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In this solo episode of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, I break down the exact 3-step blueprint to get started in apartment investing, even if you're brand new and still working a full-time job.

You'll learn why the first step isn’t about tactics, it’s about mindset. I'll walk you through Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant and how shifting your position from employee to investor is the real first move to building lasting wealth. Then, he explains the mechanisms you need to master to find and fund your first deal and why having the right mentor can shortcut your learning curve by years.

Whether you want to be an active deal sponsor or a hands-off passive investor, this episode lays out your path clearly and practically.

What You’ll Learn:

• The mindset shift that sets wealthy investors apart
• What “mastering the mechanisms” of apartment deals really means
• Why the right mentor can save you from costly mistakes
• Passive vs. Active Investing: which path is right for you?
• How Stephen replaced his income and scaled to 4,000+ units

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Your Path to Apartment Investing
[00:01:02] – Step 1: The Mindset Shift Using the Cashflow Quadrant
[00:04:41] – Step 2: Master the Mechanisms (Deal Flow, Underwriting, Raising Capital)
[00:08:17] – Step 3: Why Mentorship Matters & Avoiding Common Mistakes
[00:11:40] – Choosing Between Passive Investor or Deal Sponsor
[00:12:45] – Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 22 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we talk multifamily real estate with Janice Greenley, founder of Greenroot Capital, who has scaled her portfolio to 152 units in assets under management. Janice shares her journey from being a headhunter to becoming a full-time real estate investor. Discover why she transitioned from single-family rentals and energy consulting to multifamily and storage syndications and how she used education and grit to go all-in.

Janice dives into the importance of scalability, partnering smart, and helping professionals escape the stock market roller coaster. This episode is full of clarity for busy professionals exploring alternative investments.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Janice transitioned from corporate life to multifamily investing
• Why control, cash flow, and tax benefits make syndications powerful
• What passive investors should know before diving into deals

Timestamps:

• [00:00:00] – Intro: Janice Greenley joins the show
• [00:01:32] – From energy consulting to multifamily real estate
• [00:05:55] – Why she rejected wholesaling and flipping
• [00:09:10] – Multifamily investing explained simply
• [00:15:28] – Comparing returns: stock market vs. apartment syndications
• [00:21:10] – Tax advantages for passive investors
• [00:24:15] – Misconceptions about investing in apartments
• [00:28:01] – Janice breaks down her 152-unit Texas deal
• [00:31:10] – Final advice: how to get started

Ways to Connect with Janice Greenley:

• Website: https://www.greenrootcapital.com
• Email: janice@greenrootcapital.com
• LinkedIn: Janice Greenley
• YouTube: Search "Greenroot Capital"

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 21 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we talk multifamily real estate and private lending with Ruben Izgelov, who has scaled his portfolio to over $500 million in assets under management. Ruben shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings as an immigrant in Queens, NY, to co-founding two powerhouse firms: We Lend, a tech-driven private lending company, and States Capital, a $300 million private debt fund.

Ruben takes us through his transformation from real estate flipper to institutional-grade lender. Discover why he made the leap into private lending, how he built a fund with zero losses on $700M deployed, and why private credit is one of the most scalable, time-efficient paths for investors seeking strong returns with minimal volatility.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Ruben transitioned from flipping homes to becoming a lender
• The advantages of private lending over active real estate ownership
• How to qualify for fast funding through We Lend
• The surprising long-term benefits of holding real estate during inflation

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Ruben’s journey from immigrant to investor
[00:04:15] – The early days: door-knocking deals in Queens
[00:12:22] – Flipping vs. lending: how Ruben found his wealth-building lane
[00:18:45] – How We Lend funds deals and supports small operators
[00:27:33] – Investment opportunities in the States Capital debt fund

Ways to Connect with Ruben Izgelov:

• Website: https://www.welendlc.com
• Email: ruben@wlndllc.com
• Phone: 917-815-1222
• Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/ruben_izgel/
• Instagram (Company): https://www.instagram.com/welendllc/
• TikTok: @WeLendLLC
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenizgelov/

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 20 of The Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we dive deep into creative real estate investing with Chris Prefontaine, founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, 4-time best-selling author, and Forbes Business Council member. With over 33 years of experience, Chris has weathered multiple market cycles and built a thriving real estate business without relying on banks or personal loans.

