RealDealChat / Lessons from Real Estate Investors
RealDealChat brings you unfiltered conversations with elite real estate investors who share their journey to success. Each episode delivers practical wisdom from industry leaders who openly discuss: • Proven strategies that are generating results in today's market • Honest reflections on mistakes and missteps they've encountered along the way • Actionable takeaways you can implement immediately to elevate your real estate portfolio Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, our no-fluff interviews provide the real-world insights you need to navigate the complexities of real estate investing and accelerate your path to financial freedom. Join us as we decode the secrets of succes...
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Why Weak Leadership Is the Real Risk to Entrepreneurs with Nicholas Lawless
<p>Nicholas Lawless shares why mindset, leadership, and time discipline matter more than tactics for entrepreneurs and real estate investors.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Nicholas Lawless joins Jack for a deep, wide-ranging conversation on mindset, leadership, security, and entrepreneurship—and why most success (or failure) starts long before tactics or money enter the picture.</p><p>Nick shares his unconventional journey from construction and the military to national security work at the highest levels of government, including investigations tied to January 6th and other sensitive matters, before stepping away to build multiple businesses of his own. We sp...
Why Patience Beats Optimism in Real Estate with Ryan Cadwell
<p>Ryan Cadwell shares why patience, cash, and realistic underwriting matter more than optimism as real estate heads toward its next reset.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Ryan Cadwell, CPM of Resolute Realty, delivers a grounded, operator-level perspective on where real estate really stands heading into 2026.</p><p>Ryan walks through his 18-year journey—from growing up around apartments and property management to building a vertically integrated business that includes development, construction, brokerage, and operations. We dig into why many deals are still overpriced, how interest rate cuts failed to reduce the true cost of capital, and why op...
Why Design Mistakes Kill ROI in Multifamily with Marcy Sagel
<p>Marcy Sagel explains how disciplined design decisions directly impact budget control, lease-up speed, and long-term returns in multifamily real estate.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Marcy Sagel—principal of MSA Interiors—breaks down how interior design quietly determines whether a multifamily project stays on budget or spirals out of control.</p><p>With nearly 30 years of experience across market-rate, student housing, senior housing, and affordable housing, Marcy explains why doing all the design work upfront is the single biggest cost-saving move an investor can make. We dive into how late-stage construction changes destroy budgets, how durable materials outp...
The Hidden Risk in Construction Projects (And How to Eliminate It) w/ Gary Eastman
<p>Attorney and surety expert Gary Eastman explains how bonds protect real estate investors from delays, contractor failures, and costly litigation.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Gary Eastman—attorney and founder of Swift Bonds—breaks down what surety bonds really are, why they exist, and when real estate investors should actually use them.</p><p>Gary shares how he accidentally built a nationwide surety business after noticing a gap in how probate, construction, and licensing bonds were being handled. We dive into the three main bond categories (court bonds, contract bonds, and license & permit bonds), how bonds differ from...
Why Partnerships Make or Break Real Estate Investing with Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom
<p>Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom share how surviving the 2008 crash shaped their approach to partnerships, underwriting, and in-house property management.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Erik Nordstrom and Eric Strom of Iron Ridge Capital break down what nearly two decades of investing together has taught them about real estate, relationships, and risk.</p><p>We start with Erik’s early exposure to apartment syndication and the decision to bet on commercial real estate just before the Great Financial Crisis. From living through 2008–2009 to swinging hammers on their first six-unit deal, Erik and Eric explain how that painful peri...
Building Wealth While Building Communities with Dave Holman
<p>Dave Holman shares how buy-and-hold real estate, strong operations, and impact-driven housing can create durable wealth and thriving communities.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Dave Holman—real estate investor, broker, and property manager—walks through a grounded, real-world approach to building wealth through long-term ownership and responsible operations.</p><p>Dave shares how a nontraditional path—from nonprofits and entrepreneurship abroad to real estate in Maine—shaped his philosophy around housing, community, and capital. We dive into scaling from a handful of units to 360+ units owned and managed, plus 180+ units under development, while keeping a strong focus on resid...
Why Grit Beats Talent in Multifamily Real Estate with Mark Shuler
<p>Mark Shuler explains why real estate success isn’t about intellect or experience—it’s about grit, systems, and relentless execution.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Mark Shuler—architect turned multifamily syndicator—breaks down what it really takes to scale in commercial real estate.</p><p>With over $600M in assets, 5,000+ doors, and 200+ employees, Mark shares how he transitioned from being a hired architect to a general partner in large value-add syndications. We dive into deep C-class renovations, workforce housing ethics, supply-chain control, in-house labor models, and why most operators get crushed when assumptions break.</p><p>Mark also...
Invest Like a Chess Master: Market Cycles & Predictable Returns with Mike Zlotnik
<p>Mike Zlotnik breaks down real estate market cycles, why predictability matters more than hype, and how chess-level thinking applies to investing.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Mike Zlotnik returns for a deep, no-nonsense conversation on market cycles, risk, and building a resilient real estate portfolio.</p><p>Mike shares his journey from political refugee and chess master to tech executive and full-time real estate fund manager. We explore how chess shaped his approach to investing, why past performance is not predictive, and how investors should adapt strategies based on where we are in the market cycle.</p><...
Why Creative Real Estate Wins in Any Market with Chris Prefontaine
<p>Chris Prefontaine breaks down why creative real estate works in every market—and why most investors quit before the breakthrough.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Chris Prefontaine returns to break down the fundamentals of creative real estate investing and why patience—not tactics—is the missing ingredient for most investors.</p><p>Chris shares his journey from traditional building and brokerage to getting crushed in the 2008 crash—and how that pain forced him to rethink everything. With no credit, no cash, and no desire to rely on banks again, Chris rebuilt his business using owner financing, lease-purchase, and subj...
Most People Overpay Property Taxes—Here’s How to Fix It with Colton Pace
<p>Colton Pace explains why most property tax bills are wrong—and how homeowners and investors can reduce expenses without upfront risk.</p><p>In this episode of RealDealChat, Colton Pace, co-founder of Ownwell, breaks down one of the most overlooked wealth drains in real estate: property taxes that go unquestioned year after year.</p><p>Colton shares how his experience working with a multi-billion-dollar family office revealed a massive gap between how institutions manage real estate and how everyday owners do. That insight led to Ownwell—a platform designed to help homeowners and investors optimize their largest recurring expenses, incl...
