From Software Revenue to Strategic Acquisitions with Morgan Ehrenzeller

Send us a text How does a teenager go from flipping code and mining Bitcoin to owning over 600 real estate units—all before turning 30?In this episode, Morgan Ehrenzeller, a real estate investor who began his entrepreneurial journey at just 14, shares how his early ventures in software and cryptocurrency laid the groundwork for his transition into real estate, where he now owns hundreds of units across multiple states. His story is grounded in resourcefulness, persistence, and a hands-on understanding of construction from his upbringing. [00:01 - 07:36] From Coding to Bitcoin: The Early HustleHow Morgan’s frustration with PayPal led him to discover BitcoinWhy he started a software company at 14 and profited by 15The importance of finding workarounds when traditional systems don’t support you[07:37 - 14:29] First Real Estate Deal at 17How the decision to invest stemmed from observing wealthy individualsThe significance of his construction background in evaluating propertiesWhat it meant to Morgan to secure his first duplex with only $5,000[14:30 - 21:03] Scaling Without the BankWhy traditional banks rejected him and how that shaped his strategyHow creative financing allowed him to bypass institutional limitationsThe importance of using past success to attract investor capital[21:04 – 28:20] Community as StrategyHow he leverages mentorship groups for faster learning and connectionWhy starting a community helps with deal flow and boots-on-the-ground operationsThe need to align human capital, media, tech, and capital for business success[28:21 - 34:58] Giving Back and Building LegacyWhat drives Morgan to keep going despite financial securityThe importance of being around people who live the life you wantWhy working for free under the right mentor can be more valuable than a salaryConnect with Morgan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-ehrenzeller-7353651a5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganehrenzeller/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganehrenzellerLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“You have four levers in business: capital, human capital, media, and technology. If you can blend them, you’re really well positioned.” - Morgan Ehrenzeller“The more you learn, the more you earn. That stuck with me since my teenage years.” - Morgan Ehrenzeller Support the show

Send us a textHow can rethinking local zoning laws turn small residential lots into high-yield, multi-unit housing solutions?In this episode, Jonathan Mitchell, founder of ADU Pals, a real estate developer specializing in scalable, affordable housing solutions in San Diego, shares his journey from growing up in Section 8 housing to launching a solar company and ultimately becoming a real estate developer focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He breaks down how ADUs in San Diego have evolved from simple backyard structures to fully stacked multi-unit developments, and why that matters in a city with soaring housing costs. They discuss how city policy, construction know-how, and personal mission converge in Jonathan’s work, and what it takes to build profitably and responsibly in California.[00:01 - 06:24] Origins and IntentionsHow growing up on welfare in San Diego shaped his views on housingWhy personal definition of success centers on using time wiselyThe significance of being a positive influence on future generations[06:25 - 12:43] From Solar to StructuresHow bootstrapping a solar company led to licenses in contractingWhy learning on the job taught him about scaling and financeThe importance of understanding margins over revenue[12:44 - 18:19] Redefining the ADU ModelWhy San Diego allows stacked ADUs that resemble multifamily buildingsHow zoning bonuses are tied to affordability through AMIThe need to balance profit with policy in high-demand regions[18:20 - 24:00] Strategy, Risk, and ProcessHow they rehab properties, develop in-house, and lease while buildingThe importance of understanding entitlements, density, and financingWhat the “triple play” model means for equity, cash flow, and debt[24:01 - 31:54] Challenges, Culture, and PerspectiveThe significance of understanding local policy shiftsHow bad actors in the space affected legislationWhy consulting with experienced developers mitigates riskConnect with Jonathan:Website: www.adupals.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I don’t want to waste time, man. I want to utilize the time that God has given me to be a light, to be productive.” - Jonathan Mitchell“You can build a 10-unit property under oSupport the show

