LIFE WITH MIKEY

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• The Real Reason Homes Got So Expensive 30.06.2026 13min

  For two years, everyone's been watching interest rates. But there's a quieter number shaping home deals right now and many people aren't talking about it.In this episode, Mikey breaks down how home insurance went from a simple line item to a major factor in what can impact what you can actually afford. You'll learn why California got so expensive (it's not just the fires), how a 1988 law helped set this in motion, and the moves to consider that may help protect you before you remove a contingency.What we cover:Why insurance can be as high as ~9% of a typical housing payment — a record highThe 1988 law that may have reshaped the marketWhy your roof's age mattersWhat happened when 7 of 12 big insurers pulled backThe 3 moves to consider before you fall in love with a houseIf you're buying in California or anywhere premiums are climbing, this one's worth your time.
• Can $100K Survive in California? 23.06.2026 32min

  A viral clip says a family of six can "easily" live on $100,000 a year in California. So we pulled out the calculator and tested it line by line.Mikey Taylor and Michael Michalov break down the budget behind the clip. They look into mortgage, groceries, gas, health insurance, all of it and find out where it holds up and where it completely falls apart. The truth? The number you bought your house matters more than the number on your paycheck. By the end, we land on what it costs to live here today, and the difficult choice that a growing number of California families are facing.In this episode: • Why a $2,000 mortgage is out of reach for many buyers today  • The grocery, gas, and health insurance numbers nobody budgets for • The income you may need to live in California with kids • Stay and sacrifice, earn more, or leave the state entirely • Why it feels like people are living in two different economiesIf you've ever felt like you're drowning while making "good money," this one's for you.
• The Government Loan Owners May Not Know About 16.06.2026 25min

  On July 4th, 2026, a rule will change that lets you do something you literally could not do before: borrow to buy your business AND the building it operates in, with the government standing behind both loans.In this episode, Mikey Taylor and Michael Michalov break down the two SBA programs. Every business owner should understand the 7(a) and the 504 in plain English, without the lending jargon. They cover why the $5M cap just decoupled (giving you twice the borrowing power), how the 504 lets you put just 10% down on owner-occupied real estate, and the new Made in America Loan Guarantee that takes 90% of the risk off your bank's table if you make a physical product.This is the Commune lens on leverage: the same programs the biggest builders use are sitting in front of the small business owner who simply never knew they existed.What we cover: • The two SBA programs and what each one is actually for • Why the July 4th decoupling doubles your real borrowing power • The 10% down structure most people get wrong on the 504 • Owning vs. renting the building you operate in • The Made in America guarantee and who qualifies • How to underwrite a deal as if the government backing didn't exist
• The Truth About the $1,000 Trump Account 09.06.2026 18min

  The government is proposing a $1,000 contribution into an investment account for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028. Many parents may overlook it because of one thing: the name.In this episode, Mikey Taylor and Michael break down what the new "Trump Account" is, how it is designed to work, and the questions families may want to consider when evaluating it. They walk through the math behind hypothetical growth scenarios, including how $1,000 could potentially grow to roughly $81,000 by retirement under certain assumptions, how maximum contributions could affect account value over time, and the key considerations surrounding the program.What we cover: • The free $1,000 seed and who qualifies • How the account is built (and the penalty rules at 18) • Trump Account vs. a 529 plan • Who can contribute — parents, grandparents, even employers • The math: $1,000 today vs. millions at retirement • What happens if the rules change laterIf you've got kids or you know someone who doesn't, don't be the one left out.This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project. Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• Mikey Taylor: The Truth About Selling Your Business 02.06.2026 34min

  In this solo episode, I break down the six pillars I use to run Commune Capital today, the operating system I wish I had when we were building Saint Archer, and walk through the three things you have to fight for at the closing table if you’re considering  selling a business. I also share a 90 day test that will tell you whether you’ve built a real company or just a high paying job with a brand attached to it.Vision Pillar Questionnaire - https://we.tl/t-0GbXHpaRCcKydRHb This episode is for founders who are 3 to 5 years in and starting to feel the cracks, founders quietly talking to buyers, and founders who want to stop being the bottleneck in their own business.Inside this episode:• The Saint Archer moment that changed how I build companies• The 6 pillars that may turn a startup into a sellable business• The 8 questions every team should answer the same way• Why “right person, wrong seat” kills businesses• The 3 clauses that matter more than price• The earn out trap that makes founders quit• The 90 day test for real ownershipThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project. Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• I Almost Believed Graham Stephan 18.05.2026 35min

