In this episode, Markian shares the story of his first commercial deal.

It’s a 56-unit apartment complex outside Indianapolis.

It still pays him $3,500 a month.

It pays his parents $7,000 a month.

This isn’t a get rich quick story.

It’s about feeling stuck.

Staring at the military pay chart.

Realizing your income has a ceiling.

And then finding a different path.

You’ll hear how he found the deal.

What went wrong early.

How he fixed it.

And how the property grew from $2.6M to almost $6M.

The big idea is simple.

This isn’t just real estate.

It’s a business.

What You’ll Learn

• Why the pay chart made him feel stuck
• Why real estate works like a business
• How he bought a 56-unit deal on active duty
• Why you need a team
• How cashflow actually works (simple terms)
• Why property management matters
• How small changes increased value by millions
• Why using family money is hard, not easy
• How one deal leads to more deals
• The 3 main lessons from this deal

Key Numbers

• 56 units
• Purchase price: $2.6M
• Loan: about $1.95M
• Revenue: about $55,000/month
• Cashflow: about $10,500/month
• 
  
  • $3,500 to Markian
  • $7,000 to his parents
• Current value: about $6M

Quotes

“It wasn’t flying that stressed me out. It was the pay chart.”

“This isn’t real estate. It’s a business.”

“You don’t need to know everything. You need the right team.”

“The biggest risk is staying stuck.”

Chapters

00:00 - The $3,500/month deal

02:10 - Feeling stuck

07:20 - Real estate = business

12:10 - Finding the deal

18:30 - Building a team

25:10 - Property management issues

30:40 - Increasing value

38:30 - Using family money

44:10 - Building momentum

50:30 - Key lessons

5

Most military investors don’t struggle because they lack information.

They struggle because they’re doing it alone.

The Military Multifamily Academy (MMA) is a 14-week program designed to help service members learn commercial real estate by actually working real deals with a team.

No theory.

No guesswork.

Just execution.

If you’re ready to stop watching and start building, learn more here:

activedutypassiveincome.com/mma

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

Mike Goering on Sunk Cost, Multifamily, and Community-First Investing | ADPI Podcast

In this episode of the Active Duty Passive Income (ADPI) Podcast, Mike Goering shares the real story behind walking away from a 12-year military career… and why staying “safe” was actually costing him more.

We break down the sunk cost trap, how one rental became a forced wealth engine, and what changed once Mike finally closed his first deal.

This episode isn’t just about real estate.

It’s about decision-making, identity, and building something that actually matters.

If you’re military (or transitioning) and feel stuck between “what you’ve invested” and “what you actually want”… this one hits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why waiting until 20 years can cost you more than leaving early

• A simple breakdown of the sunk cost fallacy (and how it keeps people stuck)

• Renting vs buying near military bases, and the hidden opportunity cost

• How Mike transitioned from single-family to multifamily investing

• Why chasing every market kills momentum

• How closing ONE deal changes your deal flow forever

• Building a community-first investing strategy (not extraction)

00:00 – ADPI Hero Intro

01:30 – Mike’s background (12 years active duty)

03:10 – The “safe path” and why he left anyway

05:10 – You don’t have to wait until 20

05:35 – Sunk cost fallacy explained

07:05 – Why people stay stuck

10:45 – The mindset shift that changed everything

13:05 – Renting vs buying near bases

16:50 – First VA loan win

19:00 – Turning a home into a rental

22:00 – Discovering ADPI

24:40 – Struggling with focus early on

27:30 – Finding clarity in deal strategy

33:40 – Joining a deal team

37:50 – First deal breakdown (7-unit)

40:30 – Due diligence surprises

43:00 – Seller finance strategy

49:30 – Why closing changes everything

53:20 – “Own the town” vision

56:00 – Aligning purpose with investing

58:45 – Final advice

Connect With Mike Goering

Email: Mike@mountaingroundinv.com

Website: https://MountainGroundInv.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-goering

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

From Military Service to Financial Freedom: Seneca Peña-Collazo on Real Estate, Reputation, and Building the Right Team

In this episode of the ADPI Podcast, Seneca Peña‑Collazo shares his full journey—from growing up in Philadelphia to serving in the Army, and ultimately building long-term wealth through real estate, business ownership, and intentional team building.

Seneca breaks down how a single mindset shift during COVID helped him scale rapidly, why reputation is more valuable than money, and how military investors can leverage underwriting, numbers, and relationships to build sustainable freedom. This conversation goes far beyond tactics—it dives into identity, leadership, family, and what success actually feels like on the other side of the grind.

If you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, or military spouse looking to invest smarter, build the right team, and design a life with optionality, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why real estate is a business, not just buying properties
• How Seneca scaled quickly after committing fully to his “freedom number”
• The real reason teams matter more than deals
• How underwriting skills create leverage across any business
• Why reputation, integrity, and keeping your word compound over time
• The parallels between real estate, entrepreneurship, and military leadership
• How success feels different when it’s shared with family and community

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – 03:30 Introduction to Seneca Peña-Collazo and his military background

03:30 – 06:00 Why reputation and keeping your word matter more than talent

06:00 – 10:30 Real estate as a business (not just buying rentals)

10:30 – 14:30 Current portfolio breakdown: single-family, multifamily, land, and Turo

14:30 – 18:30 Why competitive advantage matters (and how Seneca built one)

18:30 – 22:30 The COVID turning point: committing fully and scaling fast

22:30 – 26:30 Burning the boats, mindset shifts, and finding ADPI

26:30 – 30:30 Why numbers, underwriting, and Excel unlock confidence

30:30 – 35:30 Team dynamics: how great teams elevate (or destroy) great deals

35:30 – 40:00 Military trust, shared values, and navigating conflict

40:00 – 44:30 Why living for others creates more fulfillmen

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

In this powerful episode of the ADPI Podcast, Markian Sich sits down with Marine Corps veteran, ADPI Hero, and mobile home park investor Joe Jackson for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve ever had.

Joe shares his journey from growing up in a mobile home park, hitting rock bottom with no power and no direction, to building and operating a mobile home portfolio spanning 1,000+ pads across multiple states. This episode goes far beyond real estate—it’s about mindset, discipline, burning the boats, and defining success on your own terms.

Joe opens up about:

• Why he joined the Marine Corps after hitting rock bottom
• How military discipline shaped his investing approach
• Why mindset (not money) was the real turning point
• How he broke into mobile home parks without capital
• Building communities—not just properties
• Choosing family over ego at a defining career moment
• What it really means to live a “rich life”

Whether you’re early in your journey or deep into scaling, this episode will challenge how you think about success, wealth, and purpose.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Joe Jackson

02:00 – Growing up poor in a mobile home park

04:40 – Early hustle, fast money, and losing direction

07:30 – Rock bottom: no power, snowstorm, and a turning point

08:45 – Joining the Marine Corps and rebuilding discipline

11:00 – Joe’s current portfolio: pads, states, and scale

14:00 – Why mobile home parks became the mission

16:45 – Building communities, not just cash flow

19:00 – Preparing for life after the military

22:00 – Discovering ADPI and the multifamily path

25:00 – Why mindset was the missing piece

28:30 – How Joe found his first deal with zero capital

32:00 – Taking action before having all the answers

36:00 – Dealing with fear, doubt, and naysayers

39:00 – “No one is coming to save you”

42:30 – Burn the boats: commitment over comfort

46:00 – Choosing family over ego (the track meet story)

51:30 – What success really looks like now

56:00 – Advice to veterans and aspiring investors

59:30 – Final thoughts & Joe’s mission moving forward

🔗 Connect With Joe Jackson

Joe was kind enough to share

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

Guests: Trey Stone & Ian Stapleton

Hosts: Markian Sich & Eric Upchurch

Real estate investor Trey Stone and digital entrepreneur Ian Stapleton reveal how they built massive wealth through multifamily investing, why veterans are uniquely suited for real estate, and how “unpopular” properties can become the safest and most profitable assets when operated correctly.

From turning around D-class neighborhoods to raising capital ethically, navigating risk, and building elite partnerships, this conversation goes far beyond typical real estate advice. It’s a raw, tactical breakdown of how wealth is actually built—through focus, courage, and execution.

