Agent Investor Podcast: Recent Episodes
Tom Cafarella - Real Estate Investor & Coach
Inspiring stories of active agents investing in real estate and building passive income. We'll dive into how they are delivering a high level of service to clients while spotting opportunities, negotiating with homeowners, signing deals, and building additional streams of income.
You'll come away from each episode with practical tips, tactics, and action steps, while being inspired to open your eyes to the potential deals are all around you!
A great real estate flip is not always the biggest project, the ugliest house, or the most impressive before-and-after.
In fact, some of the best flips are the ones that look almost boring on paper.
That may sound counterintuitive, especially because people love the idea of taking on a massive renovation, transforming a strange property, or creating a luxury finished product. But in real estate investing, the goal is not to win the most dramatic renovation story. The goal is to buy the right property, renovate it efficiently, and sell it to the largest possible buyer pool with the least amount of unnecessary risk.
In this episode, I break down what actually makes a great real estate flip, why simple properties often create better opportunities, and why investors should think less about how interesting a project looks and more about how easy it will be to sell when it is done.
If you are a real estate agent or investor trying to identify better flip opportunities, this episode will help you understand what to look for before you get excited about a deal, and why the best flips often come down to speed, simplicity, buyer demand, and resale potential.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why quick and easy flips are often the best opportunities
Long renovations can look exciting, but time is money in a flip. How much risk do you add when a project takes a year or two instead of a few months?
Additions and zoning changes can make a deal harder
Some investors can make money on complex projects, but they usually require more time, more approvals, and more uncertainty. When is a “bigger opportunity” actually a bigger problem?
Buyer pool matters more than uniqueness
A luxury or unusual property may seem more interesting, but a simple home at an accessible price point can attract more buyers. How does resale demand affect the strength of a flip?
How to tell if an ugly house is actually worth flipping
Not every distressed property becomes desirable after renovation. Does the house have the bones, layout, and finished potential that buyers will actually want?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Most agents assume every seller wants the same thing: the highest possible price. That assumption is exactly where many agents miss the opportunity.
Not every seller is optimizing for the same outcome. Some sellers want certainty. Some want privacy. Some want speed. Some want to avoid repairs, showings, open houses, financing issues, or the emotional weight of letting strangers walk through a home they have lived in for decades.
That is one of the biggest lessons I learned from my first fix-and-flip deal.
As agents, we can easily push our own beliefs onto people. We assume we know what the “right” decision is because we understand the market. But our job is not to decide for the seller. Our job is to educate them, walk them through their options, explain the trade-offs, and let them choose what makes the most sense for their life.
In this episode, I break down what most agents misunderstand about working with sellers on fix-and-flip opportunities, why cash offers can genuinely benefit the right seller, and why agents should stop assuming that listing is always the best solution.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why the highest price is not always the seller’s top priority
Many agents assume every seller should list publicly to get the most money. But what happens when the seller cares more about privacy, certainty, or convenience than maximizing price?
Don’t project your own beliefs onto sellers
It is easy to think you know what a seller should do because you understand the market. But are you advising them based on their goals, or based on what you would choose?
Why cash offers can solve problems a listing cannot
A direct investor sale can help sellers avoid repairs, showings, open houses, mortgage contingencies, and unwanted exposure. Which sellers might benefit more from a simple cash offer than a traditional listing?
How to give sellers better options
The best agents do not force one path. They explain the pros and cons of each option and help sellers make an informed decision. How can giving sellers more choice make you more valuable in the conversation?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Most agents do not have a time problem. They have a task-selection problem.
I see this all the time with real estate agents who want to become investors. They want to flip houses, buy rentals, build passive income, and create a business that does not depend entirely on the next commission check. But the things they are doing every day often have very little connection to those goals.
That is where a lot of agents get discouraged. They work on tasks that feel like they should matter. They research, plan, ask questions, consume content, and try to make progress. But if those tasks do not help them find deals, raise capital, buy rentals, or move closer to an actual investment opportunity, they are not building momentum. They are just staying busy.
And when those activities do not produce results, many agents start to think investing does not work for them. But in many cases, the problem is not the investing strategy. The problem is that they never had a clear day-to-day plan that matched the outcome they were trying to create.
In this episode, I break down why so many agents waste time when they are trying to get started in real estate investing, and why doing more is not always the answer.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why most agents are working on the wrong things
Many agents think they know what they need to do to start investing, but their daily tasks often do not match the outcome they want. How do you know if your current plan can actually lead to deals, capital, or rentals?
The difference between being busy and building momentum
It is possible to spend hours on investing-related activities and still make no real progress. Which tasks actually move you closer to becoming an investor, and which ones just make you feel productive?
Why agents get discouraged before they get results
When you do difficult tasks that do not produce the right outcome, it becomes easy to believe investing does not work. What if the real issue is not the goal, but the plan you are following?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Most agents think investing changes after they find the perfect deal. But the truth is, everything changes after the first deal.
Before that first flip, rental, or investment property, real estate investing can feel like something other people do. You can read the books, watch the videos, go to the events, and still have that quiet doubt in the back of your mind: Can I actually do this?
That is why the first deal matters so much. It does not just give you experience. It gives you evidence. Your brain finally has proof that you can find a deal, put it together, and make money from it. And once that happens, the second deal comes faster. Then the third. Then 10, 20, or 50 no longer feels impossible.
In this episode, I talk about why your first investing deal is usually the hardest one to get, why investing momentum is exponential instead of linear, and why agents who are close to their first deal often quit right before things start to break open.
I also share why I believe agents do not need complicated systems to start finding investment opportunities. Sometimes, the most important thing is knowing the simple actions you can take consistently every day until that first deal finally happens.
The first investing deal is the hardest one
Before you do your first deal, doubt can make investing feel out of reach. What changes once your brain finally has proof that you can actually do this?
One deal can change your belief and your income
A successful first deal does not just build confidence; it shows you the financial power of investing. What happens when you make more from one deal than you made in months or years of commissions?
Investing momentum is exponential, not linear
Most people expect deals to come at the same slow pace forever, but that is not how investing usually works. Why does everything often speed up after the first win?
Consistency matters more than complicated strategy
Finding deals does not always require hours of extra work. What small, repeatable actions can agents take every day to create more investing opportunities?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
A great real estate flip is not always the biggest project, the ugliest house, or the most impressive before-and-after.
In fact, some of the best flips are the ones that look almost boring on paper.
That may sound counterintuitive, especially because people love the idea of taking on a massive renovation, transforming a strange property, or creating a luxury finished product. But in real estate investing, the goal is not to win the most dramatic renovation story. The goal is to buy the right property, renovate it efficiently, and sell it to the largest possible buyer pool with the least amount of unnecessary risk.
In this episode, I break down what actually makes a great real estate flip, why simple properties often create better opportunities, and why investors should think less about how interesting a project looks and more about how easy it will be to sell when it is done.
If you are a real estate agent or investor trying to identify better flip opportunities, this episode will help you understand what to look for before you get excited about a deal, and why the best flips often come down to speed, simplicity, buyer demand, and resale potential.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why quick and easy flips are often the best opportunities
Long renovations can look exciting, but time is money in a flip. How much risk do you add when a project takes a year or two instead of a few months?
Additions and zoning changes can make a deal harder
Some investors can make money on complex projects, but they usually require more time, more approvals, and more uncertainty. When is a “bigger opportunity” actually a bigger problem?
Buyer pool matters more than uniqueness
A luxury or unusual property may seem more interesting, but a simple home at an accessible price point can attract more buyers. How does resale demand affect the strength of a flip?
How to tell if an ugly house is actually worth flipping
Not every distressed property becomes desirable after renovation. Does the house have the bones, layout, and finished potential that buyers will actually want?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
We talk to more than 50 new agents a week who say they are going to refer us every fix-and-flip deal they find. And yet, most agents never refer us even one deal.
Why? Because excitement is not the same thing as execution.
It’s because most agents have never been trained to spot these opportunities in the first place.
Just because you are a real estate agent does not automatically mean you know what a strong fix-and-flip deal looks like.
You may have access to the market, conversations with sellers, and properties coming across your desk, but if you do not know what to look for, you can walk right past a potential investment opportunity without realizing it.
That is why education matters.
In this episode, I break down why excitement without education leads to zero agent partnership deals, why most agents need to learn how to use the “tool” before they can produce results with it, and how agents can start recognizing fix-and-flip opportunities.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why excitement alone does not produce partnership deals
A lot of agents love the idea of splitting profits on fix-and-flip deals, but why do so many enthusiastic agents still never refer a single opportunity?
The difference between having the tool and knowing how to use it
An agent partnership program can be a powerful income opportunity, but what happens when agents have access to the model without the training to recognize the right deals?
Why active agents should be seeing fix-and-flip opportunities
If you are working in the market every day, you should be coming across potential investment deals. So what does it mean if you have not seen even one in the last 90 days?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Real estate agents have been using “free home valuation” as a seller lead magnet for decades.
It used to make sense. Sellers wanted to know what their home was worth, agents wanted a reason to start the conversation, and the valuation offer created a simple path to a potential listing appointment.
But in 2026, that call to action does not work the way it used to.
Most sellers already know about Zillow, and when people do fill out a home valuation form, many of them are not serious sellers. They are just looking for a quick report, not a conversation, an appointment, or a listing consultation.
That means agents can end up spending more money to generate lower-quality leads.
So, what call to action actually works in 2026?
In this episode, I break down why free home valuations have become a weaker call to action, and what agents can do to generate more face-to-face seller appointments.
If you’re a real estate agent still relying on home valuation leads, this episode will help you understand why that strategy may be costing you more than it’s producing.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why free home valuation leads have gotten weaker
- If sellers can already check Zillow in seconds, how much value does a free valuation really create as a call to action?
- The problem with paying for low-intent seller leads
- What happens when people fill out a form because they want a quick number, not because they actually want to meet with an agent?
- Why cash offers create better seller appointments
- What makes “I’ll make you an offer” more compelling than “I’ll tell you what your home is worth”?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
When agents are helping sellers decide between listing or getting a cash offer, what holds them back is the fear of how low the cash offer will be. They’ll refer to the standard formulas everyone uses, like 70% of the after-repair value minus repairs.
But a cash offer question is not as simple as “how much less will it be than the open market?” There is no clean formula that works across every property.
A property five miles from Boston is not the same as a single-family home in the Berkshires. A one-week condo renovation is not the same as a year-long gut rehab or condo conversion. A house in terrible condition may actually net the seller close to what they would get on the MLS after commissions and repairs are factored in.
So instead of trying to guess whether a property is a good fit, the better move is to get a quick ballpark before bringing anyone into the seller conversation. That way, you protect the relationship, give the seller both options, and still create an opportunity to make money whether the deal becomes a listing or a flip.
In this episode, I break down how cash offers are really calculated, why investor formulas can be misleading, and how agents can confidently bring cash-offer opportunities to sellers without risking trust or leaving money on the table.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
There is no universal cash-offer formula
A lot of agents hear about the 70% rule and assume that is how every investor prices every deal, but that formula can be misleading. So what actually determines whether an investor can offer more, less, or walk away completely?
Property condition changes the seller’s real options
A beat-up property may not be worth as much on the open market once repairs, commissions, and buyer expectations are factored in. Could a cash offer sometimes be just as strong, or even better, than listing on the MLS?
Risk matters more than repairs alone
Investor offers are shaped by location, buyer demand, renovation timeline, holding costs, and resale difficulty. How does a quick cosmetic renovation get analyzed differently from a year-long project?
How to protect the seller relationship
The biggest fear is bringing in a cash buyer who damages trust with the seller. How can you get a ballpark number before the appointment and know whether it is even worth bringing an investor into the conversation?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Agents know they want to get off the commission roller coaster, but they have no idea what that actually looks like in real numbers.
They know they want more stability, more passive income, and less pressure to chase every deal. But if you ask, “How many rentals would it take to replace your commission income?” most agents have never done the math.
If a rental unit produces around $500 a month in net cash flow, then replacing $60,000 a year in commission income takes about 10 rental units. Replacing $120,000 a year takes about 20 units. Suddenly, the path out of commission dependence is not some vague dream. It becomes a simple target.
The question is how you get there. You can buy one single-family rental at a time, and that strategy can work. But if your goal is to replace income faster, multi-family changes the equation.
In this episode, I break down how many rentals agents actually need to replace their commission income, the benchmark we use, and how a multi-family strategy can help agents build passive income faster while still using real estate sales to fund the journey.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
More commission income isn’t always the answer
A lot of agents focus on closing more deals, but what happens when every month still depends on the next commission check?
The simple rental-income math agents need to understand
If one rental unit produces around $500 a month in net cash flow, how many units would it actually take to replace $60,000, $100,000, or $120,000 of annual commission income?
Multi-unit properties can speed up the path to passive income
Buying one single-family rental at a time can work, but what changes when you acquire three or four units in one building instead?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
When agents say they are having a hard time finding flip or seller leads, they think the issue is the market being too hard, a lack of motivated sellers, or other agents and investors beating them to the opportunity.
But very often, the struggle isn’t the market at all. The real problem is that we’re trying to generate leads in a way that completely fights our personality.
Different lead gen methods appeal to different people. Cold calling isn’t for everyone, some people don’t like networking and others agents would rather post on social media.
And that’s okay.
There are a lot of ways to get face-to-face seller appointments. The mistake is assuming every agent should use the same one.
If you hate a lead gen method, you probably won’t do it consistently enough to win.
So the best lead generation strategy isn’t just the one that works in theory. It’s the one you can actually wake up and do every day without dreading your business.
In this episode, I break down why so many agents are using the wrong strategy for their personality, how that mismatch quietly kills consistency, and how to find the right lead generation method for you.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why most agents don’t actually have a deal-flow problem
A lot of agents blame the market when they can’t find flips or listings, but what if the real issue is the lead generation strategy they’re using?
The danger of copying someone else’s lead generation model
Brokerages often teach agents one path to seller appointments, but what happens when that path doesn’t match how you naturally communicate, sell, or build trust?
Why personality fit matters more than motivation
If you dread your daily lead generation tasks, consistency becomes almost impossible. How do you find a strategy you can actually stick with long enough to get results?
Seller appointments are the real engine of the business
Whether you want listings, flips, or partner deals, it all starts with getting in front of sellers. So how many appointments should you be generating every week, and what does it mean if you’re not there yet?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
A lot of agents say they want to build wealth through real estate investing, but the second they start thinking about actually becoming an investor, fear kicks in.
They worry about how they’ll be perceived, that clients will think they’re greedy, transactional, or trying to take advantage of them. They think calling themselves an agent investor makes them a villain.
That mindset completely misunderstands what a great investor-agent actually does. The best agents aren’t the ones who only know how to list a house. They’re the ones who can sit across from a seller, truly understand their goals, and help them evaluate multiple paths forward.
Sometimes that means listing the home. Sometimes it means a direct sale. Being an investor doesn’t make you less trustworthy. If anything, it should make you more useful, more informed, and more capable of helping people think beyond just the next transaction.
In this episode, I break down the mindset shift agents need to make if they want to build wealth through investing. I talk about why the “investor label” creates so much fear in the industry, why that fear is often rooted in misunderstanding sales itself.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why the “investor” label scares so many agents
A lot of agents want the rewards of investing but hesitate to publicly identify as investors. Where does that fear actually come from, and why does it create unnecessary limitations?
The difference between helping sellers and “selling” them
Many agents fear they’ll come across as pushy or unethical if they present investment options. But what if giving sellers more choices is actually the most honest and valuable thing you can do?
Investor knowledge makes agents more valuable
In a market where affordability and wealth-building matter more than ever, shouldn’t agents understand investing well enough to guide clients beyond just buying and selling homes?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Whenever I talk to agents about finding flip opportunities, one of the most common questions I get is, “What’s the best list to call?” There are hundreds of coaches who say, “Buy my list, and you’ll start to get deals.”
That’s not how it works, and thinking it does will keep you stuck.
There is no list that magically produces deals. You can spend $50, $100, or even $200 a month on the “best” data out there and still walk away with nothing but another expense.
You can buy a list and get in front of those people, and still end up spinning your wheels, or worse, chasing deals you don’t even want.
So the real starting point isn’t “what list should I buy?” There are critical steps that come before choosing a list, and in this episode, I break down that down.
I reveal why most agents are asking the wrong question when it comes to finding deals, and why the agents who win in this market aren’t the ones with the best data.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
There is no “magic list” that creates deals
Everyone’s chasing the perfect list, but what if the real problem isn’t the data, it’s what you do (or don’t do) after you get it?
Why your strategy should come before your targeting
If you don’t know what you want to own or build long-term, how do you know whether a deal is even worth pursuing?
How agents waste time chasing the wrong opportunities
What happens when you generate leads that don’t fit your goals, your market, or your buy box?
The real skill behind consistent deal flow
If everyone has access to the same lists, what actually separates the agents who close deals from the ones who don’t?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
There’s a side of the real estate investing industry built around selling the biggest possible dream: Lamborghinis, private jets, six figures a month in passive income.
That message is attractive….but also misleading.
When people sell investing that way, they make it sound like the point is to become wildly rich as fast as possible.
That’s not what real estate investing did for me.
What it gave me first was relief, which is a lot more valuable than the real estate agents think.
For an agent on a real estate roller coaster, you can have a good couple of months, then go through months where very little comes in. Then I did my first investing deal, and I remember putting about $25,000 into my savings account and feeling like I could breathe for the first time. I didn’t need to have a closing next month, and I didn’t need spring to be perfect. I had space.
For most agents, investing is not about getting mega-rich overnight. It’s about changing the pressure you live under when you do this job. Over time, that can turn into real wealth, but the first major shift is that you get to build your business from a position of strength instead of survival.
In this episode, I break down what real estate investing actually does for the average agent, why the “private jet” version of the industry is so misleading, and why becoming what I call “low-level wealthy” may be a better and more realistic goal than chasing some guru’s version of success.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Real estate investing is not a get-rich-quick plan
The industry loves to sell the biggest dream possible, but what does investing realistically do for most agents in the first few years?
The first benefit is breathing room
One good deal can change the way you operate, but how does having money in the bank affect the pressure to close, sell, and survive?
“Low-level wealthy” is a powerful goal
You may not end up in a private jet, but what happens when your rental income covers your bills and your active income becomes money you can reinvest?
Investing can make you a better agent
When you no longer have to chase every client or every opportunity, how much stronger does your business become?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth through real estate investing.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
At the start of 2026, real estate agents were expecting a busy spring market. With rates easing and buyers reappearing, it felt like the market might start buzzing again.
And then almost overnight, that optimism got hit with something no one had priced in: geopolitical shock. War headlines, rising gas prices, and mortgage rates ticking back up. Suddenly, the same buyers who were ready to write offers are hesitating. Sellers who were preparing to list are pulling back, and the deals that felt certain now feel fragile.
This situation is a reminder of something very important.
You can do everything right and still watch your income get cut in half because of forces completely outside your control. Brokerages will tell you to double down on activity, but what they don’t teach you is how exposed that model is when the market shifts.
Because if 100% of your income depends on transactions, you’re always one unexpected event away from a completely different year than the one you planned.
In this episode, I break down why moments like this aren’t exceptions; they’re the pattern, and why the agents who actually stay in the game aren’t just the ones who hustle harder, but the ones who stop relying on commissions as their only safety net.
You’ll learn how to stop sweating every time there’s a geopolitical event that’s not in your control.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The real risk isn’t competition, it’s unpredictability
Most agents focus on beating other agents, but what happens when external events, not competitors, are what actually disrupt your pipeline?
Why doing “everything right” still isn’t enough
If you build a strong pipeline and still lose deals to market shifts, what does that say about how fragile the traditional model really is?
What it actually means to get off the roller coaster
If volatility is guaranteed, how do you build a business where one bad season doesn’t dictate your entire year?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
NAR just reported that up to 300,000 real estate agents are expected to leave the industry.
And if you’re like most agents, your first reaction might be: good riddance. Fewer agents, less competition, more deals for the ones who stay. This is just the market clearing out the part-timers or the people who were never that serious to begin with.
You might want to rethink that position.
We’re in a kind of market where even solid, experienced agents, people doing consistent deal volume year after year, can be out of the business faster than they ever expected.
A couple of down years, a shift in rates, or deals falling through can cut your income in half. And if your entire business is built on transactions, there’s nothing there to catch you when that happens.
So before you assume this wave of agents leaving has nothing to do with you, it’s worth asking a harder question: if your income dropped 40–50% this year, would you actually be able to stay in the game?
In this episode, I break down what’s really behind this mass exit, and why the agents who survive won’t just be the most talented, but the ones who built a business that can actually withstand a downturn.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
“Good riddance” is the wrong reaction
Most agents see fewer competitors as a win, but what if it’s actually a warning sign about how fragile the business model is?
How even top agents get forced out of the industry
If experienced, full-time agents are leaving, too, what does that say about how exposed most people are to market shifts?
The hidden risk in relying only on commissions
If your income depends on closing deals, what happens when those deals stop coming or start falling apart?
What separates agents who survive from those who don’t
In a down market, is success about skill, or about how well you’ve protected your income?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Real estate investing gurus on social media will make you believe that you’ll be on a private jet and making millions a month in no time. That’s not the reality.
A lot of what they say about the timelines, profits, and lifestyle is overhyped and unrealistic.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Or that you won’t end up with a really great life because of it.
It may not look glamorous at first, but investing changes your position. You’re no longer fully reliant on your next deal to close. You start building real savings. You create breathing room. And over time, that turns into passive income.
And that’s the part most people overlook.
In this episode, I break down what investing really looks like in reality, not on social media feeds.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The biggest myth about real estate investing outcomes
Most people think investing leads to fast wealth and luxury, but what if the real benefit isn’t what you gain, but what you stop feeling?
Commission-only income creates hidden pressure
If every deal matters to your survival, are you really able to act in your client’s best interest, or are you operating from urgency?
How financial freedom actually builds
What does the real timeline look like from your first deal to covering your bills with passive income, and why doesn’t it happen overnight?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
After three tough years in real estate, most agents went into Spring 2026 expecting a turnaround. Rates were dipping, momentum was building…and then geopolitical uncertainty hit.
Deals stalled, pipelines shook, and suddenly that “comeback” spring didn’t look so certain.
It’s a reminder: If your income depends entirely on rates and transactions, then it’s tied to forces you don’t control.
The agents who will be okay aren’t waiting for the market to improve. They’ve built multiple ways to generate income from the same opportunity.
And one of the most underutilized tools agents have is the ability to present a cash offer alongside a listing, not as a replacement, but as an option.
But most agents never do this. They think it’s unethical. That means pushing a lower price or violating their fiduciary duty.
In this episode, I break down why that thinking is flawed and why presenting multiple paths isn’t about steering a seller; it’s about providing the best service.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The biggest lie about “doing right” by sellers
Most agents believe their fiduciary duty is to push for the highest price, but what if that’s not actually what the seller values most?
“Waiting for the market to improve” is a fragile business model
If your income depends on rates dropping and buyers transacting, what happens when external events stall the entire market again?
The real role of a cash offer in an agent’s toolkit
Is a cash offer a downgrade, or is it actually just another path that solves for a different type of seller need?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth through real estate investing.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Thanks to house flipping shows, many investors have the wrong idea about what it takes to renovate a house for a profit.
They think the goal of a flip is to make the house as nice as possible, or, on the other hand, to spend as little money as possible.
Both mindsets are wrong and will destroy your profit.
Flipping isn’t about building the best house. It’s about building the right house for the market you’re selling into.
If you renovate beyond what that specific market can support, you’re no longer adding value; you’re eroding it. And if you cut corners to “save money,” it costs you deals, financing approvals, and buyer confidence.
There’s a narrow band where renovation dollars actually multiply, and everything outside that band either gets ignored by buyers or punished by the market.
So, how do you renovate within that band? What does it take to flip profitably?
In this episode, I break down the most common mistakes people make when flipping properties and how to think about renovations through the lens of profit, not pride, creativity, or cost-cutting.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The most expensive mistake in flipping
Most investors assume spending more equals making more. But what happens when every extra dollar you put in actually reduces your return because the market can’t support the price?
“Perfect” homes often perform worse than strategic ones
It’s tempting to aim for a 10/10 renovation, but if buyers in that area can only afford an 8, what happens to your deal?
The hidden risk of being creative in flips
Standing out feels like an advantage, but in flipping, it’s often a liability. Why does trying to be unique introduce risk instead of increasing value?
How to find the renovation sweet spot that maximizes profit
There’s a narrow range where renovation dollars actually compound. How do you reverse-engineer that number using comps, buyer behavior, and property type instead of guesswork?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth through real estate investing.
Most agents assume investing is a second job. If you’re already busy serving clients, chasing deals, and keeping your pipeline full, adding rentals, flips, or passive income can feel like adding more to your plate.
That assumption is exactly what keeps so many agents stuck.
Investing might feel like a second job to people in other professions, but not to real estate agents.
For us, investing isn’t separate from the work we already do. The best opportunities often come directly from the business we’re already in.
You don’t have to spend more than an extra hour a week investing in real estate. In fact, over time, investing will allow you to gain back more control over your time instead of constantly chasing the next commission check.
How do you turn your everyday agent activity into investment opportunities? What holds back agents from seeing the deals that are already in front of them?
In this episode, I break down why real estate investing should not require a major increase in hours for agents when it’s approached the right way.
I walk through a model built around continuing to do what you already do, and leveraging partnerships so you’re not creating another full-time job for yourself.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Deals are closer than you think
Agents see dozens of potential deals every year, but if their brain isn’t trained to recognize them. How do you intentionally look for fix-and-flip opportunities inside your everyday transactions?
Participate in real estate deals without using your own money
Most agents assume they need capital to start investing. But what if your role wasn’t funding the deal, but finding the opportunity and partnering with someone else to execute it?
Investing in real estate can give you more time
What happens when the assets you acquire start producing passive income that lets you be more selective with clients?
The real path off the commission rollercoaster
Even successful agents can feel financially unstable because income resets every year. What changes when you start converting occasional deal profits into assets that pay you month after month?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
When most real estate agents see someone who owns 20+ rental units, they think it’s something you achieve by having money, time, or even luck.
From the outside, a large rental portfolio looks massive, complicated, and unattainable, especially if you haven’t even bought your first property yet.
Here’s the truth most agents miss: big portfolios don’t come from big beginnings. They come from simple, repeatable processes executed consistently over time. The people who own dozens of units didn’t wake up with 30 doors. They bought one, figured out how to recycle capital, and then bought another, until that math started working in their favor.
Most people believe that building a rental portfolio requires piles of cash. The reality is that it requires a strategy. As agents, we already have access to off-market deals, seller conversations, commissions, creative financing opportunities, and the ability to buy at a discount.
So building a portfolio with many units is a lot easier than it looks when you know what it takes.
So, how do you leverage your work as an agent to build a massive portfolio? Where do agents get stuck?
In this episode, I break down exactly how large rental portfolios are actually built and how to get started.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why commissions alone won’t protect you from inflation
You can be a top producer and still lose ground financially. If rents double over a decade but your savings sit idle, what’s really happening to your purchasing power?
The non-linear math of building a portfolio
Most agents assume they need to add the same number of units every year. But what if the first deal is the hardest, and each one after gets exponentially easier?
How to acquire rentals without using your own money
What if your down payments didn’t come from savings… but from flips, seller financing, commissions, and strategic refinancing?
The real power of being an agent-investor
Traditional agents offer one solution: list the property. How do you offer multiple solutions and turn those opportunities into long-term assets for yourself?
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Most real estate agents think the biggest threat to their income is a slow market, fewer listings, or a bad year in commissions.
But what if the real danger isn’t the market at all? What if the real problem is that the money we’re earning is losing value every single day?
Right now, the U.S. dollar is steadily losing its value. Inflation is higher than it’s been in decades, everyday costs keep rising, and no matter how much you earn, your cash has less purchasing power every single year.
That reality puts enormous pressure on us as real estate professionals. We grind for years, believing that earning more will eventually make us wealthy, when in truth, income alone will never get us there.
Saving harder doesn’t fix it. Earning more helps, but not nearly as much as people think.
The only way to protect our income and assets from the devaluation of the dollar is to convert cash into real assets…assets that grow in value over time instead of shrinking.
The good news is, as real estate agents, we’re standing in front of those assets every single day.
So how do we protect ourselves from the inevitable erosion of the dollar? How do we stop trading time for diminishing money and start building real net worth?
In this episode, I pull the curtain back on what’s really happening to the dollar’s value, and why real estate agents are uniquely positioned to escape it.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Earning commissions ≠ building wealth
Most agents focus on income, not ownership. How do we turn the money we earn into assets that gain value over time?
Saving money doesn’t protect you from inflation
Putting commissions in the bank feels responsible. But what’s actually happening to that money over 10, 20, or 30 years?
The real reason agents work past retirement age
If real estate can be so lucrative, why do so many agents feel they can’t stop working? How do we change this?
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Back when the market was easier, listings getting offers was inevitable. A home didn’t have to be perfectly priced or presented for buyers to line up.
In 2026, the market is completely different.
Listings are sitting longer, buyers are more likely to back out, sellers are losing confidence, and agents are spending months working listings that never close.
The real risk right now isn’t low commissions. It’s investing huge amounts of time into deals that never convert into income at all.
What if you could walk into every listing appointment knowing that your seller will get at least one real offer, no matter what the market does? How do you create an “easy button” that changes the psychology of the entire transaction?
In this episode, I talk about a strategy that guarantees every listing has a real exit ramp when the market stops cooperating.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Guaranteed offers change seller behavior, not just outcomes
Most agents think certainty is about closing deals faster. What if the real power is how certainty keeps sellers committed before things go wrong?
Cash offers create psychological safety in a soft market
Why does simply knowing there’s a backup option make sellers more patient, more realistic, and less likely to panic or cancel?
Inspections are the new silent deal killer
Buyers aren’t just negotiating harder; they’re walking away entirely. How does a guaranteed offer protect you when retail deals collapse late in the process?
The real estate rollercoaster isn’t a mindset problem; it’s a structure problem
What if the issue isn’t that agents need better habits, but that relying only on commissions is mathematically unstable by design?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth through real estate investing.
Resources
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
For the past five years, most agents didn’t have to think about whether a listing would sell. If you priced it reasonably, it moved, and you got paid fast.
That era is over.
In 2026, listings that would’ve flown off the shelf a year ago are sitting.
Sellers are hesitating, and buyers are negotiating harder or walking away altogether. And agents are pouring time, money, and energy into listings that never close.
That’s a dangerous place to be.
But there’s still a way to do more deals in 2026, and it’s through a strategy most agents completely overlook: using investor tools to guarantee outcomes in a market that no longer guarantees commissions.
How do you stop gambling on every listing and start building a business that works in any market?
In this episode, I break down a strategy that works in this tough market and why agents who adopt this mindset will outperform those still operating like it’s 2023.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Expired listings are about strategy, not pricing
Most agents blame the price when listings don’t sell. What if the real problem is that sellers have no psychological “exit ramp” when the market stalls?
A guaranteed sale increases trust and closes more deals
Offering a cash-backed safety net doesn’t scare sellers into taking less. Why does it often make them more confident to list and stay listed?
Cash offers are one of the strongest appointment magnets
Agents assume their sphere will always call them first. What happens when sellers quietly shop for certainty before they ever pick an agent?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
In today’s market, where inventory is tight and listings don’t always guarantee a sale, relying only on commissions leads to unstable income.
Building up a portfolio of income-producing properties isn’t just a way to build wealth; it’s how you protect yourself from the ups and downs of selling real estate.
Fixing and flipping houses is the gateway to rental income, but most agents don’t know where to begin.
How do you start generating flip opportunities without adding more hours, chasing sketchy deals, or completely reinventing your business?
Agents ask me this all the time, but what they don’t realize is how close they already are to these opportunities.
Most agents are doing the right activities every single day…they’re just aiming them at one outcome instead of three. When you shift your mindset to see every seller conversation as a potential listing, flip, or long-term hold, you stop chasing transactions and start building leverage into your business.
If you want 2026 to be the year you kick off building real estate wealth, there are a few strategies that seem simple on the surface, but unlock far more income, flexibility, and long-term control than most agents ever experience.
Why do so many agents work harder every year but feel more financially stuck? What changes when you stop building your business for commissions and start building it for ownership?
In this episode, I break down how agents can start generating flip opportunities using the same activities they’re already doing, and how those flips become the bridge to long-term, passive income.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why flips aren’t the goal
Flipping is a means to an end, not the outcome. How do flop profits become long-term passive income?
The “triple-threat” mindset most agents never adopt
Every seller appointment can lead to a listing, a flip, or a buy-and-hold. How do you prospect for transactions and start prospecting for assets?
Why social media is the most underutilized income tool agents have
Most agents post sporadically, or not at all, and wonder why opportunities don’t show up. How does consistent visibility quietly create deal flow without adding hours to your day?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Every few years, the real estate world gets hit with a headline so dramatic that it sends agents into a panic. This year’s version is a big one: an economist publicly predicted that U.S. housing prices could fall 50% in 2026.
If you’ve been around long enough, you know these bold predictions always make a splash, but they rarely unfold the way people expect.
Markets don’t respond to headlines; they respond to a complex mix of forces that rarely move in a straight line. The real risk isn’t whether the prediction comes true or not; it’s having your business and income be reliant on a specific market condition.
I’ve been in this business since 2005. I’ve lived through market highs, lows, calm, chaos, and fear.
I can tell you with total confidence that what feels scary today is actually just another version of something we’ve seen before: an unpredictable mix of rising rates, buyer hesitation, seller stubbornness, and economic uncertainty.
But here’s the thing most agents miss: uncertainty doesn’t kill opportunity. It just punishes people who only make money one way.
Because while buyers and sellers are locked in a standoff, while predictions fly around, while everyone waits for someone else to blink…agent investors are the ones who stay in control.
So do I believe housing prices will plummet? What’s driving the current “frozen market” we’re in?
In this episode, I break down what would truly need to happen for a 50% crash, why that scenario isn’t realistic, and what is likely as we head into 2026. More importantly, we’ll talk about how you stay in control no matter what.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why splashy market predictions never come true
Markets don’t collapse without forced selling, and we’re nowhere near the foreclosure levels required for that. So what’s the real risk agents should be preparing for instead?
What’s really freezing the market (it’s not economics)
Inventory is still low, buyers are still showing up, and yet deals are stalling. What’s driving this psychological standoff, and who is most likely to crack first?
The safest business in 2026 is a diversified one
Uncertainty isn't the problem; single-source income is. How can agents use flips, passive income, and partnerships to stay profitable regardless of what the market does?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Over the last few years, most real estate markets have slowed down significantly. Listings that used to fly off the MLS are suddenly sitting and deals are stalling.
Everyone’s wondering the same thing: how can inventory be piling up if we’re still in a supply shortage?
After twenty years in this business, I’ve seen this movie before. The same emotions, the same confusion, the same moment where the rules change…but most agents keep playing the old game.
What’s happening now isn’t complicated, but it’s easy to miss: demand has dropped, not supply. And behind that drop is a massive shift in sentiment.
It’s definitely a tougher market to close transactions swiftly, but it’s not all bad news - especially for agent investors. With the right strategy, this market can be the perfect opportunity to start building wealth.
So why are listings sitting on the market a lot longer? How do you shift with the market instead of doing the same thing you’ve always done?
In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s really happening beneath the headlines, why listings are sitting even in a low-supply environment, and how to reposition your business so you’re not just reacting to the shift but profiting from it.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why demand, not supply, is the real story
Inventory isn’t flooding the market, but buyers’ psychology has completely flipped. What’s behind the sudden patience, and what does that mean for pricing strategy?
How to reprice in a falling market
Sellers still want yesterday’s numbers. How do you educate them without losing the listing? What pricing strategy actually gets results right now?
The new role of investor partnerships
Retail buyers are cautious, inspections are back, and “cash buyers” are in demand again. How can you leverage this shift to close faster and stand out as a value-driven agent?
Why agent investors thrive in downturns
Commissions alone won’t cut it when deals slow down. How can you build long-term, diversified income that protects you no matter where the market goes?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth through real estate investing.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Most people get into real estate because they want freedom. But for a lot of agents, that dream turns into a trap. Long hours, constant pressure, and a business that depends entirely on how much you can personally grind.
When I look back at my own career, I realize that most of my biggest mistakes didn’t come from a lack of effort. They came from how I was spending my time. I was thinking too big when I should’ve been mastering the basics. I was juggling too many projects instead of doubling down on what I could be great at. And I was mistaking motion for progress.
The truth is, most of us learn these lessons the hard way. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of “10X thinking,” shiny new business ideas, and endless hustle. But sustainable success in real estate, especially as an agent investor, doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from doing the right things, repeatedly, over a long period of time.
In this episode, I share the 8 biggest mistakes I’ve made in my real estate career, and how you can avoid them.
Things You'll Learn
- Think smaller to win bigger
Everyone tells you to 10X your goals, but what if the key to exponential growth is mastering the small, boring stuff first? - Focus beats diversification
Chasing too many opportunities might feel productive, but what happens when “doing more” actually costs you time and money? - Invest early, not perfectly
Waiting until you “feel ready” to invest could cost you years of growth. How do you get started even when you don’t have everything figured out? - Choose your mentors wisely
Everyone has advice — but how do you filter it so you’re not building your business on someone else’s version of success?
About the Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm, so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
In the fourth quarter of the year, most agents start to relax. They convince themselves that business slows down, buyers and sellers go quiet, and it's time to "coast" into the holidays.
But everything you do (or don't do) right now determines the results you'll get next year. The calls you make, the listings you prep, and the systems you refine in Q4 directly shape your 2026 income.
That's why this is the most important time of the year to reflect, reset, and re-commit. Because the truth is, next year's momentum doesn't start in January; it starts now.
The habits you form in the final stretch of this year are the same ones you'll carry into the next. And if you're not reviewing your goals weekly, tracking your numbers, and eliminating low-ROI work, you're already falling behind.
How do you consistently track your activities and numbers? Why is this the perfect time to commit to being an Agent Investor?
In this episode, I walk through how to turn your 2025 review into a blueprint for 2026. You'll learn how to identify the 20% of activities that actually move the needle, eliminate the ones that don't, and create a weekly scorecard that keeps you on track all year.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Turn your year-end reflection into a growth plan Most agents end the year with regrets. How do you transform reflection into a repeatable process that fuels next year's goals?
- Audit your time and revenue like an investor Where did your best deals actually come from, and what can you eliminate that doesn't create real ROI?
- Build a weekly scorecard If you can't measure it weekly, you can't improve it. What should you be tracking to make sure you're always on pace for your yearly goals?
- Commit to becoming an agent investor Passive income doesn't happen by accident. Is 2026 the year you finally combine selling and investing to build wealth that compounds every month?
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm, so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Most agents and investors treat social media like a distraction, not a deal source.
But if you’re serious about finding flips, buying rentals, or even generating seller leads, social media might just be your most underused asset.
You don’t need to be famous, pour money into ads, spend hours on your phone, or post fancy videos to attract deals. You just need consistency and the right strategy.
Just 15 minutes a day of adding the right people, sending a few targeted messages, and posting content that builds credibility. It can generate more off-market deals, listings, and JV opportunities than any mailer or cold call ever could.
This is exactly how I’ve built a steady pipeline of motivated sellers, agents, and partners reaching out to me daily, without spending a dollar on ads.
How do you start getting leads from social media? Why is social media the new follow-up system?
In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your Facebook profile into a lead magnet, use Messenger for warm deal conversations, and turn your personal posts into silent follow-up that keeps money coming in.
Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
Your feed is the new follow-up system
Your content can nurture relationships better than any call list. How do you post in a way that keeps you top-of-mind automatically?
Stop chasing outdated training
Old-school “call your database” advice doesn’t work anymore. What should you be doing instead to build real connection and credibility?
Build trust through visibility
Authentic posts build more loyalty than scripts ever could. How do you show up online so people want to work with you before you even reach out?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Some business lessons come from books, mentors, or seminars. Others come from watching someone quietly live them out every day.
When my dad passed away a few months ago, I found myself thinking about how much of my real estate success actually traces back to him. Not the strategies, not the spreadsheets, but the mindset.
Because the truth is, success in real estate isn’t really about knowing the right formula. It’s about who you are when no one’s watching, your work ethic, your generosity, your ability to delay gratification, and keep believing when the results aren’t immediate.
In fifteen years, I’ve gone from zero money to a few hundred rentals, a 400-agent brokerage, and a thriving fix-and-flip business.
But every ounce of that growth started with principles my dad modeled: work hard, keep learning, stay humble, be generous, believe in yourself, and treat people right, no matter who they are. Those mindsets built everything else.
In this episode, I’m stepping away from tactics to discuss the ten lessons my dad taught me that have shaped how I lead, invest, and live.
Things You’ll Learn
Hard work means sacrifice
Everyone says “work hard,” but few talk about what it costs. What does it really take to build something from scratch when you don’t yet have time or money on your side?
Generosity scales faster than greed
Giving 51% instead of 49% can make your business explode. Why does generosity always compound over time?
Believe first, results later
How do you keep putting in effort with no guarantees? What separates those who win from those who quit?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Success in real estate isn’t just about hustle, it’s about direction and having a clear path to success (preferably one that others have walked on).
That’s where getting a mentor comes in. It helps you achieve the right results faster.
In the real estate world, there are thousands of people claiming to be mentors…some charging thousands for a bit of their time. The problem is, the wrong mentor can do more harm than not having a mentor at all, so how do you pick the right one?
Many people make the mistake of going with the first mentor they meet, picking someone whose personality they like, or paying for the priciest mentor out there.
This can be detrimental to your goals.
The most important part of picking a mentor? Making sure they’ve actually done what you want to do.
What should we avoid when choosing a mentor? How does a mentor transform our businesses?
In this episode, I break down how to find the right mentor, the one who doesn’t just hype you up or sell you a course, but actually helps you do the real work.
I share how mentorship helped me go from CPA to flipping over 1,500 homes, building a 400-agent brokerage, and earning $115K on a single deal.
Things You’ll Learn in This Episode
From confusion to clarity
I spent 5 years on self-education, and it didn’t move the needle. What finally did?
$115K on one deal
How did one conversation with a real mentor change everything for me?
The Mentorship Mistakes That Cost You Years
Why is it dangerous to choose a mentor just because they’re close, familiar, or cheap?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
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Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
How does a real estate agent or investor go from dominating the market to down and out? By failing to adapt to inevitable market shifts.
Real estate isn't static. The market changes, and to succeed, our strategies have to change too.
If you’re struggling to get seller appointments, fix-and-flip opportunities, or investment deals, you’re likely using an outdated strategy and playing by yesterday’s playbook.
The biggest mistake you can make is to keep trying to do what you’ve always done when the market has clearly shifted.
How do we adapt and pivot with the market? How do we know where the cheese is moving to?
In this episode, I share how to get ahead of market shifts, why some agents thrive while others disappear, and what it really takes to succeed in 2025’s market.
Things You’ll Learn
Follow the cheese
How do you find seller appointments and fix-and-flip deals in today's market, not the one from five years ago?
From feast to famine and back again
What key market shifts have happened since 2005, and how can you avoid being the agent who gets left behind when the market changes again?
From $0 to $115K on one appointment
How did one listing appointment turn into six figures, and how can you replicate that success without risking your own capital?
Why direct mail isn’t working (and what is)
The strategies that worked in 2013 aren’t cutting it in 2025. What’s changed—and how do you stand out in a saturated seller market?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
One big deal. One six-figure check. One path off the real estate roller coaster.
Sounds like a dream, but it’s real. What if building real wealth as an agent didn’t require more hustle, just a few key lifestyle shifts?
If you’re stuck on the real estate roller coaster, constantly chasing closings and juggling busywork, it might feel like true financial freedom is out of reach.
But it’s not that you’re not working hard enough. It’s that you’re focused on the wrong things.
Wealth doesn’t come from grinding harder. It comes from decisions, like how you spend your first two hours of the day, who you surround yourself with, and how you structure your time.
These tweaks may seem simple, but they’ll completely transform your results if you commit.
How do you avoid time traps that keep you from building wealth? How do you buy back your time?
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to stop trading hours for commission checks and start making small but powerful changes that add up to real, lasting wealth.
Things You’ll Learn
-How One Referral Turned Into $100K+
How did an agent make more than he expected (without doing the flip himself)?
-The $500 contract clause that buys your time back
Most agents don’t think they can afford admin help. How can you hire a virtual assistant and get hours back each week to focus on what really builds wealth?
-Why Most Agents Waste Time on the Wrong People
Got-a-minute meetings, cold coffee chats, and training sessions that go nowhere threaten your ability to build wealth. How do you eliminate time-wasters for good?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Podcast CTA
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
One of the most common ways to generate seller appointments is going after targeted lists of homeowners.
Whether it’s pre-foreclosures, divorce, probate, high-equity owners, or driving for dollars, marketing to an already-motivated seller base seems like a no-brainer.
After all, these aren’t random cold leads. These are potential sellers already in transition who would be interested in talking to an agent-investor. They seem like the easiest leads to generate and convert, right?
Wrong. While motivated seller lists are a good source of leads, they aren’t a magic bullet.
Each list comes with its challenges: from sellers in denial to timelines that stretch for months or even years.
To succeed, you need more than a list. You need a follow-up system, a communication plan, and the patience to become an expert.
What do you need to know before you go after these leads?
In today’s episode, I talk about using motivated seller lists the right way, and the differences between each list and the sellers you’ll be talking to. You’ll learn what it actually takes to convert these leads and get a deal.
Things You’ll Learn
-Why pre-foreclosures sound great (but often flop)
Are pre-foreclosures the goldmine everyone says they are, or do they come with hidden downsides that waste your time?
-The list strategy that gets you in the door
From probate to high-equity homeowners, what do we need to know about all these lists before we go after them?
-The real reason agents quit too early
What actions turn a list into appointments, and why do 99% of agent investors give up before the magic happens?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
When most real estate agents think about getting more seller appointments, they chase cold leads or sink money into paid ads.
But what if the highest ROI strategy has been sitting in your phone contacts all along?
Most agents overlook the easiest source of deals: the people they already know. Your sphere of influence already trusts you, already wants to see you win, and often just needs a reminder that you're the person to call when real estate comes up.
Unlike cold leads, there’s no need to prove yourself or compete against other agents.
When you show up consistently and offer real value, your network becomes a steady, reliable source of seller appointments and off-market opportunities.
In today’s episode, I break down how to turn your sphere of influence into a consistent source of seller appointments and off-mrket deals, without being pushy, salesy, or spammy.
I’ll share a low-cost, high-trust way to find more motivated sellers and how to work your network like a pro.
Things You’ll Learn
-The sphere strategy that actually works
The last thing you want to do is blindly spam your friends and family. How do you come up with a smart, scheduled way to reach out (without being annoying)?
-The best hook to use with your network
Why is a no-obligation cash offer better than every other CTA for generating appointments, even with your sphere?
-How to use social media without sounding like everyone else
How do you post, message, and mail your SOI in a way that gets responses, builds credibility, and sparks real conversations?
-How agents can partner with you on deals
Real estate agents come across flip opportunities and don’t know what to do with them. How can you work with them?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
When most real estate agents think about marketing, they picture spending money and crossing their fingers. But what if you could take the guesswork out of it and get in front of motivated sellers who want to talk to you?
That’s exactly what paid advertising can do for your business, if you know how to use it right.
Running Facebook or Google ads might seem intimidating (or even expensive), but here’s the truth: nothing grows your real estate or investing business faster than consistently booking seller appointments.
It’s the lifeblood of what we do. The agents and investors who get face time with sellers win more listings, do more deals, and build more freedom.
In this episode, I break down why spending money on paid ads isn’t a risk, it’s a strategy. And when done right, it can unlock growth you never thought possible.
I’m also pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to get a seller appointment in today’s market.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The most powerful marketing hook
Instead of generic “free home valuation” ads, why do cash offer CTAs cut through the noise and eliminate competition?
-What it actually costs to generate a seller appointment
In today’s market, one seller appointment can cost up to $1,000. Is it worth it?
-Why most agents fail at seller marketing
How do you build a consistent, repeatable seller lead gen system that actually works?
-How to stretch your marketing budget
How do we squeeze more ROI out of every lead by combining listings and cash offer deals?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
If you’re looking for an easy seller lead source, Facebook is one of the best places to be.
You might think it’s just a platform for old people sharing memes, but there’s a lot more to it than that.
Facebook is the most powerful marketing tool Agent-Investors have in our business, and the best part is, it’s free! I’ve heard people say they can’t get leads on social media.
The truth is: if you’re not getting leads, you’re just not doing the necessary activities to generate them.
By posting daily and getting eyeballs on your content, you can supply your business with a steady stream of seller leads that will become listings or investment deals.
Ultimately, Facebook is free advertising that keeps you top-of-mind with the people you’re looking for.
How do you grow your social media footprint and get your content in front of more people? What should you post?
In this episode, I dive into the second way to find seller leads and investing deals - and today, I’m talking about how to turn Facebook into a lead source.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to reach more people on Facebook
The whole point of social media is to get as many eyeballs on your content as possible. How do you grow your friend list/subscriber base?
-The best place to find motivated sellers
Some younger agents might think Facebook is for old people. Why is it the perfect place to be if you’re looking for seller leads?
-How to create your Facebook strategy
What kind of content should we post to generate seller appointments on Facebook? How often should we post?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Tired of riding the real estate commission rollercoaster? There’s one simple fix: more seller appointments.
Locking in just 1-3 seller appointments a week will transform your business. More listings. More income. A scalable, burnout-free business. Plus, you’ll uncover more investment deals and flip opportunities.
A steady flow of seller appointments is the first step toward financial freedom—but how do you get them without spending hours cold-calling?
The answer: a home valuation call-to-action. Homeowners are naturally curious about their home’s value, and they want something more accurate than a Zestimate. For a small investment (as low as $10), you can turn that curiosity into a steady stream of seller leads.
In this episode, I break down why this is one of the most cost-effective ways to book more seller appointments—and how you can start using it today.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-A quality lead at a fraction of the price
Home valuation leads aren’t looking to sell their houses fast, so why would we choose them over instant offer leads?
-What makes home valuation leads so effective
Instead of cold calling, hoping you have the correct number, and possibly pestering people, home valuation leads have already opted in. Why does this make converting them easier?
-How to work a home valuation lead
Is it better to pay a service to generate home valuation leads or to do it yourself?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
If you want to build a thriving real estate sales career and create wealth through investing, there’s one activity you need to consistently prioritize: generating seller appointments.
Seller appointments are the driving force behind all your success in real estate. In fact, I believe they’re the single most important factor for running a successful real estate operation.
For agents, seller appointments lead to listings, and for investors, they reveal lucrative flip opportunities.
The benefits of focusing on seller appointments are numerous. You can earn more money in less time. Your business is more scalable. You can turn some of these seller appointments into cash offers, giving you the income needed to invest in long-term buy-and-hold properties.
Yet, when I speak to agents, I often hear resistance to generating seller appointments.
But here’s the truth: you already possess 95% of the skills you need—what’s missing is consistency.
In this episode, I’m launching a new series on the power of generating seller appointments and why they’re the key to becoming a successful Agent Investor.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to find deals with cold calling
Some agents struggle to generate seller appointments because they think they have to cold call. Are there other ways to get in front of sellers?
-Buyer vs. sellers
Having a 100% buyer-based business is a huge nightmare in real estate. Why is it smarter to work with more sellers?
-The foundation of the Agent Investor model
How can you turn cash offer deals into guaranteed monthly income that will take you off the real estate rollercoaster?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
For better or worse, your daily habits are going to shape your future. Whether you're struggling to stay consistent with your investments, managing time poorly, or letting distractions take over, those bad habits are holding you back. Imagine the opportunities slipping through your fingers simply because of the way you spend your day.
What if you could break free from the cycle and transform your habits to align with success?
The right habits don’t just change your life; they change your net worth. Consistently investing in yourself and your business can lead to exponential growth in your real estate investments, sales, and overall financial standing.
But the question is, how do you implement these habits effectively? How do we stay focused on them and avoid distractions?
In this episode, I reveal 9 daily habits that can transform your life and boost your net worth.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The millionaires' habit
Many millionaires attribute their success to waking up early, gaining extra time for productivity and planning. How does an early start impact daily success and long-term growth?
Do the difficult things first
Tackle difficult tasks first when your energy is highest. How can prioritizing tough tasks early improve your productivity?
It’s okay to say no
Saying no to distractions helps you stay focused on what truly matters. How can setting boundaries improve your productivity and well-being?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Are you struggling to turn your social media presence into a consistent income stream for your real estate business?
You're not alone. Many real estate professionals are putting in hours of work posting on social media, but still aren’t seeing the income results they hoped for. It’s frustrating, right? You understand social media’s power, but the real question is: how does it actually work to generate real, consistent income?
Here’s the truth: the objective of social media isn't just about posting pretty pictures or listing updates. It’s about building trust, connection, and offering value. Without this, you’re wasting your time.
In today’s digital world, authenticity is the secret ingredient. If you’re just posting for the sake of posting, your audience will see right through it. They want to connect with you, not a brand. Being authentic—sharing your real self, your stories, your challenges—builds that trust and turns followers into clients.
In this episode, I talk about the value social media, how to leverage it to generate income for real estate businesses and why a personal touch adds value when it comes to posting.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Social media advertising vs traditional methods for real estate.
Social media advertising allows for precise audience targeting and real-time engagement, unlike traditional ads. How does the ability to target specific audiences on social media enhance advertising effectiveness?
-Monitor social media engagement.
Monitoring social media engagement helps businesses understand customer preferences, track brand sentiment, and adjust strategies accordingly. How can tracking social media engagement enhance your real estate business?
-Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for social media.
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t account for the unique audiences of different businesses. How can businesses tailor their social media strategies to better engage their specific audience?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Staying motivated on the journey to building long-term wealth through real estate investing can feel like an uphill battle, right? You dive in with energy, eager to start closing deals and grow your portfolio, but somewhere along the way, that motivation starts to dip. It’s frustrating when the results aren’t immediate, and before you know it, you’re second-guessing your strategy or feeling burnt out.
But here’s the truth — real estate investing isn’t a quick win. It’s a marathon.
So how do you keep pushing forward when your long-term goals feel out of reach? How do you avoid the trap of thinking it’s all for nothing when you don’t see instant returns?
The key is patience and incremental progress. Small, consistent actions add up over time. In this episode, I’ll walk you through 8 powerful ways to stay motivated as you work towards long-term success in real estate investing.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Managing expectations
Clear expectations help you stay focused and achieve your goals effectively. How can setting clear expectations improve your chances of success?
-Comparison is the thief of joy
Success is personal, and comparison diminishes happiness. How can focusing on your own journey lead to greater fulfillment?
-Eat the frog!
Tackle the hardest tasks first to boost productivity and avoid procrastination. How can starting with the toughest task improve your daily efficiency?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Many agents find themselves stuck in a cycle, spending countless hours showing homes, closing deals, and still feeling like they’re not getting ahead. Imagine waking up every day to a life that’s different—not just in what you do, but how you live.
What would it feel like to work fewer hours, generate more income, and actually create wealth for yourself instead of just earning a commission?
This is the reality for agent-investors. As an agent-investor, you not only help clients buy and sell homes—you also own properties, build your portfolio, and watch your income grow from multiple sources. This shift in mindset and strategy means you don’t just rely on your commission to pay the bills. Instead, you can leverage your real estate expertise to build a lasting, passive income that works for you 24/7.
How would it feel to have income streams that aren't tied to client transactions? Imagine building generational wealth through real estate investments.
In this episode, I discuss how becoming an agent investor can transform your life, your work, and help create lasting wealth for future generations.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Agent investing made easy
Being a real estate agent makes investing easier since you already have the tools—just minor adjustments are needed. What small tweaks can agents make to succeed in real estate investing?
-Pick your own clients
As an agent-investor, you have the flexibility to choose your clients, unlike traditional agents who often take on any client. How does selecting your clients as an agent-investor impact the way you work?
-Agent vs.agent-investor
An agent facilitates transactions, while an agent-investor builds wealth by actively investing in real estate. How do you transition from selling properties to building a real estate portfolio?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Visit www.partnerwithagentinvestor.com
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Most agents are well aware of the power of investing, the unique advantage they have, and the opportunities they come across every single day. But with all this knowledge, the vast majority of them never end up doing it.
They may even raise their hands and say they want to invest, but when it comes down to it, they never do. Why is that? How come the agents who set the intention of investing never turn it into a reality?
There are plenty of reasons why would-be investors stay stuck on the real estate income rollercoaster. From having the wrong mentors to looking for deals in all the wrong places, how we approach the goal of investing matters.
How do we make it more likely we’ll follow through with our goals? What gets in the way? In this episode, I share 10 reasons why many agents are eluded by their goal of investing, and how to fix it.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The first step to successful investing
No matter how badly you want to invest, you’ll never do it if you’re around the wrong people. How do you find the right peer group for your goals?
-Start now, start small
Many agents want to invest but can’t seem to escape the routine of working with buyers and sellers. How do you make small changes to your schedule that lead to massive results?
-Get the right information
It’s hard to get any traction if you can’t settle on a single investing strategy. How do you focus?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
When it comes to achieving wealth through sales and investing, most agents know exactly what to do, but they just don’t implement it. It’s not because they lack the tactics or strategies, they are facing obstacles that keep them doing what they need to do.
Those obstacles could be in their mindset, the people around them, the real estate market they're in or their daily activities (or lack thereof).
There’s no such thing as success without challenges and obstacles. Whether they show it or not, anyone who accomplishes anything great has their struggles. The only difference is they anticipate the obstacles and find ways to mitigate them when they come up.
How do we overcome the biggest obstacles in real estate sales and investing? How do we stay on track when things get hard In this episode, I share 10 obstacles all agent investors face, and how to knock them down.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Investing is a long-term play
Building wealth through real estate isn’t an overnight process, it takes time. How do we adjust to not getting results quickly?
-How to become a market-proof investor
Many real estate agents only know how to thrive in the market they know. How do you make money in any market?
-Run your own race
It’s really easy to get caught up in the comparison trap in this business. How do we keep going when it feels like other people are further ahead and we’re stalling?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Whether you’re an agent looking to load up on listings, or an investor intending to grow your wealth, there’s one activity that should always be our top priority, no matter what.
Generating seller appointments.
Seller appointments are the source of a successful, scalable real estate business. In fact, I believe if you learn to generate consistent seller appointments, you really wouldn’t need to learn anything else. If you’re an agent, these appointments lead to listings. If you’re an investor, they lead to flip opportunities.
A lot of the things we spend our time on feel important and urgent but seller appointments actually are. The more sellers we’re having conversations with, the more people that know we’re looking for appointments, the better off our businesses will be.
What strategies can we use to generate more seller appointments? How can we use leverage to have more conversations with potential sellers? In this special episode, I’m revisiting all the ways you can generate more seller appointments in 2025.
You’ll learn;
- The Impressions Concept you need to apply to your appointment lead generation
- How to get other agents to find you seller appointments
- How to use Virtual Assistants to generate leads at scale
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Most real estate agents never break free from the grind of chasing commissions and reacting to daily emergencies. Despite the hard work, the unpredictable nature of their income keeps them on an exhausting financial rollercoaster. The truth is, how you spend your time daily is the BIGGEST factor in your success.
Prioritizing the right activities—like finding seller opportunities and building passive income—can transform your business and create financial freedom, yet so many agents overlook these simple but powerful steps.
Are you prioritizing the wrong tasks, starting your mornings with emails and follow-ups instead of focusing on growth-driving activities? What if the first 3 hours of your day could determine your net worth, and shifting your focus to sellers and passive income could transform your business?
In this episode, I reveal the perfect daily blueprint for agents who want to grow their business, flip more homes, and generate passive income so that you can identify your high-impact tasks, build wealth through consistent effort, and create a sustainable plan to hit your financial goals.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why you need to prioritize sellers
Working with sellers gives you time back and opens the door to lucrative flip opportunities. Are you spending enough of your day actively seeking out seller leads?
The power of social media in real estate
Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are goldmines for connecting with potential sellers. Are you leveraging daily actions like adding friends, sending messages, and posting engaging content?
How morning habits shape your wealth
Your morning routine sets the tone for the day. Are you spending the first hours on the activities that drive your business forward?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
As a real estate agent, there are many things you can do with your time, but nothing is as valuable or productive as generating seller appointments. Whether you want to do more deals or build your investing portfolio - the quickest way to get there is by focusing on listings.
Every single day, we should wake up with the goal of generating a seller appointment, and put our time and effort towards that. By generating listing appointments, you’ll come across more investing deals, multiply your earnings, have more leverage and have more control over your business.
They don’t say “list to last” for nothing.
If we want to make more money with far less steps, hassles, headaches, we have to focus on sellers. Why do listings beat working buyers especially now? How do we generate more listing appointments?
In this episode, I’m going to share 10 reasons why you need to focus on listings in order to have a better real estate business.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The leverage of listings
Focusing on buyers leads to an unpredictable business that you have no control over. How do you shift to driving your own business?
How to magnify your income
When we wake up everyday, we should be focused on listings. How does this lead to us making more money?
Why listings are more marketable
It’s hard to market buyers the way we can easily and effectively market sellers. What are some of the advantages of leveraging our listings online?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Everytime the end of the year rolls around, agent investors start talking about goal setting for the new year. They make lists, create vision boards and set the intention to make those goals a reality.
The sad truth is, many of these people - despite their best intentions - will fail to achieve what they want.
You can have the best vision board, or set the most ambitious goals, but if your underlying actions aren’t lined up with your goal, you just won’t achieve it.
Year after year, most people set vague goals, fail to put any monitoring measures in place and end up exactly where they started. How do we avoid this? The whole point of goals isn’t just to list them, it’s to actually hit them so you can make your life better. With a few simple steps, we can make hitting our goals and improving our lives inevitable.
How do you measure and monitor your goals? How do you set goals and actually achieve them? In this episode, I share why year-end goal setting doesn’t work and how to change it.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The first step to achieving your goals
People like to set the goal of a six-figure income because it sounds good. How do you set income goals that actually align with your life?
Breaking down your big goals
Every goal you set has to be translated to daily, weekly and monthly actions. How do you know if you’re off track?
How to create a goal-setting scorecard
It’s hard to achieve a goal you’re not measuring. What systems can we put in place to monitor our goals?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Selling real estate offers a ton of advantages and opportunities for people who want to make a good living, but it alone will never make you wealthy.
Even if you sell hundreds of homes and become a top producer, purely working as an agent will never lead to financial freedom - it will keep you on the real estate rollercoaster.
It’s virtually impossible for most agents to earn enough to cover their bills and have excess cash to pour into wealth-building activities.
The only way to build real wealth is to simultaneously sell homes and invest in them (an opportunity agents are in the perfect position to take advantage of).
We come across great deals without even trying, and even snapping up a tiny fraction of them will put us on a path to passive income.
How do you become wealthy without putting in more time, effort and energy into real estate? Why do you need both sales and investing to boost your net worth? In this episode, I share the only model that will allow real estate agents to become wealthy, and how easy it is to make it a reality.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Great opportunities by accident
Real estate agents come across great deals without even trying. How do we use this to our advantage?
Don’t quit your day job
Your real estate sales business is the thing that will feed your investing business. Why do you still need income from selling homes if you want to escape the real estate rollercoaster?
Put math in your favor
Investing in residential real estate makes it very possible to earn a minimum of $5k in passive income a month. How do you start this process without working any harder?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Fix and flip houses, generate huge chunks of income and invest it into passive assets. This is the roadmap for escaping the real estate rollercoaster. But the starting point of this entire process is generating seller appointments. If you don’t have a way to consistently meet with homeowners, your business won’t grow.
Most agents rely on the same marketing message to get homeowners to want to meet with them: the free home valuation.
But here’s the problem: in a competitive, crowded market, this isn’t a strong enough motivator for sellers - it might actually put them off meeting with you. A cash offer is a far superior message that most sellers won’t be able to resist.
Why is a free home valuation a weak marketing message right now? How will a cash offer boost your listing business as well as the investing side?
In this episode, I share the call-to-action you have to put in front of sellers if you want to book more appointments.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to build a business that gives you freedom
It’s hard to scale your business when you’re focused on buyers. Why are listings perfect for an agent looking to build wealth?
-The key to earning more money
Whether you want to sell more homes or do more investing deals, all roads lead to the seller appointment. How do you get homeowners to want to meet with you?
-Cash offer vs. home valuation
Most agents try to generate seller leads by offering free home valuations. What are some of the reasons why people might not go for the offer?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Investing in real estate can change your life, but most people never take the leap. Why? It’s not because they lack the resources, but because of avoidable mistakes. Common pitfalls like having no goals, lacking mentorship, and not prioritizing investing stop people from ever getting started.
The good news? These mistakes are fixable. With the right mindset, strategy, and guidance, anyone can start building wealth through real estate—even with limited time or money.
What’s holding you back from achieving financial freedom, and could these 10 mistakes be the reason? How would your life change if you avoided these missteps and embraced a simple, actionable approach to real estate investing?
In this episode, I break down the top errors agents and non-agents make and share actionable steps to avoid them. Real success doesn’t come from having perfect conditions. You can achieve it by simply taking action despite the imperfections.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The importance of goals and focus
Without clear goals, you’re just running in circles. What simple steps can you take to clarify your vision and map your investing journey?
Why you don’t need money to start investing
Many people assume they can’t invest without money. How can partnerships and creative strategies make this a non-issue?
How to overcome analysis paralysis
It’s easy to get stuck preparing and never acting. What can you do today to stop procrastinating and start making moves?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Investing in real estate is life-changing, but one of the biggest challenges most agents face is finding the time to start. Here’s the good news: you don’t need endless free hours to make it happen.
Even with a packed schedule, you can carve out time to build a real estate portfolio. The truth is, building wealth through real estate doesn’t require a massive time commitment—it only requires smarter use of the time you already have.
Is it possible to make time to earn $10,000 or $15,000 in monthly passive income from investing? If you think you’re too busy to invest, think again. The problem isn’t time—it’s how you choose to spend it.
In this episode, I share simple yet powerful time-management strategies that anyone can implement, why consistency is more important than hours, as well as how to get started investing with the help of others.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
The time audit that will change your life
Finding out where our time is actually going and what inefficiencies are holding us back is important. How many hours could you reclaim with this simple exercise?
Get more done with less time
Transaction coordinators, virtual assistants, and systems can free up hours of your week. What can you outsource to focus on building wealth?
Start small and stay consistent
Even just 30 minutes a day can create big results over time. What small daily habits can get you closer to financial freedom?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Many real estate agents face a constant struggle to earn stable income, and most feel locked in a cycle of high stakes, low security. Even skilled agents are just one market shift away from their income being impacted.
Adding investment deals into your real estate game plan can give you consistent income and help you avoid the industry’s unpredictable waves. One powerful way to do this without fronting your own cash is through partnerships with established investors.
Are you convinced that only “insiders” get access to deals like this or that you need to be in an exclusive group to join? Many agents let myths about partnerships keep them from a life-changing income stream. How do you break free from the “sales-only” mindset and add real estate investment income to your strategy?
In this episode, I will dispel the top myths surrounding the Agent Partnership Program and explain how you can build wealth without up-front costs or even being tied to a particular brokerage. I will also explain how this unique partnership model works, why it’s accessible to all agents, and how to overcome the assumptions keeping you from financial freedom.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why real estate agents don’t need extra cash to partner
You don’t have to invest your own money to partner on a flip. How are agents closing lucrative deals without upfront capital?
-How this partnership program benefits everyone
The Agent Partnership Program is built for mutual benefit. How does partnering on flips create a win-win for agents and investors?
-Common misconceptions that stop agents from earning big
Myths about needing experience, a specific brokerage, or extra funds hold agents back. How can ignoring these myths open new income streams for you?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Working with sellers has always been the cheat code to a profitable real estate business. With recent changes to the real estate transaction, we can’t succeed without generating more listings.
But even if working buyers and sellers was exactly the same, I’d still double down on sellers. Here’s why…
Listing appointments bring higher chances of closing deals, faster turnaround times, and more scalability to our businesses. Better yet: seller appointments create opportunities for flips and investment deals - income streams that can lead to long-term wealth and passive income.
If you’re not making consistent seller appointments a top priority, you’re limiting your income potential and putting unnecessary strain on your business.
Why is it better to spend most of our time in front of sellers instead of chasing unpredictable buyers? What strategies can you use to generate more seller appointments?
In this episode, I discuss the importance of seller appointments and reveal actionable strategies for helping agents generate these valuable leads consistently.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why listing leads outperform buyer leads
Generating seller appointments gives agents a greater chance of securing listings over buyers. How can shifting your focus to listings boost your income and reduce wasted time?
-Improving seller appointments through impressions
Consistent impressions across various channels are key to booking seller appointments. What methods can you use to maximize impressions weekly?
-Scaling your business through seller appointments
With a steady flow of seller appointments, agents can unlock more flip opportunities, boost income, and work towards passive wealth. How do top agents build passive income from a seller-based model?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Inconsistent income is one of the biggest challenges real estate agents face, leaving many on a financial rollercoaster. With transaction volumes down and competition high, agents are increasingly feeling the pinch.
Imagine breaking free from this constant grind and building a stable income that pays you even during slower months. Passive income is the answer, and it’s within reach—even if you’re starting from zero.
You might think you need a big upfront investment or years of experience to get started, but that’s not true. Real estate professionals have unique advantages that make it easier to tap into this revenue stream.
Is relying solely on commissions keeping you trapped in the cycle you’re trying to escape? How can agents build passive income without big upfront capital and grow it alongside their careers to create lasting financial freedom?
In this episode, I share steps and strategies agents can use to start generating passive income today—creating stability, reducing stress, and giving agents the freedom to work on their terms.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-What passive income really means for agents
Passive income provides stability, even during slow months. Is there a way to experience financial freedom without stressing over every commission?
-Why real estate is the best path to passive income
Real estate investments offer a faster way to build wealth compared to other income sources. How can you leverage your knowledge as an agent to make passive income?
-How to start earning passive income without capital
Building passive income doesn’t require a huge investment upfront. How can agents start from zero and scale over time to financial freedom?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Creating seller appointments consistently is challenging for most real estate agents. Which explains why they end up with missed listing and flip opportunities. The agents who thrive in today’s competitive market are the ones who can automate prospecting and lead generation with virtual assistants (VAs).
But here’s the hard truth: most agents aren’t using VAs effectively, or worse, they’re not using them at all. Many agents believe they can handle everything on their own, thinking that outsourcing might reduce their control or compromise the quality of their work. However, this mindset is costing you deals, time, and ultimately, money.
What if you could free up your schedule while still generating consistent seller appointments and delegate routine tasks to a VA—how much more productive could you be, and how many more flip deals could you close with a team working behind the scenes every day?
In this episode, I reveal how to use virtual assistants to find flip deals and create a steady flow of seller appointments. I also share practical strategies for hiring and training VAs, how to ensure compliance in prospecting, and which tasks are best suited for outsourcing.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How VAs can boost your business
VAs can handle the repetitive tasks that bog down agents. Are you using VAs effectively to free up your time for high-value activities?
The best countries to hire virtual assistants
There are pros and cons of hiring VAs from the Philippines and Mexico. Which country is the right fit for your business needs?
Simple strategies for generating more seller appointments
There are exact methods to ensure a steady stream of seller leads through VA-managed calls and texts. Could this be the missing piece in your business?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
A majority of real estate agents are trapped on an income rollercoaster, losing thousands without the right guidance to break the cycle.
That’s why mentorship is essential to avoid costly and fast-track your success. Without it, you’re wasting time and missing out on big opportunities.
In real estate, time and money are directly tied to success, and not having someone to guide you is one of the biggest hurdles to building long-term wealth. But here’s the problem: most agents either don’t seek out a mentor or, if they do, they’re not using that mentor effectively.
Are you holding yourself back by thinking you can’t afford to invest in guidance right now? How can mentorship help you reach financial freedom faster?
In this episode, I explain how to find the right mentor for your specific goals, how mentorship can accelerate your success in real estate, and practical tips for making your mentor work for you, so you can make fewer mistakes, save time, and earn more.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why you need a mentor
Many agents struggle without mentorship, leading to costly mistakes. How can finding the right mentor change your real estate game?
-How to find the right mentor
Finding a mentor isn’t just about finding anyone. How can you ensure your mentor aligns with your goals and expertise?
-How to effectively use a mentor
Once you’ve found a mentor, what’s the best way to leverage their knowledge and avoid wasting opportunities?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
In fluctuating markets, agents who rely solely on buyers are missing a vital opportunity to build stable, scalable income. Listings offer constant revenue regardless of market conditions. Yet many agents remain stuck on the unpredictable rollercoaster of buyer-driven transactions.
Most agents fail to realize that the key to earning consistent income is controlling inventory by concentrating on listings rather than hustling to close more deals. Prioritizing seller leads can boost an agent’s income and lead to more lucrative flips and long-term passive income.
How would your real estate career change if you didn’t have to fight for every listing and had access to qualified seller leads every week? How could turning these opportunities into flips and investments help you build long-term wealth?
In this episode, I let you in on how agents can partner with my team to receive seller appointments, tips for converting these leads into cash deals, and strategies for building a more secure and profitable real estate business.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why listing appointments matter more than you think
Scheduling seller appointments can unlock a steady flow of income. How does focusing on listings help you build a stronger business?
-How to convert seller appointments into cash deals
Learning to identify the right deals is crucial. Would you like to know how to turn a regular seller lead into a profitable flip or listing?
-How to partner with us and get seller appointments
We’re offering agents a chance to take seller appointments, but only those who can follow through will get more. What are the steps to partnering with us and succeeding in this new model?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
In the current real estate market, a lot of agents and investors are feeling the squeeze. With fewer transactions, high rates, and rising unemployment, the real estate industry is set to face big challenges over the next 12 months.
These tough conditions mean that real estate professionals need to adapt fast. Many real estate agents and investors still hope for a big market recovery, but is that realistic? Waiting for the market to bounce back isn’t the best strategy.
How will rising unemployment impact housing demand, and what happens if interest rates don’t drop as quickly as we hope? Is there still room for growth in the real estate industry, even with these challenges?
In this episode, I share my bold predictions for real estate for the next 12 months and explain how these trends will impact agents and investors alike. Stay ahead of the curve by learning what’s coming and how to prepare for it.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How inflation and rates are shaping the market
Mortgage rates have skyrocketed, affecting both the retail and fix-and-flip markets. How will interest rates shift over the next 12 months, and what does it mean for your business?
Rising unemployment and its effect on the housing market
Job loss is one of the biggest factors affecting housing sales. What happens when unemployment rises, and how can investors stay ahead of the curve?
Interest rates and buyer hesitation have resulted in lower transaction volumes. Will this trend continue in 2024, or could things start to improve?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Building a real estate team seems like the next logical step when you’re a successful agent looking to grow. But for many people, it’s a move that can quickly turn into a costly mistake if you’re not fully prepared.
The harsh truth is that 90% of real estate teams fail, leaving their leaders disappointed and drained. Many agents jump into building teams without fully grasping the challenges, which often leads to less income, more stress, and disappointing outcomes.
What are the obstacles of building a team? Is there a better way to scale your business and reclaim your time?
In this episode, I explore why most real estate teams struggle to succeed and share an alternative strategy that could lead to greater success without the usual headaches.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
Why most real estate teams don’t work out
Building a team sounds great in theory, but the reality is harsh. What makes it so hard to succeed, and why do so many agents regret the decision?
What makes investing a better option
Scaling your income doesn’t have to involve managing a team. How can real estate investing provide the growth and freedom agents are looking for?
How to Build a Strong Team and Avoid Costly Mistakes
If you’re set on forming a team, there are key mistakes to avoid. What can you do to increase your chances of success and avoid the common traps?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Selling homes as a real estate agent can pay the bills, but it won’t make you wealthy. Despite working long hours, closing deals, and chasing commissions, the vast majority of agents are stuck on the financial treadmill—working harder and harder just to maintain their lifestyle, with little to no progress toward true financial freedom.
Many agents believe that if they just work harder, sell more homes, and climb the ranks, they’ll eventually reach financial security. The truth is, no matter how many homes you sell, you’re still trading time for money. And without a strategic shift in your approach, you may never escape the cycle.
How can you break free from the income rollercoaster and start building real wealth? What if there was a different way—one that doesn't depend on endlessly chasing the next sale?
In this episode, I reveal how to move from just selling real estate to building a portfolio of income-generating assets, allowing you to achieve long-term success and financial independence.
Most real estate agents, even successful ones, do not become wealthy by just selling real estate. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why selling homes won't make you wealthy
Selling homes is tough, and while it can provide a decent income, it's not the path to wealth. How can agents get off the income rollercoaster?
-Keeping a consistent approach to real estate
Staying on top of the game year after year is rare. What makes consistency so challenging, and how does it impact your long-term success?
-A Better Path to Wealth
The true path to wealth lies in investing. What strategies can agents use to transition from selling homes to building portfolio assets that generate income?
About Your Host
Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.
Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here.
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Every single year, real estate agents come across hundreds of flip opportunities, but they totally miss them. These missed chances rob you of income and even future wealth. Spotting these opportunities and taking advantage of them is as simple as changing the way agents think about finding deals.
We have to think outside the box and use different strategies to find the deals that suit us best.
How do we stop letting great deals slip through our fingers?
In this episode, I talk about common mistakes agents make and how to spot hidden flip deals. I share about how to use listing appointments, networking with other agents, and using social media to find these hidden opportunities.
The problem is that a lot of people get super motivated and put in big bursts of effort over short periods, rather than giving small, bite-sized efforts each week. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Maximizing appointments for listings
Offering cash deals on listing appointments can uncover hidden flip opportunities. Are you fully exploring all options with your clients?
-Collaborating with co-brokers
Building relationships with other agents can lead to more flip opportunities. How can you better collaborate to find these deals?
-Making the most of social media
Use the power of social media to find flip opportunities. Are you engaging your network to discover potential deals?
Before we can even begin to focus on the actions that drive success, we have to start with our mindset. What we think affects what we can do, and no one knows this more than the highly successful.
We may call them high achievers, but they are actually high level thinkers first.
Good strategies or a lot of knowledge can’t outpace a bad mindset. Even the best plans won’t work without the right attitude.
Do you ever wonder why some people seem to reach their goals no matter what? Or why others give up when things get tough?
In this episode, I will share the secrets of how high achievers think and why their mindset makes all the difference.
High achievers don’t focus on things they can't control. They look in the mirror and ask, what can I control today? -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Controlling what you can control
High achievers don’t waste time on things they can’t change. How can you focus on what’s within your control to improve your success?
-Going the extra mile
Success requires more than just average effort. What does it mean to go above and beyond in your daily tasks to achieve your goals?
-Being open-minded
High achievers listen and learn from others. How can staying open to new ideas and perspectives help you find better ways to succeed?
The path to financial freedom in real estate is clear and easy to follow. Knowing and following this path can help you succeed.
Many real estate agents have ups and downs in their income. Learning how to make steady, passive income can solve this problem. Investing in rental properties can be a great way to generate passive income, and agents have a huge advantage.
Why do agents struggle with income and how can they make it steady? What steps should they take to reach financial freedom?
In this episode, I explain how agents can find good deals, flip houses, invest money in other projects that make more money, and have an advantage in finding deals. You can learn from others' experiences and avoid mistakes to achieve financial freedom faster.
The more assets that you own that are cash flowing, the more cash flow you have, the more your net worth is going to grow. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The Agent Investor Model
Real estate agents can leverage their unique position to find lucrative deals. How can you transition from selling real estate to flipping and investing?
-The 80/20 Rule and Time Management
Prioritizing the right activities can exponentially increase your success. How do you make sure you’re focusing on the tasks that yield the most results?
-The Importance of Passive Income
Building a stable income stream through real estate investments is crucial. What steps can you take today to start generating passive income?
Mistakes are inevitable, especially when we’re new to the investing game. What’s important is avoiding the mistakes that could cause our downfall before we start getting results.
Learning the fatal mistakes beforehand can make the process daunting and discouraging, but it’s necessary. By side-stepping a lot of the speed bumps, you actually get momentum faster.
What are some of the obvious mistakes we can avoid in investing, whether we’re new to the game or not? What are some of the challenges that come with investing? What are some of the common misconceptions newcomers have in the world of real estate investing?
In this episode, I talk about the mistakes I made in the 6 years it took me to do my first real estate deal, how you can avoid them and how you can use mistakes other investors made to learn and grow.
"How you spend your time is going to dictate how much money you’re going to make." -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Taking action is easier said than done
Taking action is hard and that’s why a lot of us stay stuck in the preparation phase. How do we overcome this?
-Make the impossible possible
Getting around other people who achieve their goals can make the impossible seem possible. Why is it so important to be around like minded people?
-The first investment you have to make
The most important investment to make as a new investor is coaching and mentorship. How can having a good coach or mentor help produce results we want?
You might have heard that social media is a great place to find deals and wondered if it sounds too good to be true. Or at the very least, getting leads through social media is time-consuming, complicated and expensive. Isn't that just a lot of work for little return?
Finding deals on Facebook seems far-fetched, but it’s possible - in fact many investors do it. Some even get these leads for free! What if your fears about social media lead gen are totally unfounded? Is using Facebook to find real estate deals easier than you might think?
In this episode, I explain simple and practical steps to use Facebook to consistently find great deals without spending any money. From optimizing your profile to engaging with your audience, let me show you how to turn social media into a powerful tool for deal generation.
If you're not telling people on social media that you're looking for deals, you are not going to get deals. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The Best Social Media Platform for Real Estate Deals
Facebook is the top platform for finding real estate deals today. Why is Facebook the best choice for agents?
-Effective Social Media Practices
Simple daily actions on social media can lead to big results. What steps should you take every day to generate leads?
-Balancing Personal and Professional Posts
Mixing personal and business content keeps your audience engaged. How can sharing both types of posts help you find deals?
Trying to make it as a real estate agent but having a hard time? The constant ups and downs can be exhausting and stressful. You may have heard about our Agent Partnership Program and thought, "This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?"
Many agents struggle with the fear of hidden fees, complex requirements, or feeling like they’re getting the short end of the stick. The idea of partnering with a company on fix and flips might seem risky or confusing, leaving you wondering if it's really worth it.
But what if I told you that these assumptions are wrong? Our Agent Partnership Program is designed to be straightforward and mutually beneficial.
In this episode, I break down the myths and realities of our Agent Partnership Program, showing you why it's so great for agents looking to generate passive income and achieve financial freedom.
We partner with agents on fix and flips, giving them the freedom to do whatever they want and the confidence to enter each year, no matter what the market conditions are. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The Structure of the Program
Become familiar with how the Agent Partnership Program works and how agents play an important role. What makes this program unique?
-Why We Partner with Agents
How does this partnership create a win-win scenario for everyone involved?
-The Financial Benefits
Agents can earn significant income through this program and it makes financial sense. How can you earn more through this partnership?
Many people believe that sellers only call investors when their houses are falling apart or they can't pay their mortgage. But that's not the whole story. Sellers have lots of different reasons. Knowing these reasons can help you become a better investor.
Understanding why a seller wants to sell can help you make better offers and close more deals. What makes sellers pick a quick cash deal over a regular sale? How can knowing a seller's thoughts help you?
Always keep an open mind when talking to sellers. Even if the seller's situation does not currently seem ideal, they may be open to negotiation or other options that could work for everyone involved.
In this episode, I am going to share the real reasons why sellers choose investors, so you can understand sellers better and improve your investing skills.
A lot of times when we buy a home from a seller, it's not due to the seller's situation or the property's condition. Instead, it's the seller's mindset that determines their decision to sell to an investor. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why Sellers Choose Investors
Sellers often have personal reasons for selling quickly. What are the real reasons sellers choose investors?
-The Power of Cash Offers
A cash offer gives sellers peace of mind and a fast solution, which can be very appealing. Is it a good idea to have a cash offer ready?
-How to Help Your Clients Better
Helping your clients understand why they're selling can help you make better offers. What can you gain from knowing what a seller is thinking?
The number 1 thing holding people back from building a real estate empire is money. The truth is: you don’t need a hefty bankroll to kickstart your investing journey. You might believe it takes money to make money, but my journey from zero to flipping over 100 houses a year proves otherwise. I started with nothing—no big capital, just sheer determination and the right strategies.
Could you start building your real estate business today, with the resources you already have? How did I manage to flip so many houses annually, grow a massive rental portfolio, and direct a 400+ agent brokerage, all starting from scratch?
Don't let “I don’t have the money” stop you from pursuing real estate investing. The longer you wait, the more you stand to lose.
In this episode, I talk about actionable steps and mindsets that can enable significant growth in real estate—even on a shoestring budget.
Anyone who’s ever had any level of success in anything has done it in a progression. Being flat broke to being worth a billion dollars is a step-by-step process. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to Start Investing with Little to No Capital
Begin investing with just a little money. What simple ways can help you start making money in real estate even if you don't have a lot of cash to start?
-Growing Your Business Step-by-Step
Make more money by finding good deals and managing house projects effectively. Why is it important to think about making your business bigger, and what easy steps can you follow to grow your real estate work quickly?
-Getting Help from a Mentor for Rapid Growth
Mentorship accelerates your real estate success. Why is it important to find the right person to learn from, and how can they help you avoid mistakes and do well sooner?
If you’re tired of riding the real estate income rollercoaster, investing is the only way out of the stress of sales.
What holds people back is thinking we need big money to start. What if we could do it with absolutely nothing?
Contrary to what people believe: it’s possible to flip houses and start building wealth with zero upfront cash. You DON'T need a pile of cash to start getting investments under your belt. What you need is what every agent has easy access to - deals.
How can you use other people's money to start investing in real estate? What can you do to find good house deals even if your wallet is empty? In this episode, I bust myths and give real world examples of success without starting capital. I also show you how to turn a lack of funds into a flood of opportunities.
The key thing here is that you don't need YOUR money to invest in real estate. You can invest in real estate with OTHER PEOPLE’S money. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Kick-off without capital
You can begin your investment journey with minimal personal financial resources. How exactly did I start with just $5,000 and significant debt?
-How to use other people's money
You can use other people’s money for real estate investments. How do we leverage partnerships so we’re not putting up our own capital?
-Finding the right deals is crucial
Why is securing good deals more important than having capital? How do we find and secure deals that are off market and require no-upfront-cost?
If you’re tired of riding the real estate income rollercoaster, investing is the only way out of the stress of sales.
What holds people back is thinking we need big money to start. What if we could do it with absolutely nothing?
Contrary to what people believe: it’s possible to flip houses and start building wealth with zero upfront cash. You DON'T need a pile of cash to start getting investments under your belt. What you need is what every agent has easy access to - deals.
How can you use other people's money to start investing in real estate? What can you do to find good house deals even if your wallet is empty? In this episode, I bust myths and give real world examples of success without starting capital. I also show you how to turn a lack of funds into a flood of opportunities.
The key thing here is that you don't need YOUR money to invest in real estate. You can invest in real estate with OTHER PEOPLE’S money. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Kick-off without capital
You can begin your investment journey with minimal personal financial resources. How exactly did I start with just $5,000 and significant debt?
-How to use other people's money
You can use other people’s money for real estate investments. How do we leverage partnerships so we’re not putting up our own capital?
-Finding the right deals is crucial
Why is securing good deals more important than having capital? How do we find and secure deals that are off market and require no-upfront-cost?
The recent NAR Lawsuit Settlement drives home one important point: real estate agents who don’t invest aren’t safe. They should be worried.
Without the solid safety net of income-earning assets, you’ll always be a victim to the ups and downs of the market. With just one investing deal, you can protect your income and never have to worry about shrinking commissions or industry disruptions.
Many agents are in deep denial about the impact the NAR Settlement will have, and that’s a dangerous position to be in.
While it’s definitely too soon to tell what will happen to the industry, make no mistake - things won’t be the same. The faster we adapt, the more bulletproof our businesses will be.
What are the implications of the NAR Settlement? How do we bulletproof our income before it’s too late? In this episode, I talk about how to adapt to this development and protect yourself from the worst case scenario.
There’s never been a time where it’s more important for agents to add investing income into their arsenal. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The bad news about the NAR Settlement
Whether we want to admit it or not, this development doesn’t bode well for a lot of agents. Does it mean we’ll have to work harder for less money?
-Adapt sooner than later
The majority of agents believe that the changes of the NAR Settlement will take up to 5 years to kick in. Why should we make changes now regardless of how long it will take?
-Investing is evergreen
Due to disruptions and shifting market conditions, commissions will always be under threat. How can we use investing to build something that can never be taken away from us?
In school, we learn a lot about a multitude of subjects, topics and concepts in order to succeed. While it worked in that space, it can hold us back in our careers, especially as real estate investors.
Because of how we were taught, we end up gathering more information than we need in order to get started. We think we need to read every book, absorb all the knowledge and go to all the events to be ready to pull the trigger, but that’s really not necessary.
In this game, 80% of our results can come from 20% of the information. Instead of knowing everything, we can go pretty far with a few simple pieces of information, especially when it comes to getting that first deal under our belts.
How do we eliminate the information that doesn’t matter and focus on what truly moves the needle? In this episode, I talk about how school might be the thing keeping you from success, wealth and financial freedom.
In school, you learn about a lot of things but only end up implementing just a few things, investing is the same. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Focus on deal #1
Thinking we need to have everything figured out keeps us from taking action. What do we need to focus on if we’re new to the game?
-The Pareto Principle
What is the simple minimal work that takes less than an hour a week, but will produce 80% of our results?
-Shortcut the path to success
How does a mentor help you cut out mistakes and gain you confidence in the deals you are and aren’t doing?
One of the critical components of being a successful investor is finding deals, but not all deal sources are created equal. In fact, some of the most common places to find deals, I wouldn’t recommend.
As solopreneurs, how we spend our time is directly connected to the results we get. Anytime we’re focused on the wrong lead sources, we’re not getting the most value out of our time. That doesn’t mean any one of these channels won’t get you deals, it just means they aren’t the most efficient.
What are some of the most popular deal sources, and why would I recommend you look elsewhere? Which methods lead to us burning time?
In this episode, I share where not to look when it comes to finding great investment deals.
The odds of getting a deal on the MLS are very low. You’re not just competing with other flippers and buy-and-hold people, you’re also competing with people who want to live in those properties. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Cut out the competition
Why do we have to avoid deal sources where there’s always someone looking to pay a little bit more?
-The guiding principle of finding good deals
How do we avoid fishing in red water and fighting other investors when it comes to finding deals?
-Why FSBOS don’t work for investors
FSBOs by their very nature aren’t great for people looking for great deals. What makes them challenging and inefficient?
Many agents are tired of the rollercoaster ride that small multifamily took them on in 2023 - including us. The constant stress of dealing with high-risk ventures, the disappointing returns that didn't match the effort invested is a far cry from the passive income dream.
Managing these units demands constant effort, hardly constituting the 'passive income' dream. And let's not forget the lurking beast of deferred maintenance, ready to devour profits which is why we sold all our rental properties.
How do rental properties often fall short in delivering promised rewards? Is there a smarter way to invest our resources?
In this episode, I talk about the reasons why we sold our rental properties, how the risk is not worth the meager reward and why we don’t recommend buying them right now.
Do not allow 100% of your income to come from residential real estate. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Swimming against the tide
They say going against the status quo is smart, but can it tire us out in some situations?
-Individual case situations in rental properties
Every case is different so how do we figure out what works for us?
-Risk vs. reward
Is the risk in rental properties higher than the reward?
If you’re looking for investing opportunities, you’d think the MLS is the right place to find them. Hundreds of properties and motivated sellers at your fingertips, and as an agent, you have front row access.
Well, that’s not the case…
Relying on the MLS to find deals might just be the worst way to run an investing business, especially in this market. While some people can certainly find great opportunities on the retail market, those are extreme rare cases. Seasoned investors looking to build a predictable, reliable business go off-market.
Why is the MLS the last place we go looking for deals? Are there cases where MLS properties can work in our favor?
In this episode, I answer a question I get asked constantly: why we don’t buy MLS properties.
The odds of you getting a great deal on the MLS are far less than if you were to get it off-market. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Two ponds, two different results
You might think the MLS and the off-market are similar. What’s the difference between the two?
-Why it’s hard to get a discount on the MLS
Properties off the MLS definitely don’t work for flips and quick turn deals, but what if you want to do a long-term buy and hold?
-The secret competitor you’re not aware of
If an MLS property needs a ton of work, does that make it a great investment deal?
Selling real estate can be lucrative, but it's far from a consistent income stream. Some months might bring in substantial earnings, while others leave us scraping by.
It's a constant juggling act - trying to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while navigating the unpredictable nature of the market.
Diversifying our income streams is the key to overcoming this challenge. By supplementing our earnings from sales with investments, we can create a more stable financial foundation.
Is the benefit of just selling real estate enough? How does investing allow us to build wealth and achieve financial freedom?
In this episode, I talk about the real reason why I stopped just selling real estate and tapped into being an agent investor. I also talk about how investing helped me gain autonomy over my business and life.
What investing is doing for you is giving you leverage. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why flips are necessary
Is flipping and fixing homes a quick way to earn big chunks of income?
-Investing and autonomy
How does investing free up our workload and give us time back to spend elsewhere?
-Spending resources with no results
Why do some agents spend their resources on building a team and then disbanding it soon after?
9 out of 10 conversations I have with agents go something like this: “I’ve read the book, attended seminars, listened to the podcasts, but I don’t know what the actual first step to investing is”.
They like selling real estate, but they are frustrated with the income rollercoaster. They know they want to start acquiring assets, but they don’t know how to take action.
They think the thing keeping them from achieving their goals is money, but that’s actually not true.
What do we actually need to get started and why is it a lot easier than we think?
In this episode, I talk about the investing advice I give agents on their first call with me.
Your biggest obstacle isn’t that you don’t have money. The biggest obstacle is that you don’t have deals. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The first step
How can we use our easy access to real estate to start building up our investing war chests?
-Get them to call you first
People in your sphere know that you’re in real estate. Why will they call an investor before they call an agent they know, like and trust?
-One agent’s worst listing is an agent investor’s opportunity
Why are fellow agents a good source of off-market, discounted properties?
Real estate sales can certainly earn you a great living, but can you easily retire on transactions alone? I don’t believe so…
Many would argue that if an agent sells many homes and saves the money they make, they can gain financial freedom. While that’s true, only the elite of the elite can achieve that. With investing on the other hand, you can be average and still guarantee wealth and retirement.
Why is it unrealistic to think you can retire on sales alone?
In this episode, I tackle a much debated subject in real estate, and share why investing is the ultimate cheat code to wealth.
Investing is truly the Average Joe way to achieve financial freedom. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Investing allows you to work smarter, not harder
Many people argue that an agent who sells many homes and saves money can gain freedom. How realistic is this if we look at the stats?
-The Average Joe path to wealth
Most of us know people who got wealthy through investing. Why is it hard to find someone who got wealthy through traditional sales?
-Even luxury agents can’t get wealthy without investing
Can you get wealthy through sales by raising your average price point?
Every December, people come up with predictions for what the real estate market holds in the new year. In this market especially, many of the forecasts are extreme. The truth about home prices might not be quite so dramatic.
We can’t predict the future with 100% accuracy, but we can certainly assess probabilities to get an idea of what’s coming. Home prices aren’t driven by one thing - there are multiple values that play into them. The 2023 real estate market was flat, but 2024 could be different.
What are some of the key factors that influence home prices? Instead of just focusing on market conditions, what should we be doing?
In this episode, I share my predictions for the real estate market, and the variables influencing my position.
The most important thing in 2024 isn’t to know what’s happening in the market. It’s having a great plan. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why it’s hard to make accurate market predictions
Many people are predicting extreme highs or extreme lows. Are the conditions in the market present for any of these scenarios?
-Jobs, wages and inflation
How do these 3 factors play into the home prices and what can we expect in 2024?
-The good news for real estate professionals
There are a ton of people waiting on the sidelines to purchase homes. Will they take action even if rates don’t go down?
For agents, up to 20% of the listings we come across can be flipped to our own investment deals, but we don’t believe we have the vehicle to do so. There are tons of sellers who are better suited with not taking the traditional listing route, and all it really takes is identifying the opportunity and showing up with a cash offer.
How do we know if a listing could be an investment deal? Why do we need to have the offer before we get to the appointment?
In this episode, I’m sharing how we add cash offers to our listing presentations, and why it creates the ultimate win-win for everyone.
10-20% of all sellers want a cash offer and would be better off taking a cash offer than a listing. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why fetching top dollar isn’t every seller’s top priority
Why would someone ever want to sell their house for below fair market value?
-How to get ahead of the competition
Why do we need to be ready to sign on the dotted line before we even get to the appointment?
-How to easily draw up your offer
How do we calculate the right number for a cash offer?
My path to financial freedom began when we combined traditional real estate sales with investing, but that success story didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken a few iterations, pivots and even mistakes to get to where we are today - and we also learned a ton of lessons along the way.
In order to diversify your income away from selling homes traditionally, taking action is key. Even if you don’t have a ton of money and experience, you can get started.
How do you shrink the space between your dream and taking action? How do you stop being a victim to the ups and downs of the market?
In this episode, I share the origin story of my business, how I got into real estate and everything I’ve learned on my journey.
While I didn’t get into real estate to flip houses, flipping homes can give you big chunks of income that then can be used as down payments for passive income assets. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-From pre-med to business
How did I discover that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and how did real estate become my vehicle of choice?
-The deal that completely changed my life
How did a listing appointment become the investing deal that changed the trajectory of my business?
-Quality over cash flow
Building a rental portfolio is an incredible way to build wealth and gain financial freedom, but how do we make sure we’re not buying the wrong kinds of homes?
Unless you want to lose a lot of money, the MLS is the worst place to find investing deals and set yourself up for success. Off-market properties are where we need to focus our efforts. The good news is, if you’re an agent, you often unknowingly come across great deals that haven’t hit the MLS yet.
How do we spot these properties and how can we structure the deals if we don’t have the capital upfront?
In this episode, I’m sharing strategies to launch and grow your investing operation through off-market deals.
Deals are scarce, that’s why you need to learn how to find them off-market. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The options we have for finding deals that aren’t on the MLS
How do we find an off-market deal at the click of a button? - How to set up an agent referral program
How do we build such solid relationships with fellow agents, they spot off-market deals for us? - Why we shouldn’t solely focus on getting listings
Can we turn a potential listing lead into our next investment deal?
Agents come across great investing deals every single day, but they don’t go after as many as they could. That’s usually because they lack capital, construction expertise or a combination of both.
Through our partnership program, we’ve eliminated both of these barriers and created a way for agents to get off the transaction rollercoaster. This is incredibly important in the market we’re in right now. In a market where transaction count is down by up to 30%, creating another lane of income is key to our survival and success.
In this episode, I share 10 case studies of real estate agents who partnered with us, how they found the deals, and how we created the ultimate win-win.
By real estate recession, we don’t necessarily mean a consumer recession where prices are down, but a transactional recession, where volume has gone down. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-A transactional recession
Why are agents feeling the pinch in this market?
-How to keep your eyes open for opportunity
There are many unique ways agents come across deals. What are some of the ways our partners found theirs?
-Knocking down barriers to investment
You don’t need to have capital or construction know-how to do a deal, how do we provide the 2 in a win-win deal?
In real estate investing, nothing wastes more time or loses more money than taking the wrong first steps. Newer investors are at a greater risk of falling into this trap. With all the information and strategies out there, you can end up focusing on things that don’t actually move the needle.
What are the key things you need to steer clear of as a newbie? Can doing the right things in the wrong order be a mistake?
In this episode, I share 10 things I wouldn’t recommend for newer investors.
We all have limited time so we’ve got to spend it the right way. We always have to focus on the things that are going to move the needle in our businesses. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Don’t be stupidly impatient
Taking too long to start investing is a huge error, but how do we make sure we’re not rushing in without a strategy?
-Step 1 vs. step 5 activities
Things like building a buyer list, raising capital and even naming our businesses shouldn’t be the first thing we focus on. What needs to be priority #1?
-Don’t quit your day job cold turkey
Real estate investing promises a high return, but it’s not instant. Why is it critical that we keep earning money?
Agents constantly come across investing deals that can significantly out-pace what they make selling homes. The problem is: with no funding or renovation experience, it’s hard to take action on it. What if you could spot a deal, make an extra $30k without worrying about the capital or construction?
We’ve rolled out an agent partnership program that allows you to take action on the deals you come across and build your net worth. How does this program work and what steps can you take to get started?
In this episode, I talk about our new agent partnership, and how you can get rewarded for the opportunities you come across in your day-to-day work as an agent.
If investing isn’t top of mind for you, you will oftentimes miss deals that are right in front of your face. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The worst part about being an agent right now (and how investing solves that)
Many agents are leaving the business because they’re stuck on the income rollercoaster. How does investing, even passively, save you from this instability?
- How to spot great deals frequently
If you want to take a more active approach to finding deals, how do you make investing top of mind?
-You don’t need a real estate license to invest, but you should have one
Do you leave money on the table when you’re not an agent-investor?
Tracking our numbers might not be the most exciting, but it is the most important thing we can do in our businesses. In order to know if what you’re doing today will lead to the results we want, we have to keep score.
We need to know if our daily, weekly and monthly actions are leading us to our goals or taking us away from them.
How do we apply a scorecard to various parts of our businesses? What happens when we discover that we’re off track?
In this episode, I talk about how to create your own weekly business scorecard, and why it’s so powerful in your business.
If you don’t know or don’t measure what you’ll be doing every single week, you have no idea whether or not you’re on track. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Get clear on the goal
Why do we need to hone in on our investment vehicle in order to have a precise scorecard?
-The problem that entrepreneurs face
Can having time and a flexible schedule actually work against us?
-Staying on track
How does a scorecard make it easier to see where we’re falling short or going off track?
For any agent, stacking investing on top of your sales business is a guaranteed path to wealth. It can magnify our real estate commissions many times over, and ultimately, we can work up to earning $10k a month in passive income.
The only challenge is raising money for that first deal to get the ball rolling. Most agents won’t even start for this reason, but capital doesn’t have to be a barrier. Whether you want to invest passively or actively, there is a way to do deals without any of your own money.
In this episode, we bring you into one of our events, where I share how to easily do more deals by levering partnerships.
If you’re an agent, you’re better off having a cash offer in your back pocket. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Passive or proactive
How do we decide the level of involvement we want to have in investing?
-The smart way to spend money
From free to paid marketing, how can we start generating the leads we need to do more deals? Are Facebook leads as good as Google ones?
-Reducing your risk in a risky market
What price points and property types should we stay away from right now?
Real estate offers many vehicles that can lead us to wealth, but they aren’t created equal, especially if you’re looking for something passive.
Short-term rentals and small multi-family units are vehicles many people go after, but it’s hard to be hands-off with them. This is why apartment buildings are so great, they offer a passive investing option, but are still worthwhile if you want to be an active investor.
What holds people back from investing in apartments? How do you choose the right apartments to invest in?
In this episode, we talk about why we invest in apartments, and even give you a peek into one of the projects we’re currently working on.
When you have many units in one complex, your management is significantly lower, your profits are a lot higher, and it’s just an easier lifestyle. -Jim Cooke
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Truly passive
Why is it hard to truly be passive with short-term rentals and small multi-family?
-Why you don’t need to come up with all the money
Most people would never even dream of investing in apartments because they believe they need to have all the capital themselves. How can you get into a deal with the money you have?
-The massive advantage agents have
How can you get your start in investing by just being a good deal finder?
One of the biggest reasons agents hesitate to invest is that it might throw off the retail side and hurt their sales.
That notion couldn’t be further from the truth. Retail and investing actually go hand-in-hand; one enhances the other - especially if you go after sellers.
Considering where the market is and where the industry is going, a seller-based business is key to our survival. How does a seller-focused business allow us to earn more? In this episode, I share the power of focusing on sellers and why it pairs so well with investing.
The combination of being an agent and an investor simultaneously is extremely powerful. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Why your $/hour is higher on the seller side
How does working with sellers make us more scalable and profitable?
-Cash offer call to action = game changer
How does having both the option for a cash offer and a traditional listing make us more valuable to sellers?
-An easy way to generate leads
Why is it critical for our sphere of influence to know we’re both in real estate sales and investing?
When you’re starting out as an agent-investor, it’s hard to raise money for deals, so we have to tap into low to no money strategies.
There are a few ways to get in front of off-market sellers without a huge marketing budget - each with their own pros and cons. The key to success will always be consistency and a way to measure our success.
How can we get auctions to work for us? How can we leverage our relationships with other agents? In this episode, I share a few ways to get deals without spending a whole lot of money.
Agents in general don’t come across off-market deals on a weekly basis so you need a large group of agents that you are in front of quite a bit and you need to make sure they remember you. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Building solid agent relationships
How do we make sure we’re standing out from other agents?
-Why deals need to be off market
The MLS has a lot of competition, how do we create our own market for deals?
-Take the guesswork out of your efforts
How do we measure our success with the strategies we use to find deals?
So many agents are looking for investing deals and capital, but the people who know, like and trust them have no idea. If we’re only telling people that we’re in retail sales, they won’t be aware that we have other solutions. If we’re not sharing with our sphere of influence what we’re doing in real estate, they won’t be able to funnel leads and deals our way.
Social media is the easiest and most effective way to share what we’re doing in real estate. With a few posts, we can educate our sphere of influence that we invest, and that will boost our businesses.
What should we be posting on social media? In this episode, I share how to activate your sphere of influence to help in our investing goals?
If you’re an agent who doesn’t tell their clients that you can also buy homes, you’re going to lose deals to investors. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-It’s never too soon to share
Can we post that we’re looking for deals when we don’t have the money to do a deal?
-What we should be posting
How do we strike a balance between business and personal posts so people get to know us and also know what we’re working on?
-One helpful tool to employ
How do we measure the impact and reach of our posts?
The best investing deals aren’t found on the MLS - they aren’t even on the market at all. Any investor worth their salt has to know how to find discounted, off-market properties and have a tried and tested strategy to get in front of those homeowners.
Mail has always been my marketing strategy of choice, but because so many things go into it, getting started can be overwhelming. How much money do you need to run a solid mailing campaign? Who do you send the mailers to?
In this episode, I’ll share my strategy for mailers and the critical decisions you have to make if you want to succeed.
When it comes to someone selling their house at a discount, your mailer is not going to convince them to do anything, it’s just going to show up at the right time. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we need to ditch the MLS for investing deals
Can we easily make the numbers work with traditional listings?
- How much money you need to invest into your mailing campaign
Blanketing entire neighborhoods with mails is expensive and wasteful, which homes and owners are the perfect candidates for mails?
- How to build your mailing list
What is the ideal frequency and cadence to get the opportunity to buy someone’s house?
As an investor, raising capital, finding and putting deals together is really only half of the business. If you’re flipping homes, buying rental properties and building apartments, construction and renovation is really where the rubber meets the road.
Now that you have the property, you actually have to make sure the projects get done on budget, on time and to a high quality.
What are the most common traps investors fall into? In this episode, Jim Cooke returns to share how to cut down on the biggest construction mistakes investors make.
In the beginning phase, one bad deal could knock you out of the business. -Tom Cafarella
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Don’t build your dream home
How do we make sure we’re renovating for a profit, not according to our tastes and preferences?
-General contractors vs. subcontractors
Hiring and working with contractors is where most investors get tripped up. How do you hold them accountable and make sure they are delivering a great result?
-The key to a good site walk
Are photos and videos enough to hold contractors accountable?
-On time and to a high standard
What are acceptable reasons for a project to go over the timeline?
Guest Bio
Jim is a real estate investor and founder of Cooke Realty LLC. With 20 years of flipping experience under his belt, he has handled just about every type of home renovation. Connect with Jim over on LinkedIn. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cookejim/)
For a few years, short-term rentals have been the hottest asset class in real estate. Owning a property in a hot destination, potentially earning more than traditional rentals, what’s not to like? Here’s the problem though: if we look past the allure of owning a vacation property, there’s a lot of risk and even diminishing returns.
For a multitude of reasons, this is probably the worst time to own a short-term rental. You’re going up against economic pressures and increasing regulations and this will most certainly cut into your returns.
Is there any way to own and operate short-term rentals successfully? In this episode, I share why I’m personally not a fan of short-term rentals as an investment strategy.
When you’re swimming with the tide and buying at the right time, you can be an average operator and still do well. When you buy at the wrong time, you have to be an exceptional operator to be profitable. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why people are obsessed with short-term rentals
Are people flocking to short-term rentals because they are a sound investment or just because they are cool to own?
- The crowd is typically wrong
By the time an investing strategy goes super mainstream, it’s usually too late to do it successfully. Why are short-term rentals a perfect example of this?
- What scares me most about short-term rentals
Short-term rentals are rife with regulation. Why is this such a huge threat to profitability?
Most real estate investors swear by tried and tested formulas to make a profit, but if we’re not careful, those formulas can burn us. Formulas are meant to be a guide, not the end-all-be-all decider for our deals.
Very often, what’s projected on paper doesn’t translate to reality, so going on the formula alone can get us into trouble.
How do some of the most common formulas fall short? What approach should we take when we go into deals?
In this episode, I share why relying on formulas alone can lead to us losing money.
In multifamily, consider how much the value can be increased so you can do a cash out refi later to buy your next property. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Formulas are just the starting point
Losing money is probably the number 1 reason people don’t invest. How do some of the most common investing formulas lead to that undesirable outcome?
- Time heals all wounds, but not in fix and flips
How do the most common fix and flip formulas burn us?
- Make the profit when you buy
How do you set yourself up for success on day 1?
People invest in real estate to access wealth and passive income, but to get those privileges and enjoy them, it has to be done within a certain time frame.
From 50 years to 5 years, it’s possible to achieve our goals within the time horizon we desire, but it requires different strategies.
If we want to achieve our goals in less time, what do we change about how we invest? What’s the ultimate shortcut to growing a large portfolio?
In this episode, I share how you can build a portfolio that earns $10k - $40k of passive income every month in the time frame you want.
Investment real estate goes up in value over the course of time and at some point, you can pull your money out for a down payment on the property. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The ultimate wealth-building shortcut
If we want to cut our investing time horizon in half, what skill do we have to build?
- How to find great deals
Why are off-market properties key to a faster time horizon?
- The BRRR method
How can one property turn into a sizable portfolio?
To have success in investing, our chosen strategy has to match with the market cycle we’re in.
We have to know how to make money now, not what worked multiple years ago. If we study the market cycles over the last 20 years, certain patterns begin to emerge, and we can use them to forecast what’s ahead and inform our decisions.
How do you invest with the market instead of against it? In this episode, I share how market cycles impact what we should be doing as investors, and how to avoid investing behind the curve.
Depending on what time period we’re in, how you invest needs to change, you need to adapt with the market. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- History doesn’t repeat, it rhymes
What can we glean from the market cycles of the last 20 years?
- The power of timing
Can you make more money by just being patient and taking your time with investing decisions?
- Winning in an investor saturated market
With low inventory and high investor activity, can we still make money in 2023?
In the investing game, there are so many ways we can shortcut our journey to success. One of them is learning from the experiences of other investors, especially the things they wish they did differently in the beginning phase.
There are things we can do in that initial stage that can fast track our results and avoid many headaches and pitfalls.
What are the things I’ve learned in my own journey? In this episode, I share valuable lessons from my own career that will set you up for success in your own.
The market rewards excellence. The better you can get at one specific narrow niche, the better the results you’re going to get. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of perfecting your craft
How do we identify a great mentor?
- Double down on your strengths, supplement your weaknesses
What’s better - trying to be good at everything or focusing on our strengths?
- There’s no free lunch when it comes to achieving a lot
Can passive income come about without a period of extraordinary hard work?
Multi-family might have its advantages, but it can also prove to be too difficult for many agent investors. Apartments are a worthy alternative too, or better yet, a better option than small multi family units. They are typically low maintenance and often become cash flow positive very early.
Why should we make the switch from multi-family over to apartments? What factors do we have to take into consideration when making the switch?
In this episode, I talk about the horror stories of multi-family real estate, why I personally switched to apartments and how it changed the trajectory of my real estate career.
As humans we want to work less, we want to have a relatively easy life and so we want to buy assets that don’t require maintenance. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The challenge with multi family
Why doesn’t multi-family real estate work for everyone?
- Location matters
Where we geographically buy properties matters a lot. How do we make the right call with apartments?
- Passive or active
Does it make more sense to be completely passive?
Agents constantly come across investing deals that can significantly out-pace what they make selling homes. The problem is: with no funding or renovation experience, it’s hard to take action on it. What if you could spot a deal, make an extra $30k without worrying about the capital or construction?
We’ve rolled out an agent partnership program that allows you to take action on the deals you come across and build your net worth. How does this program work and what steps can you take to get started?
In this episode, I talk about our new agent partnership, and how you can get rewarded for the opportunities you come across in your day-to-day work as an agent.
If investing isn’t top of mind for you, you will oftentimes miss deals that are right in front of your face. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The worst part about being an agent right now (and how investing solves that)
Many agents are leaving the business because they’re stuck on the income rollercoaster. How does investing, even passively, save you from this instability?
- How to spot great deals frequently
If you want to take a more active approach to finding deals, how do you make investing top of mind?
-You don’t need a real estate license to invest, but you should have one
Do you leave money on the table when you’re not an agent-investor?
The real estate brokerage you choose is a vehicle for achieving the life and income you want.
Most brokerages are focused on real estate sales and recruiting. At our brokerage, we’re passionate about helping Agents Achieve Financial Freedom Through Real Estate Sales and Investing.
What can you expect when you join us? Who is this brokerage right for? In this episode, I share how our brokerage works and the benefits we offer to agents.
Investing changed my life and that’s why I promote it. -Tom Cafarella
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Sales will make you a living, investing will make you wealthy
Many brokerages discourage investing, why do we encourage it and help people do it?
- The disappearing cap
How do we reward the agents who are with us longer?
- Our culture
How do we make sure we maintain a great work environment?
- Why agents fail
How do we increase the success rate of our agents right from the beginning?
Real estate will make you a living. If you’re really committed and motivated, investing can make you worth millions. To invest successfully, systems are key and so is the right mindset.
Being interested but not committed isn’t good enough. A lukewarm level of motivation won’t take you far.
How can you set yourself up for success as an investor? In this episode, I share key takeaways from our recent systems event.
In order to be a successful investor, you need to be at an 8-10 level of motivation. It needs to be that important to you. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Building your deal finding skill set
How do we create a system that produces seller appointments every single week?
- Big projects are easier
Why are we focusing on 50-100 unit projects?
- How to be more investable
What does it take to raise capital for investing deals?
When it comes to investing passively in small multi-family units, people are sold a fairytale version of the strategy. They expect to buy the property and kick back while the rents roll in.
The truth couldn’t be further from this. With this asset class, there will always be difficulties and headaches. Difficult tenants, long-evictions and non-payment come with the territory.
What steps can we take to reduce the headaches? How do we prepare ourselves in advance?
In this episode, I’m joined by our property manager Bob DeVito. He shares how to prepare for the struggles of managing small multi-family units.
Money can’t be everything to you because it’s a tough business. You are going to spend money and you are going to lose money some months. -Bob DeVito
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The cost of managing multi-family units
With many investment properties, you might go 6-8 months with no rent coming in. How do you build a buffer?
- Don’t underestimate your tenants
What are some of the tricks and loopholes problematic tenants use to stay in the property longer?
- The truth about “passive investing”
Nothing is ever completely passive, but how can you reduce your involvement in the day to day?
Guest Bio
Bob is a real estate agent and property manager at The Cameron Group.
A strong mindset is a crucial part of success, but it doesn’t come easy. To shift our mindsets, we have to wade through a lot of negativity (our own or from people around us).
A bad mindset can hamper even the most skilled person, and a good mindset can propel an unskilled person further.
How do we shift into a success-driven mindset? What holds us back from what we want to achieve?
In this episode, I talk about what nurtures a winning mindset and what kills it.
Each and everyday in real estate, we’re going to have something negative happen to us. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The secret to a success-driven mindset
Mindset isn’t always easy even for people who have had success already. How do you build up that muscle?
- The mindset shift all agent-investors have to make
When it comes to real estate, your biggest results will not come at the beginning. How do you develop the patience for results?
- What kills our mindsets
It’s easy to let one bad thing ruin an entire day, how do we avoid this?
Investing in real estate is easy as long as we’re educated on what we’re doing. If we’re not informed, things can go south fast. It’s important to get educated on what we don’t know.
Why should we commit to educating ourselves and getting informed when it comes to real estate investing? How can this help us to move forward? How much time should we put into educating ourselves?
In this episode, co-founders of Eclipse Homes Leonardo Casillas and Brianna Maggio, join me to talk about taking initiative to educate ourselves in investing, different ways and methods to get informed and the power of compounding time and education.
If you’re a beginner investor or an investor who hasn’t done a deal yet, this episode is for you!
Our goal is to be a little better than the day before. -Brianna Maggio
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The freedom of investing
How does investing give people a life most would only dream about?
- Mindset and perspective
We might know what we want but how do we go out and achieve it?
- The doors that real estate investing opens
How does investing allow us to find estate deals others simply would not find anywhere else?
Guest Bio
Leonardo Casillas
Leonardo Casillas Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When he was twelve years old, Leonardo and his family moved to Lynn, Massachusetts and instantly connected with the vibrant community. He attended Lynn Public Schools and graduated from Lynn Classical High School at the top of his class. It was here that Leonardo developed a passion for community, and a desire to be a part of positive changes and progression from within.
The Great Recession highlighted the needs of Leonardo’s community, and witnessing the negative impacts within his own neighborhood was an eye-opening experience. In order to understand how families can better equip themselves to prepare for and overcome economic hardship, Leonardo pursued a degree in Finance at Stonehill College in Easton, MA.
Upon graduating, Leonardo moved to Somerville and worked in a Corporate, Financial Planning and Analysis role in the private sector for two years. He decided that his skills would be better utilized within his own community, and transitioned to working as a full-time real estate agent. This first-hand experience of watching homeowners struggle with the process of selling homes led to the realization that a simpler solution was needed. He established Eclipse to be just that – a simplified solution.
Brianna Maggio
Brianna knew from a young age that her life’s calling was in the field of design. She spent much of her childhood creating floor plans of hotels, houses, and make-believe buildings. As such, her decision to further her education and study Architectural Design at the University of Massachusetts Amherst came naturally.
Brianna set about on her college journey at UMass Amherst determined to turn her once make-believe buildings into reality. During her time at university, Brianna also discovered a hidden passion for art and art history. She found that this newly found creative interest and knowledge greatly complimented the more technical aspects of her work in architectural design.
Post-graduation, Brianna embarked on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, where she was able to further pursue her passion for art and design. Wandering through the incredible temples, ruins, and museums she had learned about only in textbooks was paramount in her growth as an artist and designer.
She established Eclipse with the desire to use her love of culture, art, and architecture to bring out the beauty hidden in the homes and buildings of her beloved city and the surrounding communities. Brianna is determined to build upon the existing charm of these communities. She is confident that with a focus on quality restoration, these cities can better reflect the incredible and vibrant people living within them.
Visit https://eclipsebuyshomes.com/
Find Leonardo on LinkedIn @Leonardo Casillas
Find Brianna on Instagram @briannamaggio
Real estate is a sure path to becoming a millionaire. If you buy 1 property a year, in 10 - 15 years, you’ll have a million dollar net worth.
What if you wanted to compress that time and change your financial life in a lot less time? There’s no such thing as a get rich quick scheme in real estate, but there is a formula that can make you wealthy in 3 years.
What’s the first step you need to take to implement this plan? How do you leverage sweat equity when you don’t have a lot of money to start?
In this episode, I share the formula I used to fast track my results in real estate investing.
If you want speed, effort has to be put in. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why you shouldn’t give up your day job
Should we give up selling homes as we ramp up our investing efforts?
- How to easily get started
If we want to fast track the results of real estate investing, why is multi-family the best asset class?
- The advantage real estate agents have
Can we grow an investing operation without working a lot harder as an agent?
One of the most important pillars in investing is finding good deals. To find good deals, we have to spend time or money. Since most new investors don’t have the budget for finding good deals, we have to spend time.
How can we find good deals through prospecting? Do we need to set goals when it comes to finding deals? How do we get started with prospecting?
In this episode, founder of Smart Inside Sales and renowned figure in the industry, Dale Archdekin, joins me to talk about how he built his business on prospecting, and how to mentally prepare for prospecting.
One of the best ways to spend time is prospecting. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Listen to your mentors
It’s one thing to have a mentor but a whole different thing to actually listen to them and take their advice. How do we take that step?
- Give yourself permission to fail
We’re not going to excel all the time so we should not always expect to win. Why should we give ourselves the grace to fail?
- What stops us from achieving what we want
What stops us from achieving the things we want even though we have the power to do so?
Guest Bio
With 16 years of experience in real estate and expertise in lead conversion, Dale is a renowned figure in the industry. Born in the Midwest and currently residing in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Dale has partnered to build the second-ranked team in his area and led the Top 5 KW Megan team to several years of success.
Starting as a listing agent in his hometown of Philly, Dale was a dedicated prospector who consistently called expired listings, FSBOs, and conducted cold prospecting every day. Later in his career, he had a breakthrough idea to create an ISA department and, through trial and error, he developed a successful process to scale his company from five agents and 100 transactions per year to 30 agents and 650 transactions per year. With his repeatable process, he was able to take individuals with no prior real estate experience, put them through his training, and produce 60 transactions for the team within their first 12 months.
Dale is passionate about helping others become experts in objection handling and generating more business. To this end, he founded Smart Coaching & Training and created its flagship course, Conversion University.
Visit https://smartsalescoaching.com/
Find Dale on Instagram @dalearchdekin
Find Dale on LinkedIn @Dale Archdekin
If you’re listening to a lot of people on Twitter, in the news, and even your favorite gurus, you’d think the economy is crashing by a certain date. The truth isn’t quite as dramatic or clear-cut.
As agent investors, operating with a sound mind is important, and that means separating ourselves from the gloom and doom so many people are pushing.
How do we get better at reading the market? Will bank collapses affect real estate? In this episode, I talk about what the economy means for our retail deals and investments.
Anyone who tells you they know 100% where the market’s going is lying and most probably lying to serve their interests. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- One variable prediction doesn’t work
Can the trajectory of the economy be foretold by looking at inflation and employment in isolation?
- There’s no such thing as a hard bad
Can investors benefit from inflation?
- How the economy will impact asset classes and investment models
From flips to buy and holds, how will the market impact your investing plans?
To find killer investment deals, we have to spend time, effort, and money. As agent investors, it's important to figure out where to put our effort and what sort of strategies work for us.
What can we do differently to find killer deals? We can’t force other agents and investors to do things but how can we guide them?
In this episode, real estate agent and investor Ricky Carruth joins me to discuss real estate coaching, why he advocates for every strategy, and his against-the-grain way of doing things and how it worked for him.
It took everything I learned to be number one. -Ricky Carruth
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Having a unique way of selling
Why should we have a unique way of selling?
- Practice patience
If someone is going to close a deal, we can’t make them do it any sooner than they are going to. Why is it so important to practice patience with our prospects?
- Consistency in results
What do we need to do to see consistent results?
Guest Bio
Ricky Carruth lives on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, where he started selling real estate in 2002. By 2014, he was named the #1 RE/MAX agent in his State, selling over 100 properties yearly since recovering from real estate disasters in his coastal region (two major hurricanes, the related insurance crisis, and the BP oil spill). Having grown up with parents who taught him the value of hard physical labor and strong ethics, he never takes his success for granted and lives each day doing his personal best with the ultimate goal of helping others. He also started speaking, writing, and coaching in 2017 through his Zero to Diamond free real estate coaching company with a mission to reduce the failure rate in the real estate industry by bringing awareness that it's not about the deal, it's about the relationship. Ricky is the No-Pressure Agent.
Visit https://zerotodiamond.com/
Find Ricky on LinkedIn @Ricky Carruth
Subscribe to Ricky on YouTube @RickyCarruth
Agent-investors constantly come across off-market deals, but lack someone to sell them to. Having a cash buyer on the ready is one of the most valuable things you can possess. What if you had thousands of buyers you can call whenever you find an opportunity?
How do you go about finding cash buyers in your market? In this episode, you’ll learn how we built up a list of thousands of buyers without cold calling.
Having a big, concentrated cash buyer list allows you to make the biggest spread possible. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The best way to find investors
The last thing investors want are people reaching out to them without a solid deal. How do we gauge when the time is right?
- How to capitalize on properties you won’t be listing or investing in
Just because a property doesn’t fit your buy box doesn’t mean you can’t earn money on it. How do you flip it into an opportunity?
- Where to find deals that appeal to investors
How can we take advantage of unexpected platforms to find opportunities?
Short-term rentals can catapult us when we’re starting our real estate investing careers. They are cash-flow turbochargers and are much easier to finance than other options. However, they are not completely passive and still need management.
What are some of the other benefits of short-term rentals? Can they bring in more cash than the traditional long-term rentals?
In this episode, the CEO of The Short Term Shop, Avery Carl joins me to discuss her experience with short-term rentals, how they kick-started her career, and how she used investing to build her team.
The first step to investing is getting educated. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Focusing on one thing
Can we find more success in specializing than generalizing?
- Spread the word about your business
How can we spread the word about our business so that we’re the first and only option?
- Building a team
When building a team, we can be reluctant to let go of tasks that we usually take on. How can we properly delegate and track tasks when building a team?
Guest Bio
Avery Carl is the author of Amazon's best-seller, "Short Term Rental, Long Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties," and the host of "The Short Term Show" Podcast!
Avery is also the CEO of The Short Term Shop, the country's TOP short-term rental, and Airbnb real estate agency. The Short Term Shop has connected investors with over 5,000 cash-flowing short-term rental properties since 2018. Avery went from a 37k salary to a real estate portfolio of over 220 doors in 5 years through strategically investing in short-term and vacation rentals. This strategy allowed her to grow her portfolio much more quickly than starting with traditional long-term rentals. It's her goal to help as many investors reach financial independence through short-term rental investing as possible.
Visit https://theshorttermshop.com/
Find Avery on Instagram @theshorttermshop
Find Avery on LinkedIn @averycarl
In order to have a thriving business and leverage ourselves to make the most amount of money, we need systems in place. Systems can help us analyze whether a deal is good for us or not.
What are some of the things we should look at when approaching an investment deal? Can a deal analysis system help with deciding on an investment?
In this episode, I discuss all things systems and explain what our system for deal analysis looks like and how others can use it.
You want predictable results in your business and the only way to get there is by having systems. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Each deal is different
Why do we have to tailor our analysis to each specific deal?
- Different ways to analyze deals
Different properties are analyzed in different ways. What are some of the comparisons we can make?
- Data points
How can we use data points to figure out if an investment is good? Can data points help with making a decision?
If you’re a successful agent who sells up to 50 homes a year, why would you opt to grow the investing side of the business instead of retail? For Aram Ghazaryan, it’s a no brainer. Investing offers a better lifestyle and a much higher ceiling to his earning potential.
How is he using educational content to generate investing deals?
In this episode, the Chicago Realtor and investor shares his journey and how he is growing his investing operation.
My real estate business exploded once I started investing for myself. -Aram Ghazaryan
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance to putting our ego in the box
How do we make sure we’re giving the best presentation to charge a premium rate?
- Lifestyle matters more than the numbers
As investors what advantages do we have access to that we don’t get from working as agents?
- Generating investing leads via social media
How does Aram turn an Instagram DM into a buyer consultation and then a closing?
Guest Bio
Aram Ghazaryan is a Chicagoland Realtor and Investor. He offers a unique experience for his clients through the use of social media, branding, and video marketing. The foundation of Aram’s business is based on excellent service, delivering results, and great communication with all his clients. Follow at @aramgrealty for more information and to get in touch.
You don’t have to be a natural salesperson or prospector to generate leads and grow your business.
Whether you want capital, deals, or recruits, if you’re uncomfortable with traditional sales, there’s another way, and the great news is that it allows you to attract business instead of chasing it.
How do we use education to bring more people into our world? In this episode, I’ll share my lead gen and marketing strategy and how you can monetize educational content.
You can generate almost any kind of lead from an education-based selling system as long as you provide good content, pick the right audience and have calls-to-action along the way. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to generate business your way
Can we generate quality leads without the traditional methods of prospecting?
- Finding the right lead gen method for you
How do you know if an education-based marketing system is for you?
- How to package and monetize educational content
How can we turn free content into a lead generation mechanism?
Investing can seem difficult to start, but once we get over the obstacle of the first few deals, the battle is already won. It’s been proven many times over that investing can make us wealthy, so why aren’t more agents doing it?
How do we take the leap to getting started?
In this episode, author, podcast host and principal owner of the Huckaby Briscoe Conroy Group, Karen Briscoe joins me to talk about investing awareness, how you can become financially free by investing and how she got started.
Sales will make you a living but investing will make you wealthy. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Playing the long game
Are we missing out on long-term huge wins by expecting immediate results?
- Getting around other successful agent investors
How does surrounding ourselves with people who are successful in the space we want to be leapfrog our own success?
- Implementation of ideas and concepts
Where should we get started when it comes to implementation?
Guest Bio
Karen Briscoe is the author and host of “Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day: Secrets of a Top Agent Revealed” and 5 Minute Success podcast. She is the principal owner of the Huckaby Briscoe Conroy Group (HBC) with Keller Williams, which is recognized as one of the top 250 real estate teams by the Wall Street Journal.
Karen is the creator of the 5 Minute Success concept. She regularly speaks on a national and local level on the best of 5 Minute Success. Further she is the host of the weekly 5 Minute Success podcast which has an amazing array of guests who achieve success at a high level in business and life.
Visit https://www.5minutesuccess.com/
Find Karen on LinkedIn @Karen Briscoe
Find Karen on Facebook @Karen A Briscoe
Having systems and processes in place is crucial when it comes to ensuring that a business runs smoothly and produces the best possible outcome. However, having a system that is not followed regularly can have adverse effects.
As a business scales, we need to have people controlling and managing these systems in order to grow even more. How can we ensure that our systems and processes are looked at closely? How can we get started?
In this episode, I talk about the role systems play in our businesses, why it’s important to look at every part of the process and some of the different systems when it comes to investing.
All great and real businesses have systems. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-
Who can manage your systems
Do people need to be highly skilled to run and manage systems? -
Changing systems if they don’t work
Not all systems work, how do we figure out what works for us and refine what doesn’t? -
How to start building and managing systems
When it comes to building systems, it's best to start small, how do we go about it?
Investing is not difficult and even though a lot of agents are interested in it, not many of them actually put action behind that intent. Capital is the main reason agents think they can’t invest, but that’s far from the truth.
How can we overcome the biggest obstacle of investing without having a huge amount of capital? What steps should we take to get started?
In this episode, founder of Candor Realty Group Jonathan Bombaci joins me to talk about investing as an agent and how he got started as an agent investor.
Most agents know that they should be investing in real estate. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-What it takes to be an agent investor
What exactly makes a successful investor? What is the mindset that you need to have?
-How to get started on your journey
It’s not difficult to get started in investing, but there are many ways to get started. How do we pick what’s right for us?
-How your sphere can impact your investing
People bring in value when we partner with them. How can we also bring value to them and make it a win-win situation so that they will want to continue to work with us?
Guest Bio
Jonathan Bombaci is the founder of Candor Realty Group that specializes in looking at real estate transactions from an investors point of view. As investors they have firsthand experience with investment properties which they leverage to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
Jonathan used the knowledge and experience he gained in financial analysis to invest in real estate. Jonathan and his wife acquired 24 rental units in Northern NH and set up a passive income system that more than pays their bills. He used his newly found financial independence to dive headfirst into real estate with the mission to help others reach financial independence through real estate.
Find Jonathan on LinkedIn here @Jonathan Bombaci
Visit https://www.candorealty.com/
One of the biggest barriers to becoming an agent investor is the belief that you simply don’t have time to juggle the two. Many agents already feel like they are spread too thin selling homes and dealing with clients before taking on another business.
The truth is - adding investing to an already busy schedule is possible, and because it can make us less reliant on the retail side, it can actually streamline our lives.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stefanie & Patrick Willie-Bonglo, a couple who are excellent at juggling a lot, and they share their story and their secret to balance.
By just changing your mindset, you can go from making your 6% on a listing to making $150,000. -Stefanie Willie-Bonglo
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-How to ramp up quickly in real estate
Why was coaching so pivotal to Stefanie and Patrick’s early success in real estate?
-The importance of prioritization
As busy entrepreneurs, it’s easy to neglect rest. How do we remind ourselves to take time off?
-What successful people have in common
Why do we have to get better at making quick decisions?
Guest Bio
Stefani and Patrick are agents, investors, husband and wife team and owners of Team WB Real Estate. For more information, find them on Facebook.
Most of us are well aware that investing is the key to financial freedom, but it’s hard to take action when we don’t have the education that we need. If we want real estate to change our lives, getting educated isn’t enough, we have to be able to take action, get access to deals, funding and the support of people in the game. The more individualized this support is, the better.
This is what we created our Inner Circle for. In this episode, I share what you get access to when you sign up, and how we’ll help you achieve your real estate dreams.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why it took me 6 years to do my first investing dealWhat can we do to get off the fence of real estate investing?
-How to focus on prioritiesThere’s always a shiny object trying to take our attention, how do we stick with what will give us ROI?
- All the things you get access to in the Inner CircleWhat are the resources and tools agents really need to make the step to invest?
Real estate agents have a unique advantage when it comes to investing in real estate, but we need education to get us started and set up for success.
Being in the same room as other agent investors and getting exposed to key systems and strategies is one of the biggest shortcuts to success in investing. We can learn a lot of impactful lessons from in-person events, and with this in mind, we have our 2 Day "Agent Investor Systems" coming up.
In this episode, I’ll share what you can expect from the event, and why we’re so passionate about putting them together.
As an agent, you have all the components necessary to do great investing deals. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-The benefit of doing retail and investing simultaneouslyWhy do we encourage people to stay in real estate sales even when their investing business is thriving?
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How to use systems to get predictable resultsWhat tools do you need to get renovations done on time, and on budget with little to no hassle?
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What you can learn from the experiences of other agent investorsHow do we make sure every asset you own is a great one?
To succeed as an investor, you have to get good at 3 things, finding deals, finding capital and managing the properties. For most people, the capital piece is the most challenging, especially if you’re just starting out.
Partnering with the right lenders takes a lot of the complexities and guesswork out of the capital part, and the more educated we become about them, the better.
How do you tap into different pockets of capital? What are private lenders looking for to invest in a deal?
In this episode, I’m joined by the Managing Director of Renovo Financial in Boston, Paul Shaughnessy. We talk about how lenders approach deals and how to make it easier to get capital for your own investments.
Anytime there’s significant amounts of uncertainty, you’ll have capital leaving the market. When there’s a scarcity of capital, that leads to more expensive money. -Paul Shaughnessy
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What lenders are looking for in an investorWhy do lenders prefer an investor who has a solid team behind them?
- Why lenders vet rental deals closelyCan the right lender keep you from getting into a bad deal in the first place?
- Why you need multiple sources of capitalCan we expect capital to become more constricted with what’s happening with interest rates?
Guest Bio
Paul Shaughnessy is the Managing Director of Renovo Financial in Boston. Since 2016, Paul has been wheeling and dealing in Boston real estate. Renovo Financial is more than a lender, with local market knowledge and a streamlined process, they work with clients through the life of their real estate investment loan to ensure that their project gets completed quickly and efficiently. For more information, email paul@renovo.com or call 339-224-2586.
For agents, the kinds of deals that increase your net worth by $1 million are rare and really hard to come by. An investor on the other hand, can stumble into a game changing deal like this and even get into it with little to no money down. Through investing, you can earn in a single deal what would take years as an agent, and even a beginner can do this.
This is what happened to Jason Goldfarb and Tyler Scaglione - they just came off an investing deal that made them a cool $500k, and that’s before all the equity they’ve walked into.
How did this deal happen and how easy is it for an agent-investor to do the same? In this episode, my mentees share the story behind this deal and the lessons even a beginner investor can learn from it.
Can you increase your net worth by $1 million as an agent? It’s possible, but it takes more bandwidth and time, this is a shortcut. -Jason Goldfarb
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The multiplier effect of investingHow did one of my guests go from 1 single family property to 9 units and then 16 units?
- How a 20-year old got this deal startedHow did our special bonus guest make this whole deal possible?
- Why we need a funnel of off-market dealsHow did Jason and Tyler make this deal happen with a lot less than $5000 down?
Guest Bio
Tyler Scaglione is the team lead at Homexe - Cameron Prestige LLC. He is an experienced Licensed Real Estate Agent with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in Skip Tracing, Sales, Real Property, Strategic Prospecting, and Investment Properties.
Visit https://www.homexe.com/
Find Tyler Scaglione on LinkedIn @Tyler Scaglione
Jason Goldfarb is an Acquisition Specialist and Real Estate Consultant at Goldpath Real Estate Group. He was first licensed in 1999 and has proven time and time again that he can help clients attain their goals. Jason specializes in real estate sales, short sale negotiation, and broker price opinions.
Find Jason on Instagram @jason_goldfarb_realestate
Find Jason on LinkedIn @Jason Goldfarb
In anything we want to achieve, taking action is always the first step to getting there. We could have all the tactics and intentions in the world, but if we fail to execute, it’s meaningless. In real estate investing, everything revolves around taking action.
How do we gain the courage to take the first step? What sacrifices do we have to make in order to get closer to our goals?
In this episode, agent investor Michael Wetherbee joins me to talk about his first steps in investing, how making mistakes helped him gain clarity, and what pushed him to begin his agent investor journey.
Investing is all about sacrificing your today for a future. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of reflectionHow do we take a step back and appreciate and learn from the journey so far?
- Using information to your advantageWe have an abundance of information at our fingertips, but how do we use the correct information in order to reach the next level?
- The importance of mentorshipHow can a mentor or coach guide you through challenges, even if you've been in the real estate investing game for a long time?
Guest Bio:
Michael Wetherbee is a motivated and dedicated agent with experience in each stage of real estate. Michael takes the extra step to get clients prepared to get their house on the market and makes his clients feel comfortable with each phase of the transaction. Whether it is buying or selling properties or getting involved in investing to grow wealth with rehab projects and multi-families, Michael has over 7 years of experience in all categories.
Find Michael on Facebook.
Traditional listings and off-market, cash offer deals are two completely different animals. The consumer’s motivations are vastly different from someone who wants to list on the MLS, so we have to prepare accordingly.
Whether it’s over the phone or at the kitchen table, what we say and the types of questions we ask are critical to our success with these transactions.
How do we identify a cash offer opportunity? How do we internalize the scripts so they sound like us?
In this episode, you’ll learn how to prepare when a cash offer opportunity presents itself.
Be inquisitive. You want to understand where they’re at, where they’re looking to go and how you can potentially bridge that gap. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to do the work upfrontWhy is the initial phone call in a cash appointment so critical to the entire process?
- Cash vs. retail consumersA client who wants the ease of a cash transaction is very different to a client who wants to get the most amount of money. How can we identify who wants the former?
- How to put sellers at ease with one sentenceWhen you ask people how much money they want for their home, they are bound to become defensive. How do we take the pressure off?
When it comes to listing appointments, there can be a lot of unknowns that we aren’t prepared for. Most people are used to the typical method of selling a home, but a cash offer might serve them better. Learning how to turn a listing appointment is a valuable skill that can also help us as investors.
How do we convert a listing appointment into a cash deal? What does a typical negotiation look like when coming up with an offer?
In this episode, Property Acquisitions Manager at Cameron Real Estate Group Jared Van Edema joins me to discuss cash sales, how to figure out the right solution for a seller and why people choose the convenience of cash.
A lot of people want the most amount of money and the most amount of convenience but the reality is that it does not exist. -Jared Van Edema
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to influence the outcomeCan we get successful and consistent outcomes through trial and error?
- Listing traditionally vs. a cash offerHow do we figure out the right solution for the seller?
- The convenience of a cash saleA lot of people prefer a cash sale because of its convenience but what are some of the other reasons why people think cash is king?
Guest Bio:
Jared van Edema is a Manager for Property Acquisitions at Cameron Real Estate Group based in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Jared has a background in sales and has been into sales for over 11 years. He joined the Cameron Real Estate Group in 2020.
Find Jared on LinkedIn @Jared Van Edema
Accounting can seem like a boring part of a business, and a lot of people see it in a negative light, but when done correctly, accounting can have a positive impact on our business and even help it grow.
How does accounting help us make better business decisions? What value does it add to our business? How do we find the right people to track and analyze data that will ensure growth?
In this episode, CFO of Cameron Real Estate Group, Kevin Brown joins me to discuss the role of accounting in different businesses, how accounting can add value and help us grow and how to set up your own accounting and tax team.
If you can’t find opportunities then you’re not working hard enough. -Kevin Brown
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to find the right tax professionalsHow do we find the right tax professionals that are specific to our business and know the industry well?
- The key metrics to look for in a brokerageCan data show us where more time needs to be spent in the business?
- How data can help us forecast the future of our business.How does accounting help us map out the future of our businesses?
Guest Bio:
Kevin Brown is a senior finance and accounting professional with demonstrated expertise in all company lifecycle activities including fundraising, reorganization, brand extension, and successful exit execution. He is currently the CFO of Cameron Real Estate Group. Kevin collaborates effectively with stakeholders and identifies business opportunities. Kevin is an expert in using analysis, insights and team approach to drive organizational improvements and best practice implementation.
Find Kevin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-brown-a58b434
Whether we’re remodeling an investment property for a buy and hold or flipping it for a quick turnaround, navigating renovations and construction can be a minefield, especially in this market.
This is an area where extremely expensive mistakes can be made, and one way to avoid them is leaning on the experience and expertise of seasoned renovators.
How do we avoid over-renovating? Where can we find contractors we can trust?
In this episode, I’m joined by the owner of Cooke LLC, Jim Cooke. With 20 years of experience renovating investment properties, he shares what every new investor has to know about this critical aspect of the game.
Don’t fall in love with the property, it’s not your house, your goal is to get it to comp. -Jim Cooke
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- High-level budgeting strategies you have to be aware ofHow do we determine the money and effort we need to put into a project for it to be profitable, and not a money pit?
- The key to contractor relationshipsWhy would a contractor choose to work with an investor on a repeat basis?
- How to shift your strategy with the marketAs investors, we have to deal with material shortages. How do we shift our strategies to keep up with changes in the supply chain?
Guest Bio
Jim is a real estate investor and founder of Cooke Realty LLC. With 20 years of flipping experience under his belt, he has handled just about every type of home renovation.
Connect with Jim over on LinkedIn.
A new year is a great time to jumpstart your investing operations, but getting started can seem daunting and difficult. Having an investment plan in place can make it much simpler to navigate the challenges, especially for a new investor getting used to all the moving pieces.
How do we get started with investing? What should we focus on to ensure that we are on the right track?
In this episode, Cameron Real Estate Group assistant project manager Calvin Driscoll joins me to discuss creating an investment plan, how to get started and what to do when you’re investing at a high level.
You’ve got to get around other people who are doing what you want to do. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The foundation of your planHow do we envision the future and what it costs to invest?
- Types of investingThere are many different types of investing but how do we choose what’s right for us?
- How to utilize investing resourcesThere are thousands of resources for investing such as audiobooks, courses, podcasts and books but how do we pick out what will actually work for us?
Guest Bio
Calvin Driscoll joined Cameron Real Estate Group as an assistant project manager. He attended Endicott College where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Find Calvin on LinkedIn @Calvin Driscoll
For agents, up to 20% of the listings we come across can be flipped to our own investment deals, but we don’t believe we have the vehicle to do so. There are tons of sellers who are better suited with not taking the traditional listing route, and all it really takes is identifying the opportunity and showing up with a cash offer.
How do we know if a listing could be an investment deal? Why do we need to have the offer before we get to the appointment?
In this episode, I’m sharing how we add cash offers to our listing presentations, and why it creates the ultimate win-win for everyone.
10-20% of all sellers want a cash offer and would be better off taking a cash offer than a listing. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why fetching top dollar isn’t every seller’s top priorityWhy would someone ever want to sell their house for below fair market value?
- How to get ahead of the competitionWhy do we need to be ready to sign on the dotted line before we even get to the appointment?
- How to easily draw up your offerHow do we calculate the right number for a cash offer?
Apartment deals have the ability to bring in passive income and they allow us to grow and expand our businesses, and help us to do less while making more money.
Apartment deals can seem daunting but the simplicity of it is what makes them work so well for agent investors. What should we be on the lookout for when it comes to apartment deals, and what skill sets do we need to get started?
In this episode, founder of Property Possible Inc, Michael Favor joins me to discuss being an entrepreneur, how he got started on apartment deals and what it takes to be a part of a deal . We also talk about networking and share tips for new investors.
That’s just a hallmark thing with entrepreneurs. They just want to be independent more than anything. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to figure out your best next stepIt's easy to get excited about business but even after feeling motivated, we can sometimes hit a wall. How do we figure out what steps to take next?
- Laying bricks to build your businessBuilding a business takes time but how do we ensure that we have everything to begin building it? How do we expand once we start building?
- How to put together a passive income dealPassive income deals can be simple, but what should we look out for?
Guest Bio
Michael Lefavor is a real estate investor with a focus on residential real estate development, home rehabs, property syndication, and raising capital for investing in commercial real estate assets. Michael founded his own real estate investment business, Property Possible Inc in 2018. Since then Michael and his team have completed over 80 fix and flips and built a rental portfolio of over 260 apartments with over 40 million in AUM. Michael has experience in a wide facet of RE investment ranging from multifamily, condo conversion, land development, and new construction and residential fix and flip. Michael serves as President at Property Possible Inc as well as providing analysis and strategic growth services for the company.
Find Michael Lefavor on LinkedIn @Michael Lefavor
A couple of years ago, virtually any real estate deal would fly off the shelf, and investors could easily walk into a profitable deal. Now, the economic environment has changed dramatically, and investing vehicles that used to guarantee a ton of money have come to a screeching halt.
Now that the deals that were once profitable are now precarious, if we keep operating like before, we can find ourselves underwater at a time we should be preserving everything we have.
So if many investing deals are seeing a big shake up, how do we survive? Which models should we stay far away from?
In this episode, I’m talking about the harsh reality of today’s market, and how to avoid the least profitable real estate deals.
In the last couple of years, buyers were overlooking funky homes. Now with more inventory to choose from and less motivation, they are a lot less jumpy to get on a deal. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we have to pivot away from what used to work wellIs the golden era of wholesale deals and tight margin flips squarely in the rearview mirror?
- The deals investors will have a hard time sellingWhy are long construction/renovations such a death knell for profitability in this market?
- The downstream effects of the affordability crisisWhy has buyer demand dropped so dramatically over the last few months?
For most people, real estate investing isn’t something associated with ease. To find deals, get capital, and make the numbers work, you would imagine that it requires a lot of time and effort.
What most real estate agents don’t realize is just how low their barrier of entry into investing is - a lot of the skills required are already in their back pockets, and deals are right under their noses.
Can you invest without doing a whole lot more than what you’re already doing? What are some of the easiest ways to get deals as an agent? In this episode, I share why investing is so much easier than you think.
Agents can become investors by accident by having their eyes open. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why you need to add cash offers to your listing presentationAre more sellers interested in cash offers today than they were a few months ago?
- Why clients are more likely to call an investor than an agentCould we get more investing deals by simply telling people in our sphere that we aren’t just agents, but investors as well?
- The enviable advantage real estate agents haveHow do agents come across deals in their day-to-day, without actively going out there prospecting for them?
Sometimes, no matter how much work we put in, it feels like our efforts take ages to pay off. We become impatient with the wait for success and end up doing things that don’t necessarily work in our favor.
Why do some breakthroughs take longer than others? Is learning what not to do just as important as learning what to do?
In this episode, Team Lead at Homexe and experienced Licensed Real Estate Agent, Tyler Scaglione joins me to discuss patience when it comes to getting results out of your work, what it takes to do things the hard way and how to get confidence to gain momentum.
I learned what not to do more than I learned what to do because just by doing, you’ll have 2 different outcomes. One of them is right and one of them is wrong and at least if it's the wrong outcome, you’ll learn from it. -Tyler Scaglione
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why results often feel so delayedTiming is key when it comes to success but why do some breakthroughs take longer than others?
- Doing things the hard wayThere are lessons in doing things the hard way and we have to have grit to take the road less traveled by.
- Why you should be patient with your successWe may not see the fruits of our labor immediately and it takes time to see the results of hard work. Why shouldn’t we give up when we don’t see instant results?
Guest Bio:
Tyler Scaglione is the team lead at Homexe - Cameron Prestige LLC. He is an experienced Licensed Real Estate Agent with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. Skilled in Skip Tracing, Sales, Real Property, Strategic Prospecting, and Investment Properties.
Visit https://www.homexe.com/
Find Tyler Scaglione on LinkedIn @Tyler Scaglione
Ask any real estate agent what’s holding them back from investing, and the most common response you’ll get is capital or lack thereof. The truth is, raising capital isn’t as hard as we think it is. Agents already have the sales skills and database relationships that give us a huge advantage when it comes to raising capital.
I recently attended The Raisemasters Retreat in Miami, and learned key tactics we can put in place to get more capital in our corner. How do we identify who we can reach out to? What are other investors doing to set themselves up for success?
In this episode, I share the biggest nuggets I left the retreat with and how to apply them.
Raising capital isn’t about going out there and begging for money. It’s about understanding and serving the niche, and you can do that through real estate investing. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to appeal to investorsWhat rate of return do you need to give people for them to be excited about giving you capital?
- Why taking action is the key to successful investingHow can you put yourself in an environment where the only choice is to focus and do the tasks that need to be done?
- The power of injecting your posts with your personal story and personalityWhen it comes to social media is information always king?
Success doesn’t happen overnight - it takes time to see our hard work pay off and often there are difficulties that prolong the process, but those difficulties can actually make us better.
How can these difficulties help us grow and better ourselves? How long do we have to wait to see the results of our hard work?
In this episode, co-Founder of White Acre Properties Enis Shehu joins me to discuss the value of adversity and opportunity and how we can emerge stronger from difficult experiences.
Some experiences can be painful initially but going through that pain means you get to the other side stronger. -Enis Shehu
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Grabbing opportunities that come your way How can we get better at identifying all the opportunities around us?
- The power of painful experiences Painful experiences are difficult to go through but in the end, they make us stronger. How do we turn our struggles into opportunities for growth?
- The importance of a team that knows the end goal How do we keep our teams moving toward the vision we have?
Guest Bio
Enis Shehu is the co-Founder of White Acre Properties. Enis leads the acquisitions and project management of the firm. He has a deep knowledge of building, building codes and holds a construction supervisor license. He lives in Framingham with his wife and 2 kids.
Visit https://whiteacreproperties.com/
Find Enis on LinkedIn @Enis Shehu
The best investing deals aren’t found on the MLS - they aren’t even on the market at all. Any investor worth their salt has to know how to find discounted, off-market properties and have a tried and tested strategy to get in front of those homeowners.
Mail has always been my marketing strategy of choice, but because so many things go into it, getting started can be overwhelming. How much money do you need to run a solid mailing campaign? Who do you send the mailers to?
In this episode, I’ll share my strategy for mailers and the critical decisions you have to make if you want to succeed.
When it comes to someone selling their house at a discount, your mailer is not going to convince them to do anything, it’s just going to show up at the right time. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we need to ditch the MLS for investing deals Can we easily make the numbers work with traditional listings?
- How much money you need to invest into your mailing campaign Blanketing entire neighborhoods with mails is expensive and wasteful, which homes and owners are the perfect candidates for mails?
- How to build your mailing list What is the ideal frequency and cadence to get the opportunity to buy someone’s house?
One of the best things about real estate investing is that there isn’t just one strategy available to us. Different models and vehicles appeal to different people, and we have the opportunity to tailor our investing to our exact goals, preferences and personalities.
Making the right choice for ourselves comes down to the vision we have and what we’d want our day-to-day to look like. How do we make this decision? What skill set does each strategy require if you want to thrive in it?
In this episode, I talk about one of the most important decisions we have to make as investors - choosing the right strategy to go after.
Agents don’t really have to figure out how to become an investor; it's just about keeping your eyes open. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Quick turn deals every agent should implement Can we stack and diversify investing channels for the ultimate win?
- Small multi-family portfolios, the pros and cons Why did we choose to transition from small multi-family units to building apartments?
- How to tailor your investing to your strengths From fix and flips to building apartments, what skill set do different investing channels require?
Fear and hesitation are things all of us struggle with, especially when it comes to making decisions that have the potential to change our lives.
The fear to take action can sometimes stop us from moving forward, but once we make the first step, half the battle is already won.
How can we curb fear and hesitation when it comes to making important decisions? How do we set our own pace to make sure that we are comfortable?
In this episode, Acquisition Specialist and Real Estate Consultant Jason Goldfarb joins me to discuss the steps he took to get started, how to avoid making common mistakes when taking action and the evolution of the industry.
One of the mistakes that people make is taking it easy instead of doubling down. -Jason Goldfarb
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why you should work harder after you close a deal Many agents begin to take it easy after closing a deal instead of working harder. Why should we double down after a successful deal?
- The evolution of the industry. With time comes change. How has the industry evolved? What are some of the changes that have been made and what is their rate of success?
- How to take action even if you’re hesitant Taking action is the pinnacle to starting, no matter what industry we are in. How do we start off and how do we overcome hesitation when it comes to investing?
Guest Bio:
Jason Goldfarb is an Acquisition Specialist and Real Estate Consultant at Goldpath Real Estate Group. He was first licensed in 1999 and has proven time and time again that he can help clients attain their goals. Jason specializes in Real Estate Sales , Short Sale Negotiation, and Broker Price Opinions.
Find Jason on Instagram @jason_goldfarb_realestate
Find Jason on LinkedIn @Jason Goldfarb
The shift is a hot topic right now, and for agents who are at the forefront of how the market is playing out, that’s hardly breaking news.
We already know that it’s happening, so the real question is: what do we do with the patterns the market is presenting in order to set ourselves up for success?
In any market, there’s always money to be made, and if we are really in tune with the real-time data, the opportunities and the actions to take will be clear.
What key data should we be paying attention to right now? How are the changes in the market going to affect the key investing models?
In this episode, I’m going to give my take on the market and share how to find the opportunities for yourself.
There’s always money to be made in investing but the strategies that we implement change based on what’s going on in the market. -Tom Cafarella
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why data matters With the market changing so rapidly, how do we make sure we’re in tune with real-time data?
- Where to find the opportunities in the market shift Is the rise in interest prices going to create more demand for rentals or less?
- What we can expect to happen to other investing models How will the market shift affect fix-and-flips?
- How the shift will affect funding How do we raise capital when the usual sources tighten up?
The shift is a hot topic right now, and for agents who are at the forefront of how the market is playing out, that’s hardly breaking news.
We already know that it’s happening, so the real question is: what do we do with the patterns the market is presenting in order to set ourselves up for success?
In any market, there’s always money to be made, and if we are really in tune with the real-time data, the opportunities and the actions to take will be clear.
What key data should we be paying attention to right now? How are the changes in the market going to affect the key investing models?
In this episode, I’m going to give my take on the market and share how to find the opportunities for yourself.
There’s always money to be made in investing but the strategies that we implement change based on what’s going on in the market. -Tom Cafarella
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why data matters With the market changing so rapidly, how do we make sure we’re in tune with real-time data?
- Where to find the opportunities in the market shift Is the rise in interest prices going to create more demand for rentals or less?
- What we can expect to happen to other investing models How will the market shift affect fix-and-flips?
- How the shift will affect funding How do we raise capital when the usual sources tighten up?
From clients to private lenders, getting people to work with us can be a struggle for most. We can be incredibly good at what we do, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that people will want to work with us.
How do we add value and make sure that we are a cut above the rest so that people will gravitate towards us?
In this episode, investor-focused advisor Lien Vuong shares insight on how we can attract investor clients to work with us, why effort is attractive when it comes to our clients and how to prove yourself.
A lot of agents love to talk but they don’t really put in the work to be able to prove their point. -Lien Vuong
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get investor clients to work with you We can be extremely good at what we do but how do we get other investors to trust us?
- Why effort is attractive The bare minimum isn’t going to cut it anymore. How do we put effort into our clients and lean into opportunities for them?
- How to add value and separate ourselves from the rest How can we stand out and make people want to work with us?
Guest Bio:
Lien Vuong is an experienced Real Estate Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. She assists clients in identifying and analyzing real estate opportunities and is the team lead of The Elle Group in Boston. Lien is also an investor focused RE advisor who uses her personal knowledge to help investors find the best deals on and off market.
Find Lien on Instagram @lienvuong_
From clients to private lenders, getting people to work with us can be a struggle for most. We can be incredibly good at what we do, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that people will want to work with us.
How do we add value and make sure that we are a cut above the rest so that people will gravitate towards us?
In this episode, investor-focused advisor Lien Vuong shares insight on how we can attract investor clients to work with us, why effort is attractive when it comes to our clients and how to prove yourself.
A lot of agents love to talk but they don’t really put in the work to be able to prove their point. -Lien Vuong
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get investor clients to work with you We can be extremely good at what we do but how do we get other investors to trust us?
- Why effort is attractive The bare minimum isn’t going to cut it anymore. How do we put effort into our clients and lean into opportunities for them?
- How to add value and separate ourselves from the rest How can we stand out and make people want to work with us?
Guest Bio:
Lien Vuong is an experienced Real Estate Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the real estate industry. She assists clients in identifying and analyzing real estate opportunities and is the team lead of The Elle Group in Boston. Lien is also an investor focused RE advisor who uses her personal knowledge to help investors find the best deals on and off market.
Find Lien on Instagram @lienvuong_
In the world of real estate investing vehicles, apartments are always a popular asset class. It offers a ton of different advantages and opportunities, even for someone who’s just getting started.
One of the biggest things to remember is commitment. Through time, education, defining our goals, and honing our skill sets, it is possible for anyone to get some great deals under your belt.
What does it take to succeed in this niche? In this episode, I’m sharing the key skill sets to win in the apartment game.
If apartments are the right vehicle for you, go all in. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Independent investing vs. team sport Do you always need multiple partners to invest in apartments or can you go it alone?
- The benefit of investing in apartments When it comes to management and upkeep, are apartments easier?
- What’s required to succeed Apartment investing can be done by anyone, but what are the 3 things you need to have?
In the world of real estate investing vehicles, apartments are always a popular asset class. It offers a ton of different advantages and opportunities, even for someone who’s just getting started.
One of the biggest things to remember is commitment. Through time, education, defining our goals, and honing our skill sets, it is possible for anyone to get some great deals under your belt.
What does it take to succeed in this niche? In this episode, I’m sharing the key skill sets to win in the apartment game.
If apartments are the right vehicle for you, go all in. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Independent investing vs. team sport Do you always need multiple partners to invest in apartments or can you go it alone?
- The benefit of investing in apartments When it comes to management and upkeep, are apartments easier?
- What’s required to succeed Apartment investing can be done by anyone, but what are the 3 things you need to have?
No matter where we are in our real estate investing journeys, we can consistently learn from our peers' experiences - both failures and successes. From the outside looking in, investing can seem complex and overwhelming, but getting started actually starts with 2 simple steps.
On today’s show, I chat with Steven Kenny about his start into investing and where he is now. He is open and candid with the steps he took and shares some valuable insight for anyone looking to take the leap into the real estate investing world.
Financially, if you want to set yourself up, your first purchase should be an investment property of any kind. Once you get that itch, you’ll buy more and realize how much better it is not having to depend on your job. -Steven Kenny
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why investing is a lot easier than you think Whether it’s long-term rentals, vacation rentals, land or anything else, are there commonalities to getting started in real estate investing?
- Playing it safe vs. taking risks We often come to the crux of having to choose more money at more risk, or less money at less risk. How do we navigate through this scenario?
- Long-term vs. short-term rentals Although long-term and short-term rentals seem similar, they are actually very different models. How do we find out which one works for us?
Guest Bio
Steven Kenny is a Realtor at Cameron Real Estate Group. As an Executive Sales Agent who has built a reputable name for himself within the industry, his advanced knowledge-base of the market in Boston and the North Shore makes him a top agent among his peers.
Steven has a very strong understanding of the market in which he educates his clients in order to have an advantage over the competition. With sellers, his goal is to drive the demand of their property and market it the best way he can in order to get maximum exposure. On the buyer side, he keeps his clients informed for every step of the transaction and knows exactly how to write a winning offer and get it accepted. For more information, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-kenny-732253b2/.
Whether you’re just getting started in investing, or you’ve been at it for years, the questions and opportunities to learn never stop cropping up.
From finding money, to understanding ideal profit margins, to determining who to work with, investing in real estate is nothing shy of a true journey.
Today, I sit down with a group of active real estate agents and answer their direct questions based on my personal experiences in real estate investment. For anyone seeking answers and advice to some of the details in investing, this is the episode for you!
It’s a big commitment to learn how to be an agent, and it’s the same thing with investing. Some people miss the boat a little bit because they don’t understand how much of a commitment it is. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to find a good accountant No one is going to care about our finances as much as we do. How do we find the right professional to guide us?
- Margins on flips vs. buy and holds What are the ideal profit margins and how does the 100x rule work?
- The pros and cons of buying a property with tenants Acquiring properties with tenants can be tricky. How do we understand the risks and potential options to avoid going down a dark path?
In real estate investing, the first few deals are the scariest. Instead of seeing the mistakes we could make as failures, what if we treat them like necessary lessons? To be successful, we need to take advantage of both the wins and pitfalls.
How do we situate ourselves to start learning and taking advantage of opportunities?
In this episode, New Jersey agent and investor, Rob Mahone walks us through spotting his initial opportunities, getting through the fear of doing those first deals, and how he is using the lessons he learned today.
As agents, we take people through the process, so the process isn’t unfamiliar to us, it’s the action of doing it ourselves that’s unfamiliar and that’s what you have to overcome. -Robert Mahone
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to win in investing We often spread ourselves thin thinking we can tackle and succeed at multiple things. Can we achieve more by doing less?
- Why our mistakes are so powerful How do we extract lessons from the missteps and hurdles we face along the way?
- The best way to start a deal Why is evaluating properties first such an important step?
Guest Bio
Robert began his real-estate journey nearly 20 years ago. It started with researching the industry, attending seminars, and working with mentors who took him under their wing. He bought his first rental property in 2015, and a second 6 months later. A rough patch as a new investor propelled him into a dual-career, supplementing his IT contractor salary with income as a real estate salesperson. He initially thought he’d use the real estate sales position to meet other investors and expand his network, but he fell in love with the joy that arrives on closing day for first-time buyers who are finally achieving their goal of homeownership. People want someone they can trust to get them through the stressful home-buying process, and Robert takes his work seriously in educating his clients and the agents he mentors on the benefits of homeownership. Real estate and homeownership are tools to generate equity, but they can also create long-term revenue streams and provide huge tax benefits. Approaching his third year in real estate sales, Robert has replaced his position as an IT contractor with being a full-time agent. He now supplements his income with his investments and a General Contracting business. It’s really important to Robert that his three sons grow up playing monopoly with real property and not just the board game.
For more information, head to https://rob.porterplusrealty.com/ or follow @rob_investor_agent on Instagram.
The space between the first moment someone thinks of investing and their first deal can be so massive that people never take the necessary action.
With a clearer roadmap, this window of time can be cut down significantly, allowing someone to get on the path to wealth building a lot faster.
What process can we follow to go from waiting to invest from the sidelines to turning our goals into our reality.
If you don’t have a clear roadmap of what you should be doing, you’re not going to get where you want to go, and even if you do, it will take you double or triple the time. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What agents have working in their favor How do we equip ourselves to invest, even if we don’t have the necessary skills ourselves?
- How to pick the right investing vehicle for you Every real estate category has positives and negatives, what can go wrong when we pick the wrong one for our goals?
- Why we need to set quarterly goals How do we use the Traction system to prioritize the things that actually move our businesses forward?
As real estate agents, we’re often told that we can earn more income by working harder at selling homes, but unless we’re investing, that income won’t translate to wealth.
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey: to create true financial flexibility, we should look beyond working only as agents and leverage our positions into investing.
In this episode, I talk about my personal journey from pizza delivery boy to successful investor, brokerage owner, agent, coach, speaker, author, and father. I explain in detail how to access tools and free information through the Agent Investor community, podcast and live stream episodes, and how to best implement these platforms for your personal gain.
"Real estate sales will make you a living, but real estate investing will make you wealthy." -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why only selling real estate delays financial freedom How does investing make our 10 year goals achievable?
- When to identify the lies told to us as real estate agents As agents, we are told to fill databases and grow a team or company, then we’ll have consistent income. Is this a guaranteed path to wealth?
- Why fear holds us back and how to shift our mindset How do we train our brains to realize that the fear in our heads isn’t real fear?
Unless you want to lose a lot of money, the MLS is the worst place to find investing deals and set yourself up for success. Off-market properties are where we need to focus our efforts. The good news is, if you’re an agent, you often unknowingly come across great deals that haven’t hit the MLS yet.
How do we spot these properties and how can we structure the deals if we don’t have the capital upfront?
In this episode, I’m sharing strategies to launch and grow your investing operation through off-market deals.
Deals are scarce, that’s why you need to learn how to find them off-market. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The options we have for finding deals that aren’t on the MLS How do we find an off-market deal at the click of a button?
- How to set up an agent referral program How do we build such solid relationships with fellow agents, they spot off-market deals for us?
- Why we shouldn’t solely focus on getting listings Can we turn a potential listing lead into our next investment deal?
One of the hardest things about real estate investing is taking the initial step. Risk and failure can scare a lot of us, and we often talk ourselves in and out of taking the leap.
But with so many resources at our disposal, various investment options available, and the ability to seek out mentors, there are a multitude of ways to make it less scary.
In this episode, former professional skier turned real estate agent and investor, Athena Brownson, shares her journey into real estate and the importance of lessons learned from taking risks, thinking outside the box, and seeking out mentors for ultimate success.
The biggest key to any sort of investing is the necessity to fall on your face here and there in order to learn the biggest lessons and skill sets you’ll use in the future. -Athena Brownson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why failure is often inevitable and a part of everyone’s path to success What skill sets and lessons can we learn from our failures to make better decisions in the future?
- The importance of coaches and mentors Can coaches and mentors make the path to success shorter and less treacherous?
- Why we need to look outside our sphere for new opportunities How do we find opportunities outside of our sphere of influence?
Guest Bio
Athena Brownson is a Realtor and former professional skier. She is also the daughter of a real estate developer and an interior designer. Initially she was drawn to the interior design business, Athena found herself getting her real estate license and was able to take her passion for interior design and put it to work in a meaningful way. Her eye for aesthetics quickly gave her a leg up in her ability to get client’s homes sold and helped build her reputation.
4 years ago, while recovering from a disc replacement surgery in her cervical spine, an injury incurred while skiing professionally, Athena was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease and Co-Infections. Unfortunately, the disease quickly overtook her immune system leaving her with countless autoimmune diseases and a long journey ahead when it came to treatment. At that point, Athena had already been in Real Estate for four years and had a thriving business and the skills necessary to succeed. Athena was determined to not let the diagnoses stop her, despite being told that many in her position would be on long term bed rest.
Today, despite the numerous health challenges she faces, Athena’s business continues to grow year over year. She prides herself on being one of the most active and accessible agents in the Denver area, despite battling chronic fatigue and on-going treatment. Additionally, Athena has ventured into flipping and new construction real estate investing.
For more information, follow @athenabrownsonrealtor on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.
For a lot of people who don’t have any capital to invest in real estate, the idea that you can still get a deal sounds unreasonable, unrealistic or downright untrue.
The truth is, some of the most successful agent investors start out with no money to put toward deals, but they still manage to grow a portfolio.
How do you get in on deals when you don’t have the cash? In this episode, I’m going to share unique strategies for getting deals without capital.
As an investor, you need to get really good at finding great deals, finding money and finding good labor. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What successful investors are great at What can you bring to the table if you don’t have any capital?
- How to find deals people with capital want to be part of If the MLS is the worst place for deals, where can we find good ones?
- The necessary components of an investing operation Why is the back office so critical to our success?
Many top-producing agents believe they earn more than enough from sales that investing is completely unnecessary. My guest today sees it differently - even though his team closes 80 transactions a year, he’s also putting effort into building a solid portfolio.
Why would a Realtor who runs a high-volume sales operation shift their focus into investing? Does investing help us achieve something we can’t get through traditional sales?
In this episode, agent and investor and co-owner of the Thomas Team, Jake Thomas, shares why having the best of both worlds in real estate is such a huge advantage.
One good transaction could lead to 20 over the next 2-3 years. -Jake Thomas
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why a successful agent is shifting his focus to investing How do we build a self-sustaining portfolio that doesn’t require money from real estate transactions to grow?
- The secret to doing large volumes of business with minimal effort How can you get more real estate clients with little effort?
- Rules for short-term rentals What steps should you take before getting into short-term rentals?
Guest Bio
Jake is currently the #1 yielding Realtor in volume for United Realty with over 11.5 million in sales, selling over 55 houses each year. With over 10 years of Real Estate experience, Jake started out investing in rental properties. Jake specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, people looking to upgrade or downsize, investors looking for investment properties, and every scenario in between. For more information, visit https://thomasteamproperties.com/.
80-90% of our success in anything depends on mindset, and this is especially true in a shifting market. The market shift doesn’t necessarily mean we have to be afraid. There are, in fact, reasons to get excited because as agents, we’re in the perfect position to capitalize on what's coming.
Under any market conditions, getting into investing can be scary. Whether we’re in a down or up market, there’ll always be reasons not to buy, but also investors thriving at the highest level.
So what’s the ideal mindset for an agent and investor to have?
In this episode, real estate investor, multiple business owner, and one of the top real estate coaches in the country, Rod Khleif, shares the impact of mindset on our success and strategies for maintaining positivity in a challenging market.
With crisis comes opportunity. -Rod Khleif
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of mindset, focus and our peer group What are the key parts of our habits and environments we need to pay attention to?
- How to deal with failure Should we hold back when we fail or use this as motivation to keep going?
- The new rules of real estate Why is it important to focus on cash flow?
Guest Bio:
Rod Khleif is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, multiple business owner, author, mentor, and community philanthropist who is passionate about business, life, success, and giving back. As one of the country’s top real estate trainers, Rod has personally owned and managed over 2,000 properties. Rod is the Host of the Top-Ranked iTunes Real Estate Podcast, which has been downloaded more than 12,000,000 times – “The Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing Podcast.” Rod is the author of “How to Create Lifetime Cash Flow Through Multifamily Properties”, considered to be an essential “textbook” for aspiring multifamily investors.
For more information, visit https://rodkhleif.com/
It's not uncommon for agents to record a good number of transactions in one year then have a weak year afterwards, and often the broker or even the agent themselves aren’t at fault. It's usually because the people who know, like and trust them didn't buy or sell houses that year.
And so, for real estate agents who want to make their income more predictable, investing is one way to close the income gap.
In this episode, real estate agent and investor Carl Buch, who's literally been in the real estate business since he could walk and is now an established investor, gives insight into building a successful real estate business.
If you're out and about talking to people, that's a great way to find deals. - Carl Buch
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Benefits of a real-estate license Do agent-investors have more advantages than investors with no real estate license?
- Why investing provides more income predictability Our income isn't always 100% reliable. How does investing help to fill this gap?
- How to stay balanced when you have other passions Why are systems so important?
Guest Bio
Carl is both an agent and investor, largely in commercial investing these days, but his background encompasses real estate in residential as well.
He’s been in the real estate game since he could walk, following in his father's footsteps, an investor/broker in Charlotte, NC. His building science bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State prepped him in the ways of architecture, construction, and engineering.
App State’s Boone locale, in the heart of North Carolina’s Mountains, also set him on his path to outdoor recreation and passion for adventure. So, before graduating in 2010, he bought his first house in his dream locale – Chattanooga, TN – where small-town vibes meet big city amenities. In 2018, he joined forces with Prestige Property Brokers; a small boutique firm focused on the custom client experience and passion for relationships. These passions guide his life, and he relishes the opportunity to guide his clients to theirs.
For more information, visit https://www.chattpropertysolutions.net or connect with Carl on LinkedIn.
Many people see investing as a risk and are therefore reluctant to engage, but the greater risk is not investing at all.
Real estate investing has countless benefits, but we must have the right mindset to get the most out of it.
In this episode, real estate agent, investor, and co-owner of Seacoast Vacation Rentals, Sean Bahktiari shares the mindset and strategy that helps him succeed as a real estate investor.
"The first investment for most people is always the biggest learning curve." - Sean Bahktiari
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to deal with common hesitations in your first investment What uncertainties do first-time investors have, and how can we overcome them?
- The right mindset to have as an investor What is the correct posture to assume as a Realtor and investor?
- How to plan for worst-case scenarios How do we effectively analyze the possible risks of investing?
Guest Bio:
Sean Bahktiari is a real estate agent, investor, and vacation rental expert. He is the founder and co-owner of Seacoast Vacation Rentals, a premier short-term rental provider, and a Realtor with Fruh Realty, where he helps buyers, sellers, and investors get the best possible deals in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Named by Real Producers Magazine as the region’s “Rising Star” and “Top Agent in the North Shore and Essex County,”Sean specializes in Greater Newburyport, North Shore Massachusetts, New Hampshire’s Seacoast, Southern New Hampshire, and the Greater Boston area.
For more information, visit https://www.seanbakhtiari.com/ or connect with Sean at https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbakhtiari/.
The conventional mindset regarding money and investment is that we should study, save for retirement, and only start investing after that.
Many people who live their whole lives by these rules often end up struggling, unhappy and unfulfilled. Luckily, there are better ways to achieve financial freedom through investments and real estate.
In this episode, investor and broker, Mindy Templeton shares how she is building a thriving real estate business in Kansas City after being laid off from her executive position at an investment company.
"When you’re working with other investors to help them build their homes, don’t forget to build your own in the process." - Mindy Templeton
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The best time to start investing Are there better, faster ways to achieve financial freedom than following the traditional rules?
- How to deal with investment risk It's normal to worry about the risk associated with investing. But how does one deal with this very legitimate concern?
- How successful investors do it How do we go from active income to passive income? Is it necessary to have a team or outsource tasks?
Guest Bio
Mindy Templeton is an investor and real estate broker in Kansas City. She worked in the investment industry for 15 years, rising to the director level before being laid off. Today, she is a licensed real estate broker who focuses on investing, building her real estate business and helping other out-of-state clients do the same.
For more information, head to https://linktr.ee/Investinginyourwealth and follow @investinginyourwealth on Instagram, or connect with Mindy on LinkedIn.
Many agents believe it’s too hard to start investing, but the truth is, the proximity we have to real estate makes us more likely to stumble into it without really even trying.
We’re surrounded by real estate deals. Properties that meet our criteria are right under our noses, and in the process of making our clients wealthy, we can do the same for ourselves.
As busy agents, how do we add an investing component to what we’re doing? How do we prepare to invest before we even find the right deal?
In this episode, Broker Associate and agent-investor, Terri Hoffort shares how she started investing, why this is a great market to start and dealing with some of the hesitations she had beforehand.
"We’re taught to buy a house, pay it off, and get out of debt, but that equity sitting there isn’t working for you. Take some of that equity and use it towards building your portfolio and getting some investments for retirement." -Terri Hoffort
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The easiest way to raise capital for deals What fears, hesitations and doubts prevent us from taking action right away?
- How to reverse engineer your financial goals You don’t need to know all the high level investing terminology to be successful, but what do we need to be clear on?
- Why a listing isn’t the only way to provide value to a homeowner What mindset robs agents of great investing opportunities?
Guest Bio
Terri is a Broker Associate at Terri Hoffort Realty Inc. with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and an active agent. She got into investing just last May 2021. She currently has two properties and is hoping to get a third this year.
For more information follow @terri.hoffort.realty on Instagram or find her on Facebook.
Most would-be investors get caught up on wanting to find ‘the secret’ to success, but the truth is, there is no secret. It all comes down to finding what works for us.
There are tons of ways to get ahead as a real estate investor, but not all of them are guaranteed to work for our unique needs and personalities. It’s up to us to sift through all the avenues to find our ideal way forward.
The only question is, how do we do that?
In this episode, Broker/Owner at RE/MAX results Omaha, Lisa Ritter shares how she pinpointed the kind of market that works best for her.
"If you’re buying an investment property, as long as you hold it, you’re going to win!" -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we need to adapt our timelines for success as real estate investors Sure, it’s ideal to start investing as early as possible, but is it really the end of the world if we only get started later on?
- The only thing GUARANTEED to get us bigger, better results Is there a surefire path to success, no matter what market we decide works best for our unique needs?
- How to create long-term success for ourselves Are we zoning in on the day to day to the point where we’re avoiding keeping one eye on the future?
Guest Bio:
Lisa Ritter is the Broker/Owner at RE/MAX Results Omaha. Alongside countless other accolades, Lisa is a 10-time winner of the Best of Omaha award in the Realtor category. Having first got her start in the business in 2001, she has a true passion for real estate, and goes above and beyond to ensure each of her clients has a truly first class experience.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.resultsomaha.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaritter
You can also email her on lisa@omahare.com
Working primarily with investors as an agent offers unique advantages we don’t get in the traditional model. A home buyer is only going to transact every 5-7 years, while an investor can buy multiple properties in one year, allowing an agent working with them to do a lot of transactions more efficiently.
Jennifer Beadles has built a successful business by operating this way. With just 25 investor relationships, she does up to 100 deals a year, without high lead gen and nurture costs.
How do we connect with investors so we can become their agent of choice?
In this episode, I’m joined by the founder of AgentsInvest, Jennifer Beadles. She talks about the beauty of working with investors as an agent.
"The beauty of working with investors is that most of them aren’t going to buy a house every 5-7 years like the average home buyer, most of them buy multiple properties." -Jennifer Beadles
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to build location diversification into your investing If it’s hard to cash flow in your current market, how do you find new opportunities?
- Why you don’t need a ton of money to start investing How do we get our first deals under our belts without a ton of resources?
- Why working with investors increases our ROI How do we get multiple deals from one source instead of waiting 5 -7 years for a transaction?
Guest Bio
Jennifer is an investor, agent and the founder of AgentsInvest. After making her first real estate purchase at age 21, Jennifer was instantly hooked, and today she’s a master at finding creative solutions and uses different strategies to generate high returns.Jennifer’s real estate investing experience includes: building single & multi-family developments, completed land developments, flipping homes, using the BRRR strategy to acquire properties, and apartment acquisitions. She writes about her experiences on her popular blog, addictedtoroi.com.
To learn more about how to start investing or working with investors, vist https://agentsinvest.com/.
Many agents are interested in the idea of investing, but the fear of things not working out traps most in place, and as a result, they’re missing out on phenomenal opportunities.
The fear of losing money is a valid one, especially if we’re concerned about the impact it could have on our households. However, the odds of us succeeding far outweigh those of us losing, and as soon as we understand that, there’s no telling how far we can go.
What would it take for us to make that mindset shift, once and for all; and what activities could speed up our progress in the investing world?
In this episode, host of the Real Estate Divas YouTube show and Broker/Owner at Texcel Real Estate and Real Estate Reformation, Jer’Leigh Thompson shares how to stop letting incredible investing opportunities pass us by.
"It's never too late to get started with investing. Even in an inflated market, there are deals everywhere." -Jer’Leigh Thompson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get started with investing when we’re afraid of losing money Is there a way to dip our toes into the investing world, so we can get started without spending a ton of money?
- How to stop letting horror stories hold us back Yes, some transactions do go awry, but do they really happen often enough to be perceived as a genuine threat?
- One effective activity to help us make a name for ourselves as investors How can we start building beneficial relationships with the other investors in our markets, even if we’re just starting out?
Guest Bio:
Jer'Leigh Thompson is the Broker/Owner of Texcel Real Estate and Real Estate Reformation. An investor as well as a Broker, Jer'Leigh has seen first hand the benefits of investing, and she's passionate about teaching others more about the space. Jer'Leigh is the co-host of the Real Estate Divas YouTube show.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.texcelrealestate.com/about
https://m.facebook.com/JerLeighThompsonRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/jerleighre/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerleighthompson
Real estate investing opportunities are around just about every corner, and as industry professionals, who better to take advantage of them than us?
The problem is, many would-be investors hold back because they don’t know if a deal is ‘for them.’
How can we stop letting those second thoughts get the better of us and just get started? Will there ever be the ‘perfect’ deal for us, or can we tailor any opportunity to our needs?
In this episode, Founder of Moser Group Real Estate, Greg Moser shares the importance of being willing to adapt as an investor.
Even if you’re not looking for deals yourself, you have to have a group of investors you can call up, because you will run into great deals as an agent. -Greg Moser
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
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How to set up deals that work for us Not every deal may look like the ideal fit at first glance, so how can we adjust them to better suit our needs?
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How to see possibilities in the most unlikely places How can we learn to look beyond derelict properties and identify their unrealized potential?
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Where to invest as a newbie in the space When is it a good idea to invest in our own markets, and when should we research others?
Guest Bio:
Greg Moser, Founder of Moser Group Real Estate, has been in the business for over 30 years and counting. After first getting his license at 18 in Ohio, Greg has been a consistent multi-million dollar producer and active investor. With the Moser Group, Greg works directly with investors and Realtors in both the wholesale and investor world, along with institutional investors and large holding companies. Greg has previously spent several years in Hong Kong with an international wholesale company that sold merchandise made in Asia to large retailers in the US and Europe.
Also the owner of the real estate marketing company, MJA Marketing, Greg’s passion for real estate is unmatched, and he has a strong belief in helping everyone he serves with their unique needs.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmoserrealestate/
Gregmoserhouses@gmail.com
Agents are better equipped than anyone to get into the investing side of real estate, and most are well aware of this. However, when it comes to getting started, not knowing where to find the money for investments is what holds the majority of would-be investors back.
So, where do investors find the capital for deals? Are they funding everything on their own, or are there more creative ways to raise money?
Is it possible for newbies to think outside the box when finding the necessary funds?
In this episode, Salt Lake City Realtor and investor, Cody Steck shares that often, funding deals is much simpler than most would think.
If you have the right deal, money is easy to find. -Cody Steck
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of having conversations
What's stopping us from asking other investors how they fund their deals?
- Why funding is only the second most important factor in investing
Many aspiring investors are concerned about where to find funds for properties, but do we have deals to fund in the first place?
- How to cultivate the right mindset for investing
Are we thinking our way out of investing, before even trying our hand at it?
Guest Bio:
Cody Steck is a 28-year-old Realtor and real estate investor based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He's been working as a Realtor for 6 years and has climbed into the top 1% of agents by volume, in just 2 years. Although Cody has found success with selling real estate, his real passion is in real estate investing. He loves to invest the money he earns, back into real estate - the exact product he sells! Over the past 5 years, Cody has acquired 15 rental units, and currently has 5 more under contract. In addition to being an investor himself, Cody also works with new and experienced investors and property developers. Cody has worked with brand new investors to buy their first rental property, as well as investors who've been buying and selling real estate for over 50+ years. At the end of the day, Cody believes that investing in real estate is the #1 way to build wealth and live an AMAZING lifestyle.
To find out more, go to:
https://youtube.com/c/CodySteckRealEstateVideos
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-steck-233364a4/
You can also email him on cody@fastutahhomes.com
With the market on fire at the moment, many real estate investors are faced with a unique new dilemma. How can we keep buying new properties, without overpaying for them?
For already apprehensive would-be investors, this issue just adds another barrier to getting started, but does it need to be the factor that stops us?
How can we keep investing in this market and adapt to the times, rather than shy away altogether?
In this episode, longtime investor and Founder of Todd Schroth Home Selling, Todd Schroth shares his advice for trepidatious new investors and concerned veterans alike.
Investing in real estate is just like buying your first home. You just have to take the leap! -Todd Schroth
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- 2 factors to screen before purchasing a property
What’s the best way to protect ourselves and our capital when investing in a property?
- How to give ourselves the opportunity to pivot
Change in our business is inevitable at the moment, so how can we position ourselves to roll with those changes as they come?
- 1 thing to avoid as an investor, newbie or not
Is there a ‘wrong’ place to look for investment properties?
Guest Bio:
Todd Schroth is a veteran real estate investor and the Founder of Todd Schroth Home Selling. A second-generation agent, Todd fell in love with real estate as a child, after seeing his parents in the industry. He went on to purchase several investment properties of his own in his 20s, and while he operated a call center business at the time, he ultimately got his license in 2000, turning his lifelong interest into a career. Todd is currently with eXp, running a growing team of 20 agents.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.keepingorlandomoving.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddschroth/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqW8mg7jRjyoQ6hDNqbf4A
https://www.facebook.com/ToddSchrothRealtor/
You can also call him directly on 4072474184
As real estate professionals, we’re better equipped than most to get into the investing side of things. However, all too often, the fear of not knowing stops us from taking the plunge.
How do we get into real estate investing in the first place, let alone turn it into a business? Plus, once we have the business set up, how do we tell people about it?
Is there a ‘right’ way to take real estate investing from side hustle to our primary source of income?
In this episode, Broker/Owner of Trailwood Realty, Dawn Brenengen shares how she built up both her credibility and her portfolio, organically.
"The first step to getting started in real estate investing is going out and meeting people." -Dawn Brenengen
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to meet sellers organically
Is it possible to connect with potential clients without hauling out a tired sales pitch?
- The key to better tenant relationships
How can we stop letting the fear of difficult tenants hold us back from getting started?
- 1 way to get educated on real estate investing
Does learning the ropes of real estate investing need to cost an arm and a leg, or is there a way to get educated without breaking the bank?
Guest Bio:
Dawn Brenengen is the Broker/Owner of Trailwood Realty LLC. An owner of three personal rental properties since 2004, in addition to being both a buyer’s and seller’s agent over the past 2 decades, Dawn’s focus today is on lease-ups (finding renters) and property management in a range of neighborhoods, at all different price ranges. Dawn has previous experience working with both Coldwell Banker Howard Perry, Walston Builder Services and GO Builder, and holds a New Homes Sales Professional Designation. She is a member of the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors, serving on their Community Service Committee. Over the years, she has also been involved with The National Home Builder's Association and the Triangle Sales and Marketing Council.
To find out more, go to: https://trailwoodrealty.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbrenengen
https://www.instagram.com/dawnbrenengen/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/TrailwoodRealty/community/
https://www.biggerpockets.com/users/trailwoodrealty
In this industry, most agents take on investing after years of working in sales. It’s not as common to hear of a successful investor getting their license years into their investing career - but it proves that the two sides of real estate are a high-value combo that can skyrocket our income and opportunities.
For my guest, Nick Cooley, this was the path he took for specific and intentional reasons. What doors does a license open when combined with an ability to speak the language of investors? How can we get our very first investing deals when we don’t have a ton of capital?
In this episode, I’m joined by investor, broker, mentor, consultant and the President of Team Cooley Properties, Nick Cooley. He talks about his unique approach to investing and how a license gave his business a huge boost.
"The goal is to control as many assets safely for the longest period of time possible." -Nick Cooley
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why selling off investment properties is not an option for Nick Cooley
If you’re investing to get as many assets under management as possible, how do you approach deals differently?
- The best path into investing for beginners on a tight budget
What is the least skin-in-the-game way to get your very first investment property?
- Why buying leads and cold calling are outdated methods of generating business
A lot of the ways we were taught to do real estate just aren’t working anymore. What’s the contrarian approach Nick is taking in his marketing?
Guest Bio
Nick Cooley is an investor, broker, mentor, consultant and the President of Team Cooley Properties in Denver, Colorado. Nick is excited to bring an investor's perspective to the large and important financial decision as to where to live, raise a family, enjoy the occasional dinner party... whatever! Buying or selling a home is important not only for the financial implications, but also in the measure that it is the main place where we spend our lives.
For more information, follow @imnickcooley on Instagram.
Working as a real estate agent gives us major advantages that align perfectly with investing - the people we know, our access to deals and all the knowledge we have.
It might seem minor to us, but without even knowing it, we have the tools that take investors years to build up - and it’s not that hard to put them to use.
How can we use real estate sales to feed real estate investing? Do we need to be actively acquiring hundreds of properties every year to get a return?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Investor Friendly Realtor, author and host of the Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast, Chris Lopez. He shares his journey into real estate, and how he built a real estate operation on his own terms.
"The networking, capital and the education from real estate sales is my springboard to go out and invest." -Chris Lopez
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What makes real estate feel like less of a grind
How do you build your real estate business around the things you’re passionate and excited about?
- The best way for busy agents to get into investing
Is it possible to run a successful hands-off investing operation?
- How to get more out of our real estate careers
How can you channel the benefits of being an agent into a huge advantage in real estate investing?
Guest Bio
Chris is an Investor Friendly Realtor, author and host of the Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast. He focuses on helping people create their investing strategies, putting the plan in action, and then helping people optimize their rental portfolio. Chris keeps the Denver real estate investing community up to date on everything related to investing in Denver. As the Founder of Envision Advisors at Your Castle Real Estate, his goal is to build a new type of real estate firm designed to help people envision and execute their path to financial freedom in the Denver and Colorado Springs real estate markets. He is currently acquiring residential rental properties in Denver, CO to achieve his long-term goal of $20,000/mo in rents.
For more information, and to get access to Chris’ book, visit www.denverinvestmentrealestate.com/.
For many agents, the thought of getting into investing is a nice idea...and unfortunately, that's where it stops.
Given how many agents are interested in investing, what is it that's making them think twice about actually getting started? What's behind their hesitation?
Is it simply a case of not knowing how to get started?
In this episode, Lead Investment Specialist at Elevation Realty Network Inc, Dylan Suitor shares how agents can get educated on investing, so 'not knowing how' never has to be an excuse again!
"You can create your own financial literacy, no matter what level of schooling you have." -Dylan Suitor
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How anyone can become financially literate
What does education really mean in the context of real estate investing?
- 1 step we can all take to learn the ropes of real estate investing
We might not have personal experience as investors, but what's stopping us from leveraging that of the top players in our markets?
- Which route we should take when we're just getting started
When is it a good idea to hire a coach, and when would joining a team be a better fit for us?
Guest Bio:
Dylan Suitor is the Lead Investment Specialist at Elevation Realty Network Inc. Passionate about creating generational wealth (and helping others to do the same), Dylan is a self-professed 'entrepreneur from the core', with a number of successful businesses under his belt. After getting his start in real estate investing at the tender age of 18, Dylan's true calling lies in helping people take advantage of all real estate has to offer, so they can create the lives of their dreams.
To find out more, go to:
https://dylan-suitor.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dylan_suitor/
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100014066880485&refsrc=deprecated&_rdr
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-suitor-realtor?originalSubdomain=ca
http://www.elevationrealty.ca/
And to contact Dylan, shoot him a DM on Instagram or call his office at 905 592 4220
Many agents who are interested in adding investment to their financial arsenal can’t help but ask, “can I be great at sales and investing at the same time?”
Yes, it is possible, ESPECIALLY if we can serve a niche that’s urgently seeking investing-minded Realtors to partner with. For seasoned investors, good agents who understand investing are very hard to come by. If you can serve that niche, you can efficiently add a wing to your business that works well with your sales business.
Where do we find the investors, and how do we get them to want to partner with us? How can you expedite your own success as a new investor?
In this episode, I’m joined by founder and CEO at Five Pillars Team at eXp Realty, Shelby Osborne who shares her impressive journey to becoming an agent-investor.
"If you want business, learn investing, you’ll have so much more than you know what to do with." -Shelby Osborne
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why systems are the key to success in real estate
How did Shelby’s time in the military prepare her to build the systems that powered her real estate success in just 3 years?
- Ways to balance investing and selling real estate
How can we structure our investing so that it works with, instead of against our real estate sales?
- The #1 reason every agent should consider investing
Are you living the life you really want, or stuck on the hamster wheel of transactions?
Guest Bio
Shelby is the founder and CEO at Five Pillars Team at eXp Realty. Shelby graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2012, served in the Army for 6 years and got out as a Captain in the beginning of 2018 to dive into Real Estate full time as both a broker & investor in Fayetteville, NC.
Following her first year as a broker, Shelby was recognized as the Keller Williams Rookie of the Year for the “Carolinas Region” (all of North & South Carolina) and began to expand, creating her own team of real estate professionals. Five Pillars Realty Group became official in 2019 and expanded to Charlotte, NC in 2020. Both Fayetteville & Charlotte offices specialize in helping military and investors nationwide meet their goals. “Pints & Properties,” their Real Estate Investors meetup, is booming & continuing to grow rapidly.
Meanwhile, Shelby was relentless in growing her rental property portfolio. Since purchasing her first intentional rental property in November 2017, she now owns 74 units, acquired using several different strategies and comprising a little bit of everything: single-families, residential multi-family, commercial multi-family and short-term rentals… plus a bit of airbnb arbitrage.
Between CEO duties and continuing to invest, Shelby operates “Pillars Consulting” – a company designed to transform Real Estate Brokers into their full potential -- and “Life & Lens Photography” -- a company designed to showcase Multi-Family Syndication projects and help investors raise private capital.
For more information, visit https://fivepillarsrealty.com/ and follow @realestatewithshelby on Instagram.
Many agents who are sitting on the sidelines of investing are being held back by one thing alone - fear. They aren’t dead set against investing, they just feel some trepidation about getting started.
Once you’ve identified your desire to invest, how do you push past fear and get into action? What resources can we tap into to make the first deal less scary?
In this episode, I’m joined by San Diego-based agent and investor, Jessica Wilkinson. She shares the one thing any agent can do to build their confidence in the investing space.
"Get around the people who are investing. Take notes from the well-educated, well-versed agents around you." -Jessica Wilkinson
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The advantage many agents take for granted
As agents, we spend our careers making other people rich, why not do a little bit of that for yourself?
- Ways to get funding for deals without stockpiling capital for years
How do you get hard money lenders to believe in you as a first time flipper?
- How to get mentored by the best investors in your town
What’s the one simple statement that will take us very far as aspiring investors?
- How Jessica reduced her marketing spend by $75k
Can we easily eliminate the need to have a high-powered marketing budget? If so, how?
Guest Bio:
Jessica Wilkinson is a Realtor and investor at Big Block Realty, Inc. Just after graduating high school, she took the oath and served our country in the United States Marine Corps for six years. After an honorable discharge, Jessica served over 10 years in San Diego County trial courts as an Official Court Reporter, giving focus and attention to detail in the forefront of her livelihood. Eventually, her love of architecture, real estate, and design had given her a passion that she now enjoys sharing with others in the field. After completing several remodels and designing homes on her own accord, Jessica now shares her skills and experience with all of her clients. Whether you are a first-time homeowner, veterans needing housing for a short time, all the way to complete overhauls for investors, she knows how to manage the entire process from start to finish, ensuring maximum investments with impeccable attention to detail. Jessica’s training in leadership, operations and accountability roles lend her to a driven and meticulous practice in Real Estate. Homeowners and investors alike can rely on her throughout the entire process of house hunting, renovation, design, and sales for best returns on investments.
To connect with Jessica, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-wilkinson-822213158/.
In an industry with thousands of agents, the ones who take on investing are few and far between, despite the perks and the clear path to wealth it offers.
Many agents overthink investing, but it’s really as simple as doing your first deal. Even if it’s not perfect, getting started right away is the right move. It’s the least expensive tuition you’ll pay for a tremendous outcome.
If you’ve never bought an investment property, how do you overcome your hesitation? Does investing negatively impact our work as agents? In this episode, real estate executive and Partner at OakGrove Development, Matt Drouin shares why becoming a successful agent investor is easier than you think!
"Do a deal. It’s the least expensive tuition you’ll pay for a tremendous amount of upside on the back-end." -Matt Drouin
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why real estate investing is “passive-ish income”
Is there such a thing as a completely hands-off investing operation?
- How investing impacts your real estate sales business
Does investing make us better agents or will it compromise our ability to serve our clients at a high level?
- The best time to buy your first investment property
When it comes to investing, should we wait for the perfect strategy or take immediate action even if it’s imperfect?
Guest Bio
Matt is Partner at OakGrove Development, a real estate investment and development firm with a special focus on value-add commercial and residential properties in Rochester, NY. Over the last 15 years, Matt has been in real estate management, brokerage and development and grown his portfolio to 120 units of residential and commercial property. His company mission is in developing real estate projects that not only add value to their investors but also puts long term community interests front and center. Matt believes that you can do well and do good as a real estate developer and that ultimately community centric development boosts long term profits for investors.
For more information visit http://www.rocrealcapital.com/, connect with Matt on LinkedIn and follow him on Instagram.
One of the biggest reasons agents are resistant to investing is the fear that it will spread them too thin and eat away the time they dedicate to generating leads. But what if investing could make your entire business more efficient and profitable by allowing you to create your own luxury listing inventory?
A lot of agents are looking to jump into the luxury market, but struggle to find the deals in a highly competitive niche. Beau Blankenship was able to turn land deals into luxury properties, and he earns more by being both an agent and an investor in the transaction.
How did he combine land deals, listings and investing to create a killer business model?
In today’s episode, real estate advisor, agent and investor, Beau Blankenship shares how to create your own inventory from the ground up.
"Living on commissions can be tough, so invest and sell homes simultaneously." -Beau Blankenship
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why working with investors is more stable than just focusing on our sphere
How do you turn one investing relationship into a steady stream of multiple deals over many years?
- How to turn investing into a win for everyone on your team
When we set up an investing operation alongside our sales business, do our agents and staff benefit from it?
- How to gain a competitive advantage in the luxury market
Luxury real estate is highly competitive, how do we create our own inventory so we’re not fighting other agents for deals?
Guest Bio:
Beau Blankenship is a real estate advisor, agent and investor. He currently serves as a luxury real estate sales associate on Scenic Highway 30A. Knowing the potential of this surrounding area, Beau has always had a passion for increasing awareness to the significance of investing smart, and placing your hard earned money where it counts and where it will thrive. His zeal for real estate has multiplied over the years and he now owns Engel & Volkers in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. As a former athlete, the discipline Beau acquired translates in how he performs for his clients. By delivering originality, enthusiasm, leadership, and die-hard dedication, any of his clients are certain to be in good hands. For more information or to connect with Beau, visit https://beaublankenship.evrealestate.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/beau-blankenship-3265a759/.
The thought of real estate investing is enough to get most agents excited, but when it comes to actually getting started, only a small number are willing to take the leap.
What’s stopping more people from getting into the space? Is there a way for agents with no experience in investing to feel more comfortable taking the first steps?
In this episode, Realtor, investor and founder of Invested Agents, Chris Bounds shares his advice for newbies.
"Living below your means is very simplistic, but key. If you’re always spending what you’re making, it's hard to grow." -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get investment deals without a marketing budget
Is there an alternative to running ads when we simply don’t have the funds to set up an extensive marketing campaign?
- Why flipping holds us back from the GREAT life
Flipping is one of the first things agents think of when they hear the words ‘real estate investing,’ but could that particular activity be stopping us from reaching our income goals sooner?
- Key advice for all newbie investors
How can we set ourselves up for success when we’re brand new to the space?
A house is a dwelling and roof over your head, but it can also be a powerful financial tool, a cash flowing asset, and a massive income driver. Our guest today saw the potential of real estate investing when he bought his first home, and immediately pulled the trigger on building his own portfolio.
Many agents find the first deal very intimidating, but taking that leap might help you discover your passion for investing.
How can agents set themselves up for success when they take on investing?
In this episode, real estate agent, investor and property manager, Kyle Craig shares his investing journey, and why buying his own home made him want to pursue a career in real estate.
"You have to put in the hours and the more you understand the process, and the more knowledgeable you are, the easier it is to balance investing with sales." -Kyle Craig
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-
The formula for headache-free property management Managing property and dealing with tenants makes a lot of people nervous about investing. Can you avoid the headaches of being a landlord?
-
Why we have to approach 203K loans with caution How can we take advantage of 203K rehab loans while avoiding expensive pitfalls of this strategy?
-
How to find opportunities in commercial real estate Commercial real estate has a lot of potential. How can investors tap into the unlimited hybrid creativity of this asset class?
Guest Bio:
Kyle Craig is a Real Estate Agent, Investor and Property Manager. Having started with Clockhouse Realty just over a year ago Kyle has really hit the ground running and has quickly found great success with residential and commercial sales. He is currently licensed as a real estate agent in both MA and RI. On the investing side, Kyle is closing on a couple of personal investment properties and planning to continue expanding his portfolio. He is also working toward eventually having his own brokerage.
Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn
One of the biggest questions agents have when making the transition to investors is, where do we even begin to find deals? However, the real question we should be asking is, what’s stopping us from using our existing skill sets?
How can agents tap into their unique networking capabilities to build a successful investing business? Is there really any difference between finding investment deals and lead generation?
In this episode, CEO at The WGR, Colton Lindsay shares how he applied his expertise as an agent to the investing side of real estate.
"Network, stay in front of people, add value, and when there's an opportunity, you’ll make money on it." -Colton Lindsay
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- One thing to be mindful of when reaching out to potential clients
Are we simply speaking to people everyday, or are we having actual conversations with them?
- The importance of shifting from service-provider to experience-provider
What can we do to stand out in the eyes of our network and make a real impact on their lives?
- How to build a successful investing business WITHOUT paying for marketing
Is it possible to get the word out about what we do without paying for it? What are our alternatives to traditional, cold advertising?
Guest Bio:
Colton Lindsay is the CEO and Founder of The WGR Real Estate Team and The WGR Academy, a Mastermind designed to help agents learn faster, remember more and accomplish out-of-this-world results. Colton is also the host of The WGR Academy Podcast.
To find out more, go to:
www.the-wgr.com
Or connect with him at https://www.instagram.com/thewgr/?hl=en
For tickets to the upcoming WGR Summit, visit: https://www.thewgrsummit.com/2021
Real estate professionals have used technology to boost their businesses for years, so we shouldn’t be surprised that tech companies are eager to start making their mark on the real estate industry.
That being said, many of us are still questioning how we’ll compete with big business. How much of an upper hand do iBuyers have over traditional agents and investors? Do we hold any kind of advantage, or are we in danger of losing out?
In this episode, I’m joined by the co-hosts of the Real Estate Uncensored podcast, Matt Johnson, Greg McDaniel, and Gene Volpe. Together, we dive deep into how agents and investors can keep winning in the face of competition from big tech.
"Do the things in marketing that only you, as an agent and a human being, can do. Big tech will always beat you on SEO, but they won’t beat you on YouTube videos." -Matt Johnson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to capitalize on iBuyers’ weaknesses
iBuyers may have a ton of capital behind them, but they do have a weak spot. What is it, and how can we use it to our advantage?
- Why we need to rethink big tech competition
Tech companies may be a source of competition, but is that always a bad thing?
- The 1 market guaranteed to prefer traditional agents
iBuyers may offer convenience, but they lack a human touch. Which market segment is most likely to miss this touch and continue working with human beings for the foreseeable future?
Guest Bio:
Matt Johnson is an entrepreneur, podcaster, and author. Host of the MicroFamous podcast and co-host of Real Estate Uncensored, he is also the owner of Pursuing Results, a podcast launch, and production company. Matt is the author of MicroFamous: Become Famously Influential to the Right People.
To find out more, go to:
https://getmicrofamous.com/
Greg McDaniel is a real estate agent with eXp and the co-host of the Real Estate Uncensored podcast. Known as the ‘Junior Grandmaster’, real estate runs in Greg’s DNA, and he's on a mission to help agents create the business of their dreams through his podcast and eXp team.
To connect with Greg, call or text him on:
925 915 1978
Gene Volpe is the Digital Architect at GVI Media, LLC. A highly skilled marketer, Gene is passionate about servicing the marketing needs of business owners in multiple industries, including real estate.
To connect with Gene, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/genevolpemedia/
And to listen to the Real Estate Uncensored podcast, go to:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-estate-uncensored-real-estate-sales-marketing/id1010493715
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0H2WkhUrZeUXxa2FxG8IyQ
https://www.facebook.com/realestateuncensored/
Investing in real estate isn’t rocket science. It doesn’t require a perfect plan or a ton of overanalyzing, and by doing just the bare minimum, investing in a single property, you can set yourself up for retirement.
All real estate agents should be investing, especially now, but most are still sitting on the sidelines. What’s holding them back? If you’re listening to the negative “woe is me, no matter what” agents in the industry, it will never be the right time to invest, and you’ll never take action.
Why is the skill set an agent brings to the table so in demand right now?
In this episode, I’m joined by broker, investor and coach, Brad Van De Walle. He shares his journey into investing, and how he turned one property into the foundation of a massive investing empire.
"You don’t necessarily have to have the money or the credit, you just need to have the desire to go and find deals." -Brad Van De Walle
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The simple investing method Brad used to get started
How can we use our real estate sales to come up with initial capital and get the ball rolling?
- How to propel your investing to another level
Taking the emotion out of investing allows you to scale. Why is property management a key part of getting out of our own way?
- Why this is the perfect time to secure capital
In a white-hot market, people with money are desperately seeking deals. As a real estate agent, why are you uniquely positioned to solve this pain point?
- The power of choosing imperfect action over a perfect strategy
It’s better to take action and fumble your way through your first deal than to hesitate and stay stagnant on the sidelines. What differentiates the people who take that first step from everyone else?
Guest Bio:
Brad is a real estate agent, investor, coach and the founder of Infillhub Group, and Double Your Income Coaching. In 2009, he followed his passion and became a Realtor®. Since then, Brad has brought together several teams of successful, reliable Realtors and talented staff, dedicated to creating the very best real estate experience for their clients. His ability to connect with people combines with his infectious energy and unique sales approach to make Brad one of the most well connected and well liked people in the real estate industry. Brad’s belief in working hard, taking risks and trying the untried makes him relentless in the pursuit of growth and success for his clients, his business partners, and himself.
To learn more about Justin’s work, subscribe to his YouTube channel, and connect with him on Facebook.
As agents and investors, we have the unique ability to serve the people in our markets. The only question is, how do we get better at doing it?
How can we start showing our markets we're there to help them and not just in it for a quick buck? Can we apply the same logic to the people working in our organizations?
In this episode, author, podcast host and co-founder of REC, Jas Takhar shares how to build an investing business based on service.
"Don't get in your own way by trying to handle objections. At the end of the day, people are not hockey pucks, so lead with education and then allow the client to make an informed decision. -Jas Takhar"
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we need to get better at being patient
No one likes a pushy salesperson or investor. How do we stop focusing on overcoming objections and start really listening to consumers?
- How to become local experts in our markets
How can we show potential clients we're not just investors, but the authority on the markets we serve, armed with all the knowledge to help them make the best decisions?
- Why we need to get better at managing our teams
No one brings their A-game when they're treated like a number. How can we improve our management skills so we really serve the people in our organizations?
Guest Bio:
Toronto native, Jas Takhar, has been in the sales and service industry for over 25 years. Soon after deciding to try his hand in real estate, he co-founded the REC, and in the course of 15 years, has successfully propelled his team to the 1st place position in Canada under Royal LePage.
With 25 realtors and 10 support staff, the team advises and assists over 700 buyers, sellers and investors, yearly, across the Greater Toronto Area, resulting in a total of over $1.5B in transactions. Jas’ area of expertise is in helping investors build out their real estate portfolios. Wanting to share his knowledge and experience with the masses, he wrote a book titled Real Estate Intelligence, which teaches others how to buy or sell real estate on their own.
Furthering his pursuit to educate and motivate, he now hosts one of the top business podcasts in the country, Jas Takhar Podcast (previously known as the REC Experience) where he interviews guests who share their success stories on real estate investing, entrepreneurship and leadership. He also hosts a daily Instagram Live show called “Nite Cap with Jas” where he answers his follower’s most frequently asked questions. His hope is to provide inspiring content to aid others in removing the friction for their own life, in order to help them get from where they are to where they want to be.
To find out more, visit:
https://jastakhar.ca/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jastakhar/
https://instagram.com/jastakhar13?utm_medium=copy_link
https://www.reccanada.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jas-takhar-podcast/id1383371381
A real estate business with an investing component doesn’t just double our results, it multiplies them.
Because these two worlds merge so effortlessly, we can easily expand our business without losing our freedom.
Sales and investing can share overlapping resources and leverage points so we can build an efficient ecosystem.
How did our guest bring sales and investing together to create a powerhouse business and a 50-location franchise? Can we grow our businesses without giving up the freedom that motivated us to get into real estate?
In today’s episode, broker, owner, and founder of 1st Class Real Estate and 1st Class Franchising, Rhyan Finch shares how to attain both income stability and time freedom through the agent-investor model.
"Every dollar in the bank is losing value every single day, you have to plug it into something. Your work and your effort should be to generate revenue that you’re going to reallocate on purpose." -Rhyan Finch
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we don’t have to choose stability over freedom
Passive income takes a while to build up. How can we accelerate the path to income stability without losing our freedom?
- Rhyan’s path from plumber to agent-investor, broker, and franchisor
How did Rhyan use overlapping leverage and meticulous management to turn real estate sales into a business empire with a 50-location franchise?
- How to get comfortable with taking strategic risks
Why is real estate investing the benchmark of an agent’s willingness to create wealth?
- The choice we have all have to make
You’re either in the battle of not having or managing what you have. What would you rather have?
Guest Bio:
Rhyan is the broker, owner, and founder of 1st Class Real Estate and 1st Class Franchising. In 2005, Rhyan became a licensed real estate agent and in 2008, Rhyan gave himself a promotion and started his Real Estate Team - The Rhyan Finch Real Estate Team. In five years, Rhyan took his newfound real estate career in a crashing market to the number one team in Hampton Roads after joining forces with his sister Rhendi.
In 2012, the team grew to sell over 900 homes and Rhyan decided it was time for the team to branch out and founded 1st Class Real Estate, an independent real estate firm located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As CEO and Principal Broker, he has led the company to rank in the top 4% of real estate companies in the Hampton Roads area, over 700 agents, and 50+ locations nationwide. His powerful leadership, knowledge, and desire to excel have proven a track record of success for exponential growth. With a desire to do more and give more, Rhyan is on a mission to increase the success rate of all of those in this industry. Using tips and trade secrets, he has now franchised their proven and winning model to help everyday real estate agents grow their real estate team in their local markets all over the country.
For more information visit https://1stclassrealestate.com/
Whether we’re agents, investors, or both, marketing should be a major component of our business strategy. The thing many of us struggle with is, where do we start?
How can we create the kind of marketing that consistently gets us great leads, and is it possible to do that without spending a ton of money? What does really good marketing look like, anyway?
In this episode, veteran Realtor and investor, Tyler Ford shares how he mastered the art of organic SEO.
"Content is king, and the more content you create, the better the results." -Tyler Ford
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to get great marketing on a budget
Is it possible to compete with the big players in real estate who are spending up to $40k per month on marketing?
- The #1 web page we should be working on to improve our online presence
Outside of the homepage of our websites, where should we be putting most of our attention?
- When to expect results from organic SEO
Realistically speaking, how long should it take to start seeing a return on time?
Guest Bio:
Tyler Ford is an eXp agent and veteran real estate investor with more than 30 years of experience. With 80% of what he does being in the investing side, Tyler has created a unique hybrid business model that allows him to do half the volume as most agents, while being twice as profitable. Using organic SEO and evergreen marketing, Tyler generates enough leads to do 1-3 deals without spending a dime on direct mail, putting up bandit signs or chasing deals in the MLS. Once those leads come in, Tyler and his team will first try to buy properties, then pass on those they don’t to agents on the team. The result? No lead goes unturned, and clients are served with multiple options in selling their homes.
To find out more, go to:
http://www.TucsonHomesandLots.com
https://www.tucsonhomesandlots.com/about/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerqford/
Investing can be a great add-on to an agent’s existing income, but the benefits don’t stop there. In fact, investing could be more critical than we realize.
When does investing stop being a bonus and start becoming a necessity? Is buying properties more likely to benefit us today, or far into the future?
In this episode, Managing Real Estate Broker at Beth Traverso Group and longtime investor, Beth Traverso shares how investing can completely change an agent’s life.
"Being an investor is the same job as being an agent, but you’re doing it for yourself instead of others." -Beth Traverso
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- When to purchase a rental property
Is there ever a ‘wrong’ time to dip our toes into the investing pool?
- The importance of making provisions for empty properties
Investment properties are great when we have tenants in them, but what do we do when they’re vacant?
- Why EVERY agent should be investing
How can owning rental properties help us prepare for the future?
Guest Bio:
Beth Traverso is the Managing Real Estate Broker and Team Leader at Beth Traverso Group. She launched her real estate career in 1998 and is an active agent and broker in the Seattle, WA and surrounding area. Beth also has experience restoring old homes, and in addition to tending to fixer uppers, she has been investing for 19 years in the Seattle area and loves any opportunity to help others looking to make that transition. It's a real passion of hers. Beth is the recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award for her and her team’s work, helping over 400 people buy and sell homes since 2012.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.bethtraversogroup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BethTraversoGroup/
https://www.instagram.com/thebethtraversogroup/?hl=en
https://www.zillow.com/profile/Beth%20Traverso
Most agents want the wealth and financial freedom that investing in real estate provides, but very few ever pull the trigger. What holds them back?
Even the most well-intentioned people struggle to leap because they have the wrong mindset about investing. They overanalyze themselves into inaction, focus too much on timing the market, and expect instant gratification instead of long-term accumulation.
To put it simply, they aren’t willing to take a strategic risk on something that will pay off massively in the future.
How do we overcome this hesitation? Why do we miss out on an opportunity when we let market conditions control our investment decisions?
In this episode, I’m joined by Minnesota real estate team leader, investor, and coach, Ryan O'Neill. He shares some of the biggest mindset barriers that keep people from experiencing the benefits of investing and how to overcome them.
"A lot of agents are in the buying and selling business, and they are more focused on making a dollar instead of slowing down and considering what to do with that dollar." -Ryan O'Neill
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to overcome the fear to invest
What decision separates the people who become successful investors from everyone else?
- Why a market low shouldn’t put us off
Investing in a down market can be a good thing. How does it set us up for long-term success and massive wealth accumulation?
- How investing supercharges every part of our business
Why struggle for leads as an agent, when you can easily create a pipeline of deals by leaning into investing?
Guest Bio:
Ryan O’Neill is a real estate team leader, investor, and coach based in Minnesota. The youngest of five O’Neill siblings, Ryan grew up in New Prague, Minnesota, and went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame in 1997. As the founder and leader of The Minnesota Real Estate Team, Ryan began his real estate career in 2003 with an emphasis on investment property.
Over the years, Ryan is honored to have worked with so many outstanding clients from around the entire Twin Cities area in all types of real estate transactions. And currently, as the Broker and Sales Manager for the team, Ryan enjoys working with team members to ensure every client has a positive and successful experience when working with The Minnesota Real Estate Team.
The team continues to be the #1 Selling Real Estate Team in Minnesota (for any real estate company) every year from 2006 through today. In 2020, the team closed over 1950 transactions and 600 million in sales.
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanoneill10/.
For both agents and investors, marketing should make up a major part of our business, and cold calling is a great way to get the word out without spending an arm and a leg.
The only problem is, many of us are anxious at the thought of getting on the phone. What should we say, what should we avoid, and what actually works?
How can we overcome our fear of making calls for good?
In this episode, Manager at Chapman Investments LLC and Director of Acquisitions at Middleton Group, Ashlee Chapman shares how making calls took her straight to the top.
"Making the mindset shift to loving prospecting will transform your business." -Ashlee Chapman
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What makes calls such an effective marketing tool
Calls don't always have to be cold. Done right, they can create the space for real conversations that let us into exactly what our clients need, so we can get a better idea of how to serve them.
- How to get more comfortable with prospecting
Cold calling can be intimidating, but the only way we'll feel more at ease doing it is by getting started. We can't let our fears stop us from trying in the first place.
- How to stop letting the fear of rejection hold us back
No one likes hearing 'no', but we have to understand that a no now doesn't mean no forever. Most of the money is in the follow-up.
Guest Bio:
Ashlee Chapman is a Diverse Real Estate Agent turned Investor in San Diego County, specializing in distressed properties. Problem-solving is ultimately her job, being creative and thinking outside the box. She is extremely passionate about developing strong relationships that evolve into everyday friendships with both her clients and partners in the industry.
After initially going the traditional college route, Ashlee realized that wasn't for her, and entrepreneurship was her path. For her, entrepreneurship doesn't mean that she makes her schedule and takes time off. It means she's creating her vision and legacy through hard work and seeing past the comfortability that so many people fear getting out of.
To find out more, visit:
https://middletongroupsd.com/team/ashlee-chapman/
Many agents feel apprehensive about getting into the investing side of real estate, and the current competitiveness in the market doesn't help those hesitations.
However, for those who are willing to leap, investing could be the thing that takes their business to the next level.
How does an agent make the shift to an investor? Can we use the investment side of things to bolster our existing real estate businesses?
How do we even begin to identify great deals when we're new to the investing space?
In this episode, I’m joined by the Owner of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, founder of Real Estate Sales Solutions, and host of The Level Up Podcast, Greg Harrelson.
We discuss how agents can maximize their results with real estate investing.
"You will get more listings as you offer more options to a seller." -Greg Harrelson
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What to do if we don't feel comfortable investing
Not everyone feels comfortable investing, so don't be afraid to team up. A simple Facebook post can be all it takes to connect with potential partners.
- How investing allows us to maximize every opportunity
Often, agents will go into a property and assess that it needs a lot of work to go to market, which marks the end of the road, but it doesn't have to be.
- Why investing is a great fallback option for every agent
Most of the time, sellers prefer listing their properties to taking a cash deal, but a small percentage won't. How can you create a service offering that meets the needs of those sellers?
Guest Bio:
Greg is the owner and president of Century 21 The Harrelson Group, founder of Real Estate Sales Solutions, and host of The Level Up Podcast. As a successful agent and business owner in the Myrtle Beach area, Greg is in the top 1% of agents in the country. His success has inspired him to teach aspiring Realtors how to reach their goals. Greg is passionate about being hands-on in his business and regularly encourages agents with questions to reach out to him through social media platforms.
For more information visit https://m.facebook.com/gregharrelson
There are many ways to get started in real estate investing, and there’s no right way to jump in. However, for aspirational investors who lack a ton of capital, the most seamless option is house-hacking.
House-hackers live in a property they own, rent part of it out to roommates, and secure it as an investment for the future. It seems like a cost-effective option for new investors, but what’s the catch?
What’s stopping more investors from house-hacking, and are the barriers worth tolerating?
In this episode, the owner of JM Holdings and The Moorhead Team at Keller Williams, Jordan Moorhead shares how he house-hacked his way to prosperity.
"If you want a lot of rental properties, house-hacking will get you there." -Jordan Moorhead
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Who should house-hack
Many would-be investors are unable to buy properties because of the expenses involved, but house-hacking solves that problem. By living in an investment property and sharing the expenses with a renter, house-hackers have the opportunity to accumulate assets while saving money on living costs.
- Why house-hacking makes sense in today’s market
We may hear talk of rent decreasing soon, but in markets with stable and growing populations, that’s highly unlikely. Rent is more likely to increase, so for investors thinking of renting to keep costs low, it’s time to reconsider the option that allows us to live on a property and generate an income.
- How to get over the comfort factor
House-hacking isn’t always comfortable in the short term, but the long-term benefits are endless. Be willing to sacrifice now to reap the rewards later.
Guest Bio:
Jordan Moorhead is the owner of JM Holdings and The Moorhead Team at Keller Williams. He has been an entrepreneur since he was a kid when he had a lawn business at the age of 13 and walked around putting flyers around the neighborhood. While Jordan went the traditional route for a few years and worked jobs while he went to college, getting laid off while in college was the best thing that ever happened to him, and he started investing in real estate in 2016 and was immediately hooked. He had wanted to be a real estate investor since his early teens but listened too much to others to wait for the “right time”. The right time is always now. Today, Jordan’s focus is growing his business, investing in real estate, and helping others get started in real estate as a Realtor.
To find out more, go to:
https://themoorheadteam.kw.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-moorhead-74277859/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/austin-real-estate-investing/id1526289523
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-moorhead-74277859/
https://www.instagram.com/jordan_moorhead/?hl=en
https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/jordan-moorhead_austin_tx_3794362_091359794
You can also email him at jordan.moorhead@kw.com
Or send him a DM on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jordan_moorhead/?hl=en
Or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jordan.moorhead
Real estate agents can’t get off the hamster wheel of transactions and clients without the investing component. The space where our work as agents overlaps with investing deals is where we have the most value and opportunity for financial freedom.
Through investing, we can turn our active income into passive income so we don’t burn out on real estate transactions. Our work as agents generates the leads, relationships and income needed to invest.
What are the first steps agents need to take in order to become investors? How can we leverage our real estate work in our investing ventures?
In this episode, Arizona investor, Jared Ryan Piper shares how he turned his momentum in real estate into his path to financial freedom.
"Investing in assets that produce passive income can actually buy back some of your time and create freedom so you don’t have to work so much." -Jared Ryan Piper
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to make the transition from agent to investor
Agents who become investors have the ability to save money, make sacrifices, and live below their means in the short-term so that they have capital for the future. It’s also key to prioritize continuing education and mentorship to advance and accelerate our path. * Why agents have a huge value proposition
Realtors work with property on a daily basis, and they have the knowledge, tools, relationships and access to leads right at their fingertips. We can utilize our network and the leads right in front of us to start converting some of those traditional listing leads into investment deals. * The greatest opportunity investing gives us
Take the income you earn actively as a real estate agent, and put it towards building your rental portfolio. Ultimately, the passive income will equal or even surpass our active income, and we’ll have the financial freedom to do less real estate transactions.
Guest Bio
Jared Ryan Piper is a Real Estate Investor in Phoenix, AZ. Jared is a wholesaler, selling off-market properties to other real estate investors at below market value. He also does fix and flips and owns a rental portfolio in the Phoenix area. He also holds an active real estate license in the state of Arizona.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/Jpiper84 and follow @pipedawg84 on Instagram.
Doing 45 deals and $25 million in volume in the first year of real estate is a phenomenal and rare achievement. For Kyle Renke, this level of success was made possible by carving out a niche, and not shying away from the investing conversation.
Many agents think tapping into the investing world is going to hurt their real estate sales, but it can be the secret to generating leads and turbo-charging the entire business.
Investing and real estate sales can work together to create a unique value proposition that allows us to scale quickly in our markets and open doors to more opportunities.
How can we use a niche like house-hacking to stand out in our market and bring value to our communities? Why is there so much opportunity in combining an investing niche with a traditional real estate business?
In this episode, I’m joined by the leader and architect of The David Greene Team Sacramento, Kyle Renke. He shares how he achieved a phenomenal level of success in his first year as a full-time agent.
"The biggest differentiator between people who want to invest and people who are already investing is merely taking action." -Kyle Renke
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to use house-hacking to kickstart your investing
House-hacking is a simple way for people to get into their first investment property, especially in higher price markets. In this model, an investor buys a home, lives in one part of it while renting out the other part. You get access to a primary residence loan as opposed to an investment model. This model also allows you to reduce your living expenses, making it the perfect foundation for financial freedom. * How Kyle Renke leveraged a unique niche to boost his real estate business
A huge portion of Kyle Renke’s real estate leads came from carving out space in the house-hacking niche and building a community and tribe around it through Meetup groups. By giving value to people who want to get into investing, and becoming a connector in that niche, he has created massive credibility and visibility as an agent. * Why the resistance to investing is a mindset block
Most of the time, people are afraid of investing because it seems extremely risky. When people buy a home for themselves, there’s a bigger risk than investing in a property that’s going to generate income. To start investing, we have to shift our mindset to see the opportunity.
Guest Bio:
Kyle Renke is the leader and architect of The David Greene Team Sacramento. He is quickly building the most efficient top-producing real estate team in the Greater Sacramento area. In his first year of full-time real estate, Kyle worked his way up to the Top 2% and Top 500 Realtors in Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado Counties.
One of the many facets that allowed him to achieve and maintain a high level of performance is his relentless desire for self-improvement. Kyle constantly seeks to sharpen his skills and build his real estate team to continue to provide a high level of service.
For more information, visit https://kylerenke.com/
Whether we’re agents new to the investing space or vice versa, our marketing makes all the difference to our results. We could be the best agents and investors in our markets, but if no one knows that, we’ll never get the success we want.
What should our marketing strategies look like? Which approach should we be taking, and is there a chance we’re going about it all wrong?
More importantly, is it possible to get great marketing without spending a ton of money on ad campaigns?
In this episode, the Founder of Hatch Realty, Erik Hatch shares how he’s captured mindshare in his market.
"Word of mouth advertising is the greatest, cheapest way to advertise." -Erik Hatch
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to build a recognizable brand The key to successful marketing lies in mindshare, but for the best results, people need to be thinking about who they are, rather than what they do. At the end of the day, we are our brands.
- How to follow the lead of top dog agents and investors When we’re new to being agents or investors, our first port of call should be looking into what the successful people in the space are doing. Follow their social media, take a look at their marketing and get an idea of what’s working.
- The importance of zoning into our databases Purchased leads are never quite as fulfilling as earned leads, and that’s because earned business comes from people who already know, like, and trust us. Even though purchased leads have their benefits, we should never neglect our databases.
Guest Bio:
Erik Hatch is an entrepreneur, public speaker, Realtor, author, coach, investor, do-gooder, husband, father, and mediocre golfer. Erik has 25 businesses that he owns and operates with the help of some tremendous partners and relationships. In addition, Erik has built 2 non-profit movements that have raised nearly 3 million dollars to help serve kids and families in need.
Fargo, ND has been home to Erik his entire life. It is where he and his wife Emily met and where they’re raising their 2 kids, Finley and Simon. Erik is an alumnus of North Dakota State University and Fargo North High School. Hatch’s passions are simple- serving others and having fun while doing so.
Out of college, Erik went to work as a youth minister for nearly a decade. It is here that he really fell in love with cultivating deep relationships and harnessed his passion for inspiring and uplifting anyone he came in contact with.
Erik started Hatch Realty in 2014 with a passion to do things differently than the status quo. He wanted to create a place where the most incredible people wanted to work and all his energy would be put into helping them to reach their dreams. Erik knew that great people would deliver world-class service for all those they could serve.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.hatchrealty.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhatch1/
https://www.hatchrealty.com/snap-offer/
https://www.facebook.com/erikhatch
https://www.hatchcoaching.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ebo_5m6oeehLUXC6V_X7Q
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHN7UY3v7oL1huRK4GhqiqQ
Making the leap from being just an agent to an agent who also invests (or vice versa) shouldn’t be too much of a stretch, because the two are so inextricably linked. However, for the agent or investor entirely new to the space, making the jump can still be intimidating.
Whenever we look at expanding the scope of our businesses, the first step we should take is to get educated. We can’t go in blind, but the question remains: where do we start?
How can we ensure we’re getting all the information we need before taking the plunge, and where should we be looking for it in the first place?
In this episode, veteran investor and CEO of the Mark Loeffler Team at Keller Williams, Mark Loeffler shares how to build the knowledge we need if we want to succeed.
"People are so open to sharing their knowledge: all you have to do is be receptive to listening." -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of getting educated before diving into the investing world:
Most agents are used to servicing their spheres, but real estate investors are an entirely different ballgame, and if we want to serve their niche, we have to know what we’re doing. Take the time to get educated and speak to people in the industry to get a better idea of how everything works. * Why networking is the key to successful real estate investing:
The vast majority of real estate investors are happy to answer questions about the space, so don’t be shy to reach out. Connect through online networking events, and even volunteer to work alongside local investors to learn the ropes. * Why we need to take advantage of free resources:
Much of the content we can find online today would have been part of paid courses a couple years ago. There’s so much great information at our fingertips and it’s all for free, so take advantage of the massive opportunity to learn.
Guest Bio:
Mark Loeffler is the CEO of the Mark Loeffler Team at Keller Williams Signature Realty Brokerage. He is also an investing veteran, having got his start in the industry when he bought his first investment property at the age of 25. Mark initially earned his real estate license when he realized none of the agents in his area at the time could serve his needs, and after becoming a multiple award-winning Realtor as the top individual agent for GCI in Canada in both 2012 and 2013, it’s safe to say he’s never looked back. Mark is the author of Fix and Flip: The Canadian How-To Guide for Buying, Renovating and Selling Property for Fast Profit and Investing in Rent-to-Own Property: A Complete Guide for Canadian Real Estate Investors.
To find out more, go to:
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/markloeffler https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4G-ZeNOU66mLcaO0Ewb0w
https://www.amazon.com/Investing-Rent-Own-Property-Investors/dp/047073759X
https://www.amazon.com/Fix-Flip-Canadian-How-Renovating/dp/1118181050/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&qid=1613723958&refinements=p_27%3AMark+Loeffler&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Mark+Loeffler
As real estate professionals, we know better than anyone the value of getting into real estate investing. However, many of us hold back from diving in because we lack the capital to get started.
Without the financial means, investing can feel like a pipe dream. That being said, if we look beyond the traditional financing models, it doesn’t need to be.
How can we get started on more creative financing, and just how creative can we be? What options are available to the would-be investors who lack funds but have all the necessary knowledge?
In this episode, COO of Broadwell Property Group and author of Creative Cash, Bill Ham shares how to raise capital in non-traditional ways.
"If you know how to be creative, money takes a backseat to the value you offer." -Bill Ham
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why we haven’t heard much about creative financing (until now):
The real estate market has been in a great place for the past few years, meaning getting access to traditional funding has been relatively easy. However, as the market takes a shift, that’ll all change, and more investors will have to get educated on the alternatives. * What to offer sellers when finances are off the table:
Not having the funds to purchase a property is a setback, but it’s not insurmountable. Make up the difference by shifting focus to the value we can offer sellers. * Who to approach for creative financing:
There are tons of well-paid professionals with the means to get involved in investing, but lack the time to get started. Approach them with the intention of partnering up: their funding, our industry expertise.
Guest Bio:
Bill Ham is the owner and senior manager of Phoenix Residential Management, LLC, which has operated a portfolio of over 1500 residential units and been in business since 2009. His team consists of 15 members including himself. Bill is also a multifamily owner/operator and Chief Operating Officer at Broadwell Property Group. Through his companies he seeks to purchase and manage a currently growing portfolio of commercial multifamily real estate. Bill recently authored Creative Cash: The Complete Guide to Master Lease Options and Seller Financing for Investing in Real Estate.
To find out more, go to: https://creativeapartmentdeals.com/
https://broadwellpropertygroup.com/bill-ham/
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Cash-Complete-Financing-Investing-ebook/dp/B08TGVJ9SK
Or email him at bill@billbroadwell.com
Renovations on residential properties can bring massive returns, but they can also incur a lot of costs, and as investors, we need to be aware of those ahead of time.
Estimating the price of renovations can be tricky, especially for newbie investors, but knowing what we’re getting ourselves into is a vital part of staying on track. The question is, where do we start?
How can we get a better idea of the type of refurbishment we’ll be doing, and how can we calculate how much it will cost us? Are there any renovations we should be steering clear of?
In this episode, Ocean City Development’s construction manager, Jim Cooke shares how he approaches renovations in single-family investment properties.
"It’s important to know the level of renovation before getting started, because there are so many things you can do to so many properties if your goal is to make it perfect." -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
▪️ What to do before viewing a property in person:
Take a look at comps online before visiting a property. This gives us a good idea of the standard home in the neighborhood and can be used as a checklist when we do see it in person.
▪️ How to get a more accurate idea of the costs:
It’s never a bad idea to take a contractor along when viewing a property, especially when we’re new to renovations. Doing so will come at a cost, but the worst that can come from it is an informed second opinion that might just save us money in the long term.
▪️ The properties new investors should avoid altogether:
Major renovations can bring major returns, but only if we know what we’re doing. When we’re new to the space, our best bet is to stick with small, cosmetic renovations that carry minimal risk.
Guest Bio:
Jim Cooke is the construction manager at Ocean City Development. He deals with everything from smaller deals like fix and flips to bigger projects, and his day to day typically consists of going on scopes and creating renovation budgets.
To find out more, go to: https://www.facebook.com/jim.cooke.79025
https://www.oceancitydevelopment.com/
Investing is an enticing idea for many agents, but between all our existing responsibilities and the day-to-day grind, it’s something we just never get around to actually doing. However, if we don’t take the plunge now we never will, so it’s time to get started.
What are the things holding us back from making the first move, and are any of them truly insurmountable? How can we push through the obstacles, once and for all?
What will it take for us to truly commit to investing, so we stop limiting ourselves to making money and start building long-term wealth?
In this episode, co-founder of Jake & Gino, Gino Barbaro shares his tips for first-time investors.
"There’s no such thing as the right time to start anything, it just happens when it happens, and you figure it out as you go." -Gino Barbaro
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
▪️ Why we need to take the leap into investing NOW:
Many of us haven’t taken the plunge yet because we’re waiting for the ‘right’ time to start. However, there is no right time, and the only way to get started is by jumping in and learning along the way.
▪️ How to get into investing with minimal capital:
Not having the cash for a first deal holds many would-be investors back, but it doesn’t need to. Make a point of networking with other investors and partner with them to share some of the costs.
▪️ Why it’s so important to surround ourselves with other investors:
Those who have gone before us have the cheat codes, making them vital contacts. However, another benefit of networking with other investors is that we realize they’re just like us. As a result, our dreams feel much more viable.
Guest Bio:
Gino Barbaro is an investor, business owner, author, and entrepreneur who has grown his real estate portfolio to over 1400 multifamily units. He is the co-founder of Jake & Gino, a multifamily real estate education company that offers coaching and training in real estate, founded upon their proprietary framework of Buy Right, Manage Right & Finance Right. Gino is also the co-author of The Honey Bee and Wheelbarrow Profits, and co-host of the Wheelbarrow Profits podcast.
Find out more at:
https://jakeandgino.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gino-barbaro-03973b4b/
And to get a copy of The Honey Bee, email Gino@JakeandGino.com
Being an agent and an investor is a powerful combination, and it’s one of the best ways to create financial freedom for ourselves. However, many agents shy away from investing because they’re afraid of taking on a complicated new venture.
It’s normal to have some concerns when we’re new to investing, but getting big results in the space is a lot simpler than most of us think. Anyone can make it as an investor, we just have to be willing to push past our fears and do what most people won’t.
How can we create the path of least resistance for ourselves and make investing a seamless process with guaranteed benefits? What can we do to overcome our fears so we can take advantage of everything investing has to offer?
In this episode, Realtor, real estate advisor and investor, Dana Bull shares how she made a name for herself as an investor the uncomplicated way.
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- What separates successful agent investors from everyone else:
Investing isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require sacrifice and discipline, and that’s why so many people don’t do it. However, those willing to put in the time and live below their means now will see massive rewards later. * Why having hundreds of units isn’t a prerequisite for successful investing:
While some investors love purchasing a ton of properties, many would prefer to stay small, and that’s okay. We can still get great returns by zoning in on a few properties and keeping it simple. * Why we need to stop letting fear hold us back from investing:
In real estate, as in life, there are always risks, but if we want to make our mark as investors we have to push past our fears and take the leap. To be successful, we have to do what’s scary.
Guest Bio:
Dana Bull is a Realtor, real estate advisor and investor. She got her start in the industry in her early 20s, when she started investing in homes across the Boston area. Since then, she’s gone on to get her license with Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty, and today she’s also the Marketing Director for Team Harborside, a premier real estate group that represents some of the most unique properties on Boston’s North Shore. Dana has an active voice in the industry, and on top of having written for Zillow, Inman, and the National Association of REALTORS®, her commentary has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The Washington Post.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.danabull.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DanaBullRealtor/
https://www.instagram.com/danabull_realtor/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danatee
https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-3738-4038900/dana-bull
https://saganrealtors.com/realestate/agent/dana-bull/
Many agents who want to invest in some capacity feel limited by a lack of experience and more importantly a lack of capital. What we often overlook is the value that we bring to the table as agents - and how that value allows us to attract capital.
Our access to deals (which we take for granted as agents) is something that appeals to the people with money, and if we partner with them, it can be a huge win-win. Because of the value of access to deals, capital should be the last thing holding us back from investing.
How do we approach the people with capital in our markets - to make it a win-win? How can we have the conversations and ask the questions that help us gain their trust? What can being an agent allow us to do on the investing side?
In this episode, agent investor, entrepreneur, and real estate coach, Joe Bell shares a simple way for us to enter the world of investing by getting clear on the value we bring to the table as agents.
You might have limited resources and limited capital, but you can provide value by finding the deals. -Joe Bell
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The value real estate agents bring to the table:
Many capital investors don’t want to hunt around for deals. Being an agent with the ability to find deals is a big value proposition we can bring to these people. We can take that to the market as an offer and use it to find deals. The combination of their money and our proximity to deals can be the basis of a winning partnership. * How to start finding deals:
As agents, we should already be a source of valuable information and we should be utilizing social media to showcase that expertise. We can find capital by putting out content that includes information about the deals we’re coming across in order to attract investors. If we’re not willing to have those conversations and ask those questions in our markets, we’ll never be able to find capital. * Why investing is important for our communities:
Investing is a way for us to keep wealth in our communities. When iBuyers take over our markets, they use the profits elsewhere. When we invest, we can keep the profits in our communities. We can develop our own markets and protect our real estate professionals from the players who want to wipe them out.
Guest Bio:
Joe Bell is an agent, entrepreneur, real estate coach, and founder of Legacy Beyond Listings. He helps real estate professionals build true wealth and create a lasting legacy through real estate investing. Providing support and help through private customized coaching, education, and done-with-you services, Joe gets his clients unparalleled results to skyrocket their real estate business and start building a legacy quickly.
For more information, visit http://www.legacybeyondlistings.com/.
People in real estate come from all walks of life, and that allows us to bring our expertise into our current businesses. For agents with a background in construction, this is great news, because these talents allow them to more easily foray into fix and flips.
However, our backgrounds aren’t the only deciding factor, and investors who don’t have a history in construction can still get huge returns renovating older properties - I know this because I was just a nerdy accountant who now flips over 125 homes per year.
With that being said, what do we need to know before getting involved with flips and how can agents get into flipping - even if they don't have a construction background at all.
In this episode, Founder of JH1 Homes, Jared Holland shows you how any agent can invest - including some unique ways of doing deals with no money - like partnering on deals with your seller clients.
If you’re new to fix and flips, start at a smaller scale. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The importance of having a dedicated fix and flip team:
Flips are a complex process, and it can be difficult to juggle that along with everything else we have going on. Build a team solely dedicated to the flipping side of the business to make sure it gets the attention it deserves. * Why flips don’t need to be a total remodel:
Not all properties need extensive renovations to get a high return. Simple cosmetic changes, like new countertops, cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a property without breaking the bank. * How to get started if you’re new to construction:
Not having experience in construction shouldn’t hold investors back from fix and flips. Look out for a contractor who has worked with investors in the past, find solid comps, and everything else will fall into place.
Guest Bio:
Jared Holland is the Founder of JH1 Homes. A developer and investor, Jared began his career in the construction industry before deciding to not only build homes, but sell them too. In addition to being an investor, Jared is a licensed real estate broker and a Managing Broker at Compass.
To find out more, head to:
http://www.jh1homes.com/agents/jared-holland/
https://www.compass.com/agents/jared-holland/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-holland-61bb9440
https://www.instagram.com/jaredflipsseattle/
For agent investors, there’s a huge benefit to building and nurturing relationships with other agents in our markets. Instead of competing with them on transactions, networking with agents allows us to turn them into our partners and collaborators.
Local agents bring a ton of value to the table, and working with them on investing deals can often be a win-win. If we want to find more investing deals and raise more capital, having conversations with the agents, teams, and brokerages in our markets can be the least expensive way to do that.
What are the benefits of networking for investing deals and capital with other agents in our market? How is this also a great opportunity for them? In this episode, I share why it’s so valuable for us to get in front of more agents in our local markets and how to do it.
Forging relationships with real estate brokers and agents in your market can be hugely beneficial. -Tom Cafarella
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- The value our deals bring to agents:
Agents typically get a 5-6% commission which they have to split with a buyer’s agent. By helping us find deals, they have the opportunity to not only make 100% of the commission, but they also have the opportunity to list the home once the renovation is done. * Why agents are great partners for investors:
Half the battle when you’re trying to raise private money is getting the person to understand real estate. Real estate agents are a great niche market for raising capital because they already understand real estate and know how to identify a good deal. * Who we should be approaching:
Identify the brokerages and teams in your market with 30 or more agents. Prepare a presentation explaining the opportunity, and nurture a relationship with the people who express an interest in working with you.
Agents have the skill and access to deals that would make them naturally excel at investing, yet it’s not very common for agents to become investors
We often make the mistake of assuming that the person with the capital has more leverage, but when you have access to deals, you hold the true value. There’s a huge investor demand for good deals in every market. Agents bump into these deals without even trying and let them slip through their fingers.
There’s no one better at identifying a good deal than an agent who knows that market. This is valuable knowledge that can allow us to become successful investors.
What are the advantages of merging our real estate business with an investing component? How do we tap into the investor demand and access capital? Why is there so much leverage in being the person with the deal? In this episode, investor and agent Chris Craddock shares why real estate agents miss out when they don’t take advantage of their proximity to deals.
If you are good at what you do, all you have to do is find deals and the money will show up. -Chris Craddock
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
How investing multiplies your income potential:
Most agents make about $50,000 to $60,000 a year. With just one investment, we can earn just as much. We can earn exponentially more by just adding a few deals to our books. This kind of income takes pressure off the real estate side, and also provides retirement income.
Why massive success is easier as an investor:
To make six-figures as a traditional real estate agent, you have to be in the top-tier of production. In investing, you can make six-figures without needing to be a top producer or be in the top 5% of the industry.
The leverage every real estate agent has:
In every single market, there are investors looking for deals, and real estate agents are perfectly positioned to identify these deals. We can earn money from just being the person who puts these deals together and gets them in front of the right people.
Guest Bio:
Chris Craddock is an entrepreneur, investor, agent, and the founder and CEO at The Redux Group. He has been in real estate for 17 years, and for the past 2 years, his real estate agent business partnered with local wholesalers to find motivated sellers. Chris is a consistent NVAR multi-million dollar producer who produces over $2 Million in commission each year. His team sold just under $120 million in volume in 2019. He is also a nationally certified Life Coach and member of Gary Keller's Top 100 with a Doctorate in Leadership, and host of the Uncommon Real Estate Podcast.
For more information, visit https://www.chriscraddock.com/ join the Uncommon Real Estate Facebook group and follow @craddrock on Instagram.
Real estate agents, even the ones earning the most money, have a pressing need for a passive stream of income. Without investing, they risk losing all their income as soon as they stop working. We are also well-positioned and equipped to become investors because of what we do.
My passion is helping agents take on investing, whether as a side income or something they want to fully transition to. This is why I’m relaunching this podcast and rebranding the show to focus on agents who want to become investors.
What’s the thought process behind this shift and who will benefit from our content? In this episode, I talk about my real estate investing journey, and what drove me to transition this show from the Real Estate Mogul to Agent Investor.
Investing is a powerful vehicle for building wealth and gaining financial freedom, and agents are perfectly positioned to take advantage of it. Real estate agents have the majority of the skills and instincts needed to be successful as investors.
Because we already know how to get a deal done and we’re constantly exposed to properties, taking on investing is a lot easier for us.
When we nurture the craft of being an agent and knowing the market, we’re also making ourselves great candidates for doing investing deals. What holds so many of us back is fear and the emotional risk of doing something that seemingly isn’t in our comfort zone. Once we overcome that fear, we can tap into incredible opportunities.
How can we overcome the reluctance to get into investing? Why should we stop letting money stop us from doing it? In this episode, agent and investor, Michelle Theriault shares what fueled her to become an investor.
You don’t get anywhere with complacency, you need to become irritated with your situation to change it. -Michelle Theriault
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Why investing is easy for agents:
Real estate agents are already out in the market and knowledgeable about properties. Opportunities will come up passively for us because of what we do. If we know what to look for, we can easily add a deal or two every year and make more money without a huge amount of extra effort. * Why we need to stop letting money and contracting experience limit us:
People’s top reasons for not investing is not having enough money and not understanding the contracting side of things. The biggest thing is the deal, so if you have the investment opportunity, contracting and financing should not be a concern. * How investing also empowers sellers:
A real estate investing deal doesn’t have to be a win for only the investor, it can be a win for the seller too. If the traditional listing route isn’t right for them and their situation, we can step in and help them. The win the seller gets from that should not go unnoticed.
Shifting markets are the dread of every agent and investor. How can we prepare for a changing market? Is it wise to continue to work by ourselves? What should we do about rental properties? In this episode, Paul Campbell talks about what agents and investors can do to survive and thrive during hard times.
One way to level out the playing field is to work with a team. Teams generally have more resources, more support, and generate more leads. -Paul Campbell
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Takeaways
- Being a single agent in a market that is already showing signs of slowing down is difficult, especially when we compete against big companies. At times, it’s wiser to leverage the tools and the systems of others instead of trying to reinvent the wheel on our own.
- We don’t have to chase down the market. We just need a good understanding of how the market shift is going to impact us and what the downward trajectory looks like.
- Our clients need us the most when the market isn’t doing well. During hard times, our skills will be shown.
At the beginning of the episode, we talked about why being a single agent only makes our work harder and how it doesn’t always make sense profit wise either. We also talked about why our expertise and support becomes more necessary during a downturn.
Next we covered:
- Why it’s wise to discontinue rental properties during market shifts
- Why it’s vital for our business to work our way up in commercial bank financing
- How a tax team can save you money and headaches
During a shifting market, the best way to survive is to put your ego aside and join a team. Teams usually have more resources, more support, and better systems to help you thrive. Plus, you won’t have to do everything by yourself. As a single agent, you keep the entire commission but you also have to wear different hats and spend a large amount of your time.
For many business owners, it can be easy to overlook the importance of sharing knowledge, systems, and processes throughout their team. What are the risks we expose ourselves to when we only have systems in our heads? What happens when our best employees leave, and how do we make their success repeatable? In this episode, Rhen Bartlett talks about how systems can free a business from having to rely on its best people, and he shares some insight on what works and what doesn’t.
You can’t get systemized, repeatable results from something in your head. -Rhen Bartlett
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Takeaways
- There are two types of business owners: the artist and the operator. The artist is usually the one with the vision and ideas, but without an operator, an artist can’t get much done.
- When a top employee leaves, it can put a company in danger if key information and processes were known only by that person.
- Having documented systems allows a business to track what gets done, how it gets done, and what the results are.
In the beginning of the episode, we talked about the two types of business owners and how they complement each other. We also talked about how systems can make our lives easier when some of our best people decide to leave and we have to make new hires.
We also covered:
- How giving feedback and room to grow keeps the turnover rate low
- Why it’s important to track progress and give our workers targets to reach and bonuses for performance
- How documenting the systems we use can make the coaching process easier
We can’t run a successful business without documenting and sharing our knowledge and systems. If we skip this step, it will be much harder for new hires to get up to speed, and they’ll have to start their own systems from scratch—which costs time and money. Another advantage that systems bring is predictability. They make it easy to measure and find out where the problems are.
Guest Bio
Rhen Bartlett is the Chief Operating Officer at Irby Homebuyers, LLC. He manages day-to-day company operations, as well as sales training, process implementation, marketing & advertising campaigns, and finances. For more information go to: http://www.irbyllc.com/
Healthy investing businesses make most of their money during periods of crisis when everyone else is struggling. What strategies can we use to withstand market lows? In what properties should we look to invest? And how can we attract the attention of brokers? In this episode, Michael Young speaks about his journey as a real estate investor and how he built wealth using a few simple steps.
Takeaways
- Managing small properties isn’t a long-term strategy. Aim high from the beginning, and hire a property manager so you can focus on what you know best.
- The best time to make money is when there is turbulence in the market, and other people don't have the resources to make a move. That’s why you need enough capital reserves.
- It doesn't matter what happens with the market in the moment. There will always be lows and highs, but if we find a good property, you should buy it no matter what the state of the market looks like.
In the beginning, we talked about the importance of having multiple streams of income and leaving the managing of properties to a manager so we can have more time to find good deals. Next, we talked about the importance of networking and what it takes for a broker to take an interest in you.
We also covered:
- What kind of return in percentages the properties your buy should have
- Why debt is not a bad thing and how can you use it to your advantage
- Why buying hard assets is better than using the money for a savings account
Guest Bio:
Michael Young is the founder of Princeton Pacific Properties. They provide excellent client service, in-depth knowledge of the ever changing California Real Estate market, and the experience of thousands of completed transactions. Go to princetonpacificproperties.com for more information or email michael@princetonpacific.com.
Real estate investing is getting increasingly harder as the prices of property go up and fewer people are looking to buy in certain areas. As a beginner in investing, what type of neighborhoods should you avoid? What’s the best way to find deals even in highly competitive areas? Should you look for smaller or bigger properties? In this episode, Mark Ainley shares how he sold over 400 homes and manages over 750 rental units.
Go where other people don’t want to go. You can make money there. -Mark Ainley
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Takeaways
- Don’t go investing first in C and D class neighborhoods. There is money to be made in those areas as well, but there are also challenges that beginners aren’t ready to face, such as security issues when the property is vacant.
- Markets shift, so always have an exit plan in place.
- Smaller homes are easier to renovate, and you can easily estimate how much it costs to make the repairs. Plus, medium to small homes are easier to flip as well.
At the beginning of the episode we talked about what neighborhoods you should avoid when starting out as well as the importance of having an exit plan. Next, Mark Ainley shared his experience with trying to do all the marketing himself and what he does now to find deals.
We also covered:
- The state of the MLS nationwide
- The importance of networking with wholesalers
- Why searching for homes yourself is not worth the financial investment
As a real estate investor, the biggest challenge at the moment is acquisition. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend money on marketing to attract deals. There are other people who already do this for a living and they are looking for buyers like you as well. The market is flooded with signs and ads. Let others do the heavy lifting for you, and when they do have a deal, give them the answer in 24 hours and keep your word. Give them reasons to always come back to you when they find something worth flipping or renting out.
It can be easy for a lot of people to develop a fear around money and investing when they don’t know much about it. Why is it so important to overcome this fear of money? Why is getting into real estate investing a lot easier than people think? What is a “financial freedom number”, and how is it the crux of success? On this episode, Clayton Morris shares his unique journey to becoming an investor, along with the practices and mindsets that made success inevitable.
Most people just want to blindly get into real estate, and they don’t have any focus on what their numbers are. -Clayton Morris
Takeaways
- Buy where there’s American based jobs, where the infrastructure is not going to China, and where there’s hospital systems and distribution centers.
- Borrowing from your IRA is a great strategy. You’re paying yourself back as the bank, and you can put more money back into it than the federal government allows.
- A lot of warehouses and commercial buildings are being turned into distribution centers. More people are investing in residential spaces in those areas.
- You either have money, a deal or access to people.
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
At the start of the show, Clayton shared how he got started in investment properties, and how he overcame not feeling worthy of money. Next, we talked about the best criteria for buying investment properties and the power of having a financial freedom number. We also talked about the importance of aligning all your financial processes with your wealth building in mind.
We also discussed:
- How to find off-market deals
- Turnkey investments
- The shift towards a market of warehouses and distribution centers
There’s so much money out there, but people are limited by their thoughts around money. The truth is, there are so many different tools in the tool chest and you even have access to them as a beginner in the industry. If you have a really good deal, it would be crazy for you not to find someone to finance it. The key thing is having a big why because that will determine your actions. Remember, you have to feel worthy of wealth and that will make it manifest. Figure out your compass first and then take action on it.
Guest Bio
Clayton is a real estate investor, and founder of Morris Invest. He’s helped hundreds of people buy their first rental property and we've renovated thousands of homes and filled them with happy tenants. Go to morrisinvest.com for more info or listen to the podcast https://morrisinvest.com/podcast/.
Real estate investing is perhaps one of the most profitable forms of investing, but it has its challenges as well. How well do you know the legislation in the area you want to buy a property? What’s the most important step towards shifting away from the business and getting more time with family and friends? What role does technology play in investing? On this episode, Sharad Mehta shares his story of how he built a business with over 600 deals in 6 years while starting from scratch.
I could have the best systems in the world-- but if I don’t have the right people, nothing will get done. -Sharad Mehta
Takeaways
- Before you start investing in real estate, make sure the laws favor you, and that you won’t have any issues evacuating a troublesome tenant.
- When buying a property, don’t think about the value it will have if you sell it. Consider the value it will have if you have a steady stream of income from a tenant.
- The most important element of the business is the people you’re working with. When you have people who you trust on your side, you don’t have to be constantly involved in the process if you have the right systems in place.
- Don’t shy away from using technology to communicate with your contractors. You don’t need to be face-to-face all the time to build a good business relationship.
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
In the beginning of the the episode, we talk about how advantageous it is to invest in real estate because you get a bigger cut. We also discussed the importance of researching the laws of the state you will buy property in.
Sharad also shared insights on:
- The importance of finding the right people
- How to be prepared for the next opportunity
Investors have several options to raise money for bigger investments. What is syndication, and why does it work so well? How do you determine which out of state market is right to invest in when you don’t live there? How can you find out if a market has the resilience to remain stable during a recession? On this episode, investor Andrew Cushman shares how he raises money through syndication and explains the details of the process.
Don’t wait to buy real estate. Buy real estate, and wait. -Andrew Cushman
Takeaways
- Syndication is basically pooling together people’s money so that you can share in a benefit that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to generate or receive separately.
- It’s tough to raise money if you’re unsure about how long you’re going to hold a property. You must have a specific plan.
- Look for economic drivers in the market that are recession-insulated. This could be universities, military, or medical centers.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
At the start of the show, we talked about why it’s so important to consider the laws of an out-of-state market as much as you consider the yield. Next, we talked about syndication and how it can be used to raise money for large scale property investments. We also covered how to determine if a market will make it through the recession.
We also discussed:
- How to determine where your first out-of-state property will be
- Why you have to give your investors a timeline
- Why vacation markets become risky during a downturn
If you can, buy a property that cashflows well and hold onto it for a while. This is especially true in multi-family properties. As long as you can cashflow, you can pretty much ride out anything. If you hold that real estate long enough, it will pay itself off. Invest with a plan, and you will come out well.
Being the star of the team is easy when market demand is booming. But what about when the market slows down? What can you do differently when the competition is getting fiercer and the demand is at its lowest? On this episode, Don Costa shares his experience on how he lost his first business, and what he did differently to thrive with his second-- even in a low-demand market.
Everything is based on analyzed ROI, which means everything is based on time. -Don Costa
Takeaways
- Systems help you continue selling, even when the market is not in your favor.
- Don’t hire solely on experience, as most of the real estate knowledge is 100% teachable. Seek what can’t be taught-- loyalty and drive.
- Follow-up systems are a vital part of the marketing machine, but make sure you test a new tool before you invest all of your money in it.
- When you’re in doubt about the real value of a property at the moment, test it by putting it out there with different prices.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
At the start of the show, we talked about how selling is easy when the market is favorable. We also talked about what makes a business pass the test of time: preparation and systems to get you through the big lows. We also discussed the CRMs to use, how to manage cold calling and what to do when you’re working in several markets.
Don also shared:
- What type of people should be on your team
- What influences the highs and the lows in the real estate market
- How to reinvent your business after failing
Create a marketing machine where each lead is nurtured, and new tactics are always tested before you invest money in them. Make sure you have a system in place where there is always something to do and your team doesn’t have to spend time trying to find out what they should do next.
Guest Bio
Don Costa started his real estate journey in 2003. But due to the crash, he lost everything. In 2012, he reinvented himself, this time starting a company that now sells over 100 houses per year. Today, he is also the host of the Flip Talk podcast where he shares his real estate experience and knowledge with his audience.
A third of the people in the country are in markets where they can’t cashflow right now. Why is it smart to consider investing out-of-state? What are the mindsets and limiting beliefs people that make it hard for people to do this? What criteria should you look for in your those properties? On this episode, investor and author, David Green shares on finding opportunities in markets where you have the advantage, and why out-of-state investing is not as risky as you might think.
When you’re investing out of state, it forces you to run your business like a business. -Tom Cafarella
Takeaways
- If you’re collecting 1% of the property’s value every single month, you are very likely to cashflow.
- There are 3 types of distress - market distress, personal distress and property distress.
- The are four people you need if you ever want to invest: a deal finder/wholesaler, property manager, contractor and lender.
- You don’t have to fly in and see the homes each time. There are people you can hire to do it cheaper and better than you would.
At the start of the show, we talked about the opportunities that are available in other markets, and how David found his first opportunity. Next, we talked about the mistakes people make when they try to do all the work themselves, and why you need to think like a CEO. We also discussed the four core roles you need to have to invest. We also discussed how to adjust your strategy to your strengths.
David also shared on:
- The problem with multi-family properties
- The markets he looks for deals in
- 3 types of distressed properties
A lot of people put off investing because they think it’s too late or that their local markets won’t allow them to cashflow. Actually, there’s a lot more opportunity out there than you might think. It’s the very initial get-your-foot-in-the-door phase that stops most people from investing out-of-state. Hire people who have the knowledge and skills you need. You’re not saving money by trying to do it all yourself. You’re actually wasting it when you have to step into a role you know nothing about. If you can think like a CEO, rather than a worker bee, and find people whose interests align with yours, you will succeed.
Guest Bio
David is a real estate investor/agent/author/entrepreneur/police officer in the CA SF Bay Area. David's goal is to achieve total financial independence through real estate and to help as many others do so as possible. Go to http://greeneincome.com/ for more information.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
A lot of real estate investors struggle when they try to scale their sales process. What causes this? How should they go about finding the right people for their team? What is the difference between sales in the listing process and sales in the investment process? On this episode, we are joined by investor and coach, John Martinez who shares how to get more out of your sales.
Investment sales are more complex. You need to be consultative, and build a tremendous amount of value other than money. - Tom Cafarella
Takeaways
- Most investors start off as a one-man-show, and their sales systems fall apart when they have to scale and hire more people.
- Only about 3-5% of salespeople on the market actually have what it takes to be good at the job.
- Listing a property is more transactional, while investing requires you to provide a tremendous amount of value.
At the start of the show, we talked about the one piece most investors struggle to put in place in their business, and how a lot of sales processes fall apart when a business starts to scale. We also talked about why it’s so important to relieve pressure during a sales call, and described “sales DNA”. Towards the end, we discussed the importance of a constant recruiting process.
We also discussed:
- Listing vs. Investing
- Using assessments to determine who should work in sales
- Why a lot of people keep poor salespeople for too long
- High impact sales pieces
When you start as a one-man-show or one-woman-show in investing, your sales process is in your head. When you have to scale it and teach it to other people, the process can fall apart. A lot of agents struggle to transition from selling on the listing side to selling on the investment side because they don’t realize they have to be more consultative and build value apart from money. To overcome this, you really have to hold their hand through the process and show them it isn’t just about the check.
Guest Bio
John Martinez is a real estate investor, sales training expert and the founder of Midwest Revenue Group. Go to midwestrev.com for more information.
Real estate agents don’t have a retirement plan, and that’s why they need passive income. How do you go about saving money for your investment bucket? What is the common mistake a lot of agents make? How do you buy your first investment property? On this episode, broker, investor, coach, best selling author and real estate entrepreneur, Krisstina Wise shares how to get off the “commission hamster wheel” through smart investments.
The goal is to replace your real estate active income with real estate passive income. - Krisstina Wise
Takeaways
- Buy your first house as an investment property.
- When you franchise, you can only help a fraction of people.
- There’s a big difference between income and assets.
- In order to build wealth, you have to spend less money than you make.
At the start of the show, Krisstina shared how she got into real estate and stressed the importance of building relationships. Next we talked about how Krisstina started using technology and why she didn’t take the franchise path. We then talked about the process for buying your first investment property, and how Krisstina turned her life around after a major health scare.
We also discussed:
- Why you need to buy your first house as an investment property
- The trial and error process of being an entrepreneur
- Why your body is your #1 asset
In order to build wealth, you have to spend less money than you make so you can actually put money aside to invest. The key to having a better life is building wealth and future passive income. After taxes, the next thing you need to do is save money for your investment portfolio. Remember also to take care of your physical wellbeing, as all the money in the world means nothing without your health. You have to invest in yourself as much as you’re willing to invest in real estate.
Guest Bio Krisstina Wise is a real estate mogul, Millionaire Coach, and creator of several multi-million dollar businesses including Goodlife Luxury, The Paperless Agent and most recently, WealthyWellthy. She is also an international speaker and the award-winning author of the Amazon Best-Seller Falling for Money, a romance novel for your bank account. Named one of the 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders in the country, she has been featured in USA TODAY, as well as by Apple, Contactually and Evernote for her creative leadership with emerging technologies. Go to https://wealthywellthy.life/ for more information.
A lot of people are afraid of not being able to find investors, and that puts them off from trying deals. How do you find investors and make sure the deals go through? How should you treat commercial wholesaling in your portfolio? How do you build trust with potential investors so you can generate more deals? On this episode, we talk with investor Luis Carrera about how to get started in commercial wholesaling.
Your family and freedom are more important than staying stuck at a job. - Luis Carrera
Takeaways
- Many investors are afraid of multi-families. In order for them to start trusting you, you have to do their flips first.
- “Value-add” properties allow you to increase rents and reach a new threshold to refinance your loan.
- The more you educate yourself, the more confident you become.
At the start of the show, Luis shared the kinds of properties he goes after and he explained why he opts for 20-80 units and nothing over 100. Next, we talked about how to prevent deals from falling through, how to build trust with investors, and the importance of educating yourself.
We also discussed:
- Connecting with potential investors at events and high-end hotels
- The advantage of value-add properties
- Low cost marketing for residential
There’s a lot of people out there interested in real estate. When you connect with them and build trust, it will create even more deals for you. It can be intimidating to try and find the first deal, so the more you can educate yourself, the more confident you’ll be. In this industry, you should continually push yourself towards personal growth.
Guest Bio
Luis is a Real Estate Investor at Innovative Property Group and Central Sierra Investments. To get in touch phone or text 973.902.7203 or email innovativeholding@gmail.com
Markets with cashflow are harder to come by nowadays. How do you deal with cashflow and appreciation markets as an investor? If you’re new to the investing game what should you do to start generating leads? Which people will survive the next market correction? On this episode, Brian Trippe shares some of his high-value coaching for investors.
Don’t be leveraged as high as you can possibly be. Stay a little liquid in case the worst happens. - Brian Trippe
Takeaways
- If you don’t like volatility, you would prefer a cashflow market.
- If everyone is buying right now, why are you buying? Do what other people aren’t.
- Be consistent in whatever you choose. Don’t dabble.
At the start of the show, we talked about cashflow markets and appreciation markets, along with the intricacies of working with B-class markets. Next, we talked about how to spend on marketing and lead generation, as well as why it’s so important to be consistent. Towards the end, we talked about who will survive the market correction.
We also discussed:
- Why direct mail is a great lead generation tool
- The use of banding signs
- Why it’s necessary to stay liquid
There’s cashflow and there’s appreciation. You have to choose which approach works best for you and creates long-term wealth. The cashflow approach is more conservative and stable, while the appreciation approach is more volatile. Whichever route you take, you have to be hungry, talk to people, and knock on doors. When the market correction inevitably happens, you want to be liquid so you can thrive.
Guest Bio Brian is a serial real estate entrepreneur. He began investing in rental property in 2012 and currently holds over 70 rentals. He started a wholesaling company in 2014 that has done over a half-million dollars in wholesale revenue in less than three years. He also founded 205 Realty and is currently active in his role as the president of the Alabama Real Estate Investor Association. He is a real estate investing coach and educator who speaks regularly on real estate investing. You can contact Brian at info@alareia.com or visit him at facebook.com/AlaREIA.
Most people who don’t want to do the hard work of investing deals are happy to partner with someone who has the experience. How do you find these people and get them to work with you? How do you go about finding and acquiring deals that will yield good returns? How do you get more capital to deploy out to other deals? On this episode, Tyler Sheff shares his strategies and tactics for getting the right deals and building a solid investing business.
There are more people out there with money to invest without the skills to do it, than deals to be had. - Tyler Sheff
Takeaways
- Assess the needs of the person in front of you rather than applying a general rule to everyone.
- If you want really good cash flow, you can’t buy in the posh areas.
- Find a state that has favorable landlord laws so you don’t end up having a hard time with difficult tenants.
At the start of the show, Tyler shared how he is able to raise capital privately and find the people that have the money to invest. Next, we talked about how Tyler is able to generate deals from his podcast and from helping people solve their problems. Towards the end of the show, we talked about why you can leverage real estate so much better than the stock market.
We also discussed
- How Tyler goes about acquiring deals
- How much time you should dedicate to finding capital
- When the market correction will happen and preparing for it
You will often find yourself in one of two markets: one where it’s tough to get really good cash flow but you get appreciation, or a flat, steady market where you can get good cash flow but no appreciation. You can make money in each market, but it will vary. Tyler has managed to get business in both, which helps to cover his bases. If you’re able to raise capital privately to fund the deals and remodel without using your own money, you can get a good return and make enough to continue deploying the cash flow into more deals. Building wealth in real estate can be simple if you go about it the right way.
Guest Bio Tyler Sheff currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at cashflowguys.com, a company which aims to educate their clientele in investing in real estate and building long-term wealth. The Cash Flow Guys treat each client as a student, giving them the necessary tools needed to succeed as a real estate investor from the ground up. The Cash Flow Guys have one goal – to simplify the process of buying and selling real estate. Coupling his active involvement in real estate investments with his proven negotiation skills makes Sheff a valuable asset to any client. As an educator, the greatest reward Sheff gets from all this hard work is watching Cash Flow Guys students learn and ultimately become successful. Go to cashflowguys.com for more information.
Today, we see a lot of advertising telling people they can start flipping hundreds of houses without much money or work. What does it actually take to succeed in this business? How do get attention in a crowded market? On this episode, we are joined by one of the most well-branded investors in the industry, Engelo Rumora, who shares his success secrets.
Once you start getting business, make sure you do right by those investors. -Engelo Rumora
Takeaways
- There’s a lot of risk for capital depreciation in markets where prices are high.
- Work hard to put out content into the world to build your credibility.
- Even if you don’t have things clearly mapped out, you can greatly increase increase your odds of success if you’re focused and consistent in your work.
At the start of the show, Engelo shared how he got started and why it’s so important to focus on the people first. Next we talked about capital appreciation, and why you can still make money in any market-- whether the property is cheap or expensive. Engelo also shared some of his unique marketing tactics, including his home giveaway initiative. Towards the end, he stressed the importance of working hard and avoiding falling into the trap of get rich quick schemes.
We also spoke about:
- How to save money to start investing
- Engelo’s biggest bottleneck
- The power of unique marketing strategies
Real estate is a long-term play. It is delayed gratification, and you’re not going to start making money right away. Nothing will come to you without hard work and sacrifice, so you have to be willing to put in the time, be frugal and save as much money as you can. Use marketing to make sure people know you exist and what you specialize in. You have to focus on the people first; be good to them and your reputation will grow. Remember that success comes from doing things differently.
Guest Bio
Engelo Rumora is a real estate executive, investor and former football player. He is the CEO and founder of a real estate investment company called Ohio Cashflow located in Toledo, Ohio. Go to https://ohiocashflow.com/ for more information.
Want to add real estate investing strategies to your toolbox?
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Most brokerages focus on compliance and fail to teach agents how to actually make money. Why are skills, schedule, and systems so important in building a successful real estate business? Why is your prospecting time so precious, and why does protecting it double your income? On this episode, the founder of Fearless Agent, Bob Loeffler, shares his tactics for leveling up in business.
The morning is sacred religious prospecting time. You can never violate that. - Bob Loeffler
Takeaways
- The presentations you need to master are: listing, pricing, FSBO, buyer, and investor.
- Schedule every listing, buyer, or investor appointment at either 2:30 pm or 7pm at night so that your mornings are saved for prospecting.
- Focus is for winners, multitasking is for losers.
- If you’re not booking appointments, it’s because you’re not targeting the right people, you suck on the phone, or you’re not getting their question answered. All of these are fixable.
At the start of the we talked about some of the shortcomings of the majority of real estate brokerages. Bob then shared how learning sales changed his business, and how protecting your prospecting time doubles your income. Next, we talked about the importance of getting your schedule so dialed in everyday looks the same, and why skills, schedule and systems lead to a successful business. Towards the end of the show, we talked about why you need to go after the parents of millennials.
We also discussed:
- Why it’s hard to learn from someone who hasn’t walked the same path as you
- The one question you should NEVER ask FSBOs
- What to do when it’s taking you too long to get ramped up
- The science of sales
A typical company owner is not somebody who was a successful real estate agent, and that makes it hard for them to train good agents. Real sales has nothing to do with high pressure and being argumentative; it’s about being competent at every conversation about real estate. That way you’re never in a money-making situation without the right words to say. It’s all about being willing to learn, becoming a rockstar at one thing, and only adding another thing when you’ve mastered the previous.
Guest Bio Bob is the founder of Fearless Agent. He designed his coaching based on his frustration with all the other coaching programs he used as an agent. Call 480-385-8810 or go to https://fearlessagent.com/ for more information.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Wholetailing is the most profitable niche in real estate investing right now. Why is it a great niche to get into right now? Why is direct mail a great and affordable way to generate leads? What should your mindset be with marketing and sales? On this episode, we are joined by Justin Colby who shares on how he built his real estate investing business, the power of phone calls & direct mail, and eternally being a student.
Do what other people aren’t willing to do and you’re always going to win. - Justin Colby
Takeaways
-
It takes roughly nine months to ramp marketing up to any significant level.
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100,000 mailers per month is the point of diminishing returns.
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The cost of direct mail is high and the call-back return is low.
At the start of the show, Justin shared how he got started, how he lost it all and how he was able to rebuild after that. Next, we talked about wholetailing, and why it’s a good niche at the moment. We also discussed the importance of knowing that you’re in the business of marketing, not selling homes. Towards the end of the show, we discussed the importance of learning as much as you can about the business.
We also discussed: - Why it’s a seller’s market everywhere right now - How Justin does high volume deals - How to keep direct mail profitable
You might buy and sell real estate, but you’re not in the real estate business. You’re in marketing and sales, and the better marketer you are, the more capable you are of selling. The secret to success is doing what others aren’t doing, going as wide as you can to increase your chances of getting a phone call, and always being an open-minded student of the trade. If you want to win, be willing to go the extra mile.
Guest Bio
Justin is a real estate investor, real estate investor, podcaster and coach and mentor. Go to https://thescienceofflipping.com/ for more information. To find out about his coaching go to thescienceofflipping.com/c2c and thescienceofflipping.com/events to find out about his event.
There are many supposed drawbacks associated with rent to own, but they are largely misconceptions. What are the opportunities in this category you don’t hear about enough? In which markets is it most effective? How do you directly reach out to sellers? On this episode we are joined by agent and coach, Whitney Nicely, who shares her fascinating insights on rent to own.
Word-of-mouth marketing has been around longer than anything else. - Whitney Nicely
Takeaways
- There are typically two kinds of people who rent to own: those who inherited property, or those that were struggling with upkeep.
- A home occupied as rent to own may often be left in better condition than where it started even if the tenants end up moving out.
- Rent to own allows you to quickly solve a pain point for sellers.
At the start of the show, Whitney shared how she got started, and why rent to own works in certain markets. We also discussed the misconception that homes get destroyed in rent to own, and how to market to sellers directly. Next we discussed the people Whitney coaches and the offers she makes to sellers. Towards the end of the show, we discussed how rent to own can set you up for a great financial future.
We also discussed:
- The two kinds of people who want to do rent to own
- Why a lot of people only do rent to own part-time
- What happens if a seller loses equity
A lot of people in real estate have concerns about the success of rent to own. They worry about things like the homes getting destroyed or the seller changing the arrangement when their immediate pain point is solved. However, a lot of renters actually improve the home and increase its value. For agents, rent to own is a great strategy if you want longevity and to double your retirement funds. It often allows you to solve a pain point for your sellers. Educate your circle about what you’re looking for specifically, and that will help you attract more leads. You can easily become a big fish in a small pond as the markets rise.
Guest Bio Whitney is fired up about teaching people the fast, fun, and profitable way to be successful in real estate. She traveled the long, slow road of getting tons of licenses and found out she could make more money, faster as a real estate investor. Whitney is the Principal Broker for Whitney Buys Houses, LLC. Whitney will teach you how to invest in real estate for profit and help you achieve lifelong goals. Go to https://www.whitneynicely.com/ for more information or whitneynicely.com/group to join her book.
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Building a business that grows exponentially requires both PPC and SEO. How do you go about refining your website to increase your ranking on Google? How do you craft an effective message that appeals to the people looking for your service? What is the biggest mistake people make when it comes to setting their marketing budgets? On this episode, we are joined by the CEO of InvestorCarrot, Trevor Mauch.
Your marketing should have as few words as you need to get across the right sales message to convert the prospect into a lead. -Trevor Mauch
Takeaways
- You have to be in the top 3 of a Google search to capture any measurable traffic unless it’s a massively searched market.
- Most people make the mistake of setting their marketing budget based on emotion without doing the math.
- Don’t go to Fiverr for backlinks, as this could actually harm your ranking.
- When it comes to SEO, you need to hire someone for 12 months. Six months is not enough to get visual progress.
At the start of the show, we talked about how much harder it is to build a converting website in today’s online environment. Next, we talked about the importance of clearly communicating the problem you solve, and then Trevor shared his SEO tips. We also discussed why math is our savior and towards the end of the show, how people get trapped in their own businesses.
We also discussed:
- Why you shouldn’t go to freelance sites for backlinks
- How SEO builds momentum
- The importance of tracking your target-cost-per-lead
There are now so many businesses online that converting requires you to calibrate your website to appeal to your prospects. You need a clear, crisp, compelling offer and have great copy. SEO is very important too. Considering that the number 1 ranking sites on Google get 30-40% of the clicks, you have to aim to be in the top 3. SEO is a great momentum builder that will give you ROI as your business grows, and PPC is a great way to generate leads quicker. Putting them together is a winning strategy.
Guest Bio
Trevor is the CEO of InvestorCarrot and knows a thing or two about inbound marketing and generating leads online in the real estate industry. As an investor himself, he's generated tens of thousands of real estate leads and is a leading expert in inbound marketing for investors and agents. In addition, his true passion is helping entrepreneurs grow businesses that truly help you live a life of purpose. Go to https://oncarrot.com for more information and to access great free content.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Outdoor media is dead or dying. Why is Facebook advertising the best lead generation method to replace it? How does speed set you apart? How do you fine tune spending on Facebook ads, and how does it help your business? On this episode, we talk to entrepreneur and marketing extraordinaire Grant Wise, who shares high level tactics real estate investors can use to generate motivated leads.
If you’re marketing your business, you should not be paying attention to your own skepticism. You should be listening to your market place. -Grant Wise
Takeaways
- Nowadays, banding signs aren’t effective because people aren’t looking at them.
- When Zillow passes you a lead, they also pass it to one or two other people.
- Listen to the market place, and stop basing decisions on your emotions.
- 1 in 5 searches on Google, are done through voice.
At the start of the show, Grant shared on his work in Facebook ads, and why they are the best replacement for outdoor media and advertising. Next, we talked about why you should be on Facebook, and how to reverse engineer how much you’re willing to pay to acquire a client. We also discussed why Facebook is better than Zillow, and towards the end of the show, we talked about the importance of implementation.
We also discussed:
- How speed and implementation sets you apart
- Why your skepticism is holding you back
- Why it’s important to listen to the marketplace
Success in social media marketing comes down to identifying who you want to work with, and then going to the platforms they frequent. In today’s world, Facebook marketing is the best way to generate seller leads because of the time people are spending on there. In an age where bandit signs are less likely to get attention, Facebook advertising is the best move because it gives you your own media and helps you carve your own lane. Many people are skeptical about this method, but ignoring it will only hold you back from growing.
Guest Bio Grant Wise is a Serial Entrepreneur and Founder of Real Estate Marketing University and Modern Moguls Marketing. A media Training & Marketing Management Company. Grant is known to be a maverick leader and an innovative marketing strategist who is unafraid to lead companies in new directions. Grant’s story is one of education, truth, and perseverance; education through experience, imperfect action, failure, and growing with serious intention. All these have helped him lead over 1000 Entrepreneurs and Business Owners to their dreams. Grant, through the pioneering marketing strategies his Company is known for, has helped multiple companies in the US and internationally. Grant has been described as irreverent, artful, & and dramatic with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Go to http://realestatemarketinguniversity.com/ to learn more about his coaching.
Sweat equity can eliminate the growth of your business. How do you go about leveraging other people to help you achieve your goals? How can you add an investment component to your business without diverting yourself from your primary source of income? Why are there so few agents making move to investing? On this episode, team owner and real estate entrepreneur Jeff Cohn answers these questions and shares how he runs his operation.
Our systems were designed to help support a top agent wanting to build a team, all the way down to an agent who’s only doing two or three deals a year and wants to get to fifteen. -Jeff Cohn
Takeaways
- Take ownership of your personal dysfunctions.
- Know the roles in your operation so that you can hold people accountable.
- Many agents aren’t becoming investors because they’re living paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to invest.
At the start of the show, Jeff shared on how he got started, and the business systems he has built. Next, we talked about the importance of finding the who in your business before the what. Jeff also shared why a lot of agents aren’t getting into investing, and the importance of focusing on personal development. Towards the end of the show, we talked about how agents can have it all.
We also discussed:
- The value of leveraging someone else
- Why sweat equity makes you reach the point of diminishing returns
- Holding vs. flipping
- Why it’s important to lead with value
The secret to becoming an investor is deploying capital to make it work for you, instead of living from paycheck to paycheck. Find a way to make it happen without diverting yourself from your primary source of income. Sweat equity can only get you so far, so don’t be afraid to lean on someone else. We all have limiting beliefs and behaviors that keep us from succeeding and getting to the next level. If we overcome these personal dysfunctions, it is possible to have it all.
Guest Bio Jeff Cohn is the founder of Omaha’s Elite Real Estate Group, Nebraska’s #1 selling team, with 601 homes sold in 2017, and President of Elite Real Estate Systems, which provides Livestream training to real estate teams, brokers and agents across the country as well as providing in-house workshops monthly at his flagship office in Omaha, NE. Go to erslivestream.com for access to Jeff’s coaching.
In real estate investing, every decision costs money. How do you avoid making the mistakes that can derail your business? How can you make sure you’re maximizing your expenses? How do you build a business that runs 90% on autopilot? On this episode, real estate investor Larry Goins shares his top real estate investing strategies.
In real estate, the difference between making the right decision and the wrong decision is tens of thousands of dollars. -Tom Cafarella
Takeaways
- If you spend on direct mail, you have to have a strong nurture follow up campaign.
- If you want to succeed in real estate investing learn how to analyze a deal, line up your money and then start making offers.
- The biggest problem people have right now is deal flow.
At the start of the episode, Larry shared how he got started and what makes a good investor. “Real investors know a deal when they see one.” Next, we talked about virtual investing and some of the biggest misconceptions people have about investment deals. We also talked about how much a deal could cost you, and towards the end of the show we talked about the importance of knowing someone in the business.
Larry also shared insights on:
- Great leads vs. instant income
- The problem with deal flow
- The importance of analyzing a deal
- How to qualify leads
To become successful in real estate, you have to have the right expectations. Some of the best deals you’ll have will come from sellers you’ve never met before, and if you want to spend on direct marketing, make sure you have a strong follow up strategy.
Guest Bio Larry has been investing in real estate for over 20 years. Previously, Larry served as president of the Metrolina Real Estate Investors Association in Charlotte NC, a not-for-profit organization that has over 350 members and is the local chapter of the National Real Estate Investors Association. Larry is an active real estate investor and travels throughout the United States speaking and training audiences at conventions, expos, and Real Estate Investment Associations on his strategies for buying and selling houses. Larry has also written several books on real estate investing that are available wherever books are sold. Go to freehudbook.com for more info and to download the ebook.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
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Without high equity, it’s hard to get a shot at buying wholesale properties. What are the best marketing strategies to make your chances of acquiring great deals much higher? How do you keep the cost of seller leads in check? What’s the most profitable strategy for fix and flips? Get all the details in this special strategy session with Realtor and investor, Donna Odgers.
It's important to maximize on your deals so you can spend more on marketing. -Tom Cafarella
Takeaways + Tactics
- The minimum you should make on a wholesale deal is $5,000—and that’s on a bad deal.
- Bandit signs have two negatives: they get taken down, and people aren’t really looking at them.
- When you don’t negotiate face-to-face, you’re allowing that person to shop your offer around.
At the start of the strategy session we discussed the Kansas City market and the challenges of outdoor media. Next we discussed the current state of the market when it comes to short sales, and how to cut costs on bulk mailers. Towards the end of the show, we talked about why you need to avoid gut renovations when you’re starting out.
We also discussed:
- How to use Google search to find deals
- How to determine what to offer on wholesale deals
- Why wholesale is harder than fix-and-flip
Three things work really well for investors: mailers, cold calling, and internet marketing. Mailers are the highest cost per lead, but it is possible to find a way to control the costs. Remember, the more appointments you go on, the more likely you are to get a deal. Winning with wholesale deals is all about connecting with many people, instead of presenting a deal to just one person. The most important thing is getting your system right before you start spending any more money.
Resources
Join our free Live Training: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/181906883837141506
Partner with us: http://www.tomcafarella.com/p/partner-with-us.html
Most people looking for income properties start out on a shoestring budget. What is the best method for finding motivated seller leads? How do you talk to people and put yourself out there to get business? What’s the secret to recruiting and training a VA? On this episode, we are joined by Mitch Stephen who shares how he was able to generate well over 1,500 deals, and how he trains and coaches talent.
Everyone is associated with a house somehow, and everyone they know is associated with a house. -Mitch Stephen
Takeaways + Tactics
- If you don’t have a lot of money, add more criteria to your filter so you get better targets.
- These days, people aren’t really looking at branding signs, they are looking at their phones.
- If no one cussing you out, you’re not sending out enough messages.
At the start of the show, we talked about how Mitch got to 1500 deals, and why driving for dollars is the easiest way to get income properties when you’re on a small budget. We also discussed how to filter leads down when you have less money, and how to use that to your advantage. We went onto talk about why it’s necessary to stay top of mind and how to do it. Towards the end of the show, Mitch shared on the joy he feels when he helps other people.
Mitch also spoke about:
- Why you need to talk to the people living around the house you’re targeting
- Why training is the hardest part of hiring help
- Success and why it isn’t a straight line
- His training and coaching program
There’s so much competition, it’s really all about consistency and speed these days. Success comes down to talking to people. The more people you talk to, the more chances you have to buy a house. As an investor it’s your job to stay top of mind with real estate agents. They come across problem houses about twice a year and by that time, they might have forgotten about you. Remember: success is not a straight line.
Guest Bio
Mitch is a self-taught real estate entrepreneur. Self-employed since 1996, he has purchased well over 1000 houses in and about his hometown of San Antonio, TX. He is a high school graduate who never stopped learning. Books, CDs, seminars and webinars were his classroom. Today he specializes in owner financing properties to individuals left behind by traditional lending institutions and giving new life to properties that scar the neighborhoods. Go to 1000houses.com for more information.
For millennials living in this day and age, it seems as if climbing up the corporate ladder is the ultimate goal. Is there a way out of it? How can you get started in property investment? And can renting a property out actually cover all your living expenses, and even a bit extra? These and many more questions will be answered by property investment guru Diego Corzo, who will prove that his inspiring success with real estate investment is something anyone can aspire to.
I realized that no matter how long I worked, pay was going to be the same, so I decided to focus on getting a job where your time and your effort determines your success. - Diego Corzo
Takeaways + Tactics
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Getting started on schemes like House Hacking as early as possible can help you generate enough income to quit your job and still have your expenses covered.
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There are three key aspects to increasing cash flow when renting by the room: regular house cleaning service, professional property management and renting to young professionals.
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To break out of corporate America, you have to be prepared to make lifestyle sacrifices.
To start off the episode, Diego talked about his background and his life as part of the corporate world and his journey to self-sufficiency. He also explained why he buys properties in Jacksonville rather than Texasm and we discussed how different the two markets are. We also did some number crunching, talking about Diego's income from his properties and where he's planning to take them. Diego also talked about his goals for the future and gave good advice to anyone, planning to quit their corporate job and investing in real estate
We also discussed:
- The path to a first investment property through House Hack
- Diego's motivations for becoming a real estate agent
- Good mentorship and how that helps
- Advice on leaving the corporate life behind
- The importance of doing a job you love
The one place where you spend the most time during your whole life is at work - so if you hate your job, this has a chance of making your life miserable. Once you escape the constraints of a 9-5 job, the wide world of real estate investment can help you live a comfortable, fulfilling life with some extra income to spare. Starting any new venture requires sacrifice, so if you're determined to get a head start in investment, you may have to consider some lifestyle changes. However, these will only be temporary; as soon as you start building a portfolio of properties and you get the cash flow going, then you will see your income grow steadily. All your efforts will be rewarded with the sustainable income that property investment can bring you - you just need the courage to get started and the determination to succeed.
Guest Bio
Diego Corzo is a real estate investor and agent based in Austin, TX. A graduate from Florida State University, Diego's graduate job was as a software developer for an IT company. Soon enough, Diego felt that climbing up the corporate ladder wasn't the future he envisioned for himself, so he became interested in real estate. He bought his first property when he was 23 and only three years later, he owns eight properties and generates passive income from them every month. Diego's goal is to achieve financial freedom by the time he's 27. Additionally, DIego also works as a realtor in the Austin area. Follow DIego's journey to financial freedom on http://freeby26.com
A lot of agents go into appointments with the “sell, sell, sell!” mentality, and as a result, they miss out on a lot of opportunities. How do you identify opportunities and handle the consultation so that you stand out? How can you gain more credibility? On this episode, we talk about listing consultations with motivated sellers and their benefits.
When you approach people with an investor offer, you’re going to get more one on one meetings. -Tom Cafarella
Takeaways + Tactics
- When you approach people with an investor offer, your conversion to getting appointments will be higher.
- A lot of agents don’t go into appointments with the intention of figuring out if they’re a good fit or not.
- The market is so hot that if you have a retail deal that makes sense the odds are pretty good that you will find someone.
At the start of the show, we talked about the benefits of approaching the seller with a cash offer, and why it helps you stand out. Next we talked about what agents get wrong with their mindset and approach to sellers. We also discussed how to spot opportunities, and the importance of knowing if the seller is a good fit. Towards the end of the show, we talked about why it’s easier to find retail deals when the market is hot.
We also spoke about:
- The prequalifying questions you should ask
- The importance of a consultative approach
- Why options provide differentiation
If you go in with the sell, sell, sell approach you might leave the seller with many questions in their minds, which means you won’t get that listing. The key to this approach is generating leads with cash offers, doing very question-based consultations and qualifying them quickly. The benefit is you’re going to get more face to face time with sellers and your conversion is going to be higher. Ultimately, you’ll get more credibility going in and you will stand out.
The real estate investing space can be daunting for a rookie. How do you find capital when you’re starting out, and what strategies can you put in place to build your profile? On this episode, Beau Eckstein shares his investing expertise and gives insight into using YouTube, Google, as well as networking.
If you have a really good deal, in this market today, the money’s out there. -Tom Cafarella
Takeaways + Tactics
- The first step to financial freedom is getting the income from rental properties to cover your monthly expenses.
- YouTube is the second biggest search engine, get good at using it.
- Self-directed IRAs are one way someone can get started with real estate investing.
At the start of the show, Beau shared how he got started and the models people can use to start buying cheap and using other people’s money to grow their investing portfolio. Next, we talked about why putting money into rental properties in Boston isn’t worth it. Beau also discussed the value of building your network and how to play the market shifts. Towards the end of the show, we discussed meetup groups.
Beau also spoke about
- The advantages of self-directed IRAs
- How to become a really good deal finder
- How to achieve financial freedom
The beginner investor has to start by educating themselves and preparing themselves to find the best deals. In the beginning when you don’t have enough money, get exposure by using YouTube videos, and then level up by using Google ads. The market is ripe with money for deals, and if you can set yourself up the right way by building your network everyday, you can get financial freedom.
Guest Bio
Construction Lending | Business Loans | Hard Money | Commercial Lending | Real Estate Broker. Managing Director of SFR Ventures, serving all of California, with a concentration in the thriving San Francisco Bay Area real estate market. For more information, go to BeauEckstein.com.
Most sellers don’t know what the process of selling to an investor looks like. Why are real estate agents the perfect people to take sellers through this process? What is the biggest challenge people face when they’re transitioning from agent to investor? On the first episode of the Real Estate Mogul, we answer these questions, and give you a look into the day-to-day of life as an investor.
What people say to you on the phone or on an online form, doesn’t necessarily correlate to what happens in reality. - Tom Cafarella
Takeaways
- The biggest misstep agents make is pushing for a listing on something that could be sold to an investor.
- You always want to get face to face with a seller, so you can qualify them a lot better.
- You’ll get the business if you do what’s in the best interest of the client.
At the start of the show, we discussed what the average day looks like for a real estate investor, why most sellers don’t know the process of working with investors. We also discussed the skills agents have that serve them in the investing space. Towards the end of the show we talked about coaching people to become investors.
We also spoke about;
- How to weed out the wrong people
- The importance of jumping on leads quickly
- Scenarios where it’s better to sell to an investor and not take the residential route
- How to define motivated seller leads
A hammer will always look for a nail, and this is very true in real estate. There are many scenarios where a property should be targeted to investors and not residential listings. This requires a toolbox of skills to know when this scenario arises, and that’s why agents are great because they already have the required skill set in place. Agents know how to build rapport, get people to know, like and trust them, and they know about the market. With these skills in their back pockets, agents are naturally primed to succeed in the investing space.