Are you ready to buy your first investment property but don’t know where to start? We break down a step-by-step guide for beginner real estate investors to find, analyze, and secure their first rental property. You’ll learn how to define your investing goals, pick the right market, secure financing, and discover deals using MLS, off-market listings, and local networking. We cover essential tips for evaluating properties, performing due diligence, making competitive offers, and setting up your first rental for maximum cash flow and long-term passive income. If you’re interested in house hacking, buy-and-hold rentals, fix-and-flips, or short-term rentals, this episode gives you the roadmap to start building wealth through real estate.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how to build a solid foundation in real estate investing that makes your first property purchase feel easy and confident.
• Uncover the secrets to pinpointing the perfect investment property that aligns wit...

Bonny Wayman is a real estate investor, asset manager, and multifamily strategist passionate about helping others achieve financial freedom through real estate. With an MBA from the University of Denver and a background in marketing, analytics, and project management, she combines data-driven strategy with hands-on experience to drive strong investment performance.

As the multifamily asset manager for Wild Oak Capital and Aligned Asset Management, Bonny oversees operations across a growing portfolio for others while managing her own portfolio for herself. Serving as both a General Partner (GP) and Limited Partner (LP) in syndications, she’s known for turning big-picture ideas into actionable strategies that maximize returns and build long-term wealth through multifamily investing and real estate syndications.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how to kickstart your real estate investing journey with confidence and avoid common beginner mistakes.
• Uncover the powerful...

Neil Henderson is a seasoned real estate investor, co-host of the Truly Passive Income Podcast, and General Partner at Nomad Capital. After nearly two decades as a defense contractor, Neil transformed his career by pursuing financial freedom through real estate investing. Starting with a simple house hack in Las Vegas, he’s now helped investors participate in over $75 million in commercial real estate deals and raised more than $17 million in investor equity. As a thought leader in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement, Neil shares real, actionable strategies for building passive income, achieving financial independence, and creating time freedom through self-storage syndications and other powerful real estate investing models. Neil’s insights will help you take the next step toward truly passive wealth.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how transitioning to real estate investing can unlock new opportunities and build lasting wealth.

• Learn wh

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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...

Steven Carroll is a former financial planner who has discovered the benefits of real investing and is focused on helping others learn how to "do money better." Through the power of building great relationships with amazing real estate investors and entrepreneurs, Steven has been able to invest in multi-family properties, mobile home parks, motels, short-term rentals, as well as other small businesses. Find out how Steven took the principles he learned as a financial planner, combined them with his obsession for personal finance and all things money, along with his love for entrepreneurship and real estate investment, and is putting it all together to build a life & future he's excited about, and how he wants to help you do the same!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how investing in real estate for beginners can set the foundation for long-term financial freedom.
• Uncover hidden benefits of owning multifamily properties and why they could be your smartest investme...

Imagine working helping to grow a tech company from 20 to 1,000 employees, going to New York for the celebration of taking it public, and then getting let go just 2 days after returning from paternity leave with your first child. This is one of Kyle Luetkehans' most difficult challenges that he's turning into his greatest success story. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he rolled up his sleeves and used this as his opportunity to leap into the life of his dreams! In in just 6 short months after leaving the W2 world behind, they packed up their lives in Florida, turned their current home into a short-term rental, moved to the Midwest, became a partner on an exciting hospitality deal in North Carolina with some amazing business partners, and are set to close on an amazing business opportunity in Alaska with another new business partner. When life hands you these challenges and stresses, Kyle stands at the top of people looking to turn them into amazing opportunities!

In this ep...

Fuquan Bilal’s story is proof that hustle, strategy, and vision can turn obstacles into opportunities. Starting from scratch 25 years ago, Fuquan built his real estate empire during one of the toughest markets in history—the 2008 financial crisis—while others were running for cover. By mastering creative investing strategies, he transformed distressed properties into profitable assets and built a track record that’s raised over $50 million in capital. As Founder of NNG Capital Fund, Fuquan helps accredited investors achieve passive income, financial freedom, and portfolio diversification through Class B multifamily properties and luxury single-family homes.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how joining masterminds can accelerate your real estate success by connecting you with game-changing insights and support.
• Learn the key steps to smoothly transition into luxury spec homes and unlock higher profit margins on your projects.
• Build streamlined systems and proces...

Cherie Walters & Nicole Juarez are two faith-driven moms growing businesses inside of real estate. Cherie has spent 13 years on the lending side. With a goal to outwork everyone, she specializes in VA loans, loves serving people, and stays committed to her daily routine and personal development. Nicole is an agent with 10 years experience. She navigates meeting the needs of her clients while still being able to be available to pick-up her kids at the end of the day. Together, they form the Twins Realty Team. They discuss their growing businesses, being moms, and working together both inside and outside the office.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how to build a thriving real estate career without sacrificing your family time.
• Unlock insider tips from top real estate professionals that can fast-track your success.
• Navigate common challenges new real estate agents face and learn how to overcome them smoothly.
• Master key strategies for real estate lending success...

Joel Friedland is a 43+ year real estate investing veteran specializing in single-tenant industrial properties in the Chicago area, with a track record of acquiring 104 buildings valued at over $300 million for more than 300 investors. Known for his ultra-conservative, debt-free syndications and long-term hold strategy, Joel brings a uniquely risk-averse mindset shaped by weathering four economic downturns. Many of his deals involve 1031 exchanges and tenants-in-common structures, making him a go-to expert in tax-efficient industrial investing. With decades of experience and a trove of entertaining stories—from cold-calling sellers to knocking on tenants’ doors—Joel delivers real-world insights that resonate with both new and seasoned investors.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover how investing in industrial real estate can provide a steady, low-risk income stream that strengthens your portfolio.
• Learn proven strategies to build a debt-free real estate portfolio th...

Joel Miller is a seasoned real estate investor who has been building wealth through rental properties since 1978 and flipping houses since 1991. With a background in accounting and a trailblazing career as a mobile DJ (with over 5,000 appearances), Joel found his true passion in real estate—eventually flipping over 100 properties and transitioning into hard money lending in 2018 to support new investors. A longtime educator and leader in the landlord community of northwestern Pennsylvania, he developed and taught courses on landlording, flipping, and lending, while also contributing to top industry publications. After years of podcast guest spots and industry encouragement, Joel authored Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investment, a step-by-step guide for integrating real estate into your life—without the overwhelm. If you're ready to learn from a veteran who's done it all, Joel’s insights will help you thrive in real estate investing while enjoying...