Most real estate entrepreneurs underestimate how much money slips through the cracks simply because they don’t plan. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down why year-end planning, specifically tax planning, can easily be a $10,000-an-hour activity for anyone buying and selling real estate.

The decisions you make right now directly shape your financial future in 2026, 2027, 2028, and beyond.

Listen as he explains how the best operators create a financial plan, build “if/then” scenarios, and use the tax code to protect and redeploy more capital. Enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a simple but powerful financial plan for next year
• Use “if/then” planning to make emotion-free decisions
• Identify the tax strategies top operators use before year-end
• Avoid paying unnecessary taxes by planning ahead

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:14) How planning now impacts 2026–2028

(02:07) The one word that changes your entire financial future: planning

(03:35) Focus on business and financial planning

(03:51) How to forecast revenue, labor, marketing, and expenses

(04:39) A real example: When to hire your next acquisitions person

(05:13) Using financial plans to make smarter, emotionless decisions

(05:54) How business planning and tax planning work together

(06:22) The tax problem entrepreneurs run into at year-end

(06:58) Understanding your potential tax liability before it hits

(08:30) Tax savings = “found money” to reinvest in your business

(09:20) Liquidity vs. future tax increases

(09:59) Understanding the “70,000 pages” of exceptions

(10:26) The compound effect of planning + strategy

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who want to keep more of the money they earn
• Operators who are tired of surprise tax bills
• Business owners who want a predictable financial plan for next year
• Anyone who wants to legally reduce taxes and reinvest more into wealth-building

Why You Should Listen:

Tax planning isn’t exciting, but it might be the highest ROI activity in your entire business. Marcus breaks down how simple planning, smart decisions, and understanding the rules can add tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to your bottom line.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Most real estate entrepreneurs think they need more rentals, more revenue, or more marketing to break through. But often the real issue is hiding in their numbers.

For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Felipe Bossans, co-founder and head of sales at 8020 REI, to talk about why so many investors stall out.

Felipe shares how 8020 REI went from wholesaling in Miami to building one of the most powerful predictive-data companies in the industry, what most investors get wrong about lead flow, and why understanding your numbers will determine your success.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Diagnose why your business growth has stalled
• Use predictive data to find better leads
• Stop wasting time and payroll on the wrong leads
• Identify “bad revenue” drifting your business off track

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(03:26) Why 8020 REI was born and how data gave them an edge

(05:33) The biggest marketing mistakes investors make

(07:43) Cost per acquisition vs. cost per appointment

(08:42) Why inconsistent leads create inconsistent cash flow

(10:55) The cost of chasing the wrong lead

(12:03) “Bad revenue” and why not every deal is worth doing

(14:19) How CFO review changed their investment strategy

(16:33) The real return on equity inside your rental portfolio

(19:02) Reasons to hate owning rentals

(24:03) Strong data = consistent leads = consistent profitability

(25:43) Take the cash and start reinvesting in things that drive longer-term value

(27:07) The three steps to wealth building

(29:26) Impact moments: building homes and building better teams

(30:37) The four levels of connection

(32:25) Healthy conflict, aggressive goals, and coordinated execution

(35:06) Educate yourself in financial literacy

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who feel stuck
• Investors with inconsistent lead flow or cash flow
• Operators who want higher profits
• Business owners who want to make better decisions based on data

Why You Should Listen:

If you feel like you are working twice as hard for half the results, you must listen to this episode. Felipe breaks down the real reasons businesses stall and how data, clarity, and financial literacy can create a breakthrough.

Connect with Felipe Bossans:

• Website: https://8020rei.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felipebossans/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felipebossans/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

There are many CEOs with a big heart. They want their people to be successful, have this big vision, and drive within them, but they don't hold themselves accountable. There is a big difference between being a jerk and being accountable.

In today’s episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Nathan Brooks, entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Arch Capital, to talk about the wake-up call that forced him to rethink everything: open-heart surgery.

Nathan also shares how his community showed up massively, and why that experience pushed him to rebuild his companies around tracking, accountability, and culture. Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a business that can operate without you
• Use tracking systems to diagnose problems
• Create accountability without hurting culture
• Raise capital through a debt fund the right way

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(02:18) Who is Nathan Brooks and the businesses he leads

(03:52) His open-heart surgery and the moment everything stopped

(06:26) The support he received from friends and the entrepreneur community

(11:19) Being a CEO vs operating inside those businesses

(12:00) The importance of tracking everything

(14:13) Why most entrepreneurs “ready–fire–aim” into problems

(16:21) Balancing accountability with culture and core values

(17:02) Using core values to lead hard conversations

(19:00) Why accountability must start with the CEO

(19:53) The power of clear numbers vs. emotional expectations

(21:05) Mission-driven teams vs. money-driven teams

(23:58) Why you must track numbers daily

(25:46) Real-world examples of time value, deal size, and ROI

(27:54) Cash flow is the foundation of every business

(29:13) Why cash conversion cycles determine who survives and who doesn’t

(32:16) Cash is the true backbone of any business

(34:25) The discipline of putting business profits straight into holding accounts

(36:01) Raising capital in a debt fund

(38:42) Why pooled funds reduce risk and simplify the process

(41:39) Nathan’s final advice on becoming a better decision-maker

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs who want a business that runs without their constant involvement
• Business owners who struggle with accountability
• Operators who are looking to build sellable, scalable companies
• Anyone wanting more liquidity, stability, and peace in their business

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re still running your business on gut instinct and endless hustle, this episode will show you what changes when you finally start tracking, delegating, and leading like a real CEO. The right systems don’t just save your business, they give you your life back.

Connect with Nathan Brooks:

• Website: https://archcapital.ai/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbrooksrei/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbrooksrei/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NathanBrooksRei 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

When South Carolina shut down wholesaling overnight, many investors were caught off guard. Caleb Pearson was one of them. Practically overnight, he had to rebuild his entire business model and deal with the cash flow chaos that came with it.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler talks with Caleb about what it took to survive that shift, the lessons learned from running multiple real estate companies, and how he built real security by focusing on liquidity, leadership, and lifestyle.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Navigate sudden market or legal changes without losing everything
• Manage long cash flow cycles and survive the liquidity squeeze
• Protect your business with the right structure, reserves, and insurance
• Build systems that allow your business and your life to stay balanced

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:15) How Caleb’s role evolved into overseeing major real estate companies

(05:43) From grinding solo to leading teams

(06:41) Joining Collective Genius and learning to scale through coaching

(08:51) The scarcity and long-term value of mobile home parks

(11:59) The difference between creating cash and multiplying cash

(14:04) Why coaching and mentorship shortcut success

(15:49) How Caleb shifted from chasing status to building stability

(18:53) Guardrails that protect your business and peace of mind

(20:26) How his wife inspired smarter financial habits

(23:53) Costly lessons from lawsuits, bad lots, and risk exposure

(25:49) Why legal and insurance protection are non-negotiable

(26:54) South Carolina bans wholesaling overnight

(28:41) Managing cash flow when flips take 180 + days to close

(31:10) Planning your business exit before it’s too late

(32:50) Building sellable side businesses and true wealth

(35:26) Why bigger isn’t always better

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs facing cash flow crunches
• Investors who are shifting from wholesaling to fix-and-flip or buy-and-hold
• Business owners who are ready to build security
• Anyone who wants to protect what they’ve built and still sleep at night

Why You Should Listen:

If your business keeps growing but your bank account doesn’t, this episode is for you. Caleb’s story will show you how to survive massive industry shifts, avoid burnout, and build a business that creates wealth and peace of mind.

Connect with Caleb Pearson:

• Website: https://calebpearsonteam.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecalebpearsonteam 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecalebpearsonteam

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Most entrepreneurs fear taking a loss. But for Clint Cooper, losing $600,000 became the turning point that helped him build Padly Real Estate, one of Atlanta’s top homebuying companies.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler talks with Clint about how a massive setback forced him to rethink his business, strengthen his financial systems, and double down on what really works. They dig into why chasing shiny objects can destroy momentum, the power of cash reserves, and how the right partnership can accelerate growth.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Turn failure into the foundation for long-term success
• Build cash reserves that protect your business through market shifts
• Avoid the “luxury flip trap”
• Structure partnerships that actually last

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(02:58) How Clint got into real estate after leaving the sports betting world

(04:40) Why he chose entrepreneurship over a 9–5

(06:24) Turning early success into a real business

(06:56) The power of mentorship and modeling successful people

(09:24) What being a real estate CEO really means

(11:31) Managing unpredictable cash flow and setting up 4 months of reserves

(16:01) Why cash creates confidence in decision-making

(19:27) The $600K loss that changed everything

(21:31) Building back the company the right way

(24:20) The willingness to fail, make mistakes, learn, and grow

(26:36) Avoiding shiny object syndrome and sticking to your niche

(28:15) Building brand power through Padly Realty

(30:31) How bookkeeping and forecasting create control

(34:40) Why opposite skill sets make partnerships work

(39:40) Lessons for founders thinking about business partnerships

(43:09) Clint’s final advice: “Keep cash. Cash gives you strength.”

