In this episode, I sit down with real estate investor and direct mail strategist Josh Ax to unpack how he built a high-performing business by combining old-school direct mail with a deeply analytical, tech-forward approach. Josh shares how he started in real estate by accident, scaled with seller financing, and turned a $13K down payment into hundreds of thousands in cash flow.

We dive into his exact scoring system for filtering seller lists, the mistakes most investors make with mailers, and how Josh consistently earns a 6–10X return on ad spend—without needing flashy branding or massive marketing budgets. If you're looking to level up your lead gen and actually close deals, this is the blueprint.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:44] – How a family emergency and a mentor's advice pulled Josh from ministry into real estate

[5:03] – Buying a 35-unit building for $13K down using 99% seller financing

[7:54] – Turning a single cash-out refi into $400K in capital for direct mail

[9:40] – The first 2,000-piece mailer that produced $100K+ in profit

[11:11] – How a single conversation led to building a proprietary delinquent tax list

[13:03] – Common mistakes: wrong phone numbers, too broad targeting, poor list hygiene

[14:17] – Josh's proprietary point-based scoring system for stacking seller motivation

[17:18] – Recommended mailing cadence and how many touches it takes to convert

[19:02] – Which mail formats stand out—and why pressure seal checks work so well

[22:00] – Why direct mail beats TV, radio, and billboards in lower-priced markets

[25:06] – The budget and consistency needed to actually win with mail

[26:36] – Josh's most creative mailer and why even his competitors loved it

[29:36] – What's next: turnkey rentals, better management, and scaling in one market

5 Key Takeaways

1. It's not the size of your mailer—it's the quality of your list. Filter your list by stacking motivation tags like pre-foreclosure, vacant, tax delinquent, inherited, and failed listings.
2. Direct mail still wins in 2025—but only if you niche down. The tighter your targeting, the higher your ROI.
3. Consistency beats cleverness. Josh sends to the same list every 3–4 weeks and recommends budgeting to hit them at least six times.
4. Response rate is secondary to revenue. Josh doesn't count calls—he tracks profit and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), consistently hitting 6–10X.
5. Systems win markets. From mail piece design to point-based scoring and CRM tagging, Josh treats marketing like a science, not a shot in the dark.

Links & Resources

• Josh's company: NEPA Cash Offer

• Mail tools mentioned: PropStream, Yellow Letter HQ

• Strategy tip: Add "Save this with your important house papers" to stand out in competitive markets

If this episode gave you real ideas to improve your deal flow, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review. And share it with an investor friend who needs to hear why direct mail isn't dead—it just needs to be smarter.

In this episode, I sit down with investor and coach Chad Harris to unpack how he built a thriving buy-and-hold real estate portfolio—without using banks or his own money. Chad shares how a personal family crisis led him to pivot from being a missionary in Kenya to building a rental empire back home in Dayton, Ohio.

We talk about how he leveraged his fundraising background to raise private capital, what most new investors get wrong about deal analysis and funding, and how systematizing his business gave him not just profits—but real freedom. Whether you're just curious about rentals or looking to scale without losing control, Chad's story is proof that with commitment and the right tools, anyone can do it.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:06] – Chad's journey from teacher and missionary to real estate investor

[5:51] – Facing a family emergency and the realization he had to become a better provider

[7:24] – How he built his rental portfolio from scratch using private lenders—not banks

[10:04] – The simple elevator pitch Chad used to attract investor capital

[13:12] – His coaching focus: helping others buy rentals with no money down

[16:05] – The 3 biggest sticking points for new buy-and-hold investors

[21:23] – Why a system for property management is more important than door count

[24:15] – The painful lessons learned from outsourcing management too soon

[25:30] – How Chad runs lean by hiring local part-time help for operations

[28:45] – Systems as an investment: scaling for time freedom, not just portfolio growth

[30:37] – Chad's advice for anyone who's curious about getting started

5 Key Takeaways

1. You don't need bank financing to build a rental portfolio—private capital is out there.
2. Start with a professional management system from day one—even if you only have 3 doors.
3. Most investors underestimate the importance of deal analysis and overestimate local competition.
4. CRMs and property management tools are not expenses—they're time-saving investments.
5. If you stay committed, time and compound cash flow will do the rest.

If this episode helped you rethink how to get started—or scale—with buy-and-hold investing, don't forget to rate, follow, and leave a review. And share this episode with someone who's been sitting on the fence about becoming a landlord.

In this episode of The Pete Podcast, I sit down with real estate entrepreneur Sam Wegert to explore one of the fastest-growing—and most overlooked—niches in real estate: co-living. From growing up in a 1900 sq ft home with 10 people to now owning over 200 rooms, Sam has turned his passion for people and purpose into a high-yield real estate model that's solving real problems in today's housing market.

We dive into the emotional drivers behind co-living, how it's creating new price points in overlooked markets, and why smaller towns might offer more upside than big cities. Sam also shares the systems, automations, and challenges behind scaling a co-living operation—plus what's missing in the current tech landscape for this space. If you're looking for a cash-flow-heavy model that blends purpose with profit, this one's for you.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:22] – Growing up with 10 people in one house and how it shaped Sam's view on shared living

[3:45] – Launching his first martial arts school at 15 and his early taste of entrepreneurship

[7:01] – Discovering co-living and testing the model with local real estate

[9:33] – Why co-living isn't just about housing—it's about solving emotional and social pain

[11:50] – Creating affordability through "invented" price points in local markets

[14:04] – Small towns vs. big cities: where co-living cash flow thrives

[16:20] – Tech stack breakdown: AppFolio, GoHighLevel, and the software gap in co-living

[19:01] – Systematizing everything from marketing to maintenance—even labeling cabinets

[22:12] – Inside Sam's co-living coaching community and what's next for the model

5 Key Takeaways

1. Co-living solves more than housing—it addresses loneliness and affordability.
2. This model thrives in secondary and tertiary markets where housing is tight and demand is high.
3. You don't need multifamily to scale—Sam's portfolio includes converted single-family homes.
4. Software and automation are key, but the current tech isn't fully built for co-living yet.
5. The future of real estate isn't just about square footage—it's about how we live together.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Sam's free co-living training and coaching community: https://samwegert.com/

• Tools mentioned: AppFolio, GoHighLevel

If this episode sparked new ideas about where the real estate market is headed, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review. And don't forget to share this episode with an investor or entrepreneur ready to think outside the box.

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Pardo—real estate investor, coach, and host of the Flip Empire Show—who shares his powerful transition from wholesaling to self-storage. Alex opens up about the turning point that made him rethink his business model and reveals why self-storage became his vehicle to true financial and time freedom. If you've ever felt trapped in the hustle or wondered how to escape the grind while still building wealth, this episode is packed with real, raw insight.

We dive into the mindset shifts, the myths about storage investing, and the exact systems and strategies Alex uses to run multiple facilities remotely—with zero employees. Whether you're a wholesaler, W-2 earner, or someone just curious about passive income through real estate, this episode will change the way you view opportunity in commercial real estate.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:15] - How a backpacking trip across Europe sparked Alex's entrepreneurial journey

[4:55] - Closing his first deal in 2006—and the $44K lesson that followed

[6:40] - Why wholesaling didn't create the freedom Alex was chasing

[8:00] - What makes self-storage a simple, scalable, recession-resistant business

[10:15] - The psychology of why people don't leave their storage units

[12:00] - Running an unmanned facility: no tours, no on-site staff, fully automated

[14:45] - How to break into storage using OPM (other people's money)

[16:00] - Lessons from his first failed 3-month attempt at storage

[18:15] - Why location matters more than ROI on paper

[19:45] - The three-part system Alex uses to manage his facilities remotely

[26:30] - The four questions every investor should ask to systemize and scale

[28:00] - Overcoming KPI overload: the cocktail napkin test

[31:10] - The one goal of his Storage Wins coaching program

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Storage is Simpler Than You Think: It's a retail business with the perks of real estate—cash flow, depreciation, and scalability.

2. You Don't Need Your Own Capital: Alex has done every deal using creative financing, from seller finance to SBA loans.

3. Automation is Everything: Unmanned, tech-enabled storage allows him to operate from anywhere without employees.

4. Mindset Is the First Hurdle: Limiting beliefs about needing money or experience often hold people back from making the leap.

5. Pick KPIs That Matter: Track the few numbers that define business health—you should be able to write them on a cocktail napkin.

Links & Resources

• Alex's coaching program: StorageWins.com

• Books mentioned: The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, Traction by Gino Wickman

If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform—and share it with someone ready to break free from the grind.

In this power-packed episode of The Pete Podcast, I sit down with Jeremy Knauff, founder of Spartan Media, to talk about what it really takes to build authority, credibility, and influence through public relations—especially in today's AI-driven world. Jeremy's raw story of building and rebuilding his business after a health crisis sets the stage for a deep conversation about personal branding, modern PR strategies, and why showing up in AI tools like ChatGPT is the new SEO.

We explore why most people miss the mark when it comes to PR, how to avoid becoming irrelevant in the age of large language models (LLMs), and practical steps entrepreneurs can take to build third-party credibility through trusted media. If you're serious about being seen, trusted, and remembered in your industry, this is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:03] – Jeremy's journey from Marine Corps to digital marketing agency owner

[3:14] – Why learning sales was a leadership decision—and a survival skill

[7:58] – The business collapse during his health crisis and how he bounced back with PR

[9:37] – How blogging and podcast guesting led to features in Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur

[13:25] – Who Spartan Media serves today—and why real estate investors are flocking to PR

[17:13] – Case study: turning a failing company into an $8M success story through media credibility

[18:01] – The state of media today: paywalls, pulled contributor programs, and changing access

[20:01] – Why AI tools are changing PR—and how to make sure they cite you correctly

[22:14] – The problem with using AI to pitch journalists (and how it can blacklist you)

[24:37] – What LLMs look for: how third-party citations can make or break your digital credibility

[26:26] – The role of schema, press mentions, and tier-one outlets in building authority

[29:17] – Inside Spartan Community: affordable PR coaching, software, and strategy for entrepreneurs

5 Key Takeaways

1. If AI tools don't recognize you, your authority is invisible – Jeremy explains why visibility in large language models is the new frontier.

2. Third-party validation is the secret sauce – Social media and websites alone don't cut it. You need trusted media citations to build real credibility.

3. Pitching journalists with AI can backfire – Lazy prompts and robotic writing often get flagged—and blacklisted.

4. PR is more than exposure—it's leverage – Jeremy's work has helped clients 10x revenue, land board seats, and even lobby Congress.

5. You don't need a massive budget to get started – With his Spartan Community, Jeremy offers the same tools and tactics used by his agency at a price anyone can access.

Links & Resources

• Spartan Media – Jeremy's PR and branding agenc

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on how to grow your authority and credibility, please rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And be sure to share it with someone who's ready to level up their visibility and brand power!

In this episode of The Pete Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Henry, the dynamic founder of In A Stack, to talk about how his early passion for tech evolved into a full-fledged business offering innovative, custom-built automation and CRM solutions for real estate and beyond. Jeff opens up about his journey—from installing data networks as a kid to becoming the go-to tech partner for businesses looking to optimize, scale, and thrive.

We explore the intersections of tech, real estate, and entrepreneurship, including how Jeff and his wife built their first CRM from scratch, what makes In A Stack different from off-the-shelf tech providers, and why customization and care are key to long-term success. If you're a business owner, investor, or tech enthusiast curious about how to systematize your operations with heart and intelligence, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:03] – Jeff's early start in tech, influenced by his father's work at AT&T and IBM

[2:23] – Losing $40K in a real estate seminar, and how mentorship turned things around

[3:11] – How Jeff began building CRMs and automation tools for fellow investors

[5:04] – Founding Real Tech Automations and consulting for top real estate companies

[5:27] – Why In A Stack was created: scaling personalized tech support through a full dev team

[6:10] – The team today: 12+ developers working across GoHighLevel, Salesforce, HubSpot, and more

[8:09] – Learning tech through hands-on experience, corporate roles, and "Coding for Dummies"

[10:29] – A tech-powered marriage: how Jeff and his wife balance front-end and back-end builds

[12:46] – Key trends: AI integration, security, and personalized systems tailored to clients' needs

[14:43] – Helping real estate educators and companies rapidly generate lead magnets with AI

[15:10] – Why one-size-fits-all tech doesn't work, and how Stack delivers unique, human-centered solutions

[16:23] – Weekly sprint calls and ongoing support: how Stack becomes a true growth partner

[18:03] – Growing with intention: entering new industries like tax and financial services

[20:01] – Building a tiered project management structure and scaling into CTO-level consulting

[21:08] – Advice for founders: tech is changing fast—invest in it, understand it, and don't wait

[23:14] – Why many CRMs fail and how a fresh tech teardown can uncover hidden potential

[24:15] – Looking back: what Jeff wishes he had done differently when merging tech with real estate

[26:20] – Tech doesn't have to be scary—why having trusted experts on speed dial makes all the difference

5 Key Takeaways

1. Tech is not one-size-fits-all – Every business has its own DNA, and your systems should reflect that.

2. Start small, scale smart – Jeff's journey proves that passion + patience = sustainable growth.

3. CRMs need more than setup—they need strategy – Dirty data and broken automations waste money.

4. AI isn't just hype—it's a tool – From marketing to systems, AI is changing how businesses grow.

5. Relationships are the differentiator – Stack doesn't just deliver solutions—they become your tech partner.

Links & Resources

• In A Stack – Jeff's full-service development team for custom CRM and automation solutions

• GoHighLevel – One of Stack's core platforms for client CRM builds

• Follow Jeff on Instagram – "Tech Mogul" for insights, tips, and behind-the-scenes looks (exact handle not specified—add if known)

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to share it with someone who's building a business and could use a smart, strategic tech partner like Jeff and the team at In A Stack.

In this episode of The Pete Podcast, I sit down with Ari Page, CEO of Fund & Grow, to talk about how real estate investors and business owners can tap into unsecured business credit—without the usual headaches of traditional funding. Ari pulls back the curtain on his personal journey from working shipyards to helping over 30,000 entrepreneurs secure nearly $2 billion in business credit lines.

We break down how Fund & Grow's credit card stacking model works, how they help clients optimize their credit profiles, and why business credit cards can be one of the most flexible and underutilized tools for funding deals, payroll, marketing, and more. If you're an investor or small business owner looking for fast, reusable, and unsecured capital, this episode is packed with gems.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:26] - Ari's transformation from Navy shipyard work to credit entrepreneur

[4:59] - The shift from mortgage brokering to leveraging credit cards post-2008 crash

[7:28] - Why Fund & Grow transitioned from hourly services to a scalable membership model

[8:50] - The difference between credit repair and credit optimization (a.k.a. "credit massaging")

[11:03] - What credit card stacking actually is and how it works

[14:43] - Using payment processors like Plastiq to convert credit cards into real-world transactions

[17:39] - Why business credit cards complement—not replace—mortgages and hard money

[21:05] - The overlooked asset protection feature of using credit cards for contractor payments

[25:34] - Fund & Grow's recent surge in funding approvals and why 2025 is looking optimistic

[27:42] - The power of negotiation in securing larger credit lines (vs. just applying)

[29:35] - How building internal systems and software transformed Fund & Grow's scalability

[32:50] - Final thoughts on using tech and data to grow smart, not just fast

5 Key Takeaways

1. Credit card stacking is powerful – You can build $250K+ in business credit through strategic applications and merging of cards, all at 0% interest.

2. Most funding comes from negotiation – Two-thirds of credit obtained for clients is due to Fund & Grow's negotiation process, not the initial application.

3. You don't need perfect credit – Many clients just need optimization, not repair, and Fund & Grow helps fine-tune profiles before applying.

4. Credit cards offer protection – Unlike cash, they offer recourse in the form of chargebacks if vendors or contractors fail to deliver.

5. Data-driven systems scale businesses – Building scalable infrastructure and leveraging client data has been key to Fund & Grow's growth and success.

Links & Resources

• Fund & Grow – Learn more about Ari's company and how to get started with business credit

• Plastiq – A payment platform for converting credit card payments into checks, ACH, or wire transfers

• Zelle, Bill.com, and Melio – Other tools for routing payments via business credit cards

If this episode gave you new insights on how to fund your business more creatively and flexibly, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to share this with a fellow entrepreneur or investor who could use smarter funding options!

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Hambright, a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate investor, coach, and founder of Investor Fuel, FlipNerd, and Investor Machine. Mike opens up about his journey from corporate America to building multiple seven-figure businesses — and the hard lessons he learned along the way about focus, foundation, and freedom.

We explore what it means to stay the course when things get tough, why so many entrepreneurs fall into the trap of "starting over," and how to create a life that aligns with your goals and values. Mike also shares how the hardest chapters of his story — including losing his job, financial uncertainty, and raising a newborn with no income — became the fuel that shaped his success mindset.

If you've ever struggled with shiny object syndrome, burnout, or the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think differently about your business, your time, and your long-term vision.

Episode Timeline & Highlights

[0:00] – Mike introduces the "three feet from gold" concept — how most people quit right before success happens.

[1:00] – The conversation kicks off with Mike's background as a "serial entrepreneur" and the driving force behind his ventures.

[2:00] – Why building a stable financial foundation is the first step before layering on multiple business ventures.

[5:20] – From corporate finance to real estate investing in 2008 — how losing his job became the turning point that changed everything.

[8:50] – Finding focus during hard times: why people perform best when their back is against the wall.

[10:40] – The importance of choosing one direction and sticking with it — what Mike calls "laser focus."

[13:00] – Starting over in Dallas and learning how to build a real estate business from scratch.

[14:00] – How Mike went from four deals in his first year to sixty-five the next — and the lessons that came with scaling fast.

[16:00] – Building trust-based partnerships with contractors and teams that last decades.

[18:00] – The value of persistence: why investors often give up when they're closer to success than they think.

[21:00] – Knowing when to pivot — and how to use data and mentorship instead of emotion to make business decisions.

[22:30] – The power of collaboration versus competition: how shifting from scarcity to abundance changed everything.

[26:00] – What it really means to be an entrepreneur: serving others, building systems, and creating freedom.

[29:30] – Mike's vision for Investor Fuel, Investor Machine, and the new Investor Launchpad program.

Key Takeaways

1. Stay Laser Focused. Success doesn't come from chasing every new opportunity — it comes from staying committed to one thing long enough to see results.

2. Build Your Foundation First. A stable base of income and systems allows you to experiment, grow, and take risks without risking everything.

3. Collaboration Beats Competition. When you move from scarcity to abundance, you gain more by helping and partnering with others than by protecting every idea.

4. Control Your Destiny. Don't rely on jobs, markets, or luck — build something that gives you control over your time, your income, and your future.

5. Don't Quit Too Soon. You're often much closer to a breakthrough than you realize. Keep pushing, refine your focus, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support your vision.

Links & Resources

• Investor Fuel Mastermind: investorfuel.com

• Investor Launchpad Challenge: investorlaunchpad.com

• Investor Machine: investormachine.com

Closing Remarks

If this episode inspired you to double down on your goals and build a business that truly supports your life, make sure to follow, rate, and review The Pete Podcast. Your feedback helps us reach more entrepreneurs who are ready to grow, focus, and win together.