Episode: The Biggest Mistakes in Real Estate

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this no-fluff episode, the Elevate and Execute crew lays out the biggest—and most expensive—mistakes they’ve seen (and made) in real estate. From flipping disasters and contractor nightmares to newbie agent errors and investment regrets, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and practical advice for both investors and real estate professionals.

They cover what to watch for on your first flip, how to avoid being scammed by contractors, what every new agent should focus on, and why real estate is never as easy or passive as it looks online.

What You’ll Learn:

• The #1 mistake new investors make with flips and rentals
• Why underestimating rehab costs can sink your deal
• How to vet contractors and avoid getting burned
• What to know before buying a rental property
• Why having reserves is non-negotiable
• The importance of mentorship, partnerships, and learning from others
• The biggest first-year mistakes most agents make
• How to avoid killing your deals with social media missteps
• Why real estate is a marketing game—especially for agents
• Why every deal has problems (and how to get better at solving them

Notable Quotes:

“There’s no such thing as passive income—especially in real estate.”“You might think it’s a $30K flip, but when you run the real numbers… you’re at zero.”“Contractors are either your biggest win or your worst mistake.”“Real estate isn’t brain surgery—but if you can’t solve problems, don’t get in.”

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode contains some adult language and candid stories.

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode helped you avoid a mistake—or made you feel better about one you’ve already made—hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s diving into the world of real estate. Learn from others’ lessons, and elevate faster.