From VA Loan House Hack to $22M Portfolio with Michael Mnatsakanian

In this episode of the ADPI podcast, host Markian Sich sits down with Michael Mnatsakanian, a military veteran who turned a single VA loan house hack into a real estate empire worth over $22 million. Michael unpacks the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and creative financing tactics that helped him scale fast—all while staying true to his mission of financial freedom and family-first living.

Michael shares his journey from analysis paralysis to confident action, explaining how one local investor meetup became the catalyst for everything. He dives deep into the VA loan as a “cheat code,” how co-living and rent-by-the-room strategies are solving the housing affordability crisis, and why most new investors are stuck pretending to play the game instead of actually playing it.

Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or just serious about building wealth through real estate—this episode is packed with practical insights, game-changing mindset shifts, and actionable tools to help you take the next step.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

02:22 Guest Background and First VA House Hack

04:16 Getting Wealthy Isn’t Overnight—But It Can Be Fast

06:02 Foundation First: The Years of Invisible Progress

07:40 From Paralysis to Action: What Finally Pushed Him

10:14 VA Loan Breakdown & Using it for Multifamily

13:08 The Moment That Pissed Him Off Enough to Start

15:12 Real Talk: Analysis Without Action Is Wasted Time

17:34 The Power of Community & Finding Local Mentors

20:58 Why Military Events Like REI-CON Change Everything

24:00 His “Why”: Breaking the Cycle for His Future Kids

26:04 What Freedom Feels Like—Daily Life as an Investor

27:48 Wealth Isn’t Just Cashflow—It's Ownership Benefits

30:02 Using Creative Financing to Scale

33:41 VA Loan to FHA: Strategy Behind Each Move

36:46 How to Negotiate Closing Costs Like a Pro

39:20 Confidence Compounds—Why the First Deal Matters

42:12 Cash-On-Cash Return vs Total ROI

45:37 Strategic Use of Midterm Rentals to Boost Cashflow

50:10 Leaving the Military & Going All In on Real Estate

53:06 Co-Living as the Answer to the Affordability Crisis

56:27 How to Test Co-Living in a Multifamily Property

01:00:02 Final Thoughts on Impact, Strategy & Scaling

01:12:00 Where to Connect with Michael

Grab your tickets for Military REICON here: https://go.activedutypassiveincome.com/milreicon2025

Connect with Michael Mnatsakanian:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/michaelmnat/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@SuperInvestorsREI

Free Investing Calculator:

https://superinvestorsrei.com/free-rei-creative-calculator-opt-in

Free Community & Courses:

https://www.skool.com/wealth-rei/about

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Navigating Real Estate and Military Transition with John Rabino

In this episode of the ADPI podcast, the host welcomes an esteemed guest, John Rabino, who shares his captivating journey from his military service to becoming a successful real estate investor. Rabino delves into his background, growing up in Brooklyn and being influenced by a family of business owners, including his father, a Marine Corps veteran. He describes his path through military high school and college, becoming a naval aviator, and eventually transitioning into real estate investing. Rabino discusses the highs and lows of his real estate journey, including making significant profits, facing unforeseen challenges like tax issues and the impacts of the pandemic, and the importance of problem-solving and perseverance. He emphasizes the value of having a solid foundation, building a reliable team, and being prepared for adversity. The conversation also offers valuable advice for new investors on how to navigate the real estate landscape, focusing on the significance of education, financial foundations, and networking.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:58 Guest Background and Early Life

02:22 Military Career and Transition to Real Estate

03:42 First Real Estate Investments and Successes

06:24 Scaling Up and Business Strategy

08:22 Understanding Real Estate Investment Structures

11:06 Building a Real Estate Team

33:27 Building Confidence and Assembling a Team

34:28 Professional Development and Personal Growth

35:05 The Importance of Team Roles and Value

36:10 Learning from Challenges and Adversity

38:46 Navigating Financial and Business Hurdles

41:08 Strategies for Success and Perseverance

43:52 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

57:06 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with John here: jidinvestments.com

🔥 Join the #1 Military Real Estate Investor Community, today!

Looking for expert education, live Q&As, and a network of action-takers who share your financial goals? Join ADPI Campus™ today!

🔗 Sign up now → https://go.activedutypassiveincome.com/res-pro-podcast

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Navigating Real Estate and Life Challenges with Erica Lehmkuhl

In this episode, Markian welcomes Erica Lehmkuhl, a retired Army First Sergeant and successful real estate broker in Hawaii. Erica shares her vast experience in real estate, discussing her transition from the military to entrepreneurship, her strategic property investments, and unique insights into the Hawaii real estate market. She emphasizes the importance of offering exceptional service, building a strong reputation, and the value of community and personal connections. Erica also talks about managing properties, her family life, and overcoming personal challenges, showcasing how persistence and strategic thinking can lead to significant financial and personal achievements.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Welcome Back to ADPI!

