REL Freedom Podcast

Hosted by Mike Swenson

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Episodes

355

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Helping people working in all areas of the real estate industry find financial freedom. Join us as we interview the top minds in the industry to see how they used real estate in all ways, shapes and forms to find their own financial freedom. Whether you're a real estate agent, a real estate investor, a real estate syndicator, or you have a business inside of real estate, we want to highlight how you're using it to build time and financial freedom. Want to be a guest on REL Freedom? Contact us at mike@relfreedom.com Join Our Community at http://AgentInvestorMastermind.com Watch All Of Our Content at http://relfreedom.tv

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60 recent

October 22, 202626 min

Cheryl Scheidell - Change Your Retirement Through Reverse Mortgages

Have you ever thought that your home could become a powerful tool for creating financial flexibility in retirement? Cheryl Scheidell is a mortgage industry professional with more than 20 years of experience, including a decade specializing in reverse mortgages. A Phoenix native, Cheryl is passionate about educating homeowners and their families on how reverse mortgages can help eligible homeowners age 62 and older access their home equity, potentially supplement retirement income, and create more options for aging in place. She believes in the benefits so strongly that her own mother has a reverse mortgage! Cheryl will break down how reverse mortgages work, the different ways homeowners can access their equity, and what borrowers and their families should understand before considering one. Beyond her mortgage expertise, Cheryl co-founded Arizona Women of Impact, volunteers in her community, and hosts a radio show focused on educating people about resources for aging in place and transitioning to senior living. If you're planning for retirement, helping aging parents navigate their options, or simply looking for ways to make your real estate work harder for you, this conversation offers valuable insights into an often misunderstood financial tool. 👇Follow: https://reversemortgageandbeyond.com/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

October 15, 202628 min

Harley Green - Real Estate Lending: Get Paid Without Owning Rentals

Harley Green is a former software architect and computer engineer who traded a career designing complex systems for a different kind of freedom through real estate investing. After more than 15 years in technology, Harley and his wife, Adrienne, began investing in real estate in 2013, learning the business firsthand through renovations, investor networking, private lending, and self-directed IRAs. Those experiences ultimately led them to build InvestAway, a private lending company focused on short-term, first-lien real estate loans for experienced operators across the Southeast. Harley is passionate about helping investors put their capital to work through real estate-backed lending while building a life on their own terms. We discuss how InvestAway works, what investors should understand about private lending and self-directed IRAs, and the importance of protecting your capital when investing in real estate. Perhaps most inspiring, Harley, Adrienne, and their three children operate their business remotely while traveling internationally full-time. Join us as we explore how building the right systems, making intentional investment decisions, and thinking differently about work can help create greater time and financial freedom! 👇FOLLOW: https://www.investaway.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleygreen/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

October 8, 202629 min

Chris Reece - Cannabis Meets Real Estate: The Investment Opportunity

What happens when you combine decades of investment management experience with the rapidly evolving cannabis industry? Chris Reece is Chairman and CEO of MJ REIT and co-founder of AC Capital Partners. He sits at the intersection of private real estate, alternative investments, and the state-legal cannabis industry. With more than 25 years of experience in asset management, helping raise over $10 billion at FS Investments, and a background spanning Vanguard and other major investment firms, Chris brings a unique perspective on alternative investment strategies. Discover how MJ REIT approaches commercial real estate through traditional first-lien mortgages and sale-leaseback transactions involving cannabis-related businesses. We’ll discuss how private real estate can complement traditional stock and bond portfolios, the opportunities and challenges of investing in an evolving industry, and what investors should understand before exploring specialized alternative investments. If you're interested in passive investing, portfolio diversification, and discovering opportunities beyond traditional real estate, this episode is for you! 👇FOLLOW: https://mj-reit.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-r-reece SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

October 1, 202623 min

Mike Swenson - The $300 Billion Real Estate Opportunity

Roughly $300 billion in multifamily mortgage debt is scheduled to mature in 2026—but does that mean $300 billion worth of distressed apartment buildings are about to hit the market? Not necessarily. It means thousands of property owners are facing a decision: refinance, sell, bring additional capital to the table, or find another creative solution. And when today's financing environment looks very different from when many of these loans were originally made, some interesting opportunities can emerge. In this episode with podcast host Mike Swenson, we break down what the $300 billion maturity wave really means for real estate investors, where potential distressed opportunities may be hiding, and how investors can find owners who need solutions, not just buyers looking for a bargain. We’ll explore refinancing challenges, creative financing, seller financing, loan assumptions, motivated sellers, and the key question every investor should be asking: What problem can I solve that creates a win-win real estate deal? SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

September 24, 202630 min

Doug Smith - Secrets of Private Lending

What does it take to make smart lending decisions and protect capital in the world of private lending and note investing? Doug Smith is the founder of Castle Rock Capital Funding and The Mad Lender, who brings 35 years of commercial and residential lending experience and a deep background in credit and underwriting. Doug shares insights from his career with some of the world's largest banks and explains what investors should understand before putting money into loan-based assets. Doug also discusses how The Mad Lender works behind the scenes with private lending funds, individual private lenders, and note investors, while providing credit analysis, underwriting, consulting, and portfolio management. If you're already investing in notes or private lending or simply want to better understand how experienced lenders evaluate risk, this conversation offers practical lessons you can use to make more informed investment decisions. 👇Follow: https://themadlender.com/ https://www.mortgagesbycastlerock.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-smith-72948310bbankerdougsmith/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