Trey Stone is a veteran multifamily operator with 21+ exits and thousands of units, known for revitalizing distressed communities and creating forced appreciation at scale.

Ian Stapleton is a former Air Force officer turned entrepreneur who built a 25M+ subscriber digital media empire, now investing and partnering in large real estate deals.

They explain:

• Why buying “nice” properties is often riskier than distressed assets
• How forced appreciation creates true downside protection
• Why veterans outperform in real estate investing
• How to vet partners—and why most people do it wrong
• The real role of risk, fear, and “being a little crazy” in success
• How real estate can transform entire neighborhoods, not just returns
• Why tax benefits exist—and what most investors misunderstand about them
• How focus beats diversification in every phase of business

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:12 Ian’s path from the military to entrepreneurship

08:41 Why social media success wasn’t enough

12:56 How Trey and Ian partnered—and what made it work

18:44 Why most partnerships fail

24:31 The power of adding value before asking for anything

31:05 From single-family to multifamily at scale

38:22 The truth about D-class properties and neighborhoods

46:10 How forced appreciation really works

54:03 Why veterans thrive in real estate

01:01:44 Risk, fear, and making bold decisions

01:09:32 Tax benefits explained without hype

01:18:06 Focus vs diversification in investing

01:26:40 Lessons from 20+ exits and decades in real estate

01:35:12 Final advice for investors starting today

Connect with Trey & Ian

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

Starting With $1K: Military Discipline, Investing Smarts & Defining a Rich Life with Darren Ick

In this episode of the ADPI Podcast, host Markian Sich sits down with Air Force veteran and long-time investor Darren Thedieck, who shares how he built financial freedom starting with just $1,000 and a Roth IRA. Darren opens up about his humble beginnings, growing up in a split household, and the financial lessons he learned watching his mother struggle to make ends meet.

Through discipline, delayed gratification, and a passion for personal finance, Darren carved his path—not with real estate—but with intentional investing, strategic budgeting, and the powerful philosophy of “paying yourself first.”

From traveling to over 50 countries to building wealth while stationed overseas, Darren’s journey proves you don’t need a VA loan or fancy portfolio to win. His story is packed with mindset gems, savings strategies, and lessons on defining a “rich life” that’s about memories—not just money.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to dial in your focus, this episode is a must-listen for any service member ready to take control of their financial future.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Announcement

00:58 – Darren’s Background & Humble Beginnings

02:45 – Early Lessons in Money, Bloomberg & Budgeting

06:18 – Military Service, Family, and Financial Drive

08:20 – Starting with $1K: Opening a Roth IRA

10:54 – Mindset Shift: From Saving to Serious Investing

13:15 – Traveling the World While Building Wealth

16:47 – FIRE Movement & Financial Independence Goals

19:08 – Pay Yourself First: Budgeting with Intention

22:13 – Marriage, Compromise, and Shared Financial Vision

25:36 – Investing Psychology: Let Your Winners Ride

27:42 – Stocks vs. Real Estate: Finding Your Investment Identity

31:09 – Discipline Over Motivation: Sticking to the Plan

33:51 – How Darren Defines a “Rich Life”

37:05 – Advice to Young Service Members: Believe in Yourself

39:24 – Final Thoughts, Darren’s Community, and How to Connect

Connect with Darren:

Facebook Group: Financial Dream to Reality

https://www.facebook.com/groups/financialdreamtoreality

Facebook Page: AchieveFI

https://www.facebook.

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

From Marine Raider to ADU Builder: Finding Freedom, Purpose, and a New Mission with Mark Brookman

In this powerful episode, Markian sits down with Marine Corps veteran and real estate investor Mark Brookman to unpack the part of the military story most people never see—the invisible battles after the uniform comes off. Mark shares how micro–traumas from Afghanistan and Iraq slowly piled up, what it felt like to “look fine” on paper but be mentally spiraling, and why so many veterans struggle with purpose once the mission ends.