00:13 Introducing Eric Lehmkuhl

01:16 Hawaiian Real Estate Insights

02:23 Erica's Background and Military Journey

03:48 Transition to Real Estate

12:12 First Real Estate Investments

16:02 Navigating Real Estate Challenges

24:01 Living and Investing in Hawaii

36:10 Buying a House in Annapolis

36:24 Creative Financing and Renovations

36:41 Social Media and Personal Stories

37:25 Selling the Annapolis House and Moving to Hawaii

37:35 House Hunting in Hawaii

39:27 Buying and Renovating in Hawaii

42:04 Real Estate Success in Hawaii

50:35 Property Management Journey

50:53 Transition from Military to Real Estate

52:34 Community Involvement and Networking

01:03:25 Challenges and Personal Stories

01:07:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Erica: https://www.seaside808.com/

Join her in the ADPI Local Meetup in Oahu: https://m.me/ch/AbZS4h18-4ZkZedq/

Do you want to join a community of like-minded Military Real Estate Investors offering real estate education that actually works while celebrating camaraderie, and competition, and fostering a spirit of support?

Introducing ADPI Campus™ - the premiere platform and online space for Military Real Estate Investors worldwide! Podcast listeners can JOIN ADPI CAMPUS TODAY and get in on the action!

Helpful Resources

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Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast! If the information shared in these weekly interviews has inspired you to pursue your dreams of financial independence, please do me a personal favor and head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to our show, and leave us a 5-star review.

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Unlocking Capital Raising: Strategies and Mindsets for Success

In this solo episode of the ADPI Podcast, the host delves into the art of capital raising. Starting off with the importance of putting in consistent efforts and tracking data through lead and lag metrics, the speaker shares insights on reaching out to personal networks and leveraging social media for better conversion rates. Additionally, the episode covers concepts from notable business books, the “hedgehog concept,” and economic engines to help listeners identify their core focus for optimal results. The host emphasizes the value of building a personal brand and using specific tactics like self-directed IRAs for raising capital, offering compelling anecdotes to illustrate these points.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:49 Welcome to the ADPI Podcast

00:57 Capital Raising Basics

01:28 Lead and Lag Metrics

05:27 Practical Steps for Capital Raising

07:05 The Importance of Repetition

09:46 The Hedgehog Concept

12:57 Economic Engine Explained

21:14 Building Your Personal Brand

26:38 Utilizing Retirement Accounts

28:17 Conclusion and Final Thought

Do you want to join a community of like-minded Military Real Estate Investors offering real estate education that actually works while celebrating camaraderie, and competition, and fostering a spirit of support?

Introducing ADPI Campus™ - the premiere platform and online space for Military Real Estate Investors worldwide! Podcast listeners can JOIN ADPI CAMPUS now and get in on the action!

Helpful Resources

Connect with the ADPI: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Please Subscribe, Rate, & Review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast! If the information shared in these weekly interviews has inspired you to pursue your dreams of financial independence, please do me a personal favor and head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to our show, and leave us a 5-star review.

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From Military Service to Financial Mastery: Travis’s Journey of Entrepreneurship

In this episode, host Markian Sich interviews Travis Salley, a military officer and entrepreneur, about his journey of navigating both the military and the business world. Travis shares his background, including his military career, investment experiences, and transition to financial advising. He discusses the highs and lows of real estate investments and his eventual transition to founding Zero Day Capital, a financial advisory firm. The conversation dives into the importance of failing fast, learning from mistakes, and how military skills can translate into successful entrepreneurial ventures. Travis also explains how military members can start building a business on the side, particularly focusing on the financial advisory field while still serving. This episode is packed with valuable insights on balancing service and entrepreneurship, and provides an encouraging outlook for those looking to venture into business while in the military.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:50 Military Background and Career

02:54 Transition to Finance and Real Estate

04:36 First Real Estate Investment

06:35 Scaling Real Estate Investments

08:28 Challenges and Lessons Learned

14:43 Franchise Business Venture

15:49 Embezzlement and Business Struggles

20:08 Reflections on Entrepreneurship

29:44 The Power of Focus

30:02 Diversifying Services and Its Challenges

31:25 Lessons from Financial Losses

32:41 Embracing Failure for Success

36:49 Starting Zero Day Capital

39:10 Building a Financial Advisory Firm

47:23 Opportunities for Military Members

54:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Travis Salley at Zero Day Capital here: https://www.zerodaycapital.com/ or send him an email directly: travis@zerodaycapital.com

🔥 Join the #1 Military Real Estate Investor Community – FREE!

Looking for expert education, live Q&As, and a network of action-takers who share your financial goals? Join ADPI Campus™ today!

🔗 Sign up now → https://go.activedutypassiveincome.com/res-pro-podcast

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Navigating Real Estate and Mortgages with Ted Canto

In this episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast, Marky sits down with Ted Canto, a seasoned entrepreneur, loan officer, and mortgage expert, to dive deep into financial literacy and real estate for military families. They discuss common pitfalls in buying homes, understanding credit scores, and the importance of being 'brilliant in the basics.' Ted also shares his inspiring background as a son of a political refugee and his journey into the military and mortgage industry. The discussion covers key strategies like managing credit, utilizing VA loans, and understanding economic climates. Ted also touches on his passion for life coaching through his initiative 'Men to Kings.'

