Today I've got Brad Sumrok in the house. Termed "The Apartment King". We discuss the conventional wisdom surrounding education and real estate investment. Brad explains how societal norms lead many to unquestioningly spend large sums on a traditional college education, only to find limited job prospects afterward. Reflecting on his own experience, Brad details his journey through the corporate world, achieving degrees and following the expected path until it left him unfulfilled and financially insecure. His turning point came after reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, which inspired him to explore real estate as a viable alternative to traditional employment.Brad shares how attending seminars and seeking mentorship transformed his career, allowing him to amass a portfolio of over 7,800 apartment units. Initially intimidated by large real estate deals, he emphasizes the importance of starting small and gradually taking on bigger projects. His story highlights how multifamily properties, starting with a 32-unit building, offered a more streamlined and profitable path than single-family investments. He also underscores the value of investing in oneself through education and networking, as these personal investments often yield higher returns than any single asset class. The episode stresses the power of community and continuous learning in achieving long-term success.CHAPTER TITLES1:16 - Brad's Background and Real Estate Journey2:29 - Initial Real Estate Exposure3:04 - First Real Estate Conference Experience4:02 - First Investment: From Single-Family to Multifamily4:44 - Scaling Investments: Raising Capital and Larger Deals6:10 - Financing and Management of Large Multifamily Properties6:52 - Transition to Education and Mentorship8:21 - Building a Community and Event-Based Learning9:04 - Challenges and Relationships in Business11:38 - Mindset and Lessons from Large Deals14:13 - Community Impact vs. Individual Success17:51 - Is Real Estate a Great Investment?18:37 - Investing in Yourself: The Key to Success18:53 - Closing Thoughts & EncouragementConnect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter