Graham Stephan Review: Real Estate Investing Program, Testimonials, & Alternatives

How To Realistically Get Rich in Your 20s According to Graham Stephan

• Build and Maintain a Good Credit Score: A good credit score opens doors to better financial opportunities. Millennials should improve their credit scores early to enjoy credit opportunities and rewards in the future.
• Gain Diverse Job Experience: Explore different job opportunities in your 20s and develop a broad skill set. This experience is valuable for future career advancements or entrepreneurial ventures.
• Choose a Scalable Career or Business: Pick a job or business that doesn’t limit your earnings. Choose a career in sales or a business that you can grow in the future.
• Develop Multiple Income Streams: Diversify your income sources in your 20s. Invest in stocks or real estate, have at least one side hustle, and start a new business.
• Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: Increase your income without increasing your living expenses. Maintain a low-cost lifestyle to increase your savings. This will help you grow your wealth rather than growing your expenses.
• Invest Early and Consistently: Take advantage of compound interest by investing in your 20s. Focus on investments that yield long-term profit like index funds.
• Live Below Your Means and Save: Focus on reducing expenses and increasing savings. Use tools like budgeting apps to track spending and identify areas for saving.

What are the 5 Money Mistakes Millennials Make According To Graham

1. Many millennials delay investing or don’t invest at all. They miss out on the power of compound interest over time.
2. Millennials increase their spending as they begin to earn more, usually on non-essential items like shoes and gadgets.
3. Some millennials accrue high-interest debts, like credit cards and student loans. These debts accumulate in the future, making them much harder to pay off.
4. Another common money mistake among millennials is not building their credit score early. Low credit score could make it harder for them to secure loans like for home or car.
5. Spending too much on items that quickly depreciate like houses and cars could lead to cash flow challenges in the future.

What’s not mentioned in the video: The average credit score in the US in 2023 was 715. The average millennial debt was around $115,784 in 2022, a 14.7% increase from 2021. This debt includes credit card balances, which reached $1.08 trillion in 2023

Who is Graham Stephan?

Graham Stephan is a real estate investor, YouTuber, and personal finance educator. He educates followers on personal finance and real estate investing in his YouTube channel. Aside from his main 2016 YouTube channel, he also has “The Graham Stephan Show” and “The Iced Coffee Hour” channels. He has gained a large following for his straightforward and engaging way of explaining complex topics.

Straight out of highschool, Graham worked as a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker. He sold luxury houses in Beverly Hills, CA for almost 7 years. While working as a real estate agent, he invested in his first multi-unit property. Graham eventually went to work as a realtor for The Oppenheim Group and sold over $130 million in residential and commercial properties. Graham Stephan’s net worth is currently estimated at $27 million.

What is Bankroll Coffee?

Bankroll Coffee is a business started by Graham Stephan to sell affordable coffee directly to his fans and followers. The idea is to offer coffee that costs less than what you usually find in stores, which fits with Graham’s advice on how to save money. He started this business to further monetize on his growing channel and follower base.

Is Graham Stephan Legit?

Yes, Graham Stephan is 100% legit. He’s a verified real estate investor, entrepreneur, and personal finance educator with an estimated net worth of over $27 million. He built his career through real estate sales, YouTube growth, and diversified investments, not overnight schemes. While his reputation took a temporary hit during the FTX sponsorship scandal, Graham addressed the issue publicly and continues to produce transparent, educational content. His proven track record, consistent uploads, and multiple successful ventures confirm his credibility as one of the most trusted financial educators online.

What is Graham Stephan’s Real Estate Agent Academy?

Graham Stephan’s Real Estate Agent Academy is a 9-module in-depth course for those eager to enter the real estate industry. Success demands dedication, discipline, and a strategic mindset. You will learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of realtors, the importance of choosing the right market, and the steps for obtaining a real estate license. Graham also shares valuable insights on joining a brokerage, effective lead generation techniques, and the nuances of working with both buyers and sellers.

This course is not just about selling properties, but mastering a career that thrives on personal interaction, market knowledge, and continuous learning. Graham Stephan’s Real Estate Agent Academy costs $497 and is only available through Teachable.

Real Estate Agent Academy Modules

Module 1: Why Real Estate and Who Can Become A Real Estate Agent

This module discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a career in real estate. It sets realistic expectations and explains the traits needed to succeed in the industry. Graham also emphasizes the importance of mindset for newcomers, encouraging belief in one’s potential to succeed despite challenges.

Module 2: Getting Your Real Estate License

Graham outlines the requirements for obtaining a real estate license, including age and educational prerequisites. He recommends online courses for convenience and effectiveness. He also recommends selecting a reputable school. The module also covers the examination process and the importance of preparation through study guides and crash courses.

Module 3: How To Join A Real Estate Brokerage

This module explains the role of a real estate brokerage and the differences between agents and brokers. It provides guidance on choosing the right brokerage, focusing on cultural fit, support, and potential for growth within the company. Graham stresses the importance of interviewing brokerages to find the best match and discusses commission structures.

Module 4: How To Start Your Career

Graham suggests starting as an assistant to gain firsthand experience and learn the business thoroughly. This module covers the basics of setting up for success, including necessary tools and professional appearance. It also discusses strategies for entering the luxury real estate market.

Module 5: Getting Leads & Business

Focused on lead generation, this module presents various methods for finding potential clients, including networking, open houses, online listings, and more. Graham emphasizes the importance of follow-up and persistence in converting leads into clients.

Module 6: Working With Sellers

This module teaches how to effectively work with sellers to list and sell their properties. It covers pricing strategies, minor home improvements to enhance marketability, and the importance of professional photography. Graham also discusses how to handle common seller objections and the negotiation process.

Module 7: Working With Buyers

Graham provides insights into the buyer’s side of transactions, including how to understand and meet buyers’ needs, the importance of pre-qualification, and strategies for showing properties. The module also covers negotiation tactics specific to buyers and how to manage expectations.

Module 8: Working With Lease Clients

Graham discusses the specifics of working with lease clients. He shares strategies for building a leasing clientele, the benefits of this market segment, and long-term relationship management.

Module 9: Tax Planning & Final Thoughts

The final module covers financial management for real estate agents. There is a focus on tax planning and the importance of a good CPA. Graham shares tips on balancing work and vacation, preparing for the future of the industry, and leveraging personal networks for sustained success

What is Graham Stephan’s YouTube Creator Academy?

Graham Stephan’s YouTube Creator Academy was an extensive 13-module course designed to turn beginner YouTubers into proficient content creators. The course covers the essentials from selecting a niche and planning videos to choosing the right equipment and producing engaging content. Students were taught effective strategies for organic growth and hacks to significantly boost ad revenue. The training was based on Graham’s firsthand experience of what truly works in today’s YouTube environment.. The course was priced at $484 and came with a 30-day full refund policy. This course is no longer sold.

What are the Reviews for Graham Stephan?

Reviews for Graham have been overwhelmingly positive prior to the issues with FTX Trading. FTX was a recurring sponsor of Graham’s YouTube channel in 2022. After journalist discovered fraudulent practices of the owner, Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to repay $11 billion. As Graham promoted FTX to his subscribers, he was put under fire. He lost a lot of core followers and suffered a damaged reputation. Other finance content creators, such as Andrei Jikh, Jaspreet Singh of ‘Minority Mindset’, Brian Jung, Jeremy Lefebvre, Tom Nash and Ben Armstrong, also promoted FTX and were affected.

Redditor LongRicksShortVix complained that Graham made a lot of money by promoting FTX while his followers who followed his advice got nothing. Other comments on this Reddit thread pointed out that Graham claimed he did thorough research before promoting FTX. Now his followers question if you can trust Graham’s financial advice after what happened.

BigNoseMcGhee commented on a Reddit post that Graham’s content has become repetitive. He also complained about the clickbait video titles and thumbnails. Others also commented that Graham’s content has been repetitive and basic.

Graham is very active on social media, Reddit included, and often replies and addresses complaints. He admitted that his videos have become repetitive and basic. Graham explained that the reason for this is that his target audience are beginners who have limited knowledge rather than his long term followers. This is one of the reasons his channel grew very fast.

Top 10 Lessons I Learned From Graham

1. Thoughts On Paying Higher Taxes - Joe Biden Response: Graham discusses President Biden’s tax proposal, which increases taxes for those earning over $400K annually. He emphasizes the importance of using these taxes effectively and transparently, ensuring benefits for everyone. Graham hopes that government spending will be audited to assess the cost-benefit ratio, making it easier to decide on necessary expenditures.
2. Why Rich People Are Cheap: According to a survey by Fidelity, most millionaires are self-made and come from middle-class or poor backgrounds. They’ve reached their financial status by being frugal, not just wealthy. Graham highlights that rich people often save more, invest wisely, and use coupons more frequently than lower-income earners, suggesting that being ‘cheap’ can be a pathway to accumulating wealth.
3. Why The Middle Class Are Financially Ruined: Graham analyzes why the middle class struggles financially, focusing on high expenses in housing, transportation, and inadequate savings. He offers practical tips like ‘house hacking,’ buying affordable cars, and using employer-sponsored retirement plans to improve financial stability.
4. Why Millennials Aren’t Buying Homes: Millennials face barriers like high student debt and stagnant wage growth, which hinder their ability to buy homes. Graham points out that young people prefer the flexibility of renting, especially in big cities where career opportunities are concentrated, reflecting a shift in lifestyle and financial priorities.
5. How To Retire Early From Real Estate Investing: Graham shares his strategy for achieving financial independence through real estate investing. He advises on saving for down payments, investing in multi-unit properties, and doing simple renovations to increase property value. This approach helps generate rental income that covers expenses, paving the way for early retirement.
6. Real Estate Investing For Beginners: Expectation vs. Reality: Graham debunks myths about real estate investing, clarifying that it requires initial hard work and isn’t as passive as some might expect. He explains that significant money isn’t made overnight, and success comes from perseverance and dedication over the years.
7. How To Manage Your Money Like The 1%: Graham suggests tracking expenses, creating an emergency fund, taking advantage of employer retirement matches, paying off high-interest debts, and investing in oneself to improve financial management. These steps help build a solid financial foundation, crucial for long-term wealth accumulation.
8. What You MUST Know About Acorns Investing: Graham reviews the investment app Acorns, known for its “Round-Up” feature that invests spare change. He critiques the app’s fees but acknowledges its usefulness for those who prefer a hands-off investment approach. However, he recommends Fidelity for those starting with smaller amounts due to lower fees.
9. How To Get A Perfect Credit Score For $0: Graham outlines steps to achieving a perfect credit score, such as paying bills on time, managing credit utilization, and diversifying credit lines. He stresses the importance of monitoring credit regularly and managing it responsibly to maintain a high score.
10. The Reason Graham Is Single: In this lesson, Graham reflects on his relationship history and the importance of balancing personal and professional life. He advocates for developing personal happiness and fulfillment before seeking a relationship.

Is Investing in Real Estate Worth It?

Real estate investing is definitely worth it as it can create increasing long-term income. However, it is best to have a secure income stream before investing in real estate. There are risks that you need to be aware of or you can lose your money. It often costs a lot of capital to start investing in real estate. It can also be extremely time-consuming. Finding long-term success in real estate requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. Graham emphasizes that success in this field requires more than just a desire for easy money.

Digital Real Estate VS Real Estate

When it comes to digital real estate vs real estate , each has their own distinct advantages. Below is a summary of some of the distinct comparisons:

• Initial Investment - Real estate investing generally requires a lot of money upfront. Buying property or even land can cost hundreds of thousands. Digital real estate has lower starting costs. You might need to pay for a domain name and hosting, which isn’t typically very expensive.
• Maintenance - Real estate investing can be costly and time-consuming to maintain. Taxes, repairs, management fees, and other fees can lead to high operating costs.
• Income Potential - Digital real estate has more options for monetization. You can generate income through ads, selling products, or subscriptions. The income can sometimes be passive. With real estate, you earn when you sell properties or put it up for rent.
• Risk - Digital real estate risk losing traffic or technical issues. The financial loss is often less severe than in real estate.In real estate, market values can fluctuate significantly and properties can be expensive to maintain. There’s also the risk of natural disasters or other damages.
• Liquidity - Selling and transferring of digital real estate is easier as it is all done online. Selling a house or land takes a lot more time and effort. There are also additional costs when transferring ownership.

What are Other Real Estate Investing Courses in the Market?

• Springboard to Wealth by Thach Nguyen teaches you how to build long-term wealth through real estate using his proven strategies for buying, renovating, and scaling rental properties. The program emphasizes mindset, goal-setting, and financial freedom while combining personal development with practical investing tactics suitable for beginners and seasoned investors alike.
• 90 Day Rental Roadmap by Blake Choisnet focuses on helping new investors buy their first rental property within three months. Blake breaks down everything from financing and market research to property management and scaling to multiple units. It’s a step-by-step program designed for busy professionals who want to create steady cash flow through real estate.
• Epic Real Estate by Matt Theriault teaches investors how to generate passive income through creative real estate strategies like wholesaling, flipping, and buy-and-hold rentals. The course also includes a podcast and coaching resources, making it a great option for anyone who wants to master multiple income streams in real estate.

Final Verdict: Is Graham Stephan’s Strategies Worth the Investment?

Graham Stephan’s strategies are worth the investment for individuals serious about financial literacy, real estate, and long-term wealth building. His courses like Real Estate Agent Academy and YouTube Creator Academy distill years of firsthand experience into actionable lessons on how to build multiple income streams and manage money responsibly. Graham’s step-by-step guidance, practical insights, and relatable approach make his training ideal for beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs. However, success in his methods requires consistency and hard work. They’re not “get rich quick” systems.

If you’re looking for a lower-risk, more passive business model, local lead generation is the better alternative. It produces higher profit margins, requires minimal maintenance, and creates scalable digital assets that generate recurring income without the stress of clients, tenants, or algorithm changes.

Is Local Lead Gen Better Than Traditional Real Estate Investments?

In my experience, local lead gen is better than traditional real estate investments because you don’t pay property taxes, insurance, or interest is like Jean Valjean’s transformation in Les Misérables where he breaks free from the cycle, creating something lean and lasting. One ranked site can earn steady monthly rent (around $500-$2,000+ per site) without any debt. It’s digital ownership without banks, loans, or costly physical assets dragging you down. Unlike the high maintenance expenses you incur from traditional real estate, local lead gen quietly generates leads without constant fixes. You’re not managing tenants or repairs, just updating content occasionally. Lead gen feels truly passive because your property is online, not something that breaks or ages over time. Plus, property values rise and fall, but digital assets only grow as you rank. You’re not tied to local housing markets or interest rates. Even if one niche slows, you can build another site in days. It’s flexible and recession-resistant compared to volatile real estate cycles.

Why Local Lead Generation is the Best Source of Passive Income

Local lead generation is the best source of passive income because it requires minimal upfront costs and maintenance and delivers faster, recurring cash flow from digital properties you fully control. For instance, my lead gen site Glendale Quality Windows 430 West Cypress Street Glendale, California 91204 818-722-9919 https://www.glendalequalitywindows.com/ brought in 14 new leads worth $38,591 to my long-term client. I earned $3,859.10 for a 10% commission in under a month even without going out to look for high-potential properties.

One huge advantage local lead generation has over real estate investment is its scalability. You only need to repeat the rank and rent process to scale. There is no limit to how many sites you can have rented. This leads to local lead generation being the best business model to create time and financial freedom in 2025.