7 Years in Pharma until I Escaped the 9 to 5 | I Help 249+ People Build Financial Freedom ($29.3M+) by Passively Investing in Multifamily Real Estate

Concerned with the sobering reality that you're not on track to provide for your family.

No one to turn to develop a strategy to help. I get it, and that's why I am here for you.

Everywhere you look, people appeared to have mastered their finances, and yet no one talks about money or helps. 

Being in this situation is confusing.

In 2015, I was confused.

I had an average income...

and a high expense lifestyle. 

I viewed it as normal.

I was not on track.

Why do I share this?

Because it's a honest, simple and powerful realization that most people don't reach.

This reality is true for a lot of us, irrespective of income.

I say this backed by anecdotal evidence.

Everyday I help people redefine their relationship with money. 

I've done it for 277+ people. 

Making them $14.9M+ since 2018.

Growing their net worth by 31.9M+.

And the average client has a similar story. 

Looking to make money, but doesn't know where to start.

And no time to figure it out.

And so, I help people build financial security.

Using the tips and tricks that I've done for myself. 

I help people that are: 

- Tired of paying too much in taxes
- Confused with how to manage their investments
- Unsure how to grow their business
- Flustered with the myriad of options   
- Overwhelmed with where to start

Nothing is more important to me than adding value to those around me. This is why I actively work to understand pain points and how to turn them into the foundation for people to scale. 

What I do isn't for everyone. If you think we might be a good fit, contact me:

📞 https://calendly.com/mustafal/15min

📧 ml@velocecapital.com

Disclaimer: Please note that past performance is not indicative of future results and investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. There are no guarantees in any investment. Content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any forward-looking statements or forecasts are based on assumptions and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements.

Before investing, carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the investment product or strategy. Each investor's financial situation and investment objectives are unique, and the information contained herein may not be suitable for all investors. Prospective investors should consult with a financial or legal professional to determine the appropriateness of any investment in light of their individual circumstances.

Mustafa Ladha

I told a startup founder not to invest in real estate yesterday

I shattered his investment strategy

And he thanked me for it

"What a masterclass I witnessed today Mustafa, thank you for your precious time and insights"

Business is funny like that.

Random email from my network,

Connecting me with someone "interested in real estate"

Startup founder, brilliant at what he does,

Wants to expand his MOAT with real estate

I jump on the call with zero agenda

No product to push

Just curiosity

Within 15 minutes, I see it clearly:

He's crushing it in his lane

But doesn't have endless capital

No real estate strategy

No team in place

I could've sold him the dream

Told him about 1980s value-add plays

Connected him to experts

Taken a commission

Instead, I told him the truth:

"Keep your money in your startup"

Real estate is the best investment, in my opinion

But not for him

Not right now

We think investing in real estate is easy

It's not

We crush it in one market

And think it transfers everywhere

It doesn't

I hated bursting his bubble

But I'd hate it more if he lost money because I stayed quiet

After helping 277+ people make $14.9M+ in passive income

I've learned something wild:

The interactions that matter most?

The ones where nobody makes a cent

When you show up to actually help

Not to close

The results compound in ways you can't predict

My metrics aren't about me

They're about the 277+ people I've helped

Sometimes helping means saying "not yet"

Sometimes it means walking away from easy money

It always means telling the truth

Even when it costs you

Especially when it costs you

Ready for someone who'll tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear?

DM me "TRUTH" and let's figure out if real estate makes sense for you

Or if your money belongs somewhere else entirely

From 9–5 to Financial Freedom | Helping 277+ People | Generated $14.9M+ in Passive Income & Increased Net Worth by $31.9M+ | Learn How You Can Too

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If I had to give up every lesson I’ve learned and keep just one, it would be this:


Relationships are the most important thing in life.

Not money.
Not titles.
Not opportunities.

People.

The right relationships can change your direction,

Your beliefs,

Your identity - even your destiny.

A friend of mine, let’s call him Bob, recently shared his story with me.

For years, he was horrible with money.

No discipline.
No real plan.

Money came in, he spent what he wanted,

And whatever was left went into the bank “for a rainy day.”

Inflation slowly ate that cash.

Nothing was really growing.

Nothing meaningful was being built.

Over time, as we worked together,

He started noticing how I approached money:

-Looking for value in every dollar

-Being intentional instead of impulsive

-Always asking, “What is the purpose of this money?”

-Thinking in terms of building, not just spending

He began to ask the same questions.

He started trying some of the same habits.

Bit by bit, his mindset shifted.

Today, he’ll tell you, as he told me, that he’s still not perfect.

But he’s on a path

He’s scaling 

His finances look completely different 

And his life has transformed 

Far beyond what he thought was possible 

He did all the work 

I just happened to be one of the people he learnt from.

That’s the power of the right relationship.

And the beautiful part?

Real relationships transcend continents.

You can meet someone miles away

Who understands you better than people you grew up with.

