The Purpose-Driven Investor

In episode 34 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Scott Carson, founder of WeCloseNotes.com and host of The Note Closer Show, to explore how real estate note investing can create cash flow, financial opportunities, and meaningful community impact. Scott has facilitated more than $1 billion in distressed debt and residential and commercial real estate transactions.

Tune in to discover how real estate note investing works, how to identify opportunities, and how to build a purpose-driven investment strategy that balances financial success with meaningful impact.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Introducing Scott Carson and Purpose-Driven Real Estate Investing.

[00:01:31] From Financial Hardship to Entrepreneurship and Real Estate.

[00:05:36] Why Scott Pivoted Into Distressed Mortgage Note Investing.

[00:07:20] Buying Discounted Debt and Creating Cash Flow.

[00:09:57] The $5 Million Mortgage Portfolio That Changed Everything.

[00:12:35] Understanding Mortgage Notes, First Liens, and Due Diligence.

[00:22:18] Managing Risk, Loan Modifications, and the Numbers Behind Note Investing.

[00:30:34] Exploring Commercial Notes and Alternative Real Estate Opportunities.

[00:31:09] How Beginners Can Learn Note Investing and Find Mentorship.

[00:34:06] Balancing Profitability With Purpose and Fair Treatment of Borrowers.

[00:37:16] How Scott Helped a Family Stay in Their Home.

[00:41:13] Finding Real Estate Opportunities With Different Investment Budgets.

[00:41:54] Avoiding Shiny-Object Syndrome and Staying Focused.

[00:43:19] Investing in Yourself and Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset.

[00:44:20] Scott's Approach to Investing $50,000 and Building Cash Flow.

[00:45:22] Where to Connect With Scott Carson and Learn More.

QUOTES

• "Sometimes saying no to things says yes to long-term success." – Scott Carson
• "How can we help people stay in their houses?" – Scott Carson
• "When we invest with purpose, everyone wins." – Robert Howell

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

We Close Notes: https://weclosenotes.com/ 

In episode 33 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Pat Crowley, a Phoenix-based home building and operations professional with decades of experience spanning flooring, construction, supply chain, technology, and home building. He shared that his experience eventually led him and his business partner to build a flooring contracting company and develop technology that helped automate the home builder options process.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about the future of home building, affordable housing, real estate, operational efficiency, leadership, and purpose—and discover why challenging the way things have always been done may be the key to building a better future.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:35] Pat's journey from Shaw Industries to the home building industry.
[00:03:34] Why the home buyer became the center of the business model.
[00:04:41] Developing technology to automate home building options.
[00:06:04] Expanding automation beyond flooring into other home options.
[00:07:01] Why Pat believes this is an important time for home building.
[00:07:54] Housing supply, affordability, and construction efficiency.
[00:09:25] Manufactured housing vs. on-site construction.
[00:11:04] The $489,000 Phoenix housing market and affordability challenges.
[00:12:48] The real cost drivers behind housing affordability.
[00:14:08] Using data and collaboration to improve construction efficiency.
[00:15:41] Challenging convention and creating opportunities in home building.
[00:16:00] Reducing supply-chain costs and unnecessary margin layers.
[00:17:07] The importance of data and the goal of a $200,000 home.
[00:18:16] Pat's purpose and the childhood home that shaped his mission.
[00:20:38] Lessons from the past and the need to rethink traditional business models.
[00:21:17] Why entrepreneurs must challenge convention every day.
[00:22:02] AI, data, and the next major shift in business.
[00:23:26] What golf teaches us about business and surrounding yourself with the best.
[00:25:38] Pat's lightning round: advice, investment, books, and what's next.

QUOTES

• "Challenge convention always. We have to challenge convention every day with every part of the business." – Pat Crowley
• "The ability to change this is quite simple." – Pat Crowley
• "When you are around the best, you can become the best you can be." – Pat Crowley

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 32 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Saeed Zarshenas to discuss how he built a diverse real estate portfolio while maintaining a demanding full-time career in finance. Together, they challenge the common belief that financial freedom requires quitting your job and reveal how strategic investing, private lending, and intentional action can create long-term wealth. 

Tune in to discover how intentional investing, consistent action, strategic partnerships, and disciplined goal-setting can help you build lasting wealth—without sacrificing the stability of your career. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:44] Meet Saeed Zarshenas and his real estate investing journey.

[00:03:31] Why private lending became a smarter path to financial freedom.

[00:07:19] Using a full-time job as your greatest investing advantage.

[00:10:42] Lessons learned from losing money on a first private loan.

[00:13:33] Why land-home package lending is an emerging opportunity.

[00:16:24] Scaling a lending portfolio through capital raising.

[00:18:56] How private investors can participate in lending deals.

[00:21:27] Building wealth through partnerships while keeping your W-2.

[00:22:54] The value of networking events and mentorship.

[00:24:14] Investing lessons from mobile home parks and Atomic Habits.

[00:25:36] Journaling, accountability, and achieving long-term goals.

[00:27:05] Small daily actions that lead to financial freedom.

QUOTES

• "Your job isn't holding you back—it's funding your future freedom." – Robert Howell
• "Small things over time compound into big things." – Saeed Zarshenas
• "You have to be intentional. Show up, do the work, and the results will follow." – Saeed Zarshenas

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Saeed Zarshenas 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saeed.j.z/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeed-zarshenas-cpa-4609bb63/ 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 31 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Candius Welborn, a full-time professional, real estate investor, and affordable housing advocate who is on a mission to create generational wealth while helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership. 

Tune in to discover how faith, consistency, and intentional action can help you build generational wealth, create opportunities for others, and make a lasting impact through purpose-driven investing. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Meet Candius Welborn.

[00:01:42] Candius' journey into real estate while working full-time.

[00:04:45] Her mission is to create affordable homeownership and generational wealth.

[00:06:08] Staying the course through uncertainty and challenges.

[00:06:56] Overcoming fears of funding, contractors, and getting started.

[00:08:11] How faith, prayer, and planning shaped her success.

[00:10:06] Defining success beyond money through family impact.

[00:11:53] Common mistakes new real estate investors should avoid.

[00:14:28] Balancing a full-time job while growing a real estate business.

[00:15:54] Five-year goals and expanding affordable housing opportunities.

[00:18:04] The power of consistency and valuable partnerships.

[00:19:34] Connecting with Candius and final words of encouragement.

QUOTES

• "Stay the course because eventually you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel." – Candius Welborn
• "Prayer and a lot of planning." – Candius Welborn
• "Real estate is more than just properties. It's about creating opportunities, building families' futures, and leaving a legacy." – Robert Howell

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Candius Welborn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candius.welborn 

Email: [email protected] or 

Mobile: (864) 386 9036

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 30 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Aaron Bihl, founder of White Barn Home Buyers. With over 300 real estate transactions under his belt since 2019, Aaron shares his journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming a successful real estate investor specializing in off-market deals, mobile homes, and creative finance.

Tune in as we explore the intersection of purpose and profit in the world of real estate investing.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 - Welcome to the Purpose Driven Investor

00:00:35 - Meet Aaron from White Barn Home Buyers

00:01:21 - Transition from Oil and Gas to Real Estate

00:03:00 - The Journey into Real Estate

00:03:56 - Challenges as a Real Estate Agent

00:05:11 - Building the Acquisitions Machine

00:09:12 - The Internal Conflict of Growth

00:10:42 - Team Structure and Operations

00:22:13 - Lending Opportunities

00:30:58 - Cinnamon Roll Passion Project

00:33:04 - Best Investment Experience

00:36:29 - Favorite Book Recommendation

00:36:53 - Life-Changing Habit

00:37:44 - Advice for New Investors

QUOTES

• "I just want people to somehow be in a better spot, having known me, interacted with me, whatever."  -Aaron Bihl
• "The cool thing about doing the land home stuff is I can plan projects out a little more than if I'm flipping." -Aaron Bihl
• "I think people try to do too much on their own when they don't know what they're doing." -Aaron Bihl

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Aaron Bihl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-bihl-b15b261b6/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.bihl/?hl=en 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 29 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Tim Herriage, founder of Ternus, as he shares how he leverages relationships, mentorship, and powerful goal-setting to empower others—helping everyday investors become millionaires.  

Tune in for actionable strategies, motivating stories, and practical advice you can implement today! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Meet Tim Herriage: From the Marine Corps to Real Estate Titan

[00:02:45] Lessons Learned: The First Deal and Mentorship's Power

[00:09:46] Suffering, Setbacks & Surrender: Keys to Transformation

[00:17:19] Rekindling Purpose and the Power of the Right Team

[00:25:41] What Makes Turnus Different: Culture, Values, and Team Growth

[00:33:15] Market Opportunities & Taking Strategic Action

[00:37:08] Rapid-Fire: Habits, Books & Advice for Future Millionaires

[00:39:05] The Importance of Respect and Partnership

[00:40:08] Connect With Tim Herriage & Closing Inspiration 

QUOTES

• "You always have problems—they just come with more zeros and more commas." – Tim Herriage
• "It's one thing to give knowledge; it's another thing to uphold your word." – Tim Herriage
• "Money obviously matters, but we believe purpose lasts." – Robert Howell

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Tim Herriage

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timherriage/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timherriage/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herriage/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/timherriage 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

Ternus: http://ternus.com/team/tim-herriage/ 

In episode 28 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Jamie Dietz, founder of Nextdoor Capital, as he shares his powerful transformation from house hacker in Los Angeles to building a thriving lending business and championing community-focused investing. 