Chris shares how he transitioned from traditional financing to creative financing strategies, helping investors structure deals with no banks, no credit, and little to no money down. He also breaks down his "Three Paydays" system, a unique approach that generates upfront cash, monthly cash flow, and long-term wealth.

If you're looking to escape the 9-to-5, scale your portfolio, or learn how to buy real estate on your own terms, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why market cycles don’t matter when you use creative financing
✅ How to buy real estate without using banks or personal credit
✅ The “Three Paydays” system that generates long-term wealth

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Welcome & Chris’s journey into real estate
[00:05:12] – Surviving the 2008 crash & rewriting the rules of investing
[00:12:45] – The power of creative financing: subject-to, seller financing & lease purchases
[00:18:30] – The Three Paydays: How to generate multiple streams of income per deal
[00:23:10] – Mindset shifts for escaping the W-2 & achieving financial freedom

Ways to Connect with Chris Prefontaine:

• 📚 Free Book: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/
• 🌐 Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/
• 🎙️ Podcast: Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 19 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we talk multifamily real estate with Eric Lindsey, who has scaled his portfolio to 136 units as a general partner. Eric shares his journey from wholesaling single-family homes to building a sustainable investment career through mobile home parks and apartment syndications.

Discover why Eric transitioned from high-volume wholesaling to multifamily investing and how he’s leveraging his experience to generate long-term wealth through strategic acquisitions, smart partnerships, and hands-on education.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why mobile home parks are more resilient and profitable than you think
• How Eric transitioned from wholesaling to owning 136 units
• Strategies to raise capital—even without a deep network
• How passive investors can vet deals and sponsors
• The real returns of alternative investments like multifamily and mobile home parks

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Meet Eric Lindsey
[00:02:45] – Eric’s first deals and early lessons from wholesaling
[00:06:12] – Building 150 new lots in a mobile home park
[00:10:40] – The education that shifted Eric’s investing approach
[00:15:05] – From podcast listener to real estate syndicator
[00:19:30] – Why mobile home parks offer better returns
[00:24:00] – What passive investors should know about underwriting
[00:28:48] – Overcoming the capital-raising challenge
[00:33:20] – The importance of partnerships and vetting
[00:37:55] – Eric’s advice to new general and passive investors
[00:41:30] – What’s next: Eric’s vision for thousands of units

Ways to Connect with Eric Lindsey:

• Website: moonlightcre.com
• Personal Website: ericlindseyml.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eric-lindsey-162255230
• Email: eric@moonlightequities.com
• Podcast: The Moonlight Real Estate Side Hustle and Syndication Show

If you're a busy professional looking to invest passively or make the leap into GP roles, this episode is packed with value. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 18 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we dive into the future of real estate investing with Ricardo Johnson, founder of Oases, a pioneering platform that leverages blockchain technology to make real estate investment more accessible. Through tokenized co-ownership, Ricardo is revolutionizing how investors can own fractional shares of income-generating luxury properties offering flexibility, security, and passive income without the traditional barriers of real estate ownership.

With a background in finance, real estate, and Web3, Ricardo shares his journey from traditional UK real estate investing to building a global, blockchain-powered investment platform. He breaks down how tokenization works, its advantages over traditional investing, and why crypto investors are turning to real estate for portfolio diversification.

If you’ve ever wondered how blockchain and real estate intersect or how you can invest in properties worldwide with just a few hundred dollars with this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

• What is blockchain and tokenization? (Explained in simple terms!)
• How Oases makes real estate investing accessible through blockchain
• The advantages of tokenized real estate vs. traditional investing
• How crypto investors can diversify into stable, income-generating assets
• The future of real estate investing in a digital economy

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Who is Ricardo Johnson?
[00:02:15] – How blockchain is revolutionizing real estate investing
[00:06:42] – Ricardo’s background: From UK real estate to Web3 innovation
[00:12:30] – Explaining blockchain and tokenization in simple terms
[00:18:45] – How Oases works: A global real estate investment marketplace
[00:25:10] – The advantages of investing in tokenized real estate
[00:32:20] – Regulations, accredited investors, and accessibility
[00:38:15] – Where real estate tokenization is heading in the next 5-10 years
[00:40:00] – How to connect with Ricardo & start investing

Ways to Connect with Ricardo Johnson:

🌐 Website: ownoases.io
💼 LinkedIn: Ricardo C. Johnson
💬 Telegram: @RicoCJohnson

👉 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend who’s curious about blockchain & real estate investing! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 17 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we dive deep into capital raising, investor trust, and AI-driven deal analysis with Lance Pederson.

