Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at CPI Capital, to unpack how he went from building homes in Canada to managing large-scale U.S. multifamily funds. August shares his journey from being a general contractor and developer to launching CPI Capital, a cross-border real estate private equity firm that bridges Canadian capital with U.S. opportunities.
He breaks down the real roadmap for scaling in real estate—starting from joint ventures, to syndications, closed-end and open-ended funds with the road to ultimately launching a REIT. August also highlights why CPI shifted focus to U.S. markets like Tampa Bay and San Antonio, where rent control, entitlement speed, and yields outperform Canadian markets.
Listeners will gain deep insights into capital raising, fund structuring, investor relations, and how credibility and reputation equity become key leverage points when scaling to institutional investors. Tune in now to learn how August’s strategic evolution from builder to fund manager can help you structure smarter, scale faster, and raise with confidence.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
16:12 August talks about syndication
21:48 August talks about progression from joint ventures to syndications
KEEPING IT REAL:
09:01 – Private equity structure explained
17:12 – Syndications vs. funds overview
20:45 – Managing investor expectations
28:08 – The pivotal land assembly deal
31:04 – Structuring partnerships and equity
35:01 – Why U.S. over Canada
45:01 – Launching CPI Capital
51:03 – Navigating cross-border challenges
55:21 – Entitlement timelines and delays
59:09 – Partnering with experienced operators
1:01:02 – Market focus: Tampa and San Antonio
1:02:09 – Build-to-rent explained
1:05:17 – Duplex strategy and investor returns
1:07:01 – Raising from retail to institutions
1:08:01 – The 30,000-door vision
1:13:18 – From syndication to REITs
1:16:02 – Final thoughts
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://cpicapital.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/
#RealEstateInvesting #Syndication #REIT #PrivateEquity #Multifamily #BuildToRent #CommercialRealEstate #InstitutionalCapital #FundManagement #WealthBuilding #CrossBorderInvesting #CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks the concept of “relationship equity”—the unseen deposits we make when we give value first without expectation in return—and how this principle has created full-circle moments in his real estate and entrepreneurial journey. Drawing from his own experiences and those of past podcast guests, Ruben highlights how relationships built on giving often return dividends in the form of opportunities, mentorship, and growth.
He recalls pivotal lessons from Michael Elefante (Episode 161), whose transparency and content-driven brand inspired collaboration and mutual support, and Michael Shogren (Episode 91), whose Airbnb strategy shifted Ruben’s path entirely. Ruben also shares how contributions to Dr. Rachel Gainsbourg (Episode 263) and Will Dodtson ( Episode 265) later came full circle into opportunities that opened new doors.
This reflective conversation breaks down why “relationship equity” matters more than transactions, how small acts of service compound over time, and why long-term giving creates reputational capital that no market crash or downturn can erase.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn networking into true opportunity, this episode will shift your perspective. Tune in now to learn how to build a relationship equity bank that compounds into partnerships, contracts, and doors you never knew existed.
#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with George Otel, a finance expert, entrepreneur, and investor who has carved a unique path from trucking fleets to becoming “the finance guy” for business and real estate deals. George immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, built a trucking fleet, then pivoted into real estate, business loans, and funding strategies after realizing the leverage and creativity that come from finance. Today, he’s the go-to resource for SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, private lending, and complex deal structuring.
George reveals how he helps entrepreneurs and investors unlock capital, stack funding sources, and position themselves for growth—whether it’s acquiring businesses, scaling commercial assets, or tapping into the $10 trillion wave of baby boomer business exits. With a deep belief in buying back your time and focusing on one core skill, George shares how discipline, mentorship, and deal structuring literacy shaped his journey.
If you’re looking for a roadmap to financing smarter, leveraging hidden equity, and positioning yourself for the coming wealth transfer, this episode is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn how George’s “finance-first” approach can change how you play the game.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
21:38 George talks about creative financing.
43:45 George talks about the $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer.