You can build meaningful friendships online

These too can grow beyond your wildest expectations 

In a world obsessed with achievements, remember this:

You often become the average of the people you spend the most time with

So:

-Invest in the people who feel like sunlight.

-Show up for the ones who show up for you.

-Don’t be afraid to build bonds that stretch across borders.

Every meaningful stage of my journey has been shaped by people, not a “perfect plan.”

Who’s the unexpected person who changed your trajectory?

Share it below - and if you can, tag them.

Shout out to Brian Gerber, James Gerber, Talhah Khan and Sakina Ladha

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Account Executive @ Provident Packaging Corp | Driving Sales Success

President at Provident Packaging Corporation-A SupplyOne Company

|| Family Office Operator & Entrepreneur || Integrity || Transparency || Patient Captial ||

Physician | Disability and Health Equity Researcher | Public Health Nerd

I know millionaires who are broke.

And I know people making $50K who are wealthy.

The difference isn't their income

It's their assets

Last week, a surgeon I work with making $450K called me

Panicking about retirement

Meanwhile, a plumber I work with passively owns equity in 3 apartment complexes

And sleeps like a baby

After helping 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income

I've seen this pattern destroy high earners:

They think high income = wealth

But income is just trading time for money

And time always runs out

The surgeon?

$450K salary
$1.2M house (with $900K mortgage)
$180K in cars (with massive car loans)
$50K saved

Net worth: $350K
Passive income: $0

The plumber?

$85K salary
$250K house (paid off)
3 apartment complexes, his equity is worth $750K
$200K saved

Net worth: $1.2M
Passive income: $3,750/month

One makes 5x more

The other is 3x wealthier

Most high earners have golden handcuffs

And live in a golden cage:

- Can't quit (lifestyle depends on next paycheck)
- Can't slow down (expenses keep climbing)
- Can't retire (no income without working)

They're rich on paper

Broke in reality

The framework I show every HENRY (High Earner, Not Rich Yet):

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 1: 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗡𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀
Making $200K+ but saving nothing
Living paycheck to paycheck

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 2: 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
401k maxed, savings growing
Losing 2-7% yearly to inflation

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 3: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀
Converting income into passive ownership
Real estate that actually pays you

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 4: 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲
Passive income covers expenses
Work becomes optional

The surgeon is stuck in Stage 1

The plumber hit Stage 3 and keeps building

One client, an executive making $580K, was burning through everything

We found one property

Then another

24 months later:
$7,200/month passive income 

Your high income is a superpower

It's the fuel to build your dreams

But only if you know how to convert it into assets

Every month you wait

You're choosing to stay trapped

Three moves that change everything:

• Calculate your "freedom number" (monthly expenses × 1.5)
• Invest in your first passive property
• Reinvest and scale your passive portfolio 

Most people think they need $1M to start

You need one property

One good opportunity

That pays you while you sleep

Drop your stage below (1, 2, 3, or 4)

If you're ready to stop being income-rich but asset-poor

DM me "ASSETS"

I'll show you exactly how my clients go from high income to true wealth

Through real estate that pays them every single month

My best performing client spent 18 years chasing $1M.

He didn't find it until he stopped looking for it.

I've helped 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income.

The pattern is always the same:

The ones who build wealth fastest aren't chasing money.

They're chasing a specific life.

This week on my podcast Emiliano De Laurentiis — who built and exited 3 companies before 40 — said it perfectly:

"Take that gap year and figure out what is going to make your life worth living.
Once you have that, then you can have a plan."

But you don't need a gap year to figure this out.

A director I worked with, discovered his answer in a single moment.

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝟭–𝟭𝟴: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿

70-hour weeks

Saved aggressively

Invested randomly

Net worth: $340K

Miserable

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟭𝟵: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁
His daughter asked: "Why are you never home?"

He couldn't answer.

So he spent 3 months defining what "worth living" meant:

Coaching his daughter's soccer team

Teaching coding to kids

Building something his family could inherit

Once clear on his priorities, the investment strategy became obvious: properties near schools that could run themselves.

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝟮𝟬–𝟮𝟭: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲

Bought 2 properties near good schools

Structured deals for afternoon flexibility

Created systems that work without him

Today:
$8,400/month passive income
Net worth: $1.3M
Coaches soccer Tuesday/Thursday at 3pm.

Money stopped being the objective.

It became the means.

Most people have it backwards. They chase money for freedom, hoping it brings purpose.

But in reality, it usually works like this:

Purpose → Strategy → Money → Freedom

Without knowing what makes your life "worth living", you're just accumulating numbers.

Once you do, every decision becomes obvious:

Which opportunities to take

Which to ignore

How much is "enough"

When to stop grinding

So before you set another financial goal...

Before you chase another zero…

Ask yourself Emiliano's question:

What would make your life worth living — not in 20 years, but right now?

Mine? 

Empowering people.

Having massive systemic impact. 

Enabling people to passively build wealth. 

What's one thing you'd do every Tuesday at 3pm if money wasn't a factor?

Drop it below.

If you want help building a plan around it,

DM me "WORTH" and we'll start there.

Imagine finally making $200K a year...
And still being one paycheck from disaster.

That's most high earners.

You quietly suffer.
But you can't explain why.

Sunday nights, that knot in your stomach.
Every bonus, gone in 48 hours.
Every raise, somehow already spent.

You're not lazy.
You show up.
Pay the school fees.
Support the parents.
Carry the mortgage.

Outside: "You're crushing it."
Inside: "Nothing I do is helping me get ahead."

After helping 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income,

I've seen the exact moment everything shifts.

It's not motivation.

It's not an app.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺:

It's one strategic asset.

That first $250K rental passively making $700/month.

Sounds small?

Watch this:

$700/month today
→ $8,400 year one
→ With 3% annual rent increases
→ $84,000+ over 10 years
→ From ONE property

In a market where rents climb while you sleep.

Yesterday: "I'm trapped."
Today: "I'm building."

One property becomes two.
Two becomes momentum.

By property three: $2,100/month passive

By property five: $3,500/month without working

By property seven: Your passive income exceeds most people's salaries

You still work.
But because you want to.
Not because you have to.

Real options.
Not overnight.
But inevitable.

Still feel trapped despite the high income?

DM me "FREEDOM" - let's fix that.

80% of people have the same problem 

And it hurts more than they realize...

They protect their comfort more than their growth.

A guest on my podcast Wesleyne Whittaker, shared something profound

The type of anecdote that's stays in your mind:

"Ask yourself: How am I growing 1% today?
Then actually invest your time and money in that growth."

I like this because it's practical.

1% growth today might look like:

30 minutes reading instead of scrolling

One class that teaches you a new skill

One conversation with someone ahead of you

It's not dramatic.
But it's intentional.

She made an important point:

Listening to something helpful today is great.
That's your 1% for today.

But what about tomorrow?

If there's no plan,
we fall back into old patterns.

After helping 277+ people make $14.9M passively, I see two paths:

1. The hopeful learner:
- Saves posts for "later"
- Watches videos when convenient
- Waits for the "right time"

2. The intentional builder:
- Invests $500+ in a strategy
- Blocks mornings for deep work
- Has strategic coffee meetings monthly

One "likes" posts about financial freedom.
The other quietly builds it.

One client started with 30 minutes every Sunday.
Just reviewing one opportunity.
Learning the language.
Asking questions.

18 months later:
$4,100/month passive income.

It started with 1% weekly growth.

Tonight, ask yourself:

- How did I grow 1% today?
- What will my 1% be tomorrow?

Small moves.
Consistent direction.
Compound results.

If part of that 1% is understanding how money works...

Understanding how to make it work hard than you do 

DM me "BEGIN"

I'll send you a few simple ways to start learning.
Before you ever feel "ready."

I've helped 277+ people make millions. But the call that mattered most? The one where nobody made a cent

This Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about that call

And how it connects to something I never understood as a kid

Back then, I'd tell my teacher:
"I'm thankful every day. Why do I need one specific day to be thankful?"

Same thing in medical school:
"Why wait to become a doctor to help people? I want to help people now"

That impatience became my entire approach

Last Friday epitomized it

A friend mentioned how his friend finally bought a house

After 5 years of searching

All because of one conversation we had

The guy sings my praises

Says I changed his life

His wife too... and I never even spoke to her

But honestly?

I spent maybe 3 hours total

Diagnosed his real challenges

Connected him to the right people

That's it

No commission for me

No investment from him

Just one person helping another figure out what was actually blocking them

After helping 277+ people make $14,900,000+ in passive income

I've learnt something crucial:

The transactions that matter most aren't always the ones that make money

Sometimes it's the 3-hour call that helps someone stop spinning their wheels

Sometimes it's connecting two people who needed to meet

It's usually listening to what someone's actually struggling with

Not what you assume they need

So this Thanksgiving, here's my offer:

If you're stuck on something - anything - reach out

Even if you're not sure what help looks like

And while you're at it

Ask someone in your life: 

"What's one thing you're struggling with?"

You'd be surprised how you can help when you're actively listening

Happy Thanksgiving

If it triggers you

It’s probably the truth

Most people trust the wrong sources when it comes to their money

And they don’t even realize it

Here’s the biggest lie you're being sold about building wealth:
“Just listen to the experts.”

But who exactly are those “experts”?

I ran a poll on Friday:
“Where do you get your money advice?”

Here’s what they said:
• Financial advisors — 32%
• Social media/influencers — 3%
• Books & courses — 13%
• My own research — 52%

And honestly… that last number says everything

Half the people trust themselves more than anyone else

That’s powerful

They'd rather figure it out alone than risk trusting the wrong person

And I get it

Because most "experts" sell advice

They're selling you their commission

Not your success

The financial advisor pushing products they get paid to sell

The influencer with zero real experience

The course creator who made money teaching, not doing

No wonder people trust themselves more

At least when you mess up, you know why

After helping 277+ people make over $14.9M in passive income

I've seen what actually works

You don't need to become an expert in everything

You just need to know enough to spot BS

And find people who've actually done what you want to do

Not just talked about it

The math is simple:

Wrong advice costs more than no advice

Right guidance accelerates everything

So ask yourself:

1- Who's giving you advice?
2- What are they selling?
3- Why do you need that product or service?

The answer will help you scale

If you get to a point where you want to unpack your situation 

You want to see if you’re growing as efficiently as possible 

DM me

Everyone talks about diversification

But nobody explains this

Diversification sounds good

It makes sense

But it’s really confusing

Or it’s really simple and everyone does it wrong

90% of people are worth 1.5M or less

Most of those people have their wealth in 1 of 2 places

#1 the stock market

#2 their personal house

The house they live in doesn’t make them money

And they typically have a mortgage

This mortgage is typically 60% of the home value

So when you look at investments

90% of people aren’t diversified 

They’re only in the stock market

And that’s okay

They have the appearance of diversification

And it makes them feel good at night

I am not talking to those people

If you’re in that category and you want help DM me

If you’re in the other category

The 10%

Your problems are typically different

One group I see confused by the myriad of options

They don’t know where to start

22% of people from Friday’s poll said the same

The second common problem

27% of people had capital tied up elsewhere

The best opportunities in real estate don’t wait

But also we don’t position ourselves to have access to the best opportunities

The exiting part is that there is a one size fits all solution

It’s education

It’s having conversations with experts in real estate

To understand the opportunities they have access to 

To understand the timelines 

And to ultimately invest if the project resonates

Here’s a simple example

Last week I messaged a few clients

In less than a week we have $1,700,000 in soft commitments 

People looking to invest if everything makes sense

If we’re able to answer all their questions

And address all their concerns

It’s not a done deal

To be clear

They haven’t invested yet

But the idea of people saying they’ll invest 

The idea that people have money sitting on the sidelines 

Can feel surreal

Especially if you’ve never invested in real estate before

Many of these people have been working with me for 5+ years

Easily made over 1,000,000+ 

Passively

They’ve:
1- Learnt the strategy
2- Seen the results
3- Passively scaled beyond belief

This doesn’t happen overnight

It happens by booking a call

By taking one step

If you’re curious to learn more

The link is below my name

At the top of this post

Speak soon

You can't hit a target you can't see.

On Friday I asked: "Financially, do you know how much is 'enough'?"

The responses were telling.

Knowing your number isn't just helpful.

It's everything.

After helping 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income, I've watched the same pattern:

Those without a clear target wander for years.

Those with one build wealth systematically.

Not know your number is like driving at night with no headlights.

You're moving.

You're busy.

But you have no idea where you’re going.

Last week, I sat with a client who'd been investing for 15 years.

Smart guy.

Good income.

Multiple properties.

But when I asked his target?

Silence.

We did the math together:

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: Track every dollar for 30 days

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀: What you actually want, not what you think sounds good

𝗕𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲: Kids, healthcare, the unexpected

*His freedom number:* Way less than he thought.

And he was already 60% there.

15 years of investing blind.

When he could've been done in 5 with clarity.

The math is simpler than you think:

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟭: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
What you need to keep the lights on.

Basic expenses, nothing extra

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟮: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 
Current lifestyle maintained.

No downgrades, no stress.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟯: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
The life you actually want.

Travel, experiences, giving back.

Most people guess at these.

The ones who build wealth calculate them.

Multiply your comfort number by 1.5.

That's your monthly passive income target.

Why 1.5?

Because life happens.

And inflation never stops.

Once you have this number, everything changes:

Every investment gets measured against it.

Every opportunity becomes binary - does this get me closer or not?

Every month you can track real progress.

Without it?

You're just collecting assets and hoping.

The most dangerous investor isn't the one who takes big risks.

It's the one chasing "more" with no definition of enough.

They buy everything.

Build nothing.

And wonder why they never feel secure.

Today, grab a notebook.

Calculate these three numbers:
- Survival
- Comfort 
- Dream

Then ask yourself:

How much monthly passive income gets me to comfort?

That's your real target.

Not some arbitrary net worth.

Not what sounds impressive.

Your actual freedom number.

Share your monthly target below.

Not to brag.

But to make it real.

Because a target you don't declare is just a wish.

If you want help calculating your exact number...

And a roadmap to hit it...

DM me "TARGET"

I'll show you how my clients go from guessing to knowing.

And from knowing to building.

Here’s the problem

Most people have it wrong

They think they need more money

More time

Or more experience 

Before they can build wealth 

But that’s not the case

I recently had a conversation with a commercial real estate professional 

And here's what it boiled down to:
“If you’re young, the smartest move you can make is buying a duplex, triplex, or fourplex. 

I don’t know a better financial investment to get someone started.”

What he’s talking about is called house hacking 

Here’s why his perspective is valuable:
• You’re leveraging the bank’s money, not just your savings
 • You’re building cash flow, not just theory
 • You’re creating a foundation for generational wealth, not short-term hype

Yet most people do the opposite

They spend years “preparing"

Watching tutorials

Reading books

Taking notes

All useful… but none of it builds wealth by itself

At some point, you have to stop studying and start taking action

And that’s exactly what we broke down in my newest episode with Joseph Gozlan, The Retail Navigator 

How to Build Wealth with Commercial Real Estate (Step-by-Step)

We got into:
 • How to start with rental properties
 • How to scale into commercial deals
 • How to maximize cash flow
 • And how real estate builds generational wealth in a way most people don’t realize

If you’re serious about getting ahead financially 

Check out the conversation 

The link is in the comments

If you’re not sure where to start

DM me

Managing Principal @ Eureka Business Group, Published Author & Speaker, CRE Investor & DFW Retail Expert. Leverage our hands-on experience and market insight to accelerate your wealth through strategic retail investments

Let’s stop pretending

Real estate doesn’t work for everyone 

Most people aren’t avoiding real estate because it’s hard

They’re avoiding it because it feels unclear

No roadmap

No starting point

Just information overload 

And when things feel unclear

People freeze

I've helped 277+ people build $14.9M in passive income

And every single one had the same fear at the beginning

"Where do I even start?"

Let me share what I wish someone told me 10 years ago:
The difference between those investing and those waiting?

One Google search

One phone call

One property tour

That's it…

One step

Because here's the truth about real estate:
You don’t need to know everything 

You don't need to understand cap rates on day one

You don't need $100K sitting in the bank

You don't need to time the market perfectly

You just need to take one action

Just one

The 50% already investing?

They're not smarter than you

They just stopped waiting for the perfect time

And started with imperfect action

They started by learning

So they could reduce risk

So here's my challenge for you:

Pick one:
* Tour an investment property this week
* Join a real estate meetup
* Schedule a 15-minute call with someone who invests

One action that helps you strategically build wealth

If you're unsure how to do this 

DM me "START"

I'll break it down even further 

And help you take your first step

Nobody likes hearing this

But it's the truth about making more money

The real barrier isn't strategy

It's what you believe you're worth

I had a conversation with Katarina Polonska on my podcast

She said something profound:

Most people don't hit their income ceiling because of tactical limitations

It’s because of emotional ones

Not feeling worthy

Not feeling "ready"

Not wanting the responsibility 

Not trusting themselves to handle it

People don't fear making money

They fear what money demands from them:

More visibility

More decisions

More expectations

More pressure

So they hover

They hesitate

They pull back right when they should push forward

Not because they can't scale

But because part of them doesn't feel safe scaling

You can't build a bigger life from a foundation of fear

You can't pursue abundance while believing you're not worthy

You can't reach for more if you don't feel safe where you are

Real growth only happens when your nervous system feels stable enough to allow it

Safety creates capacity

Capacity builds confidence

Confidence drives growth

When you release the blocks, everything opens up:

You think clearer

You take bigger swings

You stop self-sabotaging

And opportunities you used to miss suddenly become obvious

Your next level isn't waiting on luck

It's waiting on alignment

After helping 277+ people make $14.9M+ in passive income

I've seen this pattern repeatedly

The ones who scale fastest aren't the smartest

They're the ones who dealt with their internal blocks first

But honestly

All of this is easier said than done

And that’s the power of the right team

It makes things effortless

Check out full episode with Katarina Polonska on Youtube 

Link in the comments

Helping executives fix their marriages, relationships & love life - without regret, drama & risk | University of Oxford MSt | Relationship Strategist | Secure Leadership | Build True High-Performance | Podcast Host

Nobody wants to hear this

But there immense power in knowing

No matter what you do

People will always criticize you

Become wealthy → "All you care about is money"
Stay broke → "You’re lazy"

Work 80 hours → "No work-life balance"
Work 40 hours → "You're not hustling hard enough"

Be generous → "You're buying friends"
Keep to yourself → "You're selfish"

Post on LinkedIn → "You're desperate for attention"
Stay quiet → "You're not building your brand"

I spent years chasing the impossible

Trying to make everyone happy

Here's the truth:

You'll never win playing by other people's rules

This is a crazy realization

The kind that shifts everything 

I stopped conforming to the mold

And started scaling on my terms  

It was life changing

That’s how I built Freedom

Not the Instagram version

The real version

Freedom to pick up my kids from school

Freedom to take a random Tuesday off

Freedom to work because I want to, not because I have to

My foundation has been real estate

Not because it was trendy

Not to impress anyone

But because it made sense

It is a safe and solid foundation for

After helping 277+ people make $14.9M+ in passive income

I've learned something profound:

The people who build real wealth don't care what others think

They care about one thing:

Building a life where their time belongs to them

So here's my question:

How many more years will you spend trying to impress people who don't pay your bills?

If you're ready to stop performing for an audience that's never satisfied

And start building income that works while you sleep

DM me "FREEDOM"

Let's talk about how to make this next year different from last

On Friday I asked a simple question and the responses were revealing...

