On this episode of Let’s REI, host Jamie Stone sits down with Nathanael Opoulos—real estate investor, podcaster, and father—who embodies the phrase do it scared. From overcoming trauma and a job he despised to building systems for podcasting and investing, Nathanael’s story is a blueprint for turning fear into legacy.
Breaking Free from the W-2 Grind
Like many investors, Nathanael’s journey began with dissatisfaction at his day job. Stuck in customer service, he realized he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in a cubicle. That pain became the catalyst for change—leading him into CNC machining, and eventually, real estate.
Doing It Scared: Podcasting as Growth
Nathanael admits he was terrified when he hit record for the first time. But he quickly reframed podcasting as exposure therapy: a way to face fear, build soft skills, and document his journey. Today, with more than 60 episodes of his Pot of Gold Podcast, he’s leaving behind a video legacy for his son and future generations.
Real Estate and the Co-Living Strategy
Beyond podcasting, Nathanael focuses on co-living as a real estate investment model. By converting larger single-family homes into affordable, room-by-room rentals, he provides housing for veterans, service members, and those in need—while building sustainable cash flow.
Systems, Consistency, and Mindset
Balancing a full-time job, a podcast, and real estate isn’t easy. Nathanael credits his success to structured systems—like batching interviews on Fridays—and a relentless commitment to consistency. He believes repetition builds identity: “The more I repeated doing something, the more I began to see myself as that thing.”
Key Takeaways
- Pain can be a powerful catalyst for change.
- Facing fear directly (“do it scared”) leads to growth.
- Podcasting is more than content—it can be a tool for personal development and legacy.
- Co-living creates both impact and cash flow.
- Systems and consistency are non-negotiables for entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Nathanael Opoulos proves that success isn’t about waiting until you’re ready—it’s about starting anyway, messy and scared, and growing along the way. His story is a reminder that building wealth and leaving a legacy is within reach for anyone willing to take the first step.
👉 Listen to the full episode of Let’s REI on YouTube or Spotify.