KEEPING IT REAL:
09:10 – Redefining financing
12:40 – Structuring deals with multiple funding stages
17:18 – Equity in equipment as collateral
19:13 – Commercial brokers vs. finance brokers
22:28 – Seller financing and tax advantages in acquisitions
26:05 – Bridge loans, DSCR loans, and refinancing strategies
31:12 – From trucking fleets to real estate and finance
37:45 – Adding value when networking with mentors
44:00 – The $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer opportunity
51:50 – The sweet spot for acquisitions
55:30 – Buying back your time and building teams using Dan Martell’s frameworks
1:02:25 – Business owners should own their buildings
1:09:00 – Where capital is flowing next
1:27:04 – How to connect with George
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website:https://www.usbizfunding.net/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeotel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeotel/?hl=en
X: https://x.com/george_otel
#BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #WealthTransfer #PrivateLending #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAcquisition #FinancialLiteracy #IndustrialRealEstate #DealStructuring
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this episode, Ruben shares a simple but powerful framework from his mentor, Myron Golden —the three C’s of fulfillment—and shows how it applies to business, real estate, and life. If something feels “off,” it’s usually because one (or more) buckets is empty: Create (projects, content, opportunities), Connect (community, proximity, masterminds), and Contribute (impact beyond self). When all three are present, work becomes meaningful and momentum compounds.
Ruben maps the 3 C’s onto the temporary housing / mid-term rental niche: creating listings and deal flow, curating rooms and meetups that foster connection, and building brands and businesses that contribute to something bigger. You’ll hear practical ways to fill each bucket—hosting or co-hosting meetups, joining rooms outside your niche to expand surface area for luck, creating content because “if they don’t know you, they can’t flow you,” and designing purpose-driven business systems that reward contribution across your team and partners.
If you’ve ever grown your numbers but still felt underwhelmed, this episode is a reset: fill the three buckets and fulfillment will follow.
Tune in now to learn how to use the Create–Connect–Contribute framework to realign your business, energize your week, and build a portfolio (and life) that actually feels good to run.
#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateStrategy #MidtermRentals #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #PersonalDevelopment #ExperimentNation
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connect
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this solo briefing, Ruben breaks down Airbnb’s move to a single host-only fee (15.5%) for listings managed through property management software (PMS)—what’s changing, when it hits, and what it means for operators. He clarifies the Aug 25 & Oct 27, 2025 timelines and why this shift underscores a hard truth: Airbnb optimizes for guests first, not hosts.
Ruben shares the immediate, practical fix: adjust PMS channel markups (not your global pricing tool) so Airbnb prices reflect the new fee without mispricing you across other OTAs. Then he zooms out to strategy—leverage Airbnb’s traffic, but don’t depend on it. Diversify across VRBO/Expedia/Furnished Finder/Zillow, build direct-booking pathways through brand presence in-stay, and set business guardrails (no auto IB if it breaks your ops).
You’ll also hear how to turn Airbnb visibility into long-term relationships, protect margins with smarter pricing ops, and operate like a true B2B temp-housing brand. This isn’t “Airbnb or nothing”—it’s Airbnb and a resilient distribution stack.
Tune in now to learn exactly how to update your pricing, protect profits, and future-proof your portfolio while still riding Airbnb’s massive demand engine.
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHost #PMS #MidTermRentals #HospitalityOps #RevenueManagement #OTAstrategy #ExperimentNation
In this focused solo episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks the lessons he learned from attending a three-day Nike tennis training camp and how they directly apply to business, real estate, and personal growth. He reflects on the four key pillars that make intensive training so powerful—proximity, reps, correction, and longevity—and why missing just one of these can make the entire experience meaningless.Drawing from his own journey as an athlete, coach, and entrepreneur, Ruben explains how the right environment accelerates progress, why repetition creates mastery, and how a single correction from a mentor can completely shift your trajectory. Most importantly, he emphasizes the compound effect: real transformation doesn’t come from a one-time intensive but from consistent application over time.If you’ve ever been inspired by a boot camp, conference, or training program but struggled to sustain the momentum afterward, this episode will show you how to turn short bursts of intensity into long-term growth. Tune in now to learn how to leverage intensive training for lasting success in your business, health, and personal experiments.
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #RealEstateStrategy #MindsetShift #CompoundEffect #ExperimentNation
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connect
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this reflective solo episode of In The Lab, Ruben shares the lessons he gained from running his first 10K race and how they directly apply to entrepreneurship, real estate, and life. From training with mentors to pushing through discomfort and finding the right environment, Ruben unpacks why success is less about talent and more about discipline, persistence, and proximity to the right people.
Using powerful analogies from sports and business, he explains how identifying your targets, surrounding yourself with the right environment, and pacing yourself against stronger peers can accelerate growth. Ruben also dives into the importance of environment over automation in today’s AI-driven age—and why genuine relationships remain irreplaceable.
If you’re re-evaluating your goals mid-year or searching for the right push to keep going, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and realign with the fundamentals that never change: preparation, mentorship, consistency, and celebrating each milestone along the way.
#EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessGrowth #MentorshipMatters #Resilience #RealEstateStrategy #Leadership #MindsetShift #ExperimentNation
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connect
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this high-impact episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Brandon Rickman, an Atlanta-based investor, entrepreneur, and general contractor who has flipped over 500 houses, developed 100 new-construction single-family homes, and built vertically integrated businesses spanning private lending, self-storage, and consumer products. With over 25 years in real estate, Brandon shares how his career evolved from flipping houses to raising private capital for large-scale developments—including a three-story, Class A self-storage facility outside Atlanta.
Brandon opens up about the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, from multi-million-dollar exits in the consumer products world to surviving the 2008 market crash when banks abruptly called his loans. He reveals the data-driven criteria he uses to reverse-engineer self-storage projects for REIT buyers, the add-on revenue strategies that maximize NOI, and why private lending has become a major growth focus.
If you’re looking for a transparent blueprint to scaling across multiple real estate verticals while building resilience through challenges, this conversation is packed with insights on strategy, mindset, and execution.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
14:46 Brandon talks about self-storage investment strategy
44:55 Brandon talks about entrepreneurial resilience and scaling across multiple real estate verticals
KEEPING IT REAL:
05:20 – Why self-storage is Brandon’s top focus today
06:47 – How syndication works for self-storage investors
10:04 – Understanding demand: square footage per capita and site selection data
14:46 – Reverse-engineering self-storage for REIT buyers
17:47 – Pricing power and tenant retention in self-storage
22:05 – Increasing NOI through add-on services and rentals
26:27 – Automated vs. manned self-storage operations
30:08 – From consumer products to multi-million-dollar exits
44:51 – Surviving the 2008 market crash and negotiating with banks
59:22 – Big wins: high-margin flips, 7-figure syndication potential, and legacy deals
1:10:08 – Building a $20M/year private lending business
1:14:10 – Advice for 20-year-old entrepreneurs
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-rickman-9885a22/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonrickman08/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQGTzF6JvH4qqT_V8Lx2cw
#RealEstateInvesting #SelfStorage #EntrepreneurMindset #PrivateLending #FlippingHouses #ResilientEntrepreneur #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessGrowth #REITStrategy #FinancialFreedom
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this powerful and paradigm-shifting episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Jay Cameron, real estate investor, international speaker, and founder of Maximum Impact Travel. Jay opens up about the pivotal moment when he realized that grinding through life just to pay bills wasn’t enough. After building financial stability through real estate and entrepreneurship, he made a bold decision to travel to Africa—facing his fears, confronting his conditioning, and ultimately transforming his life.Jay shares the mental due diligence required to break out of the bubble, why many Americans have a flawed perception of Africa, and how embracing global citizenship reshaped his identity and his business. From launching a multimillion-dollar travel company to leading over 2,000 people on transformative international trips, Jay explains how deep experiences—not just dollars—pay the highest dividends.If you’ve ever felt stuck in routine, this episode will challenge you to rethink your own story. Tune in to hear Jay’s journey from constraint to clarity and how you can unlock a life filled with purpose, expansion, and global impact.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:11:03 Jay talks about overcoming the old paradigm of fear, routine, and mental confinement38:33 Jay talks about why Africa’s branding is broken KEEPING IT REAL:04:26 – How travel shaped his identity and business10:58 – The old paradigm: fear, routine, and mental confinement13:30 – First fearful leap to Africa in 201816:55 – A better way to grind? Unpacking hustle culture20:39 – Use low overhead to create freedom30:58 – Reframing travel as a personal investment32:59 – “Die With Zero” and building memory dividends37:15 – Why Africa’s branding is broken42:27 – Doing your own mental due diligence45:53 – How expanding your mind dismantles generational programming50:26 – Smiles, dignity, and the universal human connection51:22 – Turning the world into an adult summer camp53:23 – From viral YouTube video to travel empire54:05 – Why this business is the reward after the grindCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.maximumimpacttravel.com/#Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-cameron-532a2951/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaycameronofficial/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/c/maximumimpactwithjaycameronLinktree: https://linktr.ee/maximumimpacttravel#RealEstateInvesting #GlobalCitizenship #MindsetShift #LifestyleDesign #EscapeTheGrind #MaximumImpact #TravelEntrepreneur #MentalDueDiligence #AfricaUnfiltered
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this deep-dive episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Joel Friedland, founder of Brit Properties, to explore an uncommon but powerful approach to real estate syndication: acquiring industrial properties with no debt. Joel, who has been in the industrial real estate game since the age of 22, shares his evolution from working under a Chicago family office to building his own portfolio of high-performing industrial buildings.
The conversation spans everything from the anatomy of industrial leases and long-term tenant retention to the personal values that shape Joel’s unique investment philosophy. Joel opens up about surviving the 2008 financial crisis, the dangers of signing standard loan documents, and how he now protects his investors through detailed side letters and ultra-low leverage—or none at all.
You’ll hear how Joel evaluates industrial assets, builds long-term relationships with tenants and investors, and why he believes most operators are taking unnecessary risk in the name of returns. His perspective is rare, contrarian, and backed by decades of experience.
If you're a syndicator, investor, or entrepreneur curious about how to build a portfolio with resilience and integrity, this episode will shift how you think about risk, returns, and relationships. Tune in now to learn why Joel is one of the few operators in America focused on building a community through no-debt deals—and how you can apply the same principles to your business and life.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
21:34 Joel talks about building relationships
13:11 Joel talks about his lawn mowing business at age 14
KEEPING IT REAL:
05:00 – Why industrial outperforms office and retail
08:13 – Long-term leases and tenant retention
10:00 – Triple net leases and low-maintenance management
11:16 – Entry into industrial real estate
13:11 – Lessons from starting a lawn business at 14
15:06 – Are entrepreneurs born or made?
20:19 – From chasing deals to building relationships
30:16 – A model focused on long-term trust and low turnover
36:08 – The critical importance of reading legal docs
42:46 – Hidden risks in loan documents
47:04 – Avoiding high leverage even if it means lower returns
52:00 – Strategy and differentiation: why safety wins
56:00 – Why he doesn’t use infinite banking or other loan-backed strategies
59:03 – Hiring mistakes and how to identify A-players
1:03:01 – Likability ≠ capability: the hiring lesson most learn too late
1:06:10 – Current focus and future direction
1:08:55 – Why he only buys infill industrial in Chicago
1:10:50 – The shrinking market advantage in industrial real estate
1:13:02 – Parting advice and how to connect with Joel.
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.britproperties.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-friedland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brit-Properties/61561165483112/?_rdr
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@investingwithjoel
#PublicAdjuster #InsuranceClaims #CoverageD #MidtermRentals #TemporaryHousing #RealEstateInvesting #PolicyholderAdvocacy
In this timely episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down when and why you should consider shifting to a hybrid short-term and mid-term rental model and how the latest tax legislation makes it even more lucrative. Coming off last week’s Driving Conversations with AI vs. Questions, he explains how operators can strategically layer MTR contracts over STR availability to increase monthly income while protecting long-term upside.
Ruben shares why hybrid models aren’t just a fallback when STRs are soft—but a proactive strategy that aligns with seasonality, market demand,and most importantly the tax code. He covers how to position your properties to attract both leisure guests and insurance contracts, the systems you need in place to pull it off, and how to avoid making reactive decisions that hurt your business in the long run.
If you’re looking to increase occupancy, optimize taxes, and build a more resilient and profitable rental portfolio in today’s evolving landscape, tune in now and learn why now is the best time to execute the hybrid STR/MTR model.
#MidtermRentals #ShortTermRentals #STRStrategy #MTRGrowth #HybridHosting #RealEstateInvesting #VacationRentalTips #InsuranceHousing
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this informative episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down a powerful framework for how to actually use AI as a strategic partner—not just a search engine. Drawing from real-world conversations he's had with AI to help close deals, refine business plans, and optimize decision-making, Ruben reveals how the right prompts, context, and conversations can turn ChatGPT into your most valuable board of advisors.
This isn't about asking better questions—it's about having better conversations. Ruben shares the difference between surface-level prompts and deep AI dialogue that reveals blind spots, sharpens thinking, and accelerates progress. From uploading your favorite book frameworks to building bots that mirror your business philosophy, this episode maps out exactly how to scale your thinking using AI.
If you’re ready to move faster, make clearer decisions, and unlock unfair advantages with AI in your back pocket, tune in now and upgrade the way you operate—before your competition does.
#RealEstateStrategy #MidtermRentals #Entrepreneurship #TemporaryHousing #BusinessGrowth #MTRAccelerator #Q3Planning #RealEstateTips
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this solo episode of In The Lab, Ruben delivers a powerful, high-impact debrief heading into Q3 2025. With the lab coat on and lessons in hand, he walks through seven strategic experiments and three hard-earned insights from the previous quarter that every real estate entrepreneur needs to hear. From HELOCs on second homes and appraisal strategies to AI integration and bank account structuring for business credit, this episode covers the exact tweaks Ruben is using to grow Invested Escapes and support clients nationwide.
Ruben dives deep into how to structure relocation proposals, why in-person events still win in a digital world, and how compressing negative timeframes can drastically improve your quality of life. He also breaks down the importance of storytelling, the untapped power of leveraging GPTs for niche business use, and what it means to move with clarity in your next season.
If you're looking to sharpen your edge, build systems that scale, and lead with purpose this quarter, tune in now and take these 10 proven strategies into your lab.
#RealEstateStrategy #MidtermRentals #Entrepreneurship#TemporaryHousing #BusinessGrowth #MTRAccelerator #Q3Planning #RealEstateTips
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this data-packed episode of In The Lab, we sit down with Jeff Hurst, CEO of Furnished Finder and former President of Vrbo, Chief Strategy Officer at HomeAway, and COO of Expedia Group. Jeff brings decades of experience in travel and hospitality tech to a fast-growing platform that has quietly become a powerhouse in the midterm rental space. Under his leadership, Furnished Finder has doubled its team, modernized its infrastructure, and doubled down on transparency—offering rare insights into tenant demand, booking trends, and platform economics.
Jeff walks us through how Furnished Finder is fundamentally different from traditional OTA platforms—highlighting landlord control, flat-rate pricing, and a commitment to empowering hosts with direct lead access. He unpacks the tenant segments behind over 2 million inquiries per year, including construction crews, relocating families, digital nomads, and healthcare workers. From scalable furniture ROI to market mismatch signals, Jeff shares actionable insights that today’s operators can apply immediately.
If you’re looking to scale with better data, more control, and deeper tenant insights, tune in now to learn how Jeff Hurst is leading a marketplace revolution—one booking request at a time.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
12:14 Jeff talks about pricing transparency
42:58 Jefftalks about chasing shiny objects
KEEPING IT REAL:
08:25 – How Furnished Finder differs from OTA platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo
11:00 – Why tenant experience and pricing transparency matter
14:00 – The role of data in trust-building and growth
17:00 – Tenant breakdown: business travelers, relocation, and digital nomads
19:45 – Rise of renovation relocation and local stay trends
22:30 – Super agents and power users: Furnished Finder’s enterprise use case
24:30 – Jeff’s product roadmap and replatforming efforts
26:30 – 130% YoY growth in relocation booking requests
29:30 – Room count and pricing by bedroom type explained
34:00 – 10% of tenants are large families—how to meet that demand
37:00 – Extended stay hotels vs. MTR: the real comparison
40:00 – Life hacking with Furnished Finder and furniture savings
43:00 – Product philosophy vs. chasing shiny objects
47:00 – How private ownership shapes Furnished Finder’s decision-making
52:00 – Operators vs. entrepreneurs and solving real problems
54:00 – Advice to 20-year-old Jeff and early-career insights
59:00 – What’s next for Furnished Finder: messaging, sort order, and tools
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hurst-atx/
#MidtermRentals #FurnishedFinder #RealEstateInvesting #CorporateHousing #TemporaryHousing #InsuranceHousing #FurnishedRentals #MTRStrategy
Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connect
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this insightful episode of In The Lab, we’re joined by Gabriel Wacker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Transitions Group—a vertically integrated firm providing solutions in corporate housing, furniture rental, and temporary accommodations. Gabriel has been a key player in the evolution of furnished housing since the early days of Oakwood and Marriott’s foray into corporate housing. His background spans decades of leadership at Executive Stay, Vicinity, and Furniture Options, positioning him as an authority on scalable housing solutions across the Midwest and beyond.
Through Gabriel’s lens, we explore the challenges and opportunities in temporary housing—from military and intern housing to large-scale insurance displacements. He unpacks the history of corporate housing, including Oakwood’s rise and exit, and reveals how today’s midterm rental operators can scale by leveraging supplier networks, CHPA partnerships, and match leases. Gabriel explains how controlling logistics, furniture, and housing—without owning property—can unlock cash flow, using real-world examples of 100+ unit contracts built on strategic relationships.
