The Mentee Podcast

There are two important aspects of living a fulfilling life: taking care of yourself and being kind. Do not let the negativities of life bring you down. Be your own advocate and pay the goodness forward by being an advocate for others. Even the smallest of acts can make a big difference in someone’s life.

In this episode of The Mentee Podcast, I interview the voice behind Scooby Doo, Scott Innes, about how he pushed through life and achieved all his goals. He also shares the value of kindness and his now-life mission of paying goodness forward. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• People are stewards of goodwill. 
• Do not live in the past. Instead, imagine the future. 
• Be kind. You can be the answer or the cure to someone’s life. 
• Learn to sell yourself. 

Episode Highlights:

[09:23] Scott’s Trophy Story

Scott shares that he has a trophy superglued in his house. It was an award he won as a child that was destroyed to pieces after an incident with his mother. His stepfather fixed the trophy and the act has been a consistent reminder that people are stewards of goodwill. 

[11:56] Reaching Untapped Potential

It is easier to remember the past than it is to imagine the future. People often show up daily living from their past. This keeps them from tapping their potential for wholeness. Scott likes to go where people say he can’t. 

[23:49] Scott’s Three Life Goals 

Scott shares that he had three major goals: to write a song for Kenny Rogers, to win a CMA award, and to become the voice of Scooby Doo. He was able to achieve all of these goals despite people telling him he could not. 

[24:47] A Mission to Pay It Forward

Scott has had a lot of serendipitous moments in his life that inspired him to pay the goodness forward. He knows that he is imperfect and he has regretted a lot of life decisions. But this does not stop him from continuously doing good things for people -- even the people he doesn’t know. You could be the answer to someone’s cure for their life. 

[28:04] Selling & Believing in Yourself

People have so much talent, but some are just too afraid to speak up. You will struggle if you don’t believe in yourself. Remember, you control your destiny. Scott has been a firm believer in believing in oneself, keeping one’s feet on the ground, and reaching for the stars. Control your destiny. Learn to sell yourself.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[10:43] “We, as people, are stewards of goodwill.”

[25:57] “You, today, could be the answer to someone's cure in their life.”

[28:51] You got to sell yourself. If you believe in your goods, you got to do it.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website 

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Scott Innes: LinkedIn 

Real estate investment is one of the most tried and tested ways to build passive income. It presents many opportunities to generate wealth and value, but it also requires courage. Having a mentor to guide you significantly boosts your chances of success.

In this episode of The Mentee Podcast, Jan Wanot shares his real estate investment journey and how it improved his quality of life. He also describes the joy of partnering with people who would invest as he does.

What's the right mindset for investing in real estate, and what makes a tempting deal? Tune in to the episode to learn all about it!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Investing in real estate takes courage.
• Look for mentors and investment partners to succeed.
• Carefully weigh the gains and risks of any business venture.
• Grow your portfolio.

Episode Highlights:

[05:03] The Beginning of Jan’s Real Estate Investment Story

When Jan left college, he worked and saved around $20,000 annually. He realized he needed to do more to grow financially. After two failed businesses, Jan bought a house and rented it out. When it generated profit, he searched for partners that would invest with him in more real estate properties.

[16:29] The Importance of Partnership and Positive Mindset

The fear of failure did not stop Jan. Real estate investment requires courage to face risks. Jan found courage in the partners and mentors he had alongside him.

[21:29] Jan’s Mentorship Programme

Jan started a Facebook group called WA Real Estate Investing. This group became his platform for sharing investment insights. He launches a masterclass biannually where young investors can access mentorship, resources, and tools.

[27:58] A Look Into Jan’s Current Investment Portfolio

Currently, Jan has 224 real estate investment units operating through investment partnerships — and not a single one is owned by him alone. Most are mobile homes, but there are a few luxury homes and mid-graded multi-family homes.

[33:22] What Makes an Attractive Investment Deal

For Jan, an attractive investment deal should have significant returns within five years. Moreover, he had to be excited about the likely case while capable of living out the worst case. Jan also prefers to do less operational work if possible.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[13:16] “If you wanna go fast, go alone. If you wanna go far, go together.”

[39:09] “I have to be happy with the likely case, and then I have to be able to live, and my capital partners have to be able to live, with the worst case.”

[52:47] “There’s always bigger fish in the pond.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website 

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Jan Wanot: Facebook |

People often think of real estate investing as buying and flipping houses or renting apartments. But there’s another option that can be just as lucrative: mobile home parks.

Derek Vickers joins me to talk about mobile home park investing. Investing in mobile home parks probably never even crossed your mind. But believe it or not, investing in mobile home parks could be a great way to build your portfolio and create passive income.

