In this solo episode, Michael Blank breaks down what really happened in multifamily during 2025 and what investors should expect in 2026. He unpacks supply and demand trends, rent growth, interest rate expectations, and the affordability crisis shaping renter behavior. While the last few years have been challenging, Michael explains why 2026 is likely a year of stability that sets the stage for long-term growth—and why today’s risk-adjusted returns may be better than they’ve been in years.

1. 2025 was a year of absorption, not growth — record demand was offset by an unprecedented wave of new supply, keeping rents flat to down.
2. New construction is falling sharply, with permits dropping and high interest rates making most projects uneconomical.
3. Affordability favors renting, as buying a home now costs significantly more than renting, supporting long-term rental demand.
4. 2026 consensus outlook is stability with modest rent growth, likely around 2%, setting up normalized growth in 2027 and beyond.
5. Interest rates are expected to be flat to slightly down, a meaningful shift from the uncertainty of the past three years.
6. Lower leverage and better pricing improve risk-adjusted returns, making today’s environment healthier than the frothy market of 2021–2022

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Syndicated Deal Analyzer

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For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session509/

In this episode, Michael sits down with Derrick Lind, a structural engineer with 25 years of experience who transitioned from single-family rentals into multifamily syndication. Derrick shares how his analytical mindset both helped—and initially held him back—as he navigated analysis paralysis, conservative underwriting, and fear of taking action. He also discusses how mentorship, networking, and ultimately writing a book (Real Estate Investing for Engineers) helped him break through and close larger deals with confidence.

1. Analytical strengths can become liabilities — engineers and professionals excel at analysis but often struggle to take action without perfect information.
2. Single-family rentals become inefficient at scale, leading many investors to multifamily for better operations, valuation control, and professional management.
3. You don’t need 100% certainty to move forward — real estate is forgiving, and most deals allow room to adjust after closing.
4. Mentorship and networks accelerate growth by providing experienced perspectives, deal flow, and partnership opportunities.
5. Being overly conservative can prevent deals entirely — it’s better to manage risk than avoid it altogether.
6. Authority builds credibility — writing a book positioned Derrick as a trusted expert and opened doors with investors and partners.

Real Estate Investing for Engineers: Grow Passive Income with a Technical Mindset - By Derrick Lind

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Syndicated Deal Analyzer

In this episode, Michael Blank sits down with Hal Elrod, bestselling author of The Miracle Morning, to talk about habits, mindset, and resilience. Hal shares how a near-fatal car accident, cancer, and financial collapse reshaped his philosophy on success—and why personal development is the foundation of financial freedom. This conversation explores how investors can use intentional daily routines to build clarity, discipline, and long-term fulfillment both in business and in life.

1. Morning routines shape long-term success — how you start the day determines focus, energy, and results.
2. Adversity is neutral — meaning comes from the perspective you choose, not the circumstance itself.
3. Personal development is non-negotiable — investing in yourself accelerates every other area of life.
4. Small daily habits compound over time, creating massive long-term impact.
5. Success without fulfillment is failure — aligning goals with purpose matters more than achievement alone.
6. Consistency beats intensity — sustainable routines outperform short-lived motivation.

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YouTube

TikTok

TheFreedomPodcast.com

Access the #1 FREE Apartment Investing Course (Apartments 101)

Schedule a Free Strategy Session with Michael's Team of Advisors

Explore Michael’s Mentoring Program

Join the Nighthawk Equity Investor Club

Review the Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Syndicated Deal Analyzer

Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank

For full episode show notes visit: https://themichaelblank.com/podcasts/session507/