Ever felt stuck in your real estate journey because you didn’t know where the money would come from? In this episode, I walk you through the exact strategies we’ve used to go from four rentals to flipping over 30 properties in a single year—all by tapping into the power of private capital. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, I’m sharing the key mindset shifts, tactical steps, and even personal stories (like how my mom almost derailed our first flip!) that shaped our approach to raising funds outside of traditional banks.

We’ll cover how to think like an investor, where to find private lenders, and how to build long-term, trustworthy relationships that support your real estate goals. From crafting your pitch to vetting the right kind of lenders, this episode is your full playbook for using private money to grow faster, smarter, and with more confidence.

[Timeline Summary]

[0:00] - Why private capital became our growth engine from 4 rentals to over 30

[1:18] - The beauty of flexibility: How private lenders fund different kinds of deals

[4:16] - Our first flip almost didn’t happen—and the big lesson we learned from it

[10:02] - Investor mindset vs. “normal” saving mentality

[14:03] - Capital as a tool, not just extra cash: Using money to grow, not sit

[19:09] - Why private capital beats the banks: speed, flexibility, and confidence

[25:11] - What to say when introducing what you do to potential lenders

[31:14] - The golden rule: Never borrow money someone needs tomorrow

[40:17] - Protect your lender’s money like it’s your grandma’s last dime

[47:19] - Do great work, say thank you, and your capital will snowball

5 Key Takeaways

1. Private capital is your growth accelerator – It’s faster and more flexible than traditional financing and allows you to act quickly on great deals.

2. Everyone can be a lender – Your job is to educate people about the opportunity, not convince or beg.

3. Start with a list of 20 – Practice your pitch with people who already like and trust you before expanding your reach.

4. Do your homework – Always vet your deals and protect your lenders with proper legal documentation (note and mortgage).

5. Treat capital like a partnership – This is a long game. Focus on relationships, deliver great results, and say thank you.

Links & Resources

• PrivateMoneyClub.com – A community to connect borrowers and lenders

• DealFindersclub.com/training

If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor—rate, follow, share, and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more investors who are ready to take action and grow.

In this episode of the Deal Finders podcast, I’m diving deep into one of the most powerful tools in real estate investing: private capital. I’m joined by Rich Lennon, a seasoned investor who has done it all—from scrappy Craigslist deals to managing a machine-like operation closing multiple deals a month. We talk candidly about his journey from accidental landlord to full-fledged investor and eventually, private money lender.

We break down what private capital really is, how to raise it responsibly, and why your mindset is your greatest asset when it comes to attracting funding. Rich shares gold nuggets on how he built trust and found his first private lenders (spoiler: it’s all about being passionate and vocal about what you do). Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to scale with private funding, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:02] – Rich Lennon introduces himself and shares how he stumbled into real estate investing.

[2:22] – Scoring that first deal via Craigslist and launching his investing career.

[5:40] – Why starting in your local market is the smartest move for new investors.

[6:12] – Scaling up: from one deal a year to 5+ deals a month—and the team it took to make it happen.

[10:45] – The shift from borrower to lender: how Rich flipped the script during the pandemic.

[14:20] – Understanding mindset: why having a deal makes YOU the valuable asset, not the money.

[19:35] – Two real-life stories of how Rich attracted private money without pitching or selling.

[24:10] – What happens after someone says they’re interested in lending: next steps and key players.

[25:50] – Navigating terms: interest rates, points, and negotiating favorable deals.

[28:15] – Why hard money lenders are still valuable, especially for beginners.

[30:00] – Rich’s blueprint for blending private capital with smart investing to maximize returns.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Mindset Matters: If you’ve got the deal, you are the prize—remember that private capital is abundant, but skilled deal-makers are rare.

2. Start Local: Build a solid foundation in your own backyard before branching out to other markets.

3. Talk About What You Do: Private lenders are often closer than you think—speak confidently and authentically, and they’ll find you.

4. Build Strong Systems: Success at scale requires a clear structure with defined roles—think acquisitions, project management, and finance.

5. Know Your Numbers: Whether it’s private lending or hard money, understanding rates, terms, and legal protections is key to sustainable success.

Links & Resources:

• https://richlennon.com/ – Download the Smarter Wealth Blueprint and learn more about private lending.

• DealFinders.Club/Events – Check out upcoming local events and connect with fellow investors.

