The Hidden Financial Tool Every Real Estate Investor Should Know: Surety Bonds with Gary Eastman

Paul Moore is coming to MREIC 2026 with a message a lot of investors need right now: the path to long-term wealth isn't exciting—it's durable, disciplined, and often "boring." In this Speaker Spotlight conversation with host Brian, Paul (Founder of Wellings Capital) explains why many investors are still dealing with the fallout from the last cycle—paused distributions, capital calls, dilution, and deals that were sold as "set it and forget it." His session, The Boring Investor, is built to help you recalibrate how you evaluate risk, returns, operators, and long-term wealth preservation. Paul will be speaking at the 2026 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC) on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 9:30 AM at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, you'll hear: Why "high risk" doesn't automatically mean "high returns" What it looks like to invest for decades (not quarters) The three-part framework Paul uses to evaluate investments: durable assets, strong operators, and intrinsic value How to spot disciplined underwriting vs. "boom time" thinking A practical investor communication tool Paul uses Get tickets + conference details: midwestreiconference.com View ticket options: midwestreiconference.com/view-ticket-options

Dr. Jordan Romano is an Ivy League–trained physician who has built a strong real estate portfolio not by chasing headlines or spreadsheets—but by going extremely hyper-local, staying curious, and learning to see what others overlook. Jordan shares how he uses on-the-ground observation, municipal GIS tools, zoning knowledge, and simple pattern recognition to uncover opportunities that don't show up in a typical MLS search. One of his most creative wins: realizing a single-family home sat on nearly an acre of land, then successfully subdividing it into three buildable lots. This episode dives into how he thinks, how he evaluates properties, and how he adapts in a shifting market. We cover: Why hyper-local knowledge beats long-distance spreadsheets The power of curiosity: constantly asking, "What am I missing?" How municipal maps, zoning meetings, and Google Earth reveal hidden value A step-by-step look at his subdivision deal How he leveled up from a condo to a three-unit via a clean 1031 exchange Why he sticks to B-class rentals for resilience in all market cycles A tough lesson learned about rejecting pet-owning tenants Why he only invests in one small region—and how that protects him How he uses AI for negotiation, deal clarity, and even diagnosing a broken toilet This is a practical, detailed, and refreshingly honest look at what happens when you invest deeply in one market and understand it at street level. 📍 Find Jordan: LinkedIn Medical Expert Witness: https://medicalexpertwitness.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

The first Speaker Spotlight for MREIC 2026 is live. We're kicking off with John Burley, real estate fund manager and capital raiser with 40+ years of investing experience and $600M+ raised. In this conversation with Brian, John breaks down why real estate success becomes dramatically simpler when you stop chasing "magic deals" and learn how to raise capital in a proper, formal, compliant way—including the exact scripts, structure, and risk-control approach he teaches. John will be speaking at Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC 2026) on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM, at DeVos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this episode, you'll hear: Why "no money down" strategies don't scale the way people think they do The mindset shift: real estate is a money business first How experienced capital investors evaluate risk in today's market Why safety + structure often beats flashy returns when raising capital What it looks like to raise money and get paid on the way (placement-fee model examples) Get tickets + conference details: midwestreiconference.com View ticket options: midwestreiconference.com/view-ticket-options

Every real estate investor has at least one deal they would redo if given the chance. Some teach expensive lessons. Others leave scars. In this episode, Brian Hamrick shares a live panel recording from the 2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, where three experienced investors pull back the curtain on their toughest deals and what they learned the hard way. This is not theory. These are real properties, real numbers, real mistakes, and real consequences. Panelists Featured Ramond Harris – Detroit investor and founder of Harris Family Contracting, sharing the realities of rehabbing in high-risk neighborhoods and managing theft, vandalism, and city challenges. Brooke Veltkamp – Newaygo County investor walking through extreme fixer projects, budget blowouts, and why buying right still matters more than anything else. David Hall – Lansing-based investor, broker, and coach breaking down due diligence failures, permit issues, and why "new" does not always mean "good." Topics Covered Buying properties with hidden deferred maintenance When zero-down and creative financing deals go sideways Fires, theft, vandalism, and city enforcement surprises Roofs, plumbing, HVAC, and inspections that were missed How long projects really take versus the original plan When luck saves a deal and when it does not Risk versus reward in changing market conditions How experienced investors recover, pivot, and move forward Why This Episode Matters This panel is a clear example of what you get at the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference. Experienced operators sharing real decisions, real consequences, and what they would change if they had the chance. No theory. No highlight reels. Just lessons earned the hard way and explained so you do not have to repeat them. If you want to make better decisions, manage risk more clearly, and avoid common traps, this episode delivers. Join Us in 2026 The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is a two-day, content-dense event built for investors who want to think clearly, act decisively, and grow with intention. You will hear from active investors, operators, lenders, and builders covering acquisitions, financing, market cycles, operations, and risk. Conversations are practical, candid, and grounded in real experience. If this panel resonated, you will want to be in the room. For more information and to get your ticket, go to midwestreiconference.com Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

