The Build Up

Hosted by Malessa Rambarran and Candice Milano

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Jun 2026

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About the show

On The Build Up, hosts Malessa and Candice unlock the secrets of building wealth through real estate from high profile real estate investors that are better known for their accomplishments as professional athletes, CEOs, tech founders, influencers, and more. These savvy investors have been able to grow their income and diversify their investments because of the unique wealth-building qualities that only real estate can offer. Malessa and Candice have sold nearly a billion dollars' worth of real estate in one of the toughest markets in the world – New York City - and they're here to break down the barriers to investing so that you can build up your wealth! Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Subscribe here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/more-network/id6471620155 Connect with Candice Milano here: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Connect with Malessa Rambarran here: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

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39 recent

June 11, 202628 min

Episode 408: Mastering Commercial Real Estate with Cathey Kuo

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Cathey Kuo, a commercial real estate broker, investor, and principal at Elite Commercial Real Estate in Las Vegas. Cathey shares how she got her start analyzing deals alongside her mother in high school, what it takes to transition from residential into commercial investing, and how she evaluates risk and opportunity in a market still navigating high office vacancy rates and shifting demand post-COVID. She also breaks down the power of 1031 exchanges as a tool for repositioning portfolios and preserving generational wealth through tax-efficient strategy. Plus, the hosts explore the lock-in effect and how golden-era mortgage rates are keeping the housing market frozen. With a large share of homeowners holding sub-4 percent mortgages, sellers aren't listing, inventory is tight, and first-time buyers are running out of room. They dig into what it might take to finally break the gridlock. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Guest: Cathey Kuo Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

May 28, 202625 min

Episode 407: Building Wealth and Community with Jude Bernard

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Jude Bernard, a NYC-based real estate investor, broker, and general contractor who built a significant portfolio of brownstones and rental properties across Brooklyn and Harlem. Jude shares how combining construction, brokerage, and investing gives him control over the full lifecycle of a deal, the risks and realities of operating short-term rentals in one of the most regulated cities in the country, and how value-add strategy has been central to growing his portfolio. He also opens up about the mission behind The Brooklyn Bank, his financial literacy and real estate education platform focused on helping underserved communities close the racial wealth gap through property ownership. Plus, the hosts unpack one of the biggest forces keeping housing inventory frozen: the lock-in effect. With nearly 60 percent of American homeowners holding mortgage rates under 4 percent, sellers aren't selling — and the ripple effects are pricing out first-time buyers and stalling the market. They explore what it would take to break the gridlock. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Guest: Jude Bernard Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

May 14, 202631 min

Episode 406: How to Stop Overthinking and Buy Your First Investment Property

Most people who want to invest in real estate never buy a single property. Not because the opportunity is not there. Because they talk themselves out of it before they ever get started. In Episode 406 of The Build Up podcast, we sat down with Henry Washington, co-host of the BiggerPockets podcast and author who built a multi-million dollar rental portfolio starting with no savings and poor credit, to break down exactly how new investors can stop waiting and start moving. Here is what he wants every first-time investor to know. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Guest: Henry Washington Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

April 30, 202631 min

Episode 405: Building Wealth Through Community with Liz Faircloth

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Liz Faircloth, co-founder of the Real Estate InvestHER community and longtime multifamily investor. Liz shares how she built a platform that empowers women to invest with confidence, the strategies she teaches for scaling sustainably, and why financial freedom should support life purpose, not replace it. Plus, the hosts revisit a growing industry debate about AI and the future of the real estate professional. They explore how technology is changing the way deals are analyzed and marketed, and why relationships and trust may matter more than ever. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Guest: Liz Faircloth Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

April 16, 202617 min

Episode 404: Financing Smarter Deals with Brian Scott Cohen

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Brian Scott Cohen, a top mortgage lender who has closed billions in loans and helped thousands of buyers and investors structure stronger deals. Brian explains why financing is often the real driver of returns, common mistakes borrowers make, and how investors can position themselves in a shifting rate environment. Plus, the hosts explore a question reshaping the industry: will AI replace real estate brokers? They break down how technology is changing pricing, marketing, and client relationships, and why the future may depend on professionals who know how to combine data with human judgment. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Guest: Brian Scott Cohen Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

April 2, 202629 min

Episode 403: Creative Finance Without Cash or Credit with Pace Morby

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Pace Morby, known as the Creative Finance Guy, who built a national portfolio by acquiring properties without traditional bank financing. From his start as a contractor to founding the SubTo community, Pace breaks down how subject-to deals work, the risks investors overlook, and why creative financing can open the door for people with limited capital or credit. Plus, the hosts unpack a growing market shift, the rise of all-cash buyers. With nearly one in three purchases happening without a mortgage, they explore how cash is reshaping competition, pricing, and access to homeownership and what it signals about the future of the housing market. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Subscribe to the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Guest: Pace Morby | @pacemorby Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

March 19, 202627 min

Episode 402: The Hands-Off Investor Strategy with Brian Burke

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Brian Burke, President and CEO of Praxis Capital and author of The Hands-Off Investor. After more than 30 years in real estate, Brian shares how he scaled from flipping single-family homes to managing over $500 million in multifamily assets, and why syndications became the key to growing while reducing day-to-day involvement. He breaks down what makes a deal trustworthy, how to evaluate sponsors, and the mindset required to invest through multiple market cycles. Plus, the hosts unpack a bold move shaking the commercial market: SL Green's $730 million office acquisition. Is this the signal that the office sector has bottomed out, or just an early bet on New York's recovery? They explore what renewed institutional confidence could mean for financing, pricing, and the future of commercial real estate. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Subscribe to the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Guest: Brian Burke Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

March 5, 202621 min

Episode 401: From One Property to Many: Andrew Freed's Capital Recycling Strategy

This week, Candice and Malessa sit down with Andrew Freed, a Massachusetts-based real estate investor and licensed agent who turned a single condo into a growing multifamily portfolio. Andrew breaks down how leveraging HELOCs, refinancing, and capital recycling helped him acquire properties faster than traditional saving ever could—and why building systems and delegating early was the key to scaling without burnout. Plus, the hosts unpack a major shift reshaping New York City: the surge in office-to-residential conversions. Are these projects the solution to the housing shortage, or just luxury units in disguise? They explore how adaptive reuse could redefine neighborhoods—and what it means for the future of urban living. Filmed as part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network, powered by Brown Harris Stevens. Guest: Andrew Freed Sponsor: Brian Scott Cohen of Guaranteed Rate, providing the best mortgage experience possible. | https://www.grarate.com/ Hosts: Candice Milano | @candicemilano https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Malessa Rambarran | @malessa_innyc https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Subscribe the The Build Up: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/

August 21, 202522 min

Episode 309: The Season 3 Finale — Lessons, Reflections & What's Next

In this special season finale, Malessa and Candice reflect on the most powerful insights, boldest moves, and behind-the-scenes takeaways from The Build Up Season 3. From blockchain investing and syndications to mindset shifts and small-but-mighty portfolios, this recap covers it all. Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Connect with Candice Milano: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Connect with Malessa Rambarran: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/ #thebuildup #nyc #realestate #realestateinvesting #nycrealestate

August 7, 202528 min

Episode 308: How Antoinette Munroe Built Wealth with Just Four Properties

In this episode of The Build Up, Malessa and Candice sit down with Antoinette Munroe, a real estate investor and educator who left corporate life to design a freedom-focused portfolio. With just four rental properties, Antoinette reached financial independence through intentional investing strategies like house hacking, BRRRR, and assisted living facilities. Plus, hosts Candice and Malessa break down how changing tax policy, specifically the possible return of SALT deductions, could shake up buyer behavior in high-tax states. Filmed at Brown Harris Stevens' Studio 1873, Part of the Mastery of Real Estate (MORE) Network. Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-build-up/id1716615268 Connect with Candice Milano: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/candice-milano Connect with Malessa Rambarran: https://www.bhsusa.com/real-estate-agent/malessa-rambarran Connect with Antoinette Munroe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fearlessandfree/ Brown Harris Stevens is one of the largest privately owned real estate brokerages in the country, with more than 40 offices across four states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. https://bhsusa.com/ #thebuildup #nyc #realestate #realestateinvesting #nycrealestate