The Academy Presents podcast

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Ruben Greth to discuss what it really takes to scale in real estate through capital raising and strategic relationships. Ruben shares insights from his journey building systems, growing a network of investors, and focusing on a niche strategy in the build to rent space. The conversation highlights how consistent communication, authenticity, and staying in your lane can help investors grow their businesses and build long term trust with their investor community.Topics CoveredRuben Greth’s journey into capital raising and real estate investingWhy building the right team and systems is essential for scalingHow expanding your reach can attract more investors and opportunitiesThe importance of genuine conversations instead of pitching dealsStrategies for keeping investors engaged and confident during uncertain marketsWhy niching down and developing expertise can accelerate growth in real estateQuotes“Your goal is not to sell people on a deal. Your goal is to build real relationships and let the right investors find their way to you.”“One of the biggest mistakes in real estate is not buying enough, and the second biggest mistake is selling too soon.”Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubengreth/Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/

Short OverviewIn this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Ruben Greth to discuss the importance of defining your investor avatar when building a real estate brand and raising capital.Ruben shares insights on how understanding your ideal investor allows you to create clearer messaging, stronger marketing strategies, and deeper connections with the people most likely to invest in your deals. The conversation also explores how storytelling, branding, and emotional connection play a major role in attracting the right investors.Topics CoveredWhy defining a clear investor avatar is essential for real estate entrepreneurs and syndicatorsHow a detailed avatar helps refine marketing and messagingThe difference between building relationships and attracting investors who are ready to investWhy targeting investors with both interest and financial capacity is keyHow emotional drivers often influence investment decisionsThe role of storytelling and branding when raising capitalWhy syndicators should position themselves as guides helping investors reach their financial goalsThe challenge of turning networking relationships into real investment commitmentsQuotes“You can build relationships easily, but turning a handshake into a six figure investment is a completely different game.”“When you truly understand your avatar, your message naturally attracts the people who connect with your mission.”Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubengreth/Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/

In this episode, Angel sits down with real estate investor and capital raising expert Ruben Greth to discuss the critical role of raising capital in real estate investing. Ruben shares his journey from raising funds for small multifamily properties after the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a GP and launching large real estate projects.The conversation dives into how investors can build networks, develop credibility, and create systems that attract investors over time. If you want to understand how relationships, branding, and strategy come together to fund deals, this episode offers valuable insight into the world of capital raising.Topics CoveredRuben Greth’s path from small multifamily investments to large scale syndicationHow the 2008 financial crisis created opportunities for investorsThe fundamentals of multifamily syndication and capital raisingWhy building a strong investor network takes time and consistencyThe role of branding, marketing, and communication in attracting investorsHow co GP partnerships can help accelerate deal momentumDifferent ways investors can raise capital including funds and partnershipsThe importance of defining your investor avatar and targeted messagingPlatforms that help establish authority such as podcasts, newsletters, and meetupsWhy collaboration and partnerships are essential for scaling in real estateQuotes“Building a network of investors doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from consistent communication, branding, and building trust over time.”“One of the fastest ways to gain momentum in real estate is partnering with people who already have the experience and network you are trying to build.”Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubengreth/Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/

In this episode of the Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation specialist Mark Gross of Cost Segregation Services Incorporated to unpack how real estate investors can strategically use cost segregation to accelerate depreciation and reduce tax liability.They discuss how the strategy applies to short term rentals, multifamily properties, and even house hacking situations, along with the importance of timing and understanding IRS guidelines.Topics CoveredWhat cost segregation really is and how it worksWhy the first year of ownership can create the biggest tax advantageHow bonus depreciation impacts investorsUnderstanding recapture and why timing mattersWhen cost segregation makes sense and when it does notHow house hackers can potentially benefit by segregating the rental portion of a propertyWhy investors should proactively plan instead of defaulting to straight line depreciationMemorable Quotes“Investing is a job. You need to line these things up so you do not find yourself in a tax laden situation.”“Reducing your tax liability does not mean you are doing something wrong. It just means you do not want to pay more than you legally have to.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with cost segregation expert Mark Grossman of CSSI to break down how investors can legally accelerate depreciation, increase cash flow, and strategically reinvest tax savings.From short-term rentals to industrial warehouses and even golf courses, Mark explains how cost segregation works across property types, how it pairs with 1031 exchanges, and what investors need to know to stay audit-ready in today’s IRS environment.Topics CoveredWhy 90% of millionaires invest in real estateWhat cost segregation is and how it accelerates depreciationHow short-term rental owners can benefit from cost segWhy owning (not arbitraging) matters for tax strategiesReal estate professional status and IRS audit red flagsDocumentation best practices to protect yourselfCost segregation for industrial, warehouse, and retail propertiesHidden depreciable components like parking lots and landscapingUnderstanding ROI on a cost seg studyNegative K-1s and long-term tax strategyHow cost segregation works alongside 1031 exchangesWhy opportunity cost and reinvestment strategy matterMemorable Quotes“Any money that doesn’t have to go out is money in your pocket.”“Would you spend $5,000 to get $25,000 back? It may not be flashy, but it absolutely makes sense.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel breaks down how real estate investors at every stage can level up by understanding cost segregation, especially within the short-term rental space. Joined by cost segregation expert Mark Gross of CSSI, the conversation dives deep into depreciation strategies, bonus depreciation timelines, STR classifications, CAPEX considerations, and why doing cost seg the right way can mean massive tax savings and peace of mind.Topics CoveredWhy 90% of millionaires invest in real estateWho the Real Estate Investing Rocks podcast is for, from beginners to seasoned investorsWhat cost segregation really is and who it benefitsHow short-term rentals are classified differently for depreciationThe difference between 27.5-year and 39-year depreciation timelinesBonus depreciation and what happens as it phases outWhy owning (not arbitraging) is required for cost segregationHow land value impacts depreciation calculationsWhy turnkey STRs can unlock additional depreciation opportunitiesHow furniture, fixtures, and furnishings factor into cost segCAPEX expenditures and when additional studies make senseHolding period considerations and recapture riskWhy site visits matter and the dangers of shortcut cost seg firmsIRS audits, documentation, and defending a studyHow cost segregation fits into a long-term buy-and-hold STR strategyQuotes“Insurance follows the property, and depreciation follows the details.”“Even when bonus depreciation goes away, cost segregation still creates real value.”“Short-term rentals are treated like hotels, and that changes everything.”“Don’t skip the site visit. That’s where the real depreciation is found.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmarkgross/

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT Lynch to break down why insurance has become one of the biggest deal killers in today’s market. They discuss how rising premiums, property claims history, lender requirements, and market conditions are reshaping the way investors must underwrite and plan. This conversation helps investors understand how to budget for insurance, avoid surprises, and treat it as a core part of doing business rather than an afterthoughtTopics Covered• Why insurance premiums are increasing across the country• How claims history follows the property, not the owner• Why short hold periods make insurance riskier for carriers• Insurance challenges in high risk markets and disaster prone states• Replacement cost increases and lender driven coverage demands• How renters insurance and tenant programs reduce owner risk• Using insurance costs as a negotiation and underwriting strategyQuotes“Insurance is a necessary evil, but if you understand it, it doesn’t have to be a deal killer.”“They don’t insure you, they insure the property and its history.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

