In this episode, we walk you through one of our most talked-about creative financing deals—where we acquired a house for just $10. That’s right. Ten dollars. No bank, no credit check, no traditional financing—and still a solid, cash-flowing property.

We break down the story behind the deal, the problems the seller faced, how we negotiated terms, and how we used our BRRRR Master Plan to turn this into a cash-producing rental. This is a real-world example of how creative real estate works, even if you don’t have a ton of cash or perfect credit. You’ll hear exactly what we paid, how we structured the deal, and what the end result looked like.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Intro to the $10 house case study

[0:32] – No credit checks, no bank—how we got the property

[0:57] – The BRRRR Master Plan we use with our students

[1:49] – Overview of the deal structure and terms

[2:12] – What made this a “creative financing” opportunity

[3:16] – Property details: 3-bed, 1-bath, detached garage, B-class area

[4:05] – How a family connection led to this off-market deal

[4:55] – Why the seller didn’t want to deal with the property anymore

[5:47] – Seller concerns and how we addressed them (taxes, repairs, insurance)

[7:13] – Getting bank approval to take over the loan

[8:49] – Deferring $2,000 to closing instead of upfront payment

[9:06] – Our multi-exit strategy approach: flip, rent, wholesale

[10:16] – Light repairs and added equity: what we did and spent

[11:11] – Option to sell with a lease option tenant-buyer

[12:42] – Total costs, income, and profit breakdown

[13:14] – The lease option strategy and how we qualify tenants

[14:09] – Timeline: from acquisition to rent-ready in under 90 days

[14:54] – The A-Team that made this deal possible

[15:19] – Importance of title searches and legal review

[16:38] – How we use the MLS, Rentometer, and market tools

[17:52] – Why we built our own construction company (and why you don’t have to)

[18:57] – Our admin team and the systems behind our scale

[20:25] – How we market properties across multiple channels

[21:16] – Tools we use to manage leads and applicants

[22:07] – Invitation to join our real estate community

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative financing lets you buy without banks, credit, or cash—if you solve the seller’s problem.

2. Always have multiple exit strategies in mind before committing to a deal.

3. A strong team (title company, attorney, contractors) is essential to move fast and stay compliant.

4. Lease options can provide upfront income and a path to long-term profit.

5. Systems and tools are the secret to scaling without burnout.

   
   

If this episode opened your eyes to what’s possible with creative deals, please subscribe, rate, and share The Real Estate Ride. We’re here to help you take that next step—one smart deal at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe McCall to share the full story behind our journey into real estate—from flipping with no money, to building a rental portfolio, to helping others create financial freedom on their own terms. We talk about the early mistakes, the hard lessons, and the strategies that helped us go from broke bartenders to full-time investors and coaches.

You’ll hear how we bought our first deals creatively, how we built momentum without bank financing, and why we’re so passionate about helping others do the same. Whether you’re brand new or struggling to scale, this conversation is packed with mindset, practical tips, and encouragement from two people who’ve lived the before and after.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Intro with Joe McCall: how we first got connected

[1:32] – Our first deal (and the sex offender next door that pushed us into it)

[3:45] – Creative financing before we even knew what it was

[5:12] – Transitioning from bartending and daycare to real estate full-time

[7:00] – The mindset shift that changed our trajectory

[8:18] – How we bought 12 rentals with no bank loans

[10:14] – What we look for in a property and why

[12:02] – Using seller finance, subto, and private lenders

[13:46] – Why we never depend on just one strategy

[14:55] – Finding deals in small-town markets

[16:25] – How our coaching program helps new investors get traction

[17:52] – Building a lifestyle business around family and freedom

[19:08] – What we’d do differently if we started again

[21:17] – Top advice for investors trying to get their first deal

[23:06] – Our Airbnb strategy and short-term rental pivots

[24:40] – Building real estate into your long-term wealth plan

[26:30] – Final thoughts on belief, grit, and getting started today

5 Key Takeaways:

1. You don’t need your own money to get started in real estate.

2. Creative financing works—especially in smaller markets.

3. Mindset and grit matter more than having the perfect plan.

4. A good deal solves a problem—for the seller and for you.

5. Freedom is possible—but it takes intention and consistent action.

If this episode fired you up to chase your first deal—or your next—rate and review The Real Estate Ride. Then share it with a friend who needs that push to get started.

