Ever wonder how to actually find deals and get sellers calling you? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Charlton from REI Print Mail—our go-to mail provider since 2018—to uncover the behind-the-scenes strategies that power direct mail marketing for real estate investors. Brian breaks down exactly how his company helps investors generate leads, even if you're brand new or working a 9-to-5 job.

We talk through the nuts and bolts of building effective mail campaigns, targeting distressed sellers, crafting irresistible offers, and why consistency is the difference between a cold phone and a ringing one. If you're looking for a proven, scalable method to get motivated sellers reaching out to you, this episode is packed with value.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Meet Brian Charlton and how REI Print Mail became a go-to service for real estate investors

[2:17] - From yellow letters to multi-million mail campaigns: how direct mail evolved

[3:43] - How they stack lists and identify distressed sellers

[6:20] - Building a target list based on your buy box and location

[10:10] - Why certain mail formats (like checks) drive more calls

[12:37] - How property values are estimated for soft offers

[14:00] - The importance of direct mail in educating sellers about cash buyers

[16:02] - Setting up a 90-day campaign for better results

[18:07] - How missed calls kill deals and the solution for busy investors

[20:02] - The value of having a consistent multi-touch mail strategy

[22:07] - Affordable call center support and the benefits over managing your own VA

[23:28] - Measuring results and coaching through the campaign

[25:15] - How to get started with a free call and what to expect

Key Takeaways:

1. Direct mail is still one of the most effective lead gen tools for real estate—if done right and consistently.

2. Stacked lists targeting multiple distress signals yield higher response and conversion rates.

3. Offers that include a dollar amount—like checks—create curiosity and drive more inbound calls.

4. If you can't answer the phone, you risk losing half your leads. Systems to catch those calls are essential.

5. Success comes from sticking to the numbers, staying consistent, and adapting based on real data.

Links & Resources:

• DealFindersClub.com/links – Connect with Brian Charlton and REI Print Mail

• Email Brian directly: [email protected]

If this episode helped clarify how to get started—or go bigger—with direct mail, be sure to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Your support keeps the insights coming.

In this power-packed episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, I dive deep into what it truly means to get yourself and your real estate business capital ready. If you've ever felt like your goals are sky high but your bank account doesn't match, you're not alone—and this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the mindset shift needed to succeed, the practical steps to build your financial foundation, and how to start flipping houses and acquiring rentals—even if you're not swimming in cash.

From leveraging private funding to establishing business credit and making your business look lender-ready, I share my personal journey from clueless first-time investor to full-time real estate professional. You'll learn how I went from struggling with underperforming rentals to strategically flipping houses and building a real estate empire. Get ready to challenge the old "it takes money to make money" narrative and learn how you can start now—regardless of your current financial situation.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:11] - Feeling broke? Here's why you can still do real estate deals.

[6:03] - The journey from newbie investor to full-time flipper.

[10:05] - Why "it takes money to make money" is misleading.

[15:15] - Rookie mistakes and lessons from my first few rentals.

[19:23] - Our first intentional flip and how it changed everything.

[24:52] - Discovering you need way more capital than you thought.

[26:17] - Becoming bankable and why it makes all the difference.

[30:40] - Investor vs spender mindset: the long-term wealth game.

[34:35] - Avoiding the wrong financial tools and picking the right capital.

[38:13] - Building business credit and why your setup matters.

[42:15] - Building business credibility: phone, email, address, and website.

[45:17] - The smart way to use credit cards and build credit.

[50:18] - Understanding different types of lenders and when to use them.

[54:08] - The role of hard money and private lenders in your deals.

[59:19] - How every property already contains built-in capital.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. You don't need your own money to start – Leverage private capital and seller financing to launch and scale your real estate investing.

2. Mindset matters – Shifting from a consumer mindset to an investor mindset is crucial for long-term success.

3. Get lender-ready – Setting up your business with proper credit, address, and systems builds credibility and unlocks funding.

4. Use the right financial tools – Knowing when to use credit cards, lines of credit, and hard money makes or breaks deals.

5. Education is vital, but action is king – Don't just learn—implement what you know to move your business forward.

Links & Resources:

• Learning Center: DealFindersClub.com/training

• Funding Resources: DealFindersClub.com/funding

• Prime Corporate Services for LLC and credit help

• Recommended Book: "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz

• Recommended Reading: "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki

Closing Remarks:

If this episode gave you a boost of confidence and some actionable steps, don't forget to follow, rate, and review the Deal Finders Podcast. Share it with someone who needs a push to start their real estate journey. Let's build something great—together!

In this special episode, I joined Mike Hambright on the Investor Fuel podcast to share my journey from buying my first property in 2007—just days before the market crash—to building a thriving real estate business with nearly 100 rental units today. We dug into the evolution of my investment strategy, the turning points that pushed me to systematize and scale, and why having no money turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

We also tackled a hot topic: the future of wholesaling, especially now that it's illegal in South Carolina. I break down what this means for investors and how to pivot with confidence. Plus, I reveal the overlooked opportunities sitting right in your backyard—yes, literally—and how you can uncover deals without spending a dime on advertising. Whether you're just getting started or figuring out your next move, this episode is packed with practical strategies and real talk about what works in today's market.

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:29] – My first real estate deal and the timing that nearly cost me everything

[5:37] – The "accidental landlord" phase and the hard lessons we learned on buying and managing rentals

[7:52] – Hiring a coach to accelerate growth and go full-time in real estate

[10:38] – Why so many people miss deals that are right in front of them

[12:13] – The surprising sources where new investors find their first deals

[14:29] – How I missed a $75K flip across the street—and what that taught me

[17:13] – Building a deal pipeline by working with influencers, agents, and your own network

[19:09] – The power of walking neighborhoods and using conversation to unlock deals

[20:28] – How to use Facebook groups to find off-market properties

[22:00] – Getting specific with agents to make your requests stand out

[24:26] – What to do when wholesaling is no longer an option

[26:26] – Creative strategies for closing deals legally without a wholesaler's license

[28:23] – Where to connect with me and join the Deal Finders community

1. Start Where You Are – Many investors find their first deal right in their own neighborhood through basic tactics like driving for dollars or word of mouth.

2. Coaching Can Compress Time – Hiring a coach helped us skip years of trial and error and go from struggling landlords to full-time investors.

3. Don't Ignore Free Lead Sources – A quarter of our deals still come from unpaid methods like referrals and community outreach.

4. Wholesaling Isn't Everything – Even if wholesaling becomes illegal in your area, you can still build a sustainable business through creative financing and closing strategies.

5. Your Network is a Goldmine – The people closest to you can be powerful sources of leads if you simply tell them what you're looking for.

• Connect with me and join the community: DealFindersClub.com

• Facebook Group: Deal Finders Club

• Book a call through the website to learn more or start working together

If this episode resonated with you or gave you new strategies to try, I'd love it if you could rate the show, leave a review, follow for more, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps us keep helping investors like you.

Ever wonder how to confidently make low offers and still have sellers eager to say "yes"? In this episode, I walk you through the exact formula we use to identify, evaluate, and negotiate profitable deals in real estate — especially for those looking to flip properties. From understanding after-repair value (ARV) to estimating renovation budgets using real numbers from actual flips, we dive deep into the nuts and bolts of what makes a successful offer.

You'll learn how to identify affordability caps in neighborhoods, avoid common rookie mistakes with comps, and build out your draft budget using condition-based repair estimates. Plus, I share real-time walkthroughs using Zillow, pro tips for finding hidden distressed listings, and exactly how to get the attention of sellers — even when they're hanging on to unrealistic expectations.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Selling your service: What makes your offer attractive to sellers

[1:10] - Defining After Repair Value (ARV) and why location caps matter

[2:40] - Breaking down the flipping formula: From ARV to max offer

[4:41] - Why profit isn't a dirty word (and why it's non-negotiable)

[5:19] - Rules for comping: How to find the right property comparisons

[10:46] - Affordability check: When the math says yes, but the market says no

[14:25] - Using Zillow keywords to uncover distressed properties

[24:05] - Evaluating renovation scope based on square footage and condition

[37:08] - Quick rehab cost ranges from light cosmetic to full gut jobs

[41:25] - Due diligence tips: Tools, red flags, and common investor pitfalls

5 Key Takeaways

1. ARV is the foundation – Always begin your offer analysis by confidently determining the After Repair Value. This anchors every other calculation in your deal.

2. Affordability caps matter – Just because the numbers say a house could sell for more doesn't mean the local market will support it.

3. Draft budgets drive decisions – Use property condition and square footage to create ballpark rehab estimates before you commit time or money.

4. Use sold comps only – Active listings are not reliable indicators. Focus on recent sales within the same neighborhood to evaluate value.

5. Do your due diligence early – Google the address, check flood zones, and dig into neighborhood data before making an offer.

Links & Resources

• Profit First for Real Estate Investing – Recommended book for flipping with profitability in mind

• FlipperForce – Software used for budget tracking and renovation scope management

• FEMA Flood Map Service – Check property flood zones

• Nextdoor App – Research neighborhood dynamics

• Realtor.com & Zillow – Used for live comping and deal evaluation

If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you would follow, rate, review, and share the podcast with a fellow investor who's ready to level up their deal-finding game.

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.