Why We Launched the Mentorship Program (And Why We're Sharing the Whole Playbook)
Sep 11, 2026 · 20 min · 9 segments
Most high earners are stuck paying 40% in taxes year after year, trading time for money, and wondering if there's actually another way. There is. We know because we lived the exact same story. In…
Most high earners are stuck paying 40% in taxes year after year, trading time for money, and wondering if there's actually another way. There is. We know because we lived the exact same story. In this episode, I sit down with my co-founder Liz to share the real origin story behind STR Like The Best, why we left investment banking and a fashion career to build a 30+ property portfolio, and what finally convinced us to start teaching everything we know. This isn't a pitch. It's the behind-the-scenes conversation we've been meaning to have, covering 9 years of building, the early mistakes we made, and the four core values that drive every decision we make today. We break down: **How a single Queens apartment generating $5,000 a month in cash flow changed everything in 2016** **Why Liz and I left high-paying corporate careers to go all-in on short-term rentals** **The real reason we launched the mentorship program and why we don't just keep the playbook to ourselves** **The 4 core values behind every decision at STR Like The Best: family first, long-term thinking, numbers not feelings, and responsibility to our community** **Student success stories: from a stay-at-home mom launching her first STR to Julie and Andy scaling to 18 Airbnbs in Dallas** **The bigger vision for what STR Like The Best is becoming: a holistic wealth community covering tax planning, estate planning, and investing mindset** The bottom line: Real estate is the tool, but the goal has always been the same. Build a life where family comes first and the money works for you, not the other way around. LEARN MY STR INVESTING & STRATEGIES 🔥 https://strlikethebest.com/wealthpod Apply to work with Michael: https://strlikethebest.com/applypod Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelchangbnb Track your STR hours the right way. STR Tax Loophole is our time tracking app built specifically for short-term rental investors. Document your qualifying activities, maintain clean records, and simplify your STR tax qualification. Start your free trial at https://www.thestrtaxloophole.com/
Most high earners are stuck paying 40% in taxes year after year, trading time for money, and wondering if there's actually another way. There is. We know because we lived the exact same story. In…