From losing $50K on his first flip to building high-margin ADU projects in Seattle, Mark walks through how real estate became the bridge from warfighter to present father, husband, and entrepreneur. Together, he and Markian dig into mindset, anxiety, balance, and why financial freedom is less about Ferraris and more about having time to enjoy what’s free—family, community, and impact. If you’re a service member, veteran, or military spouse searching for your next mission, this conversation will hit home.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why Mark joined the Marine Corps—and how his mindset shifted after deployment
• The unseen psychological toll of “micro events” and constant hypervigilance
• How Mark realized he wasn’t okay even without the stereotypical combat story
• The brutal truth of losing $50K on his first flip—and why he refused to quit
• How ADUs in expensive markets like Seattle became his path to freedom
• The difference between chasing rank/certifications vs. chasing purpose
• Why veterans are uniquely primed to succeed in real estate (with a few mindset tweaks)
• The real reason “financial freedom” matters—and what to do with it once you have it

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff

00:35 Meeting Mark Brookman

01:59 Mark's Military Background

05:04 Deployment Stories and Challenges

09:31 Transitioning Out of the Military

22:19 Real Estate as a New Mission

45:53 Bite the Elephant: Embracing Challenges

46:41 Military Mindset in Real Estate

51:16 The Power of Focus and Discipline

52:46 Overcoming Anxiety and Adapting

56:35 Finding Purpose Beyond the Military

01:11:50 Real Estate Success Stories

01:21:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Mark here:

Instagram: @SummitPointAcade

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.

Markian sits down with Cheyenne Wachtendorf, a new ADPI member whose path runs from military service to creative deals—live-in flips, seller finance—and a 106-acre VA loan purchase. Cheyenne shares the mindset behind taking calculated risks, learning from setbacks, and his vision for Walk Squad Haven: real estate development, experiential recreation, and community mentorship.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Conference Recap

01:30 Guest Introduction: Cheyenne Wetten

02:23 Cheyenne's Unique Real Estate Journey

06:36 Military Background and Personal Struggles

10:47 Transition from Military to Real Estate

19:12 The Importance of Mentorship and Community

49:55 Cheyenne's Vision and Future Plans

52:36 The Puzzle of Real Estate Vision

53:14 Mapping Out the Dream

53:41 Leveraging W2 Income

55:49 First Real Estate Investments

01:01:02 Facing Setbacks and Learning

01:05:05 Rebounding with New Strategies

01:11:16 The Big Vision: W Squad Haven

01:17:17 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Key Takeaways

• Start small, build momentum: early creative wins compound into bigger plays.
• Use VA loan creatively: structure matters more than “standard.”
• Failures become playbooks: debrief, systemize, and iterate.
• Mission first: purpose makes persistence possible.

Connect with Cheyenne

WachSquad Haven on Facebook:

• https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575568000549
• Phone: 903-698-3040

💥 Want to Connect with a Community of Military Real Estate Investors?

Join ADPI Campus™—the world’s premier platform for military members and their families building wealth through real estate.

🎉 Join today: https://go.activedutypassiveincome.com/adpi-campus-join

Inside you’ll find real estate education that works, a supportive community that gets it, and the kind of camaraderie only service members can bring.

Interested in joining a MMA cohort? Book a free strategy all here: http://activedutypassiveincome.com/strategy

📲 Stay Connected with ADPI:

Follow us on Facebook |

Support the show

ADPI was built by military members who realized something most people never question: trading time for money doesn’t lead to freedom.

So we built a different path.

Today, ADPI helps active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses build passive income through real estate, entrepreneurship, and strategic investing. Inside the community you’ll find thousands of military investors who speak the same language of service, discipline, and execution.

The mission isn’t just buying properties.

It’s building a life with options.

More time with family.

More control of your future.

More impact in the community you serve.

If you’re active duty or a veteran and serious about using real estate to build lasting wealth, the ADPI Military Multifamily Cohort Program was built for you. We walk you through the entire process step by step, from building your team to structuring deals and going after properties that actually move the needle.

Book your free strategy call right now:

https://www.activedutypassiveincome.com/podcast-mma

No pressure. No pitch. Just a real conversation about where you want to go.

Follow ADPI for more stories, strategies, and lessons from military investors building real financial freedom.