REL Freedom Podcast

Hosted by Mike Swenson

Business Investing ManagementInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn Instagram

Episodes

359

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 12, 202639 min

Patrick Yepez - If AI Can’t Find You, Do You Exist?

What happens when a motivated seller, investor, or potential client stops searching Google and asks AI, “Who should I trust?” Does your real estate business show up in that conversation, or does someone else? Patrick Yepez, author of AI Visibility for Real Estate Investors and founder of Dream Big Digital Products, explores the rapidly evolving world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Patrick brings more than 40 years of experience as a broker-owner, landlord, developer, builder, and investor to the conversation, along with his expertise in marketing and technology. We’ll explore how platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude are changing the way people discover real estate professionals, investors, and businesses—and what you can do to make sure AI understands who you are, what you do, where you operate, and why people should trust you. If you're a real estate investor, agent, lender, developer, or business owner, this episode will give you a new perspective on how to stay visible and relevant as AI increasingly becomes part of the way people make decisions. If you want to book a FREE AI Audit & Strategy Call with Patrick, you can sign up here: https://reiaivisibility.com/rei-ai-visibility-msw-rel-freedom-pdcst/ FOLLOW: https://patrickyepez.me/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-yepez-4b7209366/ https://www.facebook.com/PatrickYepez/ https://reiaivisibility.com/rei-ai-visibility-msw-rel-freedom-pdcst/ 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

November 5, 202629 min

Dante Royster - Don't Just Get a Mortgage. Get the Right Mortgage.

What does it take to bounce back from a financial crisis and build a successful career helping others achieve financial freedom? This week we welcome Dante Royster, Founder of Epic Mortgage, author of The Ultimate Mortgage Guide, and host of the Epic Spotlight Podcast. A former professional basketball player, Dante brought the discipline and competitive mindset of sports into the mortgage industry, rebuilding his career after surviving the 2007 market crash. With more than 23 years of experience, over 1,500 closed transactions, and licenses in nine states, he’s helped everyone from first-time homebuyers to entrepreneurs and families navigating major financial transitions. Dante’s approach goes beyond finding the lowest interest rate. He believes the right mortgage strategy can be a powerful tool for building wealth, creating opportunities through real estate, and achieving greater financial freedom. Join us as we discuss the psychology of money, common mortgage mistakes, how to secure the right financing for your goals, and the mindset shifts that can help people break through financial barriers. If you want to make smarter real estate decisions and build a stronger financial future, this episode is for you! FOLLOW: https://www.epic.mortgage/ https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/ 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 29, 202630 min

Justin Goodin - Building Apartments When Others Won't

What started with a $44,000 rental property turned into a full-time real estate career and an unexpected opportunity to build something bigger. Justin Goodin, Founder of Goodin Development explores his journey from working as a multifamily underwriter at a bank to becoming a real estate entrepreneur. After being fired from his job, Justin went all in on real estate, partnering on 500 apartment units through syndications, joint ventures, and seller financing. But as competition increased and existing multifamily properties became more expensive, he recognized that the traditional value-add strategy wasn't offering the same opportunities it once did. In early 2024, Justin shifted his focus entirely to ground-up development, building Class A apartment communities in Indiana, with $97 million in projects completed. So why build new apartments when other developers are waiting for interest rates to fall? His competitive advantage lies in securing municipal incentives that help make projects work in today's market. Tune in to learn why ground-up development could offer investors a different path to opportunity, how municipal incentives can change the numbers, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in real estate come from being willing to change your strategy when the market changes. Follow: https://goodindevelopment.com/ https://www.facebook.com/justin.goodin.16 https://www.youtube.com/@JustinGoodin https://www.instagram.com/buildwithjusting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodin/ 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 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