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Today’s guest learned the power of wealth creation early—and never stopped building on it. From delivering newspapers past new apartment buildings as a teen to owning, flipping, and lending on properties for over four decades, he’s seen every side of real estate investing.
What began as curiosity about how people “made money while they slept” turned into a lifelong journey of discipline, financial literacy, and creative investing. He’s not just building real estate wealth—he’s teaching others how to do it while living a balanced, fulfilling life.
Michelle interviews Joel Miller, veteran investor, author, hard money lender, and educator behind the bestselling book Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investing. With nearly 50 years in real estate, Joel shares how mindset, education, and steady discipline are the real foundations of success—whether you’re 19 or 59.
They talk about everything from how to start investing without giving up your day job to teaching financial literacy to the next generation (his son bought his first rental property at 18!). The episode demystifies real estate, proving it’s not “all bad tenants and broken toilets,” but a tangible path toward financial independence and freedom.
00:00 – From paper routes to property: Joel’s early money lessons 07:35 – Building a DJ career and a rental portfolio at the same time 14:50 – How to start investing while keeping your full-time job 21:20 – Teaching financial literacy and investing to the next generation 30:45 – Why tracking your money matters more than budgeting 38:05 – Real estate tax benefits explained (depreciation, deductions, and more) 45:40 – Mindset: discipline, debt, and overcoming fear of starting 56:00 – Pivoting strategies—when your “flip” becomes a long-term win 1:05:20 – How to prepare your financials for lenders and brokers 1:12:15 – The difference between being rich and being truly wealthy
Key Takeaways
Mindset matters most. You don’t need to know everything before starting—get some education, take the first step, and learn by doing.
Track everything. What you measure multiplies. Keep records not just for taxes but to make smarter business decisions.
Good debt vs. bad debt. Real estate leverage, when managed wisely, builds long-term wealth—unlike consumer debt that drains it.
Tax advantages are real. Depreciation, passive income status, and the 20% small-business deduction can significantly boost returns.
Educate yourself, then act. Join local investor groups, read books, and surround yourself with people already doing it.
Build relationships. Lenders, brokers, and mentors can make or break your success. Make it easy for them to understand your financial story.
Redefine wealth. Money is a tool; relationships and community are what make it meaningful.
Connect with Joel
Book: Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investing
Website: joelmillerbooks.com
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