How do you come back after losing $50 million — and build it all back stronger? In this episode, Rod Khleif, multifamily investor, mentor to thousands, and host of one of the world's top real estate podcasts, joins Brian Hamrick to share the mindset, systems, and focus that made his comeback possible. Rod opens up about: His journey from immigrant beginnings to owning thousands of units The $50 million crash during 2008 and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild How to create unshakable goals and "burn the ships" commitment Why fear of regret is more dangerous than fear of failure What today's economic uncertainty and AI revolution mean for investors The biggest wealth-transfer opportunities emerging in 2025-2026 How to pivot into new asset classes like senior housing and mobile home parks Why focus, peer groups, and playing to your strengths drive lasting success Rod also explains how he's using AI to streamline his business and training systems, and why he believes this next decade will create more opportunity than any in history — for those willing to act. 📚 Resources Mentioned https://rodkhleif.com/links/ Website: http://Rodkhleif.com LinkedIn: Rod Khleif - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodkhleif/ Twitter: @RodKhleif - https://twitter.com/RodKhleif Instagram: @Rod_Khleif - https://www.instagram.com/rod_khleif/ Facebook: Rod Khleif Official - https://www.facebook.com/rodkhleifofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RodKhleif Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkhleif?lang=es Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Most real estate investors have never heard of surety bonds, yet these little-known financial tools can determine whether a project finishes on time—or falls apart. In this episode, Brian Hamrick talks with Gary Eastman, attorney turned entrepreneur and founder of Axcess Surety and Swiftbonds, two of the nation's leading surety bond brokerages. After 17 years as General Counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Gary discovered how surety bonds quietly drive the $22 billion construction and development industry. Gary explains why every developer, investor, and property owner should understand how surety bonds protect capital, guarantee performance, and keep projects moving even when contractors fail or materials run short. You'll learn: What a surety bond actually is—and how it differs from insurance How surety bonds protect investors from contractor default, liens, and delays Real-world examples of bonds preventing multimillion-dollar losses Why material shortages and labor constraints are making bonds more essential than ever How lenders are beginning to require bonds for new development projects The cost-benefit math behind when to bond and when not to How Gary uses AI to analyze project data and identify emerging risks in real estate If you're investing in multifamily, development, or rehab projects, this conversation will change how you think about risk management in real estate. 🔗 Connect with Gary Eastman https://swiftbonds.com/ https://x.com/swiftbonds https://www.facebook.com/swiftbonds https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-swiftbonds-76a4b861/ https://www.youtube.com/@SwiftbondsOverlandPark Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Billions of dollars in office and retail buildings are trading at deep discounts right now. While most investors see risk, Scott Sherman, Founder and Principal of Torose Equities, sees opportunity. Scott has built a $700M+ portfolio by buying, repositioning, and re-tenanting distressed commercial assets — from South Beach retail to Florida office towers. In this episode, he joins Brian Hamrick to break down: Why the best deals are hidden inside distressed office and retail How to spot management problems and operational inefficiencies that destroy value The strategy behind buying retail condos and mixed-use ground floors before they're built How to work with institutions and family offices to finance value-add projects Why office space isn't dead — it's just being repriced The 2026 outlook for commercial real estate, from Florida to national markets Whether you're an investor, developer, or property owner, you'll learn how to turn distress into profit — and why the next wave of opportunity may already be here. Find out more: [email protected] https://toroseequities.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-sherman-6019234/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

