🧠 Overview

In this powerful episode of The Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek Dombeck sits down with seasoned investor and creative deal-structuring expert Brad Smotherman. Together, they dive into lessons learned from the 2010 foreclosure market, transitioning through market cycles, and how to ethically structure deals using subject-to, owner financing, and lease options. Brad opens up about building a virtual investing company, his personal growth journey, and the value of defining your life beyond the balance sheet.

💡 Key Takeaways

• The difference between a market crash and a return to normalcy

• Why negotiation and deal structure matter more than lead volume

• How to ethically approach subject-to and creative finance deals

• Scaling a virtual investing company across multiple states

• Moving from maximizer to optimizer: redefining success through time freedom

• The "teeter-totter" principle: price vs. terms in negotiations

🎯 Why You Should Listen

This episode is a masterclass in creative real estate investing—especially for those navigating a shifting market. Brad doesn’t just share what worked, he dives deep into why it worked, what to avoid legally and ethically, and how to build a sustainable business that supports your lifestyle goals. If you're a wholesaler, flipper, or landlord trying to sharpen your negotiation or scale virtually, this conversation is full of gold.

📚 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Subject-to deals and ethical considerations

• The importance of third-party closings over “kitchen table deals”

• Real estate market myths vs. facts (inventory levels, DOM)

• Owner financing strategies (including 0% interest examples)

• Building a digital marketing machine for motivated seller leads

• Structuring a business that supports personal values and family time

⏱️ Time Stamps 

• 00:00 – 01:45 — Derek’s introduction and Elite Negotiations Academy shoutout

• 01:46 – 06:20 — Brad’s origin story, real estate start during the foreclosure era

• 06:21 – 10:45 — Shifting markets and seller psychology today

• 10:46 – 14:00 — Creative financing and negotiating seller expectations

• 14:01 – 17:20 — Sub-to best practices and ethical pitfalls

• 17:21 – 20:00 — Options, retirement investing, and title company strategies

• 20:01 – 24:00 — Virtual investing: how Brad scaled nationally

• 24:01 – 27:30 — The real cost of marketing vs. value of negotiation

• 27:31 – 30:00 — Life after success: choosing time over money

• 30:01 – 31:00 — Closing thoughts and Derek’s final message

 

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