Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin sits down with Jesse from Indicate Capital — a seasoned lender with deep experience in construction, commercial mortgage banking, and private real estate finance.

Jesse breaks down how the capital stack really works, what today’s lending environment looks like, and the biggest mistakes investors make when structuring deals. From market insights to risk management, this episode is packed with real-world lessons that can help you fund smarter, negotiate better, and protect your profits.

In this episode we cover:
💰 How private lending works in today’s market
🏗️ What the “capital stack” actually is (and why it matters)
📉 Common mistakes flippers make with budgets + timelines
🏦 How Indicate Capital evaluates deals and manages risk
📈 What types of projects perform best under $1M right now
🧠 How better communication with lenders can save your deal

If you’re a real estate investor, flipper, agent, or anyone looking to understand how money flows through a deal, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to level up your investing strategy.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #PrivateLending #HardMoneyLoans #CapitalStack #RealEstateFinance #DealFunding #FlippingHouses #FixAndFlip #InvestorTips #BusinessStrategy #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #WealthBuilding #RealEstateTips #DenverRealEstate

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin recaps his biggest takeaways from EXPCON 2025 — where the top minds in real estate, investing, and entrepreneurship came together to share what’s working right now.

From agent growth and personal development to leadership and wealth-building strategies, Derek breaks down the mindset shifts and business moves that can help you level up in 2026.

In this episode we cover:
🏗️ Key themes and lessons from EXPCON 2025
💡 How top agents are scaling their teams and personal brands
📈 What’s changing in the real estate market heading into 2026
🧠 The importance of mindset, connection, and continuous learning
🔥 How to take inspiration and turn it into real business growth

If you’re a real estate agent, investor, or entrepreneur looking to sharpen your edge and elevate your business next year, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right now.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #EXPCON2024 #AgentGrowth #MindsetMatters #RealEstateAgents #ScalingYourBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #BusinessStrategy #Networking #WealthBuilding #RealEstateTips #SuccessMindset

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with investor and developer Jordan Cunningham of Cunningham Invest. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real numbers behind his first big investment move — how he bought his primary home, turned it into a rental, and used equity and appreciation to scale into his next property.

We break down the exact figures, financing details, cash flow, and equity strategy that made this deal possible — so you can see how a smart first purchase can become a long-term wealth-building machine.

In this episode we cover:

📍 Purchase price, down payment, and loan structure
📈 Equity growth & how he leveraged it into the next property
💰 Rental income, cash flow, expenses, and returns
🔁 Why keeping the first home became his wealth foundation
🧠 The mindset & strategy behind the move-up investor path

If you're looking to start with your first home or want to understand how everyday buyers build long-term wealth through real estate, this episode gives you the blueprint — with real numbers.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!

Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

Hashtags

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #BRRRRStrategy #DenverRealEstate #HouseFlipping2025 #InvestmentMindset #ScalingYourBusiness #CunninghamInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #ElevationInvesting #EntrepreneurMindset #PassiveIncome #FirstTimeInvestor #RentalProperty #EquityStrategy

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, I’m joined by Jordan Cunningham, founder of Cunningham Invest, to talk all things fix and flip, BRRRR investing, and scaling a real estate business from the ground up. Jordan shares how he transitioned from the corporate world into full-time real estate — and the systems, mindset, and team structure that helped him build a thriving investment company.

Here’s what we cover:

• Jordan’s journey from side hustles to full-time investor
• How he finds and funds his deals in a competitive Denver market
• His strategy for balancing flips, rentals, and private lending
• Lessons learned from market shifts and tough renovations
• Tips for managing contractors and staying on budget
• How to build a team and create repeatable systems for growth
• The mindset shift that separates part-time flippers from pros

We also talk about the importance of mentorship, networking with integrity, and using data to make confident investment decisions in 2025’s evolving market.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
 ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
 ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #BRRRRStrategy #DenverRealEstate #HouseFlipping2025 #InvestmentMindset #ScalingYourBusiness #CunninghamInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #ElevationInvesting #EntrepreneurMindset #PassiveIncome

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics — a full deal analysis of a recent cosmetic flip in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I’m breaking down every number, decision, and lesson from this real project so you can see exactly what worked (and what didn’t) in today’s shifting market.

Here’s what I cover:

The property details and how we sourced the deal

Rehab scope: where we spent, where we saved, and what moved the needle on value

Financing and carrying cost breakdowns

How our pricing strategy evolved as the market shifted mid-flip

The final profit numbers — and the key lessons that will guide our next deal

Why design restraint and timeline management made all the difference

Tips for investors analyzing deals in the $600K–$900K price range in Denver

I also share behind-the-scenes insights into team coordination, contractor relationships, and how to stay disciplined when the market throws curveballs.

Coming up next: a full analysis of a flip that didn’t go as planned — plus lessons learned, and what we’re doing differently to adapt in 2025.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #HouseFlipping2025 #DealAnalysis #WheatRidgeRealEstate #FlipBreakdown #ProfitMargins #DesignStrategy #MarketTrends #SmartInvesting #FlippingHouses #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually driving today’s real estate market — not predictions, not clickbait, but the real market movers.

I’m joined by special guest Rick “The Wizard”, one of Denver’s sharpest real estate minds, to unpack how interest rates, inventory, and buyer psychology are shaping 2025.

We dive into:

The two different markets we’re seeing — entry-level vs. luxury

Why this is not 2008 (and the data to prove it)

How “recency bias” is affecting both buyers and agents

The rise of builder inventory and what that means for investors

The power of perspective — and why normal doesn’t mean bad

Whether you’re an agent, investor, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening — and how to use it to your advantage.

Tune in, take notes, and let’s raise the flipping bar together.

WE ARE HIRING 
Join Us at ELEVATION – Acquisitions Agent Role


I’ve got more off-market leads than my team can handle, and I’m looking for a hungry, driven Acquisitions Agent to step in and close. At ELEVATION, we’ll give you everything you need—consistent deal flow, training, and support. You bring the hustle, follow-up, and ability to turn conversations into contracts. This role should be a $250k+ first-year opportunity with big upside as we grow.



Here’s why this role is different:

Consistent off-market leads and deal flow (100+ per month!)

Rehab, transaction, and sales support so you can focus on closing

A team that values integrity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement

Listen to Raising The Flipping Bar Podcast for a detailed overview of this role. 



If you’re competitive, coachable, and ready to chase deals, I want to hear from you.



👉Apply Now!

Learn more about this opportunity and see all the details here.



APPLY NOW
We’re not just closing deals — we’re building something bigger. Join a team that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates your wins. If you’re ready to level up your career in real estate, I’d love to talk.



Listen now on your favorite platform.
Connect with us:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

Website: elevationinvest.com

Instagram: @elevationinvest

YouTube: @ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateMarket #ElevationInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #RickTheWizard #RealEstateInvesting #MarketInsights #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset #HousingMarket2025

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most fascinating business plays I’ve ever seen — Alex Hormozi’s $100M business model — and how we can apply it directly to real estate investing.

We’re talking about how Hormozi turned five years of focused work into $100M in a single week, and more importantly, how his principles around pricing, scaling, and building leverage can help you build a smarter, more profitable business.

I’ll walk you through what I learned from his $100M Offers, Leads, and Money Models playbooks — and how I’m using them right now inside ELEVATION to improve our operations, our team, and our results.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

The mindset and model behind Hormozi’s $100M empire

How “price anchoring” can be used in real estate offers and listings

Creating offers so good your clients or sellers would be crazy to say no

The 7 real estate business models you can focus on (and which ones actually work)

Why narrowing your focus is the fastest way to grow your business

How we’re building systems, leverage, and freedom using these same frameworks

If you’re an investor, agent, or entrepreneur who wants to stop working in the business and start working on it — this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and let’s raise the flipping bar together.

Connect with me and the ELEVATION team:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

Website: elevationinvest.com

Instagram: @elevationinvest

YouTube: @ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #AlexHormozi #BusinessStrategy #ElevationInvest #EntrepreneurMindset #WealthBuilding

In this episode, I share a personal story about chasing my dream job with the Denver Broncos — and how that moment shaped the way I think about opportunity. That experience is what inspired me to open up a rare and one-of-a-kind role at ELEVATION.

We’re hiring one sales professional to join our team. This isn’t your typical acquisitions position — it’s built for the right person who’s hungry, motivated, and ready to grow.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

Why I created this position and why it’s so unique

The difference between chasing a “safe” job and going after a life-changing opportunity

What makes this role different from other acquisitions positions in Denver

How we’re giving our next sales hire 100+ off-market leads every month with zero competition

The full support structure ELEVATION provides — from project managers to dispo agents

The kind of candidate I’m looking for (hint: not a unicorn, but a polar bear)

How this role can realistically earn $250K+ annually

If you’ve been waiting for the right chance to level up in real estate, this might be it.

