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sessions
From market insights to creative deal structures, the Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference is packed with sessions designed to elevate your investing game. Learn from industry experts, uncover new strategies, and gain the knowledge you need to make smarter investments. Whether you're focused on scaling your portfolio, mastering financing, or finding off-market deals, you'll find the insights and connections to take your business to the next level.​
keynote presentations
DAVID GREENE – Police Officer to Power Investor: Straight Talk on Finding Real Success in Real Estate
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Thu, Apr 24 | 9:00 AM–10:30 AM
Monroe Room
If you think you’ve heard it all about real estate investing, think again. David Greene—bestselling author, former BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast host, and highly sought-after industry expert—is here to challenge everything you thought you knew.
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How do you go from just buying properties to scaling an empire? What’s the biggest mistake investors make that keeps them stuck? How do you take action without getting paralyzed by fear? David breaks it all down with real strategies that work in any market.
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His journey from grinding as a police officer to building a thriving real estate business is packed with game-changing insights.
No fluff. No empty motivation. Just proven strategies from someone who has done it.
DR. PAUL ISELY – 2025 Real Estate Economic Update and Forecast
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Fri, Apr 25 | 3:00 PM– 5:00 PM
River Overlook EF
Markets are shifting, and uncertainty is high—real estate investors need real data, not speculation. Economist Dr. Paul Isely returns to deliver one of the most highly anticipated sessions of the year, breaking down where housing prices are headed, whether financing will tighten or ease, and which policies could reshape investment strategies. With a volatile economic landscape and a shifting political climate, investors can’t afford to guess.
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In a year like this, this session is absolutely a can’t-miss. Whether you're buying, selling, pivoting, or holding, the insights you gain here could be the difference between staying ahead of the market or getting left behind.
featured speaker sessions
JAY CONNER – How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate—Without Asking for It
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
River Overlook AB
Funding real estate deals doesn’t have to mean relying on banks, jumping through hoops, or getting stuck with rigid loan terms. Jay Conner will reveal how to raise private money for real estate—without ever asking for it. His proven strategies will show you how to attract private lenders, secure funding quickly, and build a steady flow of capital to scale your investments. If you're ready to break free from traditional financing and take control of your funding, this session is a game-changer.
LEE YODER – Scaling Success with Apartment Syndications
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
River Overlook EF
Apartment syndications allow investors to scale beyond small rental properties and into large multifamily assets. Lee Yoder will break down how to structure syndications, raise capital, and build partnerships to take on bigger deals. He will explain how to find the right opportunities, attract investors, and structure deals that benefit all parties involved. Whether you're looking to grow your portfolio, transition into larger investments, or gain confidence in the syndication process, this session will provide the insights needed to take the next step.
SCOTT ELLSWORTH – CPA-Backed Smart Tax Strategies for Real Estate Success
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 1:30–3:30 PM
River Overlook AB
Tax planning is crucial for maximizing profits. Scott Ellsworth will provide expert insights into tax-saving strategies, deductions, and legal structures to help you keep more of your hard-earned money. He will explain how real estate investors can legally reduce tax burdens, avoid common mistakes, and take advantage of incentives that can significantly impact long-term profitability. A smart tax strategy isn’t just about savings—it’s about building a stronger financial future.
SETH WILLIAMS – Land Rich: Profiting from Real Estate’s Underrated Asset
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 1:30–3:30 PM
River Overlook EF
Land investing is often overlooked, but Seth Williams has built a successful career proving it’s one of the most profitable and scalable opportunities in real estate. Unlike traditional property investments, land requires minimal capital, fewer headaches, and offers incredible potential for high returns.
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He will break down how to find undervalued land deals, acquire properties with minimal upfront investment, and turn overlooked parcels into wealth-building assets.
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Whether you’re new to land investing or looking to expand your portfolio, this session will show you how to capitalize on an opportunity most investors ignore.
JOE VARNADORE – Innovative Note Strategies for the Foreclosure Market
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 4:00–5:30 PM
River Overlook AB
As foreclosure rates climb, note investing presents a unique opportunity to acquire distressed properties at a discount and turn them into profitable investments. Joe Varnadore will break down how to source non-performing notes, structure deals that maximize returns, and create steady cash flow without relying on traditional real estate strategies. Whether you're looking to get started or scale your existing portfolio, this session will provide the knowledge and tools needed to take advantage of a shifting market.
TYLER CAUBLE – Think Inside the Box: Capitalizing on the Self-Storage Boom
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Thu, Apr 24 | 4:00–5:30 PM
River Overlook EF
Self-storage is one of the fastest-growing asset classes in real estate, offering strong cash flow and stability in any market. Tyler Cauble will break down what makes self-storage a recession-resistant investment and how to identify, acquire, and maximize returns on profitable deals.
Whether you're looking to expand your portfolio or get started in this lucrative space, this session will give you the tools to capitalize on one of real estate’s most resilient asset classes.
TONY YOUNGS – The Hidden Market: Homes with No For Sale Signs
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 9:30 AM–11:00 AM
River Overlook AB
The best deals aren’t always listed. Tony Youngs will show you how to find off-market properties, connect with motivated sellers, and secure deals before they hit the market. He will explain how to identify hidden opportunities, approach sellers directly, and negotiate better terms. If you're tired of bidding wars, this strategy will give you a competitive edge.
JASON SCHEMMEL – Smarter Investing Through AI-Powered Deal Evaluation
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 9:30 AM–11:00 AM
River Overlook EF
AI is transforming real estate investing, giving investors powerful tools to analyze deals, predict market trends, and assess risks with greater accuracy. Jason Schemmel will show you how AI-driven technology can streamline decision-making, helping you find undervalued properties, optimize investment strategies, and make data-backed choices with confidence. Whether you're flipping, renting, or wholesaling, this session will provide actionable insights on how to integrate AI into your investment approach and stay ahead in an evolving market.
DONNA BAUER – Take Note: How to Profit from Real Estate Without Tenants, Cash, or Credit
FEATURED SPEAKER SESSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 1:15 PM–2:45 PM
River Overlook AB
Tired of dealing with tenants, maintenance, and property headaches? Note investing offers a way to generate real estate income without ever owning a property. Donna Bauer—The Original NoteBuyer®—will break down how to buy, sell, and cash-flow mortgage notes to create passive income and long-term wealth. Learn how to find great deals, structure profitable transactions, and eliminate the common struggles of traditional real estate investing.
spotlight session
Hindsight is 20/20: What We’d Do Differently in Our Toughest Deals
SPOTLIGHT SESSION (PANEL DISCUSSION)
Thu, Apr 24 | 8:00–8:45 AM
Monroe Room
Every investor has deals they wish they could redo—some were learning experiences, others were just painful. In this eye-opening and candid session, experienced investors reflect on their toughest deals, biggest missteps, and what they would do differently if given the chance. Learn how to avoid costly pitfalls, make smarter decisions, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for success. Expect honest stories, hard-earned insights, and plenty of laughs in this can’t-miss session.
breakouts and panel discussions
Strength in Numbers: A Guide to Real Estate Syndications
PANEL DISCUSSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 8:00–9:00 AM
River Overlook AB
Discover how real estate syndications allow investors to pool resources, structure deals, and scale portfolios through partnerships.
So You Want to Sell...Now What? Smart Moves for Savvy Investors (Panel Discussion)
PANEL DISCUSSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 1:15–2:45 PM
River Overlook CD
Selling a property is more than just closing a deal—it’s about executing the right exit strategy to maximize returns and support your long-term goals. Whether you’re cashing out for retirement, reinvesting for growth, or building generational wealth, this session will explore smart, strategic moves to ensure your sale sets you up for lasting success.
Deal or No Deal: When to Buy and When to Walk Away (Panel Discussion)
PANEL DISCUSSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 8:00–9:00 AM
River Overlook CD
Deal… or No Deal?
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Jumping into real estate investing can feel overwhelming—how do you know if a deal is right for you? In this panel discussion, experienced investors will break down the essential factors new investors need to consider before making a purchase. From analyzing deals and avoiding common mistakes to understanding financing options and market trends, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to confidently take the next step in your investing journey.
Funding Made Simple: Financing Solutions for Real Estate Entrepreneurs
BREAKOUT SESSION
Fri, Apr 25 | 8:00–9:00 AM
River Overlook EF
Discover financing options that fit your investment strategy. From traditional loans to creative funding, this session simplifies the path to securing capital and structuring deals with confidence.
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This session is brought to you by our 2025 Presenting Sponsor Boathouse Commercial Funding Group.