What if you could build a $60M real estate portfolio without syndications, big money, or insider connections? James Gleeson shares how he went from buying his first rental at 21 to owning 400+ units—using simple, repeatable strategies like BRRRR and value-add investing in his own backyard of St. Louis. 

He breaks down the real lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped him scale. Now mentoring dozens of investors who’ve collectively closed $50M+ in deals, James proves that building real wealth through real estate is simpler—and more attainable—than most people think.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand why real estate growth is compounding and how scaling becomes easier over time
• Learn how James Gleeson built a $60M portfolio and 400+ units starting from scratch
• Discover how to get started in real estate with limited resources by leveraging relationships and persistence
• Identify the importance of building strong relationships to unlock deals, funding, ...

Mike Cobb, CEO of ECI Developments and author of How To Buy Your Home Overseas & Get It Right The First Time, explores what it really takes to live—and invest—abroad successfully. More than 25 years ago, Mike saw the gap between people dreaming about retiring on a beach and actually making it happen, so he set out to build thoughtfully planned communities across Latin America, including Belize, Nicaragua, and Panama. Since then, he’s helped thousands of expats, investors, and digital nomads turn “someday” into a concrete plan through practical education, on-the-ground Discovery Tours, and real-world development experience.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how Mike created vocational freedom through international real estate—building a business that allows him to work from the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond.
  
• Learn how he identified a major financing gap for Americans buying property overseas and turned a small mortgage company in Belize into a bank.
  
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We’re celebrating 300 episodes and 5 years of the REL Freedom, the real estate investing podcast designed to help you build wealth, grow your business, and create financial freedom. In this special anniversary episode, host Mike Swenson shares the origin story of the podcast, the biggest lessons learned from interviewing top real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, and some behind-the-scenes stories from the journey. You’ll hear insights on passive income, short-term rentals, multifamily investing, and strategies for long-term success in real estate. Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s ahead for the show as we continue to bring you proven strategies, expert advice, and inspiring stories to fuel your investing journey. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned investor, this milestone episode is packed with reflection, gratitude, and practical takeaways to help you succeed.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how building financial freedom...