It's tax season — and the rules have changed again. With new updates to the 1031 exchange and bonus depreciation, real-estate investors have more ways than ever to defer taxes and build wealth in 2025. In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes Dave Foster, one of the nation's top Qualified Intermediaries and founder of The 1031 Investor. Dave breaks down what the new "Big Beautiful Bill" means for real-estate owners, and how to use the latest tax provisions to maximize returns and preserve legacy wealth. You'll learn: What's new (and now permanent) in the 1031 exchange rules How bonus depreciation and cost segregation help you eliminate taxable income this year How to combine 1031 exchanges with bonus depreciation for massive savings Why the step-up value in basis creates tax-free generational wealth The difference between Section 179, Section 121, and 1031, and how each applies to real-estate owners The role of LLCs, trusts, and estate planning in preserving tax benefits Creative strategies like setting up a family foundation for charitable giving and tax deductions Whether you're an active investor, flipper, short-term-rental owner, or planning for retirement, this episode will help you understand how to protect your profits and plan smarter for the future. Find out more: Website: https://www.the1031investor.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/The1031Investor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveFoster1031  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davefoster1031/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveFoster1031  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davefoster1031/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine, co-founder of HUI Mastermind, joins Brian Hamrick to share how he overcame adversity and built a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio across Hawaii—developing over 100 affordable homes for local families. From growing up in a multi-generational household on leased agricultural land and serving time in federal prison to becoming a real estate developer and mentor, Fuzzy's story is one of redemption, resilience, and purpose. In this episode, he reveals how he builds homes in Hawaii's lava zones, why he focuses on affordable housing, and how his "Pono Way" approach honors both the people and the land. You'll learn: How Hawaii's unique land and housing challenges create opportunities for developers What it takes to build in "lava zones" and why local lending still supports these projects The philosophy behind people before profits and respecting the land How Fuzzy scaled from $0 to over 150 completed homes How the HUI Mastermind is empowering Native Hawaiians and locals to build generational wealth 🎧 Listen now to discover how a local boy from Honolulu turned his life around, helped families stay in Hawaii, and is now teaching others to do the same — the Pono Way. Find out more: https://huimastermind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hifuzz/ Today's episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference (MREIC) is back April 27–28, 2026 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and this year's theme is Thrive. This quick special announcement features Erika Farley, Executive Director of the Rental Property Owners Association of Michigan (RPOAM), breaking down what's new, who it's for, and why you should lock in your ticket now. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) You'll hear how the 2026 agenda is built around systems, real-world strategy, and operating resilience, including major focus on AI integration and a grounded economic outlook for 2026 that investors can actually use. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Conference Theme Thrive, with a clear emphasis on "Where Strategy Meets Systems" and building portfolios that can perform in changing market cycles. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) What we cover in this conversation Why "Thrive" matters right now and what attendees should expect to walk away with AI keynote with Steve Brown (former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel) and what practical AI strategy looks like for investors and operators Economic forecast keynote with Dr. Paul Isely (GVSU) and why it's consistently one of the most packed sessions  Featured speakers and what they're known for (private equity, tax and legal, multifamily, commercial, missing middle housing)  Networking, kickoff reception, vendors, and sponsor support that make the event worth showing up for  Featured speakers mentioned Steve Brown (AI keynote)  Dr. Paul Isely (2026 economic outlook keynote) John Burley, Mark Kohler, Anthony Chara, Paul Moore, Nathan Biller  Key agenda focus areas (2026 "Thrive" framework) Smart Systems and AI Integration Market Outlook and Economic Data Operational Risk and Compliance Capital and Acquisitions Strategy Sustainable Growth and Scaling Advanced Portfolio Management  Networking and Add-on Experiences MREIC Kickoff Reception: Sunday, April 26, 2026 (5:00–7:00 PM). Included with registration, RSVP required, space limited.  Private Keynote Strategy Forum: limited capacity add-on for deeper discussion (conference registration required).  Hotels and Lodging Discounted conference hotel options include the Amway Grand Plaza (connected to DeVos Place) and the JW Marriott Grand Rapids (short walk). Book through the official hotel block.  Pricing Note Super Early Bird pricing runs through January 31 and pricing increases February 1. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference) Quick timestamps (approx.) 00:00 Conference dates, location, and why this matters 00:40 Theme: Thrive in Every Market 01:00 AI keynote and why it's front and center 02:00 Economic outlook with Dr. Paul Isely 02:40 Speaker lineup and topic variety 05:00 Networking and kickoff reception 06:00 VIP and deeper access opportunities 08:00 Sponsors, vendors, and early pricing Register Lock in your seat at midwestreiconference.com. (Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference)