Distressed to Success: Conversations with Community Transformation Leaders

From Accidental Entrepreneur to Land Development Expert: Brandon Cobb of HBG Capital

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 27 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Brandon Cobb, founder of the Land Development Accelerator and HBG Capital. Brandon opens up about his “accidental entrepreneur” journey, from medical device sales to flipping and wholesaling houses, and ultimately discovering the massive value in land entitlement and development.

He shares how being unexpectedly laid off taught him that no one will safeguard your financial future better than yourself, which led him through a series of trial-and-error ventures before landing on real estate. Over a decade, Brandon went from losing $40,000 on a new-construction flip to closing 187 transactions and partnering with national builders who ultimately helped him scale into large-lot communities.

Next, Brandon walks us through the three phases of land development: entitlement (turning raw land into approved housing communities), horizontal development (installing roads, utilities, stormwater systems), and vertical construction (selling lots to builders). He explains why securing an end-buyer first and structuring deals so you don’t close on land until approvals are in hand is critical, and points out common pitfalls, like over-densifying a site or designing without a target product in mind, that can cost hundreds of thousands.

Through his Land Development Accelerator mastermind, Brandon and his team coach new developers on everything from securing preliminary plat approvals to raising private capital for entitlement work without tying up all their cash. Finally, we dive into HBG Capital, Brandon’s boutique investment firm that has raised over $15 million in equity to acquire, entitle, and develop land for major homebuilders. He outlines how accredited investors can join their waitlist at hbgcapital.net/waitlist for a hands-off play in this niche real-estate strategy. Before signing off, Brandon shares his two favorite books, The Surrender Experiment and The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, and a heads-up about the emerging “Cloudbot” AI tool that’s poised to redefine how we automate online tasks. Whether you’re looking to embark on your first land-entitlement project or seeking passive, high-return real estate investments, this episode is packed with practical advice and resources to get you started.

Timestamps

1. Brandon’s entrepreneurial journey from medical device sales to real estate investor – 01:12
2. Early real estate mistakes and scaling into land development – 04:04
3. Creation of the Land Development Accelerator and value of mastermind communities – 06:48
4. Common pitfalls in land development (lot design, density, buying before approvals) – 09:53
5. Breakdown of the three phases of land entitlement and development – 14:50

Connect with Brandon!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/
Website: https://www.hbgcapital.net/
Book The Surrender Experiment: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X
Book The Untethered Soul: https://www.amazon.com/Untethered-Soul-Journey-Beyond-Yourself/dp/1572245379

Get in touch with Brian!

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Never Take Life Advice From a 27 Year Old
(00:00:43) - Distress to Success: Land Development
(00:01:26) - Becoming an Entrepreneur: The Journey of Real Estate
(00:06:16) - In the Elevator With Real Estate Stars: Starting at 27
(00:07:14) - Building a Land Development Accelerator
(00:09:48) - Looking Back at My Land Development Journey
(00:15:10) - What is Land Entitlement Process?
(00:21:35) - Preliminary Plot Approval and Civil Designs
(00:25:53) - HBG Capital's Land Development Accelerator
(00:28:18) - How to Crave Out Advice
(00:32:11) - Michael Singers' The Surrender Experiment and The Untethered
(00:34:13) - A Word of Advice For The Cloudbot
(00:37:33) - Land Development
(00:39:07) - Brandon on the CPA Process

How to Build Wealth With Multifamily Investments with Aaron Fragnito from People’s Capital Group

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Aaron Fragnito, co-founder of People’s Capital Group.

Aaron takes us back to 2009, fresh out of Rowan University, into the worst job market of a generation, and explains how a ski-instructor stint in Colorado, a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad, and a real estate license in New Jersey set him on a path from cleaning rental cars to closing his first six-family deal in Newark.

Over the past 13 years, Aaron and his partner Seth Martinez have completed more than 280 transactions, raised capital from 113 private investors (with an 83% reinvestment rate), and built an in-house property management arm, all while helping transform blighted neighborhoods in North Jersey. Brian and Aaron then dig into the “secret sauce” behind People’s Capital Group’s success: forging deep, off-market relationships with lenders, receivership firms, and brokers to uncover distressed and under-the-radar Class A properties at steep discounts to replacement cost.

Aaron lays out the buy-renovate-refinance-repeat model he first discovered on that Newark project, explains why most of the upside still lives in Class C-to-B repositioning, and shows how today’s market offers rare Class A opportunities when you know whom to call and when to whisper. He also shares the nuts-and-bolts of attending local summits, following up in person, and proving you can close, because nothing cements your reputation faster than putting money in someone’s pocket. To wrap up, Aaron offers actionable advice for every real estate entrepreneur: pick one market and one asset class, stay the course, resist shiny-object syndrome, and lean on coaches or mentors to shorten your learning curve.

He recalls the early pivots, from short sales to fix-and-flips to syndications, and how each taught him the importance of infrastructure, focus, and relationships. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale up, this conversation delivers proven strategies for turning distressed assets into profitable, community-uplifting investments.

Timestamps

Aaron Fragnito’s Real Estate Journey & Early Beginnings – 01:06
Launching People’s Capital Group & Buy-Renovate-Refinance Model – 03:11
Specializing in Class C→B Repositioning & Emerging Class A Opportunities – 05:05
Secret Sauce: Off-Market Deals via Broker & Lender Relationships – 08:11
Advice for New Investors: Networking, Consistency & Mentorship – 10:16

Get in Touch with Aaron!

Website: https://www.peoplescapitalgroup.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-fragnito-620b93173/
Book a call: https://calendly.com/peoplescapitalgroup/linkedin
Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194

Get in touch with Brian!

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Flipping distressed real estate
(00:00:50) - Distress to Success
(00:01:30) - How Rich Dad Became Real Estate Investor
(00:05:28) - Is Class A Real Estate The Promised Land?
(00:08:16) - Part of the Secret Sauce of Syndication
(00:10:45) - How to Make Connections in the Real Estate Industry
(00:13:27) - Aaron Fragnito on Flipping At 25
(00:19:49) - Aura Ring

Henry Yoshida from Retired.com Explains How to Invest Your IRA Beyond Stocks and Bonds

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Henry Yoshida, CEO and co-founder of Rocket Dollar and Digital Trust. They kick off by breaking down how self-directed IRAs work, rolling over old 401(k) or IRA funds to unlock private and alternative investments like real estate, small businesses or opportunity-zone projects and why the standard retirement custodians don’t offer that flexibility.

Henry explains the nuts and bolts of Rocket Dollar’s platform paired with Digital Trust’s custody services, and how this combo lets everyday investors deploy capital into communities they care about while preserving their tax benefits.

Brian and Henry then trace his journey from a decade at Merrill Lynch, through launching a mid-market 401(k) consulting practice, founding Honest Dollar (later sold to Goldman Sachs), to the 2018 birth of Rocket Dollar and its eventual merger with Digital Trust. Along the way they share inspiring stories, such as a Harvard Business School alum who funded rental housing back in her hometown of San Antonio, and a circle of friends who saved their favorite college bar from closure, all by redirecting their retirement savings.

These real-world examples underscore how tapping just a fraction of the $46 trillion in U.S. retirement assets can fuel local revitalization. Wrapping up, Henry offers a few nuggets of wisdom, “you succeed by your systems, not by lofty expectations,” and even reveals his favorite kitchen gadget, the Ninja Creami, for guilt-free protein “ice cream.”

If you’re curious how a self-directed IRA could power your next community investment, visit rocketdollar.com for a no-pressure chat with their U.S.-based team.

Timestamps

1. Overview of Rocket Dollar & Digital Trust platform – 01:20
2. How to roll over old 401(k)s into a self-directed IRA (and find forgotten plans) – 02:48
3. Henry’s entrepreneurial journey: Merrill Lynch → consulting shop → Honest Dollar → Rocket Dollar – 04:39
4. Real-world examples of using self-directed IRAs for community real estate & small businesses – 11:18
5. Key success insight: “You fail to the level of your systems” + life-balance advice – 21:57

Get in touch with Henry

Website: https://bit.ly/4atczNJ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitfinancehenry/

Phone Number: 1-855-ROCKET-D or 1-855-762-5383

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Book Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328

Subscribe to follow the show!

Discovering Hidden Multifamily Gems with Paul Poteet of Surge Investment Group

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Paul Poteet, founder of Surge Capital Group. Brian and Paul trace Paul’s journey from a business-management major fresh out of college to becoming a multifamily developer carving out a unique niche in tertiary markets.

Rather than chasing high-profile zip codes, Paul explains his “zoning-first” strategy, targeting commercial zones that allow multifamily by right, snapping up overlooked parcels in places like Ogden, Utah, and secondary metros across the South, and then taking projects from land acquisition through entitlement, construction, lease-up, and sale over a 1–3-year cycle.

Along the way, Paul shares hard-earned lessons on growth and efficiency: how doing fewer, high-quality deals and preserving cash reserves can safeguard a young business; why the mantra “hire slow, fire fast” is vital; and how standardizing building designs has become Surge Capital Group’s secret sauce for maximizing profits. He also opens up about personal growth, shifting his focus from purely financial goals to family, relationships, and the power of visualizing success before it happens.

Timestamps

Guest Background & Career Path – 01:11
Surge Investment Group’s Full-Cycle Multifamily Model (Land Sourcing to Sale) – 03:37
Zoning-Based Approach & Ogden, Utah Case Study – 07:11
Criteria for Selecting Secondary Markets (Zoning + Growth) – 10:23
Key Lessons Learned (Challenges & Success Nuggets) – 14:36

Get in touch with Paul

Website: http://surgeredev.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ppoteet/

Contact info: Paul@surgeredev.com

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Book Crucial Conversations: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328

Subscribe to follow the show!

Jill Ferrari of Schenk & Bruetsch: Building Equity, Inclusion & Sustainability

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Jill Ferrari, partner at Schenken Bruch and co-founder of Renovare Development. With more than three decades in the brownfield redevelopment industry, Jill walks us through her unusual journey, from environmental health consultant to real estate dealmaker, authoring creative financing solutions, and teaching real estate fundamentals at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Engineering.

Along the way, she co-founded a Detroit nonprofit that supports emerging female developers and even launched a new podcast called Breaking Ceilings, Breaking Ground to spotlight women in commercial real estate from Vancouver to Mexico City.

Brian and Jill dive deep into the nuts and bolts of revitalizing contaminated or underutilized properties, describing how Michigan’s progressive toolbox of tax-increment financing, tax abatements, state and federal grants, Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, EGLE programs, and EPA site-assessment funds can make seemingly impossible projects viable.

Jill illustrates the process with vivid case studies, from the haunted tunnels and asbestos-laden soils of the Northville Psychiatric Hospital site turned thriving medical and retail campus to a 40-year-vacant infill parcel in Ypsilanti transformed into income-qualified housing. She also shares her hands-on approach to scouting opportunity sites, forging local partnerships, navigating public perception, and tailoring the financing stack so every project “pencils.”

Alongside these technical insights, Jill offers candid career advice, reminding listeners to brace for the “euphoria of success and the gut-wrenching lows” that define a real estate entrepreneur’s path, and to embrace failures as part of the ride. She closes with a personal “carve-out” inspired by her love for the cult sci-fi series Firefly, reflecting on how passionate, engaged communities, whether built around a TV show or a revitalized neighborhood, are at the heart of every transformative project.

Timestamps

1. Jill Ferrari’s career journey and current roles – 00:59
2. Launching the Breaking Ceilings, Breaking Ground podcast – 02:55
3. Brownfield redevelopment overview and key challenges – 08:18
4. Major incentives and financial tools for Brownfield projects – 11:30
5. Advice on navigating the highs and lows of real‐estate development – 35:17

Connect with Jill!

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-ferrari-6729891/
- Website: https://www.sbdetroit.com/

Get in touch with Brian!
- Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
- Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
- Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast
- Book 10x Is Easier Than 2x – Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy: https://www.amazon.com/10x-Easier-Than-World-- Class-Entrepreneurs/dp/140196995X

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Brownfield Redevelopment
(00:00:36) - Distress to Success: Jill Ferrari
(00:03:13) - Breed to Success: Women in Development
(00:05:52) - How Did You Turn From An Asbestos Detox to Brownfield
(00:11:41) - Michigan's progressive economic tools for brownfield redevelopment
(00:16:20) - How to Get a Brownfield Development
(00:19:14) - How do you find brownfield like sites for development?
(00:27:04) - Looking beyond Michigan for redevelopment ideas
(00:28:10) - Urban Land Institute: Deploying the Housing Model
(00:29:44) - Brownfield redevelopment: A challenge
(00:33:26) - Is It Possible to Work with a First-Time Developer on a
(00:34:15) - If You Could Talk To Your Younger Self...
(00:36:28) - Carve Outs
(00:38:45) - The Lost City of Firefly

Reviving Small Towns with Jordan Blanchard, Co-founder of X-Caliber Rural Capital

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Jordan Blanchard, co-founder of Excalibur Rural Capital. Jordan, a 35-year banking veteran who spent the last decade focused on USDA Rural Development lending, walks us through how his firm partners with rural commercial developers and municipalities to bring affordable, long-term financing to communities of 50,000 people or fewer.

We learn how the USDA’s one-RD loan programs work, from the online mapping tool that determines eligibility, to collateral requirements and loan advance rates, and why ground-up construction and public infrastructure projects, like water tanks and fire trucks, often benefit most from these flexible, fully amortizing structures.

Brian and Jordan highlight real-world case studies, a metals recycling facility in Texas, a sand logistics hub in South Dakota, hotels and rural hospitals, even a horse-feed manufacturer in Florida, showing how Excalibur Rural Capital blends USDA guarantees with PACE loans, New Markets Tax Credits or HUD take-outs to fill financing gaps.

With terms up to 30 years for for-profit ventures (40 years for municipalities) and spreads near 250-350 basis points over U.S. Treasuries, these deals illustrate a powerful tool for community revitalization. Jordan also shares how Excalibur’s sister affiliates handle multifamily and other “government-adjacent” funding programs, creating one-stop capital solutions for developers.

Before signing off, Jordan offers candid advice he wishes he’d followed earlier: get up before dawn, build a solid workout routine, and embrace collaboration over competition, even with peers. His story underscores that it’s never too late to become an entrepreneur, especially when your mission is to transform distressed areas into thriving, sustainable communities.

Timestamps

Jordan’s background in government‐guaranteed lending and introduction to USDA 1RD programs – 01:06
Formation of Excalibur Rural Capital and partnership with Excalibur Capital – 02:07
USDA 1RD eligibility criteria and defining “rural” census tracts – 04:27
Types of projects financed (tourism developments, municipal infrastructure, fire districts, etc.) – 06:42
Loan terms, rates, and structure of USDA 1RD financing (amortization, interest rates, fees) – 11:26

Get in Touch with Jordan!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/x-caliberruralcapital/

Website: xrcusda.com

Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/x-caliber-rural-capital/

Get in touch with Brian!

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Subscribe to follow the show!

Books Mentioned:

Building a Second Brain: https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/book

The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness/dp/1544514212

The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319

TIF Financing Demystified with Scott Lurie and F Street: Affordable Market-Rate Wins

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Scott Lurie, owner and founder of F Street.

Scott walks us through his 20-plus-year real estate journey, from flipping and wholesaling homes as the first Wisconsin franchisee of Wee Buy Ugly Houses to launching F Street’s three verticals today: a national multifamily and industrial syndication network, ground-up Class A developments in southeastern Wisconsin, and the Evergreen Fund, a $130 million private credit vehicle that fuels their hard-money lending arm, The Hard Money Co.

Brian and Scott then unpack some of F Street’s most innovative acquisition plays, including buying distressed apartment portfolios out of bankruptcy. Scott explains how the court-appointed receiver process creates a firm timeline, why zero-contingency, cash-ready offers close in just 90 days, and how value-add renovations revive hundreds of units in blighted buildings.

They also explore how Tax Increment Financing (TIF) bridges the gap between construction costs and achievable market rents, turning projects that wouldn’t pencil into attractive, community-supporting housing. Finally, Scott shares how The Hard Money Co. partners with active borrowers, requiring just 10 percent down, funding 100 percent of repairs, and closing in ten days, and how F Street’s Evergreen Fund has paid investors a simple, unwavering 10 percent annual return for 17 years.

He closes with a reminder that above all, integrity and follow-through are the cornerstones of success in real estate and in life.

Timestamps

Scott Lurie’s background & F Street’s three real estate verticals – 01:1
Commercial/industrial & multifamily value‐add strategies – 03:18
Acquiring distressed properties through bankruptcy court – 05:00
Leveraging TIF financing for market‐rate multifamily developments – 19:46
F Street’s Evergreen Fund hard-money lending & investor offerings – 32:20

Book Mentioned

The Coddling of the American Mind

Get in touch with Scott

Website: https://fstreet.com/
Website: https://thehardmoneyco.com/
Scott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottjlurie/
Email: scott@fstreet.com

Get in touch with Brian

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Why Real Estate Investors Are Never Successful
(00:00:42) - Distress to Success: Scott Lurie
(00:01:33) - Scott F Street
(00:03:30) - Realtor Spotlight: Three Different Verticals,
(00:05:06) - Real Estate: Buying Out of Bankruptcy
(00:10:09) - Buyer of a Bankrupt Asset in California
(00:12:24) - Private Equity on The Multifamily Acquisition
(00:18:00) - Real Estate Value Added: The Situations
(00:19:13) - TIFF Financing
(00:28:13) - TIFF vs Single Family Rentals: The Connection
(00:32:25) - Real Estate Lending: Hard Money versus Investment
(00:36:51) - Are We Ready to Close on a Loan With a 300-Day
(00:38:32) - Discipline on the Investor Side
(00:42:59) - Private Equity Companies: General Sales, Not Applicable Under C-
(00:44:13) - Talking Compounding at Roth IRA
(00:45:24) - Coddling of the American Mind
(00:47:25) - Scott F Street

Prince Concepts’ Philip Kafka on Turning Undervalued Land into Thriving Communities

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Philip Kafka, president of Prince Concepts. Kafka takes us from his early days studying philosophy in Chicago and launching a billboard business in New York to discovering a greater calling in Detroit’s Core City.

He explains how he stopped viewing real estate as a mere asset and instead treats every building as a product to be improved, marketed, and loved. By deploying the money he saved on dirt into architecture, landscaping, and public parks, Philip has reshaped long-ignored blocks into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood where residents and business owners alike feel lucky to be.

Brian and Philip dive deep into the firm’s signature projects, from award-winning brick storefront renovations and restaurants to a groundbreaking duplex community designed with Edwin Chan. These 24 units are sold as “brown boxes,” giving owner-occupants the freedom to finish high-design spaces to their taste while collecting rent from the second unit.

Kafka lays out how accessible architecture, delivered at price points within reach of teachers, city workers, and entrepreneurs, can drive both social impact and profit. Listeners will come away with fresh strategies for using product-first thinking, generous land use, and adaptive reuse to turn distressed blocks into sustainable, profitable places people can’t wait to call home.

Timestamps

Product-First Mindset in Real Estate – 0:00
From Philosophy Student to Billboard Entrepreneur – 1:44
Detroit Strategy: Leveraging Undervalued Land & Reinvesting Savings – 6:29
Brown-Box Duplex Model for Accessible Architecture – 16:14
Adaptive Reuse & Core City Park Placemaking – 27:16

Get in Touch with Philip:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-kafka-644a0b23/
Website: https://www.princeconcepts.com/

Get in touch with Brian:

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Real Estate Podcast
(00:00:49) - Distress to Success
(00:01:16) - Real Estate Development by Philip Feuer
(00:05:17) - What took you to Detroit from New York?
(00:06:16) - Detroit project under development by Prince
(00:09:48) - Detroit's Core City development
(00:11:14) - Philanthropy and Land Control
(00:15:18) - Philip Cosentino on His Different Mindset
(00:21:47) - The Arts Village Apartment
(00:22:13) - Private Property: Starting a Brown Box Duplex
(00:26:41) - Core City Homes, Phase 2 Sales
(00:27:44) - Detroit's first African-American mayor activates historic buildings
(00:32:42) - What's the Next Step for Real Estate Development?
(00:35:49) - What Keeps You From Finishing a Project?
(00:38:11) - Carve Out
(00:41:19) - Saving Private Ryan

From Corporate Exit to CEO: Jason Hull on Entrepreneurship and Freedom

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Join Brian Seidensticker as he sits down with Jason Hull, CEO at DoorGrow – a growth and marketing agency that helps residential property management companies scale, systematize operations, and build healthier businesses. In this episode of Distressed to Success, Jason shares his entrepreneurial journey, from leaving a corporate role at HP to founding a company that has rebranded over 300 property management businesses and coached hundreds of owners through growth and operational challenges.

The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, servant leadership, and why CEOs carry ultimate responsibility when things break down. Jason also explains DoorGrow’s work with long-term residential property managers, how scaling challenges show up at different stages, and why setting “impossible goals” can unlock faster, more creative growth than realistic targets.

What you’ll learn:

Why the CEO role requires servant leadership and ownership of every problem
The four core reasons people become entrepreneurs, and where most get stuck
Common growth “sand traps” for property management businesses
How strong property managers create leverage for real estate investors
Why impossible goals can lead to faster, non-linear growth

Key Timestamps:

00:02 – Jason Hull’s transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship
00:06 – Freedom, fulfillment, and the realities of business ownership
00:10 – Servant leadership and the true role of a CEO
00:15 – How DoorGrow helps property managers scale and systematize
00:26 – Impossible goals and collapsing time in business growth

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Books

The Motive by Patrick Lencioni (on servant leadership and the true role of a CEO)
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson (on choosing meaningful problems)
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy (on finding leverage through people)
10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy (on impossible goals and nonlinear growth)

Get in touch with Jason

Website: https://doorgrow.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingjasonhull/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingjasonhull/?hl=en

Get in touch with Brian
Last Best Partners’ Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - How to Manage an Impossible Goal
(00:00:53) - Door Grow
(00:01:30) - Why I Started a Business: The 4 Reasons
(00:06:09) - Being an Entrepreneur: A Personal
(00:11:11) - How to Get Out Of Burnout in Your Business
(00:12:58) - Door Grow
(00:15:35) - How to Find a Property Manager for Your Housing Project
(00:19:09) - How to Grow a Property Management Business
(00:24:21) - Carpenters: When to Strike a Deal?
(00:25:31) - Ben Hardy: The Science of Scaling
(00:31:35) - Bhag: The Entrepreneur Operating System

How Distressed Properties Create Win-Win Solutions for Communities with Jeremy Beland

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:05:00 +0000

Join Brian Seidensticker as he sits down with Jeremy Beland, Founder of REI Freedom – a real estate investing company focused on helping distressed homeowners while revitalizing communities. In this episode of Distressed to Success, Jeremy shares his journey from nearly losing everything during the Great Recession to becoming a successful real estate investor approaching his 500th off-market acquisition across multiple markets.

Jeremy breaks down what “distress” really means in real estate, why many sellers simply need a reset button, and how creative acquisition strategies can provide ethical, win-win outcomes for both investors and homeowners. The conversation dives deep into wholesaling, buy-and-hold strategies, working with inherited and tenant-occupied properties, and the importance of leading with education and empathy.

What you’ll learn:

What truly defines a “distressed” property or seller
How Jeremy built his business through wholesaling, flipping, and rentals
Creative exit strategies including wholetails, BRRRR, and cash-for-keys
Why education and consulting sellers creates better long-term outcomes
Real-world deal examples, including navigating evictions and family disputes

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Jeremy’s personal experience with foreclosure and financial distress
02:30 – His real estate journey and markets he’s invested in
06:00 – Breakdown of wholesaling and multiple exit strategies
08:30 – Understanding different types of seller distress
17:30 – Educating sellers and empowering better decisions
20:30 – Real deal breakdowns and negotiation strategies
26:30 – Lessons learned from long, complex transactions
33:00 – Final advice and principles for success

Get in touch with Jeremy

REI Freedom: https://reifreedom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremybeland_/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybeland/
Jeremy’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rei-freedom/id1716246095

Get in touch with Brian

Subscribe to follow the show!

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Why Distressed Sellers Are Good People
(00:00:50) - Distress to Success: Jeremy Beelin
(00:02:28) - The Old Power Plant in Savannah
(00:03:39) - How To Distress a Property: Jeremy Bean
(00:07:49) - How to Help a Homeowner Get Out From Under the Debt
(00:14:25) - Real Estate Network: Real Estate Agents Are Not the Only Option for
(00:20:35) - You're inadvertently providing positive service in those scenarios, Brian
(00:21:34) - How To Buy a Single Family Home
(00:27:23) - How To Get Out of a Negotiating Contract
(00:28:25) - REI Freedom
(00:29:28) - Carve Outs
(00:31:14) - Real Estate Talk: Best Books
(00:33:03) - Jeremy Levine on His 3 Keys to Success

WRJ Developers' Jermaine Brooks: Turning Vacant Lots Into Container Communities

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Join Brian for an inspiring conversation with Jermaine Brooks, co-founder of WRJ Developers and pioneer of shipping container construction in Ohio. From his early real estate investing mistakes in 1999-2000 to developing what may be Ohio's first multi-family shipping container project, Jermaine shares his journey of transforming Cleveland's distressed East Side through innovative development strategies and a community-focused approach.

What You'll Learn:

How buying five houses with stated income loans in 2000 taught valuable lessons about real estate investing
The formation of WRJ Developers and their focus on Opportunity Zones in Cleveland
Why shipping container construction became their solution for affordable, scalable development
The difference between infill development and comprehensive neighborhood transformation
How to structure community-based fundraising with friends and family investors
The manufacturing process behind modular container construction (70% warehouse, 30% on-site)
Strategies for working with city officials and securing municipal funding
The importance of having an overarching plan versus building one house at a time

Key Timestamps:

[02:30] - Jermaine's origin story: From Warrensville Heights to early real estate investing
[06:15] - The formation of WRJ Developers in 2019 and Opportunity Zone strategy
[09:45] - The pivot from traditional development to shipping container construction
[14:20] - Discovery of the East 72nd Street location and "the sign from the universe."
[18:30] - Partnership with Three Square for container expertise
[22:10] - The philosophy behind multi-family development and community wealth building
[28:45] - Arcu Container on 72nd: The 64-unit apartment building project
[32:15] - Current project status: Stage 2 with five more duplexes (10 units)
[36:20] - Community fundraising strategy: $6,000-$12,000 investment shares
[40:30] - Manufacturing process: From Wisconsin warehouse to Cleveland installation
[44:15] - Future vision: Single-family concepts and scalable solutions

Get in touch with Jermaine:

Jermaine Brooks, Co-Founder, WRJ Developers

Phone: (216) 224-4326

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermainenbrooks/

Website: https://www.wrjdevelopers.com/

Email: wj.developers@gmail.com

Resources Mentioned

Three Square - Detroit-based container construction company featured on HGTV
First Federal Lakewood - Primary lending partner for the project
Community Development Advisors - Pre-development funding source
Cohen and Partners - CPA firm specializing in real estate and Opportunity Zone projects
City of Cleveland ARPA Funds - $1.2 million in municipal funding secured through RFP process
"The Color of Money" Podcast - Keller Williams real estate investing podcast
"Chop Wood, Carry Water" book - Process-focused motivational book

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast/

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From Teenage Entrepreneur to Leading Affordable Housing Developer with Kathy Makino-Leipsitz

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Join Brian for an inspiring conversation with Kathy Makino-Leipsitz, a pioneering affordable housing developer who has spent over 30 years transforming distressed communities through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. From buying her first duplex at 19 with $2,500 down to completing 22 tax credit developments, Kathy shares her remarkable journey and the lessons learned along the way.

What You'll Learn:

How a father's disability at age 12 sparked an entrepreneurial spirit that led to real estate investing
The fundamentals of LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credits) explained in simple terms - why it's the "most magical tool" for affordable housing
The difference between 9% and 4% tax credit programs and why one is significantly more competitive
How LIHTC creates beautiful, dignified, affordable housing that doesn't look like "typical" affordable housing
Why Section 8 housing can trap families in poverty while tax credits provide a pathway out
The devastating impact of losing $5 million in historic tax credits on a $36 million development
Key mistakes to avoid in affordable housing development and the importance of staying focused

Key Timestamps:

[02:15] - Kathy's origin story: How her father's heart attack changed everything when she was 12
[08:30] - The entrepreneurial beginnings: From selling candles door-to-door to buying her first duplex at 19
[12:45] - Discovery of the LIHTC program and her first 64-unit development in 1995
[18:20] - LIHTC fundamentals explained: How 9% credits work and why they're so powerful
[25:10] - The difference between LIHTC and Section 8 housing - and why one builds wealth while the other traps families
[32:45] - The Palmer Park project disaster: How losing historic tax credits cost $5 million
[45:20] - Current project: 54-unit veterans housing in Florida using 4% credits
[48:15] - Top lessons learned: Stay focused, avoid politics, and take calculated risks

Get in touch with Kathy

Kathy Makino-Leipsitz

Website: https://www.shelbornedevelopment.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-makino-leipsitz-13bb796/

Email: kathy@shelbornedevelopment.net

Resources Mentioned

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program - The federal tax credit program that has financed over 3 million affordable rental homes since 1986
Historic Tax Credit (HTC) Program - Federal program providing 20% tax credits for rehabilitating historic buildings
"Nothing Down" book - Real estate investing book Kathy read at 16 that started her journey
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) - State agency that allocates tax credits in Michigan

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page:

Chapters

(00:00:00) - How to Start a Business When You're 16
(00:00:55) - Developers: Distress to Success
(00:09:59) - LIHTC Tax Credit
(00:15:36) - Section 8: The Magic Tool for Affordable Housing
(00:22:05) - Immigrant Homeownership Tax Credit
(00:26:01) - On the 4% vs 9% Housing
(00:32:14) - Detroit real estate: The bad experiences
(00:37:47) - Local developer on historic tax credits
(00:41:40) - Projects that keep you motivated
(00:42:44) - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on His Own Projects
(00:48:51) - Carve Outs
(00:51:04) - When Can I Get This Deal Closed?
(00:51:46) - Detroit Builders Welcome First Women

Brad Westover's 30-Year Journey: From Tax Sale Novice to Industry Leader

Brian Seidensticker — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Join Brian as he sits down with longtime industry colleague Brad Westover, Executive Director of the National Tax Lien Association (NTLA) - the only nonprofit organization working to improve the tax sale space. In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brad shares his remarkable 30-year journey from college graduate to industry leader, including his role in passing California tax lien legislation and managing $1.5 billion in investments across 22 states.

What You'll Learn:

How the tax lien industry was founded in 1996-1997 by two rival companies that couldn't even be in the same room together
The basics of tax lien investing are explained in simple terms - what happens when property owners don't pay their taxes
Why 29 states, plus Washington, DC, allow private investors to purchase tax liens
The critical role tax lien sales play in helping local governments balance budgets and fund essential services
Major challenges facing the industry, including a significant Supreme Court case coming in 2026
Why property tax abolition efforts in Ohio and Florida could be devastating for local communities

Key Timestamps:

[01:23] - Brad's origin story in the tax lien space
[07:55] - Tax liens explained for beginners
[36:46] - Discussion of Montana agriculture and working lands
[38:08] - The inspiring story of Franz Wisner
[42:26] - Industry challenges and the 2026 Supreme Court case

Get in touch with Brad

Executive Director, National Tax Lien Association

(NTLA) Email: BPWestover@NTLA.org

Website: NTLA.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-westover-realtor/

Resources Mentioned

"The 16% Solution" by Joel Moskowitz - A foundational text in tax lien investing, written about 30 years ago, still considered essential reading for understanding the industry basics
"Honeymoon with My Brother" by Franz Wisner - An inspiring story about turning life's setbacks into opportunities; movie rights sold to Sony Pictures for $1 million

Get in touch with Brian

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021/

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Building Communities, Building Wealth

Brian Seidensticker — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Distressed to Success, a new podcast where we’ll discover how savvy investors and entrepreneurs are profitably transforming underserved communities through strategic investment and innovative business models. Host Brian Seidensticker, co-founder of Last Best Partners, brings his extensive experience in real estate investing and developing software that serves thousands of investors nationwide to explore the most profitable investment opportunities hiding in plain sight in communities that others have written off.

In every episode, Brian will sit down with transformational leaders, developers, business owners, and investment professionals who've successfully brought private capital into areas that traditional investors overlook. From Detroit's forgotten neighborhoods to Cleveland, Memphis, and across the Rust Belt, these conversations will dive deep into real strategies that work, including low-income housing tax credits, creative financing solutions, and innovative approaches to community development. Whether you're a high-net-worth investor seeking impact opportunities, a local developer working to improve your community, or a professional in community development, you'll walk away with actionable strategies you can implement.

This isn't about theory or feel-good stories, these are real people generating real returns while creating lasting community impact. Because here's what Brian has learned: the best investments don't just build wealth, they build communities.

Subscribe to Distressed to Success wherever you get your podcasts and join the journey to turn distressed assets into thriving neighborhoods while building businesses that benefit both your portfolio and your community.

We’ll see you soon.

About Last Best Partners

Last Best Partners is an innovative venture capital firm that provides forward-thinking real estate investors with the capital and technological tools necessary to navigate and excel in today's dynamic market landscape. Founded with a vision to transform the real estate investment industry, the firm has grown from its origins in tax sale data aggregation to become a comprehensive platform offering creative funding, advanced data solutions, and cutting-edge software.

About Brian Seidensticker

Brian is the founding partner at Last Best Partners, as well as the founder and CEO of Tax Sale Resources and several other portfolio companies. With a strong background in systems engineering and an advanced understanding of the tax sale industry, Brian has been instrumental in transforming the way investors access tax lien and tax deed information, developing comprehensive online platforms that deliver accurate data while tracking investor needs and setting new standards in industry due diligence and efficiency.

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/

Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021

Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast/