The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing

In this special year-end episode of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, hosts Chris Prefontaine and Zach Beach take a reflective, unscripted look back at 2024, exploring the key trends and shifts in the real estate market. They discuss how high interest rates have shaped the industry, the surge in creative financing, and the importance of adaptability in an ever-changing economic landscape. Chris and Zach also introduce innovative programs like the Apprentice Program and In the Trenches Bootcamp, designed to help real estate investors navigate uncertainty and accelerate their success in 2025.

Packed with actionable insights, inspiring community stories, and practical strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make the most of creative financing opportunities.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:03 How rising interest rates have fueled the growth of creative financing

04:09 Why creative financing is key in today's housing market

07:08 How uncertainty has caused a surge in creative financing deals

09:15 Launching the Apprentice Program for new real estate investors

12:47 Getting involved through The In the Trenches Bootcamp

20:30 In the Trenches Bootcamp dates for 2025

22:12 Key wins from 2024: Over 50 deals closed and $2 million generated in three-payday profits

30:41 Important metrics of 2024: How the 3-Paydays work

35:10 How you can get involved in the Wicked Smart Community in 2025

Quotables

"Creative financing isn't just a strategy; it's a lifeline for people navigating today's high-interest-rate market."

"This business isn't about complicated strategies; it's about dedication, people, and solving problems consistently."

"Every decision you make today is a building block for where you'll be in 2025—start now and set the stage for success."

Links

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Welcome, Wicked Smart listeners! In this episode, I sit down with the multifaceted real estate expert, Derek Dombeck, to explore the vast potential of creative deal structuring in today's market. Derek brings over 20 years of experience in the real estate world, covering everything from wholesaling and flipping to landlord lending and managing complex transactions. Together, we dive into some of his most unique and profitable deals of 2024 and discuss the mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights, including Derek's innovative strategies for leveraging private funds, tapping into social media marketing, and adapting to market changes. Plus, hear why Derek believes 2025 is poised to be a standout year for real estate investors.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:26] Meet Derek Dombeck: A real estate veteran with a national mastermind group and a knack for creative solutions.

[3:43] Navigating the Wisconsin Market: Derek shares insights on the local real estate trends in the Midwest.

[8:12] Breaking Down a Waterfront Project: How Derek turned a 10-acre parcel with multiple structures into a profitable subdivision deal.

[10:50] A Lease Option Success Story: Using creativity and private funds to turn an owner-occupant deal into a six-figure opportunity.

[20:12] Finding Deals on Facebook: Derek's low-cost, high-impact marketing strategy using personal accounts.

[24:00] Building Long-Term Success: Why consistency and relationships are key to thriving in real estate.

[26:45] Preparing for 2025: Derek's predictions for market trends, interest rates, and where opportunities will arise.

Links & Resources:

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master's Class https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall FREE Workshop https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws QLS Homestudy Course https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4 Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources 3 Paydays Apprentice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Closing Thoughts:

If you're ready to take charge of your real estate journey, now's the time to act. Dive into our Quantum Leap Home Study Course or join the Wicked Smart Apprentice Program for hands-on coaching and support. Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode with fellow investors looking to kickstart their 2025 goals!

In this engaging episode, we're sitting down with Ed Rush, a former Marine Corps fighter pilot, speaker, and bestselling author of God Talks. Ed takes us on his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, showing how mindset, discipline, and spiritual connection can transform your life and business. Drawing from his experience as a fighter pilot and business strategist, Ed shares practical ways you can align your mindset and skillset to overcome mental blocks, gain clarity, and achieve lasting success.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, spiritual insights, and personal stories to help you unlock your potential.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

03:04 The story behind God Talks

06:35 How one event gave Ed the idea to write God Talks

11:16 The process of spiritual journaling

14:48 The science behind connecting with your purpose and retraining your brain

19:50 How much time to spend on spiritual journaling

22:10 What spiritual journaling can open up for you

26:25 How curiosity can unlock powerful breakthroughs

31:43 Aligning mindset and skillset for success in business and real estate

33:51 How your mindset can hinder growth and wealth creation

35:39 How to learn more about Ed's team and God Talks

Quotables

"The biggest obstacle to success is not external; it's the internal blocks in your mind."

"Curiosity is the only requirement for breakthroughs—approach life with an open mind."

"Mindset is the foundation, skillset is the structure, and willingness to risk is the roof of success."

Links

God Talks

https://godtalks.com/

Ed Rush

https://edrush.com/

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

In this episode, we're breaking down how real estate investors and realtors can take their businesses to the next level by mastering creative real estate strategies. Whether it's structuring win-win deals, solving tough seller situations, or expanding your toolbox, learning creative real estate opens up endless opportunities.

Tune in to discover how these strategies can help you close more deals, serve more clients, and grow your real estate business faster!

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:02 How creative real estate is changing the industry

02:33 What are you missing if you're not doing creative real estate yet?

05:10 Why you should learn creative real estate today

08:07 The 3 Paydays System

09:21 Action items to help you learn creative real estate

11:59 The formula for creative real estate

14:28 How you can get involved in the Wicked Smart Community

Quotables

"There's a wave right now – a wave that historically creates millionaires, if you look back historically, and it's the best in my 33 years, so I wanna make sure that you're part of the revolution and that you catch the wave."

"All deals that you can't convert lead-wise, learn how to convert them or a subset of them, learn how to convert them to creative deals."

"As soon as you learn the skillset, nobody can take it from you. You own it for life."

Links

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

In this episode, we welcome Shane Carter, CEO of Hampshire Capital and a real estate veteran with over 25 years of experience. Shane shares his journey from flipping homes and managing a construction business to acquiring and managing over $350 million in multifamily and commercial assets. He also discusses the critical lessons learned from past mistakes, the importance of partnerships, and how his focus on mindset and relationships has driven his success.

Shane's story provides valuable insights for listeners at all stages of their real estate investing journey, from new investors to seasoned pros looking to scale.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:34 Who is Shane Carter?

05:00 How Shane got into real estate

07:23 Transitioning from transactional income to wealth-building investments

08:49 Lessons learned from the 2008 crash

12:09 How networking can help real estate investors succeed

14:22 Abundance vs. Scarcity mindset in real estate

18:37 What practices can help you change your mindset

20:23 The importance of focusing on your "why" and not the "how"

22:08 Optimize Your Life: The Leader's Blueprint to Leveraging the Mind, Body, and Spirit

25:28 Work-life balance vs. Work-life integration

27:37 The power of mentorship and proximity in scaling your business

29:06 Get connected with Shane!

Quotables

"Surround yourself with people who are smarter, more experienced, and better than you—it's the fastest way to grow."

"You don't need to know how to do everything. Build a team of experts and lead with vision."

"Mindset is 98% of success. Once you align your mindset, everything else falls into place."

Links

Hampshire Capital

https://hampshirecap.com/

Shane Carter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanecarternh/

Optimize Your Life

https://www.amazon.com/Optimize-Your-Life-Blueprint-Leveraging/dp/B0DG3WS8QH

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

In this episode, host Chris Prefontaine reconnects with his coach and mentor, Brett Gilliland, CEO of Elite Entrepreneurs. Brett shares insights from his years of helping businesses scale, including strategies to transition from solopreneurship to building a high-performing team. Drawing on his experiences leading organizational development at Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) and guiding businesses through their seven- to eight-figure journeys, Brett offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow.

From understanding the stages of business growth to avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation is packed with value for anyone eager to take their business to the next level.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

03:17 The mental shifts required to transition from solopreneurship to scaling a business

05:19 What it takes to scale a business successfully

07:56 How Elite Entrepreneurs helps businesses scale the right way

11:10 The key stages of business growth: going from $100K to $1M and beyond

13:34 How to avoid "5-to-9 management" in your business

20:24 The importance of understanding your numbers and tracking revenue per employee

24:34 Elite Entrepreneurs programs for businesses under $1M

27:20 Brett's advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses

Quotables

"Scaling isn't for everyone, but for those who want it, the path is clear and achievable."

"Your network is your net worth—partner with the right people to make growth possible."

"You can do this. It's not for an elect few; it's for anyone willing to learn, act, and persist."

Links

Elite Entrepreneurs

https://growwithelite.com

Brett Gilliland

[email protected]

Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime

https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast

FREE Master's Class

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/chrisprecall

FREE Workshop

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

QLS Homestudy Course

https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

Investor Resources

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources

3 Paydays Apprentice

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice

In the Trenches Bootcamp

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Not everybody gets dealt with winning cards in life, but that doesn't mean you can no longer win. It's all about the mindset you have and the actions you're taking to overcome the challenges that life has for you.

This is not just a motivational speech to get you going, this is a lesson that life has taught many of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world. The way you approach challenges in life is what will determine whether you will fail or succeed, and if you're serious about changing your life for the better, you need to understand what to do with the challenges as they come to you.

What you'll learn about in this episode:

• What challenges in life really are

• How the Law of Polarity works

• How your childhood affects your mindset as an adult

• Why sacrifices are important if you want to succeed

• What perseverance can help you achieve in life

• How you should be approaching challenges in life

• What you need to understand about the people you're meeting

• How challenges will build your character

Request a FREE copy of our best-selling book, Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime, at absolutely no charge: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast/

Our FREE Master's Class is the ONLY webinar where you're given the exact techniques we use in our family company to buy and sell homes every month — all across North America and ALL on TERMS! Register by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

Schedule a FREE strategy session with us. This is an opportunity for you to have an honest conversation with our team about your background, investment goals and create some action steps toward creating the life of your dreams. Together we'll discover where you are, where you want to be, and what's in the way. Just visit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris2477?uuid=ad97ec3f-38b0-4546-bacb-42d8ad5cc552

Everyone is always asking us, "How is it possible to buy real estate without using my own cash or credit?" With decades of combined experience in real estate, we've perfected the process of investing creatively. We want to share as much as we can with you, which is exactly why we're running this FREE workshop! If you're thinking about leaving your job, escaping the W-2 lifestyle, and starting on the path towards creating generational wealth — this is for you! To register, just visit: http://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

The Quantum Leap System has everything you'll need to start buying and selling on terms (without banks and without your own money or credit), launch & scale a business that fits your goals, and strengthen your mindset so you can follow the proven path to becoming a successful real estate investor. You can learn more by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

For additional information on lead generation, funding, mindset coaching, legal assistance, virtual staffing, and business growth, visit the Investor Resources section of our website at: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources/

3 Paydays Apprentice: https://smartrealestate.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Additional resources:

Jay Conner is a seasoned real estate professional with experience in the industry that goes all the way back to as early as 2003. He started investing in real estate through traditional financing strategies and after the 2008 crash, started exploring the world of private money.

Today, Jay is considered a private money expert through his effective systems and strategies to raise private capital mixed with his expertise in creative financing. He offers actionable tips on leveraging private money to maximize profits, emphasizing the importance of networking, educating lenders, and "making the rules" when it comes to financing real estate deals.

What you'll learn about in this episode:

• What private money is

• How you can use private money in real estate

• Why Jay decided to stay in single-family real estate

• Where to find private money for your investments

• The benefits of growing your warm market for private money

• How to decide on an exit strategy for a deal

• How much private money is available for real estate investors today

• When you should start raising private money for your deals

• Where you can get a copy of Where to Get the Money Now

Request a FREE copy of our best-selling book, Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime, at absolutely no charge: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast/

Our FREE Master's Class is the ONLY webinar where you're given the exact techniques we use in our family company to buy and sell homes every month — all across North America and ALL on TERMS! Register by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

Schedule a FREE strategy session with us. This is an opportunity for you to have an honest conversation with our team about your background, investment goals and create some action steps toward creating the life of your dreams. Together we'll discover where you are, where you want to be, and what's in the way. Just visit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris2477?uuid=ad97ec3f-38b0-4546-bacb-42d8ad5cc552

Everyone is always asking us, "How is it possible to buy real estate without using my own cash or credit?" With decades of combined experience in real estate, we've perfected the process of investing creatively. We want to share as much as we can with you, which is exactly why we're running this FREE workshop! If you're thinking about leaving your job, escaping the W-2 lifestyle, and starting on the path towards creating generational wealth — this is for you! To register, just visit: http://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

The Quantum Leap System has everything you'll need to start buying and selling on terms (without banks and without your own money or credit), launch & scale a business that fits your goals, and strengthen your mindset so you can follow the proven path to becoming a successful real estate investor. You can learn more by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

For additional information on lead generation, funding, mindset coaching, legal assistance, virtual staffing, and business growth, visit the Investor Resources section of our website at: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources/

3 Paydays Apprentice: https://smartrealestate.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Additional resources:

Raising Private Money with Jay Conner

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/raising-private-money-with-jay-conner/id1266331428?i=1000633329079

Private Money Power

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/private-money-power-with-jay-conner/id1266331428?i=1000479714074

Where to Get the Money Now

https://www.jayconner.com/chrispre

Bob Lachance is a former professional hockey player turned entrepreneur who founded REVA Global, a company that provides virtual assistant services tailored for real estate professionals. He is known for his expertise in real estate investing, outsourcing, and helping investors streamline their business operations.

Today, Bob is focused on helping real estate professionals optimize their businesses through REVA Global by providing trained virtual assistants for administrative, marketing, and operational support. He aims to empower investors and agents to scale their businesses efficiently by delegating time-consuming tasks and focusing on growth.

What you'll learn about in this episode:

• What you can leverage virtual assistants in real estate for

• How REVA Global helps real estate professionals get high quality virtual assistants

• How REVA Global screens virtual assistants to find the best fit for you

• What kind of virtual assistants you should be hiring for your real estate business

• How virtual assistants are handled by REVA Global

• What the investment cost of a full-time virtual assistant is

• How you can make the most out of your relationship with your virtual assistant

• Where you can learn more about REVA Global

Request a FREE copy of our best-selling book, Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime, at absolutely no charge: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast/

Our FREE Master's Class is the ONLY webinar where you're given the exact techniques we use in our family company to buy and sell homes every month — all across North America and ALL on TERMS! Register by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

Schedule a FREE strategy session with us. This is an opportunity for you to have an honest conversation with our team about your background, investment goals and create some action steps toward creating the life of your dreams. Together we'll discover where you are, where you want to be, and what's in the way. Just visit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris2477?uuid=ad97ec3f-38b0-4546-bacb-42d8ad5cc552

Everyone is always asking us, "How is it possible to buy real estate without using my own cash or credit?" With decades of combined experience in real estate, we've perfected the process of investing creatively. We want to share as much as we can with you, which is exactly why we're running this FREE workshop! If you're thinking about leaving your job, escaping the W-2 lifestyle, and starting on the path towards creating generational wealth — this is for you! To register, just visit: http://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

The Quantum Leap System has everything you'll need to start buying and selling on terms (without banks and without your own money or credit), launch & scale a business that fits your goals, and strengthen your mindset so you can follow the proven path to becoming a successful real estate investor. You can learn more by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

For additional information on lead generation, funding, mindset coaching, legal assistance, virtual staffing, and business growth, visit the Investor Resources section of our website at: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources/

3 Paydays Apprentice: https://smartrealestate.com/apprentice-pod

In the Trenches Bootcamp: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod

REI Blackbook: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Additional resources:

Free Strategy Call with REVA Global

https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REVA

Josh Culler, the CEO of Culler Media, is an entrepreneur, podcast host, and marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in the real estate space under his belt. He has played a significant role in the growth of many real estate businesses through organic content marketing and he continues to do so with his expertise.

Josh and his team have helped real estate businesses pivot through many market cycles and today, he is focused on spreading the word about the value of content marketing in generating motivated seller leads.

What you'll learn about in this episode:

• What REI Marketing Weekly is about

• How Josh got into marketing for real estate investors

• How content marketing can generate motivated seller leads

• What real estate investors need to understand about content marketing

• How you can achieve results from organic content marketing

• Why your content topics matter

• How you can get better at creating content for marketing

• How you should approach the idea of investing in your content

• What you can do to minimize the time you spend creating content

• Why having your videos edited is important in content marketing

• How you can connect with Josh and learn about content marketing

• How to overcome the hurdle of getting started in creating content

Resources:

Request a FREE copy of our best-selling book, Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime, at absolutely no charge: https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast/

Our FREE Master's Class is the ONLY webinar where you're given the exact techniques we use in our family company to buy and sell homes every month — all across North America and ALL on TERMS! Register by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/mastersclass

Schedule a FREE strategy session with us. This is an opportunity for you to have an honest conversation with our team about your background, investment goals and create some action steps toward creating the life of your dreams. Together we'll discover where you are, where you want to be, and what's in the way. Just visit: https://meetings.hubspot.com/chris2477?uuid=ad97ec3f-38b0-4546-bacb-42d8ad5cc552

Everyone is always asking us, "How is it possible to buy real estate without using my own cash or credit?" With decades of combined experience in real estate, we've perfected the process of investing creatively. We want to share as much as we can with you, which is exactly why we're running this FREE workshop! If you're thinking about leaving your job, escaping the W-2 lifestyle, and starting on the path towards creating generational wealth — this is for you! To register, just visit: http://smartrealestatecoach.com/pcws

The Quantum Leap System has everything you'll need to start buying and selling on terms (without banks and without your own money or credit), launch & scale a business that fits your goals, and strengthen your mindset so you can follow the proven path to becoming a successful real estate investor. You can learn more by visiting: https://wickedsmartacademy.com/course/qls-homestudy-4

For additional information on lead generation, funding, mindset coaching, legal assistance, virtual staffing, and business growth, visit the Investor Resources section of our website at: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources/

3 Paydays Apprentice: https://3paydaysapprentice.com/

In the Trenches Bootcamp: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbootcamp

REI Blackbook: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD

Additional resources:

REI Marketing Weekly

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rei-marketing-weekly-with-josh-culler/id1501711912

Josh Culler

https://www.instagram.com/joshkculler/

https://www.facebook.com/cullerjosh/

[email protected]