
You Don’t Need an LLC to Buy Rental Properties (Here’s Why)
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters Podcast, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Michael Magno dive into the common question: 'Do you need an LLC to invest in rental properties?' They explore the pros and cons of setting up an LLC, discussing liability protection, financing complications, and the misconceptions about additional tax benefits. Jacob and Michael share their personal experiences and emphasize the importance of getting started in real estate investing without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexities. Tune in to find out their perspectives and practical advice for rookie investors.

The American Dream is Dead (Here’s What to Do Instead)
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters Podcast, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Michael Magno debunk the outdated concept of the American Dream. They argue that traditional paths like working a corporate job, saving in a 401k, and hoping for a comfortable retirement no longer work in the current economic climate. Instead, they advocate for achieving financial freedom through alternative means such as real estate investing, starting side businesses, and building diversified portfolios. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding your expenses, the 4 percent rule, and the power of passive income. They also provide actionable steps and recommended readings to help you get started on your journey to financial independence.

2025 Real Estate Market Predictions: What Every Investor Should Know
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters podcast, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Mike reflect on the 2024 real estate market and share predictions for 2025. They discuss high mortgage rates, modest home price increases, and the potential impact of the upcoming Trump administration. The episode emphasizes the importance of staying active as an investor and provides insights into economic indicators like the 10-year Treasury yield and the rental market, urging listeners to take informed action in 2025.

One Rental Property Changed His Life – From Broke to 500+ Units
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jay Maranan, a seasoned real estate investor who has mastered house hacking, Airbnb, out-of-state investing, and large-scale syndications. Jay shares his personal story, highlighting the importance of mindset, the power of taking action despite fear, and the value of building generational wealth. Don't miss this insightful episode filled with aha moments and actionable advice!

Why I Walked Away From a $250K Job—The 3 Fears I Had to Overcome
Leaving a $250K job wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to reclaim my happiness and pursue a life aligned with my passions. I had to confront the fears of money, reputation, and failure head-on, realizing that financial freedom is about more than just a high income—it’s about having options. By overcoming these fears, I’ve gained clarity, peace, and the confidence to create a life I’m proud of.

How To Analyze a Rental Property (Cleveland Duplex Example)
Join Jacob Sandoval and expert realtor Michael Magno as they dive deep into the intricacies of analyzing rental properties, using a real Cleveland property as their case study. Learn how to filter properties, assess their pros and cons, and calculate potential returns using a rental property calculator. This episode provides tactical tips for first-time investors to set their expectations, budget appropriately, and make informed decisions for long-term success.

House Flipping 101: How This Investor Lost Money (Key Lessons)
Join Jacob Sandoval and Michael Magno in this episode as they dive into the inspiring journey of Lorenzo Mercado, a pediatric RN turned real estate investor. Lorenzo shares his evolution from struggling financially, living paycheck to paycheck, to making significant strides in the real estate space. Despite encountering unexpected challenges with his first flip, Lorenzo's story highlights the importance of perseverance, strategic action, and learning from both successes and setbacks. His future ambitions to master direct-to-seller strategies and provide genuine solutions for homeowners are testament to his passion and commitment to real estate.

The Truth About Paying Your Mortgage Off Early
In this episode, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Michael Magno discuss the nuances of paying off your mortgage early. They explore the pros and cons based on interest rates, investment journey stages, and personal financial goals. Highlighting real-life scenarios and strategies, they emphasize the importance of having a clear vision and making informed decisions for achieving financial freedom.

How to Buy Your First Rental Property: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters Podcast, Jacob guides you through the 10 essential steps to buy your first rental property. From determining your goals and budget to finding an investor-friendly agent and getting your property rented out, this comprehensive guide is packed with practical advice and tools to help you start your real estate investing journey. Join Jacob to take the first steps towards achieving financial freedom through real estate.

Why Turnkey Rental Properties are a Scam
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters Podcast, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Michael Magno dive deep into the concept of turnkey rental companies. They discuss the potential pitfalls and hidden challenges of these "turnkey" investments, especially for new real estate investors. Jacob and Michael emphasize the importance of doing your own due diligence, working with trustworthy, investor-friendly agents, and understanding how to effectively underwrite deals to avoid costly mistakes.

Accountant Explains: Buying Your First Apartment Building
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters Podcast, host Jacob Sandoval and co-host Michael Magno interview Ian Cruz, a successful real estate investor from the Bay Area. Ian shares his journey from working as a CPA to becoming an expert in the Cincinnati real estate market. The discussion covers Ian's investment journey, including his first out-of-state multi-family investment and transitioning into larger commercial real estate deals, highlighting the importance of strong local partnerships and effective networking.

