How to Serve Tenants w/Dr. Mark Smiley
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Episode Description
Welcome to the Freedom Point Real Estate podcast! Jeremy Dyer invites Dr. Mark Smiley to today's episode to share his journey from construction to medicine to real estate. Mark offers hard-earned wisdom on why community service should be a cornerstone of your work, how to balance many roles with limited time, and what practical steps toward passive income anyone can take today.
Mark Smiley, MD, MBA, is a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician and the “Impact Real Estate Doctor,” helping physicians achieve financial freedom through real estate investing while advancing housing health equity. After overcoming early hardships, he earned prestigious academic awards and completed medical and business school at the University of Pittsburgh. Transitioning from single-family to multifamily real estate, he founded Beyond Equity Group, managing over $45 million in assets and 350+ units. Through his nonprofit partnerships, Mark continues to bridge wealth creation with community impact.
CONNECT WITH MARK SMILEY!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-smiley-md-mba-a0b937250/
Website: https://beyondequitygroup.com/
Email: smiley@beyond/homes.com
CONNECT WITH JEREMY DYER!
Website: https://startingpointcapital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingpointcapital/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremydyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingpointcapital
Book a Call! https://calendly.com/startingpointcapital/discuss-investing-with-jeremy-dyer?month=2023-12
Summary
Tip #1: Treat Real Estate Like a Team Sport
"Real estate is a team sport… If you truly want to go far, you’re going to go together."
Dr. Smiley emphasizes that successful real estate investing isn’t a solo endeavor. Just as physicians rely on nurses, lab techs, and specialists in medicine, investors must build strong partnerships. This includes working with knowledgeable syndicators, property managers, and financial experts to ensure smooth and profitable investments.
Tip #2: Leverage Expertise to Save Time
"Physicians are leveraging my time, experience, and track record… ensuring that the team we are partnering with has the same values."
Many professionals hesitate to invest because they lack experience, but Dr. Smiley highlights the power of working with experts. By partnering with seasoned investors, doctors can enjoy the financial benefits of real estate without the burden of active management. This allows them to focus on their primary careers while building wealth on the side.
Tip #3: Passive Income Buys Back Your Time
"I remember the first time I invested passively… I was on a busy shift, and I received a distribution. It dawned on me—I didn’t have to be at work for that to happen."
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in real estate is the ability to earn without actively working. Unlike traditional income sources that require time-for-money exchanges, passive income lets investors regain control of their schedules, opening up opportunities for personal pursuits and family time.
Tip #4: Identify Your ‘Why’ Before Investing
"People need Clarity, focus, and to really understand their why… Are they looking for bandwidth in life? Do they want work to be optional?"
Before diving into real estate, investors should define their goals. Whether it's achieving early retirement, reducing work hours, or funding mission trips, having a clear purpose helps guide investment decisions. Without a strong ‘why,’ financial choices may lack direction and purpose.
Tip #5: Mindset Shifts Are Key to Success
"Is your goal to make money when you retire, or is it to have options today?"
Many investors automatically gravitate toward traditional assets like stocks and bonds without considering alternatives. Dr. Smiley challenges listeners to rethink their financial strategies by focusing on creating present-day flexibility rather than just long-term wealth accumulation.
Tip #6: Education is the First Step
"If we can learn medicine, we can definitely learn passive investment."
Physicians spend years mastering their craft, but many hesitate to apply the same learning process to real estate. Dr. Smiley encourages professionals to seek out resources, attend seminars, and build their knowledge base to make informed investment decisions.
Tip #7: Relationships Matter More Than Deals
"It’s a relationship game… Meet the right folks who have the same values and goals as you."
Rather than chasing the best deal, successful investors focus on aligning with trustworthy teams. The right partnerships can make or break an investment, so due diligence on syndicators and operators is essential. Investing with those who share your long-term vision ensures smoother operations and stronger returns.
Tip #8: Passive Investing Can Support Philanthropy
"My wife and I are going on a mission trip… Passive income allows us to live the lifestyle we truly want."
Beyond financial benefits, passive real estate income enables investors to engage in philanthropic work, spend more time with family, and pursue passions. This reinforces the idea that wealth should be a tool for a fulfilling and meaningful life, not just a number in a bank account.
Tip #9: Balancing Career, Family, and Investing is Possible
"There are only 24 hours in a day… You have to be efficient and understand you can’t do everything."
Busy professionals often feel overwhelmed by the idea of adding real estate to their plates. However, passive investing removes the operational burden, allowing investors to enjoy financial growth without sacrificing personal or professional responsibilities.
Tip #10: Take the First Step—Don’t Wait
"The biggest mindset shift is realizing that financial freedom isn’t just for retirement—it’s for today."
Many people delay investing, thinking they need more time, money, or knowledge. Dr. Smiley’s experience shows that the earlier one starts, the sooner they can reap the benefits of financial freedom. Taking action now can create opportunities for more flexibility and a better quality of life in the near future.
