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!

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