The Unconventional Investor

Did you know you can choose where your Arizona state tax dollars go? Instead of paying the state, you can direct those funds to support foster kids, schools, or local charities, all through Arizona’s tax credit program. Every dollar you donate comes straight off what you owe the state. For example, if you owe $1,400 in taxes and you donate $1,200 to a qualified charity, then you’ll only pay $200 t...

Are you curious about how you really earn from alternative investments? In this episode, you’ll learn all about the waterfall feature, the structure that tells you who gets paid, when, and how in private deals like real estate funds and other non-traditional investments.  From getting your original investment back, to earning your preferred return, and then splitting profits with the sponsor, unde...

In this final part of a two-part episode, we continue our discussion about the ins and outs of building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) which are becoming increasingly popular in backyards as extra living space for extended family, overnight guests, or as a way to generate rental income.  Tom Mulhern, co-founder of AzADU, joins us to break down the real numbers behind building an ADU, explore fina...

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming family living as more people are building ADUs to care for parents or make space for grown kids.  If you’ve wondered about converting a garage, adding a modular unit, or starting fresh from the ground up, then tune into this episode! We discuss the real costs, challenges, and benefits of building an ADU. In this two-part episode, we are joined by ex...

Appreciate what you have and where you are because gratitude is the real wealth. In today’s episode, Michelle gives her perspective on the book The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan with a focus on the chapter about money. With honest, personal reflections and practical advice, this episode encourages listeners to adopt a more grateful outlook in their financial journeys and highlights how privil...

Did you know that you can invest in ART and add this alternative asset to your portfolio? Find out how you can own a piece of culture and legacy and diversify your portfolio, all while supporting emerging and established artists.  In this episode, we explore the unique world of art as an investment vehicle. Clare Baukham, founder of Clear Art Reserve, joins us to explain how fractional ownership l...

Learn the habits and mindset of financially comfortable people that set them apart from everyone else. As I've worked with clients over the years, I've had the privilege of working with many "millionaires next door" — the people who aren’t flashy, but are intentional about their spending, saving, and how they view money.  In this solo episode, I break down the behaviors and beliefs of people who a...

Have you thought about becoming a hard money lender for a real estate fix and flip? In this week’s episode, I talked with Mike Bonn from The Cash Flow Company to learn his business model for short-term lending secured by real-estate. This alternative investment strategy puts you in the seat of the lender while keeping things straightforward and secured by real assets. Key Takeaways : Direct Lendin...

Is industrial real estate a smart place to put your money? In this episode, we explore what today’s market means for investors seeking steady, dependable returns.   With over 35 years in industrial real estate, Becknell Industrial is bringing its tried-and-true strategy to accredited investors who seek reliable alternatives to stocks and bonds. I sat down with Becknell's CFO, Clay Thelen, to discu...

Private credit is one of the hottest alternative investments right now, and Yrefy has a truly innovative investment that serves both sides of the transaction - borrowers and investors. Laine Schoenberger, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Yrefy, joins me to explain their platform. Yrefy helps borrowers trapped by private student loan debt while offering accredited investors attracti...

If you’re tired of managing properties or just looking for smarter ways to grow your wealth, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I discuss 1031 exchange strategies that don't include rolling your investment into the same kind of real estate. Here are my top 3 takeaways:   1031 Exchanges Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All You don’t have to trade one rental property for another. You have more flexi...

Today we talk the ins and outs of 1031 exchanges—a powerful real estate tool that lets investors defer taxes when selling investment or business property. Michael Velasco, founder and qualified intermediary of Exchangeable, and one of only around 120 certified exchange specialists nationwide. We discuss what a 1031 exchange really is, why so many property owners still don’t know about it, and the...

If you’ve ever wondered how you can generate passive “mailbox money” from the energy sector, or if you’re looking for creative 1031 exchange opportunities, this episode is for you. Jace Graham, a fourth-generation oil & gas expert and CEO and Founder of Rising Phoenix Capital joins us to explain how mineral rights work and how his team acquires off-market mineral rights. Top 3 takeaways: Miner...

Kenny Rose, founder and CEO of FranShares, joins us to discuss an innovative investment opportunity: investing in franchises as an alternative asset class.  If you’ve ever thought franchising was limited to fast food, think again—Kenny shows us how franchises span everything from automotive to home services, and how FranShares is making it possible for everyday investors get a piece of the action....

I sat down with Sherwood “Woodie” Neiss—the policy architect behind the JOBS Act and author of Investomers . Woodie shared how investment crowdfunding is giving startups and retail investors a new path forward, bypassing traditional venture capitalists.  3 Takeaways: • Crowdfunding Is Maturing. Since the JOBS Act’s implementation, over 8,300 companies have collectively raised nearly $3B.  • Divers...

I think it's time we rethink our portfolios, especially from that 60/40 recommendation of the past. In this episode, I talk about why it’s time to add 20-30% in alternative investments—think real estate, lending funds, and even franchises—to balance your growth and give you more control.  Diversifying outside just stocks and bonds can help you sleep better at night and potentially boost your retur...

If you’re interested in multifamily real estate investing  with a manager who truly does things differently, this one’s worth your time! There are HUNDREDS of multifamily (apts) investors out there, but this one stands out.  Matt Incitti from Hamilton Point joins us to share what makes Hamilton Point special. Key takeaways: 🔹 Ethics and Alignment Matter Hamilton Point stands out in the crowded mu...

If you're curious about how farmland can diversify your portfolio, act as an inflation hedge, and support a healthier planet, you’ll find plenty in this episode. Michelle is joined by Chris Zuehlsdorff, CEO of Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT.  Iroquois Valley supports experienced organic farmers through long-term leases and mortgage financing, helping to preserve farmland and build a more resilient...

This week we have real estate investor, Jesse Lang on the show to talk about investing in real estate without your own money.  Jesse started her journey accidentally through house hacking, and within just 36 months, she scaled from 11 to 70 rental doors—all without using her own money. Her focus on the BRRRR method (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is a game-changer for anyone feeling like...

In this solo episode, Michelle gets into the topic of money psychology and the impact of emotions on financial decisions. With 20+ years of experience as a financial planner, Michelle shares her observations and opinions about balancing the emotional and logical sides of managing wealth. Key Topics Covered The Emotional Side of Money Investment Decision-Making The Value of Accountability Budgeting...

Wondering how you can trust an investment?  📈 In this episode of the podcast, I share my personal “litmus test” for evaluating alternative investments and private placements. If you’re exploring real estate, private funds, or other non-traditional opportunities, here are my top three takeaways to keep in mind: ✅ Do they have real skin in the game? Always ask if the managers are investing their o...

I sat down with Braden Hudson, CFO and cofounder of Trellis Energy, to talk about an oil and gas investment opportunity. Trellis isn’t your typical operator—they specialize in fractional ownership of wells alongside major names like Chevron and EOG, giving accredited investors direct access to proven energy projects.  With a focus on downside risk, diversified deals, and strong tax benefits, their...

We're diving into a new area of interest: Oil & Gas Investing.  If you’ve ever wondered about the differences between drilling programs and royalty programs, how to spot a quality operator, or why oil and gas remain such a compelling option for accredited investors seeking both tax advantages and portfolio diversification, this conversation is for you. Brad Updike, LLM, JD joins us from Mick L...

🔒 Financial fraud is on the rise — how can you protect yourself? There's been a sharp uptick (25% increase!) in financial fraud this year. In this episode, I go over some strategies to recognize and protect yourself from scams. Key takeaways: Watch for red flags: Be wary of unsolicited calls (even when they appear to come from legitimate institutions) that create urgency, ask for sensitive info,...

If you’re looking for an alternative investment opportunity that’s well outside the usual suspects, this one is worth a look. Industrial Outside Storage, think equipment or supply storage for companies that have large items to store or operate.  There are a few reasons this might be a good fit: Fragmented Market: Over 80% of industrial outdoor storage assets are owned by non-institutional (mom and...