2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference Recap: Two Days of Connection, Insight, and Opportunity

More than 300 real estate investors, housing providers, and industry professionals from across the Midwest gathered in Grand Rapids for the 2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, held April 24–25 at DeVos Place. With 50 sponsors and two full days of sessions, networking, and deal-making, this year’s conference delivered on its promise to help investors strengthen their portfolios and grow their networks in a shifting market.

A Standout Keynote and Exclusive VIP Experience

The event opened with a powerful keynote from David Greene, real estate expert, bestselling author, and host of The David Greene Show (formerly of BiggerPockets). Greene’s presentation, The 10 Ways You Make Money in Real Estate, set the tone for the conference with unfiltered insight drawn from his journey from police officer to investor and entrepreneur.

Attendees seeking a deeper dive joined the VIP Dinner Experience—an intimate, sold-out event offering direct access to Greene for strategy discussions and candid conversation. For many, it was a rare opportunity to connect one-on-one with one of real estate’s most respected voices.

New This Year: Opening Night Social

The conference officially kicked off with the Opening Night Social at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel—a brand-new addition and the official welcome event for attendees. With complimentary appetizers, refreshments, and a relaxed atmosphere, the evening quickly became a highlight. Investors, speakers, and sponsors connected in a more personal setting, picked up their conference materials early, and set the tone for two productive days ahead.

Actionable Education and Expert Perspectives

Across two packed days, attendees explored everything from tax strategies and syndication structures to self-storage, land deals, and passive income through note investing. Sessions featured well-known educators and practitioners including Lee Yoder, Scott Ellsworth, Seth Williams, Joe Varnadore, Tyler Cauble, Tony Youngs, Donna Bauer, and Jay Conner, alongside engaging panels on syndications, deal evaluation, and exit planning.

Economist Paul Isely closed the event with an in-depth Economic Update and Forecast for 2025, providing data-driven clarity on regional and national market trends.

Community, Sponsors, and Momentum

The conference floor buzzed with energy throughout the Exhibitor Showcase, featuring more than 50 sponsors and partners offering services, lending solutions, and industry insights tailored to investors and housing providers. Networking sessions and the popular Deal Room helped attendees turn ideas into actionable opportunities.

The Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference continues to strengthen RPOAM’s mission to educate, connect, and empower housing providers statewide. Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or spoke at this year’s event—your participation drives the growth of our industry and community.

Mark your calendar—the 2026 Conference returns to Grand Rapids on April 27–28, 2026.

See highlights from the 2025 Conference in our photo gallery.