Why I Left Hollywood for Real Estate with Michael Jacobs

Weiss Advice

Weiss Advice
Why I Left Hollywood for Real Estate with Michael Jacobs
Sep 01, 2025 Season 1 Episode 442

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What happens when a Hollywood producer trades movie sets for multifamily properties? Michael Jacobs, founder of Mar Vista Entertainment (sold to Fox Studios), shares his transition from 25 years in entertainment to building a vertically integrated real estate empire in Pittsburgh. 

[00:01 - 08:05] From Hollywood Producer to Real Estate Investor

  • Built Mar Vista Entertainment from a 2003 business plan to Fox Studios acquisition
  • Specialized in $5M-and-under movie production for Netflix, Disney Channel, Lifetime
  • The decision to transition away from Hollywood's demanding travel schedule
  • Started with three duplexes to test the rental market in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill

[08:06 - 15:40] Building a Vertically Integrated Real Estate Business

  • How frustration with general contractors led to building an in-house construction team
  • The challenge of 100-year-old infrastructure: cast iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiring
  • Expanding from rental properties to becoming one of Pittsburgh's premier design-build firms
  • Why complete gut renovations became the standard approach for old housing stock

[15:41 - 22:10] The "Singles and Doubles" Business Philosophy

  • Why avoiding the pressure for home runs and grand slams builds sustainable businesses
  • The danger of social media hype and "get rich quick" mentalities
  • How to test, measure, and scale gradually while watching the numbers
  • Balancing tenant satisfaction with property upgrades to reduce turnover

[22:11 - 28:40] Final Four & Building for the Future

  • Worst job: Cleaning motel rooms for $6/hour time-and-a-half on Sundays
  • Paradigm-shifting book: "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell
  • Skill to learn: Guitar (joining the ranks of aspiring musical entrepreneurs)
  • Success definition: Providing for family and keeping nine children and two grandchildren happy

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://marvistadb.com
LinkedIn:
Michael Jacobs 

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Tweetable Quotes:

"The numbers drive everything at the end of the day. " - Michael Jacobs

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