September 17, 202628 min

Ryan Schuetter - AI & Automation In Your Business

What if your business could run more efficiently and give you back the freedom you started it for? Ryan Schuetter is an operations expert and AI implementation leader who has helped more than 100 businesses adopt AI and build better systems. Ryan isn't a guru. He's an operator. Through Schuetter Consulting and Schuetter AI, he helps companies turn technology into practical workflows that reduce chaos, improve profitability, and empower teams to work smarter. Ryan explores why founders become trapped by their businesses, how AI can transform everyday operations, and what it takes to build a company that creates freedom instead of consuming it. Whether you're a real estate entrepreneur, business owner, or investor looking to scale, this conversation offers practical insights to help you take back control of your time and your business. FOLLOW: https://ryanschuetter.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanschuetter/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

September 10, 202630 min

Mor Milo - Real Estate: Bringing Wall Street To Main Street

What if investing in commercial real estate could be as accessible as buying stocks? Mor Milo is Co-Founder and CEO of Relli, a PropTech platform built to change how everyday investors access commercial real estate. Growing up, Mor watched his immigrant parents build generational wealth one property at a time—and eventually became determined to figure out why that same opportunity remained out of reach for so many people. After several startup ventures, Mor and his co-founder Ross Iannarelli identified a major gap in the market: commercial real estate syndications offered powerful passive-income opportunities, but high barriers to entry and limited access kept most individual investors on the sidelines. Relli is working to create a two-sided marketplace connecting vetted commercial real estate operators with individual investors, bringing greater selection, transparency, and accessibility to an industry traditionally dominated by wealthy investors and institutions. If you've ever wondered how technology could reshape real estate investing and give everyday investors access to opportunities once reserved for the wealthy, this conversation offers a fascinating look at where the industry may be headed. FOLLOW: https://www.relli.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/investwithrelli/ https://www.instagram.com/InvestWithRelli/ https://www.youtube.com/@InvestWithRelliSUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

September 3, 202632 min

Jullion Cooper - The Overseas Apartment Owner

Can you build a real estate portfolio in the United States without living here? Jullion Cooper is doing just that. He founded Properties By JMC and is proving that geography doesn’t have to be a barrier to building wealth through real estate. Living and working in countries all over the world, Jullion started by acquiring single-family properties in Michigan for $30,000–$40,000 before deciding it was time to “play a bigger game.” Just nine months later, he closed on a 23-unit apartment community in Lansing, Michigan. Jullion shares how he successfully invests remotely, makes the leap from single-family rentals to multifamily, raises capital through authentic relationships, and uses disciplined due diligence to protect investors. We also dive into the systems and mindset required to manage U.S. real estate from thousands of miles away and why building relationships can be more valuable than simply chasing transactions. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can invest in real estate from another state—or even another country—this episode offers a powerful blueprint for building long-term wealth without being tied to a specific location. FOLLOW: https://propertiesbyjmc.com/invest https://www.facebook.com/jullion.cooper/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jullion-cooper-74981b8/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jullioncooper https://www.instagram.com/jullioncooper/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

August 27, 202631 min

Haydynn Fike - Your Network is Your Net Worth

What happens when you skip the traditional corporate path, lean into networking, and turn relationships into real estate opportunities? Haydynn Fike is co-founder of Acadia Capital and host of The Art of Connecting Podcast. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Haydynn quickly realized the corporate world wasn't for him and began attending every networking event he could find. That decision led to a partnership with Dan, a 74-unit storage facility, and eventually the creation of Acadia Capital. Today, Haydynn has helped investors place more than $7 million into Acadia Capital while building a growing network of real estate investors throughout the Southeast. Haydynn shares how networking and genuine relationships can create opportunities that aren't found by simply scrolling through property listings. He also talks about flipping two houses in 2024, owning a 74-unit storage facility, building investor communities through the Southeast Best Real Estate Meetup and Chattanooga Owners Club, and the lessons he's learned along the way. From raising capital and finding deals to building relationships and taking action, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to grow their real estate investing business and their network. FOLLOW: https://acadialoans.com/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13

August 20, 202632 min

Chad Ackerman - Wealth Beyond Your W2

Can you build meaningful income through real estate without becoming a landlord or adding another job to your already busy schedule? Chad Ackerman is a former corporate HR and compensation executive with more than 25 years of experience who realized his financial future was far too dependent on his W2 income. That realization sent him down the path of passive real estate investing, where he made early mistakes, learned valuable lessons, and eventually co-founded Left Field Investors, one of the largest communities for passive investors, later acquired by BiggerPockets. Today, through CARE (Chad Ackerman Real Estate), Chad helps busy professionals move from confusion and overwhelm to clarity and confident action as passive real estate investors. He shares what he wishes he knew when he started, how to evaluate passive investment opportunities, avoid common mistakes, and create income streams without dealing with tenants, toilets, or day-to-day property management. If you're a high-performing professional looking to diversify beyond your W2 income and build a path toward greater financial freedom, this episode offers practical insights to help you take your first, or next step into passive real estate investing. FOLLOW: https://chadackermanrealestate.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-ackerman-8089a8a/ SUBSCRIBE IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUILD WEALTH THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY ✅ http://relfreedom.tv GET STARTED INVESTING TODAY AND ACCESS OUR DEAL LIST! 📈 https://pinnaclecapitalinvestments.com/ LEARN ABOUT REL FREEDOM & HEAR MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 🎙️ http://www.FreedomThroughRealEstate.com FREEBIES: DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FREEDOM FOUNDATION BLUEPRINT 💵 https://www.relfreedom.com/blueprint SUBSCRIBE TO THE REL FREEDOM PODCAST 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rel-freedom-podcast/id1535281574 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nXA5hLHbDzRwxypc2wLur?si=uwhs8FjVS_mpUAG2znbBDA&nd=1&dlsi=069fb8d4b74d4cfb LET'S CONNECT 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-swenson/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getrelfreedom/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relfreedom 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mswenson13