Tune in to the episode to find out how to start investing in mobile home parks!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Search for trailer parks
• Provide affordable housing
• Look out for rent growth
• Underwrite conservatively
• Invest in capital improvements

Episode Highlights:

[05:33] Getting Into Trailer Park Investing 

There are many benefits to investing in mobile home parks. Tenants tend to stay for good, and the expense ratio is lower than the standard multifamily. Here are some steps to get started: 1.) Find a list of mobile home parks. 2.) Drive out and talk to the owners. 3.) Search for deals and sellers.

[16:56] The Future of Vacant Lots

If you’re doing the infill yourself, it’s possible but hard. The demand for vacant lots will go up, but there’s also heavy demand for affordable housing. Consider bringing in homes or trailers.

[20:04] Offloading Mobile Homes

Some ways to offload mobile homes to tenants include 1.) Selling parking homes in complete disrepair for cheaper cost and giving free lot rent so they can fix the home. 2.) Investors coming in to fix up the house and sell it to an incoming tenant.

Look at the markets and find where there will be constant rent growth. Signs of rent growth are a lack of affordable housing and an influx of people moving into the area.

[27:38] Underwriting Deals

Underwrite in the deal for project management at cost, then live off the profit after management. Be conservative in underwriting, so you don’t underestimate the expenses.

[45:06] Financing Tips

They often work together with the local community and regional banks. Know the costs for rehabbing a park, then re-appraise the property. Don’t go cheap on capital improvements.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[11:22] “What better way to learn the business than jump in headfirst?”

[38:06] “We're paying them really, really well above what market would pay for this position because we want skill. We want reliability, and people that we don’t have to handhold, and people that can solve problems on their own, and make good decisions for the company.”

[48:29] “We would rather distribute the money and have more than have to come back to our investors and have to do a capital call.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Finding Financial Freedom in Real Estate...

We live in a world that glamorizes the grind and the hustle. But is it really fulfilling to spend the rest of your life just blindly paying off bills? Yes, you have to work hard. But you have to work smarter. It’s not impossible, and you’re never too young to achieve financial freedom.

Matthew Amabile, real estate investor and founder of Amabile Investments, joins me to talk about how to attain financial freedom. What are the secrets to reaching financial freedom in just two years? 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Increase your income while decreasing your expenses
• Follow the four-unit hack
• Build relationships with partners and investors
• Buy properties and refinance

Episode Highlights:

[04:31] Goal of Financial Freedom

The idea is to make a certain amount of money a month and keep your expenses low to do whatever you want. Matt earns $7,000 a month in passive income from rental properties. From this, he only spends around $3,000 a month.

[08:28] Four-Unit House Hack

Matt bought a condemned fourplex building and renovated it into a rental property. He went with an FHA 203k loan with renovation and acquisition costs factored in. It remains his best-performing property, with a value of $400,000 and a monthly gross rent of $4,800.

[17:06] The Real Estate Passive Income Formula

The main formula is to increase how much you’re saving. The two ways to do this are to increase your income or decrease your expenses. 

[21:41] Partnership Structure

Find someone who doesn't need cash flow. The two of you will each bring 50% of the cash to close. In that way, you can bring twice as many properties while still getting 100% of the cash flow. 

[26:21] Sourcing Deals

Matt is now transitioning over to building out a sales team. The 70% ARV rule works well for him, but he’s looking for deals where he could buy and refinance right away.

Notable Quotes: 

[16:16] “I just had a number in mind. I was like 5000—I just need to create $5,000 somehow.”

[21:05] “There's two sides to real estate. There's literally only two. There's the deal and then there's the money; you find the deal, you can find the money.”

[32:58] “You don't have to work the next 40 years of your life. You can go create some income for yourself.”

Resources Mentioned:

Raising Private Capital by Matt Faircloth

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Matthew Amabile: Email | Facebook | Instagram

Money Club:

Many people might believe that being a millionaire is out of reach. But becoming a millionaire is not a matter of luck or chance. It takes hard work, discipline, and planning.

David Vernich, a commercial lender and passive income coach, joins me to talk about how you can elevate your real estate investments and achieve financial freedom. With his strategies and tips, you can start your journey from middle class to millionaire and learn how to break free from the chains that are holding you back.

Tune in to the episode to make your journey to millionaire status a reality!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Try alternative investments
• Find the right mentor
• Use credit to buy assets
• Add more to your 401(k)
• Accumulate your inventory

Episode Highlights:

[08:30] Living Financially Free

You don’t need to retire to enjoy a life of leisure. People need the challenge of work, solving problems, and giving back to others. Passive income creates more financial freedom now.

[12:36] Exploring Alternative Investments

People have a lot of fear about alternative investments. But there are many ways to mitigate risks. The biggest risk in real estate is overpaying for a property. But if you know what you’re doing and buy properly, then you can reduce the risk and make a profit.

[21:52] Finding the Right Mentor

Use connections to find the right mentor. Having a mentor helps avoid making costly mistakes and becoming financially devastated. However, you don’t need to stop putting money into your 401(k); you just need to add more to it.

[26:10] Starting Your Real Estate Empire

Start with an unsecured line of credit. Offer opportunities to other people in the same boat. A person’s credit is an asset, so use it to buy assets that produce more income than debt cost.

[41:52] Investing in the Current Market

Banks lend money based on your income but secure it with the asset. Take a line of credit out. Leave a bit of money on the house and aim for 10% or less.

[45:50] Looking to the Future

David predicts a softening of the market in 2023 because of rates. Wait and do market timing. Being patient and accumulating inventory allows you to be in a good position in the market.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[06:49] “It’s more of an exception than a rule to find somebody that’s actually on track to be able to retire with the same standard of living that they have right now.”

[18:51] “I need mentors every day, still to this day.”

[29:35] “A person’s credit is an asset if it’s used properly.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with David Vernich: LinkedIn

We empower ourselves as we strive for growth and connection when there is psychological safety at work, home, and in your community.

Teresa Mitrovic, a psychological safety coach, joins me in a conversation about why feeling safe is important in our lives. Whether it’s in our workplace or at home, how can you create a safe space built on trust? What can you do to encourage connection in your community?

Tune in to this episode and listen to understand how you can bring psychological safety into your life.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Encourage connection rather than self-protection
• The right people can support and empower you
• Be present and be aware
• Remove fear and build trust in your connections

Episode Highlights:

[09:29] Defining Psychological Safety 

Psychological safety is when we feel safe at a cognitive and emotional level. When we remove fear, we remove the friction, doubt, and uncertainty it can create. This safety foundation creates a space that allows you to speak up and be vulnerable. 

[16:37] The Connection Within the Collective

Without psychological safety, the wrong people can inhibit your growth. You need support from true connections and a dynamic where we got each others’ backs. Here in our mastermind community, we work to leverage each other’s strengths and unlock collective wisdom. 

[34:58] Psychological Safety in all Relationships

First, be present and pay attention to the conversation. Only then can we be aware of what their spoken and unspoken words are telling us. Strive to listen with the goal of understanding each other to create a space where we can both be honest and connect with each other.

[41:45] Safety for Each of Us

Psychological safety can be different for each person, shaped by our life experiences. We have the responsibility to create a psychologically safe environment. Break the cycle of hurt. 

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[10:21] “Psychological safety at its heart is really just about making sure that we feel safe and secure, mentally and emotionally.“

[18:14] “You don't need to have all the answers. You just need to be surrounded by great people who have different perspectives.” 

[32:43] “If we can't imagine a future for ourselves and it's different from what it is today, then we're never going to get there.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Join us at the Mentorship Mastermind Community

The Currency of Connection by Teresa Mitrovic

Connect with Teresa: LinkedIn |

What do wealthy and successful people have in common? Mastering the art of organization and efficiency. Processes are a key ingredient to their success. If you want to join their ranks, then you need to start optimizing your own processes. Don’t worry—it’s not as daunting as it sounds!

Simon Severino, the author of Strategy Sprints, joins me to talk about optimizing your processes and accelerating growth to create an agile, successful business.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Optimize your processes
• Be agile
• Offer people what they need
• Use emails for sales
• Go on a vacation

Episode Highlights:

[04:26] The Importance of Processes

The first years of running a business aren’t fun. You want to have zero people risk, and you can do that by creating great processes. Break down your processes with these steps: Find out what’s working and what’s not. Map out what’s working and create the core valuation process. Pick one to turn into the flagship offer. Optimize it every week.

[09:02] Strategy Sprints Method

The Strategy Sprints method aims to double your revenue in 90 days by simplifying what you do and scaling what’s working. It entails mapping your current value creation system and improving the sales in each of those elements. 

[11:04] Being Agile

Agility means being able to change as quickly as the market is changing. Offer people what they need. Send out emails multiple times a week. Aim for an open rate of 45% and a 3% click rate.

Social media is a marketing instrument, so use it only for awareness. Warm emails, cold emails, and cold calling are the best tools to use for sales.

[27:10] Optimizing Sales Funnels 

Do you have multiple sales funnels? Pick one problem of one customer segment, then start optimizing a sales machine for 90 days. When you get 50% conversion rates and consistent cash flow, you can stack a second problem or additional offer.

[33:48] Why You Need a Vacation

Vacations can be used to see how well your systems and processes are running when left on their own. Are they self-correcting and self-adapting mechanisms? Or are they dependent on you? If it’s the latter, then it’s not scalable.

[33:48] How to Optimize Processes

Pick one offer and optimize it for the next 90 days. Follow these steps: describe the three main pain points, figure out the main problem, create an offer, map out how to get them interested and engaged, put together an email list and communicate consistently.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[05:37] “You cannot do 50k, 60k, 100k per month by doing the same things. So we have to help you write down what you’re doing. Systemize it.”

[13:49] “Offer the people that you are here to serve the one thing that they need.”

[26:02] “Sales is commercial teaching.”

Resources Mentioned:

Strategy Sprints by Simon Severino

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website |

There's a lot of buzz about real estate investing, and we get it. It is the quickest and safest way to financial independence. However, not everyone succeeds in this venture because they lack the right people, systems, and vision.

In this episode of The Mentee podcast, I invited Brandon Turner — a real estate broker, author, and speaker — to discuss investing in real estate. He talked about the fundamentals of starting a business, finding the right talent, identifying the critical factors in achieving massive growth, and much more! 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Stop living in the past 
• Find the right people, systems, and vision
• Establish your reputation
• Only hire people who earn their spot
• Properties are businesses

Episode Highlights:

[07:05] Nobody Knows Everything

Nobody knows everything about the changing market, but you can prepare ahead of time. There are multiple sources available today that can help you in planning.

[13:07] Hire From the Top Down

Most people start their businesses from the ground up but doing that is time-consuming. Instead, hire from the top down. Find the right people, systems, and vision to achieve monumental growth. 

[22:39] Hire People Who Deserve the Position

On paper, some people appear to be excellent hires. However, it’s prudent to consider employing people who have earned the position. In Brandon's company, they adopted the practice of offering unpaid internships to find stellar talents.

[43:51] Buy Businesses

Buying land means purchasing a business. It’s the value of the land that appreciates, not the infrastructure.  

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[08:32] “You can say this is what's going to happen, and then you'll be wrong. But it's the act of saying this is what I think is going to happen and then doing that every single day that helps.”

[15:38] “Sometimes when you assemble the right team, you don't hit your goal, you far exceed your goal because the right people with the right systems and the right vision—that's where you get just monumental growth.”

[22:53] “The biggest lesson from that whole thing was that you never know how somebody is going to be until you actually work with them.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Brandon Turner: Instagram | Facebook

Real estate is a great way to make money. But if your only goal is financial growth, you'll have a miserable time working in real estate. There should be a deeper purpose to having money and growing your career. 

In this episode, I hosteded Cam Cathcart, a 31-year-old broker who built a 40-unit real estate portfolio worth $8.1 million in just two years. He gives important lessons on building a purposeful career, betting on yourself, achieving financial freedom, and tracking your net worth. 

Tune in to find out how you too can start a career built around a purpose. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Find your purpose. 
• Money gives freedom to do what needs to be done.
• Bet on yourself. 
• Track your net worth. 
• Good life abounds when you can spend it with people who matter to you most. 

Resources Mentioned:

Pep Talk: Daily Motivation App

Cam’s Business Insider Article

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Cam: Instagram | Email 

Speeding up the results is always a tempting offer. However, speed often creates drag in our lives. The more we rush things, the more we drag the process down.

This is a simple principle of aerodynamics. So in this episode of The Mentee Podcast, I invited Nick McLean, a real estate broker and trained airline pilot, to talk about this. He shares the importance of slowing down, committing to your routine, and trusting the process. Reduce drag in your life and reach your life’s maximum potential.

Does this sound like something you need to learn? Tune in to this episode, and start getting rid of the drag impeding your life!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Stick to your routine.
• Eliminate the drag in life.
• Do not be ashamed of what you do.
• Push on despite impediments.

Episode Highlights:

[03:24] Nick’s Writing Regimen

For Nick, writing his thoughts is an essential routine. Every day, he writes about his learnings and ideas, whether it’s about real estate, aerodynamics, or life. Then, he shares them through blogs, social media, and emails. It’s a productive routine, but it takes determination and some contingencies to stick to it.

[15:15] How to Eliminate the Drags in Life

People always like to speed up the process. However, the principle of aerodynamics teaches this: speed creates drag. Speed is oftentimes not sustainable, and this applies to many different pursuits in life. Writing improves with practice over time. Real estate investments take time to compound. Trust the process and slow down.

[28:15] Transitioning to Real Estate

Getting into real estate was not a quick decision for Nick. There was a lot of back-and-forths – a lot of drag. He did not want to acknowledge the salesperson in him, and a lot of people don’t. But once he did, he was able to eliminate a lot of drag from his life. There’s no shame in acknowledging what you do.

[36:12] Pushing On Despite Impediments

During the market recession in 2012, many real estate agents quit. However, those who remained and persisted were able to benefit eventually from the lesser competition. When you push on despite the impediments, the benefits compound over time.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[16:10] “As you’re creating speed, you’re also creating drag.”

[27:36] “Leaders are really good at pointing out problems and telling people they did it wrong. They need to be better at finding how to make it easier for them.”

[41:13] “Survival equals growth in the midst of a recession.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Nick McLean: Website | Facebook | Email