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs rebuilding after losses
• Investors looking to scale without losing focus
• Business owners who are trying to fix messy finances and partnerships
• Operators who want to grow smarter, not just bigger

Why You Should Listen:

Clint’s story proves that with the right mindset, discipline, and financial clarity, even a $600K setback can become the start of something great.

Connect with Clint Cooper:

• Website: https://www.padlybuys.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-cooper-92256371/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clintbuysatl 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

In this episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Tyler Evans, COO of Padly, to share how they went from a 60-person team making half a million a month but netting zero, to a 15-person operation consistently profiting six figures.

Tyler walks through the turning points that forced him and his team to rebuild their business model. He also reveals how they cut overhead, shifted from cold outreach to inbound marketing, built a “finance bible” to guide every decision, and established the discipline that keeps them profitable month after month. Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Turn a large, unprofitable operation into a high-margin business
• Use data and forecasting tools to make smarter decisions
• Build a finance system that keeps you profitable long-term
• Focus on net profit, not just revenue

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(03:46) Tyler Evans’ journey from corporate America to real estate

(08:20) Starting Padly from a bedroom and scaling fast

(12:01) How they shifted from wholesale deals to direct-to-seller marketing

(18:16) The hidden costs of chasing bad leads

(22:31) Cutting 45 people and rebuilding the company

(24:48) Raising close rates and reducing wasted marketing spend

(28:05) The power of forecasting with the “Finance Bible”

(30:34) The Finance Bible defined

(33:03) Making micro decisions that bring success to the business

(42:42) Why “boring business” is actually a good thing

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who feel busy but broke
• Operators managing large teams with thin margins
• Business owners who are struggling to turn revenue into real profit

Why You Should Listen:

Tyler shares the hard decisions, financial discipline, and mindset shifts that helped Padly go from chaos to clarity, proving that a smaller, smarter business can win every time.

Connect with Tyler Evans:

• Website: https://www.padlybuys.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersevans/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flipwithtyler/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

When the market’s booming, it is easy to believe the good times will never end. But what happens when the music stops and your holding costs start eating you alive?

In this episode, Marcus Crigler shares a hard lesson many real estate entrepreneurs are learning right now: the danger of ignoring the 10% Reserve Rule. He walks through the true story of a once-successful builder who went from making millions to losing it all, and the simple financial discipline that could have saved his business.

Listen as he breaks down how to protect your company when the market shifts, why this is a balance sheet problem, and how to survive downturns by managing cash instead of chasing profits.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Avoid the mistake that wipes out even successful investors
• Build and maintain proper reserves to survive market cycles
• Shift from a profit-first to a cash-first mindset
• Turn stagnant inventory into liquidity
• Use your balance sheet as a decision-making tool for long-term growth

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:17) How real estate made millions during the boom

(02:30) Make money while you can

(02:49) The 10% reserve rule every builder and flipper should follow

(04:02) What happens when you ignore liquidity during a slowdown

(05:32) The warning signs: rising days on market and shrinking margins

(08:37) Real estate as a longevity game

(09:00) The difference between a P&L exercise and a balance sheet exercise

(10:24) Why focusing on cash flow, not profit, keeps your business alive

(11:59) How to prioritize which properties to sell first

Who This Episode Is For:

• Fix-and-flip investors and builders who are struggling with rising inventory
• Real estate entrepreneurs who are learning to manage cash flow in tighter markets
• Business owners who want to build resilience and not just revenue
• Anyone ready to run a smarter, more sustainable real estate business

Why You Should Listen:

If your holding costs are stacking up and your margins are shrinking, this episode could save your business. Marcus reveals how small financial habits, like keeping 10% reserves and making balance-sheet-driven decisions, separate those who stay in the game from those who get wiped out when the market shifts.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

What if your real estate business could thrive even when you’re not there?

In this episode, Marcus Crigler interviews someone who has transitioned from being a true hustler, buying houses on the Courthouse Steps and flipping them, to now serving as the CEO of a major organization in Kansas City.

Marck de Lautour, CEO of SBD Housing and Best Offer Kansas City, unpacks what it really takes to build a business that runs from the owner’s box and why culture, not just strategy, is the secret weapon behind his success. Listen and enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Transition from owning a job to owning a business that runs without you
• Build a culture that drives alignment, trust, and performance
• Strengthen banking relationships and structure your debt wisely
• Use a balance sheet strategy to survive downturns and free up cash

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(03:24) How Marck went from courthouse-step deals to running a major real estate company

(07:35) The power of private money, equity partnerships, and investor education

(09:25) How to communicate numbers clearly to high-net-worth investors

(13:03) Living below your means and building long-term wealth over income

(17:00) Why building strong banking relationships is a critical piece for scaling

(18:47) Never use hard money on a deal

(22:34) The mindset shift from P&L management to balance sheet strategy

(23:24) How Marck survived 2022’s interest rate shock by selling fast and staying liquid

(25:34) Why transparency with banks builds lasting trust and financing strength

(27:52) Hiring a COO and shifting from operator to visionary

(32:32) Building a company culture that attracts top talent and builds trust

(34:57) Selling vs wholesaling

(35:45) How daily huddles, accountability, and shared wins fuel culture

(39:03) Measuring team success with ENPS and rewarding contributions

(40:39) The power of diversification in funding, deal flow, and exit strategy

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are ready to step out of day-to-day operations
• Business owners who want to lead from vision
• Investors who are building teams and a culture that can scale
• CEOs looking to strengthen cash flow, leadership, and long-term stability

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, working harder instead of smarter, this episode gives you the exact playbook for scaling your business and your life.

Connect with Marck de Lautour:

• Website: https://sbdhousing.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marckdelautour 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marck-de-lautour/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

You can have the best marketing, a steady flow of deals, and big revenue months, but if you don’t manage your cash, your business won’t last.

For today's episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the real key to staying in business: mastering cash flow. Drawing from years of experience, Marcus shares his five most practical and proven strategies for managing cash so you won't live from deal to deal and finally take control of your finances.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Manage your cash like a pro, no matter your revenue size
• Set a consistent bill-pay schedule that keeps you in control
• Build cash reserves that protect your business through slow months
• Forecast your cash flow weekly to make smarter decisions

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:46) One thing that keeps you up at night

(02:15) How to keep you in business as a real estate entrepreneur

(03:43) The daily cash report: a simple millionaire habit that keeps you grounded

(05:22) Why you should only pay bills once a week

(07:32) Why every investor must build reserves

(09:19) The right way to forecast your cash flow weekly

(11:50) What is a balance sheet?

(12:18) What to watch for on your balance sheet

(14:12) Maximize speed and cash

(15:08) The top 5 habits that keep your business healthy and growing

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of living deal by deal
• Business owners who struggle with unpredictable cash flow
• Investors who want to understand and control their numbers

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives you a practical, no-fluff blueprint for keeping your business stable, growing, and profitable no matter what the market looks like.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

Most entrepreneurs start a business to generate income. But what if your business could do more, serve your family better, strengthen your marriage, and create real impact in the world?

In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Mika Self, founder of American Home Buyer in Houston, Texas, to talk about how purpose, faith, and financial clarity come together to build lasting wealth.

Mika shares how he stayed in business for over 25 years, the crucial role his wife played in that journey, and how his company uses profits to support causes. You’ll also hear practical lessons on managing money as an entrepreneur, leading your home well, and creating a purpose-driven business.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a financially stable business that supports your family and your mission
• Lead with faith and purpose without losing focus on profit
• Use consistent income to strengthen your marriage and reduce stress
• Create a giving culture in your company that inspires your team

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:07) The early struggles, lessons, and first $100 profit that started it all

(06:55) The deal that gave him the courage to continue with his journey

(08:00) How surviving 2008 shaped his business for long-term success

(11:51) The key to business longevity: a supportive spouse

(14:47) Why emotional and spiritual support matter more than tactical advice

(17:20) The “4 Ps” every man should live by: Priest, Prophet, Protector, Provider

(17:31) Be a protector: Protect your home and your wife's heart

(18:10) Be a provider: Women need security

(20:32) How consistent income creates peace in marriage

(21:54) Debt destroys marriages

(23:12) The mindset shift from buying “dream cars” to funding lasting impact.

(24:58) How Mika’s son is now carrying forward the same giving mindset

(26:15) The creation of AHB Cares and how his team joins the mission

(27:00) Real stories of giving back

(32:17) Mika's advice: Reflect and find your sustaining passion

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs who want their business to serve a bigger purpose
• Real estate investors who want to connect profits with passion
• Business owners who are seeking a balance between success and family
• Leaders who want to create a lasting impact through their work

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered what wealth really means beyond money, this episode will make you rethink your definition of success. Mika shows how to build a business that not only supports your life but also changes lives.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler 

Connect with Mika Self:

• Website: https://www.americanhomebuyer.us/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikabself/