and fund manager from Nashville, Tennessee, to dive into the world of real estate development. Brandon shares how he takes farmland through the entitlement process and transforms it into new housing communities, while also discussing the challenges developers face when working with cities and municipalities. The conversation explores mobile home communities, affordable housing, risk management, investor returns, and the importance of understanding local approvals before purchasing land. Brandon also explains how development can create win wins for investors, residents, cities, and surrounding communities. Topics Covered • Land development and the three phases of development • Understanding the entitlement process and city approvals • How to reduce risk when purchasing development land • Lessons learned from costly development mistakes • Developing mobile home communities • Affordable and attainable housing for first time homebuyers • Working with municipalities and understanding what cities want • The challenges of NIMBY opposition • Resident owned mobile home communities • Balancing social impact with investor returns • Real estate syndications and private equity • How new development can benefit investors, residents, and cities Quotes “Never buy anything until you have the approvals from the city.” “You can be an impact investor the same way that you can be an investor looking for the return.” Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/ Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E671
Aug 20, 2026
18:46

Building a Real Estate Fund with Melanie McDaniel Part III

In this episode of Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Melanie McDaniel to take a closer look at what it takes to structure, launch, and manage a real estate fund. Melanie shares practical lessons from her own experience, including how fund managers can create value, structure fees and promotes, raise capital, find the right investors, and build a strong team. The conversation also explores the realities of running a fund as a side business, the importance of choosing the right partners and advisors, and why understanding your value is essential when working with other people's money. Topics Covered How fund managers can make money through fees, equity, and promote Understanding fund structure, carry, splits, and waterfalls How to determine the value you bring to investors Strategies for raising capital and finding fund investors The importance of relationships, referrals, and networking What investors should look for when evaluating a fund manager Why track record and experience matter when investing in funds The platforms and tools available for managing investors and fund administration The challenges of running a real estate fund as a side gig Why choosing the right partners, attorneys, advisors, and managers is critical Quotes “You have to know your value and you have to make some money.” “Your network is your net worth. You just have to know how to mine your network.” Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/
E670
Aug 17, 2026
22:20
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