Episode 346: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity in Real Estate, with Athena Brownson
Massive Passive Cash Flow Podcast
Release Date: 07/23/2025
Massive Passive Cash Flow Podcast
In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with Chris Prefontaine - creative financing expert, bestselling author, and founder of Smart Real Estate Coach. With 34+ years of hands-on investing experience, Chris shares how he rebuilt his real estate business after the 2008 crash by shifting to buying on terms—a strategy that allows investors to acquire properties without using their own cash, credit, or personally signing on bank loans. Chris breaks down why subject-to deals, 0% owner financing, and free-and-clear properties remain some of the most powerful tools for...
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In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with Neal Bawa—renowned data scientist, multifamily investor, and founder of GroCapitus, Mission 10K, and Multifamily University. Known as the “Mad Scientist of Multifamily,” Neil has helped thousands of investors harness the power of data analytics to identify the most profitable real estate markets across the U.S. Neal shares how he transitioned from running a successful tech company to building a multimillion-dollar multifamily portfolio using his proprietary data-driven system called Location Magic. This method...
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In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with Kenny Bedwell—seasoned real estate investor, Airbnb expert, and founder of STR Insights. With over eight years of experience in short-term rental investing, market analysis, and deal structuring, Kenny has helped more than 300 high-income professionals identify and acquire profitable Airbnb properties that generate consistent passive income and long-term wealth. Kenny shares how he transitioned from his role as a data analyst in Citibank’s Equities Market to building a multimillion-dollar real estate portfolio of...
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Episode 360: Distressed Deals, Passive Cash Flow, & Brokerage Success, with Justin Hoffman In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with real estate investor, broker, and team leader Justin Hoffman, founder of Team Hoffman in Milwaukee, to explore how a childhood lesson in property investing turned into a thriving multi-pillar real estate business. From buying and flipping distressed properties to managing a 4,500+ transaction brokerage and property management firm, Justin reveals how to build lasting wealth through cash flow, equity growth, and...
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In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with investor and operator Jack Martin, Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer of 52TEN, to break down why mobile home parks (MHPs) can be the most stable cash-flowing real estate when structured as tenant-owned homes (TOH) on leased land. From renovating SFRs and scaling multifamily to building an institutional-grade MHP platform, Jack explains the playbook: buy quality assets, stabilize, return capital, then keep the long-term coupon—with powerful bonus depreciation along the way. An Army veteran turned entrepreneur,...
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In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast, I sit down with real estate investor and serial entrepreneur Tom Dunkel to unpack nearly 30 years of hard-won lessons in building wealth through strategic investing. From his early days in aerospace mergers and acquisitions to building a $63M distressed mortgage debt business, Tom shares how he transitioned from corporate finance to financial freedom—using real estate as the vehicle. As the Managing Director of Eagle Capital Investments, Tom has raised over $50 million across four asset classes and helped investors gain access to...
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Luis Belmonte is a founding partner of Seven Hills Properties and one of the original executives behind AMB Property Corporation, now known as Prologis—the world’s largest industrial REIT. Over his expansive career, Luis has developed more than 18 million square feet of warehouse space across the U.S., Mexico, Japan, and Singapore. A Navy veteran, industry thought leader, and author of several real estate books, Luis brings a unique blend of grit, global experience, and wisdom that only decades in the trenches can produce. In this episode of the Massive Passive Cashflow Podcast,...
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In her 40s, Melissa lost her multi-million-dollar business and hit financial rock bottom. She took a corporate job she hated just to stay afloat, all while raising four kids and feeling stuck in a cycle of bills, burnout, and no clear way out. But Melissa rebuilt her wealth one property at a time and now manages a $5M+ real estate portfolio—all while living a life filled with purpose, time, and flexibility. More importantly, she’s helped 1,000+ investors do the same, with her community now owning over $600 million in real estate. She’s the perfect guest to talk about building a second...
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Justin Udy is a full-time, professional real estate agent and investor based in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he leads Justin Udy & Team, a high-performing group specializing in residential, luxury, commercial, and investment properties. With a track record of industry recognition, Justin has consistently ranked among the top real estate professionals worldwide. In 2021, his team was named the #6 Top Producing Small Team Globally for Century 21 International, and in 2017, he was recognized in the Top 250 Realtors in the Nation by the Wall Street Journal. Over the years, Justin has earned...
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Gian Pazzia is the Chairman & Chief Strategy Officer at KBKG, where he oversees all strategic initiatives for one of the nation’s leading specialty tax firms. With over 25 years of experience in the cost segregation industry, Gian is a recognized authority in his field and a former President of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP). During his tenure, he spearheaded the publication of the first technical standards for cost segregation reports and worked closely with the IRS on audit techniques, repair regulations, and landmark tax cases. As one of the first...
info_outlineAthena Brownson is a living testament to the power of resilience and reinvention. A former professional skier who endured nine knee surgeries and two neck operations, Athena’s greatest challenge came when she was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease—a debilitating condition that left her bedridden for months. Yet, instead of letting these setbacks define her, Athena used them to fuel her purpose, transforming pain into strength and obstacles into opportunities.
Now a thriving entrepreneur and advocate for resilience, Athena empowers audiences to navigate life’s challenges with grit, authenticity, and purpose. She teaches how to embrace change, build balance, and align your career and life with your values. Drawing from her journey, Athena inspires others to redefine success, build their "why," and cultivate the mindset needed to overcome adversity and achieve meaningful growth.
What You Will Learn:
- Who is Athena Brownson?
- What was Athena's background before entering the real estate industry?
- How did Athena's experience as a professional skier affect her approach to real estate?
- What motivated Athena to shift from interior design to real estate?
- What challenges did Athena face in her early career in real estate?
- How does Athena describe the importance of relationships in her real estate business?
- What life lessons from athletics does Athena apply to her work in real estate?
- How does Athena's journey with health challenges shape her approach to business and life?
- How does Athena view the importance of community and support in navigating difficult times?
- What strategies does Athena use to maintain her motivation and focus, despite her health challenges?
- How does Athena's experience with adversity influence her approach to client relationships in real estate?
- How did Athena identify the need for an operations manager in her business?
- What are the key qualities Athena looks for when building her real estate team?
- How is the Denver real estate market currently performing, particularly in terms of inventory and buyer activity?
- How does Athena assess the opportunities available to investors in the current market?
- Athena shares her contact information so that everyone can reach her.
Additional Resources from Athena Brownson:
- Website: https://athenabrownsonrealtor.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenabrownsonrealtor/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenabrownsonrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthenaBrownsonRealtor/
- Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@athenabrownson
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