In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Mike Banks, COO of Fund&Grow, to talk about how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can access 0% interest business credit to grow faster—without taking on risky personal debt. Mike breaks down the mechanics of business credit cards, how to qualify, and how Fund&Grow helps clients secure between $50K–$250K in funding—even with average credit.

We discuss the most common misconceptions about credit, how to strategically use business cards for real estate deals, and what sets apart investors who scale from those who stall. Whether you're trying to launch a business, fund a deal, or just get your cash flow working harder, this episode is packed with practical funding strategies that most entrepreneurs overlook.

[0:00] – Meet Mike Banks, COO of Fund&Grow: helping clients secure over $1.6B in funding

[2:12] – What Fund&Grow does—and how 0% business credit works

[4:01] – The #1 mistake people make with credit (and how to fix it fast)

[5:48] – Why most entrepreneurs are underfunded, not over-leveraged

[7:00] – Using business credit to buy time, improve cash flow, and scale

[9:22] – Common myths about business credit and how to legally separate it from personal

[10:43] – What credit profile you need to qualify for $50K–$250K

[12:35] – When (and how) to start building business credit even with a new LLC

[14:04] – How Fund&Grow's team helps clients apply, stack, and manage multiple 0% cards

[15:59] – Fund&Grow fees, structure, and what you get with the done-for-you model

[17:48] – Creative ways clients are using funding: flips, marketing, BRRRR deals, education

[20:36] – Fund&Grow's track record and the kinds of clients they serve best

[22:01] – Real talk: how to use funding responsibly to create real ROI

[23:46] – Mike's favorite strategy: using 0% credit to invest in lead gen and scale quickly

[25:30] – What makes Fund&Grow different from credit repair or "gurus" promising easy money

[27:19] – How to get started: Fund&Grow's free consultation and next steps

[29:13] – Final tips: mindset, timing, and being open to creative capital

1. Business credit is not the same as personal credit. Used correctly, it won't impact your personal FICO and doesn't report to personal bureaus.
2. You can access up to $250K at 0% interest—even with average credit. With the right structure and help, this is achievable for most entrepreneurs.
3. Funding buys time. You can use credit to invest in high-ROI activities like marketing or acquisitions without touching savings.
4. Fund&Grow is not credit repair. It's a full-service, done-for-you strategy to help you qualify and stack multiple 0% cards.
5. Education + execution = results. Clients who follow the guidance and use funds strategically see the biggest ROI.

• Fund&Grow Free Consultation – www.fundandgrow.com
• Over $1.6B in funding secured for entrepreneurs
• Common uses: marketing, real estate deals, flipping, BRRRRs, education, and cash flow

Closing Remark

If this episode changed how you think about funding, go check out fundandgrow.com/pete and book a free consultation. Don't forget to rate, follow, and review the PETE Podcast—and share this episode with someone who needs to level up their capital strategy.

In this episode, I share my story from being burnt out in hospitality to building a thriving real estate business and founding the Deal Finders Club. Originally featured on the Breakaway Wealth podcast with Jim Oliver, we dive into what it really takes to break away from the 9–5 and build lasting wealth through real estate—even if you're starting with little money, limited time, and a whole lot of doubt.

You'll hear how I went from scraping together our first few rentals to scaling a portfolio that allowed my wife to retire in just two years. We talk about real numbers, real struggles, and the mindset it takes to succeed in a world that often tells you to play it safe. If you've ever wondered whether real estate investing is still possible "in this market," this episode is for you.

[0:00] – Introudction

[1:15] – How I stumbled into real estate out of desperation and a desire for freedom

[2:35] – The reality of bad buys, no cash flow, and DIY property management

[4:10] – The moment my wife and I decided we were either all in—or all out

[4:45] – How we added 34 doors in two years and hit our goal of full-time freedom

[6:14] – Why real estate has to be treated like a business if you want it to work

[7:00] – Starting with a $30K loan and flipping our way into rentals

[8:20] – Why most people fail: not a lack of deals, but a lack of belief and clarity

[9:12] – How the Deal Finders Club was born (and why it's about local opportunities)

[13:32] – Why "you can't buy real estate right now" is a myth—and always has been

[15:12] – The two ways to buy real estate right: at a discount or for cash flow

[17:48] – How to connect with me directly and get the support you need

[20:27] – The best advice I've ever received—and why you can't quit

1. You don't need perfect timing—you need the right mindset and strategy.
2. Flipping can be a tool—not the goal—for building long-term rental wealth.
3. Mentorship and community fast-track your success and cut down mistakes.
4. Opportunities are everywhere—but only if your eyes and mind are open.
5. The path is hard, but it's worth it. Success starts when you refuse to quit.

• DealFindersClub.com – Join the community or grab free resources

• Phone/Text: 803-216-5750 – Best way to reach me directly

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review. And if you're serious about doing your first—or next—deal, reach out. I'd love to connect.

Let's go find your next deal.

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I'm showing you how to use data—not just gut feelings—to find real BRRRR deals that can help you build cash flow, equity, and long-term wealth. If you're tired of scrolling endless MLS listings or feeling overwhelmed by lead sources, this episode walks you through exactly how to filter, focus, and find motivated sellers using the same tools and data we use in our business every day.

Whether you're in Columbia, SC, or anywhere else in the country, these steps will help you make smarter decisions faster—so you can stop researching and start making offers that actually close.

[0:00] – Why most people don't fail because of bad deals—but because they never find one

[1:49] – What BRRRR really is and why it works for wealth-building

[3:02] – Why deep filtering beats blind searching (and how to avoid overwhelm)

[4:22] – 4 core traits of a great BRRRR property: discount, value-add, demand, refinance potential

[5:48] – The #1 reason people quit before their first deal: analysis paralysis

[7:24] – Using data filtering tools to cut 105,000 properties down to 30

[8:44] – Why listings on the market for 90+ days are your hidden gems

[10:20] – How to identify tired landlords and company-owned properties

[11:52] – Pricing smart: staying under the average to ensure positive cash flow

[13:10] – Running rent comps and using the 1% rule for quick analysis

[15:03] – BRRRR is possible—even with a full-time job, kids, and a busy life

[16:07] – How to evaluate comps quickly using price per square foot

[18:05] – This entire process took under 10 minutes—and found a deal worth pursuing

[19:20] – Join the Deal Finders Club, attend events, or book a free 15-min strategy session

1. You don't need to sort through thousands of listings—just the right filters
2. The best deals often sit on the MLS longer than you think—timing matters
3. Focus on numbers that support cash flow and equity—not speculation
4. Data can shorten your learning curve and help you avoid costly trial and error
5. Consistency and action—not perfection—build real estate success

• DealFindersClub.com – Join the community or book your free strategy session

• DealFinderData.com – Tools mentioned in this episode

If this episode gave you clarity or momentum, please rate, follow, and share the podcast—and send it to someone ready to start their BRRRR journey the smart way.

Let's go find your next deal.

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I walk you through the exact criteria, tools, and local data you need to find profitable flip properties—especially if you're new or looking to do a handful of smart, high-return deals each year.

We break down the "Four F's" of flipping—Find, Fund, Fix, and Flip—and zoom in on the first (and most important) one: how to find the right properties in today's market. You'll learn how to use your local MLS, public data, and smart investing filters like school ratings, average sale price, and buyer demand to narrow in on the best areas and property types for flips that move fast and sell high.