If you’re looking to scale your rental operation, tap into legacy networks, or grow through strategic partnerships without owning property, this episode is for you. Tune in now to learn how Gabriel built a vertically integrated platform, secured complex 100+ unit contracts, and unlocked cash flow—one strategic relationship at a time.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
21:22 Gabriel talks about having a realistic path to scaling
41:53 Gabriel talks about how insurance housing fits into their business model
KEEPING IT REAL:
07:00 – Differences between midterm rental and corporate housing terminology
10:05 – Why corporate housing began in multifamily apartments
11:45 – The scale and strategy behind Oakwood’s 15,000+ units
13:33 – How Oakwood and Marriott transitioned executive housing brands
16:00 – The journey from Executive Stay to Transitions Group
20:48 – A realistic path for operators scaling from 5 to 100+ units
24:00 – Unlocking growth with furniture rental as a scaling strategy
27:01 – Intern housing, FEMA, and other complex housing projects
29:00 – How Transitions Group partners and bids on major housing contracts
32:00 – Logistics and warehousing behind 100+ furnished unit deployments
34:00 – How pricing and net terms are structured with corporate clients
36:00 – The origin story of Furniture Options and its corporate housing pivot
40:00 – What’s ahead: volatility, post-COVID trends, and the new normal
42:30 – Insurance housing’s place in the midterm rental strategy
47:00 – How CHPA supplier networks drive collaboration and opportunity
50:30 – Franchising, licensing, and the Marriott model for revenue sharing
54:02 – Final advice: mentorship, partnerships, and playing the long game
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.transitionsgroup.net/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielwacker/
#CorporateHousing #MidtermRentals #InsuranceHousing #CHPA #RealEstateScale #TemporaryHousing #FurnishedRentals #HospitalityBusiness
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this energizing and introspective episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Corey Ryan Bevilacqua and Cory Jacobson, co-founders of the Wealth Juice brand and podcast. These two long-time friends and partners share their inspiring journey from college roommates to building a real estate portfolio, launching a top-performing media platform, and now mentoring others on the path to financial freedom.
Corey and Cory pull back the curtain on how documenting their real estate journey in real time—not after reaching the mountaintop—opened unexpected doors and landed them interviews with Brandon Turner, David Greene, and other major figures. They reveal how starting with just a few properties and staying radically consistent for five years helped them grow a real estate and education business that is now scaling toward seven figures.
The conversation touches on key topics like navigating the 9-to-5 while building your dream, managing partnership dynamics with trust and clarity, and why mentorship, room selection, and mindset are the true multipliers. Ruben, Corey, and Cory also explore how reverse charisma and deep curiosity have helped them grow their influence by amplifying others—an underrated skill in business and life.
If you're building something from scratch, struggling with impostor syndrome, or dreaming of turning your passion into a full-time pursuit, this episode is a playbook for showing up, building intentionally, and trusting the long game. Tune in now to learn how Corey and Cory built momentum, overcame self-doubt, and turned a simple idea into a real estate and media brand with lasting impact.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
20:47 Cory talks about the value of finding people that are on the same path.
33:40 Ryan talks about reverse charisma and making others feel good, heard, and seen.
KEEPING IT REAL:
06:36 – From college friendship to real estate and brand building
11:53 – Impostor syndrome and documenting the journey in real time
17:04 – Getting in the right rooms and the power of proximity
23:45 – Reverse charisma and building trust through curiosity
30:58 – Navigating W2 life while scaling a business
38:56 – Full-time entrepreneurship and redefining success
47:00 – Scaling mentorship through ads, systems, and intention
1:05:20 – Legacy, gratitude, and building something worth remembering
1:07:30 – The power of partnership, trust, and showing up for each other
1:14:06 – Paradigm shifts from being in the right rooms
1:25:00 – Final thoughts, legacy goals, and where to find the Wealth Juice team
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://start.juice-enterprises.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wealthjuiceofficial/#
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wealthjuiceofficial
#MicroResorts #ExperientialHospitality #VisionaryLeadership #RealEstateDevelopment #ShortTermRentals #STRtoResorts #MindsetMatters #BuildWithPurpose
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this immersive episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Melissa Darnay, founder of Choose Panama and host of The Panama Podcast. Melissa shares her remarkable story of turning personal tragedy into purpose by relocating to Panama and building a thriving real estate and hospitality business. What started as a leap of faith became a decade-plus journey of entrepreneurship, lifestyle freedom, and helping hundreds of expats find their own piece of paradise.
Melissa reveals the practical and financial benefits of living in Panama—from 50% lower living costs to property tax exemptions and affordable beachfront real estate. She breaks down residency options, cultural differences, and how her vertically integrated business helps newcomers transition smoothly through real estate, rentals, and concierge services. Ruben and Melissa also explore mindset, manifestation, and how building a life abroad is both a financial and personal evolution.
If you’re looking to design a lifestyle of freedom, explore international real estate, or discover what’s possible beyond U.S. borders, this episode is your invitation. Tune in now to learn how Melissa built a 40+ unit short-term rental business, developed a powerful expat network, and created a life by design—one bold decision at a time.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
08:59 Melissa talks about the “richness of life in Panama
48:19 Melissa talks about breaking down hard things to make them easier to deal with
KEEPING IT REAL:
05:00 – How grief and change led to a new life abroad
10:08 – What “richness of life” means in Panama
13:16 – How far your dollar goes: real estate, insurance, and cost of living
20:05 – 50% cost savings and comparison with Dallas & Miami
22:05 – Real estate journey and early education
26:03 – Transitioning into Panama real estate and finding her niche
29:16 – Using vacation rentals to help expats experience Panama
32:02 – How to buy property or establish residency in Panama
36:20 – Building a property management and STR business from scratch
40:43 – Why concierge services matter for expats
43:04 – Learning through mistakes and building a team
47:00 – Navigating culture and building a high-end brand abroad
48:44 – Melissa’s mindset on grit, problem solving, and manifestation
53:11 – Choose Panama’s vertical integration: buy, manage, rent, repeat
54:04 – The Panama Podcast: content formats and funnel strategy
59:06 – Sneak peek at virtual reality tour experience launching soon
1:01:16 – Final thoughts on taking your life and talents overseas
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://www.choosepanama.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadarnay/?originalSubdomain=pa
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/melissadarnayuncorked/
#ChoosePanama #ExpatsInPanama #InternationalRealEstate #LifestyleDesign #ShortTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #LiveAbroad
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this inspiring episode of In The Lab, we're joined by Brian Hatcher, founder and CEO of Hatch Capital, and Aaron Appleton, his trusted partner in Hatch Capital property management and founder of Mirror Haus Collection micro resort. Together they’ve moved from managing short-term rentals to curating branded micro resort experiences— both collectively and individually building their own respective brands Orenda by Brian Hatcher and Mirror Haus Collection Hauss by Aaron Appleton.
Brian Hatcher is the founder and CEO of Hatch Capital, a real estate investment and consulting firm focused on experiential hospitality and lifestyle-based asset creation. Brian started in the real estate space by house hacking and building data-driven systems that evolved into a vertically integrated business as seen in our previous episode Real Estate Hacking: Serial House Hacker to Developer. Now, he leads development efforts on branded micro resorts designed to deliver intentional guest experiences and long-term value.
Aaron Appleton is the Founder/CEO - Mirror Haus Collection, a real estate entrepreneur, strategic operator, and creative mind behind several real estate ventures. He has a background in short-term rental management and is now spearheading operations, team culture, and design strategy for the duo’s micro resort developments. Aaron brings a strong emphasis on intentionality, vision, and brand alignment to every aspect of their projects, pushing the limits of what hospitality can look and feel like.
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of vision, mindset, and aligned partnerships. Brian and Aaron share how their journey began with managing short-term rentals and evolved into developing bespoke micro resort experiences that serve both investors and guests. The conversation highlights how vision clarity, execution discipline, and long-term alignment create meaningful and sustainable business models.
We explore the mindset shifts required to level up in real estate—from chasing cash flow to building brand equity and hospitality that lasts. Ruben, Brian, and Aaron also reflect on personal growth, the impact of mentorship, and why leaders must be intentional with their direction, community, and legacy.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
20:42 Brian talks about having a vision as an important part of leadership
24:38 Aaron talks about redirection.
KEEPING IT REAL:
04:00 – Presence, mindset, and living where your feet are
05:00 – Knowing who you are vs. who you're not
07:00 – Avoiding goal paralysis by letting go of the “how”
09:30 – Defining a clear vision and creating from intentionality
11:00 – Visualization and the neuroscience of future-building
14:00 – Breaking free from society’s agenda and asking what you want
16:20 – Core values: Health, wealth, love, and happiness
18:50 – The balance between manifestation and doing the work
20:10 – Levels of leadership and visionary communication
22:00 – Blocking out noise to stay on mission
23:40 – Redirecting vs. exiting: Knowing the difference
26:00 – Why micro resorts are the next evolution beyond STRs
30:30 – Building irreplicable hospitality brands
33:00 – The global vision for boutique experiential stays
36:00 – Success clues, mentorship, and modeling behaviors
38:00 – Giving flowers, building community, and reflecting legacy
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Brian
Website: https://hatch-capital.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hatcher-82034450/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hatch_capital/
Aaron
Website: https://hatch-capital.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-appleton-86228323b/
#MicroResorts #ExperientialHospitality #VisionaryLeadership #RealEstateDevelopment #ShortTermRentals #STRtoResorts #MindsetMatters #BuildWithPurpose
Want to work with me and learn the power of Mid-Term Rentals Insurance?https://experimentrealestate.com/submit
Get the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
In this game-changing episode of In The Lab, Ruben links up with serial house hacker and investor and close friend Brian Hatcher to unpack the real estate cheat codes most people overlook. From their San Diego yacht-side conversation to boots-on-the-ground investing plays, this episode is packed with insider knowledge on how to hack your way into wealth without cutting corners. Brian shares his real-world blueprint for finding properties with in-law units or ADUs, leveraging low down payment loans, and eliminating your biggest expense—housing.
Ruben and Brian also go deep on the importance of playing the long game, why real estate is the ultimate end goal for wealth parking, and how you can build a sustainable portfolio without quitting your 9-5. They break down strategies for short-term and midterm rentals, cover the realities of e-commerce “fake wins,” and reveal how to make clean, sleep-at-night plays that actually last and build a legacy.
If you’re tired of the flashy quick wins and want a real plan that builds wealth over time strategically, this is the blueprint episode you need. Tune in now to discover how to stack smart real estate plays, house hack your first (or next) deal, and build long-term financial freedom the clean way.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
06:28 Brian talks about why entrepreneurs will always come back to real estate
14:28 Brian talks about really helping people
KEEPING IT REAL:
02:00 - The blueprint that helped Ruben house hack his first property
03:45 - Finding single-family homes with ADUs and in-law suites
04:50 - Why house hacking beats multifamily for first-time buyers
06:00 - How to stack equity, appreciation, and cash flow legally
07:00 - Renting vs. real estate: What the wealthy do with their money
12:00 - What high earners and doctors are realizing about short-term rentals
12:45 - Cost segregation, taxes, and keeping more of what you earn
15:00 - Credit hacking vs. credit literacy: What's ethical and what's not
17:00 - The myth of $100k months in e-comm and what gets left out
18:30 - Scaling from house hacks to short-term rentals and resorts
Connect with Brian:
Website: https://hatch-capital.com/
#HouseHacking #ADUInvesting #ShortTermRentals #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateHacks #PassiveIncome #CleanPlaysOnly
In this eye-opening episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with public adjuster Andy Gurczak of All City Adjusting for a second time to unpack the misunderstood world of insurance claims and temporary housing. Andy explains why most homeowners and investors are at a major disadvantage when filing insurance claims and how public adjusters can help recover tens of thousands of dollars more—often without the property owner having to lift a finger. Ruben and Andy walk through the lifecycle of a claim, the different players involved (staff adjusters vs. CAT adjusters vs. public adjusters), and how midterm rental operators can better serve displaced families by understanding Coverage D and building stronger relationships with adjusters, agents, and vendors.
You’ll learn why calling the insurance company first could cost you, how to shift deductibles strategically, and how to frame your housing proposals so they actually get approved. Andy also reveals how his team inventories personal property for families after a fire and why personal property often becomes the biggest overlooked payout opportunity.
If you’re in real estate—especially the midterm rental or insurance housing space—this is a must-listen conversation that could dramatically change how you approach claims and partnerships. Tune in now to learn how to build trust with adjusters, navigate insurance timelines, and position yourself as the go-to housing solution.
Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:
08:59 Andy talks about calling a public adjuster first before talking to your insurance company.
29:59 Andy talks about why you should choose the home instead of the hotel.
KEEPING IT REAL:
05:00 - What a public adjuster does and how they get paid
10:45 - Why you should never call your insurance company first
14:00 - The difference between staff adjusters vs. CAT adjusters
18:30 - Adjuster motivations: bonuses, overwhelm, and bias
22:00 - Understanding Coverage D and relocation budgets
28:30 - Can relocation funds be extended or shifted?
32:00 - Should families stay in hotels or homes?
36:20 - How to build relationships with public adjusters and agents
44:00 - How PA services help investors inventory personal property
54:00 - How to speed up proposal approvals with adjusters
CONNECT WITH THE GUEST
Website: https://allcityadjusting.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-gurczak-528b9b64/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allcityadjusting/
#PublicAdjuster #InsuranceClaims #CoverageD #MidtermRentals #TemporaryHousing #RealEstateInvesting #PolicyholderAdvocacy