"What's your investing philosophy?"

Here's how the votes landed:

38% – Buy and hold forever
38% – Diversify everything
21% – Focus on one thing
3% – Wait for perfect timing

Here's what surprised most people:

After helping 277+ people invest over $62M and generate $14.9M+ in passive income...

80%+ of their wealth came from one investing approach:

Focus on one thing.

Typically investing in the stock market

Not because diversification is "bad"

But because it’s hard to get access to things outside the stock market 

It’s hard to build strategically 

The other ~20% are diversified 

But it almost seems spread out arbitrarily in the name of diversification

Trying to be in stocks, crypto, real estate, and their cousin's startup

All at once

And they wonder why their net worth barely moves

Here's what actually works:

Pick one primary investment vehicle (for me, it's real estate)

Go deep until you actually understand the risks and levers

Build a repeatable system instead of chasing the next shiny thing

Then diversify out of strength, not fear

The 277+ people I've helped?

They didn't start with complex portfolios

They started with one focused strategy

A strategy to target the weaknesses in their portfolio 

Once they hit $1M, $2M, $5M in that one vehicle

Then they diversified

But here's the kicker:

Even after diversifying, 70-80% of their wealth stays in their primary vehicle

Because that's where they have the knowledge

The relationships

The edge

If your portfolio feels "diversified"

But your net worth isn't really moving

You might not have a diversification problem

You might have a focus problem

Curious which approach makes sense for your situation?

Drop your current philosophy in the comments

Or send me a DM with the word "FOCUS"

And I'll share how I help people build wealth

Adam did everything right

40 years at one company

$5.2M in his 401k

Goes to sleep satisfied

Wakes up

It was all a dream

Omar?

Healthcare renewal arrives

15.48% increase

$327 more per month

He shrugs

Raises his rental properties 3%

That’s $420 extra per month

Already ahead

After helping 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income

I’ve seen this pattern hundreds of times:

Adams wait for security

Omars build it

Healthcare costs jump?

Omar’s rental income jumps

Inflation hits?

His properties appreciate

The system that breaks Adam

Makes Omar stronger

Adam plays defense

Omar owns assets that grow with costs

Not against them

I’ve helped increase net worth by $31.9M+

Not by telling people to save more

But by showing them what Omar knows:

You don’t beat inflation

You grow with it

Most people know this

Few do it

That’s the gap I help cross

DM me “OMAR” if you’re ready to stop dreaming and start building

This is crazy...

19 people fighting for one apartment in Miami.

11 people for one unit in Manhattan.

And that's in a year when the U.S. added more than 500,000 new apartments.

If you're a high earner and still feel like you're "losing" the housing game...

The numbers are stacked against you.

RentCafe's 2025 data paints a brutal picture:

National rental competitiveness hit 75.2 (up from 74.4)

Supply grew 2.83%, and 63% of renters renewed their leases

Occupancy sits at 93.3%

Each available unit gets 9 interested renters

Gone in about 41 days

In Miami, it's even worse:

3 out of 4 renters stay put

Fewer than 4% of units available

Each vacant unit attracts 19 applicants

Leased in 33 days

Manhattan?

66% of renters renewed

Occupancy nearly 96%

Applicants per unit jumped from 8 to 11

Units gone in 36 days

For high earners, this feels like:

Making $300K… but competing for rentals like you're broke

Watching your rent and taxes inflate while your assets stay flat

Feeling "too late" to buy, but "too smart" to overpay

Scrolling past opportunities thinking, "I should own by now"

Smart. Disciplined. Successful.

But stuck reacting to the market instead of positioning ahead of it.

Most high earners stay stuck here.

The smart ones? They're doing something different.

After helping 277+ people generate $14.9M+ in passive income, I see the same pattern:

High earners don't have an income problem.

They have a conversion problem.

One client, an executive making $420K, was burning through everything 

Spending it on rent and lifestyle.

We identified one opportunity.

Converted his bonus into cash flowing investment.

18 months later: $5,200/month passive income from two properties.

He still makes $420K.

But now his assets pay for ~25% his living expenses.

The difference?

He got access to amazing opportunity.

He positioned himself downstream to get actionable information.

He digested the data and took action.

Started converting income into ownership.

Stopped reacting to inflation.

Started growing with it.

You don't need to wait for the "perfect" market.

You need to convert what you're already making.

Salary → Ownership

Bonuses → Cash-flowing assets

Tax exposure → Tax-advantaged structures

Every month you wait, you're losing time.

The opportunity cost compounds 

I'm opening 5 spots this month for high earners ready to take action and create passive income.

If you want one, DM me "CONVERT"

I'll show you exactly how people go from confusion to clarify.

From 0 passive income a month to financial freedom. 

No magic. No hype.

Just frameworks, data, and the discipline to execute.

Financially, do you know how much is “enough”?

You don't need to be perfect

You just need to be real

I have the craziest conversations online

Here’s how you can use my experiences to grow

People book calls with me for all sorts of reasons

Sometimes it’s because they want to make money passively in real estate

Most of the time, it’s because they think I understand them

Here’s how I approach these calls:
Salaam / Hi [name], how can I help?

I actively listen to their concerns

I try to help

Here’s a practical example:
A guy is inheriting a business from his father

His net worth is increasing by $2,000,000+ overnight

His debt load is skyrocketing

He doesn’t want to have any debt

He’s managing intra-family and Inter-generational communication / vision gaps

In theory, nothing I talk about online addresses this

(Until this post, I guess)

But these are all challenges I am equipped to talk about

Not because of some degree

But because of life experience

So, we chart out a path to help him

A few weeks later, we have another call

More clarity, more steps

But still no call to action to invest

At some point, I clarify why:
“Listen, you’ve asked what you can do for me

Honestly, right now - nothing

You have a lot on your plate

Focus on that

In a few years, when things stabilize and you’re making more money than you know what to do with

Reach out to me, and we’ll talk about how to strategically invest.”

We live in a world of instant gratification

If you’ve read my posts, they’re anything but instant

The point is to help you learn and grow on your terms

Not to push a product

If you’re looking to learn and grow

But don’t know where to start

Comment ‘2M’ 

I’ll send you a link

Most people don’t have a money problem. They have an awareness problem.

How would you describe your current relationship with money?


LevelUp Stays

We guarantee we’ll double your income within 90 days – that’s how confident we are in our ability to:

-​Curate an unforgettable guest experience
-​Build a seamless and effective maintenance system
-​Boost your property’s visibility and value

We guarantee your short term rental's performance. Attached is a case study where we took this home that paid the owner $41,000 last year and now has over $120k booked this year. 

We're a premier short-term rental property management company focused on maximizing your income and guest experience. Our expertise lies in doubling owner income through exceptional guest stays and effective revenue management. 

We cater to traveling families and large groups seeking 3+ bedroom accommodations for 12+ guests. Our dedicated team ensures unforgettable stays that exceed guest expectations.

With LevelUp Stays, you can sit back and relax as we handle every aspect of property management, including marketing, bookings, maintenance, and cleaning. Our proven revenue management strategies optimize occupancy rates and pricing, resulting in substantial returns on your investment.

Our goal is to grow to 1,000 units under management within 5 years.

Founder 

DLRJ Holdings

At DLRJ Holdings we allow data to drive behaviors. 

Our vision is to buy, hold and operate exceptional short-term rental experiences. We strive to create unique and unforgettable guest experiences that set us apart from the competition. Our commitment to excellence in management and customer service ensures that our guests feel welcomed and valued every step of the way. We are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, comfort, and convenience to all of our guests, and we aim to exceed their expectations with every stay. Through innovation, collaboration, and a passion for focus on guest experience, we will continue to elevate the short-term rental industry and become the go-to destination for those seeking a truly exceptional experience.

Founder

Key roll in Sunpro acquisition by ADT in December 2021 for $825 million. Managing strategic sales teams in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois with revenues of $200 million/year.

Regional Sales Manager, ADT Solar

Sunpro Solar Energy Specialists

Helping to promote sales and growth in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lubbock, Brownsville and Corpus Christi.

Regional Sales Manager

#1 Territory (San Antonio/Austin) in Net sales -June 2020
#1 Territory (San Antonio/Austin) in closing percentage- June 2020

Territory Sales Manager

Gross sales over $2 million+
Top 10 sales executive in company (gross sales, YTD)
700+ kilowatts installed 
2019 Rankings: finished in top 4%

Area Sales Executive

EnviroSolar

-Residential and commercial solar and efficiency sales 
-#1 fastest growing privately held company in the United States-2017, Inc. 500 
-#1 residential solar installer in Texas-2018, Solar Power World 
-#8 residential solar installer in USA-2018, Solar Power World
-Combined sales of $1 million in 120 days with company

Enterprise Holdings

Dec. 2017-Promoted to oversee the San Antonio International Airport. A Tri-Branded location that manages Enterprise, Alamo and National. Over 3,000 units and 200 employees under management.
Sept. 2017- Ranked #1 branch manager in South Texas (1 out of 54) in four core areas. 
Feb. 2015- Ranked #5/54 branches for Net Other sales
Feb. 2015- Sales MVP
Feb. 2015- Ranked #15/283 in Group 52 for sales
Feb. 2015- Ranked #3/56 branch managers for sales
March 2015- Sales MVP
March 2015- Promoted to 521P, over 250+ cars under management
Nov. 2015- Ranked #1 branch manager in group of 50+ for sales
Jan. 2016- Promoted to manage 400 cars overseeing branch 521P, 1H and 8E.
March 2016- Top ESQI combined 86. 1P: 88, 8e: 83, 1H: 91
Dec. 2016- Promoted to branch 5233 400+ cars under management
Dec. 2017- Promoted to Tri-branded branch manager San Antonio Airport overseeing Enterprise, Alamo, and National responsible for managing 200 employees and fleet of 3,000. Average monthly revenue of $3.1 million. Developed comprehensive sales culture.