Enjoyed the show? Please rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who’s ready to unlock the power of private capital!

In today’s episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, I’m taking you back to where it all started—how Michelle and I stumbled into deal finding without even knowing it! I share the story that lit the fire for us and break down the six essential methods you can start using today to find your first (or next) real estate deal. From partnering with wholesalers to leveraging social media and networking like a pro, I’ll guide you through actionable steps that will sharpen your “deal-finding eyes” and set you on a clear path to success.

Whether you’re brand new or ready to take your real estate investing to the next level, this episode is packed with practical strategies, encouragement, and a few real-world tips you won’t want to miss. Let’s get you started on your journey to becoming a deal finder!

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - How Michelle and I accidentally became deal finders and the lightbulb moment that changed everything

[2:30] - The six methods you can use today to start finding deals: Wholesalers, Influencers, Driving for Dollars, Facebook/Social Media, Agents, and Networking

[3:07] - How wholesalers solve real problems and why they still matter in today’s market

[6:41] - Finding key influencers like attorneys and junk removal companies to unlock off-market deals

[9:04] - Tips for successful Driving for Dollars (including my favorite secret: drive around on trash day!)

[12:02] - How to use your own social media to become a magnet for deals

[16:26] - Working with agents as both influencers and active searchers

[19:38] - Why networking is one of your most powerful tools for consistent deal flow

[22:05] - The magic of making five offers a day and why “no” is actually a good thing

[24:52] - Building genuine rapport with sellers using mirroring techniques and empathetic conversations

5 Key Takeaways

1. Your mindset matters: You can’t spot deals if you’re not actively looking for them—train your brain to see opportunities everywhere.

2. Wholesalers are still key players: Despite a bad reputation in some circles, good wholesalers solve real problems and can be valuable partners.

3. Influencers are not just online: Attorneys, junk removal companies, and HOAs can all lead you to distressed property opportunities.

4. Social media is a goldmine: Telling your story consistently online can turn your friends and followers into your personal network of deal finders.

5. Make offers daily: Aim to make five offers a day—even getting told “no” is progress and brings you closer to your next deal.

Closing Remark

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Deal Finders Podcast! If you found today’s tips helpful, make sure to rate, follow, and share the show with a friend who’s ready to jump into real estate investing. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more future deal finders just like you! See you next time!

If you’re serious about finding quality real estate deals without cold-calling your way into burnout, this episode is for you. I sat down with Jason Sager from MotivatedSellers.com to get into the nitty-gritty of inbound vs. outbound lead generation—and why working smarter, not harder, can completely transform your home-buying business. We break down the real differences between pay-per-click and pay-per-lead strategies, and Jason shares why motivated sellers are the lifeblood of successful real estate deals.

We didn’t just talk theory either—this is a no-fluff conversation packed with real-world examples, marketing tips, and lead-handling strategies you can take action on today. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your acquisition team, tune in to learn how to streamline your lead gen, get better results from your marketing budget, and why speed-to-lead is everything.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:14] – Jason introduces himself and the mission behind MotivatedSellers.com

[2:22] – What exactly is a “motivated seller” and why are they gold for investors

[5:42] – Outbound vs. Inbound marketing: the difference that makes or breaks deals

[9:49] – A free tip for beginners: start by calling people who actually want to be called

[10:54] – PPC vs. Pay-per-lead explained—and which one saves you time and money

[14:07] – Why mastering one thing is better than trying to do everything yourself

[15:12] – How MotivatedSellers.com delivers real-time, ready-to-talk seller leads

[19:12] – This is why people quit: outbound burnout vs. inbound ease

[23:12] – Who this system is actually for—and who it’s not

[26:15] – Hidden deals: why even “cold” leads may still turn into wins

[29:21] – Real talk: this isn’t get-rich-quick, it’s build-wealth-slowly (but surely)

1. Inbound leads are game-changers – When sellers reach out to you, your conversion rate improves, conversations are smoother, and the sales process is far more enjoyable.

2. Focus where your time matters most – If your strength is negotiating deals, don’t get stuck managing ads and campaigns. Outsource marketing and stay in your zone of genius.

3. Speed to lead is everything – The faster you respond to an inbound lead, the more likely you are to close it. Delay, and they’ll go find someone else.

• MotivatedSellers.com/DealFinders – Sign up with our exclusive Deal Finders offer

• DealFindersClub.com – Join our community and check out our live weekly events

• Watch on YouTube: Deal Finders YouTube Channel

If you got value from this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone in the deal-finding business who needs to hear this.

In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, we dive into the real deal behind those impressive-looking checks you see online from real estate closings. I walk you through a recent transaction and break down the numbers—showing why gross profit is the number that really matters, not just the “cash to seller” figure on the HUD statement. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just thinking about getting into flipping, this episode lays out the essential mindset and tools you need to focus on real profit, not just revenue hype.

We also talk about our upcoming full-day flipping workshop on April 25th, where we’ll dig even deeper into how to find, fund, fix, and flip your deals the right way. Plus, I share one of our favorite tools—Flipper Force—and explain why it’s been a game-changer for tracking real estate project finances. If you’ve got the drive but are missing either experience, knowledge, or funding, this episode will help you figure out your next step in becoming a successful deal finder.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[0:45] – Announcing the upcoming flipping workshop on April 25th

[1:46] – What is a HUD statement, and why does it matter in flipping?

[2:51] – Breaking down the difference between “cash to seller” and actual profit

[4:05] – Why flaunting big checks can be misleading in this business

[5:20] – The key focus: building your business around real profit

[6:00] – Tools that help: how we use Flipper Force to track real estate deals

[7:01] – What to expect at the upcoming flipping workshop

[8:02] – A message for aspiring investors: find where you are and what you need

[9:13] – Why real estate is the best business to start today

3 Key Takeaways

1. The number on the check doesn’t tell the whole story—profit is what counts.

2. Tools like Flipper Force can streamline deal analysis and financial tracking.

3. Real estate investing is accessible to anyone, no matter where you’re starting from—experience, knowledge, or capital gaps can be bridged.

Links & Resources

• Flipper Force Tool: dealfindersclub.com/links

• Register for the full-day flipping workshop on April 25th: dealfindersclub.com/events

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with someone who’s ready to flip their first house or take their next big step in real estate investing.

Wondering if that property you found is actually a deal? In this episode, I walk you through my go-to process for comping properties—step by step, using nothing more than Zillow. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your wholesaling journey, knowing how to evaluate a property’s ARV (After Repair Value) is absolutely essential.

I break down how we analyze deals every day with our partners, what tools we use (both free and paid), and how we handle the many variables that make real estate comping more of an art than a science. From square footage to corner lots and shade trees—every detail matters, and I show you how to factor them in.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Introdcution

[0:38] – The challenge of evaluating deals during our wholesaling bootcamp

[1:13] – Tools we use for comping: Zillow, PropStream, FlipperForce & more

[2:18] – Why 5 tools can give you 5 different values—and what to do about it

[3:15] – Live walkthrough: how to use Zillow to find comps

[7:02] – Setting filters: time range, square footage, location boundaries

[10:12] – Understanding the “art” of comping vs. the “science”

[13:14] – How to analyze and adjust for bed/bath counts and odd floorplans

[20:14] – Calculating ARV from price per square foot

[22:17] – Why we prioritize confidence and location indicators when making offers

5 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Start with ARV First

   Always begin by determining the After Repair Value—the highest potential value of the property once fully renovated. This becomes the foundation for every investment decision.

2. Use Free Tools First

   Zillow is a powerful, free resource for comping. It allows you to quickly view recent sales, compare neighborhoods, and get a feel for price per square foot—without needing a subscription.

3. Zoom In—Then Zoom Out

   When looking for comps, stay within a tight geographic range. Avoid crossing major roads, and stick within contained neighborhoods to get more accurate comparisons.

4. Match the Right Features

   Look for comparables that match your target property in square footage, layout, style, and bedroom/bathroom count. Even small differences, like a split-level vs. a ranch, can significantly affect value.

5. Comping Is Both Art and Science

   Numbers are important, but so is judgment. Learn to read between the lines—things like floor plan quirks or location on a busy road can’t always be quantified, but they matter.

If this episode helped you level up your deal analysis game, be sure to follow, rate, and share the podcast with someone who could use a clearer path to finding great real estate deals. And remember—if you’ve got a deal and aren’t sure what to do next, reach out. I’m here to help. See you at the next meetup.

Welcome back, deal finders! In today’s Deal Finders episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most critical phases of the flip process: getting your renovation off the ground. Whether you’re flipping your first property or your tenth, this episode will give you the foundation and strategy to set your renovation up for success—and protect your profit in the process.

I walk you through the systems we’ve developed over years of experience (and plenty of trial and error) to help you stay on budget, manage contractors, and avoid costly surprises. Plus, I break down three different ways to manage your renovation based on your experience level and resources. If you’re serious about flipping real estate the right way, you’ll want to hear this from start to finish.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:22] - Kicking off the flip series: Why renovation is the next key step

[1:26] - How flipping can lead to financial freedom—if you follow a process

[2:49] - The high cost of learning the hard way (and how we learned to stop)

[4:15] - Why documenting every detail of your walkthrough is non-negotiable

[6:21] - Using a property walkthrough checklist to build your scope of work

[7:30] - Turning notes into a contractor-ready renovation plan

[8:13] - Why beginners must avoid estimating costs—get real quotes!

[9:12] - Three ways to handle renovation management (GC, PM, DIY)

[12:34] - Vetting contractors through referrals and real work you’ve seen

[13:14] - Wrapping it up: When your numbers make sense, it’s time to flip!

Key Takeaways

1. Systems Save Your Profit – The clearer your documentation at the start, the more likely you are to stick to budget and timeline.

2. Don’t Estimate If You’re New – Get real quotes and inspections during your due diligence period. Estimating without experience can sink your deal.

3. You Have Options – Choose your renovation management strategy wisely: hire a GC, work with a project manager, or manage subcontractors yourself.

Links & Resources

• Visit: dealfindersclub.com/events to find the next local training

Enjoyed the episode?

Be sure to rate, follow, and review the Radio Finders Podcast. And don’t forget to share this with a fellow deal finder who needs a solid renovation game plan. Let’s keep flipping smart. Talk to you soon!

Flipping houses might look glamorous on TV, but the real magic happens long before the first hammer swing—it starts with choosing the right property. In this episode, I break down the essential first step of a successful flip: how to find the right deal in the right market with the right numbers. Whether you’re brand new to real estate or ready to scale up your flipping business, this episode gives you a clear, strategic approach to buying smart and setting yourself up for profit.

I’ll walk you through how to use local market data to guide your decisions, what property types attract the most buyers, and the specific formula I use to reverse-engineer purchase prices based on potential resale value. This is your blueprint for finding the best opportunities—and avoiding costly mistakes—when flipping homes.

Episode Timeline Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:42] - The 4 F’s of flipping: Find it, Fund it, Fix it, Flip it

[1:29] - Why data is your best friend when choosing a flip property

[2:22] - Using your local MLS to identify your market’s average sale price

[3:06] - Why staying under the average price gives you a bigger buyer pool

[4:55] - Backing into your numbers: how to estimate profit and purchase price

[7:07] - What goes into your total budget: repairs, financing, holding costs

[8:50] - Creating your “buy box” and how to ask agents or wholesalers for deals

[9:44] - Should you target 1-bedrooms or 3-bedrooms? How to use sales data to decide

[11:00] - The importance of square footage and school districts in resale value

[13:35] - If you’re only doing a few flips per year, be picky with your deals

3 Key Takeaways

1. Use your local average sale price as a guide—buy below it and aim to sell at or under it to reach the widest buyer pool.

2. Reverse-engineer your budget by working backward from your target resale price, subtracting expected costs and profit to determine your maximum offer.

3. Let data lead your decisions—analyze what’s actually selling in your market (by bedrooms, square footage, and school districts) to identify high-demand properties.

Links & Resources

• Learn more and sign up for our next workshop at DealFinders.Club

Thanks for tuning in to the Deal Finders podcast! If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to rate, follow, and share the show. Every review helps us reach more investors ready to build their flipping business the smart way. Let’s get out there and find that next deal.

In this episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Bateman, founder of Bateman Collective, to dive into the power of digital marketing for real estate investors. With years of experience managing millions of dollars in ad spend, Brandon shares expert insights into generating high-quality leads through pay-per-click (PPC), SEO, and social media advertising.

We discuss the importance of data-driven marketing, how to evaluate a marketing agency, and the biggest mistakes investors make when running their own ads. Brandon also explains why traditional marketing channels like cold calling have become less effective and how to strategically allocate your budget for maximum results. Whether you’re new to real estate investing or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction [0:52] - Introduction to Brandon Bateman and how he started Bateman Collective.

[2:19] - How Bateman Collective manages $2 million in monthly ad spend for real estate investors.

[5:21] - Do investors need to run their own marketing? Why hiring experts can be a better option.

[9:00] - Key factors to consider when evaluating a marketing agency.

[14:03] - Overview of PPC, SEO, and social media ads for real estate lead generation.

[19:50] - The importance of tracking data and optimizing marketing campaigns.

[26:58] - Understanding marketing costs and why PPC is becoming more cost-effective than cold calling.

[30:34] - How leads are generated and delivered to real estate investors.

[33:39] - What new investors should do if they have little to no marketing budget.

[37:12] - The rising costs of real estate marketing and how to adapt.

[42:21] - Factors that influence cost per lead and how to improve lead quality.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Data is everything – Successful marketing requires tracking every aspect of your campaigns. The best marketers make decisions based on real numbers, not just intuition.

2. PPC and SEO are becoming more cost-effective – Many investors assume that cold calling is the cheapest way to generate leads, but data shows that online marketing is often more efficient.

3. Speed matters – When a lead comes in, calling them immediately is critical. Delays reduce conversion rates as motivated sellers continue searching for other options.

4. Hiring experts can save money in the long run – While some investors try to run their own ads, the complexity and constant changes in online marketing make outsourcing to professionals a smarter move for most.

5. Start where you are – If you do not have a marketing budget, focus on networking, referrals, and grassroots efforts to generate your first deals before investing in paid advertising.

Links & Resources

• Bateman Collective – Visit BatemanCollective.com

• Free Online Marketing Course – Bateman Collective Marketing Toolkit

Enjoyed This Episode?

If you found this episode valuable, subscribe and leave a review. Share it with other real estate investors looking to improve their lead generation strategies. Stay tuned for more insights in the next episode of the Deal Finders Podcast.

Negotiating with sellers isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding people, their motivations, and how to create win-win situations. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of talking to sellers, uncovering their true needs, and structuring deals that work for everyone involved. We discuss the importance of empathy, the power of open-ended questions, and how to avoid common negotiation mistakes that can cost you deals.

You’ll also learn about essential deal-making strategies, including the “mirror technique” for building rapport, how to determine the right offer price, and why focusing on finding great deals (rather than forcing sales) is the key to long-term success. If you want to sharpen your skills in real estate negotiations and master the process of securing profitable deals, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:10] – The emotional weight of talking to distressed sellers and why empathy is key

[2:35] – The must-have details you need from every seller to make an informed offer

[3:17] – The importance of identifying the seller’s motivation and timeline

[4:10] – Why traditional negotiation tactics don’t work with sellers and what to do instead

[6:03] – The “Mirror Technique” and how it helps sellers open up

[7:28] – The right way to structure your conversations to uncover seller needs

[10:17] – Understanding ARV (After Repair Value) and the 70% rule for evaluating deals

[12:13] – How to estimate repair costs and avoid overpaying for properties

[13:37] – The “Limbo Method”—how to determine the lowest possible offer price

[16:22] – The difference between being a deal finder and a wholesaler

[19:12] – How to define your real estate investing goals and choose the right path

[22:38] – Why finding the right partners and funding sources is key to scaling your business

[25:19] – Using a simple deal calculator to quickly determine offers

[30:53] – Key performance indicators (KPIs) every deal finder should track for success

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Empathy builds trust: Sellers are often in distress, so listening and understanding their situation is more important than jumping straight into an offer.

2. Gather key information upfront: Always ask about the seller’s motivation, property condition, asking price, and timeline before making an offer.

3. Forget traditional negotiation tactics: Trying to lowball or pressure a seller rarely works. Instead, focus on solving their problem while meeting your investment goals.

4. Know your numbers: Understanding ARV, repair costs, and the 70% rule is crucial to making profitable offers without overpaying.

5. Partnerships accelerate success: Whether you need funding, expert advice, or deal support, surrounding yourself with the right people will help you grow faster.

Links & Resources:

Deal Finder’s Script & Resources: viewfindersclub.com/resources

Free 15-Minute Strategy Call: chatwithandrewlucas.com/15

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast! Share it with a fellow investor or aspiring deal finder to help them level up their negotiation game. See you next time!