Welcome to a special edition of the Zephyr Adjusted for Risk podcast, featuring an insightful conversation between market strategist Ryan Nauman and renowned entrepreneur Grant Cardone. As the keynote speaker for the upcoming IMN Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Conference, Grant shares his expertise on building wealth, the power of real estate, and why passive income is the key to financial freedom.

The Power of Proximity and Education

Grant emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who are achieving more than you. Attending events like the IMN Conference is not just about networking—it's about learning from those who are already where you want to be. Curiosity and continuous education are essential for anyone looking to level up their financial game.

Cash is No Longer King

One of Grant’s boldest statements: “Cash is trash.” In today’s economic environment, holding onto cash means missing out on opportunities for growth. Instead, Grant advocates for investing in assets that generate passive income, especially for those who haven’t yet reached a significant net worth.

Why Multifamily Real Estate?

Grant’s portfolio boasts over 14,000 multifamily units, and for good reason. Multifamily real estate offers resilience, diversification, and scalability. Every small increase in rent across thousands of units translates into substantial income and value for investors. Grant highlights three main benefits:

• Capital Preservation: Real estate protects your money from inflation and market volatility.
• Tax Advantages: Investors enjoy significant tax write-offs unavailable in stocks or crypto.
• Passive Income: The ability to earn while you sleep is the ultimate financial goal.

The Importance of Scale and Location

When evaluating properties, Grant prioritizes scale over location, but both are crucial. Owning a single unit exposes you to vacancy risk, while larger complexes offer stability and efficiency. He also stresses that you can’t fix a bad location, no matter how much you invest in the property itself.

Debunking Real Estate Myths

Many people shy away from real estate, believing it’s too complicated or requires too much upfront capital. Grant dispels these myths, arguing that the real mistake is buying the wrong type of property—often a single-family home for personal use rather than income generation. He famously states, “A house is not an investment; it’s a liability.”

Renting vs. Owning

In many major cities, it’s significantly cheaper to rent than to own. Grant points out that renting provides flexibility and allows your money to work for you elsewhere, rather than being tied up in home equity.

Tariffs, Interest Rates, and Market Dynamics

Grant discusses how tariffs and high interest rates impact the real estate market. For investors who already own property, these factors can actually increase the value of existing assets by making new construction less affordable and less frequent.

The Bitcoin + Real Estate Revolution

A pioneer in combining asset classes, Grant has completed several deals merging Bitcoin and real estate. While real estate offers stability and cash flow, Bitcoin provides liquidity and growth potential. Together, they create a “super investment” that leverages the strengths of both.

Rethinking Retirement

Traditional retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs may not be the best path to wealth. Grant suggests using income-producing real estate as a personal retirement account, providing steady cash flow and long-term value for generations.

Final Thoughts

Grant Cardone’s approach challenges conventional wisdom and encourages investors to think bigger, act boldly, and prioritize passive income. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, his insights offer a roadmap to building lasting wealth.

Want to learn more? Join Grant Cardone at the IMN Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Conference on October 9th - 10th, and don’t forget to check out other episodes of the Zephyr Adjusted for Risk podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

For a 20% discount on the IMN Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Conference enrollment, mention the Zephyr Adjusted for Risk podcast!

Connect with Ryan Nauman:
LinkedIn: Ryan Nauman
X: Ryan Nauman