In this special episode, I step into the guest seat on the Deal Nation podcast to share the full story behind how I built a real estate business from scratch—starting with flips and rentals, then scaling through wholesaling, creative deals, and private capital.

I walk through my journey from getting my first few rentals the hard way, to discovering wholesaling as a business model that could generate consistent cash flow, to raising private money and structuring deals that create real long-term wealth. We talk about wins, mistakes, systems, and how I built the REI Deal Finders community to help others do the same.

Whether you're new or already doing deals, this conversation will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I think about real estate, business, mindset, and building something sustainable.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:10] – How I got started in real estate (and what went wrong at first)

[3:03] – The slow climb with my first rental properties—and what finally clicked

[5:45] – Discovering wholesaling and using it to fund the rest of the business

[8:18] – The mindset shift from hustling deals to building a scalable operation

[10:32] – Why I started REI Deal Finders and how it helps investors shortcut the learning curve

[13:15] – How I find deals today—and how that's changed over time

[16:27] – Using creative finance and private capital to expand quickly

[18:54] – What makes a good JV partner (and what to watch out for)

[21:45] – My take on market trends and how investors can still thrive right now

[25:02] – The importance of education, community, and consistent action

[28:30] – Final advice for new investors and those looking to level up

1. You don't need to start with money—you need to start with a skillset

2. Wholesaling is a powerful tool—but it becomes a business when you add systems

3. Private capital is out there—but you have to build trust and present like a pro

4. Sustainability matters more than speed—build a business, not just a hustle

5. The right community can help you move faster, avoid mistakes, and grow with confidence

If you enjoyed hearing my story, take a moment to follow, rate, and review both the Deal Nation and REI Deal Finders podcasts. And if you're ready to write your own story, join us—we'd love to help you get there.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this powerful episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I unpack one of the most game-changing tools in real estate investing—private funding. Whether you're new to the space or trying to grow faster, understanding how to find, use, and protect private capital can completely change the way you do business.

I walk you through the mindset of smart investors, where to find private lenders, how to present deals with confidence, and most importantly—how to protect other people's money while building your reputation. If you're tired of missing out on deals because of funding, this episode gives you the exact roadmap to change that.

[0:00] – Why capital is a tool, not just cash—and why every investor needs to understand how to use it

[1:00] – The Profit First model for real estate investors and setting up your OPM account

[2:00] – Smart ways to use private capital: marketing, coaching, partnerships, and growth

[2:37] – The real value of capital: grabbing opportunities you'd otherwise miss

[4:20] – Why growing capital (not just saving) should be your investor mindset

[5:45] – Marketing and coaching as capital-powered business accelerators

[6:09] – The power of speed: capital lets you say yes before someone else does

[8:22] – Warren Buffett's advice: avoid going backward, preserve compound growth

[9:54] – How capital gives you a safety net—and lets you take smarter risks

[11:06] – Why private capital beats banks: speed, simplicity, and trust

[12:07] – The secret weapon: how private lenders supercharge your business

[13:20] – Everyone is a potential lender—stop disqualifying people too early

[15:08] – Start with your top 20: friends, family, neighbors

[17:27] – What to say: how to talk about your business without begging for money

[19:02] – Private Money Club and other "speed dating" platforms for capital

[21:14] – Objections you'll hear—and how to prepare to answer them

[22:46] – Retirement accounts, IRAs, and the hidden costs of Wall Street

[25:17] – How to present deals to private lenders like a pro

[26:52] – The video hack: why a 15-minute explainer can transform your funding game

[28:11] – Don't hide your profit—confidence attracts capital

[30:08] – How to protect your lenders: contracts, attorneys, and communication

[32:03] – Let your lenders be part of the journey—updates build trust

[34:15] – Document everything: tracking private lender returns to build momentum

[35:16] – Gratitude goes a long way—thank your lenders and share the success

1. Capital isn't optional—it's essential for speed, flexibility, and seizing opportunities in real estate.

2. Private lenders are everywhere, especially among people who already know and trust you.

3. Start simple: share your real estate journey and tell people what you do—not what you need.

4. Present like a pro: be prepared, professional, and clear about how their money is protected.

5. Say thank you, stay in touch, and document success—repeatable capital is built on relationships.

If you got value from this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a fellow investor who needs to hear this message—and let's keep building your business together.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I walk through the most common paths in real estate investing so you can figure out which one best fits your life, time, and resources. Whether you're brand new to the game or thinking about pivoting from one strategy to another, this episode lays out a clear roadmap to help you take the next step with confidence.

We cover the pros, cons, and requirements of wholesaling, flipping, rentals, creative deals, private lending, and more. I even break down how to decide between active and passive roles—and how much time or money each one really takes. If you're serious about thriving in 2025 and beyond, this episode will help you choose the lane that leads you there.

[0:00] – Introduction

[0:21] – The major real estate investing paths and how to choose one that fits your lifestyle

[1:15] – Quick definitions: wholesaling, flipping, rentals, creative deals, private lending, real estate agent, and passive partnerships

[4:41] – Why jumping into the wrong strategy without education is a recipe for failure

[7:30] – The $50K Rule: how your available capital affects your entry point into real estate

[9:02] – Time vs. money: How many hours per week can you commit—and how it shapes your investing path

[12:34] – What "active" investing really means (and how it compares to passive income)

[15:10] – The IRS definitions of earned, passive, and portfolio income in real estate

[18:58] – Is wholesaling legal in South Carolina? The facts and what to avoid

[23:26] – Flipping 101: what it really takes to profit and how to avoid common mistakes

[25:25] – Why quality tenants matter more than just cash flow for rental success

[28:05] – The most passive path: becoming a private lender or investing in real estate funds

[29:56] – Why 2025 is your year to thrive—and how to make the most of where you are right now

1. Every real estate strategy has trade-offs – Choose based on your time, capital, and desired involvement, not just what's trending.

2. Wholesaling and flipping require hustle, education, and risk management – Don't dive in without learning the business first.

3. The $50K Rule helps clarify your options – More capital usually opens doors to flips and rentals; less capital leans toward wholesaling or creative deals.

4. Passive roles like private lending or fund investing build wealth with less daily stress – But you'll need capital to start.

5. Decide where you are, commit to a path, and start taking action today – 2025 can be your breakout year if you pick a lane and stick to it.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, review, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. The path is yours to choose—just make sure you're on the one that fits you best.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I walk you through the world of creative financing—how you can structure real estate deals without using your own cash or relying on traditional banks. If you've ever felt stuck because of limited funds or credit, this is the episode that shows you how to move forward anyway.

We dive into real strategies that investors are using today to take control of deals with little to no money down. From subject-to deals to owner financing, lease options, and installment sales contracts, I explain how each one works, where the risks lie, and how to use them safely and legally. I even share real-world examples from my own deals—including one that helped an elderly homeowner avoid foreclosure. If you're looking to expand your toolkit and close more deals, this episode is for you.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:26] - Understanding the "roads" of real estate and why specialization is key

[2:55] - The reality check: Creative finance isn't a shortcut—it still takes work

[3:19] - A real example of taking over a mortgage via subject-to (and how we profited)

[6:24] - Why creative finance allows you to buy with less capital (sometimes none)

[8:01] - The full definition of creative finance and how it differs from traditional bank lending

[10:04] - Legal considerations and why skipping an attorney can cost you big

[11:29] - Creative strategy breakdown: Subject-to, owner financing, lease options, and more

[12:49] - How owner financing works—and how to negotiate win-win terms

[15:18] - Using data to find properties with no mortgages for creative deals

[19:14] - Rent-to-own vs. lease options vs. installment contracts: key legal differences

[24:25] - The due-on-sale clause and what it means for subject-to deals

[28:01] - Risks involved with subject-to and how to protect yourself and the seller

[30:55] - How installment sales contracts work and when they benefit the buyer

[34:06] - Deposit vs. escrow: what gives you ownership rights (and wholesaling workarounds)

1. Creative finance is everything outside of cash or traditional bank loans – And it opens doors for deals most investors can't touch.

2. Every situation is unique—your ability to solve problems is what gets deals done – Think like a problem solver, not just a buyer.

3. Using subject-to lets you control a property and take over low-interest mortgages – But you must be aware of the due-on-sale clause.

4. Owner financing works best when the seller owns the property free and clear – It allows terms that benefit both sides, often with no money down.

5. Always use an attorney – Creative deals can be powerful but legally risky if done wrong. Do it right and you protect yourself and the seller.

