🎙️ Podcast Episode Overview

Title: 🟢 The Hidden Market: How Tony Youngs Finds Real Estate Gold Where No One Looks

Overview: In this episode of the Generations of Wealth podcast, Derek Dombeck sits down with veteran real estate investor Tony Youngs, who shares the story of how he got started in real estate in the 1980s — from buying his first foreclosure with no money or credit to building a career around uncovering “hidden market” deals. Tony emphasizes the power of direct communication, creative deal structuring, and going the extra mile to solve seller problems — even when that means driving a U-Haul across state lines.

Whether you're a new investor or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on how to find deals others miss — and why the human element in real estate is still the most powerful tool.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Tony’s First Deal: A raw, honest story of how he stumbled into his first foreclosure deal without any experience or money — and made a year’s salary in one transaction.

• The Power of Door Knocking: Tony attributes decades of success to door knocking — a forgotten but incredibly effective lead generation method.

• The Hidden Market Strategy: Why the best deals are never listed — and how to find them by targeting homes without pride of ownership.

• Creative Deal Structuring: Learn how Tony uses subject-to financing, owner financing, and dual offers to close deals that others walk away from.

• Solving Real Problems: Building trust by going above and beyond — from mowing lawns to helping heirs with probate to organizing moving trucks.

• Why You Don’t Need to Fear Market Shifts: Tony shares how he made more money during the 2008 crash than any other time — because he was ready.

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

If you're:

• Tired of calling lists and competing with every investor in town...

• Unsure how to find deals in today’s tightening market...

• Curious how to actually help sellers and stand out from the crowd...

• Ready to learn proven strategies from someone with 35+ years of trenches experience...

Then this episode will shift your mindset and give you actionable strategies to go after deals that nobody else is touching.

🧠 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Tony's first foreclosure and creative financing experience

• Evolution of real estate education (from cassette tapes to YouTube)

• Door-knocking strategies and neighborhood intelligence

• Understanding emotional seller situations (probate, inheritance, etc.)

• Building trust and solving real seller problems

• Current market conditions and inventory trends in 2025

• How to win deals despite hedge fund competition

⏱️ Time Stamps       Time                                                        Topic 00:00 – 03:00    Introduction to Tony Youngs & early real estate beginnings 03:00 – 10:30    Tony’s first deal — full breakdown of how he made $50K with no credit 10:30 – 16:00    Door-knocking lessons and early fears 16:00 – 21:00    The Alaska door-knocking story and lessons on profiling 21:00 – 26:00    Creating security & trust through neighbor engagement 26:00 – 31:00    What works in 2025 – market observations and changes 31:00 – 37:00    Creative financing techniques and real probate stories 37:00 – 41:00    Why solving people’s problems wins the deal 41:00 – 44:00    Market predictions and closing thoughts  

#GenerationsOfWealthPodcast #RealEstateInvesting #HiddenMarketDeals #TonyYoungs #DoorKnockingDeals #CreativeFinancing #ForeclosureDeals #NoMoneyNoCredit #SolveProblemsCloseDeals #EliteNegotiator #ProbateRealEstate #SubjectTo #OwnerFinancing #OffMarketDeals #2025RealEstate

🎙️ Podcast Overview

Title: Raising Private Money Without Banks with Jay Conner Host: Derek Dombeck (Generations of Wealth Podcast) Guest: Jay Conner (Author, Speaker, Host of Raising Private Money Podcast) Duration: ~40 minutes

Summary: In this episode, Derek sits down with Jay Conner to unpack the art of raising private money for real estate without using banks or institutional lenders. Jay shares his journey from depending on traditional financing to mastering private money strategies since 2009. Together, they walk listeners through mindset shifts, finding and educating lenders, and even turning dead leads into funding opportunities.

✅ Key Takeaways

• Private Money is Relationship-Based: Most funding can come from your existing warm market—people you already know, including friends, family, church members, or business connections.

• You Are the Underwriter: As a borrower using private money, you control the terms—interest rates, LTV, payback terms, and more.

• Teach, Don’t Pitch: Jay emphasizes educating potential lenders instead of chasing them.

• Where to Find Lenders: 3 key sources—your warm market, expanded network (BNI, REIAs), and existing private lenders from SDIRA (self-directed IRA) groups.

