Gabe Johansen got his start early, working long hours in the car business before most people even entered the workforce. By his early 20s, he was running a dealership, but after nearly two decades in the industry, he knew trading time for commissions was not a long-term path.

His turning point came with a small but powerful moment. After buying his first rental property, Gabe received a cash flow check for just $263. That single check showed him what ownership could do, and it completely changed how he thought about money.

Today, Gabe leads one of Oregon’s largest real estate platforms, overseeing a nine-figure real estate portfolio, more than 50 brokers, and 5,400 apartment units under management. He is also at the forefront of advanced strategies like 721 exchanges, helping investors scale without selling assets and triggering major tax consequences.

In this episode from the Zero to 100 Vault, Gabe breaks down the lessons that took him from selling cars to structuring complex real estate investments.

You will learn how Gabe:

- Pushed through three years of deal analysis before buying his first property

- Built a brokerage where every agent is encouraged to invest

- Uses partnerships and tax strategies such as 721 exchanges to continue scaling

This conversation focuses on what it really takes to build lasting wealth through real estate, from the first deal to large-scale ownership.

Most real estate investors believe the solution is simple. Buy more units. Work harder. Push longer. Repeat. But for most people, this approach quietly traps them at the same level for years.

In this episode, we break down why so many investors stall after their first few deals and why the traditional real estate advice around scaling actually works against you. This is not a motivation problem and it is not a market problem. It is a model problem.

You will learn:

• Why buying more units does not automatically lead to scale
• The hidden trap that keeps investors stuck at 3 to 5 properties
• Why hustle culture creates burnout instead of freedom
• The difference between growth and true scale in real estate
• How to think about systems, leverage, and structure before your next deal

If you feel like you are doing everything right but still cannot break through to the next level, this episode will help you see exactly what is holding you back.

This conversation is for real estate investors who want more than just more properties. It is for those who want time freedom, clarity, and a scalable strategy that actually works.

Work with us and learn how to build a real estate business that scales without burning you out:

https://www.zeroto100tribe.com/joinelite

Most investors chase clean deals with glossy brochures. Ken McElroy does the opposite. In this episode from the Zero to 100 vault, he breaks down why vacant, broken, bank-owned properties often hold the best opportunities, and why the prettiest deals usually perform the worst.

We cover how real operators think about cash flow versus appreciation, why long-term investors survive downturns while speculators get wiped out, and what’s actually happening inside today’s multifamily market. Ken shares how he evaluates distressed deals, when to walk away even from massive discounts, and why buying below replacement cost matters more than timing the market. If you want to build durable wealth instead of gambling on appreciation, this episode is required listening.

Learn more about Ken at https://kenmcelroy.com/