Cash Flow Champs Real Estate Podcast

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jason Malabute, an MBA, is a seasoned real estate investor, an active philanthropist, and a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Jason Malabute started his real estate journey in 2018 and studied real estate for 1 whole year before finally investing in three rentals in the very first year of 2019, in Indianapolis. After successfully following the investment strategy called BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat) for multiple properties, Jason took the leap from single-family to multifamily investing. He focuses on the Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Kansas City Markets. Jason is a co-organizer of the Pasadena/Glendale chapter of Multifamily Masters meetup group in Los Angeles. Jason is a regular blog contributor for Biggerpockets and American Apartment Owners Association. Jason is head of accounting and financial reporting for Cashflow Champs.

What You’re Going to Learn:

Jason Malabute’s Inspirational Journey in Multifamily Real Estate
Delivering Value and Making a Difference: Jason’s Vision for Impact in the Industry
Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
A Piece Of Advice By Jason Malabute
Exploring Real Estate Experiences: Unveiling the Best and Worst with Jason

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Show Highlights

Jason Malabute's Inspirational Journey in Multifamily Real Estate

Charles Seaman: What we’d like to do is understand your unique value and your background. It sounds like your area of expertise by trade is accounting. Where would you say it is in real estate and can you share one unique tip or tool or tactic that benefited you and that might also help the listeners?

Jason Malabute: I would say that when it comes to accounting, it’s very important especially when it comes to real estate because you need to understand how the financial reporting and the financial statement are saving on a property level because you need to know if the business is doing good or bad. In addition to my accounting background, I would say that my biggest strength lies in connecting people. I think that through my meetup, being on several podcasts, and being on several articles, I have been blessed enough to connect with a lot of people and tell them all the benefits of real estate investments.

Prashant Kumar: Jason, you are a great example of strength and inspiration for others.

We love you so much. You are so energetic and doing a lot of good things in multifamily. You have told us that because of your CPA background, you can understand how these people are making so much money and how you can make money by doing what others are doing at the same time, wearing your CPA hat and making sure all the financials are aligned correctly on these properties. So you did a lot of work in single-family homes initially and then now you are closing on an Atlanta deal with us in which you are playing a significant role. You are the head of finance and accounting at Cash Flow Champs. Also with us, I would like to ask you a deeper question, that will motivate our listeners. What motivates you to take your efforts to the next level? What drives your continuous growth?

Jason Malabute: Well, I think that we are all role models to some degree. For example, my mom was just here a couple of minutes ago. She came from a funeral of a family friend and she was telling me that everybody at the funeral was talking about me because I guess everybody has seen my YouTube channel and they were all saying that I’m going to be the next Donald Trump. I believe it’s crucial to be a positive role model and demonstrate that one doesn’t need to be extremely wealthy to enter the real estate industry. What’s important is that you have goals, you’re taking action and also you are aligning yourself with other people who have the same values and goals as you do.

Prashant Kumar: Well, this is very inspiring. For those who did not hear it, I’m just repeating it again. Jason said it’s not important to have a lot of money to go into real estate, just have the right goals, have the right mindset, and take action. And that is what you are doing and becoming a role model to everybody else, those who want to come into real estate and do bigger things, better things. This is very inspiring. I mean, guys, don’t take it with a grain of salt. I have known Jason for a long time. He works with us all the time. And we are talking to him to kind of say that you can understand there might be some physical limitations, but those are not impeding our growth. I mean, they are actually our strengths. Jason is using his mental capability to go to the next level, and that’s what is needed in this world. Take action and basically set the right goals. Thank you so much, Jason, for that awesome tip.

Delivering Value and Making a Difference: Jason's Vision for Impact in the Industry

Prashant Kumar: Tell us a little bit more about your plans. Where do you see yourself going over the next four or five years?

Jason Malabute: My goal has really shifted in the last six months because prior to six months, I think my goal was all about me and I just wanted to see how big I can make myself. And what I realized in the last few months, working closely with our Cash Flow Champs, is that you will go further if you come from a giver perspective. Meaning that you are giving value instead of you trying to take as much value as you can from other people. To answer your question, Prashant, my goal in the next 5, 10, 20 years, however many more years, god decides to bless me with giving as much value as I can to people.

Prashant Kumar: That’s a pretty cool answer, giving value to others over the next whatever number of years we have in store.

Charles Seaman: Let me kind of piggyback off that a bit. So in terms of giving value, I think that’s something we hear a lot of times that’s said in our industry, especially nowadays. So where do you see yourself delivering value, Jason? I know they deliver it for me. I can say that. But where do you see yourself delivering value and where do you see being able to make a difference in others in the space?

Jason Malabute: For example, I’ve talked to a lot of people who want to get into real estate. They had money. But there’s a lot of fear in the market right now. People want to hold on to their money right now. Right now I’m just giving value by helping educate people and also helping people make the right decision. I always tell people the real estate market goes in cycles. Back in 2008, and 2009, I was going to college. I must have spent thousands of dollars on my books, on my tuition, and all that. I’m not saying that I regret that, but all I’m saying is if I put that same money into real estate back in 2008, 2009, we might not be talking right now because I might be on a yacht somewhere. So, I try to reach people right now. When there’s a lot of fear in the market, it is the best time to take action.

Charles Seaman: Excellent. That are definitely some good points.

Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

Charles Seaman: We’re going to ask a fun question for the listeners and then hopefully fun for you, because maybe you got some good lessons out of it. So, anybody who’s successful in anything in life, especially an entrepreneurial venture, real estate, whatever it may be, they’re not going to become successful without having some challenges and some roadblocks and some obstacles. So tell us about some of the challenges you faced in the early stages of your real estate investing journey, and then, furthermore, what you did to overcome them.

Jason Malabute: I’ll tell you two. So I remember when I first decided that I’m going to invest out of state. People were telling me that, you are crazy. You’re going to lose money. You’re just asking for people to take advantage of you. However, on my first deal, I sold that property a year after I bought that property, and I made about 20-20 $5,000 profit in that first property. I’m still waiting for somebody to take advantage of me. Charles, number two is obviously, you guys. I have a speech impediment. So I remember when I first got into real estate, calling owners, calling property managers, and calling investors was such a hard thing to do because I had so many limiting beliefs. I thought that people could not understand me because of my physical condition. But what I realized is most of the limiting beliefs is all in our head. And for some of the people who really cannot understand me, I could either, repeat myself, talk more slowly, articulate, or see, that’s why it’s important to have a team because then you can use your team to follow up with that person. So there’s always a route to your goal if you’re really determined to get there.

Prashant Kumar: This is super awesome. Appreciate you telling us that you had limiting beliefs in your head, but you were able to overcome them, and that is so inspiring for our listeners.

A Piece Of Advice By Jason Malabute

Prashant Kumar: So we are jumping into the lightning round. One piece of advice that impacted your life and how do you think it may benefit others?

Jason Malabute: One thing that impacted my life is being thankful, you know when I took time to actually say thanks for all the blessings that I have in my life. I find that more blessings come after that.

Prashant Kumar: Your one personal habit that has contributed to the success that you have had in your life?

Jason Malabute: I would say working out every single day.

Prashant Kumar: Okay. That is super awesome. Working out basically every day is going to help us keep our physical health as important as our mental health. And by working out you’re improving your mental health also. So thanks for sharing that. Any book that you recommend, anything that you have read yourself that you would want on passive investing for our listeners and why.

Jason Malabute: Oh yes! So I would recommend a book called The Hand of Investor by Brian Brooke because we’ve all been there. We want to invest in real estate, but we don’t know whom you trust. We don’t know if the deal makes sense. We don’t know if it’s a good deal or a bad deal. So you guys, I’m telling you, I’m not making a cent for me recommending this book to you, but I would seriously recommend you guys to read that book because that’s how you protect yourself from making a bad investment. It’s by following the steps in that book.

Charles Seaman: Great, Jason. This has been quite a journey. I must say I had a personal connection with you. The first time I met you in person, I give you a lot of credit for openly discussing your disability and the challenges that come with it. It’s something that many people face, and you can serve as a true inspiration to them. I remember when we met at a conference where Barbara Corcoran, known for her appearances on Shark Tank and other public platforms, was a guest speaker. She commended you because while she was speaking, you had the courage to ask a question. This recognition meant a lot, especially coming from someone as successful and renowned as her. We sincerely thank you, Jason, for joining us today and making this appearance.

Exploring Real Estate Experiences: Unveiling the Best and Worst with Jason

Charles Seaman: So, I know you’ve discussed some of the challenges you’ve faced today. Now, I’m going to present two contrasting questions that I believe will offer valuable insights to the listeners and provide you with an opportunity to share more about yourself and your experiences. The first question is about your best experiences in real estate investing, whether it’s passive or active, and I would like you to elaborate on those experiences. Were they surprising in any way? On the flip side, I want to hear about your worst experience. Please share the story behind it and the lessons you learned. Additionally, what lessons can the listeners take away to avoid similar experiences?

Jason Malabute: Absolutely. One of my best experiences was when we closed the Atlanta deal. It was an incredible opportunity, and I must say, Charles, if you’re an accredited investor, you should definitely reach out to me. But the most rewarding aspect wasn’t just the deal itself. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, underwriting numerous deals, and engaging with countless property owners. Finally, when you identify an opportunity that aligns with your goals, taking action becomes incredibly fulfilling. That was a major high point for me. On the other hand, my worst experience was the two and a half years I spent searching for a good deal. I didn’t take a single day off since Christmas of 2020. There were moments when self-doubt crept in, questioning my decision to leave my job and pursue real estate full-time. However, in the end, everything worked out, and I’m immensely grateful.

Prashant Kumar: This highlights an essential aspect, that even during the lowest points in life, by doing the right thing, one can emerge victorious. Thank you for sharing your best and worst experiences. It’s crucial to remember that no matter how challenging life may seem, by staying committed to doing what’s right, positive outcomes are attainable. Jason, I cannot emphasize enough the inspiration you provide to everyone, despite all the hurdles you’ve faced. It’s truly commendable. Thank you for being part of our show today. Your presence is greatly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with you further and get to know you better.

Jason Malabute: Once again, thank you both for having me here.