Mike Carlson

Businessman • Entrepreneur • Real Estate Expert

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About Mike

Mike Carlson has spent over two decades specializing in investment real estate.  He is an expert in wealth building through strategic income-property investment and is the Founder, President & Principal Broker of Realty Yield.


Mike has been the lead broker and advisor on several-hundred million dollars’ worth of real estate transactions.  Mike also invests in the properties he recommends, often alongside (jointly) with his clients. Mike has developed a variety of proprietary financial-investment analysis tools used by his firm, private investors and real estate service professionals.

Mike started his real estate career on the financing (mortgage) side in the late 1990’s and joined a regional commercial-investment real estate firm in 2002.  In 2003, he followed his entrepreneur spirit and founded The Carlson-Johnston Group with a continued focus on income-property brokerage and mortgage financing.  In 2007, Mike spun off from The Carlson Johnston Group and established The Carlson Company as its sole principal to allow more time to work one-on-one with clients.  In October 2011, Mike Carlson Companies began conducting its professional real estate activities under the business name REALTY YIELD.

His professional history includes positions in the technology field (IBM, Motorola), various small business endeavors; and since 1998, a full-time focus in the investment real estate and finance arena.

Born Michael David Carlson on January 11, 1963 in San Jose, California. Carlson demonstrated a natural talent for athletics, academics and business early in his childhood. Mike started his first business in 1974, (age 11) tying fishing flies and selling to both individuals and regional sporting good stores.  During his youth and teens, Mike balanced and excelled in academics, athletics and work/business. By age 15, Carlson had started to file his own tax returns.

Mike has a B.S., Oregon State University, 1985 (areas of study – applied mathematics and marketing).

His father David worked as a marketing and sales executive with IBM, Tektronix and Mentor Graphics before retiring in 1990. His mother, Ludye was an elite swimmer, homemaker and State of Oregon employee before retiring in 2002. Mike has a son and daughter.  His son Cory joined Realty Yield in 2016. His daughter Madison also joined Realty Yield in 2020.

Mike is the very definition of the modern-day entrepreneur demanding that one's vocation and avocation not need be mutually exclusive. He is personally involved in everything that his name represents.

Mike currently resides (splits time) between Portland and Bend, Oregon.  In his idle time, Mike enjoys getting outside (skiing, hiking, fishing) and spending time with family and friends.

Mike Carlson

Founder, President & Principal Real Estate Broker
Testimonials

Client Testimonials

All Testimonials
Mike Carlson has the ability to analyze and plan a strategy which takes advantage of market conditions, incorporates the best financing options and most importantly, maximizes the return on your equity. Mike is the real deal, honest, trustworthy and highly capable. I am happy to recommend him to anyone looking for assistance with their multi-family portfolio.
Gary M
2003 ~ Current
For anyone with real estate investments, Mike Carlson’s services are a necessity in order to achieve top results. Mike Carlson is very astute and knowledgeable in not only all aspects of real estate investment and wealth management but also in a wide scope business matters in general.
Lynn L
2005 ~ Current
Mike Carlson and his company are great - very professional, experienced and comfortable to work with. Mike’s analysis and technical abilities is top drawer! He knows how to evaluate portfolios and properties to determine the best investment strategy. Mike Carlson’s brokerage and negotiation skills are very polished and effective. Make no mistake about it; there is a distinct advantage in utilizing an experienced financing liaison. Carlson not only found good properties but also good financing. He made the entire deal work!
John B
2003 ~ Current
Mike has been what I was looking for in a commercial realtor. He has the unique ability to apply financial numbers to a project and not let the emotions of a property cloud the analysis. Working with Mike has always been about good communication and he does a great job. When you do finally find a property worth pursuing he is not pressuring you to make the offer and get the commission. It’s more about the long-term relationship. He reassured me that if he does a good job on this deal I will probably be back for more and sure enough I am in the hunt again.
Clinton L
2008 ~ Current
We were so pleased with Mike’s handling of the sale, purchase and financing of our real estate that we referenced Mike as a contact for our children and our attorney if we should die and the children were to be left with the apartments. We knew that Mike would be honorable and not take advantage of them in settling our real estate holdings.
L Family LLC
2004 ~ Current
I worked with Madison prior to her role at Realty Yield. Her drive and passion has always been evident in everything that she does. She truly is invested in her job and clients best interests. I would highly encourage anyone in need of guidance and expertise in investment real estate to consider Madison and the Realty Yield team.
Austin W
I was impressed with Cory’s ability to communicate and execute the sale of our duplex in pre-foreclosure with a very tight timeframe. He was respectful, professional and really made the transaction a pleasurable experience for my family.
Kendra
February 2019
Cory Carlson was instrumental in the acquisition of our fourplex. His analysis skills, professionalism and productive communication while searching for our investment provided my wife and I confidence through the entire process. His connection with local lenders and understanding of the principles of finance prove Cory really is your one-stop investment broker and advisor.
Jason & Katie I
January 2019