Bigger Pockets-238: Becoming a Real Estate Millionaire on a Teacher’s Salary with Michael “Swanny” Swan

238: Becoming a Real Estate Millionaire on a Teacher’s Salary with Michael “Swanny” Swan | Bigger Pockets Podcast

Is it possible to invest in real estate if you live in an expensive market—and earn a teacher’s salary? According to today’s guest, it’s not only possible, but it can be incredibly profitable!
Today’s guest, Michael Swan, is a P.E. teacher who lives in San Diego but has used the valuable real estate concept known as “trading up” to acquire millions of dollars in real estate. You’ll learn why Michael liquidated his entire retirement plan to buy his first few deals, the truth about “luck” and real estate, and some fantastic tips for buying and managing properties—even from a distance. (And if you work a full-time job or make less than $100,000 per year, this show might just change your life!)
In This Episode We Cover:

Why Michael’s nickname is Swanny

How he realized his financial ladder was leaning on the wrong building

Tips for utilizing IRAs and penalties

Whether purchasing 11 condos is a good idea or not

The story of the 15-unit apartment complex

How he went from $5k in cash flow to $24k

Whether luck had to do with his great deals

Tips for buying areas in with both cash flow and appreciation

His formula for financial freedom (using multifamilies)

A discussion on single families versus multifamilies

How to find deals in your market

Tips for seeking out the perfect property manager

How many units he has now

How to tackle big projects

How he manages his work with his time as a teacher

And SO much more!

Links from the Show

BiggerPockets Forums

Zillow

Craigslist

Books Mentioned in this Show

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Multi-Family Millions by David Lindahl

Loopholes of Real Estate by Garrett Sutton

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective by Stephen Covey

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Fire Round Questions

What strategies do you use to find the “right” property manager?

Is a skunk in the yard my responsibility?

Apartment bedrooms 2, 1 or studios

Investing in San Diego

Investing in rental income properties out of state

Tweetable Topics:

“Living in San Diego, if I am able to do it, anybody can do it.” (Tweet This!)

“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” (Tweet This!)

“Make sure you make connections with everybody.” (Tweet This!)

“I don’t take advice from someone that has less than me.” (Tweet This!)

Connect with Michael
Michael’s BiggerPockets Profile


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