In this special guest appearance on the Kenner French Show, we open up about our early beginnings, our unique journey into real estate, and how we built a lifestyle business around coaching and investing. From high school sweethearts to managing multifamily properties and helping others design lives they love, we cover a lot of ground—including real estate strategies for every stage of the journey.

Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about leaving your W-2, or ready to scale past 10 properties, this conversation is packed with real talk, practical tips, and stories from the trenches—including the deal that doubled in value in just four months.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Opening chat with Kenner: How our story began in high school choir

[1:36] – Our biggest advice to high-net-worth and beginner investors

[2:14] – Why we believe in massive action and lifestyle-driven investing

[3:15] – How we pivoted from hospitality jobs to real estate

[4:40] – Launching our coaching business and keeping it intentionally small

[6:02] – The sex offender next door that sparked our first rental property

[7:07] – Getting denied by banks—and how it led to creative financing

[8:04] – Buying in a crash: why we leaned in when others leaned out

[9:18] – How to start investing with no money down

[10:12] – Using hard money and private lenders as a beginner

[12:02] – Building a custom blueprint and reverse engineering your goals

[14:14] – Coaching students nationwide: from flips to short-term rentals

[15:23] – Using AI for deals, budgets, marketing, and more

[17:09] – How we acquired 24 rentals in one year

[19:15] – Creative multifamily partnership case study: the 4-month turnaround

[22:02] – Financing with equity from existing rentals

[25:35] – Turning a $475 rental into a $1,200/month Airbnb

[27:04] – Coaching details: cost, structure, and success stories

[28:46] – Our Amazon bestselling book—and beating Khloe Kardashian!?

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative financing unlocks massive opportunity—even without your own money.

2. You can build wealth and freedom with a lifestyle-driven business model.

3. AI can be your secret weapon in analyzing deals and running operations.

4. Talk about what you do—referrals and visibility bring deal flow.

5. Success starts with clarity: know your vision, and reverse engineer it.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and leave a review for The Real Estate Ride. Let’s keep growing together—and remember, your vision is your foundation.

In this episode, Jay and I tackle the question we keep hearing: “Are there even any good deals out there anymore?” The answer is a resounding yes—and we’re proof. We’ve picked up 27 rental properties this year alone, and in this episode, we break down exactly how we’re doing it.

From Facebook groups to referrals to bandit signs and beyond, we share the free and low-cost strategies that are filling our pipeline. You’ll hear the story behind our latest deal (including the exact script we used to win it), plus tips for getting deals without relying on a big marketing budget.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Intro: 27 rentals acquired in 8 months—are deals really gone?

[1:20] - The challenge we set and how we exceeded it

[2:25] - Top 3 lead sources we’re using in today’s market

[3:28] - Posting in Facebook groups: what works and why

[4:15] - The power of your personal network and daily outreach

[5:11] - Why documenting your projects brings deals to you

[5:47] - Referrals, yard sales, and how we got our latest deal

[6:33] - Pro tip: run comps before you visit the property

[7:30] - Our offer formula and how we lock in rehab numbers fast

[9:15] - Beating the competition with clean, simple offers

[10:24] - Adding “attorney review” to your contract—why it works

[11:16] - How we use large $500–$1,000 referral bonuses for more visibility

[12:22] - Marketing with reusable “big checks” and Facebook shoutouts

[12:50] - Working with (select) wholesalers and applying the 80/20 rule

[13:54] - Organic marketing vs. high-cost campaigns: what’s worth it

[14:33] - Bandit signs and how we track results with unique numbers

[16:00] - CRMs, lead tracking, and why every number matters

[17:32] - Local newspapers, title companies, and other overlooked lead sources

[18:43] - Free monthly lists from your title company: how to get them

[20:08] - Yellow letters, postcards, and probate outreach ideas

[21:22] - Text and voice blasts for bulk marketing

[21:43] - How to contact us and join our network

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Deals are everywhere—if you’re willing to be visible and consistent.

2. Facebook groups are still one of the best free tools for deal flow.

3. Offer fast, keep it simple, and remove friction for sellers.

4. Track your marketing so you know what’s working (and what’s not).

5. You don’t need a big budget—just a bold strategy and smart execution.

If this episode sparked new ideas or gave you confidence to go find your next deal, help us out by rating, reviewing, and sharing The Real Estate Ride. Let’s keep growing together—one smart deal at a time.

In this special episode, Annie and I are interviewed on the Real Grit podcast with Neil Timmons, where we open up about our real estate journey—from buying our first rental to losing everything and building it back. We share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how addiction, foreclosure, and personal breakdowns shaped our business today.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying focused, balancing work and family, or getting back up after failure, this one’s for you. We get real about the lessons, turning points, and mindset shifts that helped us create a sustainable investing business and a life by design.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Interview intro: From bartending to buying our first home

[1:00] - How we accidentally became landlords—and got hooked

[3:12] - Scaling with lease options and early cash flow goals

[5:05] - Learning real estate from books before the internet

[6:00] - The turning point: DUIs, job loss, and hitting rock bottom

[8:45] - Why getting sober was step one—and how we rebuilt from there

[10:15] - Moving into a destroyed flip to start over

[11:30] - Partnering with a commercial investor to regain momentum

[12:25] - Getting bank qualified again and rebuilding our rental portfolio

[13:33] - Shifting to creative financing and subject-to deals

[14:46] - Helping sellers in distress—because we’ve been there

[16:26] - How we help new investors design a business around their life

[18:09] - From work addiction to work-life balance: what changed

[20:04] - Looking ahead: our plans for flips, Airbnbs, and group coaching

[22:08] - Why we’re expanding our Airbnb strategy in Ohio

[24:00] - Final thoughts on giving back, mindset, and daily commitment

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your personal foundation is the root of your business success. Get that right first.

2. Failure isn’t final. We lost everything—and still rebuilt with more purpose.

3. Creative financing and partnerships can unlock big opportunities.

4. Build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

5. Success requires intention. Design your lifestyle and let your business follow.

Thanks for listening to this very personal episode. If it spoke to you, please rate and review The Real Estate Ride, share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe. You never know who might need to hear this today.

In this episode, Annie and I walk you through how we consistently find real estate deals—completely free—using Facebook groups. Whether you’re just starting or looking to cut marketing costs, this training is all about tapping into local online communities to uncover off-market opportunities. We share the exact process we use, from what groups to join, to how to post, to how to stand out from the noise.

We also talk about the mindset and vision work that sets the foundation for long-term real estate success. This episode is part strategy, part motivation, and 100% actionable. If you’re ready to grow your deal pipeline using one of the most overlooked (and free) platforms, this one’s for you.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Welcome and intro to the Facebook Deals training

[0:36] - Why vision work is the first step to real estate success

[1:25] - How mindset and clarity drive long-term results

[3:30] - Why Facebook groups are our #1 source for deals

[4:00] - Debunking the myth that real estate marketing has to be expensive

[4:44] - Overview of daily action steps and group posting process

[5:27] - How to find and join the right Facebook groups

[6:27] - Which groups not to post in (and why)

[7:12] - Posting strategy: where, when, and how often

[8:01] - Tips for crafting effective posts that actually get replies

[9:13] - Using bandit sign images and original content to get noticed

[10:01] - Boosting the algorithm: why comments matter

[10:21] - Start building your agent and contact network through replies

[11:17] - Follow group rules to avoid “Facebook jail”

[12:00] - What to do if a group removes or blocks your posts

[12:40] - Why even small local groups can produce leads

[13:31] - Step-by-step instructions for creating a posting schedule

[14:17] - Vision training video: why it matters and how to submit

[14:39] - Daily goal: join 12 groups per day, post in 12 groups per day

[15:08] - Use a spreadsheet to track group rules and activity

[16:27] - Live Facebook walkthrough: joining and navigating groups

[19:13] - Sample post creation: what we write and how we format it

[20:42] - Targeting groups for virtual wholesaling nationwide

[21:55] - Wrapping up and how to get support in our Facebook group

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Facebook is a powerful, free lead source—if used strategically and consistently.