Tri-Branded Enterprise, Alamo, National Branch Manager-San Antonio Airport 

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

-Oct. 2014-MVP sales
-Oct. 2014-#2/32 Assistant manager closed ticket sales score
-Nov. 2014- MVP sales 
-Nov. 2014- 91 ESQI, branch 528C
-Dec. 2014- 93 ESQI, branch 528C
-Dec. 2014- Promoted to oversee branch 521P, 528E, 521H

Assistant Manager

Promoted to assistant branch manager in two weeks.

Management Assistant

Over 98% of all employees with Enterprise started out as a Management Trainee. Check out some of my accomplishments in the short time I have been with the company:

-MVP November 2013, Open ticket score
-MVP December 2013, Closed ticket score
-December 2013- Highest closed ticket score, branch 521P
-Dec. 2013- Highest closed ticket score, branch 521H
-Dec. 2013- Highest closed ticket score, branch 528E
-Dec. 2013- Ranked top 14% in group-Closed ticket score #33/234 employees
-Jan. 2014- Increased IPC (Income per car) by 550% (CAGR), branch 528E
-Jan. 2014- MVP for corporate accounts 
-Feb. 2014- Scored 97% on the RSET (90-day skills & aptitude exam)
-Apr. 2014- #2/25 in area 52Z, closed ticket score, insurance sales
-May 2014- 80th percentile, closed ticket score, insurance sales 
-June 2014- #2 in branch 521P for sales- 47.8% sales ratio on 100+ contracts 
-July 2014- Fully qualified to take the MQI (at 8 months)
-July 2014- Highest closed ticket sales score at branch 528E and 521P

Management Trainee

TripAngle

TripAngle allows property owners to manage and run their vacation properties at no cost. It is the perfect alternative to a traditional property management company. TripAngle prides itself on upstanding communication between owners and customers as well as excellent customer service.

Job duties included developing marketing (social media, YouTube etc.) material, cold calling, and servicing current clientele. Major projects include developing YouTube video to promote and describe TripAngle as an alternative to property management.

Accounts and Marketing Director

GLOW Boathouse LLC.

GLOW Restaurant serves traditional American bistro fare while maintaing a casual fine dining atmosphere. 

My job duties include ensuring guest satisfaction while demonstrating extensive food and wine knowledge. My projects include revamping the employee (FOH, Front of House) training manual, cocktail recipe book, and incentive program. The server incentive program is designed to increase profit margin and sales by approximately 10%. Day to day management of restaurant includes employee oversight and FOH operation.

Head Server

Texas Coastal Vacations

Texas Coastal Vacations offers vacation rentals (condos and houses) on the Texas Coast. Services are provided to owners (full property management) and guest services. 

I managed, serviced, and oversaw 40 condos catering to the needs of owners and guest. Job duties included ensuring over 3,000 guests satisfied per year as well as 40 condo owners. Engaged in monthly invoicing to clients and comprehensive marketing. Grew social media presence from 0 to over 3,500 followers. Increased office efficiency, saving 40 man hours per month, by introducing 24  hr. call answering service. 

Began relations and partnered with Travelocity, a multi-billion dollar company, to increase revenue to clients by increasing exposure.

Vacation Property Manager

We will double your Airbnb income in 90 days or we will work for free until we do

www.StayLevelUp.com

Short term rental property management with an income guarantee 

www.StayAdelante.com 
(see how we took this home, renovated in 49 days and tripled the income)

As the Founder of DLRJ Holdings and LevelUp Stays, I am proud to lead a company that is driven by data to provide exceptional short-term rental experiences. Our commitment to excellence in management helps other Airbnb owners double their income by focusing on two areas: Customer experience and Revenue management. 

Here are some of my past accomplishments:

→ Key role in the Sunpro acquisition by ADT Security for $825 million
→ 11 years of sales and management experience with a strong focus on sales leadership since 2014
→ Personally sold over $5 million in solar over the past three years and oversaw a team of 10 territory sales managers and 120 sales representatives in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois for ADT Solar.
→ Generated revenues of $200+ million/year in the solar sales region consisting of 100 sales representatives in six states. 
→ Achieved the distinction of being the #1 branch manager at Enterprise Holdings in San Antonio, TX.

These experiences have taught me valuable lessons in leadership, management, and sales that have helped me build and grow DLRJ Holdings into the thriving business it is today. At DLRJ Holdings, we are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, comfort, and convenience to all of our guests, and we aim to exceed their expectations with every stay. 

Our passion for focusing on guest experience, innovation, and collaboration continues to elevate the short-term rental industry, and we strive to be the go-to destination for those seeking a truly exceptional experience.

If you have an opportunity, or feel you can leverage my assets in your organization, feel free to contact him directly at:

Email: derek@dlrjholdings.com
Phone: 361-205-7359

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Mustafa Ladha

Derek R. Gisriel

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The Battle

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