Apply today:

DM me on social media, or

Email [email protected]
 with the subject line “Hire Me” and tell me why you’re the right fit.

This is a one-of-one position, and it won’t be open for long.

Connect with me and the ELEVATION team:

Derek on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com/

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevationinvestmentproperties

ELEVATION on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationinvest/

ELEVATION on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevationinvestmentproperties

Subscribe to Raising the Flipping Bar:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #WeAreHiring #SalesOpportunity #ELEVATIONInvest #CareersInRealEstate #RealEstateSales #HouseFlippingJobs

Welcome back to Season 5 – Ep. 4 of Raising the Flipping Bar!

In this episode, Travis and I break down what’s really happening in the Denver fix & flip market as we head deeper into 2025. Buyers are more critical than ever, homes are sitting longer, and the details matter more than they ever have. We share what we’re seeing on the ground, from starter flips all the way up to luxury projects, and what you should be focusing on to stay ahead.

Here’s what we dive into:

Why buyers are being tougher on flips right now

The difference between a rushed rehab and a true market-ready product

What today’s $750K–$1M buyers expect (accent walls, basement bars, and trusted appliance/fixture brands)

What luxury buyers at $1.4M+ demand—hidden pantry doors, accordion glass walls, spa-like bathrooms, theater rooms, and more

The hard lessons we learned from our Inca project when it came to permits and inspections

How we’re using tech and AI to streamline flips and manage details more effectively

Real case studies from our consulting projects at Winona, Easter, and Hinsdale—and how each one required a completely different strategy

If you’re flipping in Denver or thinking about getting into this market, this episode will give you a real-world look at what buyers expect and how you can set yourself apart.

Derek on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com/

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevationinvestmentproperties

ELEVATION on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationinvest/

ELEVATION on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevationinvestmentproperties

Subscribe to the “Raising the Flipping Bar” on your favorite podcast player!
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

Watch “Raising the Flipping Bar” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #HouseFlipping2025 #HomeDesignTrends #RealEstateTips #FlippingHouses #MaximizeROI #EcoFriendlyHomes #StagingToSell #RenovationTrends #MultifunctionalDesign #HouseFlippingTips #IndoorOutdoorLiving #MarketTrends #SmartInvesting

Welcome back to Season 5 – Ep. 3 of Raising the Flipping Bar!

In this episode, I’m kicking off our new Elevation Business Book Club with a deep dive into the 5 Pillars of Wealth—time, social, mental, physical, and financial—and how they impact both business and life. From timeless classics like Think & Grow Rich to modern insights from Sahil Bloom and Tim Grover, I share what I’ve been reading, re-reading, and most importantly, implementing in 2025.

Here’s what I cover:

Why I re-read my top business books multiple times last year (and what changed in my business)

Insights from Malcolm Gladwell’s The Return of the Tipping Point and why it’s more relevant than ever

How Think & Grow Rich still resonates nearly 90 years after it was written

The 5 Pillars of Wealth explained—and why time wealth is the most valuable asset

Personal stories, including our family goal of visiting every NFL stadium

Tim Grover’s Relentless and what Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant can teach entrepreneurs about adaptability and focus

Lessons from Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom podcast, including critical thinking, community, and avoiding burnout

You’ll also hear practical takeaways on:

Auditing your 5 pillars monthly to track growth

Balancing nutrition, exercise, and recovery for physical wealth

Building meaningful social wealth and surrounding yourself with the right people

Making smart financial decisions by defining what “enough” really looks like

We’ll link to the featured books and podcasts in the show notes so you can dig deeper.

Coming up later this season:

A breakdown of a recent loss and the lessons learned

How to use self-directed retirement funds in GC Flip deals

Updates on Elevation Academy (Oct. 3rd at Spire Financial)

Connect with Derek Marlin & ELEVATION:
Derek on LinkedIn

ELEVATION Website

ELEVATION on LinkedIn

ELEVATION on Instagram

ELEVATION on Facebook

Subscribe to Raising the Flipping Bar:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube: @elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #BookClub #WealthBuilding #FixAndFlip #HouseFlipping2025 #SmartInvesting #BusinessStrategy #MindsetMatters #ThinkAndGrowRich #Relentless #ModernWisdomPodcast #PersonalDevelopment