[0:00] – Why flipping houses is still one of the most exciting entry points in real estate

[1:11] – The "Four F's" of flipping: Find, Fund, Fix, and Flip

[1:55] – Why data-driven decisions matter more than gut feelings

[2:16] – How to use your local MLS to determine the average home price in your market

[3:09] – What your max ARV should be—and why staying under the average sale price matters

[4:45] – Running the math backwards to find your all-in number

[5:57] – How to factor in repairs, financing, and profit to determine your purchase target

[7:18] – What $226,000 "all-in" could actually look like in multiple deal scenarios

[9:00] – Creating your buy box and asking the right people for the right deals

[9:44] – Using sold data to choose between 1-bed, 2-bed, or 3-bed homes

[11:08] – Why square footage often matters more than bedroom count

[12:27] – How school districts can directly affect flip potential and buyer demand

[14:23] – The "choose wisely" mindset: if you're only doing a few flips, pick the best ones

[15:25] – How to get support, training, and community from REI Deal Finders

1. Flipping starts with finding—the right deal makes or breaks the outcome
2. Always work backward from the ARV using real numbers and real costs
3. School ratings, square footage, and bedroom count all affect how fast a house sells
4. Stay under the average home price to attract the largest pool of buyers
5. If you're doing fewer deals, be more selective—don't chase just any opportunity

If this episode helped you better understand how to evaluate flip opportunities, be sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast—and share it with someone looking to do their first (or next) flip the smart way.

Let's go find that next deal.

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I'm teaching you exactly how to use free and paid data sources to uncover motivated sellers and discounted properties—without ever stepping foot outside your house. Whether you're new to real estate or looking to scale your deal flow, this deep dive into digital lead generation will equip you with the tools and mindset to take action right away.

I walk through the best public records, online tools, auction sites, and apps that our team uses every day. You'll learn how to avoid wasting time down research rabbit holes, stay compliant with laws in states like South Carolina, and leverage AI and county records to build a pipeline of high-equity, off-market opportunities.

[0:00] – Why most people get stuck before ever doing their first deal

[2:48] – You don't need money or credit—just data, tools, and commitment

[4:13] – Marketing wheel overview and the role of digital leads

[5:17] – How to start with free lead sources using your local county websites

[6:35] – The best lists to pull: probate, divorce, liens, bankruptcy, and more

[8:44] – What NOT to do with public data (especially in South Carolina)

[10:12] – Why research doesn't equal progress: talk to sellers, not spreadsheets

[13:01] – How to use Zillow, Realtor.com, FSBOs, and FRBOs to find leads

[15:18] – Spotting tired landlords and getting their contact info instantly

[16:23] – The top auction sites we use to find deals before they hit the market

[18:11] – My top 3 paid tools for serious investors (yes, I use them every day)

[19:49] – The future of lead gen: virtual driving for dollars and AI lead scoring

[20:57] – How to take your next step and create an action plan that sticks

1. You don't need a license, cash, or credit to start finding discounted deals
2. Most free leads are hidden in plain sight—learn how to pull the right data
3. AI and smart tools can predict motivated sellers before they raise their hand
4. Don't confuse research with results—calls and offers are what move the needle
5. If you're not taking daily action, your business won't grow—consistency wins

If this episode helped clarify how to find your next deal without spending money on marketing, be sure to rate, follow, and review the REI Deal Finders podcast—and share it with someone ready to start.

Let's go get that next deal—data first.

In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of REI Deal Finders, I sit down with my favorite guest ever—my wife, Michelle Lucas. We're taking you behind the scenes into how we stumbled into real estate, learned by doing (and sometimes failing), and built a business that now supports our family of five.

From painting cabinets in our first home to managing flips, rentals, and a team of deal finders, Michelle shares the real story of how we went from weekend warriors to full-time investors. You'll hear the messy, beautiful reality of working with your spouse, raising kids, and taking that leap of faith to build something meaningful together.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:09] – Michelle's surprising journey from Macon, Georgia to real estate entrepreneur

[2:50] – Trading Spaces, family DIY projects, and the early love of houses

[4:40] – The real start: renovating Andrew's rental while dating

[6:05] – When real estate became more than just a retirement plan

[8:12] – The turning point: conversations that led to quitting our jobs

[10:19] – Flipping houses, juggling rentals, and why Andrew quit first

[12:21] – Michelle's advice for couples thinking about diving in together

[13:06] – Our game plan: replacing income through rentals and flips

[15:01] – The unexpected joy of building a team that feels like family

[16:48] – Watching others succeed in the Deal Finders community

[18:17] – Michelle's top tip for finding deals (yes, it involves a minivan)

[19:39] – DealMachine, driving for dollars, and texting your way to a lead

[20:32] – Working back-to-back in the same office—marriage-tested and approved

[21:34] – Why now is the time to take action and get in the game

1. You don't need a grand plan—just a willingness to start and figure it out together
2. Real estate can be the foundation for freedom, family, and faith-led purpose
3. Working with your spouse is possible—with humor, grace, and boundaries
4. Deals are everywhere—if you keep your eyes open and take action
5. Success in real estate isn't about being special—it's about being consistent and connected

If this episode gave you hope, laughter, or motivation to keep going, follow, rate, and review the podcast—and send it to someone who's building something with their spouse or family.

Let's go find that next deal—together.

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down the real challenges that every investor faces—no matter how long they've been in the game. We call them the "5 D's of Real Estate Investing," and they're not about deals or dollars—they're about mindset, momentum, and staying in the game when things get tough.

This is the first live training of the year, and it's all about helping you push through the things that stop most investors: Doubt, Discomfort, Disappointment, Distraction, and ultimately Discovery. Whether you're brand new or already doing deals, these D's are part of the journey. Learn how to recognize them, how to move through them, and how to use them to your advantage so you can thrive in 2025.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – What the "5 D's" are and why they matter for every investor

[3:39] – Starting in 2007 with no mentors, no YouTube, and lots of mistakes

[4:00] – Why recognizing these challenges can keep you from the "downward spiral"

[6:00] – Doubt: Why most people never take the first step

[9:40] – Discomfort: Growth hurts—but it's necessary for your next level

[12:12] – Disappointment: Deals fall through, numbers don't work—and that's okay

[15:37] – Distraction: How shiny objects on YouTube and TikTok can derail your focus

[18:17] – Discovery: The real reward—when it all finally clicks

[20:38] – Why these D's are a cycle that even experienced investors go through

[23:15] – Your next steps for staying committed and connected

1. Doubt is natural—but it can't drive your decisions
2. Discomfort is a sign of growth, not failure
3. Disappointment will come—but resilience is the skill that matters
4. Distraction kills momentum—stay focused on your one path
5. Discovery is real—and it's what makes the whole journey worth it

If this episode helped you see where you are in your investing journey, do me a favor—follow, rate, and review the podcast, and be sure to share it with a friend or accountability partner who needs to hear this right now.

Let's go get that next deal—and thrive in 25.

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I'm breaking down the strategy that launched my investing journey—and that still helps new and seasoned investors find and fund deals with little to no capital: wholesaling. Whether you're new to real estate or just looking to sharpen your deal-finding skills, this episode walks through the full process of how to locate discounted properties, structure win-win deals, and navigate legal gray areas (especially with recent changes in states like South Carolina).

I share personal stories, proven techniques, and some critical do's and don'ts when it comes to marketing contracts, avoiding regulatory issues, and connecting with the right buyers and partners to close more deals—faster.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:12] – What wholesaling really is—and why "deal finder" is the better term

[3:04] – Step-by-step breakdown of a real wholesale deal I closed

[5:01] – Why wholesalers fill a critical gap in the real estate market

[7:55] – Understanding your role: you're more like a pawn shop than a realtor

[9:46] – Why speed and timing make or break your profit potential

[12:02] – The latest legal restrictions on wholesaling in South Carolina

[14:55] – How to wholesale legally by partnering instead of mass marketing

[18:32] – Paid vs. free lead sources—and how to pick the right one

[23:23] – Lists to pull, tools to use, and garage sales to never drive past

[25:17] – The power of consistency: making 5 offers a day and never quitting

[29:03] – What sellers really want—and how to connect on a human level

1. Wholesaling is just deal finding—your job is to find discounted opportunities.

2. Legal regulations are changing—focus on building partnerships, not blasting contracts.

3. You can start with no money, but it will cost you time, hustle, and consistency.

4. You're not selling houses—you're solving problems, just like a pawn shop.

5. Consistent daily action (like making five offers a day) is the key to success.

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, review, and follow the podcast—and share it with someone who's thinking about getting into real estate.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this special guest episode, I join the Uncontested Investing podcast to share the full journey of how I went from buying my first rental property—with no clue what I was doing—to leading the REI Deal Finders community and building a business that helps investors all over the country close more deals.

We talk about the mindset shifts that made the biggest difference, the real truth behind building a business that lasts, and the challenges and sacrifices most people don't see behind the scenes. If you're in the trenches trying to build something—or thinking about making the leap—this episode is for you.

[0:00] – Introduction

[0:46] – How I got started in real estate investing (and why it wasn't easy)

[2:10] – Learning by doing: the role of mentorship and experience in early deals

[4:33] – The difference between flipping and wholesaling—and how I chose my lane

[6:57] – Building systems, hiring team members, and stepping into the CEO seat

[9:14] – What I wish I knew when I started (and the advice I'd give new investors now)

[11:50] – Dealing with fear, imposter syndrome, and moments when things don't go as planned

[14:25] – The mindset shift from doing deals to building a business

[17:39] – My why: building freedom, serving people, and staying grounded in faith

[20:52] – How REI Deal Finders started—and what I want it to become

[24:07] – Closing thoughts: you don't need to be perfect—you just need to keep going

1. You won't be ready when you start—do it anyway
2. The difference between hustle and growth is systems
3. Your "why" will carry you through the hard days—make sure it's real
4. Building a team means letting go—and trusting others to help you scale
5. You don't need 100 properties to change your life—just the right mindset and support

If this episode resonated with you, do me a favor—rate, review, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. And make sure to follow Uncontested Investing for more powerful investor stories.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this REI Deal Finders Masterclass episode, I'm walking you through the full playbook for creative finance—how to acquire properties without using traditional loans, credit, or even your own capital. Whether you're a new investor or trying to level up your acquisition strategy, this session gives you the real-world tools to make deals happen when everyone else is stuck.

We break down the top creative finance strategies—subject-to, seller financing, wrap mortgages, lease options, and more. I share what they are, how to structure them, and when to use each one. You'll learn how to talk to sellers, protect yourself legally, and combine these techniques to unlock cash flow, equity, and long-term wealth. This is a high-level, no-fluff guide to closing deals with none of the excuses.

[0:00] – Why creative finance is more relevant now than ever in a high-interest market

[1:45] – The 3 benefits of creative finance: control, cash flow, and compounding

[3:29] – Subject-to deals explained: how to take over a mortgage without qualifying

[6:34] – Wraparound mortgages: what they are and how they work

[8:12] – How to make offers that sellers want to say yes to

[10:55] – The psychology behind creative deals—and how to spot motivated sellers

[14:01] – Lease options, rent-to-own, and when to use them

[16:18] – Structuring seller financing deals that build long-term wealth

[19:33] – The #1 mistake new investors make with creative finance

[22:44] – Legal protection: paperwork, attorneys, and disclosures

[24:40] – Real-world deal breakdowns using multiple strategies

[27:19] – When to combine creative finance with wholesaling, rentals, or flips

[30:02] – How to build credibility with sellers and raise private money alongside creative deals

[33:27] – What to do next: learning, networking, and staying consistent

1. Creative finance gives you control over real estate without relying on banks or credit
2. Subject-to and seller financing are powerful tools for buying houses others can't
3. Sellers say yes when you solve their real problems—not just when you offer more money
4. Legal protection is non-negotiable—always paper your deals and protect all parties involved
5. Learning to stack strategies is how top investors thrive in any market

If this Masterclass gave you clarity or momentum, help us keep it going—rate, follow, review, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. This is the strategy that separates the pros from the amateurs.

Let's go get that next deal.