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Credit Management

00:57 Welcome to the Podcast

01:42 Meet Ted Canto: Background and Journey

03:15 Common Mistakes in Home Buying

05:00 The Importance of Credit Reports

07:22 Real Estate and VA Loans

07:46 Tanisha's Inspiring Story

12:00 Understanding Closing Costs and Seller Contributions

20:28 The Value of Buying Down Rates

21:19 Seller Contributions and Buyer Expectations

21:58 Understanding Financial Tools and Preparedness

22:58 Consultative Approach in Loan Processing

26:10 Economic Climate and Interest Rates

28:32 Macroeconomics and Public Sentiment

32:24 The Importance of Financial Education

33:58 Ted's Passion Beyond Real Estate

36:02 Current Housing Market Insights

38:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Ted and his Men2Kings coaching program here: men2kings.com

For any of your mortgage lending needs, contact Ted here: tcanto@canopymortgage.com

Do you want to join a community of like-minded Military Real Estate Investors offering real estate education that actually works while celebrating camaraderie, and competition, and fostering a spirit of support?

Introducing ADPI Campus™ - the premiere platform and online space for Military Real Estate Investors worldwide! Podcast listeners can JOIN ADPI CAMPUS FOR FREE now and get in on the action!

Connect with the ADPI: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Please Subscribe, Rate, & Review on Apple Podcasts

Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast! If the information shared in these weekly interviews has inspired you to pursue your dreams of financial independence, please do me a personal favor and head over to Apple Podcasts, subscribe to our show, and leave us a 5-star review.

Support the show

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Navy Vet Cracks the Code on Low-Maintenance Real Estate (While Others Struggle with Problem Tenants)

Navy veteran Trevor Mathena didn't just stumble into real estate success—he engineered it. In this episode, discover how Trevor built a profitable portfolio of single-family homes in Toledo, Ohio, while most investors are drowning in tenant headaches and maintenance nightmares.

You'll learn Trevor's secret weapon: owning his own maintenance company, Home Smiles, which keeps his properties cash-flowing while other landlords watch their profits disappear into repair bills. But that's just the beginning.

Trevor reveals his counterintuitive approach to property management, why he pivoted to midterm rentals, and how he landed long-term leases with a medical company that most investors would never think to pursue.

What you'll discover:

The maintenance strategy that eliminates 90% of landlord headaches

Why Trevor's "boring" Ohio market outperforms flashy investment hotspots

His system for finding hidden opportunities other investors miss

The real truth about professional vs. self-management (it's not what you think)

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale smarter, Trevor's military-precision approach to real estate will change how you think about building wealth through rental properties.

Connect with Trevor's property maintenance company HomeSmiles located in Austin, TX HERE.

Do you want to join a community of like-minded Military Real Estate Investors offering real estate education that actually works while celebrating camaraderie, and competition, and fostering a spirit of support?

Introducing ADPI Campus™ - the premiere platform and online space for Military Real Estate Investors worldwide! Podcast listeners can JOIN ADPI CAMPUS FOR FREE now and get in on the action!

Helpful Resources

Connect with the ADPI: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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In this inspiring episode, join the Active Duty Passive Income (ADPI) team as they welcome Betty Boyce, a dedicated community member turned team member and now VP of Operations at ADPI. Betty shares her incredible journey from joining the National Guard to becoming a real estate investor leveraging VA loans. Discover her strategic approach to midterm rentals, the nuances of VA loan entitlements, and the importance of educating oneself about the benefits available to service members. From practical advice on landlord responsibilities to insights into leveraging VA disability claims, Betty's story is a testament to the power of knowledge, community support, and strategic planning. Don't miss it if you're looking to maximize your financial freedom through real estate and military benefits!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:06 Meet Betty Boyce: From Community Member to VP of Ops

00:49 Betty's Journey with the VA Loan

02:00 Common Misconceptions About the VA Loan

03:30 Strategic Use of the VA Loan

04:34 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned

05:41 Biggest Myths About the VA Loan

06:52 Flexibility and Misunderstandings of the VA Loan

14:25 Betty's Real Estate Journey: From Farmhouse to Multiple Properties

26:13 House Hacking and ADUs

30:21 Financial Strategies and Overcoming Challenges

36:06 Creative Solutions to Real Estate Challenges

36:15 The Importance of Reps and Training Grounds

37:43 Navigating Financial Hurdles in Real Estate

41:11 Understanding VA Loans and Military Benefits

49:45 Midterm Rentals: A Sweet Spot Strategy

01:10:48 The Power of Mentorship and Community

01:14:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sign up for TurboTenant for FREE here!

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