  Graham Stephan told millions of people why he shifted away from real estate and is moving over to investments like stocks, bonds, and ETFs. The math may sound straightforward. The psychology behind decisions like this often isn’t.In this episode, Mikey Taylor and Michael Michalov break down the 5 behavioral finance biases that can influence major investing decisions. This isn't a takedown. It's the discussion about how even experienced, successful investors can be influenced by cognitive biases, market narratives, and emotional decision-making. What you'll learn:How loss aversion can shape financial decisions in unexpected waysWhy short historical windows can distort long-term expectationsHow herd behavior shows up even when you think you're going against the crowdThe overconfidence trap that hits after a winning streak, not beforeWhen walking away is wisdom and when it's just sunk-cost overcorrectionThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project. Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• Why $500,000 Per Door Is Breaking LA Housing 12.05.2026 50min

  This week, LA land use attorney and California State Senate candidate Sara Hernandez sits down to break down Executive Directive 1, why banks have stopped lending on multifamily projects, and the math behind why rent doesn’t seem to be dropping anytime soon. Mikey and Michael lay out the 3 milestones most real estate development projects must navigate.If you’re trying to understand LA real estate, the housing crisis, or why some capital is leaving California, this conversation is the breakdown.What you’ll learnWhy LA feels “redlined” for new multifamily developmentThe 3-milestone framework every developer should knowWhy 1 in 5 LA community college students are “homeless”The 26th District State Senate race and what’s at stakeThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• Why This Housing Market Is Not 2008 05.05.2026 27min

  Mortgage rates just hit around 5.99%. Existing home sales hit a nine-month low. A lot of people see those two numbers and assume the market is dead, but that may not tell the full story.Mikey and Michael break down what some are calling the biggest buying window in years, the hidden cost of waiting, and why today’s market may look very different from 2008.. They unpack the shifting trends between Sun Belt and Rust Belt markets,, a $68M Chicago office building that just sold for $4 million, and the wild loop where pension funds are funding the rent hikes on their own apartments.Plus: why AI-staged listing photos are turning into bait-and-switch, and what real estate agents may need to do to maintain buyer trust.If you’ve been waiting to buy, this episode explores the pros and cons of timing the market.This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• The Housing Market Is Broken Into 3 Parts 21.04.2026 37min

  The housing market is not one market. It's three. And most people can't tell which one they live in.In this episode, Mikey and Michael give commentary on what's happening in 2026. Forty percent of U.S. cities are seeing prices drop. Other areas are still going up. The national news won't tell you which side your city is on. Your local data will.They walk through the numbers, months of supply, price to rent ratio, permit activity, job growth, and city policy. They explain a common way brokers may present optimistic projections, and show how you can use tools like AI to analyze a deal from different angles.Whether you’re exploring a home purchase, rental property, or real estate fund, this is a guide for reviewing numbers and assumptions before making decisions.This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• Why America's Biggest Landlord Is Dumping Homes 14.04.2026 31min

  In this episode, Mikey and Michael break down the seismic shifts happening in US housing right now: the  $17,000 tariff cost now baked into every new home, why building permits just hit their lowest level since 2019, and why fix-and-flip ROI has collapsed back to 2008 levels.Then they turn the conversation toward the group nobody is defending Gen Z. With 46 million US households now renting (an all-time high), and three out of four Gen Z renters saying renting is the smarter move, the hosts debate whether the homeownership ladder is actually broken, or whether this is the biggest generational reframe in fifty years.Along the way: why BRRR is quietly replacing flips, the difference between seller financing and subject-to deals (and which one Michael thinks is “dirty”), the 40x net worth gap between homeowners and renters, and the one question you should consider asking before you buy a house which, according to Michael, almost nobody asks.
• Is The Housing Market Crashing? 06.04.2026 26min

  Everyone is telling you the housing market is about to crash worse than 2008. They’re wrong  but the truth might be harder to hear.In this episode, I break down the numbers behind today’s housing market and compare them to the factors that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis. Topics include subprime mortgages, equity positions, supply dynamics, insurance costs, the lock-in effect.The data says this is not 2008. The structural foundations are different. But that doesn’t mean everything’s fine. The affordability gap is real. The low end is fracturing. Insurance is repricing risk across the country. And millions of homeowners are locked into sub-4% rates creating a “zombie market” where people are not moving.I share my own experience buying a home in 2005 on an adjustable-rate mortgage, watching the value drop, and what I learned about making financial decisions under pressure. I also walk through what I’m seeing in the data right now as someone who owns and buys real estate.This episode covers: subprime mortgage comparison (2006 vs. today), homeowner equity, regional market divergence, the 4-million-unit housing deficit, the lock-in effect, insurance crisis, and how data can inform decision-making.0:00 The 2008 Crash Fear Is Everywhere01:13 Markets That Feel Like 200803:31 Who Is Predicting the Crash and Why04:39 What Actually Caused the 2008 Collapse06:28 The Financial Crisis Numbers08:15 Mikey’s Personal 2008 Story09:59 Today’s Market vs 2008 by the Numbers14:07 The Real Fractures Nobody Is Showing You17:08 The Zombie Market23:14 Fear vs Greed The Investor TrapThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• Buy vs. Build: The Decision Behind Growing Wealth 31.03.2026 32min

  Most people think real estate development is just construction. It’s not. The real game starts years before a shovel hits the ground and that’s where fortunes are made or lost.In this episode, Mikey Taylor and Michael Michalov break down the complete development cycle from raw land to stabilized asset. They cover how to assess whether buying or building makes sense for your situation, the entitlement process that can take years and cost hundreds of thousands before you build anything, how to work with cities to avoid expensive dead ends, the capital stack breakdown on a real development deal, and why they believe Southern California’s difficulty is potentially an investment advantage.They also get into a heated debate about when value is actually “realized” in development  and share the real numbers on a North Hollywood project tracking from a targeted $9.5M cost to $17M projected stabilized value.Whether you’re considering your first development deal or deciding between buying stabilized assets and building from scratch, this episode gives you the operator-level framework.#RealEstateDevelopment #WealthBuilding #RealEstateInvesting Timestamps:0:00 — Buy vs. Build: Two completely different paths01:47 — When buying beats building (and vice versa)03:35 — The biggest mistake beginner developers make?06:08 — How to gauge city appetite before you could risk capital08:12 — Tying up property under contract during entitlements10:45 — Architects, engineers, and the entitlement process14:26 — Capital stack breakdown: the $10M example17:06 — The “realized value” debate (heated)21:11 — Why Southern California may be one of the hardest markets25:14 — The single greatest risk in real estate development?28:13 — Final framework: when to buy, when to build, when to waitThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• How We're Analyzing a $18M Multifamily Building (Step by Step) 28.03.2026 46min

  Most people will never buy a piece of real estate not because they don't have the money, but because nobody ever sat them down and walked them through every single step of the process.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on a real deal: a 37-unit multifamily building in North Hollywood, California. From the first back-of-the-napkin math to the moment the title transfers, we break down the entire acquisition step by step, number by number, decision by decision.We cover the pre-offer analysis, how to build credibility with brokers when new to investing, the four pillars of due diligence often overlooked, two real financing scenarios comparing the trade-off between leverage and margin, and why operating the asset rather than only finding it can influence potential returns.Whether you're evaluating your first deal or refining your process on your tenth, this episode provides an educational perspective.This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• He Went From Poverty to a $25M portfolio in Real Estate by 31 17.03.2026 56min

  Michael Mnatsakanian grew up in poverty as a first-generation American raised by a single mom. He got an engineering degree from UCSD, commissioned as a U.S. Army officer, and started investing in real estate from a barracks in Fairbanks, Alaska with little money.Five years later, he’s built a $25M+ real estate portfolio, raised over $10M in capital, and completely abandoned the Airbnb model for something many investors may not be familiar with: co-living.In this conversation, Mikey and Michael break down the mechanics of how he went from a VA loan on a duplex to buying 20 rental cabins with zero dollars out of pocket, why he believes co-living is the most overlooked strategy in real estate right now, and how his approach to financing allows him to acquire properties in various market conditions.They also get into the psychology of coming from nothing, why poverty created both paralysis and an unfair advantage for him, why analysis paralysis nearly killed his investing career, and the ultimatum he gave himself that changed everything.This is one of the most tactically dense episodes Life With Mikey has ever done. Whether you’re an active investor, considering your first deal, or sitting on capital you haven’t deployed, this one will offer perspectives of how to think about real estate.Topics CoveredVA loans, house hacking, seller financing, subject-to acquisitions, bird dogging vs. wholesaling, co-living strategy, capital raising, affordable housing, creative deal structuring, building wealth from zero, and why the smartest investors are leaving short-term rentals behind.Chapters: 0:15 - VA loans and military investing04:14 - Childhood poverty and the fear of financial mistakes4:52 - The ultimatum that broke analysis paralysis06:42 - Why real estate is a cheat code for wealth12:42 - Buying 20 rental cabins with zero money down17:00 - Co-living strategy explained25:36 - Why $200/month rentals trap investors31:34 - Affordable housing and why the government fails42:11- Raising capital with your back against the wall48:17 - Balancing wealth building with family timeThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.This content does not constitute an offer to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.Certain information contained herein may be derived from third party sources and has not been independently verified. COMMUNE has not and will not independently verify this information. Where such sources include opinions and projections, such opinions and projections should be ascribed only to the applicable third party source and not to COMMUNE.
• Why Your Salary Might Not Build Long-Term Wealth 03.03.2026 37min

  If all your income stopped tomorrow, how long would you last?Many people can't answer that question and  that's part of the problem.In this episode, Mikey and Michael discuss why society often prioritizes income titles, salaries, and promotions, while ownership remains an underexplored strategy for building long-term financial security..They explore the difference between being rich and being wealthy, why income tends to be linear while ownership has the potential to compound over time, and ways to begin building an ownership position without leaving your job. Michael also shares his personal journey of transitioning from a six-figure banking career to starting from scratch, and the lessons he learned along the way.If you're earning good money but still feel stuck, this episode offers a fresh perspective.TIMESTAMPS0:00 If all your income stopped tomorrow, how long do you have?1:08 The difference between being rich and being wealthy2:53 "What do you want to be when you grow up?" How the programming starts4:32 Michael's story: conditioned to “follow the rules” until his wife said “quit”7:51 The achievement loop: grades, titles, promotions, repeat - this this cycle might not lead to long-term wealth11:12 Dopamine and income: why earning feels good but doesn’t compound over time. 14:59 How ownership changes the math: working the same hours, unlimited potential upside17:03 C suite salary vs. equity owner: same stress, vastly different outcome22:10 Michael’s story of walking away from banking at 31 and making $0 for 18 months31:34 How W2 employees can start building ownership today, without quitting their jobThis content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.This content does not constitute an offer to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• 2026 Potential Wealth-Building Opportunities Amid Market Shifts 24.02.2026 53min

  In today's market, access to capital has become more restricted, with banks lending less than in previous years. The real estate market may feel stagnant, and stock prices appear high relative to historical norms.However, periods of market uncertainty can often create opportunities for those who are well-positioned to act strategically.In this episode, we examine six investment strategies that some investors are exploring in the current environment along with two strategies that we, as long-term investors, are considering.Here’s what we cover:The rise of service businesses (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) as resilient industries in uncertain timesThe role of private credit in offering potential returns for qualified investorsA shift toward fundamental investing strategies in public marketsReal estate opportunities in times of market correctionThe potential for alternative real estate models like boutique hotelsUnderstanding government incentives in housing marketsWe also break down:Active vs passive investingPE rollups and what it could mean for consumersEvaluating risk tolerance vs risk capacityIf you’ve felt “reluctantly optimistic” about this market… this episode is for you.The right move at the wrong time is the wrong move.This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.This content does not constitute an offer to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project.  Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• They Keep Investing Confusing So You Don’t Ask Questions 17.02.2026 55min

  Investing can feel complicated for a reason. In this episode, a former financial advisor breaks down how "big words" and Wall Street jargon may cause confusion, leading to decisions that aren't fully understood. We discuss common concepts like options trading, using a simple analogy to real estate contracts, and why complexity in investing may lead to middlemen who benefit from your uncertainty. We'll also explore the value of a good advisor and how they can help you avoid emotionally driven decisions during market fluctuations.This episode is not a recommendation, but rather an exploration of common practices in the investment world. It's important to do your own research and consult with a professional before making any decisions about investing.Chapters 0:00 - Why is investing so confusing?0:48 - The options trap: Why many investors might want to avoid it2:10 - A simple analogy to understand options trading7:26 - Control vs. speculation: What’s the real difference?8:04 - Who benefits when investing feels complicated?9:18 - The Covid story: taxes, fear, and panic selling15:40 - Understanding asset types: stocks, bonds, and index funds20:05 - Wall Street jargon translated into simple terms27:29 - What actually matters in investing: Allocation and liquidity32:21 - Finding a good advisor: What questions to ask
• Everyone Says “Wait.” Here’s Why That Could Cost You Seven Figures 10.02.2026 56min

  Are current conditions in the self-storage market creating opportunities that resemble past cycles? AJ Osborne shares how he evaluates today’s self-storage environment, including comparisons to post-2009 pricing, differences in asset quality, and factors that may influence supply and demand over time. The conversation explores concepts such as replacement cost, barriers to entry, interest rate dynamics, and how oversupply has affected certain markets historically.What you’ll learn• The simple test to evaluate oversupplied storage markets• How interest rate environments can influence development and financing decisions• The distinction between price and value across different facility types• Where multifamily distress is signaling pain and potential opportunity for storage buyers• Evaluating replacement cost in places like DFW and what to considerTimestamps0:00 Why today’s storage market may be relative to prior cycles3:10 Price vs. value and the small-market considerations7:25 The “rate runway” that may keep new supply out10:40 Barriers to entry and their role in market stability15:20 Multifamily maturities, defaults, and what it could imply for storage29:15 Markets AJ is buying now, including Dallas Fort Worth below replacement43:05 Why regulation can raise costs and could skew supply long termAbout our guestAJ Osborne is a self storage operator and investor with facilities across multiple states. His operator lens makes this a must-watch.The content of this video (“Video”) is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this Video is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the Video will prove to be accurate or realized. Certain statements may reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance.  Any “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or actual performance of the subject. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Certain information contained herein may be derived from third party sources and has not been independently verified. COMMUNE has not and will not independently verify this information. Where such sources include opinions and projections, such opinions and projections should be ascribed only to the applicable third party source and not to COMMUNE. Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice.  Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• The 401k Mistake That Could Cost You 02.02.2026 50min

  Most people lock up money too early in retirement accounts and miss flexibility when opportunities show up. In this episode we walk through how we’d think about allocating $10k, $100k, and $1M, why we prioritize the employer match, how a self-directed IRA can expand options, and the tradeoffs between post tax dollars, real estate, and diversified holdings.Timestamps0:00 - Setup & stakes1:06 - Matching the 401k1:33 - Why going past the match could hurt3:27 - 401k loan used strategically6:44 - The “idle cash” mistake7:42 - Rolling into a self-directed IRA10:55 - Roth vs Traditional tradeoffs21:32 - Unlock the IRA47:47 - Final lessons This video is for education only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. No results are guaranteed. Individuals are urged to do their own research and consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.
• The Real Estate Mistake Costing Agents Millions 26.01.2026 58min

  Real talk for real estate agents and investors. Glennda Baker lays out the painful truth: the second you sell a property, your income stops. She breaks the “artist not operator” trap, shares the 50 percent commission rule that ends tax panic, and shows the ethical way agents can become owners without burning client trust.What you’ll learnWhy selling fast keeps you broke and holding builds wealthThe 50 percent rule: 30 percent taxes, 20 percent high-yield savings, so you’re always ready to buyThe ethical agent-to-investor path: expose to open market, then buy if you can beat the top bidSocial media that actually sells: proof over polish, “authentic intelligence,” and avoiding claims that land you in courtZillow, data power, and the TOS traps agents ignore—plus what to do nextChapters: 0:00–0:20 Intro payoff: “Seller always loses” concept with a 20-second story.0:20–2:30 Stakes: Agents as “artists not operators,” the identity trap, and why the best deals get sold to others.2:30–6:00 Why you regret selling: Short-term cash vs long-term compounding. Sherman Oaks townhouse story to visualize opportunity cost.6:00–10:30 Systems to avoid pain: The 50 percent rule. Where to park cash so you don’t touch it. Examples with $30k commission math.10:30–16:00 Ethical agent-investor play: Expose listing to open market, then buy if you can beat the highest bid. Litigation-proof framing.16:00–22:00 Social that sells: Proof over polish, show the messy reality, why “just listed/just sold” is the death of agents.22:00–28:00 AI, authenticity, and compliance risks: Real AI means “authentic intelligence,” why claims on social can end in court.28:00–36:30 Industry power dynamics: Zillow, data control, terms-of-service risks agents ignore. Actionable next steps.36:30–41:30 Legacy play: “Buy a house for your kid” and affordability realities.Final takeaway: One-page recap: Hold more, automate savings, show proof, protect your license, buy Grandma’s house. CTA to subscribe.