Ever wonder what it takes to leap from predicting horse races with neural networks to revolutionizing the home ownership landscape? Frank Rohde, CEO of Onify, joins me, David McIlwain, in a riveting exploration of his unconventional path to innovation. Frank's story is not your average tale; it's a blend of academic rigour, marathon tenacity, and the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that turns ambitious ideas like fractional homeownership into reality. He opens up about the pivotal moments that led him from Germany to the forefront of the U.S. property market, and the relentless drive needed to outpace the 'golden handcuffs' of high-stakes enterprise sales. In our conversation, we dissect the concept of buying a home 'brick by brick,' a model that could bring the dream of homeownership into reach for many. Imagine living in your house with full usage rights, but without the burden of a daunting mortgage hanging over you. This is the potential of fractional homeownership, and Frank walks us through the mechanics. He paints a vivid picture of how first-time buyers can climb the property ladder incrementally, and how investors can diversify their portfolios through OwnerFi, fostering community growth and aligning interests in a way traditional real estate investments rarely do. But it's not all about the money; it's about the people and the communities, the 'missing middle' caught in the crosshairs of financial accessibility and market volatility. We examine the landscape of real estate investment, from FICO scores to tax benefits, and the innovative solutions providing a lifeline to first-time buyers. Frank shares insights into strategic growth in the Southeast's thriving markets and the role of persistence - a quality akin to his marathon running - in overcoming the challenges of innovation within the housing sector. For anyone navigating the complex world of real estate, be it from the investment side or the hunt for a place to call home, this episode is a stride towards financial freedom with Frank's visionary leadership as our pace setter. www.ownify.com Follow David McIlwaine's Socials YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Join my newsletter @ MAC Assets