AI, Funds & Networking w/ Ellie Baxter

In this episode, Trae Jacobs interviews Ellie Baxter, a multifamily investor and founder of B&F Capital. They discuss Ellie's recent move to Charlotte, her acquisition of 65 units in the area, and the challenges and successes of the property. Ellie shares her experience working with partners and her business philosophy. They also talk about Ellie's networking events and the benefits of starting a fund. Ellie explains her strategy for lead generation using AI and automation and her plans for webinars and educational videos. They discuss the importance of diversifying a portfolio and investing in different asset types. In this conversation, Ellie Baxter discusses various topics related to real estate investing and raising capital. She explains how returns work in a fund and the timeline for investors to see returns. Ellie also shares her experience using AI applications in her business and provides tips for raising capital, including the importance of knowing your worth and focusing on adding value to investors. She discusses strategies for talking about money with strangers and highlights the power of networking events. Ellie concludes by sharing her goals for the next year, which include raising $10 million, acquiring more units, and giving back through music schools and travel. Find Ellie IG: @ellie_baxterr FB: Ellie Baxter Takeaways Moving to a new city can provide opportunities for growth and learning in real estate investing. Acquiring a property with partners can be a rewarding experience and allow for shared knowledge and resources. Networking events can be a valuable way to connect with like-minded individuals and build relationships in the industry. Starting a fund can provide opportunities for diversification and attract passive investors. Using AI and automation can streamline lead generation and marketing efforts. Diversifying a portfolio by investing in different asset types can help mitigate risk and maximize returns. Returns in a fund depend on the fund model and can vary in terms of projected returns, equity, and hold time. Using AI applications can streamline processes and save time in real estate investing, such as creating pitch decks and analyzing deals. When raising capital, focus on adding value to investors and understanding their goals and needs. Networking events can be a powerful way to connect with potential investors and raise capital. It's important to know your worth and believe in your ability to achieve success in real estate investing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Moving to Charlotte 02:01 Acquiring 65 Units in Charlotte 03:01 Challenges and Successes of the Property 04:33 Sourcing the Deal and Working with Partners 06:12 Working with BNF Capital and Business Philosophy 07:13 Raising Capital for a Property in Iowa 09:11 Motivation and Freedom of Time 11:12 Mindset Shift and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 13:39 Success in Multifamily Investing 14:24 Starting and Organizing Networking Events 16:17 Creating a Virtual and In-Person Event 19:10 Starting a Networking Event 20:50 Collaborating with Existing Real Estate Events 21:48 Lessons Learned from Hosting Events 22:08 Starting a Fund and Setting it Up 23:21 Investment Strategy and Deploying Funds 26:23 Benefits of Setting Up a Fund 27:35 Using AI and Automation for Lead Generation 30:12 YouTube Channel and Webinars 31:36 Benefits for Passive Investors 34:29 Asset Types for a Diversified Portfolio 34:50 Investing in Non-Real Estate Businesses with a Fund 35:52 Returns in a Fund 37:17 Timeline for Fund Returns 38:38 AI Applications in Real Estate 42:23 First Investor Call 45:32 Tips for Raising Capital 51:26 Raising Capital without Social Media 55:06 Goals for BNF Capital 58:00 Final Tips and Conclusion