Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group || Kansas City, Missouri
Hi everyone! It's Michael Gortenburg here in Kansas City, and every fall I make a point of getting back into a few fall self-care habits before the days get shorter and everyone's calendar fills up. The change in season always sneaks up on me, and if I don't build in a little intention early, my …
Hi everyone! It's Michael Gortenburg here! Every summer, I get the same question about summer side hustles from friends, tenants, and people around Kansas City. What's a good way to make some extra cash over the summer? It's a fair question. The days are longer, the weather cooperates, and there's an itch to hustle a …
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Hi everyone! It's Michael Gortenburg here. If you're looking for summer staycation tips, focusing on the amenities guests love most is a great place to start. Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel, but many people are choosing to stay closer to home and enjoy relaxing getaways nearby. For hosts, that …
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Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to play a bigger role across nearly every industry, and many real estate entrepreneurs are trying to understand how it can actually help their business in practical ways. I think a lot of people hear the term “AI” and immediately assume it’s something overly …
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Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. Investing in rental properties this year is shaping up to look different from what it did even a few years ago. Market conditions, interest rates, and tenant expectations are all evolving, which means investors need to be more intentional than ever. If you’re thinking about getting started or expanding …
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Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. Passive income is one of the most misunderstood concepts in personal finance. Scroll through social media, and you’ll see promises of effortless cash flow, overnight success, and “set it and forget it” systems. The reality looks different. Passive income isn’t a magic trick. It’s a mindset built on patience, …
Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. An emergency fund is one of the most important parts of a strong financial foundation. It is money set aside for unexpected expenses, which can include medical bills, car repairs, home issues, or a sudden loss of income. It is NOT for vacations, shopping, or planned expenses. Keeping this …
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Hi everyone, it’s Michael Gortenburg here! For many first-time buyers, purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions they will ever make. While most new homebuyers focus on the home price and monthly mortgage payment, there are several hidden costs of buying a home that often get overlooked. Understanding these additional homeownership expenses …
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Hi everyone, it’s Michael Gortenburg here. One of the things I enjoy most about winter in Kansas City is how the whole city seems to glow this time of year. As soon as the temperatures drop, KC transforms into a festive mix of twinkling lights, holiday colors, and local traditions that make the season feel …
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Hi everyone, it’s Michael Gortenburg. As the leaves turn and the air cools, Thanksgiving becomes the perfect time to slow down and connect with family, friends, and community. I’ve always believed the best gatherings aren’t about perfection, but about creating warm memories. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few hosting essentials that make Thanksgiving …