🚀 In this episode of The Key to City of Angels, host Rick Albert welcomes Andrea Freeman of Authentic Home for an in-depth conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of interior design. With over 24 years of experience, Andrea explains why design is far more than picking finishes from Pinterest, breaking down the logistics, decision-making, sourcing, and project management that homeowners often underestimate. From remodels and resale prep to aging-in-place design and short-term rentals, this episode is packed with real-world insights for homeowners, investors, and real estate professionals alike.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest:🏡 Andrea Freeman – Interior Designer & Founder of Authentic Home

Andrea Freeman is the founder and principal designer of Authentik Home, a boutique interior design studio in Fullerton, California, specializing in luxury residential design, thoughtful remodels, and elevated real-estate styling. With 22+ years of experience, she also partners with small businesses and arts organizations, including leading the renovation and design transformation of the Fullerton Museum Center. Andrea mentors emerging designers, authors the seasonal lifestyle magazine Authentik Style, and created professional education programs through BCD-it University.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why interior design is mostly logistics—not just aesthetics

✔️ The true cost of DIY remodels and delayed decisions

✔️ How designers save clients money through planning and scale

✔️ When to remodel vs refresh a home

✔️ Design strategies for resale, short-term rentals, and aging in place

🎵 Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Andrea Freeman:

🌐 Website → https://authentikhome.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/authentik_home/?hl=en

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode, host Rick Albert sits down with Jim Sprouse, founder of Ember Pro, to break down wildfire risk mitigation, California fire compliance laws, defensible space requirements, and the growing insurance crisis. Jim explains AB 3074, Zone Zero, home hardening strategies, and how proactive mitigation can protect homes, lower insurance risk, and save millions in replacement and displacement costs.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest:🏡 Jim Sprouse – Wildfire Mitigation Expert & Founder of Ember Pro

Jim Sprouse is the founder of Ember Pro USA, a California-based wildfire defense and home-hardening company. Ember Pro holds a BuildZoom score of 95, ranking in the top 22% of 336,000+ licensed contractors in California. Jim focuses on providing effective, eco-friendly wildfire protection solutions and shares expert guidance through Ember Pro’s online platforms to help homeowners improve property safety and resiliency.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why embers cause over 90% of wildfire home losses

✔️ What AB 3074 and Zone Zero mean for homeowners

✔️ How defensible space and home hardening work together

✔️ The real impact of wildfires on insurance availability

✔️ Practical, low-cost steps to reduce wildfire risk

🎵 Whether you're a homeowner, investor, or real estate professional, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Jim Sprouse:

🌐 Website → http://www.emberprousa.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/emberprousa/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Harrison Stevens, VP of Marketing at TurboTenant, to talk about the future of small-to-mid-size landlords. From AI screening, maintenance automation, and digital communication to the growing trend of self-management, Harrison breaks down the tech that’s changing the rental industry. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights into scaling software, the challenges mom-and-pop landlords face, and how TurboTenant is designed to level the playing field against institutional investors.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Harrison Stevens — VP of Marketing at TurboTenant

Harrison Stevens is the Vice President of Marketing at TurboTenant, an all-in-one property management platform serving hundreds of thousands of independent landlords across the United States. With 17+ years of marketing and product experience—and over a decade as a landlord himself—Harrison has scaled multiple companies using data, design, and automation. At TurboTenant, he leads strategic growth initiatives that help landlords increase margins, improve operational efficiency, and better serve renters.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why small landlords are shifting toward self-management

✔️ How AI is transforming tenant screening & maintenance requests

✔️ Why software can outperform traditional property managers

✔️ The hidden fees in property management most investors overlook

✔️ How TurboTenant builds tools to help mom-and-pop landlords scale

🎵 Whether you're a landlord, investor, or property manager, this episode offers game-changing insights into the tools shaping tomorrow’s rental market.

💼 Connect with Harrison Stevens:

🌎 Website → http://www.turbotenant.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/turbotenant/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/harrisonstevens

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert welcomes Ian Mayer, founder of IM Home Inspections, for a deep dive into the evolving world of home inspections. From early experiences in wholesale mortgage to 11+ years of inspecting thousands of homes, Ian shares the biggest trends, common misconceptions, new standards, and the growing influence of insurance companies on real estate transactions. They break down sewer scopes, GFCI updates, aging 90s construction, luxury homes, insurance denials, and why home inspectors are a critical ally—not a deal killer—in protecting buyers and agents.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Ian Mayer – Certified Home Inspector, Founder of IM Home Inspections

Ian Mayer, CMI® is the founder and CEO of IM Home Inspections, one of Los Angeles’s highest-rated home-inspection companies. With two decades of real estate industry experience—from quality control in wholesale lending to building IM Home Inspections from the ground up—Ian brings unmatched expertise to the inspection field. As a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®), he has completed thousands of inspections ranging from starter homes to $20M estates. Ian is also a sought-after speaker and educator for agents, known for providing “Inspections That Matter For People Who Care™” through transparency, education, and exceptional service.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How the home inspection industry has evolved over the last decade

✔️ Why sewer scopes have gone from “optional” to “essential”

✔️ The impact of insurance companies denying homes based on inspection reports

✔️ Why no home—new or old—is ever “perfect”

✔️ What luxury home inspections require (teams, systems & multiple panels)

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode brings clarity to one of the most critical steps in a real estate deal.

💼 Connect with Ian Mayer:

🌐 Website → https://imhomeinspections.com

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/im_home_inspections

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianwmayer

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/imhomeinspections

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this special solo episode, host Rick Albert breaks down the Los Angeles City Council’s newly passed rent increase regulations. Rick explains what the 4% cap means, how utility charges are changing, and what ripple effects tenants, landlords, and investors can expect across LA’s housing ecosystem. From rising maintenance costs to long-term affordability challenges, Rick provides a clear, balanced, and data-informed overview of where the market may be headed.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The new LA rent increase cap and how it works

✔️ Why landlords may raise rents on vacant units

✔️ How operating costs (insurance, repairs, utilities) impact affordability

✔️ How rent control affects supply, pricing, and investor decisions

✔️ The role of institutional investors in LA’s future

✔️ What policy changes could actually help affordability

🎵 Whether you're a renter, property owner, investor, or policymaker, this episode offers an honest and accessible analysis of LA’s housing future.

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with James Davis, founder of Awarded RFP, to uncover the hidden world of government property management contracts. With over 17 years of experience managing large housing portfolios, James breaks down how government RFPs (Requests for Proposals) work, what cities like L.A. and San Francisco look for, and how property management firms can scale profitably without losing control. They dive deep into topics like operational efficiency, leadership, automation, and how both investors and property managers can thrive in an evolving market where margins are tightening and expectations are rising.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 James Davis – Founder, Awarded RFP & Property Management Expert

James M. Davis is the Founder and CEO of Awarded, a San Francisco–based consulting firm that helps property management companies scale through strategic growth and RFP mastery. With over 17 years of leadership experience in real estate operations, James has guided organizations in doubling portfolios, streamlining systems, and securing major government contracts.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How government RFPs work and why they matter for property managers

✔️ What cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco look for in management proposals

✔️ How to scale your property management business with systems and SOPs

✔️ How to balance technology, operations, and leadership

✔️ Why mindset and clarity matter for investors and managers alike

🎵 Whether you’re a property manager, investor, or real estate entrepreneur, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the future of operational excellence in property management.

💼 Connect with James Davis:

🌐 Website → https://www.awardedrfp.com/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisjamesmichael/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Sally Gimon, tax educator, strategist, and real estate investor, to uncover the legal tax-saving strategies used by the wealthy — and how anyone can apply them. Sally shares her powerful journey from struggling employee to successful investor and trust expert after a life-changing event pushed her to take control of her finances. She breaks down how business and beneficial trusts can help investors drastically reduce taxes, protect assets, and build generational wealth, all while staying 100% within IRS regulations.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Sally Gimon – Tax Strategist, Real Estate Investor & Founder of TheTrustIsYou.com

Sally Gimon is a Trust Educator and Tax Strategist, and the founder of “The Trust Is You.” She was an insurance agent for 20 years before becoming a real estate investor. Motivated by her own financial challenges — including facing capital gains taxes — Sally began studying tax strategies used by the wealthy. Today, she specializes in teaching U.S. entrepreneurs and investors how to leverage the Spendthrift Trust, based on IRS Code 643(b). She claims this method can help clients save up to 90% on federal income taxes and eliminate taxes on capital gains, dividends, and rental income.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The difference between LLCs, S-Corps, and Business Trusts

✔️ How beneficial trusts can eliminate capital gains and rental income taxes

✔️ Strategies used by high-net-worth individuals to protect assets from lawsuits

✔️ How trusts can legally reduce your IRS exposure

✔️ Building long-term generational wealth with the right financial structure

🎵 Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or homeowner, this episode reveals the insider tax strategies that the top 1% use — and how you can too.

💼 Connect with Sally Gimon:

🌐 Website → https://www.sallygimon.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/TheTrustisyou/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sallygimon/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallygimon/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Chay Lapin, Olympic water polo athlete turned real estate investor and entrepreneur. Chay shares his fascinating path from sports to founding K Properties and Walk Your Plans LA — a company revolutionizing how developers visualize and refine architectural projects. He dives deep into the power of debt-free investing, market cycles, and how technology is shaping the future of real estate development and leasing.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Chay Lapin – President, K Properties & Investments | Co-Founder, Walk Your Plans LA

Chay Lapin is co-founder of Walk Your Plans LA, a design studio in Los Angeles that lets clients walk through full-scale projections of future homes. As President of Kay Properties & Investments, he has facilitated over $30 billion in 1031 exchange investments, specializing in multifamily, industrial, medical, and net lease properties. A former U.S. Olympic water polo athlete and four-time Academic All-American at UCLA, Chay combines strategic insight with innovative, client-focused solutions in real estate and design.  

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Chay transitioned from Olympic sports to real estate entrepreneurship

✔️ The innovative technology behind Walk Your Plans LA

✔️ Why “debt-free” investing is redefining real estate stability

✔️ The effects of Measure ULA and market trends in Los Angeles

✔️ How to stay focused and thrive in a high-performance, redline lifestyle

🎵 Whether you’re an agent, investor, or entrepreneur, this episode offers real-world insight into innovation, financial resilience, and high-performance leadership.

💼 Connect with Chay Lapin:

🌐 Website → https://walkyourplansla.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/walkyourplansla

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Brett Chotkevys, Co-owner of Platinum Resort Assisted Living and Assisted Living Mansion, to explore how luxury real estate and compassionate care are merging into one transformative business model.Brett shares his journey from flipping houses to building high-end assisted living “mansions” — designed not just for function, but for dignity and quality of life. Discover how the “Silver Tsunami” of aging baby boomers is reshaping real estate investing, why Texas became his business base, and how thoughtful design can change the way families experience end-of-life care.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Brett Chotkevys – Co-owner of Platinum Resort Assisted Living & Assisted Living Mansion

Brett Chotkevys is the CEO and co-founder of Assisted Living Mansion, based in Georgetown, Texas. With a background in real estate investing since 2014, he has flipped over 200 properties and now focuses on developing luxury assisted living homes. Brett is known for helping aspiring entrepreneurs co-invest and succeed in the senior care industry, combining business growth with compassionate service.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How real estate and care can combine into one powerful business model

✔️ Why luxury assisted living is the next frontier of investing

✔️ The difference between small residential care homes and “mansion” models

✔️ The financial model behind assisted living investing — and why it’s scalable

✔️ Challenges with zoning, funding, and ADA compliance

✔️ What the next 25 years look like for the aging population

🎵 Whether you’re an investor, developer, or curious entrepreneur, this episode will open your eyes to one of the most meaningful and profitable opportunities in real estate today.

