Welcome to another episode of The AZREIA Show! In this solo episode, Michael Del Prete, Executive Director of the Arizona Real Estate Investors Association, reflects on a powerful chapter from his book Fearless Connections and shares how real estate success is built far more on relationships than marketing tactics. He walks through a memorable 2012 wholesale deal in Phoenix's Pearson Historic District, where a distressed property with a squatter and a $5,000 asking price turned into a defining lesson in collaboration, trust, and long-term wealth building. What began as a simple assignment deal evolved into a creative partnership when investor Dennis stepped in to renovate, rent, refinance, and structure the project using other people's money. In the process, Michael still received his assignment fee while also earning 25% ownership in the deal, revealing how the right relationships can expand opportunity far beyond a single transaction and create outcomes that no solo effort could achieve. Throughout the episode, Michael emphasizes the fundamentals that actually drive success in real estate: showing up consistently, building genuine relationships, networking with intention, learning from mentors and peers, and never underestimating the people you meet along the way. He also introduces his philosophy of "living life in thirds," where growth comes from learning from those ahead of you, building alongside your peers, and giving back to those just starting out, reminding investors that lasting success is built through connection, trust, and consistency. 00:00 Welcome to AZREIA Show 01:22 Why Relationships Win 02:02 Survival Mode Wholesaling 03:36 The Craigslist House Lead 06:53 Meeting Dennis at AZREIA 08:03 From Fee to Ownership 10:18 Refi and OPM Lesson 12:16 Living Life in Thirds 14:26 Negotiation Calm Mindset 16:37 Show Up and Network 18:28 Panera Game Six Plex Deal 19:36 Reconnect and Give First 20:28 Events and Final Wrap -- Contact Alden of Silver Crest Opportunity Fund at http://silvercrestopportunityfund.com "AZREIA does not endorse specific investments. Please do your own due diligence." Want to grow your real estate business? 💼 Subscribe, like, and tap the bell so you never miss an episode of The AZREIA Show! 🔑 Ready to take the next step? 👉 Ready to become a member of Arizona's largest and most trusted real estate investing network? Join AZREIA now - https://azreia.org/join 🤔 Not sure if real estate is right for you yet? Start with our free email series: Get the 12 Essential Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Investor -https://azreia.org/12-essential-steps-to-becoming-a-real-estate-investor ✨ Either way: take action, keep moving forward, and never stop working toward the life you want. AZREIA has helped thousands of investors since 2002 find their strategy, stay accountable, and build the life of their dreams. 💭 Will you be our next success story? It all starts with one step — and we'll walk it with you. Michael Del Prete, Phoenix City Council Candidate District 6 #Realestate #Investor #Realestateagent #AZREIA #arizonarealestate #AZREIAshow #realestateinvestment #propertymanagement