Send us a textWhat happens when generational grit meets strategic growth in commercial real estate? In this episode, Yonah sits down with Frank Sproviero, founder of One Alliance Companies, to unpack a career built on family legacy, hands-on experience, and entrepreneurial drive. From helping his immigrant family manage rental units in Brooklyn as a child to scaling a multi-division real estate company across the Southeast, Frank shares lessons on risk management, team culture, and long-term vision. He also discusses how he built a fully integrated real estate operation by recognizing market gaps and staying focused on execution.[00:01 - 06:45] Family Roots in Real EstateHow growing up in an immigrant family shaped Frank’s early exposure to real estateWhy multi-tenant buildings were a strategic move for his relativesThe significance of hands-on learning from a young age[06:45 - 12:10] From Employee to FounderHow Frank’s experience at a commercial real estate firm expanded his skillsWhy he relocated to North Carolina and what challenges followedThe importance of mentorship and formal training in building expertise[12:11 - 18:30] Building One Alliance Companies\Why he began with management before adding brokerage and building servicesThe need for specialization and how each division operates independentlyHow working with out-of-state property owners grew the business[18:31 - 24:46] A Fully Integrated Real Estate FirmThe strategy behind offering brokerage, insurance, and possibly lendingWhat sets One Alliance apart from national firmsThe significance of internal culture and team cohesion[24:47 - 30:58] Lessons, Legacy, and LeadershipHow controlling risk and adjusting to market shifts protect growthWhy Frank sees his work as a long-term calling, not a path to retirementThe importance of staying grounded while scaling a businessConnect with Frank:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40698917/admin/dashboard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/On%E2%80%A6ies-100084948727630/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onealliancecompanies/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:"We don't retire from this business. If you're passionate about it, you'll be successful—and it's hard to walk away from that." - Frank Sproviero"What I was doing in life—financially and business-wise—wSupport the show

Send us a textWhat happens when commercial real estate owners ignore the fine print in their loan documents, and how can one mistake cost them everything?In this episode, Yonah welcomes Shlomo Chopp, a seasoned expert in structured finance, real estate, and distressed asset workouts. Shlomo shares his unconventional path into commercial real estate, the importance of understanding debt structures, and the major pitfalls borrowers face in today’s high-interest environment. From his early days in flooring and software sales to managing complex loan workouts, Shlomo breaks down how structured finance operates, why many borrowers are in distress, and how his patented solutions might help reshape the future of shopping centers.[00:01 - 07:00] From Flooring Sales to FinanceHow career pivots shaped Shlomo's real estate journeyWhy necessity led him to structured financeThe importance of deep document knowledge in distressed assets[07:01 - 14:00] What Structured Finance Actually MeansWhat sets structured finance apart from traditional loansHow lenders reduce risk by syndicating dealsWhy structured deals exploded pre-2008 and again recently[14:01 - 21:00] Current Market Distress & Why It’s HappeningWhich asset classes are struggling most—and whyHow overleveraging and poor planning created problemsWhy technicalities in loan documents can trigger major consequences[21:01 - 28:30] Innovation, Patents & Retail ReinventionWhy Shlomo filed patents to rethink shopping centersHow micro-fulfillment might bridge e-commerce and retailThe significance of patience in innovation and timing[28:31 - 34:33] Philosophy, Negotiation & Defining SuccessHow he measures success beyond just profitsWhy mentorship and strategic relationships matterThe value of reading widely to stay sharpConnect with Shlomo:Website: www.caseinv.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/choppTwitter: x.com/ShlomoChoppLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“There’s no such thing as passive income—only passive losses.” - Shlomo Chopp“Structured finance isn’t just about money. It’s about aligning risks and rewards so everyone involved sees the path to getting paid.” - Shlomo ChoppSupport the show

Send us a textWhat if your community's blighted mall could be transformed into a thriving, income-producing asset? Andy Weiner, founder of RockStep Capital, joins Yonah to share how he revitalizes struggling shopping centers by turning them into community-centered investments with strong cash flow. Drawing from over 30 years in retail and real estate, Andy explains why secondary and tertiary markets are prime for investment, how local partnerships reduce risk, and the philosophy behind his company’s culture of adaptability and integrity. [00:01 - 06:27] From Retail Collapse to Real Estate OpportunityWhy Walmart’s dominance led to the end of Wiener’s retail chainHow retail operations experience became the foundation for Andy’s real estate investment approachThe importance of understanding tenant risk in shopping center investing[06:28 - 12:34] Investing in ‘Hometown America’Why RockStep focuses on secondary and tertiary marketsThe role of local business leaders as equity partners and risk reducersHow community banks offer flexibility national lenders can’t[12:35 - 18:22] Turning Blight into Economic EnginesExamples from Louisiana, Kansas, and South Dakota showing how RockStep transforms communitiesHow public-private coalitions help reposition underperforming mallsUsing incentives and local alignment to unlock property value[18:23 - 25:57] The RockStep Philosophy: Culture, Values, and DirectionThe meaning behind the company name "RockStep"A breakdown of Andy’s 25 “Rock Steps” – internal rules of behaviorHow culture drives performance, retention, and investor trust[25:58 - 31:00] Cash Flow, Malls, and the Future of RetailWhy retail’s decline is overstated and where the opportunities areThree strategies to reposition malls for cash flow or mixed useRockStep’s goal to educate investors on shopping center economicsConnect with Andy:Website: https://rockstep.com/learning-center https://investclearly.com/sponsors/rockstep-capitalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“We call it RockStep because it’s a dance move. You’ve got to be nimble. When there’s a threat or opportunity, you switch direction.” - Andy Weiner“If we can’t get a local investor to believe in me, RockStep, and the asset, we won’t do the deal.” - Andy WeinerSupport the show

Send us a text How would your financial life change if you stopped being a consumer and became the owner of your banking system? In this episode of Weiss Advice, Yonah speaks with Jim Oliver, founder of CreateTailwind and advocate of the Infinite Banking Concept. Jim shares his journey from poverty to financial independence, emphasizing the significance of controlling the banking function in your life. Through real-life examples and analogies, he explains how velocity, ownership, and mindset can radically alter your financial future. Jim also introduces the principles behind Infinite Banking and the importance of breaking away from conventional thinking about money, taxes, and legacy building.[00:01 – 06:17] Own or Be OwnedThe importance of motion in money and why stagnation leads to lossThe significance of financial ownership vs. consumer mentalityThe lesson Jim learned at age 13 while working in a casket factory[06:16 – 12:38] Turning Headwinds into TailwindsThe idea behind "CreateTailwind" and how financial systems work against youHow to recapture the 34.5 cents lost in interest from every dollar earnedThe concept of velocity and using your own financial system for growth[12:39 – 18:53] Infinite Banking, ExplainedHow Infinite Banking works through whole life insurance policiesThe concept of leveraging your cash value while it continues to growBuilding assets and legacy simultaneously[18:54 – 24:41] Breaking from the HerdWhy more people don’t use Infinite Banking or tax-saving strategiesThe role of coaching, education, and mindset in financial successHow ownership shifts perspective from fear to confidence[24:42 – 30:44] Legacy, Freedom, and OwnershipThe five shifts Jim outlines in his new book Owner ShiftPersonal lessons about health, aging, and continued growthWhat success and freedom really meanConnect with Justin:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/createtailwind182LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/createtailwind/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createtailwind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/create_tailwind/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“If water doesn't flow, it becomes stagnant—and if money doesn't move, it dies.” - Jim Oliver“You either pay someone else interest, or you give up the Support the show

Send us a textWhat if your 20-year military career prepared you more for real estate than ever imagined? Marcus Long shares how he went from the Navy to multifamily real estate syndications—carving out a life focused on impact, control, and presence. In this episode of Weiss Advice, Marcus walks through his steady evolution from buying a condo as a 22-year-old college student to retiring with a 15-property portfolio. He explains why financial freedom meant more than wealth—it meant showing up for his family. Marcus also offers insight into how service members can align long-term missions with personal purpose through real estate.[00:01 - 07:00] From Service to StrategyWhy a house hack turned long-term rental laid the foundation.The significance of managing a rental while on active duty.How early decisions created long-term options.[07:01 - 14:30] Building While DeployedThe importance of staying consistent even at a slow pace.Why flexibility made single-family homes the right fit early on.How to assess readiness for transitioning into real estate full-time.[14:31 - 21:43] The Family FactorThe need for control over time as a parent.How retirement from the Navy aligned with a personal turning point.What it means to be present for your kids.[21:44 - 29:26] - Scaling Up with PurposeThe significance of learning new strategies late in his career.Why collaboration through JVs and syndications appealed to him.How mentorship and networking played a key role.[29:27 - 36:23] Legacy and ImpactThe importance of helping others in transition.How real estate became a platform for broader service.Why living intentionally matters more than hitting metricsConnect with Marcus:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-long-22278391/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcus.l.long/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcus.longLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I didn't want a nine-to-five. I wanted something that gave me more control over my time so I could be present with my family.” - Marcus Long“As I transitioned out of the military, I found that real estate gave me the ability to keep serSupport the show

Send us a textCan a developer truly succeed by focusing exclusively on local markets while others chase nationwide opportunities? In this enlightening episode, Justin Goodin, a focused multifamily developer from Indianapolis, Indiana, shares his fascinating journey from working as a multifamily underwriter at a bank to becoming a full-time developer of Class A luxury apartments. Justin shares his journey from bank underwriter to full-time developer and explains why he focuses solely on ground-up projects in Indiana. He discusses his strategic shift from syndication to development, his build-lease-sell business model, and why he puts his own capital at risk during pre-development to build investor trust.  [00:01 - 05:09] From Banking to Building: Justin's Real Estate JourneyHow education shaped his pathWhy multifamily development became his focusThe importance of evolving your investment strategy[05:10 - 10:46] Strategic Pivot to Development in a Competitive MarketWhat drove the shift from syndication to developmentHow market fundamentals support development nowWhy the build-and-sell model works better[10:47 - 15:31] The Developer's Business Model and Market PositioningHow the developer functions as a project orchestratorWhy local market knowledge creates a competitive advantageThe need for hands-on involvement[15:32 - 20:29] Lessons Learned From Syndication ExperienceWhat timeline can to expect for development projectsThe significance of a focused strategyWhy fixed-rate debt matters[20:30 - 25:58] Building Teams and Defining SuccessHow to select the right business partnersWhat success truly means beyond profitsThe importance of meaningful connectionsConnect with Justin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.goodin.16LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:"I just think there's so much opportunity in development. I think there's just a lot less investors willing to put up that work, to learn this stuff in the beginning... to get these projects off the ground." - Justin Goodin"If you can take interest rate risk off the table by just fixing your debt, it's just one less variable that you have tSupport the show

