REI University

In this episode, James Malarkey — entrepreneur, restaurateur, real estate professional, and heir to one of Oregon's most iconic family business legacies — joins the Portland REI Meetup to share the unfiltered story behind Malarkey Roofing Products, a company his grandfather built from a $600 loan into a $50.6 million enterprise before selling in 2022. James gets real about growing up on an 800-acre ranch in Scappoose, surviving a 1.62 GPA, selling marijuana after high school, clawing his way back to Oregon State, and eventually carving out his own identity as a real estate professional and property manager — completely separate from the family name.

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 breaks down how she built $1.6 million in equity on a deal that cost $2.6 million to build, appraised at $4.25 million, and paid her at the closing table the entire time. She also gets real about ADHD, scaling beyond the GC role, and why she's done doing it all alone.

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 what a tech entrepreneur in Santa Clara quietly taught him about long-term wealth building.

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 financing and JV agreements, and the design details — open floor plans, engineered hardwood, 9-foot ceilings — that make his builds sell faster and for more money.

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 relationships — not spreadsheets — might be his biggest competitive edge in real estate.

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 episode is packed with practical insights to help you get started.

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 financial freedom through strategic real estate investing. 💼🔥

In this episode, Cliff Johnson, founder of PadSplit and co-founder of Vacasa, shares how he turned innovation into impact—scaling from startup success to transforming the affordable housing landscape. He reveals how shared housing creates both profit and purpose, and the mindset behind building lasting wealth through smart, mission-driven real estate investing.

In this episode: Marla Gomez shares how she scaled from 1 door to 7 in under a year using tech skills, creative financing, and design-driven strategy, all while balancing a full-time career and family. She dives into boosting property value with design, smart financing strategies, and tips for scaling a portfolio without burnout, all in this highlight from the Portland REI Meetup.

In this episode, Dwight Schwabs shares his incredible journey in real estate investing, revealing the strategies, lessons, and mindset that have shaped his 35-year career. From market insights to personal stories, Dwight offers valuable advice for both new and seasoned investors looking to build lasting wealth.