Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

By Marcus CriglerBusiness Entrepreneurship Education How To Management

Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler episodes

January 20Episode 33: Why Most CPAs Won't Tell You About Self-Directed IRAs (And How They Work)
Most investors are doing exactly what their CPA told them to do, and still paying far more in taxes than they should.
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler joins the show to break down how self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s work, why most traditional CPAs never bring them up, and how real estate investors can use them to build long-term, tax-advantaged wealth.
The conversation delves into real-world use cases, including private lending, real estate investing, Roth conversions, and the rules you absolutely cannot ignore.
Listen and enjoy the show!
You’ll Learn How To:
Understand what a self-directed IRA really is
Use retirement funds to invest in real estate and private lending
Avoid prohibited transactions that trigger penalties
Decide when a Roth conversion actually makes sense
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:41) Introducing Marcus Crigler and his approaches to accounting
(05:14) Why tax strategy must happen before the year ends
(08:28) What “self-directed” actually means for retirement accounts
(09:25) Why real estate fits so well inside self-directed IRAs
(11:53) When and how 401(k) money can be used for private lending
(12:39) Why most W-2 employees can’t self-direct their 401(k) yet
(17:03) When a Roth conversion is worth paying taxes upfront
(22:02) The real friction points with self-directed accounts
(26:51) Common IRS rules and prohibited transactions to avoid
(29:27) What Financial Liberation University is and who it’s for
(33:35) Connect with Marcus Crigler
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate investors who are tired of reactive tax planning
Investors who are curious about self-directed IRAs and Roth strategies
Anyone who wants more control over their retirement money
Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve ever felt like your CPA only looks backward instead of helping you plan ahead, this episode will change how you think about taxes, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth strategy.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
35 min
January 16Episode 32: If You're Not Getting 3X Return on People Cost, Your Business Won't Survive
If you have a position that is salary only, you are going to get salary-only effort. You have to provide an upside for each position; it is mission-critical.
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down one of the most important rules in business: your people costs must generate at least a 3X return, or the business eventually breaks.
Listen as he explains how to measure return on people, why sales roles must outperform that benchmark, and how bad compensation structures kill good companies.
Enjoy the show!
You’ll Learn How To:
Measure return on people cost the right way
Structure compensation plans that drive performance
Understand why sales roles must outperform support roles
Avoid overpaying while still rewarding great employees
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:57) Most businesses can’t survive without a 3X return on the people they spend
(03:34) What counts as “people cost.”
(04:29) Owners must include their own salary in the math
(05:52) Revenue-generating roles vs support roles
(06:38) Why sales teams often need a 5X return
(07:53) Why total payroll should stay under one-third of revenue
(10:09) How compensation plans create accountability
(11:05) Every role in your company should be able to win when the business wins
(12:32) Real examples of bonus structures for non-sales roles
(13:30) How to structure comp plans for managers and executives
(15:49) Why you can’t overpay a great employee
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate entrepreneurs with growing teams
Business owners who are questioning their payroll and margins
Operators who are struggling to stay profitable
Leaders who are redesigning compensation plans
Why You Should Listen:
If payroll feels heavy, margins feel tight, or your team isn’t producing what you expected, this episode gives you a clear framework to fix it.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
20 min
January 13Episode 31: How My Client's Tax Savings Paid for Their Entire $1.5M Car Wash Down Payment
What if your tax savings could cover the down payment on your next investment?
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down a real client example where smart tax strategy, specifically cost segregation and bonus depreciation, generated over $300,000 in tax savings. Those savings didn’t just lower a tax bill; they paid for the entire down payment on a $1.5 million car wash.
Listen as he explains why these assets work, how depreciation plays a role, and what real estate entrepreneurs should consider when looking beyond traditional property deals.
You’ll Learn How To:
Use depreciation to reduce your tax bill
Turn tax savings into investment capital
Evaluate alternative investments beyond traditional real estate
Combine cash flow and tax strategy for faster wealth building
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:06) Why alternative investments deserve a closer look
(03:18) Investing in vending machines for cash flow and tax write-offs
(05:32) How bonus depreciation boosts first-year returns
(07:05) Why car washes can be powerful income-producing assets
(08:09) How cost segregation works in simple terms
(08:44) Breaking down the $1.5M car wash example
(09:10) How tax savings covered the entire down payment
(11:09) Why car washes hold up in any economy
(12:09) Laundromats: Business with assets that can depreciate heavily in the first year
(12:52) Using SBA loans and depreciation in laundromat deals
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate investors who are looking to lower taxes
Entrepreneurs with high tax bills and high income
Investors who are curious about alternative asset classes
Business owners wanting cash flow and tax leverage
Why You Should Listen:
If you are paying big taxes every year and wondering how to turn that money into assets instead, this episode shows what’s possible when tax strategy and investing work together the right way.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
16 min
January 09Episode 30: The Urgent 2026 Warning Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Hear Right Now
Get better before you get bigger.
Many real estate businesses are entering 2026 with numbers that don’t look promising, and are hoping things will improve magically a few months later. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler explains why that mindset is dangerous and what the data is already telling us.
Listen as he walks you through a pattern he is seeing across pro formas from real estate businesses nationwide, how expanding too fast puts businesses back into survival mode, and why profitability in the slow months is the real test of a healthy operation.
You’ll Learn How To:
Spot warning signs in your pro formas before it’s too late
Know when to slow down instead of scaling
Focus on profitability before expansion
Build a business that survives low months
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:37) The trend consultants are seeing across real estate businesses
(03:32) Why relying on “month three” is a problem
(04:26) What a pro forma tells you about your future
(05:09) When it’s time to change strategy
(06:46) The danger of expanding without securing profitability
(07:50) How to profit in low months, not just good ones
(09:25) The hustle, secure, expand, exit still matters
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate investors who are worried about the 2026 cash flow
Business owners who are seeing consecutive losing months
Operators who scaled too fast
Entrepreneurs who are trying to stabilize before growing again
Why You Should Listen:
If your numbers are shaky and you are relying on hope instead of profit, this episode delivers a clear wake-up call.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
13 min
January 06Episode 29: The 10 KPIs That Will Make or Break Your Real Estate Business in 2026
Most real estate businesses don't fail because of bad deals; they fail because the owner isn't watching the right numbers.
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler is joined by Caden for a real, unscripted KPI draft built specifically for real estate entrepreneurs heading into 2026.
Instead of rattling off a generic metrics list, they walk through a fantasy-football–style draft, each selecting the KPIs they believe matter most when it comes to control, liquidity, and long-term decision-making.
You’ll Learn How To:
Track KPIs that drive decisions and not just reports
Understand why multifamily is an operating business, not a passive investment
Use liquidity metrics to reduce risk as you scale
Track KPI trends instead of comparing yourself to others
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:21) The 10 KPIs you need to be tracking in 2026
(03:26) CFO vs tax perspectives on business performance
(05:13) 10X thinking vs Atomic Habits
(07:35) Are rentals actually accelerating your wealth?
(09:23) When buying rentals for tax savings can slow you down
(12:48) Why large assets demand weekly execution and strategy
(15:26) Average gross profit margin per deal
(18:24) Months of working capital
(21:47) Cash conversion cycle
(23:23) Why KPI trends matter more than benchmarks
(26:15) Net profit vs cash flow
(28:27) Sale-to-ARV ratio and underwriting accountability
(29:31) Why broken KPIs usually point to broken processes
(31:08) 60-day pipeline by month
(32:38) Break-even point and why every owner must know it
(33:27) The full 10-KPI framework for 2026
(34:52) Bonus KPI: Return on ad spend (ROAS)
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate entrepreneurs who are running active businesses
Investors who are scaling into larger assets or multifamily
Operators who feel profitable but cash-stressed
Business owners who want predictability
Why You Should Listen:
If you have ever made money but still felt uneasy about your business, this episode explains why. Marcus and Caden walk through the KPIs that create control so you can plan confidently instead of reacting under pressure.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
40 min
January 02Episode 28: Your Turnover is Killing Your Profit (And Here's How to Fix It)
Most business owners think turnover is just part of the game. Most people don't know, this mindset is quietly destroying profitability.
For this episode, Marcus Crigler shares a real, behind-the-scenes look at how core values drive hiring, firing, culture, and long-term retention inside his own company. He explains why peer-driven accountability is one of the most overlooked tools for reducing turnover, strengthening culture, and building a team that actually wants to stay.
Listen and enjoy the show!
You’ll Learn How To:
Reduce employee turnover without overpaying
Build a culture your team buys into
Use core values as a real decision-making tool
Identify long-term team members early
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(01:27) How the BEC CFO uses just three core values to run the entire company
(02:44) The TOP framework: Truth Teller, Others First, Pursuit of Excellence
(04:49) How peer-voted core value awards reinforce culture
(07:00) Why core values act like a “cheat code” for retention
(08:32) How your team can help you identify bad fits faster
(09:23) What it means when someone never gets a core value vote
Who This Episode Is For:
Business owners who are dealing with constant employee turnover
Leaders who are trying to build a strong remote or distributed team
Entrepreneurs who want a better culture without more complexity
Why You Should Listen:
If you are tired of cycling through employees and watching profits leak through the cracks, this episode gives you a simple, practical way to fix the root problem.
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
12 min
December 30, 2025Episode 27: The Simple Rehab System That Frees Up Your Time (And Makes More Money) with Ryan (Rotty) Garcilazo
Most real estate investors don’t lose money on the deal; they lose it in the rehab.
For today's episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Ryan “Rotty” Garcilazo to break down the simple rehab system he uses to save time, protect profits, and keep projects moving without constant supervision.
Listen as he breaks down how to evaluate rehabs quickly, how to avoid getting crushed by contractors, and why understanding construction numbers is the real skill that protects your profits. Enjoy the show!
You’ll Learn How To:
Understand rehab costs using simple, repeatable math
Avoid contractor mistakes that destroy timelines and profits
Choose the lowest-risk, highest-return rehabs in today’s market
Make better decisions by understanding how construction works
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(02:25) Getting to know more about "Rotty."
(05:36) Why construction knowledge is non-negotiable for investors
(06:32) How to evaluate a rehab using cost per square foot
(08:16) The “50% below retail” rule for profitable rehabs
(08:44) Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 rehabs
(11:06) The $1,000-a-day rule and why timelines always get underestimated
(12:10) How permits, inspections, and city delays kill profits
(14:29) Why you must think like a general contractor even if you hire one
(18:20) Variables that will affect rehab budget and timeline: Location, demographic, and material ordering
(19:18) Construction skills are a permanent leverage in real estate
(21:02) How Ryan built a rehab-focused AI to manage budgets, scopes, and timelines
(26:25) The lowest-risk rehab strategy in today’s market
(27:49) Why staying between Level 1 and Level 2 rehabs protects your capital
(28:34) “Aim small, miss small.”
(30:35) Why showing problems instead of pretty finishes matters
(31:59) The hidden 20% cost most investors never plan for
(33:37) Hard money often creates more problems than it solves
(35:54) Why contractors aren’t “stealing.”
(36:53) The difference between 20% markup vs. 20% margin
(37:22) Leadership vs. management on a job site
(39:27) Why understanding people matters more than understanding construction
(42:02) What real leadership and accountability look like in rehab projects
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate investors who are rehabbing their first few properties
Operators who are tired of blown budgets and missed timelines
Investors who want predictable profits without full gut stress
Anyone who wants to stop guessing and start controlling rehab numbers
Connect with Ryan “Rotty” Garcilazo:
Website: https://www.therehabdepot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanrottygarcilazo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rotty-garcilazo-335ab758/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealrottyg
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
47 min
December 26, 2025Episode 26: Exclusive Training - The 4-Phase Formula That Gets You to $5M in 10 Years (Not 30)
Most business owners don’t fail because they don’t work hard. They fail because they grow in the wrong order.
In this exclusive training, Marcus Crigler breaks down the exact 4-phase framework he uses to help real estate entrepreneurs and small business owners build real wealth.
Listen as he shares why most investors get stuck grinding for decades, why revenue alone doesn’t create wealth, and how focusing on the right phases at the right time can compress a 30-year journey into 10. Enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:
Structure your business differently at each phase of growth
Shift from active income to asset-driven wealth
Create a clear path from hustle to financial peace
Avoid the most common mistakes that slow investors down for years

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(03:10) The real reason this community was created
(05:52) What Marcus has learned from seeing millions in transactions
(08:12) Most investors don’t have a money problem; they have a profit problem
(09:26) “Making money is a skill. Keeping it is a discipline.”
(11:16) The harsh truth: most real estate businesses are not sellable
(13:33) Why cash flow keeps you alive
(14:56) Why “time is money” is the wrong mindset
(16:03) The difference between time, timing, and value
(17:09) Your economy matters more than the economy
(17:52) Marcus’ personal story: debt, stress, and the turning point
(21:03) Getting closer to revenue
(24:24) The pattern every successful entrepreneur goes through
(25:25) Why 10 focused years can beat 30 years of grinding
(26:15) The Straight Line Wealth Formula
(28:11) Phase One: Hustle
(31:11) Goal of the hustle phase: Never come back to it
(31:41) Phase Two: Secure
(32:13) Phase Three: Expand
(35:11) Why expansion should be measured by reserves, not revenue
(37:27) Phase Four: Growth
(38:43) The straight-line path most people miss

Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate investors who feel stuck grinding despite growing revenue
Business owners who are scaling too fast without financial security
Entrepreneurs who want to reach an exit faster

Why You Should Listen:
If you are tired of hustling harder every year without feeling more secure, this episode gives you a clear framework to build wealth the right way, in the right order, and cut decades off your timeline.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
42 min
December 23, 2025Episode 25: How Successful Investors Think Different About Profit and Structure with Brandon Rickman
Most people wait until they “know enough” before they start. But that hesitation is exactly what keeps them stuck.
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor and builder Brandon Rickman to unpack what drives long-term success in real estate.
From flipping Brandon’s first house nights and weekends to scaling a high-volume operation and developing a 115,000 sq ft Class A self-storage facility, this conversation breaks down how experienced investors think differently about profit, risk, and growth. Listen and enjoy!
You’ll Learn How To:
Take action without waiting to “know everything.”
Scale a real estate business through systems
Use wholesaling, flipping, and rentals together
Build long-term wealth while still generating cash today
Leverage relationships to shortcut costly mistakes
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(03:38) Brandon’s background from a single-family house to building a 115,000-unit storage facility
(04:55) Flipping the first house nights and weekends
(05:45) How volume grew from a few deals to 100 houses a year
(08:23) Imperfect action beats trying to plan everything up front
(09:05) CRMs, marketing channels, and SOPs
(09:59) The importance of relationships before scaling fast
(11:35) How Brandon prepared financially and mentally for large developments
(13:12) Spotting opportunity in land and pivoting to self-storage
(14:34) The “cheat code.”
(17:41) The 3-1-1 strategy: wholesale three, flip one, hold one
(22:46) Adjusting strategy as market conditions change
(24:07) Private money vs hard money
(27:31) Transitioning from borrower to lender as wealth grows
(28:22) Why lending can be one of the strongest positions in real estate
(30:30) Why relationships determine your cost of capital more than market conditions
(31:41) Why arbitrage is how large funds make money
(32:20) Who Flip Genius is built for
(34:35) Why coaching and relationships shortcut years of costly mistakes
(36:04) Lending across multiple states and how geography impacts private lending
(40:27) Why investing in a lending fund reduces risk versus lending on a single deal
(41:42) Brandon’s core takeaway: five trusted voices beat one emotional decision
Who This Episode Is For:
New investors who are stuck waiting to feel ready
Investors who are looking to balance cash flow with long-term wealth
Anyone curious about self-storage, lending, or higher-level strategy
Business owners who want a better structure
Why You Should Listen:
If you’ve been trying to figure out what to do next, this episode shows how experienced investors think about profit, structure, and leverage, so growth doesn’t break the business.
Connect with Brandon Rickman:
Website: https://www.theflipgenius.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.rickman.431258/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theflipgenius
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
45 min
December 19, 2025Episode 24: Why Paying Zero Taxes is the Dumbest Thing You Can Do with Kaden Hackney
You save the money, you find the money, and then you invest it because we all owe it. But it's the opportunity to invest those savings that will ultimately generate long-term wealth through a tax strategy.
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler sits down with BEC CFO tax partner Kaden Hackney to explain why the mindset of paying zero taxes can actually slow down wealth creation.
Listen as they break down the real purpose of tax strategy. From depreciation and real estate investing to understanding when not to eliminate taxes, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood parts of running a successful real estate business. Enjoy the show!
You’ll Learn How To:
Why paying zero taxes is often a bad financial decision
Understand the difference between tax preparation and tax strategy
Use real estate and depreciation to legally reduce taxes
Build a tax strategy that supports long-term financial freedom
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
(03:25) Kaden’s path into tax strategy and real estate
(05:17) What makes strong business partnerships work
(07:30) Why company culture and accountability matter in growth
(09:33) Tax preparation vs. tax strategy
(13:04) Tax savings only matter if you invest them
(16:21) Compliance risk and why documentation matters
(18:07) Key takeaways from the new tax law changes
(18:42) Hiring your kids as a legitimate tax strategy
(22:55) Tax rates as an important part of tax strategy
(24:06) Why 15–18% is the sweet spot for most entrepreneurs
(25:30) The danger of chasing zero taxes
(27:09) Bonus depreciation and real estate strategies explained
(29:12) Choosing between selling deals or holding rentals
(31:45) What a cost segregation study actually does
(32:27) How tax benefits influence which assets to buy
(35:35) Alternative tax-efficient investments beyond direct ownership
(37:30) Understanding tax-efficient investments at higher income levels
Who This Episode Is For:
Real estate entrepreneurs who are earning high incomes
Business owners who are tired of surprise tax bills
Anyone trying to turn tax savings into real wealth
Why You Should Listen:
Paying zero taxes might sound good, but it’s rarely the smartest move. This episode explains why intentional tax planning, paired with the right investments, creates far better outcomes over time.
Connect with Kaden Hackney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaden-h/
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Website: https://beccfo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler
42 min

About Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

From the publisher's feed

Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler is the #1 podcast for real estate entrepreneurs who make good money but struggle with cash flow, tax planning, and building real wealth. If you're tired of…

living deal to deal, wondering where your money goes, and paying too much in taxes, this show will transform how you manage your real estate business finances.
Host Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO Services, helps real estate investors escape financial stress by implementing proven wealth-building systems, advanced tax strategies, and cash flow management techniques that turn chaotic finances into predictable profit machines.
Real estate wholesalers, fix and flip investors, and rental property owners making six or seven figures but still living paycheck to paycheck will discover how to stop constantly chasing the next deal. If you're overwhelmed by bookkeeping, financial management, and paying massive tax bills without knowing how to reduce them legally, you're ready to stop surviving and start building generational wealth.
Every episode delivers actionable strategies on real estate tax planning, business cash flow optimization, wealth building for entrepreneurs, and financial systems that create freedom. Learn real estate tax deductions, legal tax avoidance strategies, cash flow forecasting, business budgeting for real estate investors, profit and loss analysis, entity structuring for tax benefits, and wealth building strategies beyond closing deals.
Most real estate entrepreneurs focus on deal flow but ignore money flow. They hire accountants who only file taxes instead of providing proactive tax planning. Marcus shows you how to keep more of what you make, reduce your tax burden legally, and create financial systems that work whether you close one deal or ten deals per month.
Listen to case studies of real estate investors who've saved $50K+ in taxes annually, built seven-figure net worth, and achieved financial freedom. Learn from entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses from cash-hungry operations into wealth-generating machines.
This isn't just spreadsheets and tax codes. It's about creating a real estate business that supports your lifestyle, reduces financial stress, and builds lasting wealth. Marcus addresses the mindset shifts, business systems, and financial habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those stuck in survival mode.
If you like The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Money Rahab with Nicole Lapin, The Dave Ramsey Show, or The Rich Dad Radio Show, you'll love Strength in Numbers.
Subscribe now and join thousands of real estate professionals who've discovered that true wealth doesn’t come from closing more deals, but from keeping more of what you make. Stop living deal to deal. Start building wealth that lasts.