REI University

In this episode, Kelsie LPJohnston of Raspberry and Oak Investments joins the Portland REI Meetup to share one of the most jaw-dropping real estate stories you'll hear all year. From growing up around construction in Salem, to escaping China on one of the last flights out before Covid lockdowns hit, to managing a ground-up cottage development as a general contractor while navigating a life-threatening pregnancy — Kelsie break...

In this episode, Portland-based real estate syndicator Arie joins the Portland REI Meetup to share how a career in finance, a move from the Bay Area, and a relentless focus on buying well-located properties led him to build a portfolio generating $2 million a year. Ari breaks down why syndicators are taking on too much debt, why bridge debt became the industry's biggest trap, how to know when your market has gone irrational, and wh...

In this episode, Portland developer Arthur Ryapolov of August Development joins the Portland REI Meetup to share his raw, unfiltered path from washing dishes at weddings and flipping cars out of his dad's wrecking yard to closing over 250 units and $84 million in real estate across the Pacific Northwest. Arthur breaks down how he scaled from one deal in 2019 to 20 deals in 2020, how he structures creative land deals with seller fin...

In this episode, Chris pulls back the curtain on the winding road that led to Rama Capital's latest multifamily deal — from a chance encounter on a golf course that changed his life, to playing polo with a 5,000-unit developer, to a Reno motel conversion that fell apart and left him feeling like a failure. He breaks down how he built his team, what he learned watching his mentor nearly drown in construction costs, and why rel...

In this podcast, Jason James, a Portland-based real estate investor and owner of That 1 Painter Oregon, shares how he built a real estate portfolio across four different states while living in Oregon. He breaks down out-of-state investing, the BRRRR strategy, and the mindset shifts that helped him stop waiting for the perfect deal and start taking action. If you’re looking to grow your portfolio and invest smarter, this episo...

In this episode, Dane McKinney, Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Stack Asset Group, shares how he built a $30M real estate portfolio by age 26 through creative investing, capital structuring, and smart dealmaking. He reveals how to find and fund great opportunities, attract investors, and scale your business even in a shifting market. Packed with real-world insights, this episode is your playbook for building wealth and fina...

In this episode, builder and developer Eric Thompson joins Chris Merz to dive deep into the world of middle housing and infill investing—and how overlooked city lots can become the foundation for scalable, community-focused real estate.

As the founder of Oregon Homeworks and the Snug cottage home brand, Eric has built over 250 homes across Portland and played a key role in shaping the city’s Residential Infill Project (...

In this episode, join real estate investor and private money lender Rob Harden as he reveals the key strategies that helped him grow beyond 28 rental properties. Rob shares what worked, what didn’t, and how creative financing can unlock new opportunities. Plus, get a sneak peek into his 2025 game plan and insights on navigating today’s market. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable tips and take your real ...

In this episode, we're diving deep into two of the most powerful strategies in real estate investing: seller financing and off-market acquisitions. Join us as we sit down with Jeff Stephens, an experienced investor and expert in creative financing, to uncover how these tactics can help you scale your portfolio and gain a competitive edge. Jeff breaks down the benefits of seller financing, how to approach off-market deals, and actio...

In this episode, Derek Sherell takes us through the world of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – compact, efficient homes that are changing the housing landscape. He shares his expertise on the design, construction, and impact of ADUs, exploring how they offer affordable housing solutions and create more sustainable communities. Whether you're considering building an ADU or just curious about their potential, this conversation ...