The Pete Podcast

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Michael Liello from Specialized Trust Company to break down how real estate investors can use self-directed retirement accounts to unlock new investment opportunities and build long-term, tax-advantaged wealth.

Michael walks us through the differences between traditional and self-directed retirement accounts, and why most investors are unknowingly limiting themselves to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds when the IRS actually allows much more flexibility. We dive into how self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s can be used to invest directly into real estate, private lending, and other alternative assets—while potentially generating tax-free or tax-deferred returns.

We also discuss how investors can move existing retirement funds without triggering taxes or penalties, how to stay compliant with IRS rules, and the most common misconceptions around what you can and cannot do with these accounts. From leveraging accounts for deals to structuring family-based investment strategies, this episode opens the door to a powerful but often underutilized wealth-building tool.

If you're a real estate investor looking to use your retirement capital more strategically, this conversation will give you a completely new perspective on how to grow your portfolio.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction to Michael Liello and Specialized Trust Company

[1:30] – What a self-directed retirement account actually is

[2:55] – The difference between traditional and self-directed accounts

[5:35] – What the IRS allows you to invest in (and what it restricts)

[6:30] – Why most custodians limit your investment options

[7:45] – How real estate investments can generate tax-free returns inside retirement accounts

[8:57] – Moving old 401(k)s without taxes or penalties

[10:15] – Understanding IRAs vs qualified accounts like solo 401(k)s

[11:08] – Tax-deferred vs Roth structures and how they impact wealth

[12:21] – Contribution limits and advantages of a Roth solo 401(k)

[14:33] – Why self-directed accounts are rapidly growing in popularity

[16:00] – Accessing capital through 401(k) loans without penalties

[17:32] – Creative ways investors are using self-directed accounts

[18:58] – How private lending works inside retirement accounts

[20:13] – Using non-recourse loans to scale investments

[21:30] – Common mistakes investors make with self-directed accounts

[22:34] – IRS rules on prohibited transactions and disqualified persons

[23:24] – Who you can and cannot invest with inside your accounts

[24:44] – Using retirement accounts for family legacy planning

[26:23] – Education savings accounts and tax-free growth strategies

[30:30] – The power of health savings accounts (HSAs) for investing and tax savings

5 Key Takeaways

1. Most investors are unknowingly limited by traditional custodians. The IRS allows far more investment flexibility than most people realize.
2. Self-directed accounts unlock real estate investing with tax advantages. Investors can generate tax-free or tax-deferred income using retirement funds.
3. You can move old retirement accounts without penalties. Rolling over a previous employer's 401(k) into a self-directed account is not a taxable event.
4. There are strict rules on who you can invest with. Direct family members (up and down the family tree) are prohibited, but partnerships can still be structured creatively.
5. Retirement accounts can be powerful wealth and legacy tools. When used correctly, they allow investors to grow, protect, and pass down wealth tax-efficiently.

Links & Resources

• Company: Specialized Trust Company

• Topics discussed: Self-directed IRAs, Roth IRAs, solo 401(k)s, real estate investing with retirement funds, tax strategies, private lending

Closing Remark

Most investors think their retirement accounts are locked away and untouchable—but this episode challenges that assumption. Michael Liello shows that with the right structure and understanding, those funds can become one of the most powerful tools in your investing strategy.

If you're serious about building long-term wealth and maximizing your capital, it's worth taking a deeper look at how self-directed accounts can fit into your plan.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, follow, share, and review The PETE Podcast so more investors can learn how to build smarter real estate businesses.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Lindsey, founder of The Flippers Playbook and an experienced real estate investor who has worked across multiple strategies including rehabbing, wholesaling, and new construction.

Brandon shares what it really takes to succeed in the rehab and construction side of real estate investing, and why the skills required are very different from wholesaling or transactional deal-making. We talk about the leadership, organization, and team management necessary to run successful rehab projects, as well as the mindset investors need when working with physical assets and construction timelines.

We also dive into how Brandon approaches market conditions, construction costs, and material pricing, along with the realities of managing projects in today's environment. From hiring designers and contractors to understanding potential property issues like foundation and waterproofing problems, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the operational side of real estate investing that many new investors overlook.

If you're interested in flipping houses, managing rehab projects, or understanding how experienced investors evaluate deals and construction risk, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it actually takes to execute successful projects.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction to Brandon Lindsey and his background in real estate investing

[1:22] – Brandon's experience working across wholesaling, rehabbing, and construction

[2:03] – Personality differences between wholesalers and rehab investors

[2:58] – Why leadership and team management are essential for rehab projects

[3:47] – The importance of organization and project scheduling in construction

[4:03] – Why wholesaling often requires strong sales skills and communication

[4:26] – The design component of rehabbing properties and why many investors outsource it

[5:15] – Understanding how design decisions impact property value

[5:37] – Why experienced investors rely on designers instead of overthinking finishes

[6:18] – Challenges with construction materials, supply chains, and product availability

[6:55] – Market conditions and what Brandon is seeing in construction pricing

[7:21] – The impact of policy changes, tariffs, and material costs on building projects

[8:07] – How investors track construction costs and adjust strategies accordingly

5 Key Takeaways

1. Rehabbing requires leadership and operational skills. Managing contractors, schedules, and budgets is essential for successful projects.
2. Wholesaling and rehabbing require different skill sets. Wholesalers often thrive in sales-driven environments, while rehab investors focus more on project execution.
3. Organization is critical in construction projects. Without systems and scheduling discipline, rehab projects can quickly fall behind or over budget.
4. Design decisions impact resale value. Successful investors understand when to outsource design work to professionals who specialize in finishes and aesthetics.
5. Market conditions and material costs always fluctuate. Investors must stay aware of supply chain changes and pricing trends to manage project budgets effectively.

Closing Remark

Real estate investing isn't just about finding deals—it's about executing them well. Brandon Lindsey's experience highlights the importance of leadership, systems, and practical knowledge when managing rehab projects.

If you're considering getting into flipping or new construction, this episode offers a realistic look at the operational side of the business and the mindset required to succeed.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, follow, share, and review The PETE Podcast so more investors can learn how to build smarter real estate businesses.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Michael Velasco, founder of 1031 Exchangeable, to break down one of the most powerful wealth-preserving tools in real estate: the 1031 exchange. Michael has spent years helping investors defer taxes and keep more of the profits they work so hard to earn—and in this conversation he simplifies a topic that many investors find intimidating.

We dive into the mechanics behind 1031 exchanges, the strict timelines investors must follow, and the different types of exchanges available—including forward, reverse, and improvement exchanges. Whether you're flipping properties, scaling a rental portfolio, or repositioning assets, this episode will help you understand how to protect your equity and reinvest it strategically instead of handing it over to the IRS.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Forward, improvement, and reverse exchanges explained

[1:12] – Introducing Michael Velasco and the mission behind 1031 Exchangeable

[2:11] – What a 1031 exchange actually is in simple terms

[2:45] – Michael's background: real estate broker, accounting firm owner, and tax strategist

[4:16] – Why qualified intermediaries (QI) are essential for completing exchanges

[5:07] – How the IRS allows investors to defer capital gains taxes

[6:01] – Real-world example: investors losing $1M in taxes without a 1031 exchange

[7:06] – Nationwide exchanges: operating from New York to Hawaii

[7:38] – The five rules every investor must understand about 1031 exchanges

[7:57] – Rule #1: The property must be an investment property

[8:17] – Rule #2: Exchanges can involve many types of real estate assets

[8:35] – Rule #3: Equal or greater value requirement explained

[9:21] – Identifying multiple replacement properties

[9:46] – The three-property rule for replacement properties

[10:12] – The 200% rule and identifying larger portfolios

[10:59] – The 95% rule for complex exchanges

[12:24] – The 45-day identification window investors must follow

[13:12] – Why the IRS requires a qualified intermediary to hold funds

[14:14] – What happens during an IRS audit of a 1031 exchange

[15:14] – Why the 45-day rule cannot be extended

[15:32] – The 180-day window to close on replacement properties

[16:01] – Improvement exchanges for value-add investors

[16:21] – Reverse exchanges and acquiring property before selling

[17:37] – How intermediary LLCs temporarily hold title in complex exchanges

[18:41] – Red flags when choosing a 1031 intermediary

[19:24] – Certifications and industry bodies investors should verify

[20:16] – Why bonding and insurance are critical safeguards

[21:15] – Which states regulate exchanges the most

[24:43] – Risks investors face in states with minimal regulation

[25:27] – The role financing plays in structuring exchanges

[26:35] – Understanding "boot" and partial exchanges

[28:17] – Why many investors take partial cash during exchanges

[28:56] – Alternative names for 1031 exchanges

[30:02] – Construction and improvement exchange strategies

[32:43] – A real story where a deal almost collapsed at the 45-day deadline

[35:18] – Why every investor should have a 1031 expert in their network

5 Key Takeaways

1. A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer capital gains taxes when selling and reinvesting in investment property.
2. Timing is critical. Investors have 45 days to identify replacement properties and 180 days to close.
3. Equal or greater value matters. To defer all taxes, investors must reinvest the full value of the relinquished property.
4. Qualified intermediaries are required. Investors cannot touch the sale proceeds during the exchange period.
5. Advanced strategies exist. Reverse exchanges and improvement exchanges open additional opportunities for value-add investors.

Links & Resources

• Company: 1031 Exchangeable

• Website: https://1031exchangeable.com

• Topics discussed: 1031 Exchanges, Reverse Exchanges, Improvement Exchanges, Capital Gains Deferral

Closing Remark

If you're selling investment property and not thinking about a 1031 exchange, you could be handing a massive portion of your profits to the IRS. Having the right strategy—and the right intermediary—can make a huge difference in how fast you scale your portfolio.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, share, and review The PETE Podcast so we can continue bringing you conversations with operators who are helping investors grow smarter and keep more of what they earn.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Josh Ax of NEPA Cash Offer to break down what it really takes to win with direct mail in today's market. Josh has been sending mail consistently for nearly a decade — and he's not guessing. He's systematized it, scored it, and optimized it to the point where mail is still producing a 6–10X return in his market.

We dive deep into list stacking, filtering for true motivation, cadence, budget expectations, and why most investors quit direct mail way too early. If you've ever said "mail doesn't work anymore," this conversation might completely change your perspective.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Meet Josh Ax and the origin story behind NEPA Cash Offer

[2:23] – From property management to realizing owners were cash-flowing big

[4:38] – His first major deal: a 35-unit apartment with 99% seller financing

[6:45] – "Luck is preparation meeting opportunity" — why he was ready

[8:04] – The first flip that barely made money (and what it taught him)

[9:14] – Sending his first serious 2,000-piece mailer and making six figures

[10:43] – How a foreclosure situation sparked his delinquent tax list strategy

[12:34] – Rookie mistakes: sending mail with the wrong phone number

[13:19] – Why most people fail at direct mail (they cast too wide)

[14:02] – List stacking explained: delinquent taxes, pre-foreclosure, inherited, vacant, failed listings

[15:23] – Creating a point-based scoring system to find ultra-motivated sellers

[17:00] – Mail cadence: why he hits the same list every 3–4 weeks

[18:19] – Current performance: averaging 6–7X ROAS and pushing toward 10X

[19:10] – Do fancy mailers work better? The truth about "napkin marketing"

