In this episode, I'm breaking down another Deal Analysis — one of my favorite formats on this show because it's not guru talk, it's real numbers from a real deal we just closed. This one turned into a wild ride: a rough Arvada property that wasn't ready for the market, a textbook acquisitions process, a tight rehab budget, and a sales process that had 36 showings in three weeks before a buyer's grandma tanked the first contract three days in.

I walk through exactly how we found the deal through our cold calling program, the numbers behind the rehab, what it's like managing a project alongside real estate students from the EPIC school, and the pricing lessons we learned the hard way when the deal almost didn't close.

If you want to see what a real "bread and butter" flip looks like from acquisition to close — including the mistakes — this episode is for you.

🎓 Quick shoutout on this one: this deal doubled as a project for students in the EPIC Campus real estate track, an entrepreneurship program we've supported through Littleton Public Schools for three years now. First semester, students come into our co-working space at the Broadway Collective and learn the fundamentals of real estate investing. Second semester, they get to work a live flip as their class project — which is exactly what happened here. The students walked this property, sat in on a full presentation covering deal analysis, project management, and design, and one of them even talked us into a gold toilet for the primary suite.

 Learn more about the program here: https://www.littletonpublicschools.net/o/epiccampus

Property: 8506 Union Circle, Arvada, CO 80005 

🔗 See the full listing on Redfin: https://www.redfin.com/CO/Arvada/8506-Union-Cir-80005/home/34337037

📸 Before & After Photos 

🔗https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u28IejhRToqfjXADeLzDdbsMB_kPHPPs?usp=sharing

Episode Highlights:

 0:00 – Introduction and Overview 

1:13 – Deal Analysis: The Property Background

 4:59 – Acquisition Process and Cold Calling Campaign

 9:58 – Rehab Strategy and Design Choices 

17:34 – Sales Strategy and Market Response 

20:40 – Financial Metrics and Profit Analysis 

30:06 – Conclusion and Future Opportunities

🚨 We're Hiring a Real Estate Agent 🚨 

I'm looking for one more agent to join our team — someone who's a beast on the MLS, great at writing offers, and skilled at building relationships with other agents. If that's you, email me at [email protected] or text 720-545-0490.

📘 Want Our New Investor Ebook? Be on the list to get our latest investor ebook. DM "EBOOK" or email: [email protected]

Thank you for tuning in to Raising the Flipping Bar. If you found value in this episode, don't forget to leave a review and share it with someone who's serious about real estate investing.

Until next time — keep raising the bar, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION Investment Properties!

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” on your favorite podcast platform!

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

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

#RaisingTheFlippingBar #RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #DenverRealEstate #ArvadaRealEstate #DealAnalysis #HouseFlipping #RealEstateTips #InvestmentStrategies #ColdCalling #RealEstateAgents #RealEstateEducation #ElevationRealEstate

In this episode, I break down the two paths I see people taking in real estate and entrepreneurship: the high-growth business model versus the lifestyle business model. I talk about what each path really looks like, the trade-offs involved, and how to think strategically about where you are in your current season of life and business.

I also share some personal reflections about building ELEVATION over the years, what scaling a company actually requires, the importance of systems and delegation, and why I’ve been thinking differently lately about growth, leverage, and time.

Whether you’re flipping houses, wholesaling, building a real estate team, running a side hustle, or trying to create more intentionality in your business, this episode is designed to help you think more clearly about the direction you’re heading.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Exploring Business Paths: Growth vs. Lifestyle
04:30 - Defining High Growth Business Strategies
09:51 - Navigating the Lifestyle Business Approach
14:37 - Adapting to Market Challenges and Personal Growth
20:51 - Finding Clarity in Your Business Goals

I’d also love to hear from you guys — what path are you leaning into right now? Are you building for scale, freedom, flexibility, legacy, or something in between?

Please comment, DM us, or send me an email directly at [email protected]. I’m genuinely curious to hear where you’re at in your business journey and what you’re building toward.

We’re also excited for our upcoming ELEVATION Academy on June 3rd, and right now we’re offering $100 OFF for the final 8 seats available. This one-day, hands-on investing event is designed to help you learn real-world strategies for finding deals, analyzing flips, managing rehabs, building systems, and scaling your real estate business in today’s market. Past attendees have gone on to make over $65K net profit on their first flip, over $100K net profit and transition into building new homes, and even over $180K net profit on a single project. If you’re serious about leveling up your investing business and surrounding yourself with the right people, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Grab your seat now and save $100! 

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Raising the Flipping Bar. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it. Until next time, keep reaching for those goals, and I’ll catch you on the flip side!

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION Investment Properties!

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” on your favorite podcast platform!

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

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

Resources:
10X is easier than 2X by Dan Sullivan
Traction by Geno Wickman
Lifestyle Business Playbook by Daniel Priestley
The Diary of a CEO Podcast by Stephen Bartlett
Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

#RaisingTheFlippingBar #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #LifestyleBusiness #RealEstateBusiness #Scaling #BusinessSystems #Leadership #FixAndFlip #RealEstateEntrepreneur #WealthBuilding #BusinessStrategy #GrowthMindset #DenverRealEstate

In this episode, I’m tackling a question I hear all the time—is flipping dead in 2026?

Short answer: not even close. But the game has changed.

I break down what I’m seeing right now in the Denver market, where the real opportunities are, and how smart investors are still finding profitable deals despite tighter margins and increased competition. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about using real data, understanding market dynamics, and making strategic decisions that actually work in today’s environment.

I also dive into the top submarkets in Denver where I’m seeing the most activity, the lead generation strategies that are producing real opportunities, and the biggest mistakes I see new investors making that are costing them time and money.

If you’re serious about flipping in 2026, this episode will help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid learning lessons the hard way.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Is Flipping Dead in 2026?
01:42 – Understanding the Denver Market Dynamics
06:35 – Hotspots for Flipping in Denver
09:37 – Lead Generation Strategies for Success
13:13 – Avoiding Rookie Mistakes in Flipping
19:16 – Final Thoughts and Resources

🚨 We’re Hiring a Real Estate Agent 🚨
I’m actively looking for a driven real estate agent to join our team and plug into a system that’s already generating real opportunities.

For more details to apply, click HERE or send me an email at [email protected], DM me on social media, or call 720-545-0490.

📘 Want Our New Investor Ebook?
Be on the list to get our latest investor ebook.
DM “EBOOK” or email:
[email protected]

Thank you for tuning in to Raising the Flipping Bar. If you found value in this episode, don’t forget to leave a review and share it with someone who’s serious about real estate investing.

Until next time—keep raising the bar, and I’ll catch you on the flip side.

Connect with me and ELEVATION Investment Properties:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin
Website: https://elevationinvest.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevationinvest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevationinvestmentproperties

Subscribe & Listen to the “Raising the Flipping Bar” on your favorite podcast player!

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

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

#RaisingTheFlippingBar #RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #DenverRealEstate #RealEstateTips #InvestmentStrategies #LeadGeneration #RealEstateAgents #HouseFlipping #MarketInsights #RealEstateEducation #ElevationRealEstate

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

Instead of breaking down a deal or strategy, I’m opening up an opportunity — and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m building and scaling our real estate team heading into 2026.

Right now, deal flow isn’t the issue. The real challenge is having the right people in place to handle the volume, convert opportunities, and continue pushing the business forward without slowing momentum.

After recently expanding the team with high-performing acquisitions reps, I’m now looking for a different kind of player — someone who can step into a fast-paced environment, manage relationships, convert leads, and help drive the next phase of growth.

This isn’t a traditional retail real estate role. This is about operating inside an investment-focused ecosystem — working off-market opportunities, collaborating with a high-energy team, and being part of something that’s scaling quickly.

If you or someone you know is ready to break out of the average, increase income potential, and plug into a system already producing real opportunities, this episode is for you.

 Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Raising the Flipping Bar, and Why We’re Expanding our Team
• 01:28 - Opportunities for Real Estate Agents
• 04:13 - The Need for a New Team Member
• 06:51 - The Role and Responsibilities of the New Agent
• 09:23 - Who This Position is For and Not For
• 11:56 - Compensation and Joining the Team

Join a company that values quality over quantity and is dedicated to developing the next generation of successful real estate professionals.

For more details to apply, click HERE or send me an email at [email protected], DM me on social media, or call 720-545-0490.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode of Raising the Flipping Bar. Don't forget to leave me a review and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from it. Until next time, keep reaching for those goals, and I'll catch you on the flip side!

#RaisingTheFlippingBar #RealEstateInvesting #InvestmentRealEstate #DenverRealEstate #RealEstateAgents #HiringNow #RealEstateJobs #RealEstateCareer #DispositionManager #RealEstateOpportunities #ElevationRealEstate #LeadGeneration #SalesManagement #GrowthAndSuccess #ReferralBonus

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION Investment Properties!
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

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar.

In this episode, I wanted to slow things down and talk about something dominating headlines — institutional buyers, hedge funds, and Wall Street “owning all the homes.”

There’s a lot of noise, fear, and political rhetoric around this topic. So instead of reacting emotionally, I wanted to look at the actual data and break down what’s really happening — nationally and here in Metro Denver.

I’m not here to get political. I am here to be factual.

Drawing from our direct experience working with institutional buyers on both the buy side and sell side — and backed by data from the GAO, CoreLogic, Urban Land Institute, and more — this episode separates myth from reality and explains what this really means for affordability, investors, agents, and buyers heading into 2026.

If you’re worried about housing affordability, trying to buy your first home, or investing in real estate, this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

In this episode, I cover:

🏘️ How many homes institutions actually own nationwide
📊 The real breakdown of Wall Street vs. Main Street investors
🧱 Why the 2008 crash created a new rental asset class
📉 What happened when institutions stopped buying in 2022
📍 Why Metro Denver isn’t impacted the way headlines suggest
🌎 The top U.S. markets where institutional ownership is concentrated
⚖️ Who wins and loses if institutional buyers are restricted
🏗️ The real drivers of affordability (hint: it’s not hedge funds)
🔍 Potential unintended consequences no one is talking about
📈 How investors should think strategically about 2026

If you’re a real estate investor, agent, homeowner, or someone trying to understand where the housing market is actually headed — this episode will help you replace emotion with data and build a smarter strategy.

🔗 Connect with me and ELEVATION

LinkedIn (Derek): /derekmarlin
ELEVATION Website: https://elevationinvest.com

LinkedIn (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties
Instagram (ELEVATION): /elevationinvest
Facebook (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to Raising the Flipping Bar

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

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

YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

📌 Hashtags

#RaisingTheFlippingBar #RealEstateInvesting #HousingMarket
 #InstitutionalBuyers #WallStreetRealEstate
 #HousingAffordability #DenverRealEstate
 #RealEstateData #ElevationInvesting #2026Investing
 #RentalHousing #PrivateCapital #MainStreetVsWallStreet

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar.

In this episode, I wanted to slow things down and talk about something that’s coming up more and more in my day-to-day conversations — private money lending.

As we head into 2026, deal flow isn’t the problem. The real challenge is being properly capitalized and structuring deals in a way that protects downside while still creating strong returns. That’s where private money comes in.

I break down exactly what private money lending is, how it’s different from hard money, and why it’s becoming such an important piece of the puzzle for both operators and investors. We talk real numbers, real structures, real risks — and how to do this the right way.

Whether you’re flipping houses, wholesaling, lending capital, or sitting on cash wondering how to put it to work, this episode is meant to give you clarity and a framework you can actually use.

In this episode, I cover:

💰 What private money lending really is — and what it isn’t
 🏦 The difference between private money and hard money
 📊 Typical interest rates, deal structures, and timelines
 🧱 How private money is secured and why asset-backed lending matters
 ⚠️ The real risks involved and how to mitigate them
 📉 Why distressed opportunities are starting to show up again
 🔑 First position vs. second position lending explained
 🔄 Exit strategies every private money lender should understand
 📈 Why velocity of money matters just as much as yield
 🏗️ How operators and private lenders can win together long-term
 🧠 Who private money lending makes sense for heading into 2026

If you’re a real estate investor, business owner, high-income professional, or someone looking to diversify outside of traditional stocks and bonds, this episode will help you think more clearly about risk, structure, and opportunity.

Connect with me and ELEVATION

LinkedIn (Derek): /derekmarlin
 ELEVATION Website: https://elevationinvest.com

LinkedIn (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties
 Instagram (ELEVATION): /elevationinvest
 Facebook (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to Raising the Flipping Bar

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

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

YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

Hashtags

#PrivateMoneyLending #RealEstateInvesting #HardMoney #LeveragedInvesting
 #FixAndFlip #RealEstateFinance #WealthBuilding
 #DenverRealEstate #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar
 #PrivateCapital #DistressedProperties #2026Investing

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin breaks down the exact goal-setting framework he uses to dominate each year — especially in tougher markets like we’re facing going into 2026.

Instead of vague resolutions or soft targets, Derek dives into the “More, Better, New” system, how to build a real buy box, why most goals fail, and how to create a plan you can actually execute on with discipline, clarity, and extreme ownership.

This episode blends personal story, practical systems, and investor-level strategy to help you level up your business, your mindset, and your results — whether you're flipping, wholesaling, lending, or building long-term wealth.

In this episode we cover:

🔥 Why 2026 requires higher standards, not more wishes
📦 How to build a Buy Box that removes emotion from investing
📈 Derek’s “More, Better, New” framework for setting smarter goals
🧠 Why vague goals fail — and how to avoid “new year burnout”
💼 The importance of discipline, cadence, and external accountability
❤️ Derek’s personal 2026 goals: family, health, business, and legacy
🔍 How to break big ambitions into weekly, executable actions
🏆 What it really takes to build a year you can win consistently

If you’re a real estate investor, business owner, agent, creator, or anyone who wants 2026 to be intentional and productive — this episode will help you build a plan worth following and a mindset capable of executing it.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!

LinkedIn (Derek): /derekmarlin
ELEVATION Website: https://elevationinvest.com

LinkedIn (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties
Instagram (ELEVATION): /elevationinvest
Facebook (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”

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

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

YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #GoalSetting2026 #RealEstateBusiness #InvestorMindset #MoreBetterNew #BuyBox #Discipline #FixAndFlip #BusinessPlanning #EntrepreneurLife #DenverRealEstate #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #WealthBuilding #SuccessHabits #MindsetMatters

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