Lance shares his journey from selling an IT services company at 21 to managing a $300M+ equity fund and helping over 200 sponsors launch investment funds. Now, as the co-founder of Passive Advantage, he’s revolutionizing deal analysis for passive investors using AI.

If you’ve ever struggled with raising capital, finding investors, or evaluating deals, this episode is packed with game-changing insights.

What You’ll Learn:

• The biggest mistakes investors make when raising capital
• Why education & transparency build long-term investor trust
• How AI-powered underwriting is changing the game for LPs
• The Magnetic Message Framework for standing out in capital raising
• How to attract investors without hard selling

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Introduction: Lance Pederson’s journey from IT to real estate
[00:07:45] – The two biggest challenges in apartment investing
[00:15:30] – Building trust with investors through education
[00:27:10] – Marketing vs. Sales: Why most capital raisers fail
[00:39:20] – AI-powered deal analysis: How it works & why it matters

Ways to Connect with Lance Pederson:

• Website: LancePederson.com
• Passive Advantage: PassiveAdvantage.com
• LinkedIn: Lance Pederson on LinkedIn

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.

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In Episode 16 of the Stephen Lee-Thomas Show, we dive into multifamily real estate with Michael Voulgarakis, a seasoned investor with 18 years of experience in underwriting, capital raising, and asset management. With over 26 deals—18 of which have gone full cycle—Michael has scaled his portfolio to over $300 million in assets under management.

In this episode, Michael shares why he invests in Seattle despite the perception that "blue cities" aren’t landlord-friendly. He breaks down market cycles, explains the risks and rewards of bridge debt, and offers insights into finding opportunities even in uncertain economic times.

Michael also discusses the impact of AI on real estate markets, why job diversity is key for recession resilience, and how investors can strategically navigate today’s shifting landscape.

🚀 If you're looking to refine your real estate strategy and gain insights from a seasoned investor, this episode is a must-listen!

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why Michael invests in "blue cities" and how they can be profitable
✔️ Understanding market cycles and where we are in 2024
✔️ Bridge debt: When to use it and when to avoid it
✔️ How job diversity impacts real estate investments
✔️ Growth markets vs. stable markets—where should you invest?

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:00] – Intro: Meet Michael Voulgarakis
[00:02:30] – Investing remotely: How Michael manages properties across the country
[00:08:15] – Market cycles: What history tells us about today’s economy
[00:15:45] – The bridge debt debate: Risk vs. opportunity
[00:24:10] – Why Michael invests in Seattle despite common misconceptions
[00:30:00] – AI’s impact on real estate & future growth markets

Ways to Connect with Michael Voulgarakis:

• Website: sreventures.com
• Email: michael@sreventures.com
• Work Phone: (206) 486-8930 (Ext. 3)
• Cell Phone: (203) 829-1322
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvoulgarakis/

Visit www.skool.com/multfamilymasteryhub and fast-track your way to becoming a full-time real estate entrepreneur today!

Connect with Us:

• Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/multifamilymasteryhub/about
• Website: https://www.stephenleethomas.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenLeeThomasCapital/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenleethomas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenleethomas/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenLee-ThomasCapital

Support the Show: Enjoy our content? Share with your family and friends and anyone who will benefit with the insight we shared today. Leave us a review on your preferred platform to help us grow or any suggestion

Join Our Community: Become a part of our exclusive Skool community, Multifamily Mastery Hub. Get valuable resources, engage in discussions, and receive support for real estate entrepreneurs. Join Now! We are live!

Contact Us: For inquiries, guest appearances, or sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@stephenleethomas.com.