In this episode of The Academy Presents: Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel is joined by insurance expert J T Lynch for an honest conversation about the role insurance plays in real estate investing, and how it can make or break a deal.From skyrocketing premiums and high wind and hail deductibles to regional weather risks and insurance carriers exiting the market, this episode helps investors understand how to better manage risk, protect their properties, and think proactively about safety and prevention. Whether you’re new to investing or managing large portfolios, this discussion highlights why insurance strategy matters just as much as underwriting and operations.Topics CoveredWhy insurance premiums are increasing across the countryHow insurance costs can kill otherwise solid real estate dealsUnderstanding high deductibles and percentage-based wind and hail coverageWhen self-insuring through higher deductibles may make senseThe impact of regional weather patterns on insurance policiesWhy insurance companies leave certain marketsLessons learned from extreme weather events and power outagesPreventative measures investors can take to reduce claimsHow proactive property maintenance lowers long-term risk and costsQuotes“When you take on a high deductible, you’re almost self-insuring—so you better understand your risk.”“Insurance isn’t just a line item; it’s a strategy that can protect your deal or kill it.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

Insurance is no longer a line item investors can afford to gloss over. In this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with insurance expert JT to unpack why rising insurance costs are killing deals, how carriers are exiting key markets, and why getting an insurance quote early can save you months of wasted time and lost momentum.From underwriting surprises to negotiating around major claims, this conversation gives investors real-world insight into navigating today’s insurance landscape with clarity and confidence.Topics Covered• Why 90 percent of millionaires invest in real estate and what new investors should focus on first• How insurance costs can double underwriting assumptions and derail deals• Why investors should contact an insurance broker before submitting an LOI• The real reasons insurance premiums are rising across multifamily markets• How major events like the Texas freeze reshaped the insurance industry• Why some insurance carriers are leaving multifamily and habitational risk entirely• How to negotiate purchase prices when properties have open or large insurance claims• Practical strategies to avoid falling in love with a deal too earlyQuotes“Talk about wasting time. You can spend 30 minutes getting an insurance estimate upfront, or three months getting a deal killed later.”“That’s why you shouldn’t fall in love with the property. The numbers have to work before the emotions do.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with JT : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtlynchrameyking/

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Field, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss the complexities of property management. From handling challenging tenants and ensuring clear communication to conducting site visits and managing high-stress situations, Janet shares her experience running a property management company with hundreds of units. Whether you’re a new investor or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable insights to protect your investments and build strong tenant relationships.Topics Covered:The importance of clear, proactive communication with residentsManaging challenging tenant situations and understanding resident psychologyConducting effective site visits and inspections, including pet-related checksLeveraging client and resident surveys to improve serviceHandling “hot” situations, including safety risks for vendors and staffTeam dynamics and using personality strengths for efficient operationsLearning from mistakes and continuously improving property management practicesQuotes from the Episode:“Just tell us the minute there’s a problem because we will correct it. We can’t serve you unless we know your expectations.” – Janet Field“There’s no squeaky wheels doesn’t mean everything’s fine. You have to proactively check in and keep communication open.” – Janet FieldConnect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/

In this episode of Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties in Charleston, South Carolina, for an honest and insightful conversation about scaling a real estate business the right way.From managing 600 properties to building efficient teams, setting geographic boundaries, and understanding your highest contribution as a leader, this episode breaks down what it really takes to grow sustainably in real estate while protecting your time, energy, and family life.Topics CoveredWhy real estate success rates are rarely discussed honestlyThe reality of failure, resilience, and risk tolerance in investingBuilding and scaling a property management companyStrategic geographic footprints and why logistics matterSingle family versus multifamily management realitiesWhat “passive income” really looks like in residential real estateWhen self managing makes sense and when it becomes a distractionUsing virtual assistants and remote teams to scale efficiently Hiring based on strengths, personality, and highest contributionHow personality assessments improve leadership and team dynamicsQuotes“Anybody can do real estate, but not everybody can do real estate. It comes down to how many kicks in the teeth you’re willing to take and still keep going.”“Scaling gets easier when you create constraints early and focus on what your highest contribution really is.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/

Short OverviewIn this episode of The Academy Presents Real Estate Investing Rocks, Angel sits down with Janet Fields, CEO of Oak Trust Properties, to discuss what it really takes to scale a real estate business sustainably. From prioritization frameworks to building systems that survive growth, this conversation dives deep into leadership, operations, and the mindset shifts required to move from reactive chaos to intentional scale.Topics Covered• Why 90 percent of the world’s millionaires invest in real estate• Finding your niche and thriving as a “small giant” in a big market• How to prioritize when everything feels urgent• Creating tiered urgency systems that actually work• Revisiting priorities as teams, culture, and leadership evolve• Turning mistakes into SOPs instead of repeating them• The power of documenting processes and multiplying knowledge• Using tools like Google Drive, and automation to scale• Letting go of perfection and launching before everything feels ready• Leadership lessons from scaling a property management company to 600 doorsQuotes“Everything being an emergency pulls you in a hundred directions. If everything is a priority, nothing truly is.”“If you record what you learn and turn it into systems, you don’t just grow your business, you multiply your knowledge through your team.”Connect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Janet https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-fields-7289a94b/

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 dealsQuotes“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/

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 wealthQuotes“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/

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 CoveredHoa Nguyen’s transition from medical practices to real estate investingStarting in real estate with zero experience and a steep learning curveEarly investments overseas including land, resorts, and short term rentalsWhy multifamily syndication became the primary focusThe difference between LP and GP roles in multifamily dealsTime freedom, setbacks, and staying committed through challengesBuilding the right partnerships and identifying your strengthsUsing real estate as a tool for long term and generational wealthQuotes“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/

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 CoveredWhat asset management actually involves day to dayThe difference between cash basis and accrual accounting and why it mattersManaging apartments versus RV parksWhen it makes sense to self manage versus hiring a property management companyThe importance of scale in property management efficiencyThinking in ranges instead of exact numbers when underwriting dealsWhy spreadsheets cannot predict real life problemsThe hidden work behind investor updates and reportsDifferent roles within a real estate partnershipWhy every role in real estate is hard in its own wayFinding your niche and building around your strengthsThe reality behind the freedom real estate can provideQuotes 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 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 CoveredThe difference between asset management and property managementSelf-managing vs third-party management: pros and consManaging small to mid-size multifamily propertiesScaling challenges in tertiary and rural marketsVendor relationships, fuel costs, and labor shortagesResidential vs commercial management realitiesHiring maintenance staff without full-time scaleProperty management software and reporting frustrationsLessons learned from apartments and RV park operationsQuotes“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/

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 CoveredThe difference between asset management and property managementHow to effectively “manage the manager” when using third-party property managementKey reports and metrics asset managers should review regularlyHandling underperformance, communication, and accountability with management teamsLabor shortages, maintenance challenges, and operational bottlenecksKnowing your lane and avoiding opportunity cost as an investorThe emotional and human side of owning and operating propertiesNavigating rent increases responsibly within local communitiesUsing unit tiers and alternative income streams instead of blanket rent hikesThe pros and cons of starting an in-house property management companyControlling timelines, expenses, and vacancy during heavy rehab projectsQuotes“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/

Episode OverviewDid 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 CoveredHow professional investors evaluate deals and sponsorsCapital raising through preparation, repetition, and confidenceMilitary-inspired training methods for sales conversationsRole play: explain, demonstrate, imitate, practiceIdentifying the real meaning behind investor objectionsShifting from reactive selling to consultative conversationsUsing open-ended questions to build trust and authorityWhy capital raising is a process, not a performanceQuotes“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 ChienConnect with Angel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-williams-re/Connect with Edmund: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmundchien/

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 CoveredWhy 90% of millionaires invest in real estateThe biggest mistakes new investors make when raising capitalHow to raise money without cold calling or leaving your houseThe difference between flattery and meaningful validationManaging rejection, emotional burnout, and momentum lossBuilding trust through empathy and investor-centered conversationsConsultative sales vs. transactional sellingHow to handle tough investor questions with confidenceWhy emotion drives action more than logic in capital raisingCreating 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/