Send us a textIs your job as secure as you think? Dr. Param Baladandapani, a hysician-turned-real-estate-investor, shares how a job merger made her realize the need for financial independence. She built a real estate portfolio that replaced her medical income in just a year and now helps other professionals do the same. In this episode, she breaks down passive investing, tax-efficient wealth-building, and strategies for achieving financial freedom without sacrificing your career. [00:01 - 07:33] The Wake-Up Call: Realizing the Power of Passive IncomeA career shake-up exposed the risk of relying on a W-2 incomeDespite a high salary, her passive income was only $2,000/monthReal estate became her path to financial security[07:34 - 15:16] The Aha Moment: Real Estate vs. Stock Market ReturnsHer real estate investments outperformed the stock market 6x overThe power of leverage and tax advantages in real estateHow cash flow creates true financial freedom[15:17 - 22:59] Strategies for Success: Building a Real Estate PortfolioThree investing approaches: passive, short-term hustle, or full-time entrepreneurScaling from single-family homes to larger investmentsThe shift from active investing to fully passive income[23:00 - 31:46] Syndications and Alternative Investments for Busy ProfessionalsHow high-income earners can invest without managing propertiesThe benefits of multifamily value-add dealsHow GW Capital provides hands-off investing opportunities[31:47 - 37:37] Overcoming Barriers to Financial FreedomThe biggest mindset blocks professionals faceWhy real estate isn’t as risky as many believeThe key to taking action and accelerating wealth-buildingConnect with Param:Website: https://gwcapital.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/generationalwealthmdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/generationalwealthmdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/generationalwealthmdLEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:"Work smarter. The path to financial freedom isn’t about working harder—it’s about choosing the right investments and leveraging them wisely." - Dr. Param Baladandapani"High-income professionals aren’t taught about alternative investments, but the wealthy have always invested in them. It’s time toSupport the show

Send us a textIs real estate the key to financial freedom — even if you never considered it? Jeanette Friedrich never planned on entering real estate. But when faced with overwhelming financial challenges as a single mother, she discovered that real estate investing was the only realistic path to securing her family's future. Now, as the Director of Investor Relations and Marketing at Blue Lake Capital, Jeanette has played a pivotal role in helping the firm surpass $1 billion in transactions. She shares her unconventional journey into real estate, the lessons she learned about wealth-building, and the strategic moves [00:01 - 07:35] From Skeptic to Believer: How Jeanette Found Real EstateJeanette's unexpected path into real estate from a background in finance, recruiting, and nonprofitsHow a personal crisis led her to seek a flexible careerThe misconceptions she had about real estate before joining Blue Lake Capital[07:36 - 14:57] The Moment Everything ClickedNavigating a career shift while managing a child’s critical illnessRealizing that real estate is one of the few vehicles for true wealth generationThe mindset shift from saving defensively to investing offensively[14:58 - 21:00] Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Real EstateBecoming Blue Lake Capital’s first hire and growing alongside Ellie PerlmanHow Jeanette transitioned from an assistant role to Director of Investor RelationsThe power of representation: inspiring other women to take control of their finances[21:01 - 28:49] How Blue Lake Capital is Navigating Market ShiftsThe challenges of raising capital in today’s economic climateWhy the company is focusing on family office partnerships instead of traditional syndicationsInvesting strategies: value-add vs. stabilized assets[28:50 - 34:26] Understanding Family Offices and Building Long-Term WealthWhat is a family office, and how does it differ from traditional real estate investors?The importance of long-term relationships and strategic partnershipsHow Jeanette’s investments transformed her financial future Connect with Jeannette:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannetterobinson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluelake_capital/LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link.WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?Be sure to follow me on the below platforms:Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher.LinkedInYoutubeExclusive Facebook Groupwww.yonahweiss.comNone of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform.Tweetable Quotes:“I was still thinking like I was poor. I was playing defense with my money instead of playing offense.” - Jeanette Friedrich “The demands of the challenges in front of me were huge. The only ansSupport the show