2. Focus on general buy/sell/trade and community groups, not just real estate groups.

3. Post daily, but avoid overposting—balance activity to prevent account restrictions.

4. Craft original, engaging posts that end with a question to boost visibility.

5. Track your efforts and results using a spreadsheet to stay organized and compliant.

If this episode helped you rethink how to find deals without spending money, rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride. We’re here to help you take action and grow your investing business one step at a time.

In this episode, Jay and I break down some of the most common—and costly—mistakes that real estate investors make when flipping houses. With over 15 years of hands-on flipping experience, we’re sharing the lessons we’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to. From over-improving properties to skipping the staging budget, we cover it all.

We walk through real examples, including major misses on labor budgeting, scope creep, and ignoring neighborhood dynamics. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your flips, this episode will help you build a more profitable and sustainable strategy for your next rehab project.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Intro: Flipping mistakes we’ve made and seen over the years

[1:07] - Why slow flips can sabotage your marriage (and your sanity)

[1:52] - The types of houses we buy (and why most people avoid them)

[3:03] - Understanding your market’s timing and trends

[3:40] - Mistake #1: Not paying yourself or budgeting for labor

[5:14] - What happens when you get injured and didn’t plan for help

[6:10] - How hiring a crew changed our business

[6:48] - Mistake #2: No defined scope of work before hiring contractors

[7:43] - Creating your “needs vs. wants” renovation list

[8:41] - Mistake #3: Over-improving for the area (and losing money)

[9:26] - Using comps to guide your design and finish choices

[10:08] - Why contractors upselling you can hurt your margins

[11:01] - Neighborhood analysis and surprises that kill a sale

[11:57] - Mistake #4: Not including a contingency buffer in your budget

[13:15] - Getting multiple bids and what to look for in a quote

[14:33] - Why an on-site scope of work is non-negotiable

[15:44] - Mistake #5: Forgetting to budget for staging

[16:42] - How we stage difficult layouts to help buyers visualize

[18:08] - Why staging drastically shortens time on market

[19:26] - Adjusting your rehab plan mid-project without losing margin

[20:20] - Appliance packages: provide them, offer credit, or skip?

[21:30] - How rental-heavy neighborhoods impact your exit strategy

[22:37] - Full recap: Our top 10 must-dos for every flip

[23:25] - Final thoughts and where to reach us for bids or support

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Pay yourself—or someone else—from day one to avoid delays, burnout, or worse if something goes wrong.

2. Define your scope of work upfront with a detailed needs/wants list and share it clearly with contractors.

3. Match finishes to the comps, not your personal taste. Overbuilding will eat your profits.

4. Budget for the unknown by adding contingency to every line item. Surprises will happen.

5. Stage your properties smartly, especially if you want top dollar quickly—even light staging makes a big difference.

If this episode helped you rethink how you approach flips, please rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride. We appreciate your support and hope it helps you level up your next project.

What’s it really like to work side by side with your spouse every day? In this episode, we get real about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the lessons learned from building a business together while keeping our marriage strong. From figuring out roles to setting boundaries, we dive into what has helped us survive—and thrive—as both business partners and life partners.

We share stories from our own journey, including the rough patches, the learning curves, and the systems we’ve put in place to balance family, work, and personal time. Whether you’re already working with your significant other or just curious about what it takes, you’ll find practical advice you can apply to strengthen both your business and your relationship.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] – Our backstory: high school sweethearts to business partners

[1:53] – Why working together wasn’t the original plan

[2:53] – How growth seasons can strain your relationship (and how to cope)

[4:02] – Setting boundaries with time, clients, and each other

[5:12] – Why rest and time off are crucial for long-term success

[7:17] – Tools we use to set expectations with clients and team members

[8:32] – The rocky first 30 days of working together

[9:22] – How a coach helped us navigate roles and responsibilities

[10:33] – Dividing tasks by strengths and personality differences

[12:11] – The importance of alone time and self-care practices

[14:06] – Boundaries with clients, friends, and even each other

[15:17] – Why our relationship always comes before the business

[16:57] – Date nights, meditation, and other habits that keep us grounded

[20:15] – Trial and error: finding what works and what doesn’t

[22:04] – When to bring on extra help and delegate tasks

[23:11] – Practical tips: lists, roles, and personality tests

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Boundaries are non-negotiable – Set limits on your time, communication, and responsibilities to protect your relationship and your sanity.