💼 Connect with Brett Chotkevys:

🌎 Website → https://assistedlivingmansion.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/brett.chotkevys

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/brettchotkevys/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-chotkevys-13a217293/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Devon Aguirre, Market Manager at PadSplit, to discuss the future of co-living and rent-by-the-room investing. Devon explains how PadSplit helps investors maximize cash flow, reduce vacancy, and create affordable housing solutions in competitive markets like Los Angeles. They dive into zoning, tenant management, and the economics of converting traditional homes into high-yield co-living spaces.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Devon Aguirre – Market Manager, PadSplit

Devon Aguirre is the Southern California Market Manager at PadSplit, a company innovating in co-living and affordable housing. With a track record in proptech and market expansion, Devon advocates for rental models that balance higher cash flow, reduced vacancy, and community impact. He is a regular speaker at real estate investor events, helping landlords and developers understand co-living’s financials and operational trade-offs.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How co-living and rent-by-the-room models boost cash flow

✔️ Legal and zoning considerations for co-living in LA

✔️ How to add rooms and increase ROI safely

✔️ Managing utilities, tenants, and maintenance efficiently

✔️ Eviction prevention, vacancy management, and house rules

🎵 Whether you’re a property owner, investor, or curious about new rental models, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

💼 Connect with Devon Aguirre:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/DevonAguirre365/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/devonneedsaninsta

🔗 LinkedIn  → https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-aguirre-97b76925

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Biju Ashokan, founder and CEO of Radius, to discuss how technology and AI are reshaping the real estate brokerage model. From the recent Compass–Anywhere Real Estate acquisition to inefficiencies in traditional brokerages, Biju explains why the industry is at a breaking point—and how AI-powered tools can drive productivity, profitability, and independence for agents.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Biju Ashokan – Founder & CEO of Radius

Biju Ashokan is the CEO and Founder of Radius, and a two-time Inman Proptech Award winner, named Entrepreneur of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. He is recognized for his vision of transforming real estate from an agent-centric model to a client-centric experience powered by AI.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why traditional brokerage models are broken and unprofitable

✔️ How AI and software can replace inefficiencies in real estate operations

✔️ Insights on the Compass–Anywhere Real Estate acquisition and its impact

✔️ Why independent, boutique brokerages are the future

✔️ How AI assistants like “Mel” can boost productivity and client experience

🎵 Whether you’re an agent, investor, or buyer, this episode uncovers how AI is transforming real estate!

💼 Connect with Biju Ashokan:

🌐 Website → https://www.radiusagent.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/radiusagent/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/radius_agent/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/radiusagent/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert welcomes Dave Seymour, CEO of Freedom Venture Investments. From his early struggles with debt as a firefighter to becoming the star of A&E’s Flipping Boston and now leading multimillion-dollar private equity projects, Dave shares his powerful story of resilience, faith, and entrepreneurship. Learn how he built a business around distressed assets, multifamily opportunities, and collaboration over competition.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest:

🏡 Dave Seymour – CEO of Freedom Venture Investments, Real Estate Investor & Educator

Dave Seymour is a retired firefighter turned nationally recognized real estate investor, best known as the star of A&E’s hit series Flipping Boston. Now the CEO of Freedom Venture Investments, Dave specializes in commercial multifamily and ground-up development projects, helping both individual and institutional investors navigate complex transactions. His expertise and insights have been featured on major outlets including CBS, ABC, CNBC, and FOX News. Legacy Alliance is his education outlet showing busy professionals how to master investing for cash flow and equity.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Dave went from firefighter to real estate investor during the 2008 crisis

✔️ The power of short sales, loan modifications, and creative deal-making

✔️ Why multifamily assets create scale and stability

✔️ How private equity finds opportunity in distressed assets

✔️ The role of financial literacy and relationships in real estate success

🎵 Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned investor, this episode gives you tools, mindset shifts, and strategies to thrive in real estate.

💼 Connect with Dave Seymour:

🌐 Website → https://freedomventure.com/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Josh Lawler, partner at Zuber Lawler law firm, to explore how blockchain, AI, and emerging technologies are reshaping industries—including real estate. From tokenizing property ownership to redefining contracts and transparency, Josh explains the legal, practical, and ethical implications of this fast-moving tech revolution.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Josh Lawler – Partner at Zuber Lawler; Attorney specializing in Emerging Technologies, Blockchain & AI

Josh Lawler is a Partner at Zuber Lawler in Los Angeles and Chair of the firm’s Emerging Technologies Practice Group. He is recognized for pioneering legal work in blockchain, AI, and other advanced technologies, advising clients in over 20 countries. His greatest achievement includes leading groundbreaking transactions and regulatory strategies in the digital asset space, making him a trusted authority for companies navigating new technology law.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ What blockchain really is—and why it matters beyond crypto

✔️ How tokenized real estate could change property ownership & transactions

✔️ The role of AI agents in simplifying blockchain adoption

✔️ Legal challenges: compliance, money laundering, tax, and privacy issues

✔️ How AI & blockchain are transforming jobs, industries, and investment strategies

🎵 Whether you’re a real estate investor, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future, this episode is packed with insights that matter.

💼 Connect with Josh Lawler:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshlawlercal

🐦 Twitter → https://x.com/Jlawlercal

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Seth Phillips—also known as “Mr. ADU”—to dive deep into the world of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). From flipping houses to pioneering ADU development in Los Angeles, Seth shares how this strategy can create value, generate cash flow, and solve housing challenges. They also unpack the latest California housing laws, the realities of appraisals, and why smart design and community input matter more than ever.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Seth Phillips – Real Estate Broker, Developer & ADU Specialist

Seth Phillips—widely known as “Mr. ADU”—is the Founder and Head of ADU Gold, a California-based consulting and development firm focused on accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Originally from Minnesota, Seth moved to California in 1982 and has built a distinguished real estate career spanning more than 30 years. He co-owned and managed one of the largest RE/MAX franchises in Los Angeles, launching multiple offices, overseeing hundreds of agents, and helping pioneer early internet-driven sales strategies. Since 2007, Seth has shifted into development, managing over 100 home renovations and multi-million-dollar estate projects.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How Seth transitioned from spec building to ADU development

✔️ Why ADUs add more value than many traditional home upgrades

✔️ The appraisal and lending challenges around ADUs—and how they’re improving

✔️ Senate Bills 9, 684, and 1123: what they mean for single-family and multifamily owners

✔️ How ADUs empower house hacking and increase affordability

✔️ Why smart design, neighborhood character, and community matter in development

✔️ The future of ADUs in solving California’s housing shortage

🎵 Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or curious about LA’s housing future, this episode reveals why ADUs are one of the most powerful tools in real estate today.

💼 Connect with Seth Phillips:

🌐 Website → https://adugold.com

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/aducaliforniagold/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethphillips3/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with trial attorney Hillary Johns to uncover the legal complexities of real estate in Los Angeles. From disclosure issues and HOA conflicts to insurance loopholes and landlord liabilities, Hillary shares her expertise on how to protect yourself as an investor, buyer, or landlord in today’s evolving market.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Hillary Johns – Trial Attorney & Real Estate Law Expert

Hillary Johns is an award-winning civil trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience and more than 150 cases tried to verdict. She holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and leads her own multi-state firm with offices in Beverly Hills, the Bay Area, and New York. An Occidental College graduate and recipient of the Health Law Award at Golden Gate University School of Law, she is licensed in federal courts across California, New York, and Washington, D.C. She regularly consults on high profile matters and subjects in the news and is a frequent podcaster.  Hillary is also a frequent legal speaker, published writer, and pro bono advocate for underserved communities. Outside the courtroom, she is a former competitive soccer player and a certified youth coach and is involved with martial arts and animal rights.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why full disclosure is critical in real estate transactions

✔️ How to avoid costly mistakes when buying or investing in property

✔️ The growing challenges of HOA disputes and condo ownership

✔️ Insurance pitfalls every property owner should know about

✔️ Legal risks for landlords and developers (and how to protect yourself)

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homeowner, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Hillary Johns:

🌐 Website → http://www.hillarytriallawyers.com/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-johns-80519483/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Key to the City of Angels, host Rick Albert sits down with Robert Feldman, CEO and Co-Founder of Wows Insurance. They dive deep into the current insurance crisis in California, the rising costs of rebuilding, and how fire hardening can protect homeowners and investors. Robert shares insider knowledge from 27+ years in the insurance industry, offering practical steps homeowners and real estate professionals can take to navigate today’s market.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Robert Feldman – CEO & Co-Founder of Wows Insurance

Robert Feldman is the CEO and President of WOWS Insurance Services, specializing in wildfire insurance for high-value homes in high-risk California zones. With over 25 years of experience in hard-to-place homeowner risk markets, he co-founded a protected cell company (PCC) offering stable premiums and transferable policies, addressing gaps left by traditional carriers. Feldman has advised insurance leaders, served on industry task forces, and been featured in the Los Angeles Times, IMPAAKT Magazine, and Captive Intelligence for his innovative approach to fire insurance.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why California’s insurance market is in crisis

✔️ The importance of fire hardening for homeowners and sellers

✔️ How insurance transferability can impact real estate deals

✔️ Practical fire safety upgrades that make a big difference

✔️ How brokers, agents, and homeowners can collaborate to stay insured

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homeowner, this episode offers critical insights into California real estate and insurance!

💼 Connect with Robert Feldman:

🌎 Website → https://www.wowsinsurance.com/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bob.b.que

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertfeldman1/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀In this episode of 'The Key to the City of Angels,' Rick Albert interviews Brett Swarts from Capital Gains Tax Solutions. They discuss innovative strategies for navigating Los Angeles' real estate market, including tax deferral and truly passive income. Brett shares his journey from multifamily brokerage to focusing on tax deferral strategies, stressing the importance of cash flow, tax flow, and debt flow. They also talk about the importance of diversification, liquidity, and creative financial solutions to help clients achieve their long-term goals.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Brett Swarts – CEO of Capital Gains Tax Solutions

Brett Swarts is the founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions and host of the Capital Gains Tax Solutions Podcast. A leading expert in Deferred Sales Trusts, he helps high-net-worth individuals defer capital gains taxes on real estate, businesses, and other assets. With years of experience in tax deferral strategies and investment real estate, Brett has been featured on top financial platforms and has educated countless investors, financial advisors, and business owners on wealth preservation and smart tax planning.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ What a Deferred Sales Trust (DST) is and how it works

✔️ The advantages of DSTs over 1031 exchanges

✔️ How entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and crypto holders can benefit

✔️ Tax deferral strategies for building long-term wealth

✔️ Common misconceptions about DSTs and how to avoid mistakes

🎵 Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode offers must-know tax insights!

💼 Connect with Brett Swarts:

🌐 Website → https://capitalgainstaxsolutions.com

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/brett.swarts/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/brett_swarts/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-swarts/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 Rick Albert hosts Mark Gomez from Gomez Law on 'The Key to the City of Angels' to discuss various legal aspects of real estate in Los Angeles. Mark shares insights into his journey as a lawyer starting from the 2008 mortgage meltdown, tackling foreclosure lawsuits, and dealing with real estate fraud. They also cover current legal issues like partnership disputes, the impact of wildfires on property values, and co-ownership complications. Emphasis is placed on the importance of written agreements and due diligence in real estate transactions. Mark also touches on the influence of AI on legal work and offers practical advice for individuals already entangled in legal messes.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Mark Gomez

Mark Gomez — Mark is the founder and CEO of Gomez Law, APC, a California firm focused on real estate litigation and protecting property rights. He’s known for his appellate win in Valbuena v. Ocwen and has helped clients recover millions in wrongful foreclosure and partition cases. As both a seasoned attorney and real estate investor, Mark brings practical insight and relentless advocacy to every case. Outside of law, he enjoys music, basketball, and time with loved ones.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Translating military discipline into business success

✔️ Building trust and credibility with clients

✔️ Adapting to new challenges after service

✔️ Leadership skills that work in any industry

✔️ Advice for veterans pursuing real estate

🎵 Whether you're a veteran, an agent, or an entrepreneur, this episode offers a masterclass in mindset, adaptability, and service-driven leadership.

💼 Connect with Mark Gomez:

🌎 Website → https://gomezlawla.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/gomezlawla/

📷 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gomezlawla/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/6424150/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this insightful episode of The Key to the City of Angels, Rick Albert welcomes Aaron Letzeiser, co-founder of Obie Insurance, to explore the escalating challenges of property insurance in California. From widespread carrier cancellations to navigating deductibles, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of umbrella policies, Aaron shares real-world strategies that every homeowner and real estate investor needs to know.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 Aaron Letzeiser – Co-founder of Obie Insurance

Aaron Letzeiser is the founder of Obie Insurance, specializing in tailored insurance solutions for real estate investors and property owners. With a strong background in the insurance industry, Aaron has helped countless clients secure the right coverage to protect their investments. His deep understanding of both insurance and the real estate market has made him a trusted advisor. Aaron's commitment to exceptional service is evident in his innovative approach to simplifying the insurance process for investors and property managers.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why carriers are leaving the California insurance market

✔️ How real estate investors can stay protected amid cancellations

✔️ The importance of accurate rebuild cost coverage

✔️ When to use umbrella policies vs. LLCs

✔️ How to protect your cash flow and minimize claim exposure

🎵 Whether you’re buying your first rental or managing a portfolio, this episode offers critical insight to keep your assets safe.

💼 Connect with Aaron Letzeiser:

🌐 Website → https://www.obieinsurance.com/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/obieinsurance

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/obieinsurance

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this eye-opening episode, Rick Albert is joined by KC Chohan, founder of Together CFO. They discuss Chohan’s journey into accounting and finance, wealth-building strategies, and the importance of tax planning, especially for high-net-worth individuals. Chohan highlights the transition from basic tax loopholes to more complex strategies like creating private foundations for asset protection and tax efficiency. They emphasize proactive planning and the need for a knowledgeable team to manage growing wealth and assets effectively.

🎧 Hosted by: Rick Albert

👤 Guest: 🏡 KC Chohan – Founder of Together CFO

KC Chohan is the founder and CEO of Together CFO, a Los Angeles-based financial services firm specializing in advanced tax strategies for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. With over a decade of experience, he has developed sophisticated wealth management solutions that integrate tax minimization, asset protection, and legacy planning. Chohan's expertise includes utilizing complex trust structures, donor-advised funds, and private foundations to help clients reduce tax liabilities and build generational wealth.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why tax loopholes aren’t enough after a certain income threshold

✔️ How to use private foundations to pass down wealth tax-free

✔️ The difference between ownership and control for asset protection

✔️ How to structure your finances like a billionaire family

✔️ Why most CPAs miss the big picture in long-term tax planning

🎵 Whether you're building wealth or preserving it, this episode delivers high-value insight for long-term impact!

💼 Connect with KC Chohan:

🌐 Website → https://togethercfo.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/khurram.chohan.7

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kc.chohan/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcchohan/

🎙 Follow Rick Albert – The Real Estate Mastery Podcast:

🌎 Website → https://rickalbertonline.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/RickBAlbert/

📷 Instagram →https://www.instagram.com/rickbalbert/?hl=en

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbalbert/

💎 Produced by Icons of Real Estate – https://iconsofrealestate.com/