Tune in for proven frameworks to lead with vision, set meaningful goals, find the right mentors, and build a legacy rooted in skill over cash! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Introduction to the Purpose Driven Investor & Jamie Dietz’s background

[00:01:09] A day in the life and new passions

[00:02:54] Entry into real estate & early house hacking

[00:03:48] Lessons from buy-and-hold strategies

[00:06:06] Education through brokerage and hands-on learning

[00:06:55] The 2008 crash: setbacks and transformation

[00:09:22] Pivoting into cash flow-focused investing

[00:11:51] Why keeping your W2 matters

[00:14:38] Balancing full-time work with real estate growth

[00:16:34] Building a private lending business

[00:18:40] Common borrower mistakes and risk management

[00:19:52] Purpose, mentorship, and building impact

[00:21:52] Legacy: skills vs. cash

[00:22:51] Why local market knowledge matters

[00:25:40] Final words of wisdom for investors 

QUOTES

• "You can get rich or wealthy buying five or six rental properties; you don’t have to have 100 units, which becomes a whole other set of problems." – Jamie Dietz
• "Your paycheck is your biggest asset. It makes banks trust you and gives you the backstop to grow your wealth." – Robert Howell
• "Figure out what you’re good at and focus on that. The rest you outsource and build a team—what it does is force you to buy better deals." – Jamie Dietz

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Jamie Dietz

Email: [email protected]

Telephone Number: 412-337-0884

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 27 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Brian Wilfong, founder of  Vacay, as he shares the strategies that transitioned his business from a relentless grind to a freedom-focused enterprise, including how oversight roles and project coordinators can help you reclaim your time and energy. 

Tune in to find out how you can build a thriving business and an extraordinary life—by design, not by default! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Introducing Brian Wilfong: Purpose, Profit, and Family

[00:04:45] Taking Back Your Time: Building Real Freedom

[00:10:33] Mentorship & Impact: Helping Others Get Started

[00:14:10] Systems and Team Growth for Business Scalability

[00:16:48] Purpose and Legacy: Instilling Values for Generations 

QUOTES

• "Time is that asset that we all want more of, and it's going to go fast." – Brian Wilfong
• "I don't want to give my kids a big inheritance. I want to give them a system… the knowledge to go out and build their own freedom." – Brian Wilfong
• "Even a single meeting with somebody—what kind of impact can that have on their life?" – Robert Howell

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Brian Wilfong

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.wilfong.14/ 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

Vacay: https://yourvacayaway.weebly.com/contact-us.html 

In episode 26 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Travis Goodwin, founder of TG Home Buyers, as he brings to life the power of mentorship, local leverage, and the mission-driven focus required to turn every challenge into opportunity—whether you’re managing auctions, building teams, or simply showing up when you least feel like it. 

Tune in for practical strategies, real numbers, and a fresh perspective on what it really takes to succeed in today’s business and real estate markets! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Introduction & guest background
[00:02:03] Transformation from humble beginnings
[00:05:05] Discovering real estate & the power of mentorship
[00:09:07] Small market investing secrets
[00:15:07] Sales, negotiation, and closing with confidence
[00:17:00] Digging deep: Leadership through better conversations
[00:20:43] Relationship-building and team growth
[00:21:50] Small Market REI: Creating impact through community
[00:26:19] Finding & maintaining purpose-driven momentum
[00:31:24] Defining legacy and generational impact
[00:33:31] Biggest wins, mindset, and future excitement
[00:35:21] Connect & take action

QUOTES

• "Confidence comes with repetition. It’s the awkward conversations every single day that build you up." – Travis Goodwin
• "We don’t chase deals, we choose them—figure out if this is the right fit for us." – Travis Goodwin
• "Let’s not be so desperate for a deal that we overpay. Choose your deals, don’t chase them." – Robert Howell

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Travis Goodwin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgoodwinwv/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smallmarketrei/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tgoodwinwv 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

In episode 25 of The Purpose-Driven Investor, Robert Howell interviews Benjamin Chisholm, founder of Beacon Accounting Solutions, as he explains how a legacy of leadership and mentorship in his entrepreneurial family paved the way for bold goal-setting, team building, and fast-paced implementation—resulting in a business that more than doubled within its first year, adding both talent and clients at an inspiring rate. 

Tune in for a masterclass on leadership, vision, and real action—and walk away with tools to accelerate your journey toward lasting business and personal fulfillment! 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:03] Introducing the purpose-driven investor and today’s guest, Ben

[00:01:48] Ben's entrepreneurial family roots and the leap into accounting

[00:09:59] Launching Beacon Accounting Solutions—focusing on real estate and service businesses

[00:15:05] Common business owner mistakes and the importance of clean financials

[00:19:10] Ben's real estate investing journey and success numbers

[00:24:05] Financial habits that drive long-term business growth

[00:27:09] The cost of disorganization and unnecessary business stress

[00:30:26] Defining purpose, impact, and legacy

[00:34:58] Rapid-fire lessons on advice, entrepreneurship, and daily habits

[00:36:43] How to connect with Ben and Beacon Accounting Solutions 

QUOTES

• "The business owners who realize early on what to outsource and focus on what they do best always grow faster." – Benjamin Chisholm
• "Sometimes the numbers tell the story—if you’re not tracking it, you can’t make strategic decisions or scale." – Benjamin Chisholm
• "I love my clients. It’s a cool feeling to help someone solve a business problem and then see them make more money—and the impact that has on their family." – Benjamin Chisholm

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Benjamin Chisholm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-chisholm-cpa-4508aa160/ 

WEBSITE:

Howell and Sons: https://howellandsons.com/ 

Beacon Accountings: https://beaconaccountings.com/about/