The Big Mike Fund Podcast: Real Estate Investing with Mike Zlotnik

Invest like a chess master

On this real estate investing podcast, fund manager Mike Zlotnik sits down with investors, fund managers and operators to unpack commercial real estate, passive income and how to adjust your strategy when the market changes.

320+episodes
5.9KYouTube subscribers
2009fund manager since
25+ yrsinvesting in real estate

Watch on YouTube

Real estate investing videos: build wealth without being a landlord

The official channel of Tempo Funding and the Big Mike Fund Podcast: private real estate funds, syndications and passive income strategies for accredited investors.

  • Real estate investing tips for building long-term wealth
  • Investing in commercial real estate without managing property
  • 506(c) funds, retail, industrial, multifamily, self-storage and private lending
  • Diversification, tax-efficient investing and risk management
Tempo Investments with Mike Zlotnik@TempoInvestments
5.9Ksubscribers
886videos
320+podcast episodes
Mike Zlotnik, host of the Big Mike Fund Podcast

Meet your host

Meet Mike Zlotnik, the host they call “Big Mike”

Mike Zlotnik has managed real estate funds since 2009 and has invested in real estate since 2000, after a career as a software executive. Today he runs a range of real estate funds and syndications.

He is known as “Big Mike” for his stature, but more for his integrity and his grasp of the financial side of real estate investing. He helps passive investors build diversified portfolios for predictable income and growth, and shows them how to adjust as conditions change.

A former political refugee from the USSR, Mike holds a mathematics degree from Binghamton University and is a chess master.

  • CEO, Tempo Family of Funds
  • U.S. National Chess Master
  • Collective Genius member
  • Freedom Founders member

For podcast hosts & event organizers

Book Mike Zlotnik for your podcast or event

CEO of TF Management Group LLC·Host of The Big Mike Fund Podcast

Mike Zlotnik, widely known as “Big Mike,” brings more than two decades of experience navigating both bull and bear markets. With a background in mathematics, a passion for chess and a 15-year career in technology, he takes a data-driven, analytical approach to evaluating investments, focused on risk management and return optimization.

A longtime member of top-tier real estate mastermind groups and a frequent speaker at industry events, Mike is known for real-world perspectives on alternative investing. He is the author of How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund.

  • 2000Passive real estate investor since
  • 2009Full-time fund manager since
  • 15 yrsCareer in technology

Booking contact

Email
marketing@tempofunding.com
Web
BigMikeFund.com
Invite Mike to your podcast →

Interview topics

  • The Chess Master’s Approach to InvestingStrategy, risk and patience
  • Investing vs. SpeculationHow smart investors make better decisions
  • Where Are We in the Real Estate Cycle?And what comes next
  • Building Predictable Passive IncomeDuring economic volatility
  • The Tax Advantage Most High Earners IgnoreWhat high-income professionals are missing

Suggested questions

  1. What is your current outlook on the best upcoming investment opportunities in the CRE space?
  2. You left a tech career in 2009 to bet on real estate during the worst crisis in modern history. What did you see that others missed?
  3. Chess masters think ten moves ahead. Most investors react to last quarter. How does that discipline apply to protecting someone’s life savings?
  4. You’ve managed funds through the GFC recovery, COVID and the 2022 rate spike. What almost broke you, and what did it teach you?
  5. Most doctors, engineers and tech executives put money in a 401(k) and hope for the best. What are they missing?
  6. Someone walks in with $200,000 to put to work outside the stock market. What do you tell them before they invest a single dollar?
Show 7 more questionsShow fewer questions
  1. How is 100% bonus depreciation affecting the economy in general and CRE investing?
  2. What are the biggest headwinds and risks you see for the market and economic growth?
  3. You talk openly about deals that go wrong. Why do most fund managers go quiet when things get hard, and what do you do differently?
  4. CRE values are still down from 2022 peaks and volume is low. Is this the moment contrarian investors have been waiting for?
  5. Your book is about the investor’s endgame. In chess, that’s where most players lose. What’s the equivalent mistake investors make?
  6. What does a bad fund manager actually look like, and how would a first-time investor know before it’s too late?
  7. You manage real people’s life savings. What keeps you up at night, and what gives you confidence anyway?
The Endgame Portfolio, a real estate investing book by Mike Zlotnik Coming soon

The new book by Mike Zlotnik

The Endgame Portfolio

Gain the strategic insights of a seasoned investor and chess master to make smarter, more profitable real estate investments.

Retired U.S. National Chess Master·Real Estate Fund Manager·Podcast Host & Author

  • Evaluate opportunities the way a chess master weighs a position
  • Understand risk before you commit capital
  • Think several moves ahead through changing market cycles
  • Build a resilient portfolio for cash flow and long-term freedom
“Mike Zlotnik brings the precision of a chess master to the world of real estate investing.”From the back cover

Be first in line for a copyJoin the early-reader list and we’ll let you know the day The Endgame Portfolio is published.

Reserve my copy →

From our guests

What guests say about the Big Mike Fund Podcast

Talking about ‘Building the Foundation for Success’ on the Big Mike Fund Podcast was a privilege. Mike’s enthusiasm for sharing knowledge made our conversation not only enjoyable but also enriching. It’s a great platform for learning and growth.

Jason MedleyCEO, The Collective Genius

Joining the podcast to discuss ‘Investing in Recession-Resistant Markets’ was an enlightening experience. Mike’s ability to facilitate a deep and engaging discussion around such a timely topic was impressive.

Wendy Sweet & Bill FairmanCarolina Hard Money

FAQ

Questions about the podcast

Quick answers for listeners, future guests and investors.

What is the Big Mike Fund Podcast?

The Big Mike Fund Podcast is a real estate investing show hosted by Mike Zlotnik. Each episode features an investor, fund manager or operator discussing commercial real estate, private equity, passive income and investing through changing market cycles.

Who is Mike Zlotnik?

Mike Zlotnik, known as “Big Mike,” is CEO of TF Management Group LLC. He has invested in real estate since 2000 and has been a full-time fund manager since 2009. He is also a retired U.S. National Chess Master and the author of How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund.

Where can I listen or watch?

Watch full episodes on the Tempo Investments YouTube channel or browse the complete episode archive.

How can I be a guest on the show?

Investors, fund managers and real estate operators can request to be a guest. Tell us about your experience and the topic you’d like to cover.

Can Mike appear on my podcast or speak at my event?

Yes. See the interview topics and suggested questions, then send an invitation or email marketing@tempofunding.com.

What is The Endgame Portfolio?

The Endgame Portfolio is Mike’s upcoming book on applying a chess master’s strategic thinking to real estate investing. Reserve your copy to hear the day it’s published.

From the Tempo blog

Latest real estate investing article

All articles →

The home of the Big Mike Fund Podcast: real estate investing conversations for investors at every level.

Contact

© 2026 TF Management Group, LLC. All rights reserved. · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use

The information on this website does not constitute a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any investment product, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation, or sale of any investment product in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Scroll to Top