In this episode, I’m joined by one of my favorite humans and my very first Simple CFO client—Rich Lennon. Rich has done it all: from flipping houses to owning rentals, and now, he’s built a life of freedom through private lending. We unpack how he made the shift from operator to lender, what a “fractional wrap” is, and why lending has become his favorite seat at the table.

Whether you’re deep in real estate or just starting to stack cash, this episode gives you a blueprint for transitioning into lending the right way. Rich breaks down the systems, the mindset, and the returns—and shares how you can lend with both profitability and integrity.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:15] – My early days working for Rich and how he became Simple CFO’s first client

[5:00] – How Rich discovered $800K hiding in his books and started thinking differently

[6:00] – Reaching financial freedom during COVID—and shutting everything down

[7:00] – Falling in love with lending: high returns, minimal hours, and maximum freedom

[9:00] – From flips to funding: Why lending is easier and less risky than operating

[12:00] – What a fractional wrap is and how Rich earns 30-50% ROI with lower risk

[14:30] – How to structure lending deals with skin in the game and built-in protection

[17:00] – Why you only need to do 2-4 deals per year to create serious passive income

[19:30] – Can you scale lending into a real business? Rich explains how he did it

[21:00] – Why staying local is crucial for successful private lending

[23:00] – How to underwrite a deal (even if you’ve never flipped a house)

[25:00] – The moral code of lending: returns are great—but do it the right way

[27:00] – How to get in touch with Rich and learn his full lending system

5 Key Takeaways

1. Lending can be simpler and safer than flipping — if you structure your deals correctly and underwrite with discipline.
2. Fractional wraps allow you to combine your money with others, lend it at a higher rate, and pocket the spread—earning 30–50% ROI.
3. Having skin in the game protects both you and your lender. Don’t cut corners on underwriting or paperwork.
4. Stay local so you can personally inspect properties and build trust with borrowers.
5. Integrity matters—Rich teaches not just how to make money but how to do it in a way that serves everyone involved.

Links & Resources

• Text Rich Lennon directly at (804) 601-0330 to learn more about his training on fractional wraps and private lending.
• Need to stack cash first? Book a free financial clarity call at simplecfo.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and sharing the podcast. Your support helps more investors build financial clarity, cash flow, and consistent profit!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dean Rogers—former NFL player turned real estate investor, coach, and community builder. Dean opens up about the moment he walked away from the NFL, the painful identity loss that followed, and how real estate became the path to financial and personal freedom.

We explore the mental, emotional, and financial rollercoaster Dean went through—from blowing $250K early in his career to now leading a thriving real estate business and coaching program. He shares how discipline from football translated into real estate, why trying to do it all alone almost destroyed him, and how collaboration and mentorship ultimately led to success. This episode is packed with hard-won wisdom and real talk on what it takes to build a life and business you love.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:15] – Dean’s college football career and how it led to the NFL

[3:40] – The physical price of professional sports and the decision to walk away

[5:00] – Wrestling with identity loss after leaving football

[7:25] – Starting over financially and emotionally—with no plan B

[9:12] – How a podcast episode opened Dean’s eyes to real estate investing

[10:45] – Getting obsessed with learning: YouTube, books, and mentors

[12:00] – First wholesale deal and the adrenaline of closing it

[14:20] – Scaling fast—and the traps that come with early success

[17:00] – Partnering with Sean Terry and stepping into mentorship

[18:45] – The $250K mistake that nearly destroyed the business

[20:00] – How asking for help saved Dean’s career and shifted everything

[22:05] – Finding faith, focus, and freedom through accountability

[23:30] – Creating the “Friends with Benefits” model for JVs

[26:10] – Coaching others through the same transformation he lived

[28:30] – Why community, mindset, and financial structure go hand in hand

[30:00] – Final thoughts on taking control of your time and your money

5 Key Takeaways

1. Discipline beats motivation. Dean’s training in the NFL gave him the consistency to succeed even when results weren’t immediate.
2. Ego can cost you everything. Trying to figure it out alone led to massive losses—collaboration brought the breakthrough.
3. Mistakes are tuition. The $250K lesson taught Dean more than any win ever could.
4. Real freedom requires real systems. From financial structure to JV partnerships, sustainable growth depends on structure.
5. Surround yourself with winners. Community and mentorship accelerated Dean’s transformation from stressed out to scaling up.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dean: DeanRogers.com
• Learn more about Profit First for REI: SimpleCFO.com

If Dean’s story moved you or motivated you, be sure to rate, follow, and leave a review for the podcast. And share this episode with someone who’s ready to stop playing small and start building something bigger—with structure, purpose, and profit.

In this episode of the Profit First for REI Podcast, I’m joined by Etinosa Agbonlahor—a real estate investor, behavioral economist, and the host of the Her First House podcast. Etinosa brings a unique blend of corporate financial insight and personal real estate experience to the table. From working in publishing and banking across continents to designing large-scale financial behavior interventions, her journey is anything but ordinary.

We dive into the psychology of money, why most people don’t follow good financial advice, and how to design systems that actually help people take action. Etinosa also shares her path into real estate, how she built her portfolio from abroad during the pandemic, and why she intentionally slowed down her investing for the sake of peace and sustainability. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale with clarity, this episode will give you a powerful perspective on financial decisions—from mindset to execution.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:35] - Etinosa’s background: from corporate finance to real estate investing

[5:33] - The pivotal book that changed her life (and her career direction)

[9:25] - The mentor who helped spark her interest in behavioral economics

[13:13] - What behavioral economists actually do—and how they help companies change financial behavior

[18:10] - The “Benefits Finder” case study that impacted an entire nation

[20:01] - Why simplifying financial decisions is the real game changer

[21:00] - How a rough year in real estate led her to launch Her First House podcast

[23:20] - The wisdom of slowing down: why she didn’t buy a rental in 2024

[25:38] - Reflections on building a sustainable, peace-driven business and life

5 Key Takeaways

1. Behavioral economics helps bridge the gap between intention and action—especially when people feel overwhelmed by financial decisions.
2. Etinosa’s passion for personal finance was sparked by her first paycheck—and honed through global experience.
3. Mentorship doesn’t have to be long-term to be transformative. A single book or conversation can redirect your life.
4. In real estate, success isn’t always about scale—it’s about sustainability and alignment with your personal definition of peace.
5. Financial education should be designed with psychology in mind. Simplifying the user experience increases the chances people actually take action.

Links & Resources

• Website: HerFirstHouse.org
• Instagram: @RealEstateWithEtsi
• Book Mentioned: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
• Podcast Mentioned: Her First House podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show. Share it with someone who’s ready to take control of their finances—and take action toward their first or next real estate deal!

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Choe—a 23-year-old real estate investor who’s done over 150 deals using creative finance, all within two years of getting started. Kevin opens up about his humble beginnings, dropping out of college, scraping together stimulus checks for mentorship, and how that leap of faith changed his life.

We dive deep into the mindset, systems, and strategic shifts that helped him rise from $100 to $15K/month—and then to building a scalable business with seller-financed multifamily deals. Kevin shares what it means to bet on yourself, why mentorship was worth every penny, and how bringing in a CFO helped him step fully into the visionary role of his business.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:04] – Why Kevin hired a CFO at 23—and what it did for his growth

[3:55] – How wholesaling got him to $15K/month—and why that wasn’t enough

[5:47] – Two years of struggle before the big breakthrough

[7:01] – 3 game-changing factors that helped Kevin explode his business in 2023

[10:07] – From community college dropout to creative finance expert

[12:06] – How stimulus checks and desperation led to investing in mentorship

[14:02] – The real ROI of mentorship—and how it saved him years of trial and error

[19:13] – The mindset shift: going all-in when there’s no Plan B

[21:32] – Hiring a CFO early to gain clarity, freedom, and scale

[25:21] – Transitioning into seller-financed multifamily and scaling up

5 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need experience—you need hunger. Kevin built his business from nothing with grit and focus.
2. Creative finance is a superpower in today’s market. Mastering it opened doors no traditional strategy could.
3. Mentorship changed everything. The right guidance fast-tracked his success and rewired his mindset.
4. Financial clarity is key. Bringing on a CFO gave him the tools to scale without chaos.
5. Belief beats backup plans. Betting on himself was the catalyst behind every big move Kevin made.

Links & Resources

• Follow Kevin on Instagram: @thekevinchoe
• Need help managing your money as you scale? Visit: www.simplecfo.com

If Kevin’s story inspired you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—and share this episode with someone who’s ready to bet on themselves and go all-in.

In this episode, I welcome back my good friend and legendary note investor, Eddie Speed. With over 50,000 notes purchased and more than 25 years of teaching under his belt, Eddie is known as the “Note King” for a reason. If you’re a tired landlord looking for less stress and more cash flow—or if you’re simply seeking a smarter, more passive way to invest in real estate—this episode is going to open your eyes.

We dig into how note investing compares to traditional rentals, why now is the perfect time to pivot, and what makes a “good” note in today’s economy. Eddie also shares insider strategies on seller financing, leveraging, and how to generate long-term passive income without the tenant headaches.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:17] – Why more landlords are ditching rentals and turning to note investing

[2:22] – What’s wrong with today’s rental math—and how notes solve the problem

[3:06] – What is a “note,” and how it makes you the bank (not the landlord)

[4:40] – $250K in rentals vs. $250K in notes: a cash flow comparison

[5:54] – How seasoned investors are converting entire portfolios to seller financing

[7:00] – The current market cycle: Why we’re in a “note era” not a rental one

[10:21] – The formula for a “good” note: Property, buyer, and sticky payments

[12:23] – How Eddie created a marketplace for burnout landlords to transition to notes

[13:35] – The built-in cushion notes provide vs. rental property risks

[15:16] – What most investors actually want: time back and risk-managed returns

[20:15] – Leveraging techniques for when you run out of money

[23:13] – How to join Eddie’s free note masterclass for Profit First listeners

[26:32] – The #1 business stressor Eddie warns investors about: bad accounting

5 Key Takeaways

1. Note investing provides better cash flow with significantly less stress than rentals.
2. Now is a prime time to be in notes—especially as inflation eats into rental profits.
3. Good notes start with good properties and qualified buyers—there’s a formula.
4. Eddie has created a marketplace and training for landlords to transition with support.
5. Financial systems matter: poor accounting has caused more losses than bad deals.

Links & Resources

• Free Masterclass for Profit First listeners: NoteSchool.com/ProfitFirst
• Want to get your finances in order? Visit www.simplecfo.com

If you’re feeling the squeeze in your rental business or just want a more passive path to financial freedom, don’t miss this one. Be sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast if you got value from this episode. Let’s help more investors go from burnout to bankable!

In this eye-opening episode, I bring back Mark Willis, a certified financial planner and expert in non-traditional wealth strategies, to discuss one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools for real estate investors: dividend-paying whole life insurance—also known as the “Bank On Yourself” concept. Mark shares how you can leverage this strategy not just for life insurance, but to create tax-free income, fund your investments, and even replace traditional rentals with guaranteed returns.

If you’re tired of the uncertainty of tenants, toilets, and taxes—or you’re looking to diversify your portfolio while protecting your wealth—this episode is a game changer. We cover the powerful ways to use whole life insurance for liquidity, tax efficiency, and even legacy planning. Get ready to look at your financial strategy in a whole new way.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:13] - The surprising benefits of using whole life insurance as your personal bank

[4:11] - Why life insurance and real estate investing go hand in hand

[5:07] - The real reason this strategy isn’t widely taught—and who’s keeping it under wraps

[9:23] - How Mark used his own policy to buy a car and save $8,000 in interest

[13:02] - A tax-saving strategy to offset rental income using whole life cash value

[15:27] - Tired of tenants? Mark explains how annuities provide guaranteed passive income

[22:36] - How to use a 1035 exchange to convert life insurance into lifetime income

[26:38] - What to do with a windfall: life insurance vs. annuities

[29:16] - Why Profit First and Bank On Yourself make the perfect wealth-building combo

5 Key Takeaways

1. Whole life insurance isn’t just for death benefits—it’s a powerful financial tool that grows tax-free and can be used to fund real estate investments.
2. You can borrow against your policy while it continues to earn interest, giving you financial leverage without sacrificing compound growth.
3. This strategy is often ignored by traditional advisors because of conflicts of interest with Wall Street-driven products.
4. A 1035 exchange allows you to move funds from life insurance to an annuity, creating permanent, tax-free income in retirement.
5. Pairing Profit First with Bank On Yourself gives business owners and investors a high-control, high-impact way to manage cash and build wealth.

Links & Resources

• Book a strategy call with Mark: KickstartWithMark.com
• Learn more about Profit First for REI: SimpleCFO.com

If this episode helped shift your thinking or opened your eyes to new possibilities, don’t forget to rate, follow, and leave a review. And of course, share this episode with another investor who needs to hear it!

In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Bartolomei of Launch Control to talk about why texting isn’t just a marketing tactic—it’s a foundational part of a scalable business strategy. If you’ve been treating SMS as a one-off tool or cutting it when money gets tight, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful ways to create consistent deal flow in real estate investing.

Michael brings deep insight from working with investors at every level—from solo operators to large teams—and he shares what separates those who scale from those who stall. We dive into the systems, mindset shifts, and tactical frameworks that will help you stop chasing leads and start building a real engine for growth.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:13] – Why SMS marketing needs to be treated as a foundational business tool

[2:04] – Michael’s journey from boutique hotel owner to marketing leader at Launch Control

[4:15] – Why most entrepreneurs need to stop doing everything themselves

[6:07] – What Launch Control actually does and why it’s more than just sending messages

[7:08] – The importance of engagement coaching for text-based marketing

[9:28] – Onboarding vs. optimization: how Launch Control supports users long-term

[11:30] – Big mistake #1: expecting results too fast without a 90-day ramp

[15:25] – Big mistake #2: cutting marketing first when finances get tight

[17:15] – What the most successful investors do differently in marketing and scaling

[20:13] – Why consistent systems (not chaos) are the key to predictable profits

[22:17] – Deconstructing a large-scale business into scalable buckets

[25:40] – How to get started with Launch Control (and what to expect from their team)

5 Key Takeaways

1. SMS should be a long-term growth pillar, not a quick-fix lead gen tactic.
2. You can’t scale if you’re still wearing every hat. Know when to outsource.
3. Success comes from systems that allow you to plug and play—not start over.
4. Avoid cutting marketing during hard times—it’s your business lifeline.
5. Consistency in messaging and process beats high-intensity sprints every time.

Links & Resources

• Launch Control: launchcontrol.us
• Book mentioned: Profit First for Real Estate Investing by David Richter
• Need help with financial clarity? Visit www.simplecfo.com

If you’re ready to stop burning cash on inconsistent lead flow and start building a marketing machine that fuels your real estate business, this episode is a must-listen. If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate, follow, and leave a review so we can keep helping more investors put Profit First!

In this powerful episode, I sit down again with the legendary Sharon Lechter—author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Outwitting the Devil, and Exit Rich—to explore how entrepreneurs can shift their mindset, take control of their finances, and build lasting wealth even in uncertain times. We go deep into how to mentor your kids on money, why foundational business systems matter more than flashy marketing, and how to shift from owning a job to owning real assets.

Whether you’re worried about market instability, struggling to scale your business, or just looking for clarity and focus, this conversation is packed with actionable steps to turn fear into momentum. Sharon shares timeless wisdom, personal stories, and tangible resources that can help you thrive financially and personally.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:21] – Sharon’s early lessons in financial literacy and the moment that changed her mission

[2:30] – Why teaching kids about money starts with conversation, not curriculum

[4:45] – The difference between mentoring and enabling your children financially

[7:00] – Sharon’s tools for youth: ThriveTime and the Business Kit

[8:30] – ATM: Abundance Tips and Mentorship and why mindset matters daily

[11:05] – Advice for entrepreneurs facing fear, uncertainty, and paralysis

[13:15] – Her new course: “Investing in Uncertain Times” and how to take your next right step

[17:01] – How Exit Rich helps owners move from chaos to scale-ready systems

[19:21] – Scaling the right way vs. scaling yourself into the ground

[21:00] – Are you owning a job or building a business? How to tell the difference

[24:46] – Why assets are the true key to financial freedom (and Sharon’s favorite word!)

[26:16] – Inside Sharon’s immersive mastermind retreat at her Arizona ranch

[28:49] – Where to start on your financial literacy journey (no matter your level)

5 Key Takeaways

1. Fear either paralyzes or motivates—choose to turn it into focus, fuel, and faith.
2. If your business relies on you, you own a job—not an asset. Build systems, not just sales.
3. Start teaching kids about money by involving them in everyday conversations and decisions.
4. Financial literacy begins with mindset. Control your thoughts, words, and actions.
5. You can scale successfully—but only with a solid business foundation, not just hustle.

Links & Resources

• Sharon’s Website: www.sharonlechter.com
• ATM (Abundance Tips & Mentorship): atm.sharonlechter.com
• Exit Rich, Outwitting the Devil, How Money Works for Women – available on her site
• Sharon’s Business Retreat: Email info@sharonlechter.com for details
• Courses & Financial Literacy Tools: Available under “Financial Products” on her site
• Need help keeping your profit? Visit www.simplecfo.com

If this episode sparked a shift in your mindset or business, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast. Leave a review and help more people discover the power of Profit First thinking!