Michael Russell is a seasoned real estate investor and hospitality entrepreneur who turned short-term rentals on Maui into financial freedom before scaling into hostel and hotel investing. As the co-founder of Howzit Hostels—the #1 small hostel in North America—and Malama Capital, he brings over 20 years of experience across short-term rentals, long-term rentals, commercial real estate, and hospitality assets. He shares how he sources and analyzes hotel deals, leads acquisitions, and is leveraging systems and AI to create efficient, high–cash flow hospitality investments with strong equity upside. Also a co-host of the Hotel Investor Playbook podcast, he offers practical insights for investors looking to transition from Airbnb-style rentals into hotels, build scalable businesses, and design unforgettable guest experiences—all while balancing entrepreneurship, family life, and island living in Maui.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why successful investors fo...

Today we celebrate the closing of our newest acquisition, a 35 unit apartment in southern Minnesota. In addition, we cover some of the most important basics for those interested in raising capital for real estate. We break down the fundamentals of what investors actually want to know before they commit their money. From understanding the difference between equity and debt to navigating basic securities rules, structuring deals correctly, and building trust without a long track record, this conversation offers a clear, practical roadmap for anyone looking to scale through other people’s capital. We also cover how to find and attract the right investors, present deals with confidence, avoid common capital raising mistakes, and build long-term investor relationships that lead to repeat capital and sustainable growth. Whether you’re preparing for your first raise or refining your approach, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.

In this episode, you...