In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Lucas—real estate investor, coach, and founder of Deal Finders Club—to dive into the art of local deal sourcing and why community-driven investing is the future. Andrew shares how he and his wife went from burned-out landlords to full-time investors with nearly 100 doors, all without paid marketing. His story is full of insights for both new and experienced investors on how to leverage your network, overcome limiting beliefs, and scale a business with intention.

We also explore the importance of getting uncomfortable, avoiding bad partnerships, and how the right tech tools—like FlipperForce and deal-specific software—can streamline your operations and increase profitability.

[0:00] – Welcome Andrew Lucas: investor, coach, and founder of Deal Finders

[2:05] – Andrew's start in real estate—and the 30-year plan that didn't work

[3:14] – Flipping homes to build a rental portfolio and escape the 9-to-5 grind

[4:40] – Building a 35-unit portfolio without paid marketing using the "Wide Fan" method

[6:13] – Creating Deal Finders Club to help others find local deals and support

[7:58] – Breaking through limiting beliefs and taking uncomfortable action

[10:08] – Why community and mentorship help cut the trial-and-error phase

[12:21] – Laying the right foundation: education, connection, and consistent action

[14:17] – The tech stack behind Deal Finders and how it supports local outreach

[15:22] – How Deal Finder Data helps source leads using AI and local insights

[16:57] – Why every deal needs to be intentional when your time is limited

[18:08] – The paradox of community: it slows you down to help you scale faster

[19:14] – Andrew's favorite software for flippers: FlipperForce

[20:54] – The value of software that's purpose-built for your business

[22:00] – Why Andrew's moving away from SFRs and toward small multis

[23:15] – Lending hurdles between 5-9 and 10+ unit properties

[24:37] – The efficiency advantage of managing 10+ unit properties

[25:00] – Expanding Deal Finders Club to a nationwide community

[26:15] – The power of in-person meetups and building human connection

[27:17] – Andrew's #1 lesson: "Never partner when you can hire"

[29:03] – Investing in yourself beats rushing into risky partnerships

[29:51] – Final thoughts: success comes from community, consistency, and courage

1. Build before you scale. Start with a foundation of education, then take action.
2. Marketing isn't mandatory. You can build a real estate business using just your local network.
3. Avoid early partnerships. When you're new, it's safer to hire or find a mentor than to split equity.
4. Good software matters. Use tools designed for your niche—like FlipperForce for flippers.
5. The right community saves time. Plug into experienced groups to shortcut the learning curve.

• Learn more: Deal Finders Club

• Deal Finder's Community & Training: DealFindersclub.com/training

Closing Remark

If this episode helped spark an idea or gave you clarity on your next move, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who's ready to get out of their comfort zone and into their first (or next) real estate deal—with the right people in their corner.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Casey Quinn—real estate investor, CPA, and founder of Accruity—to dig into one of the most overlooked skill sets in entrepreneurship: financial clarity. Casey shares how mastering your numbers isn't just about bookkeeping—it's about making smarter, faster decisions that protect your cash flow and create true freedom.

We unpack what most real estate entrepreneurs get wrong when scaling, how to forecast for growth, and why your cash conversion cycle may be more important than your profit margin. Whether you're just getting started or managing a multi-seven-figure portfolio, this episode will challenge you to think like a CFO and operate like a CEO.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:17] – From CPA to real estate: how Casey's career path shifted

[3:22] – Why Accruity was born out of seeing entrepreneurs fail from financial blind spots

[5:09] – The three pillars of financial clarity: bookkeeping, forecasting, and timing

[7:02] – "Your job in business is not to go out of business"—the case for financial discipline

[9:34] – Understanding the cash conversion cycle and why it drives scale

[11:58] – The #1 financial mistake real estate investors make when they grow too fast

[14:27] – EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and how it helped Casey scale

[17:14] – How marketing and acquisitions fall apart without financial systems

[18:55] – What most bookkeeping setups miss—and how Accruity fills the gap

[20:42] – Financial forecasting: looking forward vs. looking backward

[22:37] – Why your first hires should be tied to revenue or time leverage—not vanity metrics

[24:04] – Using data to make decisions faster and with less emotional guesswork

[26:16] – How to evaluate a business partnership through the lens of finances

[28:21] – Managing cash through project delays and unpredictable income cycles

[30:10] – The difference between "profitable" and "cash healthy"

[32:02] – The most underused tool in financial operations: scenario planning

[34:27] – Casey's final advice: take massive action and know your numbers

[36:12] – Where to learn more about Accruity and get a financial assessment

1. Financial clarity drives freedom. If you don't understand your numbers, you're flying blind.
2. Every task should touch money. If it doesn't connect to a financial result, it might not matter.
3. Profit alone won't protect you. Timing, cash flow, and the speed of money are just as critical.
4. EOS systems help real estate entrepreneurs scale with structure.
5. You don't need to be a CPA—but you do need a real financial system.

• Learn more about Casey's firm: https://accruity.com/

Closing Remark

If this episode helped you see your finances in a new light, take a second to rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with a fellow investor or entrepreneur who's ready to stop winging it—and start winning with their numbers.

In this episode, I sit down with Tony Javier—real estate investor and founder of 10x TV—to talk about one of the most overlooked and underused lead generation strategies in real estate: TV commercials. While most investors are battling over cold calling, direct mail, and PPC leads, Tony breaks down how TV can cut through the noise and deliver high-quality motivated seller leads—at scale.

Tony shares his journey from hesitant investor to media buyer, how he scaled his business with TV, and why now is the perfect time to stake your claim in this under-saturated channel. Whether you're a seasoned investor or still trying to crack your first deal, Tony's approach to marketing could be the edge you've been missing.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:51] – How Tony discovered TV marketing after 11 years in real estate investing

[3:34] – The "franchise-like" TV system Tony now licenses to investors nationwide

[5:25] – Why TV ads offer stronger ROI than direct mail, cold calling, or PPC

[7:00] – Common myths about TV (cost, being on camera, tech barriers) debunked

[9:47] – The truth about commercial pricing: $5 spots vs. $200+ prime time

[11:18] – Direct mail vs. TV: reach, cost, and how to hit your ideal seller demographic

[13:40] – The power of running commercials during daytime TV shows like Judge Judy & Jerry Springer

[15:39] – Why TV still dominates—even in the age of social media and AI

[17:12] – What it really takes to get on air, and how 10x TV does 90% of the work for you

[21:00] – Ideal investor profile: who should use TV ads and how it scales other marketing channels

[27:07] – How one investor doubled his deal volume by adding TV to his pipeline

[29:12] – Tony's final pitch: real estate changed his life, but marketing is what lights him up today

5 Key Takeaways

1. TV advertising is underutilized. Most markets have zero to just a few investors on air—meaning low competition and high visibility.
2. It's more affordable than you think. Many markets see strong ROI with monthly ad spends as low as $3K–$7K, outperforming direct mail.
3. Demographics matter. TV still reaches older, lower-income sellers—exactly the avatar most investors are looking for.
4. You don't need to be on camera. 10x TV offers full implementation, including hiring actors, scripting, media buying, and editing.
5. TV enhances every channel. From brand trust to direct conversions, TV boosts the effectiveness of everything from postcards to PPC.

Links & Resources

• Apply to see if your market is available: www.10xTV.com

Closing Remark

If you're tired of chasing the same cold lists as everyone else and ready to build true authority in your market, this episode is your sign. Don't wait. Subscribe, rate, and share the PETE Podcast—and check if your market is open at 10xTV before someone else grabs it.

In this episode of the PETE Podcast, I sit down with Clifford Walker—aka "The Cowboy Closer"—to talk about how he went from truck driving to full-time real estate investor and coach, all while bringing his family into the business and building a legacy of generational wealth. Clifford shares his journey, mindset shifts, and the real talk new investors need to hear before jumping into their first deal.

We dig into the fundamentals of getting started in real estate, the importance of picking your lane, and how to work with your spouse or business partner without stepping on each other's toes. If you've ever hesitated to take that first step, Clifford's story and his practical advice might be just the push you need.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:21] – Clifford shares his markets: Texas, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina—and why he focuses on wholesaling

[3:43] – Why wholesaling is simple but not easy—and how it compares to flips and buy & hold

[4:41] – The power of "picking a lane" and avoiding shiny object syndrome

[6:03] – Why destiny demands development—and how beginners should embrace the learning curve

[7:35] – The best advice Clifford got from Ed Mylett before a big keynote: "Give yourself some grace"

[9:03] – What to do when your first deal flops—or when the check isn't as big as you hoped

[11:16] – The truth about who can succeed in real estate (hint: it's anyone willing to put in the work)

[13:14] – No money? No problem. Why mindset, community, and resourcefulness matter more than capital

[17:50] – How Clifford's leap of faith led to his entire family joining the business

[21:40] – Real talk on college, mindset, and how each step—good or bad—can lead to your purpose

[25:49] – How a podcast Clifford heard while truck driving sparked his entire real estate journey

[27:06] – Is out-of-state investing possible? Clifford shares how he does it with relationships and partners

[28:49] – Final thoughts on mentorship, coaching, and building a business that builds others

5 Key Takeaways

1. Real estate works—when you do. Clifford emphasizes that every strategy works if you're willing to commit and stay focused.
2. Don't wait to be perfect. Start now, give yourself grace, and learn by doing—even if that means hitting a few curbs.
3. Build community, not just capital. Your network can unlock deals, partnerships, and the confidence to keep going.
4. Mindset is everything. Whether you're broke, scared, or brand new—how you think shapes what's possible.
5. Leave a legacy. Clifford's story proves that real estate isn't just about wealth—it's about impact, family, and freedom.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Clifford Walker and join his investor community: https://linktr.ee/cowboycloser

Closing Remark

If this episode lit a fire under you—or helped you realize it's time to finally get started—do me a favor: rate, follow, share, and review the PETE Podcast. Clifford's story is a reminder that where you start doesn't define where you finish. Let's go build something real.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I'm joined by Melanie Sikma, co-founder and CEO of One Stop Tax Strategists, for a deep dive into proactive tax planning that helps entrepreneurs and investors keep more of what they earn. We explore powerful, little-known strategies that go beyond simple deductions—ways to restructure your business, your family involvement, and even your travel plans to create lasting financial advantages.

Melanie breaks down her "Live More" tax strategy framework, an actionable system designed to maximize permanent tax savings and enable you to reinvest in your business and life. Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or a newer entrepreneur, this episode will help you think differently about your tax approach—and may just save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Meet Melanie Sikma and the family-led foundation behind One Stop Tax Strategists

[2:13] - Why hating taxes became Melanie's strength—and how she connects with clients through that

[3:43] - Busting common tax myths and why not everything in your life is a deduction

[5:10] - The high cost of cheap bookkeeping: how one client nearly overpaid by $90K

[7:14] - What makes a proactive CPA or bookkeeper—and how to spot one

[10:21] - Fixing poor books and the ripple effect on tax planning accuracy

[11:09] - Services offered at One Stop: tax prep, planning, payroll, and bookkeeping

[13:13] - Educating clients with tax "translations" and ongoing support

[14:30] - Real estate investors and multi-state tax strategies—what you need to know

[17:42] - A walk-through of the "Live More" tax strategy framework

[20:02] - The Augusta strategy, employing your kids, and shifting income within family

[23:15] - Deferred tax strategies to fuel business reinvestment

[28:00] - Reducing capital gains tax from millions to hundreds of thousands

[30:43] - "Engage the savings" – how to invest your tax wins to live more

[33:28] - Free resources: tax strategy booklet and complimentary tax assessment

[35:01] - Final thoughts on why second opinions on taxes matter

Links & Resources

• Live More, Pay Less Booklet – Text booklet to (209) 924-4606
• Free Tax Assessment – Text save to (209) 924-4606
• One Stop Tax Strategists – https://www.onestoptaxstrategists.com/

Closing Remark

If you got value from this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast. Every little bit helps us reach more people who can benefit from these game-changing strategies. Until next time, keep pushing forward and planning smarter.

If you've ever asked yourself, "Where did all my money go?" this episode is for you. I sat down with David Richter, founder of Simple CFO Solutions and author of Profit First for Real Estate Investing, to talk about the hidden financial pitfalls that sink even high-grossing businesses—and how to avoid them. Whether you're wholesaling, flipping, or building a rental portfolio, David breaks down exactly why revenue doesn't always equal profit, and how simple cash flow systems can transform your business.

We dive into the Profit First method, the real reason so many entrepreneurs feel broke even when business is booming, and why your first hire probably shouldn't be a full-time CFO. David's story is packed with hard lessons from the field and clear solutions that every investor should hear. If you want your business to serve you—not the other way around—this episode could be the game-changer you need.

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:25] - David shares how running a 25-deal-per-month company led him to realize profit ≠ revenue

[6:48] - The turning point that inspired David to launch Simple CFO Solutions

[8:40] - Three-step framework: laying a financial foundation, implementing Profit First, and setting up dashboards

[11:02] - When and why a business really needs a fractional CFO

[13:09] - What kind of revenue triggers the need for a full-time CFO

[16:14] - Clarifying the different roles of bookkeeper, CPA, and CFO

[20:47] - Why QuickBooks should be treated like your "CRM for money"

[24:05] - David's #1 tip for any entrepreneur: start by managing your cash

[26:41] - How systems—especially financial ones—save time, money, and sanity

[30:01] - David's perspective on AI and the future of finance in real estate

1. Revenue isn't everything – Without a system, you could be growing broke.
2. Profit First works – Simple bank account structures help you allocate every dollar.
3. Most entrepreneurs don't need a full-time CFO – A fractional CFO offers the clarity without the overhead.
4. Financial education is missing – Entrepreneurs need to learn how to interpret their numbers.
5. Systems drive scalability – You can't grow what you can't track and optimize.

• Get a free copy of Profit First for Real Estate Investing: simplecfo.com/gift

• Learn more about Simple CFO Solutions: simplecfo.com

If this episode brought you clarity, insight, or even just a few "aha" moments—do me a favor. Follow the show, rate it, leave a review, and share it with another investor who needs to get their finances under control. Until next time!

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.

[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

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.

• 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.

[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

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.

[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

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.

• 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.

[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

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.

• 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.