How Much Do You Need to Retire? (Why the 4% Rule is Wrong)
In this video, Jacob breaks down the path to financial freedom and challenges the traditional 4% rule that many rely on for retirement planning. Discover why aiming for an unrealistic retirement number can keep you trapped and how understanding your living expenses is key to setting a realistic financial freedom goal. Jacob explains how the 4% rule works and why it might not be sufficient, especially in today's economic climate. He introduces the concept of using real estate investments to generate consistent cash flow, offering a more achievable and faster route to financial independence. Join Jacob as he shares insights, personal stories, and practical tips to help you break free from the corporate grind and start your journey to true financial freedom.

Property Management 101: What New Investors Need to Know
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters podcast, hosts Jacob Sandoval and Mike Magno explore the essentials of property management for real estate investors. They discuss the importance of choosing the right property manager and outline key questions to ask during the selection process. The conversation also touches on the significance of asset management and maintaining strong tenant retention for long-term success. Jacob and Mike share practical tips and insights to help investors effectively manage their rental properties and optimize their investment strategies.

Rental Properties vs. Stocks: The Ultimate Investment Breakdown
In this insightful video, Jacob delves into the age-old debate between investing in rental properties versus stocks. Through a comprehensive seven-round comparison, Jacob breaks down key factors such as appreciation, cash flow, level of effort, volatility, leverage, liquidity, and tax benefits. Even though there is a "winner", Jacob emphasizes the importance of aligning investment strategies with personal goals and offers a balanced perspective, revealing his own portfolio strategy. Don't miss out on valuable insights into building wealth and achieving financial freedom!

Software Engineer Talks About "Nightmare" 1st Rental Property
In this episode, Jacob interviews Liam Delumpa, a Software Engineer turned real estate investor in the san Francisco Bay Are. Liam reflects on his rollercoaster journey in real estate, starting with the nightmare of his first rental property. Through perseverance and resilience, Liam overcame the initial hurdles, honing his skills and knowledge as an investor. His eventual shift to commercial real estate highlights the importance of strategic evolution in response to market conditions, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation for success in real estate.

Breaking Down My First Airbnb: Lessons, Risks, and Numbers
In this episode, Jacob shares the details of his first Airbnb investment —a lakefront property in Michigan. Despite the widespread pessimism of Airbnbs in the current environment and the complexities of this specific deal, Jacob moves forward, excited about the potential of the property. He reveals the property's purchase price, financing, revenue projections, and business plan. If you've been curious about the world of Airbnbs this is a must listen!

Accountant Explains: Tax Advantages of Real Estate Investing
In this episode, Jacob Sandoval and Mike Magno are joined by Tony, also known as the "CPA Dude," to explore advanced tax strategies and financial planning tactics. They dive into the intricacies of the Short-Term Rental (STR) tax loophole, real estate professional status, and the benefits of 1031 exchanges. Tony offers valuable insights on optimizing tax savings and clarifies common misconceptions about LLC ownership in the context of tax planning. Throughout the discussion, listeners gain practical advice on leveraging tax laws to their advantage and maximizing financial outcomes.

How Rental Properties Make You Rich (And Help You Retire Early)
This episode dives deep into the multifaceted world of real estate investing, breaking down the four essential components—cashflow, appreciation, loan pay down, and tax benefits. Jacob uses relatable metaphors and practical examples to demystify the complexities of real estate, empowering listeners to harness its wealth-building potential. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned investor, this episode provides actionable insights to navigate the journey towards financial freedom with confidence.

8 Common Mistakes New Real Estate Investors Make (and How to Avoid Them)
In this episode of the Financial Freedom Fighters podcast, hosts Mike Magno and Jacob Sandoval delve into a range of crucial topics for aspiring real estate investors. From the significance of setting clear investment criteria and sticking to a strategy to the pitfalls of thinking too small, they offer valuable insights drawn from their own experiences. Through candid discussions about mistakes, successes, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, listeners are equipped with practical advice and inspiration to navigate the dynamic world of real estate investing and pursue their financial goals with confidence.

Is Real Estate Still a Good Investment? 5 Reasons to Start Now
In this solo episode, Jacob outlines five key reasons why real estate investment remains a lucrative avenue for building long-term wealth and achieving financial freedom, covering aspects such as the housing shortage, passive income potential, leverage advantages, diversification benefits, and its historical track record of creating millionaires. With a blend of practical insights and motivational encouragement, the episode aims to inspire beginners to explore real estate investing as a path towards financial independence.