2. Play to your strengths – Divide roles based on what each partner enjoys and does best, then delegate or outsource the rest.

3. Your relationship comes first – Business success means nothing if your partnership suffers; prioritize your marriage above all else.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with another couple in business who could use some encouragement and practical tips for working together.

If you’ve been wondering how to find real estate deals without breaking the bank, this episode is for you. We’re pulling back the curtain on how we use Facebook groups to source 90% of our deals—and how you can too. From setting your vision to building momentum with simple daily action steps, we’ll walk you through a proven strategy to grow your business organically, even if you’re just starting out.

We cover why mindset and vision are your foundation in real estate, how to tap into free community resources, and the exact posting strategies we use to generate consistent leads. Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or just looking to break into the market, you’ll come away with a step-by-step game plan you can start today.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] – Why vision is the foundation of your real estate journey

[1:14] – Why 80% of success in real estate comes down to mindset

[3:28] – How Facebook deals became our #1 lead source

[4:13] – Why you don’t need big marketing dollars to get started

[5:27] – What types of Facebook groups to join (and which to avoid)

[7:33] – Posting strategies to stand out and work with the algorithm

[8:20] – Why keeping posts short, simple, and question-driven boosts engagement

[9:11] – Always be testing: creating your own templates for better results

[10:05] – Building your sphere of influence and networking with agents

[11:14] – Understanding group rules and how to avoid Facebook jail

[12:38] – Why group size matters (and how small groups can still deliver leads)

[13:28] – Action items: vision video and joining 12 groups per day

[15:06] – Posting consistently while staying under Facebook’s limits

[16:01] – Tracking your posts and groups with a spreadsheet system

[18:26] – Examples of the types of community groups to target

[20:00] – Sample posts that generate leads in buy/sell/trade groups

[21:01] – Expanding into new markets with virtual wholesaling

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Vision and mindset are critical – Before diving into deals, you need clarity on what kind of life and business you’re building.

2. Facebook groups are a free goldmine – With the right posting strategies, you can consistently find deals without expensive marketing.

3. Consistency wins – Small, daily actions like joining groups, posting, and tracking results will compound into real results over time.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a friend who’s ready to grow their real estate business and start finding deals the smart way.

In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to run comps using free online tools—no MLS access required. Whether you’re evaluating a flip or rental, understanding how to analyze comparables is essential. I use a real property in a small Ohio village as a live case study and show you how to assess the market, evaluate potential resale values, and avoid common pitfalls.

From navigating Zillow filters to understanding how lot size, condition, and bathrooms affect pricing, this is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for beginners and seasoned investors alike. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to value a deal outside your local area or without MLS access, this episode is for you.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Intro to running comps without MLS

[0:28] - Starting with a real property search on Google

[1:16] - How to define comparable neighborhoods

[1:42] - Understanding style and structure of nearby homes

[2:57] - Getting base info from Zillow and what to watch out for

[4:13] - Using Zillow’s map overlay for quick value insights

[5:22] - The problem with active listings as comps

[6:13] - Spotting unfinished flips and interpreting pricing

[7:09] - Filtering out non-comparables like multifamily homes

[10:05] - Setting square footage ranges to narrow results

[11:44] - Evaluating condition and work needed on subject property

[12:09] - Finding neighboring sales and checking sale dates

[13:35] - Why age of comp data matters

[14:25] - Identifying market value ranges for different property types

[17:02] - Digging into why certain homes sold for more

[18:19] - What a $60K property typically looks like inside

[20:00] - Rental potential and cash flow calculations

[21:17] - How an extra bathroom can increase value significantly

[23:19] - Two rehab scenarios: small profit vs. big return

[24:03] - How to approach comps with multiple exit strategies

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Start with neighborhood context – Understand the micro-location before diving into numbers.

2. Use Zillow’s filters wisely – Limit by property type, square footage, and sale recency to get relevant data.

3. Photos are your friend – Look at sold properties’ condition to estimate your ARV more accurately.

4. Add a second bath if possible – It can boost value by $20K–$50K, depending on area and price point.

5. Be realistic about your profit margin – A $15K flip might not be worth the risk, but a $40K return could be.

If this walkthrough helped you feel more confident about comping deals, rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride. Every bit of support helps more investors find us and grow their business.