[20:26] – Why direct mail outperforms TV, radio, and billboards in his market

[22:51] – Has AI changed direct mail? What's evolving and what's not

[23:37] – Competition increasing — but consistency still wins

[24:44] – Minimum budget: 2,000–5,000 pieces and commit to six months

[25:03] – Why one mail drop guarantees failure

[25:45] – Clever mail hacks: "Save this with your important house documents"

[26:27] – The oversized yellow letter that grabbed massive attention

[29:27] – What's next: leaning into long-term rental holds vs. pure flipping

[30:59] – Why owning your backyard beats expanding too fast

5 Key Takeaways

1. Consistency beats creativity. Most investors quit after one mail drop — the winners commit to six months minimum.
2. List stacking is everything. The more motivation signals a property has, the fewer mailers you need to send.
3. Motivated sellers don't care about fancy design. If they need to sell, they'll call — even if it's written on a napkin.
4. Direct mail lets you control who calls you. Unlike broad marketing channels, you can filter your audience first.
5. Preparation creates "luck." Josh's biggest deals came after years of studying and sharpening his skills.

Closing Remark

If you're serious about dialing in your direct mail strategy, this episode is your blueprint. Stop sending random lists. Stop quitting after one drop. Get consistent, get targeted, and own your market.

If you found value in this episode, make sure to rate, follow, share, and leave a review for The PETE Podcast. And send this to an investor who's ready to stop guessing and start marketing with intention.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Jeremy Watson, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Investment, to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in real estate: that owning high-value property automatically means financial freedom. Jeremy shares what he learned after spending a decade in financial advising — including why so many multi-millionaires are "asset rich but cash poor."

We dive deep into the 1% rule, 1031 exchanges, single-family vs. multifamily investing, and how Bedrock was built to solve a very specific problem: helping investors turn underperforming properties into scalable, cash-flowing portfolios. If you're sitting on equity that isn't working for you — or you're looking for truly passive real estate without losing control — this episode is going to challenge how you think about investing.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introducing Jeremy Watson and the mission behind Bedrock Investment

[2:00] – Jeremy's background: entrepreneurship, adversity, and a decade in financial advising

[3:30] – The shocking reality: $4–8M net worth investors living on "rice and beans"

[4:20] – The 1% rule explained — and why it still matters

[5:40] – Why Northern California rentals often fail the cash-flow test

[6:50] – The real reason investors hold underperforming properties (tax fear)

[8:00] – How a 1031 exchange can unlock trapped equity

[9:10] – Turning one $2M property into eight cash-flowing rentals

[10:00] – Single-family vs. multifamily: what you actually give up in syndications

[11:20] – The hidden risks of capital calls and commingled funds

[13:00] – Control, financing flexibility, and liquidity in single-family investing

[15:50] – Estate planning advantages of single-family ownership

[18:50] – Breaking up taxable events instead of triggering one massive tax bill

[22:00] – Bedrock's current target markets: Arkansas, Florida, Memphis, Charlotte, OKC

[23:50] – What makes a property truly "turnkey"

[25:00] – Why Bedrock focuses on 3–4 bed homes in Class A/B neighborhoods

[26:30] – The 70/30 ownership-to-renter neighborhood philosophy

[28:20] – Jeremy on starting 20–30 companies and lessons from failure

[31:00] – The 2008 wake-up call and the risk of entrepreneurship

[34:00] – Margins: the most misunderstood piece of business survival

[38:30] – What Jeremy learned from sitting with wealthy clients for 10 years

[40:00] – The dangers of poorly vetted turnkey properties

[47:00] – Real-world property management horror stories

[50:45] – Why Bedrock waives fees if properties aren't profitable

[52:10] – Aligning incentives: Bedrock only wins when investors win

[55:00] – Who Bedrock is best suited for (and minimum capital required — ~$70K down payment range)

[56:00+] – Why rental real estate is critical diversification in modern retirement planning

5 Key Takeaways

1. High net worth doesn't equal high cash flow. Many investors are equity-rich but income-poor.
2. The 1% rule still matters. If rents don't support value, long-term performance suffers.
3. Control is underrated. Single-family investing offers flexibility that syndications can't.
4. Tax strategy should be proactive. Breaking up gains over time can drastically reduce tax burden.
5. Incentives must align. If your operator wins when you lose, that's a red flag.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Bedrock Investment

• Jeremy Watson on YouTube (educational content on real estate & entrepreneurship)

• Topics discussed: 1031 Exchanges, 1% Rule, Single-Family Turnkey Investing, Property Management Oversight, Modern Portfolio Theory

Closing Remark

If you're sitting on equity that isn't performing — or you're ready to add truly passive, cash-flowing real estate to your portfolio — this episode is a must-listen. As always, if you found value in today's conversation, make sure you rate, follow, share, and leave a review for The PETE Podcast. It helps us bring on more operators like Jeremy who are building real solutions in today's market.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Chris Miles, the founder of Money Ripples and the anti-financial advisor who's helping entrepreneurs and investors break free from traditional money myths. Chris shares how he went from financial advisor to financially independent twice—first by following conventional wisdom, then again by doing the exact opposite.

We dig into what the financial industry doesn't want you to know, why cash flow always beats accumulation, and how to reposition your assets to generate real passive income. If you've ever wondered how to actually create financial freedom instead of just talking about it, this episode will change how you think about money, investing, and your exit strategy.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Meet Chris Miles: founder of Money Ripples and anti-financial advisor

[1:52] – From financial planner to broke: Chris's wake-up call

[3:05] – Why accumulation theory doesn't work for real entrepreneurs

[4:33] – The real definition of passive income (hint: it's not just dividends)

[6:04] – Why cash flow > net worth when building real freedom

[7:48] – Real estate vs. stocks: understanding liquidity vs. control

[9:30] – The myth of "just keep saving": how the financial industry profits from your patience

[10:55] – How Chris rebuilt passive income in under 12 months

[12:22] – Redefining retirement: why business owners rarely "retire" in the traditional sense

[14:03] – Where to look for hidden cash flow inside your own finances

[15:20] – How to evaluate your investments for real, measurable return

[17:06] – Cash flow planning 101: how Chris builds a strategy for clients

[18:49] – Best types of passive income for business owners and investors

[20:15] – The mindset shift from growth to income

[21:41] – Common red flags: financial advice that keeps you broke longer

[23:02] – Lessons from going broke after "doing everything right"

[24:17] – When Chris finally stopped chasing the guru courses and started owning his strategy

[26:08] – Why your exit plan should start today—not "someday"

[27:45] – Final advice: get clarity, ditch the hustle addiction, and focus on cash flow

5 Key Takeaways

1. Net worth is a vanity metric—cash flow creates freedom.
2. Most traditional financial advice is built to benefit advisors, not entrepreneurs.
3. You can build passive income quickly—if you stop chasing accumulation.
4. Control of your money beats hoping the market will cooperate.
5. Retirement isn't an age—it's a cash flow number. Hit that, and you're free.

Links & Resources

• Learn more: MoneyRipples.com
• Connect with Chris: Money Ripples Podcast
• Book mentioned: Killing Sacred Cows by Garrett Gunderson
• Resources: Cash flow analysis, investment strategy guides, passive income coaching

Closing Remark

If this episode helped you rethink your financial strategy, share it with someone who's ready to ditch the old-school advice and start building true financial independence. Don't forget to rate, follow, and review The PETE Podcast—your next breakthrough could be one episode away.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with attorney, author, and real estate legal strategist JJ Childers to unpack one of the most misunderstood (but most critical) aspects of wealth building—asset protection and estate planning. JJ breaks down exactly what real estate investors need to do to protect themselves from lawsuits, tax liability, and probate chaos.

We cover how to structure your entities, when to set up a trust, and what states offer the best legal protection. Whether you're holding your first property or managing a multi-state portfolio, this episode gives you the legal lens and tactical framework to protect what you're building—for the long run.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Meet JJ Childers: attorney, author, and founder of Advanced Tax Group

[2:08] – "Explain it to a 10-year-old": What asset protection really means

[3:27] – The "LID" framework: Lawsuits, Income tax, and Death tax

[4:38] – JJ's real estate upbringing and what led him to study law

[7:16] – Learning the system from both sides: plaintiff firms to federal court

[9:22] – The myth that keeps investors stuck: "It's too complicated"

[10:34] – When should you start? (Hint: before your first deal)

[12:40] – The legal differences between active and passive income

[14:35] – LLCs, S Corps, and the alphabet soup problem

[16:06] – Why confused clients do nothing—and how to avoid that trap

[17:25] – Investing in multiple states: the common mistake most make

[18:30] – Isolation & insulation: how to separate assets and risk

[20:07] – Why Wyoming offers the strongest protection for investors

[22:09] – Comparing Delaware, Nevada, South Dakota, Alaska

[23:58] – Estate planning = legacy protection—do you have a trust yet?

[25:56] – How to avoid ancillary probate across multiple states

[27:12] – If JJ could create a law for real estate investors, it'd be this…

[31:15] – Harvard and Pepperdine lessons: resolve disputes, don't fuel them

[33:24] – Yes, crypto and digital assets need the same legal strategy

[35:31] – Final thoughts: "You're in the legacy business—act like it"

[36:40] – Where to connect with JJ and how to claim the podcast discount

5 Key Takeaways

1. Asset protection isn't optional—it's foundational. Start before your first deal.
2. Use LLCs and trusts to separate risk from assets. Don't mix personal and business.
3. Different states offer different protections. Wyoming leads for charging order protection.
4. Estate planning avoids probate. Without it, your heirs inherit a mess.
5. Confusion leads to inaction. Talk to a legal strategist who speaks your language.

Links & Resources

• Learn more: Advanced Tax Group
• JJ's legal services: Mention this episode for a special PETE Podcast discount
• Topics mentioned: LLCs, trusts, estate planning, charging orders, probate, income types

Closing Remark

If you're building something worth protecting, now's the time to get your legal strategy in place. Don't wait until it's too late. If you found value in this episode, please rate, follow, and review The PETE Podcast—and share it with someone who's ready to protect their wealth the smart way.

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Cohen, the founder of Investor Boots, to talk about solving one of the biggest pain points for real estate investors: reliable, nationwide boots on the ground. What started as a way to streamline Steve's own investing operations turned into a game-changing platform that lets investors operate virtually anywhere—without sacrificing speed, trust, or control.

Steve breaks down how Investor Boots helps clients reclaim their time, scale operations with confidence, and tap into over 330,000 certified reps nationwide. From creative services like squatter outreach to bundled asset delivery for buyers, you'll hear how Investor Boots is giving investors the tools—and the team—they need to scale like never before.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Why investors shouldn't be doing their own lockboxes and photo shoots

[1:30] – How Investor Boots was born from Steve's need for trustworthy, reliable help

[2:13] – The weakest link problem: when random vendors threaten entire deals

[3:44] – Over 330,000 reps nationwide: how the "boots force" breaks down location barriers

[5:24] – Investor Boots vs. the DIY investor: the power drill vs. screwdriver analogy

[6:08] – Lockbox installs, wellness checks, letter posting, notary services, drone photos, and more

[8:25] – Who uses Investor Boots? Wholesalers, flippers, AirBnB hosts, property managers

[9:13] – How the company manages such a large vendor pool efficiently

[10:40] – The real bottleneck: investors who don't delegate fast enough

[12:07] – Investor Boots is like Uber/DoorDash for real estate—minus the small talk

[12:28] – Data-backed scaling: 63% see volume growth by month 3, 90% are repeat customers

[13:20] – Speed as a competitive edge: from order to delivery in as fast as 92 minutes

[14:07] – No subscriptions—pay-as-you-go with bundled media options for buyer confidence

[15:13] – The "Investor Boots 360" bundle: walkthrough video, room measurements, exterior shots

[16:18] – Listings with video sell 32% faster—why it's now a default for top performers

[17:11] – Coming in 2026: CRM, lead gen, and listing platform integrations

[17:53] – Every transaction still has a physical component—Investor Boots completes it

[20:32] – Why Steve pivoted fully into operations and went all-in on Investor Boots

[22:00] – His family no longer runs the reps—they're now long-time members and investors

[23:05] – Steve's view on data: most investors don't leverage it correctly or consistently

[24:32] – The guy doing 3 deals/month became a 10-orders-a-day client in 3 years

[25:29] – 65% of investors only use 35% of their systems—why better data usage = more scale

[26:29] – Why every investor needs a "data guy" for morning recaps and KPI clarity

5 Key Takeaways

1. Speed wins – With services like 92-minute turnarounds, Steve's platform gives investors a serious edge.
2. Delegation = growth – Most investors plateau because they don't outsource. Investor Boots removes that barrier.
3. Scale beyond borders – 65% of users expand to new states by month four using Investor Boots.
4. Creative, on-the-ground services close deals – From squatter cash-outs to AirBnB setups, they do what others can't.
5. Data tells the real story – The most successful users are the ones who review and act on their KPIs consistently.

Links & Resources

• Learn more at: https://investorbootz.com/

Closing Remark

If you're still juggling tasks a local rep could handle—or holding yourself back from doing deals across state lines—this is your call to level up. Visit Investor Boots, claim your time back, and scale your business with speed and precision. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and share The PETE Podcast—and keep building smarter.

In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Goldstein, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Renovo Financial, to unpack what makes this private lender stand out in a crowded space. Brandon walks us through Renovo's local-first approach to lending, how they've scaled to 35+ states without losing the human touch, and why their reputation is attracting not just investors—but even respect from competitors.

We also dive into Brandon's fascinating background, from working with AI-powered real estate valuation tech to managing non-performing loan acquisitions. You'll hear how AI is shaping the future of lending, what systems helped Renovo scale, and why high-touch, high-trust service still wins in a tech-driven world.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Meet Brandon Goldstein of Renovo Financial: national lender with a local feel

[2:18] – What sets Renovo apart in a saturated private lending market

[3:00] – The range of products they offer: fix-and-flip, DCSR rentals, and commercial real estate

[4:01] – Why they scaled nationally after perfecting their model locally in Chicago

[5:03] – The value of hiring local lenders who know their markets inside and out

[6:21] – Defining DCSR loans and how they're underwritten for business purpose lending

[8:20] – How Renovo builds long-term relationships and a culture of service

[9:41] – Not just capital: how Renovo acts as a partner, not just a provider

[11:19] – Using Net Promoter Score (NPS) and real-time feedback for internal accountability

[12:05] – Structure of Renovo's dedicated lending teams and how that enhances borrower experience

[13:30] – Renovo's servicing model: why in-house servicing is a big win for borrowers

[15:13] – Eliminating common headaches: consistent relationships across loan lifecycle

[15:50] – Internal appraiser panels vs. AMCs: how they speed up and improve underwriting

[16:34] – The CRM and Salesforce-powered dashboards that drive company-wide visibility

[17:45] – Brandon's personal journey from appraisals to capital markets to AI tech

[19:16] – How aerial imagery and computer vision were used in valuation and risk analysis

[21:08] – Why AI isn't about job replacement—it's about layered efficiency

[24:09] – Brandon's predictions for how AI will transform fraud detection and property grading

[26:01] – How AI tools can improve quality control in mortgage-backed securities

[28:43] – Humans vs. AI: defining which tasks should be automated vs. escalated

[30:12] – Why AI will empower loan officers, not replace them

[31:21] – Blending tech and human service: the balance that makes Renovo work

[33:17] – The "choose your adventure" borrower experience: automation + relationship

[33:57] – Final thoughts on building a company that competitors respect

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Local expertise scales – Renovo's model shows you can grow nationally without sacrificing personal service.
2. Technology empowers, not replaces – AI can handle mundane tasks, freeing humans for strategic decisions.
3. Customer feedback matters – Real-time NPS tracking improves team performance and borrower satisfaction.
4. Servicing in-house is a competitive edge – Renovo keeps loan servicing under one roof for better borrower control.
5. Lenders should be partners, not just funders – Renovo's ecosystem of local experts adds value beyond money.

Links & Resources

• Learn more: Renovo Financial

• Connect with Brandon Goldstein on LinkedIn

• Tech Mentioned: Salesforce CRM, AI computer vision for property analysis

Closing Remark

If you're ready to fund your next deal with a lender that blends high-touch service, deep local knowledge, and powerful tech, it's time to talk to Renovo. And if this episode gave you insight into how tech and trust can work together in real estate—be sure to rate, review, and share The PETE Podcast. Until next time, keep building smart.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Randy Wolfe to talk about building a real estate business rooted in purpose, strategy, and systems. From burnout in insurance to a thriving portfolio of rental properties, Randy's journey is filled with lessons for anyone starting out or leveling up in real estate.

We dive into how he built passive income, why self-management helped him grow faster, and what most new investors get wrong when trying to scale. Randy also shares how his background as a coach and teacher translates into helping others through his education platform, YouTube channel, and his community, Real Estate Investors Starting Strong.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Meet Randy Wolfe: teacher, coach, investor, and real estate educator

[2:04] – From South Carolina classrooms to starting in real estate with no money

[3:27] – Building an insurance agency and getting burned out chasing the grind

[4:10] – The mindset shift from The 4-Hour Workweek and Rich Dad Poor Dad

[5:16] – Randy's first creative finance deal and the nightmare renovation that followed

[6:32] – How he turned a flop into a BRRRR deal and never looked back

[7:08] – Snowballing success: an 8-house portfolio with zero money down

[9:00] – Why creative financing became a core strategy in his rental business

[11:05] – The "Mexican fisherman" fable that made him rethink his entire WHY

[12:23] – Evolving your goals over time and learning to course-correct

[13:15] – Why coaching and helping others became a personal mission

[14:52] – Launching Real Estate Investors Starting Strong as a way to give back

[16:06] – What makes a good coach: doing the work and knowing how to teach

[18:58] – The most common investor challenges: mindset, deal flow, systems

[20:00] – Vision vs. execution: why operations matter even for big thinkers

[22:14] – Rental income vs. today money: how Randy used insurance income to build long-term cash flow

[23:39] – Teaching investors to balance flips and wholesaling with building a portfolio

[24:43] – How Randy transitioned from third-party property managers to self-management

[26:09] – The tech stack: Pete for lead tracking and operations, TurboTenant for property management

[27:35] – Streamlining with systems: training assistants and organizing contractor processes

[28:26] – Building a community of support and education for new investors

[29:14] – YouTube, coaching, and where to find Randy online

[30:24] – Final thoughts: remembering your why and investing with intention

5 Key Takeaways

1. Creative financing is powerful. You can build a portfolio with little or no money down if you understand structure.
2. Mindset is foundational. No strategy matters if you can't take action or overcome fear.
3. Systems matter—even if you're a visionary. Long-term success requires repeatable processes.
4. Passive income isn't accidental. Rentals take effort, but they're the path to freedom if built right.
5. Give back while you grow. Coaching and community are force multipliers in your journey.

Links & Resources

• Randy's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Randy.Wolfe_REI

• Connect: randywolfe.org/links

Closing Remark

If this episode inspired you to think bigger, act smarter, or reconnect with your why, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the PETE Podcast. And share it with a friend who's ready to turn their real estate dream into a reality—with the right coach in their corner.