• No Banks, No Credit Checks: Jay hasn’t signed personal guarantees or credit checks in over 500 deals. Deals are secured with the property.

• Dead Leads = Funding Opportunities: Sellers who don’t sell can still become private lenders post-sale.

• 8% Interest Works in All Markets: Jay has been paying a steady 8% since 2009, despite rising bank rates.

• Bring Home Cash at Closing: By borrowing up to 75% of ARV, investors can pocket excess capital for rehab and operational costs.

• Minimal Paperwork, Maximum Simplicity: Only key documents like HUD, promissory note, deed of trust/mortgage, and insurance.

🎯 Why Should You Listen?

• Learn how to secure unlimited private capital for real estate—without begging banks.

• Understand why educating potential lenders builds trust and control.

• Discover how to convert seller leads into capital sources.

• Get insider tips on closing faster, avoiding credit checks, and scaling without institutional financing.

Topic Time Intro & Shared History 0:00 – 3:45 How Jay Started Using Private Money 3:46 – 8:30 Teaching Instead of Pitching 8:31 – 12:00 3 Types of Lender Sources 12:01 – 18:00 Jay's BNI Strategy 18:01 – 20:30 Turning Dead Leads into Lenders 20:31 – 22:00 Why Private Money Beats Bank Money 22:01 – 27:30 Bringing Home a Check at Closing (Example) 27:31 – 31:00 No PGs, No Credit Checks 31:01 – 33:30 Simple Paperwork Setup 33:31 – 36:30 Jay’s Book & Bonus Tickets 36:31 – 38:30 Final Thoughts & Podcast Plug 38:31 – End

 

#PrivateMoney #RealEstateInvesting #DerekDombeck #JayConner #GenerationsOfWealth #RaisingPrivateCapital #NoBankFinancing #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #RealEstateTips #CreativeFinancing #BNI #SDIRA #RealEstatePodcast

📌 Overview:

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Derek Dombeck sits down with Carlos Samaniego, a former medic-turned-enrolled agent who helps individuals and small business owners resolve their most stressful tax problems. From his own 8-year battle with the IRS to starting Tax Debt Consultants with his wife, Carlos shares raw, inspiring insights and busts myths about dealing with Uncle Sam. Whether you're behind on your taxes or know someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

✅ Key Takeaways:

1. Carlos’ Backstory: How bad financial advice led to 8 years of unfiled taxes — and how it almost ruined his life.

2. The IRS Isn’t Out to Get You: Understanding the IRS’s actual goal: resolution, not destruction.

3. How to Legally Fight Back: The 4 main solutions for resolving tax debt: Installment Agreement, Offer in Compromise, Currently Not Collectible, Partial Pay.

4. IRS Myths Debunked: No, the IRS doesn’t want your house. Yes, they care about your financial reality.

5. Why You Should Always File, Even if You Can’t Pay: Not filing is worse than owing.

6. How to Know If You Qualify for a Settlement: The truth behind “Fresh Start” ads.

7. Step-by-Step Resolution Plan: Carlos’ 3-phase system—Investigate, Comply, Resolve.

8. Bankruptcy & Tax Debt: Yes, in some cases, IRS debt can be discharged in bankruptcy.

🎯 Why Should You Listen:

• You're behind on taxes or know someone who is.

• You’re a real estate investor, small business owner, or entrepreneur confused about IRS processes.

• You want honest, clear, and expert guidance on dealing with tax issues without getting scammed.

• You enjoy stories of redemption, perseverance, and heart-centered service.

🧠 Relevant Topics Discussed:

• IRS myths and realities

• Personal story of overcoming $100K+ tax debt

• How the IRS evaluates ability to pay

• The danger of tax resolution scams

• The real rules behind Offers in Compromise (Fresh Start)

• What states like California can legally do

• Penalties, interest, and how to manage them

• How unfiled tax returns compound problems

• Bankruptcy as a last resort for tax debt

• Importance of professional representation

⏱ Time Stamps (1-Hour Podcast): Time                               Segment 00:00–04:00    Intro by Derek + Carlos’ background 04:01–13:00    Carlos’ personal IRS horror story – 8 years of unfiled returns 13:01–20:00    Turning point, meeting “Ernie,” and getting help 20:01–26:00    Becoming an enrolled agent and building Tax Debt Consultants 26:01–35:00    Misconceptions about the IRS and how agents like Carlos help 35:01–45:00    IRS repayment options explained in detail 45:01–52:00    State vs. Federal tax debt strategies 52:01–58:00    Carlos’ 3-phase approach (Investigate, Comply, Resolve) 58:01–60:00    Final words, podcast plug, book offer, and Derek’s wrap-up  

#IRSHelp #TaxDebtRelief #CarlosSamaniego #EnrolledAgent #RealEstateTaxes #IRSMyths #TaxResolution #OfferInCompromise #SmallBusinessFinance #GenerationsOfWealth #TaxHelp #FinancialFreedom #DerekDombeck #BackTaxes #TaxScams #EntrepreneurTips #TaxPlanning #FinancialRescue

🎙️ Overview:

In this inspiring episode, Derek Dombeck welcomes real estate investor and philanthropist Brandon Richards, who shares his 10-year journey through various real estate strategies, including land investing, notes, and creative finance. The conversation dives into not only Brandon’s real estate success but also his impactful nonprofit work in Nigeria and Peru, proving that business can be a vehicle for true purpose.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Land + Notes = Freedom: Brandon primarily invests in land and sells it using seller-financed notes. This hybrid model provides passive income and long-term control.

• Wrap Financing in Practice: He explains in detail how he uses wrap-around mortgages to arbitrage between lender rates and buyer payments.

• Private Money Wisdom: Brandon secures capital from private lenders using IRAs and offers double-digit returns with secured assets.

• Choosing the Right Land: Focus on recreational/residential land near lakes, mountains, and national parks that appeals to “staycation” buyers.

• Scaling with Systems: Brandon uses VAs, a custom CRM (Deal Manager Pro), and automation to efficiently manage leads and follow-ups.

• Nonprofit Work — Operation Freedom: Brandon and his wife fund and manage well-digging projects and medical outreaches in Nigeria, impacting tens of thousands of lives.

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

This episode is essential listening for:

• Investors curious about land flipping and seller-financed notes.

• Anyone looking for alternative funding sources (private money, wraps, IRAs).

• Entrepreneurs who want to build businesses with purpose and impact.

• Real estate professionals exploring passive income and automation.

• People who believe in using success as a platform for giving back.

📌 Relevant Topics Discussed:

1. Land investing & seller financing – how Brandon structures land deals with notes and wraps.

2. Private lending & investor relations – funding deals without banks.

3. Foreclosure laws & risk mitigation – important legal angles in different states.

4. Deal Manager Pro CRM – Brandon’s software designed for real estate investors.

5. Nonprofit work – Creating Operation Freedom to dig wells and support orphans in Nigeria and Peru.

6. Creative finance strategies – lease options, subject-to, participating notes, and more.

⏱️ Time Stamp Highlights (47 min episode)

• 00:01 – 04:30 — Introduction & Brandon's background

• 05:00 – 12:30 — Land investing, notes, and wrap financing

• 13:00 – 20:00 — Raising private money, deal structures, ROI for investors

• 21:00 – 26:30 — Recreational land niche, market targeting strategy

• 27:00 – 34:00 — Disposition side, interest rates, usury laws, and risk handling

• 34:00 – 38:30 — Participating notes, creative finance, case examples

• 39:00 – 44:00 — Operation Freedom: digging wells, international impact

• 44:30 – 47:00 — Brandon’s CRM, upcoming free real estate course & book

#GenerationsOfWealth #BrandonRichards #LandInvesting #SellerFinancing #CreativeFinance #PrivateMoney #OperationFreedom #RealEstateNotes #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #NonprofitImpact #RealEstateCRM #FinancialFreedom #DealManagerPro #DerekDombeck

📘 Overview of the Episode:

In this episode, host Derek Dombeck interviews Lane Kawaoka, a former engineer turned real estate syndicator and the creator of the Wealth Elevator framework. Lane shares his journey from purchasing his first rental property while working a demanding job, to building a massive portfolio of over 10,000 multifamily units. He dives into how he transitioned from single-family investing to large-scale syndications, what to look for in deals, and why understanding your stage in the "wealth elevator" is crucial for long-term financial success.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Start small, but think long-term: Lane began with a single rental and scaled up over time using savings and intentional investing.

• Scalability matters: Owning multiple single-family rentals can become a headache. Larger syndications can offer more passive income and less chaos.

• Vet syndicators rigorously: Learn the underwriting basics and ask the right questions before investing.

• Know your floor in the Wealth Elevator: Your financial stage determines what strategy you should follow.

• Real estate isn't always sunshine: Lane and Derek discuss real-world losses and how learning through failure is part of the journey.

• Now is the time to look for value: Post-correction markets often bring the best opportunities if you’re prepared.

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

Whether you're new to real estate or an experienced investor, this episode offers rare insights into:

• The mindset shift needed to scale wealth

• Vetting deals and sponsors like a pro

• Strategies to protect and grow your assets as you ascend in net worth

• Real talk on market cycles and learning from downturns

You’ll also hear practical breakdowns of what it’s like to move from a W-2 job into full-time real estate investing and how to avoid common traps along the way.

📌 Relevant Topics Discussed:

• Lane’s early investing journey (SFH to duplexes)

• Long-distance turnkey rentals

• Transitioning into syndications

• Risks of managing multiple small rentals

• Underwriting tips for passive investors

• The Wealth Elevator framework (Basement to Penthouse)

• Dealing with market corrections

• Diversifying beyond real estate (private equity, life insurance)

• The realities of “passive” investing

⏱️ Suggested Time Stamps (44-minute podcast): Timestamp Segment 0:00 – 3:30 Introduction & Lane's background 3:30 – 10:00 First rental experiences & savings strategy 10:00 – 17:00 Scaling beyond SFH into out-of-state rentals 17:00 – 23:00 Transition into syndications & early mistakes 23:00 – 28:00 Vetting deals & assumptions in underwriting 28:00 – 34:00 Market corrections and building resilience 34:00 – 38:00 The Wealth Elevator explained (Basement to Penthouse) 38:00 – 41:00 Diversification & changing strategy at higher levels 41:00 – 44:00 Final thoughts, book info, and wrap-up   📚 Book Mentioned:

"The Wealth Elevator" by Lane Kawaoka [Available on Amazon. PDF/MP3 versions by email: [email protected]]

 

#RealEstateInvesting #WealthElevator #LaneKawaoka #PassiveIncome #SyndicationDeals #FinancialFreedom #AccreditedInvestor #GenerationsOfWealth #CommercialRealEstate #WealthBuilding #InvestSmart #FinancialIndependence #AlternativeInvestments #RealEstateJourney

🎙️ Podcast Summary

In this Podcast Episode 66, Derek Dombeck interviews mortgage expert Kevin Guttman. They explore Kevin’s journey from real estate upbringing to ministry work, and eventually into the mortgage industry. The core of the discussion centers around reverse mortgages—how they work, who they're for, and why they can be an overlooked but powerful financial tool. The two also dive into market trends, economic outlooks, and how investors can creatively use reverse mortgages to fund deals and generate wealth.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Reverse Mortgages Are Misunderstood Many people misunderstand or distrust reverse mortgages due to outdated or inaccurate information. Kevin clarifies that reverse mortgages are non-recourse, government-backed, and can be powerful tools for financial freedom in retirement.

2. Creative Deal Structuring for Investors Reverse mortgages can enable elderly homeowners to fund investments, including becoming private lenders, leveraging untapped equity in a tax-free way.

3. Economic Insights Both Derek and Kevin discuss current market fears, inflation, interest rates, and political policies that influence consumer confidence and housing trends.

4. Leverage and Wealth Building Homeownership leads to significantly higher net worth than renting. Tools like traditional and reverse mortgages help create generational wealth when used strategically.

5. Opportunities in Targeting Reverse Mortgage Holders Investors can find and market to people with reverse mortgages as potential lenders or partners, despite challenges in identifying available equity.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

This episode is a goldmine for:

• Real estate investors looking for creative funding strategies.

• Financial professionals who want to understand and advise on reverse mortgages.

• Homeowners aged 60+ considering options for retirement income.

• Anyone who’s been misinformed about what reverse mortgages actually are—and how they can be used.

You’ll walk away with real-world examples, strategies, and talking points you can apply or use to educate others.

📌 Topics Discussed

• Kevin Guttman’s background in real estate and ministry

• Surviving the 2008 housing crash

• The psychology of fear in financial decision-making

• Economic and political influences on mortgage trends

• Reverse mortgages explained: use cases, benefits, and misconceptions

• Using reverse mortgage equity for investment

• Long-term care funding via reverse mortgages

• Strategic targeting of homeowners with reverse mortgages

• Why every investor should understand reverse mortgage basics

Timestamps: 0:00 - 3:00    Kevin’s background: real estate roots and transition to mortgages 3:00 - 7:00    2008 housing crash and surviving the downturn 7:00 - 12:00    Economic outlook and interest rate predictions 12:00 - 16:00    Migration trends from blue to red states 16:00 - 20:00    Mortgages as leverage and wealth-building tools 20:00 - 25:00    Reverse mortgage overview and three primary uses 25:00 - 30:00    Advanced strategies, overfunding, and long-term care 30:00 - 33:00    How investors can find and work with reverse mortgage holders 33:00 - 35:42    Final thoughts, education resources, and closing comments

 

#ReverseMortgage #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #MortgageStrategy #KevinGuttman #DerekDombeck #CreativeFinancing #RetirementPlanning #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #EliteNegotiationsAcademy #InvestSmarter #HousingMarket2025

🧠 Overview

In this powerful episode of The Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek Dombeck sits down with seasoned investor and creative deal-structuring expert Brad Smotherman. Together, they dive into lessons learned from the 2010 foreclosure market, transitioning through market cycles, and how to ethically structure deals using subject-to, owner financing, and lease options. Brad opens up about building a virtual investing company, his personal growth journey, and the value of defining your life beyond the balance sheet.

💡 Key Takeaways

• The difference between a market crash and a return to normalcy

• Why negotiation and deal structure matter more than lead volume

• How to ethically approach subject-to and creative finance deals

• Scaling a virtual investing company across multiple states

• Moving from maximizer to optimizer: redefining success through time freedom

• The "teeter-totter" principle: price vs. terms in negotiations

🎯 Why You Should Listen

This episode is a masterclass in creative real estate investing—especially for those navigating a shifting market. Brad doesn’t just share what worked, he dives deep into why it worked, what to avoid legally and ethically, and how to build a sustainable business that supports your lifestyle goals. If you're a wholesaler, flipper, or landlord trying to sharpen your negotiation or scale virtually, this conversation is full of gold.

📚 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Subject-to deals and ethical considerations

• The importance of third-party closings over “kitchen table deals”

• Real estate market myths vs. facts (inventory levels, DOM)

• Owner financing strategies (including 0% interest examples)

• Building a digital marketing machine for motivated seller leads

• Structuring a business that supports personal values and family time

⏱️ Time Stamps 

• 00:00 – 01:45 — Derek’s introduction and Elite Negotiations Academy shoutout

• 01:46 – 06:20 — Brad’s origin story, real estate start during the foreclosure era

• 06:21 – 10:45 — Shifting markets and seller psychology today

• 10:46 – 14:00 — Creative financing and negotiating seller expectations

• 14:01 – 17:20 — Sub-to best practices and ethical pitfalls

• 17:21 – 20:00 — Options, retirement investing, and title company strategies

• 20:01 – 24:00 — Virtual investing: how Brad scaled nationally

• 24:01 – 27:30 — The real cost of marketing vs. value of negotiation

• 27:31 – 30:00 — Life after success: choosing time over money

• 30:01 – 31:00 — Closing thoughts and Derek’s final message

 

#CreativeRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #NegotiationTraining #VirtualWholesaling   #SubjectToDeals #OwnerFinance #EliteNegotiationsAcademy #RealEstateInvestor   #GenerationsOfWealth #DerekDombeck #BradSmotherman #RealEstateStrategies   #LeadConversion #RealEstateEthics #FinancialFreedom

📝 Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode, Derek Dombeck sits down with Alan Franks — Certified Financial Planner and author of Empowered Money — to dig deep into the financial blind spots most business owners and investors overlook. From early financial education to leveraging debt like the wealthy, Alan breaks down how to build true enterprise value, plan for multi-generational wealth, and use creative strategies for long-term financial freedom. Whether you're a real estate investor, entrepreneur, or someone serious about financial legacy, this conversation is loaded with value.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Enterprise Value Matters: Treat your business as an asset with real market value — not just a lifestyle vehicle.

• Annual Valuations: Tracking business growth through annual (non-qualified) valuations helps increase your business’s marketability.

• Know Your Multiple: Understand how your industry and business size affect your sale multiple — and how to increase it.

• Leverage Like the Wealthy: Use tools like securities-backed lines of credit, HELOCs, and life insurance loans to get multiple dollars working for every dollar earned.

• Trusts & Legacy: Passing down values, not just money, is crucial. Trust structures with clear parameters protect your family and your mission.

• Creative Deal Structuring: Real-world examples of creative real estate deals, like long-term options with no liabilities.

• Tax Mitigation Is a Must: The biggest expense you have isn’t your mortgage — it’s your taxes. Learn how to legally avoid them.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a business owner or real estate investor who wants to maximize profits, exit smart, and build generational wealth, this episode is essential listening. Alan’s insights blend practical finance, personal stories, and advanced strategies that go way beyond the basics. Plus, the chemistry and humor between him and Derek make it a genuinely fun ride.

📚 Relevant Topics Discussed:

• Business valuation and growth

• Wealth-building mindset from childhood

• Financial planning mistakes entrepreneurs make

• How to increase your business sale multiple

• Leveraging debt wisely (HELOCs, securities-based credit, life insurance loans)

• Tax mitigation strategies

• Creative real estate options and syndication

• Building generational wealth with trusts

• Differentiating tax avoidance vs. evasion

• Partner pitfalls and buy-sell agreements

⏱ Timestamps (49 Minutes):

00:00 - Intro & Why This Episode Matters 02:10 - Alan’s Early Financial Education & Career Journey 06:30 - The Biggest Mistake Business Owners Make 10:45 - Understanding Enterprise Value and Annual Valuations 17:00 - What Affects Business Multiples (Industry & Size) 23:10 - Leveraging Other People’s Money in Real Estate 26:50 - Borrowing Against Investments & Credit Strategies 33:10 - Trusts, Estate Planning, and Wealth Transfer 38:40 - Creative Real Estate Option Deals 42:00 - The Power of Your Network & Connections 45:20 - Tax Planning & Avoidance vs. Evasion 48:00 - Final Thoughts & Alan’s Book Link

#GenerationsOfWealth #FinancialFreedom #BusinessValuation #WealthStrategy #AlanFranks #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialPlanning #LegacyPlanning #Entrepreneurship #TrustFundPlanning #TaxStrategy #DerekDombeck #PodcastEpisode #PassiveIncome #CashflowGame #LeveragedInvesting #SBL #HELOC #EmpoweredMoney

🎙️ Podcast Overview

In this powerful episode, Derek Dombeck sits down with Ed Vargo, a seasoned financial planner with over 25 years of experience, who shares how his life’s journey and family shaped his mission: helping women—especially those facing life transitions like divorce or widowhood—gain financial clarity, confidence, and control. They dive into the financial literacy gap, gender-specific money behaviors, and how to create a future where work becomes optional—not necessary.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Men and women think about money differently: Women often approach money with more emotion and caution, while men may show more risk tolerance and confidence.

• Women face unique financial challenges, including longer lifespans, lower average incomes, and often less engagement with finances—especially in relationships.

• Financial planning should start with values: Ed emphasizes defining what matters most in life first, then aligning financial strategies to support those goals.

• Budgets often fail: Instead, Ed suggests focusing on awareness and individualized spending strategies, especially for couples.

• Personal story shapes purpose: Ed shares how his mother’s financial struggles during a divorce deeply influenced his drive to help other women avoid similar fates.

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

If you're passionate about generational wealth, holistic planning, and financial empowerment—especially for women—this episode is a must. Whether you're a financial professional, real estate investor, or just someone trying to get better with money, Ed offers an empathetic, values-first approach that will help you rethink how you engage with your finances and relationships.

🧠 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Financial literacy in women-led households

• The psychology behind money decisions

• Divorce and financial inequality

• Budgeting alternatives for couples

• Generational planning and defining a “work optional” life

• Ed’s personal experience growing up with a single immigrant mother

• Launching EnlightenHer to educate women at scale

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and Ed’s background 03:15 – Transition to working with women in financial planning 06:45 – Is being a male advisor a disadvantage when working with women? 10:30 – Gender differences in money mindset and behaviors 15:40 – How women are disadvantaged financially post-divorce 20:00 – Behavioral finance: risk aversion, confidence gaps 25:00 – Teaching financial literacy and launching EnlightenHer 29:15 – Planning for a “work optional” life vs. traditional retirement 33:30 – How couples can talk about money without conflict 36:00 – Ed’s personal story: his mother’s experience with divorce 38:00 – Where to find Ed online and final thoughts

🔗 Where to Connect with Ed

• 🔥 burningriverag.com

• 💡 enlightenher.com

#GenerationsOfWealth #FinancialPlanning #WomenAndMoney #MoneyMindset #DivorcePlanning #WorkOptionalLife #EdVargo #FinancialEmpowerment #BehavioralFinance #EnlightenHer #RealEstateInvesting #WealthBuilding #PodcastSummary #MoneyMatters

🔍 Summary

In this dynamic and tactical episode, Derek Dombeck sits down with Trever Ahing, an eight-year Marine veteran turned full-time creative real estate investor. Trever shares how he built a nationwide business through novations—a unique strategy where he partners with homeowners to renovate and sell their homes at a profit. From military discipline to housing hustle, Trever's journey is rich with actionable insight, including funding strategies, legal structuring, working with agents, and his passion project helping veterans become homeowners. If you're ready to level up your deal structuring and creative finance game, this one's for you.

💡 Key Takeaways

• What are Novations? A creative financing strategy allowing investors to partner with sellers, renovate homes, and split profits—without ever taking title upfront.

• Dead Leads = Gold: Trever sources most of his deals from wholesalers and agents with listings that didn’t sell.

• Legal Protection: Using attorney-in-fact clauses, powers of attorney, and potentially deeds of trust to protect investor interest.

• Overcommunication = Success: Trever treats sellers like HGTV clients to build trust and collaboration.

• VA Loan Hacks: Trever’s “Veteran Home Advantage” helps service members buy homes they’d normally be priced out of by partnering with distressed sellers.

• Control vs. Ownership: Derek shares how he secures options creatively using mortgages instead of recording public documents.

🎧 Why Should You Listen?

• You're a real estate investor looking to scale creatively.

• You’re curious how novations work and how they differ from wholesaling or lease options.

• You want to understand legal safeguards and communication tactics that protect both the investor and seller.

• You're a military veteran (or work with them) and want to learn how real estate can empower financial freedom.

• You want to geek out on advanced deal structure theory from two pros who live and breathe this every day.

🗂️ Key Topics Discussed

• [00:00] Derek introduces Trever – Marine vet to real estate investor

• [02:30] Trever’s background: from VA house hacking to 150+ deals a year

• [05:45] What is a Novation? Explained with clear examples

• [08:50] Why sellers prefer partnering over cash sales

• [12:20] Where Trever gets his leads (wholesalers, dud listings)

• [17:05] Nationwide deals: risks, boots on ground, and safe caps

• [21:00] Paperwork: how Trever contracts and protects himself

• [25:45] Legal concerns: seller backs out, court protection, POAs

• [30:00] Derek shares how he uses options secured by mortgages

• [33:40] Pros and cons of recording options vs. using deeds of trust

• [36:00] Trever’s “Veteran Home Advantage” model

• [39:10] Lessons from Derek’s recent legal property issue

• [40:30] Final thoughts & staying in touch

#CreativeRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #NovationDeals #VeteranInvestor #FinancialFreedom #DerekDombeck #TreverAhing #GenerationsOfWealth #HouseHacking #SubjectTo #VAloanHacks #RealEstateTips #RealEstateInvesting #CreativeFinance #InvestorLife