The Active Duty Passive Income Podcast
The military taught us discipline, leadership, and resilience—but it never taught us how to build wealth or create true financial freedom. That’s where we come in.
I’m Markian Sich, a United States Marine turned real estate investor, and I know firsthand how tough it can be to figure out what’s next after service. That’s why I started The Active Duty Passive Income Podcast—to bring you real stories, real strategies, and real success from military investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts who’ve been where you are.
We talk about leveraging your VA Loan, Military House Hacking, and proven investing strategies to help you build passive income, transition with confidence, and take control of your financial future.
You’ve fought hard to defend the American Dream—now let’s make sure you own a piece of it. Subscribe now and start your journey to financial freedom!
Episodes
387 episodes
Hard Work Gets You Paid. It Doesn't Get You Free | Ep 393
Hard work gets you paid.It doesn't get you free.Those are two completely different destinations — and most military families spend 20 years chasing the first one wondering why the second one never shows up.In this video I b...
VA loan is either your wealth tool or it's your biggest miss | Ep 392
You’re Not Behind… You’re Just Using the VA Loan WrongMost military members don’t have an income problem.They have a strategy problem.In this solo episode, Markian breaks down why the VA loan is either your biggest wealt...
You don't need more information. You need a plan.
Show Summary:In this solo episode, Markian cuts straight to the point: if you're still consuming content but haven't taken action on your first (or next) real estate deal, you don't have an information problem — you have a plan probl...
How I Bought a 56-Unit Apartment Complex as an Active Duty Marine (Now Pays Me $3,500/Month)
In this episode, Markian shares the story of his first commercial deal.It’s a 56-unit apartment complex outside Indianapolis.It still pays him $3,500 a month.It pays his parents $7,000 a month.This isn’t a get rich q...
He Walked Away at 12 Years… Because the “Safe Path” Was a Trap
He Walked Away After 12 Years… Here’s Why It Paid OffMike Goering on Sunk Cost, Multifamily, and Community-First Investing | ADPI PodcastIn this episode of the Active Duty Passive Income (ADPI) Podcast, Mike Goering shares the r...
From Military Service to Financial Freedom: Seneca Peña-Collazo on Real Estate, Reputation, and Building the Right Team
From Military Service to Financial Freedom: Seneca Peña-Collazo on Real Estate, Reputation, and Building the Right TeamIn this episode of the ADPI Podcast, Seneca Peña‑Collazo shares his full journey—from growing up in Phil...
From Trailer Park Rock Bottom to $60M in Mobile Home Parks (Marine Veteran Story)
In this powerful episode of the ADPI Podcast, Markian Sich sits down with Marine Corps veteran, ADPI Hero, and mobile home park investor Joe Jackson for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations we’ve ever had.Joe shares his...
Why Veterans Are Made for Real Estate (And No One Tells Them)
Guests: Trey Stone & Ian StapletonHosts: Markian Sich & Eric UpchurchReal estate investor Trey Stone and digital entrepreneur Ian Stapleton reveal how they built massive wealth through multifami...
From $1K to Financial Freedom: How I Went From Paycheck-to-Paycheck Overseas to Set for Life with Darren Thedieck | Ep 385
Starting With $1K: Military Discipline, Investing Smarts & Defining a Rich Life with Darren IckIn this episode of the ADPI Podcast, host Markian Sich sits down with Air Force veteran and long-time investor Darren Thedieck, who...
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I Lost $50K on My First Flip… Now ADUs Are My Freedom Plan With Mark Brookman | Ep 384
From Marine Raider to ADU Builder: Finding Freedom, Purpose, and a New Mission with Mark BrookmanIn this powerful episode, Markian sits down with Marine Corps veteran and real estate investor Mark Brookman to unpack the par...
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The Army’s ‘Perfect Soldier’ Walked Away — and Built His Own Empire with Cheyenne Wachtendorf | Ep 383
Markian sits down with Cheyenne Wachtendorf, a new ADPI member whose path runs from military service to creative deals—live-in flips, seller finance—and a 106-acre VA loan purchase. Cheyenne shares the mindset behind taking cal...
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From Zero to Fourplex—How I Bought My First Property Sight Unseen With Landon Fillmore | Ep 382
From ROTC to Real Estate: Landon Fillmore's Journey of Investments and IdentityIn this episode, host Mark chats with Landon Fillmore, a member of the military community who has successfully navigated his way into real estate investing. L...
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Bitcoin Is Not a Scam – But Your Bank Might Be with Tim & Seneca | Ep 381
Blockchain and Real Estate: A Deep Dive with ADPI ExpertsIn this engaging episode of the ADPI podcast, host Tim Kelly chats with Seneca Peña Colazo about the intersection of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and real estate investing. T...
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Subject-To is LEGAL?! The Strategy Agents Don't Want You to Know with Adam Catledge | Ep 380
Uncovering Creative Financing: A Deep Dive with Adam CatledgeIn this episode, we welcome Adam Catledge, a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, to demystify the complexities of creative financing in real estate. Known fo...
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From Naval Academy to Million-Dollar Multifamily—Before 25 with Rob Pekarek | Ep 379
In this high-energy episode, Markian interviews Rob Pekarek, a Naval Academy graduate and active-duty Air Force officer, who shares his inspiring journey in real estate investing while serving in the military. Rob discusses his initial steps in...
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From Broke Military Spouse to Airbnb Empire: $20K Saved With PCS Hack - Kaitlyn Dannhardt | Ep 378
In this episode of the ADPI Podcast, host Markian Sich sits down with powerhouse military spouse, real estate investor, and soon-to-be author Kaitlyn Dannhardt, who reveals the wildly creative strategies that turned a broke PCS move into...
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The #1 Mistake That Could Get You Sued in Real Estate Syndication with Mauricio Rauld | Ep 377
In this episode, Markian dives deep into the world of real estate syndication with legal expert Mauricio Rauld. The conversation starts with an informal introduction and segues into Mauricio's extensive background in syndication and securities ...
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The 2% Comeback: The Backyard Loophole Investors Miss With Thach Nguyen | Ep 376
Markian sits down with Thach Nguyen to blend mindset and tactics for today’s market—how military precision can become analysis paralysis (and how to beat it), why rapport is the real negotiation edge, and the ADU/DADU playbook<...
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The VA Loan Is a CHEAT CODE—And Most Vets Are Wasting It with Michael Mnatsakanian | Ep 374
From VA Loan House Hack to $22M Portfolio with Michael MnatsakanianIn this episode of the ADPI podcast, host Markian Sich sits down with Michael Mnatsakanian, a military veteran who turned a single VA loan house hack into a real e...
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The Real Reason You’re Not Closing Deals with John Rubino | Ep 373
Navigating Real Estate and Military Transition with John RabinoIn this episode of the ADPI podcast, the host welcomes an esteemed guest, John Rabino, who shares his captivating journey from his military service to becoming a succe...
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From Rat-Infested Wreck to $500K Profit: Her Wildest Flip Yet with Erica Lehmkuhl | Ep 372
Navigating Real Estate and Life Challenges with Erica Lehmkuhl In this episode, Markian welcomes Erica Lehmkuhl, a retired Army First Sergeant and successful real estate broker in Hawaii. Erica shares her vast experience in r...
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Why Most Capital Raisers Fail and How to Never Be One of Them with Markian Sich | Ep 371
Unlocking Capital Raising: Strategies and Mindsets for SuccessIn this solo episode of the ADPI Podcast, the host delves into the art of capital raising. Starting off with the importance of putting in consistent efforts and trackin...
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Lost $300K, then Built a Million-Dollar Business While Still Active Duty with Travis Salley | Ep 370
From Military Service to Financial Mastery: Travis’s Journey of Entrepreneurship In this episode, host Markian Sich interviews Travis Salley, a military officer and entrepreneur, about his journey of navigating both the milit...
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From Homeless to Homeowner: Ted Canto Shares a Powerful Story of Resilience and Real Estate | Ep 369
Navigating Real Estate and Mortgages with Ted Canto In this episode of the Active Duty Passive Income Podcast, Marky sits down with Ted Canto, a seasoned entrepreneur, loan officer, and mortgage expert, to dive deep into fina...
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From Rental Scam to Real Estate Goldmine: How Trevor Turned a Fraud Call into a Fortune | Ep 368
Navy Vet Cracks the Code on Low-Maintenance Real Estate (While Others Struggle with Problem Tenants)Navy veteran Trevor Mathena didn't just stumble into real estate success—he engineered it. In this episode, discover how Trevor built a ...
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