180. The 5 Pillars of Smart Private Real Estate Investing with Spencer Hilligoss
Check the episode transcript hereABOUT SPENCER HILLIGOSSSpencer Hilligoss is a passive investor who runs Madison Investing - a club where LPs gain access to the same types of niche investment opportunities where Spencer deploys his own money - including cash-flowing assets like self-storage, mobile home parks, multifamily and private credit. Spencer Hilligoss brings over 13 years of leadership experience as a former technology executive, building and scaling high-performing teams at five companies—three of which became billion-dollar "unicorns." Before co-founding Madison Investing, he led business development and professional development at LendingHome, one of the nation’s largest private lenders.As CEO, Spencer drives Madison Investing’s strategic vision, investor relations, and business development efforts. He is also an active investor and sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise on real estate and financial growth strategies. THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: · Spencer’s background in real estate investing· From Fintech to Full-Time Investing · Growing Up in Real Estate (And Coming Full Circle) · First Rental Lessons in the Bay Area · Scaling Through Long-Distance & Private Placements · Entrepreneurship as a Lifestyle Design Tool · Over-Education to Accelerate Confidence · The Importance of Community & Mentorship · Adapting to Market Cycles · Preferred Asset Classes & Investment Focus · The 5-Part Sponsor Vetting Framework · Looking Beyond IRR: Evaluating True Track Record · Getting “Under the Hood” of a Deal · Behavioral Interviewing for Sponsors· Sponsor Transparency & Communication KEY QUOTE: “If someone has been able to operate an asset, buy it, operate it, improve it, whatever that business plan might be, and sell it at a profit, they should be able to articulate that in exhaustive detail and show that on paper and somehow.” ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication. The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com. We would like to thank our Sponsors: OffsitePros and MyMoneyWorksForMe #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateSyndication #SponsorVetting #DueDiligence #PrivateEquityRealEstate #MultifamilyInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #AccreditedInvestor #InvestorEducation #CashFlowInvesting #AssetProtection #WealthBuilding #LongTermInvesting #PortfolioGrowth #AlternativeInvestments #CapitalPreservation #InvestmentStrategy #RealAssets #InflationProtection #FinancialIndependence #MarketCycleInvesting #SmartCapital #DealAnalysis #OperatorSelection #InvestmentFramework #RiskAdjustedReturns #GenerationalWealth #HighNetWorthInvesting #RealEstateProfessionals CONNECT WITH SPENCER HILLIGOSS:Website: www.madisoninvesting.com Personal site: https://spencerhilligoss.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilligoss/ X: https://x.com/SpenceHilligoss CONNECT WITH US For more information about investing with AJ and Chris: · Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/ · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/ For information on Portland Property Management: · Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com · Youtube | @UptownProperties Westside Investors Network · Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/ · Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx · Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/ · Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork
179. How Rising Interest Rates Are Reshaping Multifamily Investing with Ben Murphy
Check the episode transcript hereABOUT BEN MURPHYBen has a proven track record of successfully closing approximately $600 million in multifamily transactions in Oregon and SW Washington since 2014. His outstanding market relationships and reputation are best in class and will significantly enhance our existing reach across all divisions that we work. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ben is a dedicated supporter of environmental causes, actively contributing to organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and Greenpeace. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Multifamily Northwest Government Affairs Committee. THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: · Guest Introduction – background and journey in real estate· Blue State vs. Sunbelt Investing· Market Cycles & Supply Trends · Current Lending Environment· Multifamily Distress Reality Check · Broker Metrics & Prospecting Data · Cap Rate Expansion & Value Decline · Expense Pressure on NOI · Transaction Volume Slowdown · Outlook for 2026 & Market Bottom · Affordable Housing & Policy Challenges · Preparing Assets for Sale · Connect with Ben KEY QUOTE: “The best real estate strategies are built for decades, not market cycles.” ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication. The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com. We would like to thank our Sponsors: OffsitePros and MyMoneyWorksForMe #RealEstateInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #MultifamilyInvesting #CREInvestor #MultifamilyRealEstate #ApartmentInvesting #RealAssets #HardAssets #LongTermInvesting #BuyAndHold #CashFlowInvesting #CapRate #ValueAddRealEstate #RealEstatePortfolio #WealthBuilding #InflationHedge #InvestmentStrategy #PassiveIncome #RealEstateMarket #InvestorMindset #BlueStateInvesting #MarketCycles #RiskAdjustedReturns #CapitalPreservation #SmartCapital #CREWealth #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateEducation #ProfessionalInvestors #GenerationalWealth CONNECT WITH BEN MURPHY:Email: ben.murphy@cinw.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-murphy-35968935 CONNECT WITH US For more information about investing with AJ and Chris: · Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/ · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/ For information on Portland Property Management: · Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com · Youtube | @UptownProperties Westside Investors Network · Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/ · Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx · Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/ · Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork
178. Money Traps to Avoid: How To Take Control of Your Finances & Time with Joey Mure
Check the episode transcript hereABOUT JOEY MUREJoey Muré is co-founder and Partner at Wealth Without Wall Street, dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial independence through passive income strategies. After over a decade of success in the mortgage industry, Joey shifted his focus to empowering others to break free from traditional financial systems and build lasting wealth.As co-host of The Wealth Without Wall Street Podcast and co-author of Wealth Without Wall Street: 3 Steps to Freedom Through Passive Income, Joey shares practical steps for achieving financial freedom. THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: · Guest Introduction – background and journey in real estate· Why only asset-producing income becomes a problem· Shift in Mindset: From Income to Passive Income· Intentional wealth building· Breaking Away from Wall Street· Pivotal book that changed his financial trajectory· Retirement is deferred living, not financial freedom· Regaining control of capital instead of outsourcing it· Identifying “Money Traps”· Opportunity cost and loss of liquidity· Cash Flow vs. Cash Accumulation· Building a Passive Income Operating System· Overview of Wealth Without Wall Street’s framework· Investor DNA & Buy Box Framework· Chasing Trends vs. Building Freedom· Flipping and Crypto as investments · Structured lending and cash-flowing assets· Tax Strategy & Family Office Insights· Final Thoughts & Closing Insights· Free Resources and tools KEY QUOTE: “Passive income is what buys your time back” – Joey Mure ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication. The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com. We would like to thank our Sponsors: OffsitePros and MyMoneyWorksForMe #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateInvestors #InvestorMindset #WealthBuilding #CashFlowInvesting #AlternativeInvestments #FinancialIndependence #TimeFreedom #MoneyMindset #GenerationalWealth #InvestingEducation #SmartInvesting #WealthWithoutWallStreet #RealEstatePodcast #InvestorEducation #AssetBasedIncome #IncomeProducingAssets #PrivateInvesting #RealAssets #BuildWealth #FinancialLiteracy #InvestmentStrategy #PassiveCashFlow #CapitalControl #InvestForFreedom #LongTermWealth #AccreditedInvestors #DealDeepDive CONNECT WITH JOEY MURE:Website: https://www.wealthwithoutwallstreet.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mure-b376824/Free resource: https://go.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/win CONNECT WITH US For more information about investing with AJ and Chris: · Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/ · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/ For information on Portland Property Management: · Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com · Youtube | @UptownProperties Westside Investors Network · Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/ · Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx · Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/ · Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork
177. The 4Ds of Self-Storage: Why Demand Keeps Growing with Bill Kanatas & Ben Salzberg
Check the episode transcript hereABOUT BEN SALZBERG Ben is a real estate developer, operational strategist, and business leader with over 25 years of experience building and optimizing high-performing real estate platforms. As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Self Storage Developers, Ben leads strategy, operations, and market expansion across Class “A” Self Storage, RV & Boat Storage, and Multi-Family developments nationwide. With a background in mechanical engineering, an MBA in quality management, and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Ben brings a rare blend of technical precision, process optimization, and leadership development to real estate. His engineering expertise drives smart, efficient design. ABOUT BILL KANATAS Bill is a visionary entrepreneur and real estate developer with a strong track record in self-storage, multi-family, and mixed-use developments. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Self Storage Developers, he leads the company’s strategic growth, site acquisition, and investment initiatives, focusing on developing Class “A” self-storage facilities across the United States. With a deep understanding of market trends and a commitment to quality, Bill has played a key role in forging partnerships with top national operators such as Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, and Life Storage. THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: · Guest Introduction – background and journey in real estate· How they transitioned into self-storage from corporate and construction careers· Why self-storage is a recession-resistant, tax-advantaged investment· The "4 D's" driving demand· National growth strategy using data, demographics & local relationships· Navigating zoning, development costs, and municipal red tape· Leveraging REIT-level management and exploring solar-powered RV storage· Finding off-market land deals and building for future market demand KEY QUOTE: “Self-storage is a product that everyone needs at some point in their life.” – Bill Kanatas “You can build wealth and help people at the same time. That’s what this business is all about.” – Ben Salzberg ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication. The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com. We would like to thank our Sponsors: OffsitePros and MyMoneyWorksForMe#SelfStorageInvesting #RealEstateDevelopers #StorageUnits #AlternativeInvestments #CREDevelopment #RealEstateDeals #BuildToRent #LandAcquisition #PassiveInvesting #CommercialDevelopment #InvestInStorage #REITStrategy #PropertyDevelopment #StorageDevelopment #InvestSmarter #PrivateEquityRealEstate #OffMarketDeals #InvestorMindset #CREOpportunities #RealEstateReturns #IncomeProducingAssets #ScalableInvesting #LongTermInvesting #StorageFacilities #DataDrivenInvesting #NationalRealEstate #RealEstateStrategy #TaxAdvantagedInvesting #StorageSyndication #WealthThroughRealEstate CONNECT WITH BILL & BEN:Website: https://self-storagedevelopers.comBill’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-kanatas-micp-999255141/ Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensalzberg/ CONNECT WITH US For more information about investing with AJ and Chris: · Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/ · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/ For information on Portland Property Management: · Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com · Youtube | @UptownProperties Westside Investors Network · Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/ · Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx · Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/ · Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork
176. Generational Wealth Through Rentals with Joel Miller
Check the episode transcript hereABOUT JOEL MILLERAfter obtaining a BA in accounting, Joel Miller began investing in rental property in 1978 while simultaneously pioneering a 35-year career as a professional mobile disc jockey. He soon became a respected contributor to magazines for both trades. He has flipped over 100 houses since 1991, and as a leader of a professional organization for landlords, he teaches their Landlord 101 course and a class on house flipping. Additionally, he is now a hard money lender to other investors as well as a trusted mentor, best-selling author, and a frequent podcast guest as well as a noted benefactor and volunteer in his community. THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: · Guest Introduction – background and journey in real estate· Why he wrote Build Real Estate Wealth· Joel’s investing journey· How to balance real estate investing with a full-time career· Skills learned from rentals that transferred to flipping and renovations· Importance of proper tenant selection · From flipping to lending· Leveraging OPM (Other People’s money)· Teaching generational wealth· Advice for new investors· Why rentals offer more stability than flips· The value of having backup exit strategies · Where to find Joel’s book, website, and social platforms KEY QUOTE: “Tenant selection is the most important skill in rental real estate." ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication. The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com. We would like to thank our Sponsors: OffsitePros and MyMoneyWorksForMe #RentalPropertyInvesting #TenantScreening #RealEstateWealth #LongTermRentals #PassiveIncomeTips #RealEstateEducation #HardMoneyLender #BuyAndHoldInvestor #RealEstateAuthor #RentalSuccess #CashFlowStrategy #LandlordTips #REInvesting101 #BuildYourPortfolio #TenantSelectionMatters #MindsetOfAnInvestor #FinancialFreedomPath #RealEstateGoals #RentalRevenue #PropertyManagementTips #SideHustleSuccess #SmartLandlording #LeverageRealEstate #InvestWithPurpose #OPMStrategy #WealthBuildingJourney #RentalGameStrong #LegacyInvestor #DisciplinedInvestor #BookForInvestors CONNECT WITH JOEL:Phone: (814) 868-1116 Website: http://www.JoelMillerBooks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-miller-42981811/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joel.miller.503092 CONNECT WITH US For more information about investing with AJ and Chris: · Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/ · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/ For information on Portland Property Management: · Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com · Youtube | @UptownProperties Westside Investors Network · Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/ · Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx · Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork · LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/ · Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork · Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork