In The Lab with Ruben Kanya

In this episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with investor-focused lender Ben Stef to unpack the lending side of real estate that most investors rarely take advantage of. From growing up working construction jobs to building a business helping investors access capital, Ben shares the lessons, mindset shifts, and sales skills that shaped his journey into the world of real estate finance.The conversation dives deep into one of the biggest opportunities entrepreneurs and investors can make to tap into the hidden equity in their rentals as hidden leverage regardless of the economy, interest rates, or market conditions. Ben breaks down why successful operators thrive in every market cycle and how focusing on marketing, relationships, and consistent action often matters far more than external conditions.Ruben and Ben also pull back the curtain on how lending actually works behind the scenes. From underwriting, servicing, and investor financing to creative lending solutions, they discuss the realities most borrowers never see. Ben shares one of his favorite products for investors sitting on significant equity but lacking access to traditional financing, along with the mindset required to use leverage responsibly.Tune in now to learn how lenders evaluate risk, why ownership beats excuses, how to think about return on equity, and the strategies experienced investors use to unlock capital and continue scaling their real estate portfolios.Keeping it Real:04:35 – Sales skills learned through telemarketing08:20 – Get close to people already doing what you want to do09:26 – Why business forces personal growth10:50 – The power of extreme ownership13:33 – Are interest rates actually high?15:23 – The real reason business feels slow20:00 – How underwriting really works behind the scenes22:31 – What happens when borrowers miss payments25:31 – What loan servicing actually means29:20 – Building customer loyalty through relationships31:58 – The immigrant hospitality advantage in business36:08 – Why Ben tells some clients NOT to take loans37:45 – Products vs people: what really differentiates you41:14 – The investor HELOC most owners don't know exists45:23 – Return on Equity vs Return on Investment50:59 – Why lenders are willing to take second position55:57 – Play defense before you play offense58:22 – Asset class vs business owner mindset01:00:28 – Why old real estate advice no longer applies01:01:18 – The three people every entrepreneur needs around them #RealEstateInvesting #InvestorFinancing #HELOC #DSCRLoans #EntrepreneurMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateBusiness #BusinessGrowth #InTheLab CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://www.fundingfreedom.net/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-stef-b0b741275/

In this strategic episode of In The Lab, Ruben breaks down the five core pillars he’s taking into 2026: relationships, resources, resilience, speed, and standards. After closing out 2025 with major wins and powerful lessons, he shares how each pillar showed up in the real world—from securing financing after four banks said no, to creating rooms and communities that unlocked new opportunities, to using AI as a force multiplier for execution.Ruben explains why every major milestone in his life has come from a relationship, how resourcefulness replaces excuses, and why resilience is the non-negotiable trait behind every breakthrough. He also unpacks the power of speed, the mindset shift behind moving without all the answers, and why your standards quietly dictate your destiny long before your habits do.This episode gives you a clear framework you can apply immediately: build deeper relationships, leverage the right resources, stay resilient through the inevitable challenges, move quickly with conviction, and raise the standards that shape your environment and outcomes.Tune in now to learn how to apply all five pillars, accelerate your growth, and build a 2026 filled with momentum, clarity, and results.#EntrepreneurMindset #SuccessFramework #AIForBusiness #BusinessGrowth #ExperimentNation #MindsetMatters #GoalSetting2026 #RealEstateEntrepreneur #HighStandards #PersonalDevelopment

In this powerhouse episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Jack Martin — co-founder and CIO of 52TEN, one of the top mobile home park operators in the United States. Jack brings decades of experience across development, acquisitions, capital formation, and operations, having overseen over $1B in real estate projects and more than 2,000 lots nationwide.Jack breaks down why mobile home parks sit at the lowest end of the real-estate risk spectrum, how they deliver unusually stable cash flow, and why investors from high-net-worth individuals to family offices chase the asset class for its superior tax advantages. He explains the core difference between mobile home parks and RV parks, why land improvements are the real engine of bonus depreciation, and how lot-rent economics create both affordability for residents and reliable income for operators.Throughout the conversation, Jack unpacks key levers for value creation — sub-metering, operational discipline, expense reduction, proper sizing for scale, and what separates truly institutional-quality parks from everything else. He also reveals how his team evaluates 150 deals a year and buys only three, why scarcity drives long-term upside, and how EOS, belief, and people have shaped 52TEN’s rise into a market leader.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real math behind mobile home park investing, see how large operators think, and learn why this niche remains one of the most tax-efficient, recession-resistant strategies in the country. Tune in now to discover why Jack calls mobile home parks “the most stable real estate in America.”HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:08:02 Jack talks about why MHPs are lowest on the risk spectrum25:56 Jack talks about applying cost segregation KEEPING IT REAL:06:00 – Mobile home park model08:06 – Why investors choose MHPs10:36 – Bonus depreciation power12:57 – Tax buckets clarified14:49 – Investor profiles shift21:17 – Land improvements explained24:53 – Cost-seg advantage28:10 – Evaluating properties33:03 – Renting land, not homes37:56 – Tenant stability factor45:28 – Why new parks aren’t built49:04 – Expense leaks & fixes53:05 – Affordability for residents57:22 – Yield expectations1:04:12 – Belief, EOS, people Episode Hashtags: #MobileHomeParks #RealEstateInvesting #AffordableHousing #WealthStrategy #PassiveIncome #TaxStrategy #LandImprovements #MHPInvesting #FinancialFreedom #ScaleWithStabilityCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://52ten.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-martin-52ten/

In this detailed episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with tax strategist and CPA, Michael Uadiale Michael brings the type of clarity most entrepreneurs wish their CPA would give them, breaking down the real tax game in a way that feels simple, concrete, and practical.Michael shares why the tax code is built for business owners and investors, not W2 earners — and how most people are losing money simply because they’re operating in the wrong category. He explains the difference between tax preparation, tax planning, and tax strategy, why bonus depreciation is so misunderstood, and how entrepreneurs can position themselves before Q4 ends.Throughout the conversation, Michael outlines the real KPIs that matter for understanding your tax position, the most common blind spots he sees in operators, and how AI is reshaping the accounting industry. More importantly, he gives a blueprint for building a tax-optimized business structure — from entity setup, to bookkeeping hygiene, to capturing deductions the right way.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stop guessing, stop overpaying, and finally understand how to use the tax code as a tool for building wealth. Tune in now to learn how Michael’s strategic approach can help you keep more of your money, protect your business, and plan for long-term freedom.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:11:50 Michaeil talks about the tax code and real estate success.17:40 Michael talks about getting proactive on managing taxes KEEPING IT REAL:04:20 – What CPAs do07:58 – Compliance vs. strategy11:15 – Why books matter14:42 – Cash flow leaks17:10 – Business owner mindset20:55 – W2 vs. 109923:41 – Entity structure basics26:12 – LLC vs. S-Corp29:09 – Audit red flags32:44 – Deduction vs. credit36:01 – Mileage & receipts40:28 – Real estate benefits44:12 – Depreciation explained48:00 – Cost segregation use52:18 – Passive vs. active55:44 – Short-term rental rules58:59 – Material participation tests1:02:10 – Tax strategy stacking1:05:08 – Mid-term rental angle1:08:30 – Investor documentation1:12:44 – AI and accounting1:16:10 – Scaling financial ops1:20:55 – Final takeawaysCONNECT WITH THE GUESTLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smeedcpa/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael_uadiale/?hl=en #TaxStrategy #BusinessFinances #RealEstateInvesting #CashFlow #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialLiteracy #SREI #BusinessOwnerLife #CPAInsights #WealthBuilding

In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with August Biniaz, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at CPI Capital, to unpack how he went from building homes in Canada to managing large-scale U.S. multifamily funds. August shares his journey from being a general contractor and developer to launching CPI Capital, a cross-border real estate private equity firm that bridges Canadian capital with U.S. opportunities.He breaks down the real roadmap for scaling in real estate—starting from joint ventures, to syndications, closed-end and open-ended funds with the road to ultimately launching a REIT. August also highlights why CPI shifted focus to U.S. markets like Tampa Bay and San Antonio, where rent control, entitlement speed, and yields outperform Canadian markets.Listeners will gain deep insights into capital raising, fund structuring, investor relations, and how credibility and reputation equity become key leverage points when scaling to institutional investors. Tune in now to learn how August’s strategic evolution from builder to fund manager can help you structure smarter, scale faster, and raise with confidence.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:16:12 August talks about syndication21:48 August talks about progression from joint ventures to syndicationsKEEPING IT REAL:09:01 – Private equity structure explained17:12 – Syndications vs. funds overview20:45 – Managing investor expectations28:08 – The pivotal land assembly deal31:04 – Structuring partnerships and equity35:01 – Why U.S. over Canada45:01 – Launching CPI Capital51:03 – Navigating cross-border challenges55:21 – Entitlement timelines and delays59:09 – Partnering with experienced operators1:01:02 – Market focus: Tampa and San Antonio1:02:09 – Build-to-rent explained1:05:17 – Duplex strategy and investor returns1:07:01 – Raising from retail to institutions1:08:01 – The 30,000-door vision1:13:18 – From syndication to REITs1:16:02 – Final thoughtsCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://cpicapital.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augustbiniaz/#RealEstateInvesting #Syndication #REIT #PrivateEquity #Multifamily #BuildToRent #CommercialRealEstate #InstitutionalCapital #FundManagement #WealthBuilding #CrossBorderInvesting #CapitalRaising #FinancialStrategy

In this powerful episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with George Otel, a finance expert, entrepreneur, and investor who has carved a unique path from trucking fleets to becoming “the finance guy” for business and real estate deals. George immigrated to the U.S. in 2011, built a trucking fleet, then pivoted into real estate, business loans, and funding strategies after realizing the leverage and creativity that come from finance. Today, he’s the go-to resource for SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial real estate, private lending, and complex deal structuring.George reveals how he helps entrepreneurs and investors unlock capital, stack funding sources, and position themselves for growth—whether it’s acquiring businesses, scaling commercial assets, or tapping into the $10 trillion wave of baby boomer business exits. With a deep belief in buying back your time and focusing on one core skill, George shares how discipline, mentorship, and deal structuring literacy shaped his journey.If you’re looking for a roadmap to financing smarter, leveraging hidden equity, and positioning yourself for the coming wealth transfer, this episode is packed with practical strategies and actionable insights. Tune in now to learn how George’s “finance-first” approach can change how you play the game.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:21:38 George talks about creative financing.43:45 George talks about the $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer.KEEPING IT REAL:09:10 – Redefining financing12:40 – Structuring deals with multiple funding stages17:18 – Equity in equipment as collateral19:13 – Commercial brokers vs. finance brokers22:28 – Seller financing and tax advantages in acquisitions26:05 – Bridge loans, DSCR loans, and refinancing strategies31:12 – From trucking fleets to real estate and finance37:45 – Adding value when networking with mentors44:00 – The $10 trillion baby boomer wealth transfer opportunity51:50 – The sweet spot for acquisitions55:30 – Buying back your time and building teams using Dan Martell’s frameworks1:02:25 – Business owners should own their buildings1:09:00 – Where capital is flowing next1:27:04 – How to connect with GeorgeCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:https://www.usbizfunding.net/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeotel/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeotel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/george_otel#BusinessFunding #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #WealthTransfer #PrivateLending #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessAcquisition #FinancialLiteracy #IndustrialRealEstate #DealStructuring