Skip to content
Home Blog BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

Becoming a Real Estate Millionaire on a Teacher’s Salary with Michael “Swanny” Swan

The BiggerPockets Podcast
2 min read
Becoming a Real Estate Millionaire on a Teacher’s Salary with Michael “Swanny” Swan

Is it possible to invest in real estate if you live in an expensive market—and earn a teacher’s salary? According to today’s guest, it’s not only possible, but it can be incredibly profitable! Today’s guest, Michael Swan, is a P.E. teacher who lives in San Diego but has used the valuable real estate concept known as “trading up” to acquire millions of dollars in real estate. You’ll learn why Michael liquidated his entire retirement plan to buy his first few deals, the truth about “luck” and real estate, and some fantastic tips for buying and managing properties—even from a distance. (And if you work a full-time job or make less than $100,000 per year, this show might just change your life!)

Click here to listen on iTunes.

Listen to the Podcast Here

Watch the Podcast Here

Help Us Out!

Help us reach new listeners on iTunes by leaving us a rating and review! It takes just 30 seconds and instructions can be found here. Thanks! We really appreciate it!

This Show Sponsored By

simplisafeCheck out SimpliSafe Security’s DIY home security systems; an affordable, wireless, cellular, and customizable system that doesn’t require a contract!

Try it today with a discount: simplisafepockets.com

Fire Round Sponsor

freshlogoA huge thanks as well to our sponsor FreshBooks.
FreshBooks customers spend less time on paperwork, freeing up 2 days per month to focus on the work they love. What would you do with that extra time?

Learn more by visiting FreshBooks.

In This Episode We Cover:

  • Why Michael’s nickname is Swanny
  • How he realized his financial ladder was leaning on the wrong building
  • Tips for utilizing IRAs and penalties
  • Whether purchasing 11 condos is a good idea or not
  • The story of the 15-unit apartment complex
  • How he went from $5k in cash flow to $24k
  • Whether luck had to do with his great deals
  • Tips for buying areas in with both cash flow and appreciation
  • His formula for financial freedom (using multifamilies)
  • A discussion on single families versus multifamilies
  • How to find deals in your market
  • Tips for seeking out the perfect property manager
  • How many units he has now
  • How to tackle big projects
  • How he manages his work with his time as a teacher
  • And SO much more!

Links from the Show

Books Mentioned in this Show

Fire Round Questions

Tweetable Topics:

  • “Living in San Diego, if I am able to do it, anybody can do it.” (Tweet This!)
  • “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” (Tweet This!)
  • “Make sure you make connections with everybody.” (Tweet This!)
  • “I don’t take advice from someone that has less than me.” (Tweet This!)

Connect with Michael

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.