If this episode helped open your mind to new deal strategies, don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review the REI Deal Finders podcast. Let's stay creative—and go get that next deal.

In this live workshop episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I'm helping you figure out exactly where you fit in the real estate world—and how to thrive in 2025, no matter your experience level or available resources. Whether you're brand new and trying to find your starting point, or you're already investing and looking to scale or shift gears, this episode is your roadmap.

I break down the most common paths in real estate investing—like wholesaling, rentals, flipping, creative deals, and passive investing—and explain which ones make sense based on your time, money, and goals. You'll walk away with actionable steps, clarity, and a better understanding of where you belong in this business. This is the episode that could change everything.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:21] - Understanding that every investor starts from a different place and has different goals

[2:07] - Our story: how we started with rentals, transitioned to flips, found wholesaling, and scaled

[3:27] - The most common real estate paths and how to know which one fits you

[5:06] - Definitions and distinctions between wholesaling, flipping, rentals, creative finance, and more

[8:01] - Avoiding the trap of diving in without education (and what it costs investors)

[10:40] - The $50K rule: deciding which investing strategy you can afford to pursue

[15:22] - Active vs. passive investing roles—and how to decide where you belong

[21:15] - Four investing roles deep dive: wholesaler, flipper, landlord, private lender

[30:28] - Why long-term rentals build wealth over time (and what makes a good tenant)

[32:03] - The power of passive investing and how funds and private lending create freedom

[33:06] - Why 2025 is the year to thrive—and the simple mindset shift that gets you started

[34:21] - Your next move: how to take the next step based on where you are today

1. There's no one right way to invest in real estate – Your path should match your lifestyle, time, and available capital.

2. Education is the key to avoiding costly mistakes – Especially when choosing between strategies like flips, wholesaling, or creative deals.

3. The $50K threshold matters – If you have access to $50K, you can likely enter flips or rentals; if not, wholesaling or JV partnerships are smart entry points.

4. Passive investing builds true freedom – Through rentals, private lending, or funds, your money can work while you rest.

5. Success starts with knowing your next step – Don't try to leap to the finish line—start with the move that fits your season of life.

If this episode gave you clarity or motivation, please rate, follow, review, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. The right path is out there—you just need to take that next step.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I'm pulling back the curtain on real estate wholesaling—what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to generate quick profits and build a pipeline of off-market deals. Whether you're brand new to real estate or a seasoned investor looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights from my own journey doing hundreds of deals.

We cover the exact systems I use for lead generation, negotiating with sellers, working with buyers, and building a brand that gets deals sent to you. You'll also hear how wholesaling fits into the bigger picture of wealth building, and why it's about much more than just assigning contracts. If you're serious about becoming a deal finder, this is the playbook.

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:09] - What wholesaling is and why it's the foundation of finding real estate deals

[4:47] - Debunking myths about wholesaling being unethical or illegal

[8:02] - The three parts of a wholesale deal: lead, contract, assignment

[11:14] - How to find motivated sellers through lists, marketing, and referrals

[15:32] - Building credibility and trust with sellers (even as a beginner)

[18:44] - Why most wholesalers struggle—and how to avoid the common mistakes

[22:58] - Negotiation tactics that make sellers feel heard while still getting the deal

[27:19] - Dispo strategies: building a strong buyers list and marketing your deals

[30:11] - The power of relationships in growing your deal flow

[34:06] - Scaling from solo hustler to wholesaling business owner

[38:00] - How wholesaling connects to long-term wealth through flips, rentals, and creative finance

[41:25] - Final thoughts on mindset, consistency, and building something that lasts

1. Wholesaling is a skillset, not a side hustle – When done right, it's a powerful lead generation and income-building machine for real estate investors.

2. You don't need a license, but you do need ethics – Understanding your legal limits and operating with integrity will keep you in business long-term.

3. Marketing and negotiation are your money-makers – Getting good at finding and talking to sellers is the key to consistent deals.

4. Dispo (disposition) is just as important as acquisition – Building relationships with serious buyers is how you actually close and profit.

5. Wholesaling can be your entry point—or your empire – Whether you want quick cash or to scale into flips, rentals, or commercial, wholesaling gives you leverage.

If you got value from this episode, take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the Radio Finders podcast. Your support helps us grow the community and bring you even more tools to close your next deal.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the Radio Finders podcast, I'm breaking down what it really takes to get started in apartment investing—from your first small multifamily deal to scaling up to large commercial properties. Whether you're brand new or already investing in single-family rentals, I walk you through how apartment investing works, the strategies that have helped me succeed, and the lessons I've learned from buying, financing, and managing multifamily real estate.

We talk through the numbers, the mindset shifts, and the skills you'll need to grow a portfolio that generates long-term wealth. I also share the truth about what it's like to be an apartment investor: the opportunities, the challenges, and the surprising advantages over single-family investing. If you've ever wondered how to go bigger in real estate, this episode is a must-listen.

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:54] - What makes apartment investing different from single-family rentals

[3:31] - The three types of multifamily real estate and how to pick your path

[7:03] - The critical role of cash flow and how to avoid negative leverage

[10:18] - Key numbers to watch in an apartment deal (cap rate, NOI, DSCR)

[14:40] - Why commercial lending is different—and sometimes easier—than residential

[17:22] - The power of forced appreciation in apartment buildings

[22:45] - Real-world deal example: how I created value through a 12-unit property

[27:10] - Raising capital and structuring partnerships the right way

[31:02] - Mistakes to avoid as a new apartment investor

[34:21] - How to build a track record and gain investor trust

[38:14] - The role of property management in scaling your multifamily portfolio

[41:09] - Building wealth through equity, cash flow, and smart debt

[44:12] - My top advice for anyone thinking about apartment investing

1. Apartments offer scale, stability, and strong returns – Unlike single-family homes, multifamily properties are valued based on income, giving you more control.

2. Understand the numbers before you buy – Cap rate, net operating income, and DSCR are essential metrics for evaluating any apartment deal.

3. Cash flow is king, but forced appreciation is the secret weapon – Learn how improving operations and increasing rents can dramatically raise property value.

4. Commercial lending opens new doors – Don't be intimidated by commercial loans; they can often be more flexible and scalable than residential financing.

5. Partnerships and management make or break your growth – Surround yourself with the right team and don't underestimate the value of good property management.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, review, and share the Radio Finders podcast. We're here to help you build real estate wealth with clarity and confidence.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I'm diving deep into one of the most critical pieces of the real estate investing puzzle—property management. Whether you're currently managing your own rentals, thinking about hiring a professional, or just getting started, this episode will give you a clear, actionable roadmap. I share the systems, lessons, and mindset that helped me scale from a single rental to managing over 90 units.

From tenant screening to rent collection, legal compliance, and maximizing cash flow through strategic add-ons, we cover it all. You'll hear real-world examples, mistakes I've made along the way, and how good management can protect your investment and build long-term wealth. If you're ready to stop winging it and start managing your rentals like a business, you'll want to listen to this one.

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:02] - Why property management is the most important part of your rental business

[3:21] - How hospitality principles can transform tenant relationships

[6:11] - What bad management actually costs you—cash flow, tenants, and lawsuits

[8:01] - Why happy tenants pay more and stay longer

[10:07] - Tracking your net worth and how property management supports it

[15:19] - The do's and don'ts of tenant screening (and how to avoid lawsuits)

[18:14] - Fair Housing violations and how they can cost you $50,000 or more

[21:12] - Why third-party application systems protect you from scammers

[24:29] - Lease mistakes that can cost you in court

[28:04] - Systems that make rent collection easier, faster, and more consistent

[31:20] - Creative ways to boost revenue through fees, services, and add-ons

[35:01] - Why emotion has no place in property management

[37:22] - The true cost of ignoring maintenance requests

[47:08] - When to switch from self-management to professional property management

[51:03] - The hidden costs of doing it yourself

[54:00] - What to ask when hiring a property management company

[56:29] - Why better management equals better properties, better returns, and less stress

[57:13] - The most important advice: keep learning and don't quit too soon

1. Good management increases cash flow and net worth – It's not just about collecting rent. Proper systems reduce vacancies, increase tenant retention, and protect your asset.

2. Tenant screening is your first and most important defense – Use consistent standards, verify everything, and avoid Fair Housing violations at all costs.

3. Use technology to streamline everything – From rent collection to maintenance requests, automation reduces headaches for you and your tenants.

4. Creative fees can grow your bottom line – Pet rent, renter's insurance commissions, utility packages, and more can increase your property's value.

5. Self-managing costs more than you think – Your time, legal risks, and stress levels add up. Hiring a professional manager can give you peace of mind and help you scale.

If you got value from this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. Your support helps us reach more aspiring investors and deal finders just like you.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders Podcast, I'm diving deep into the world of creative financing—what it is, why it matters, and how it can unlock your next real estate deal even if you're low on capital. I share personal stories from my journey of doing no-money-down deals and break down the most effective strategies that investors are using right now to get properties under contract creatively.

We explore owner financing, lease options, subject-to deals, seller carrybacks, and even the lesser-known installment sales contracts. Plus, I explain why it's crucial to stay ethical and transparent, and how new regulations are reshaping the wholesaling space. If you've ever wondered how to invest without a big bank loan or want to scale your portfolio creatively, this episode is for you.

[Timeline Summary]

[0:00] - What is creative financing and why does it matter for investors?

[1:12] - Starting with nothing: My first no-money-down deal and how you can do it too

[3:15] - Top creative finance methods: Owner financing, lease options, subject-to, and more

[5:12] - Asset sales through LLCs and why I avoid them

[7:14] - My take on novations—and why they're riskier than they seem

[10:25] - Understanding lease options and how to protect your deal

[14:07] - Owner financing: How to negotiate payments, terms, and interest rates

[22:18] - Subject-to deals: Disclosure musts and ethical pitfalls to avoid

[25:10] - Installment sales contracts explained—own without the deed

[34:14] - Seller carryback and private money: Unlocking deals with flexible funding

[36:15] - The power of partnerships: Bringing together deals and dollars

[38:14] - Why new laws are opening up local opportunities for creative dealmakers

[39:19] - The impact of helping sellers—and how repeat deals fuel long-term success

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and share the REI Deal Finders Podcast. And don't forget to leave a review—it helps more deal finders like you discover how to creatively close more real estate deals!

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders Podcast, I break down exactly how we scaled from zero to 82 real estate deals in a single year using private capital. You'll hear the full story of our very first private lender mishap (yes, it involved my mom), and how that early lesson pushed us to find smarter, faster ways to fund deals without relying on banks.

I'll walk you through the mindset shifts that helped us stop thinking of money as "cash" and start treating it like capital—an essential tool for growing a business. You'll learn who qualifies as a private lender (hint: it's probably someone you already know), how to approach them with confidence, and how to protect their money once they're on board. This episode is packed with strategy and practical examples that you can start using today.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:54] - Closing 82 deals in one year with private capital

[2:14] - How our first private lender deal fell through

[4:17] - Borrowing from a 401(k) and learning to think outside the box

[5:21] - Why we use the word "capital" and how it reframes your business mindset

[8:02] - The real reason friends and family are the best place to start

[10:25] - How capital gives you speed and access to opportunities

[13:07] - What Tony Robbins and hedge fund managers teach about growing capital

[15:53] - Why access to funding means more deals, less stress

[17:24] - Missed deals, missed wealth: the cost of not having capital ready

[18:44] - Wise capital strategy: compounding wins and reducing pressure

[20:42] - Why private capital beats the bank every time

[22:45] - The four steps to private funding: find, present, protect, repeat

[24:28] - Everyone's a potential lender (even if they "don't have money")

[26:57] - Why you should start with 20 people in your circle

[29:06] - Using Private Money Club to accelerate your connections

[31:22] - Top questions private lenders ask—and how to prepare your answers

[35:03] - Presenting deals like a pro, with a simple video and clean numbers

[40:14] - The importance of legally protecting your lender's capital

[42:12] - Keeping lenders informed builds long-term relationships

[44:19] - Documenting and sharing your wins for repeat success

[49:39] - Your next step: talk to 20 people and share what you do

1. Private capital is not just about money—it's about using resources strategically to grow your business.

2. Friends and family are often your best first lenders because they already trust you.

3. You must treat capital with more care than your own money—always protect and document properly.

4. Confidence comes from preparation: answer common questions and present deals professionally.

5. Every missed opportunity due to lack of funding is lost wealth. Speed and access matter.

If this episode helped shift your mindset or gave you a new tool to use in your real estate business, take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Every listen and share helps us grow the REI Deal Finders community and help more investors succeed.