In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the real, boots-on-the-ground strategies that are helping investors connect directly with sellers in today’s shifting market. Whether it’s through organic outreach on Facebook, door knocking, or driving for dollars, I share actionable ways to make your approach stand out—and actually start conversations that lead to deals.

We also explore the challenges of the current real estate climate, including low housing inventory, rising interest rates, and the Section 8 housing program that’s leaving landlords and tenants equally frustrated. We unpack creative financing options, what it takes to get permits for home renovations, and how mindset and adaptability play a huge role in long-term success.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:17] - Finding sellers using Facebook groups, skip tracing, and direct outreach

[1:29] - Writing personal, inviting messages that resonate with homeowners

[2:46] - Storm damage and how it impacts the construction business

[3:08] - Why homeowners are reluctant to sell in a high-interest rate market

[4:17] - Lack of new housing developments and what it means for inventory

[5:50] - The rise of “affordable” housing projects and the real cost behind them

[8:25] - Breaking down the chaos in Columbus’s Section 8 program

[14:12] - A case study: managing delays and tenant transitions between properties

[20:40] - Social media marketing tactics that actually get attention

[23:42] - Buying fire-damaged properties when no one else will

[26:00] - The risks and realities of door knocking today

[30:07] - Text blast strategies and starting the conversation

[31:02] - Creative financing and owner-carry deals in a tight lending market

[34:13] - Planning and budgeting a home office addition

[39:02] - Navigating permits and working with local city guidelines

[43:03] - Business credit, funding delays, and how to be financially ready

[49:00] - Legal insights on how landlords can navigate Section 8 obligations

[57:14] - A personal story of faith, resilience, and financial recovery through recession

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Relationships matter more than credentials. Approaching sellers as a family or small team is often more effective than leading with your resume.

2. Facebook still works. Organic social posts can bring in more leads than expensive marketing campaigns—if you know how to play the algorithm.

3. The Section 8 system is broken. Understand the risks and delays involved before relying on it for consistent cash flow.

4. Creative financing is making a comeback. From short sales to owner-financed deals, flexibility is key in today’s environment.

5. Build with purpose. When expanding your home or adding value to a property, know your local permitting process and budget realistically to avoid delays.

Thanks for tuning in to The Real Estate Ride! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and follow the show, and share it with a fellow investor or friend. Your support helps us keep the conversations real and valuable.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we take you behind the scenes of one of the most powerful and transformational exercises we’ve ever done—writing your personal and business vision. This practice, which we first embraced five years ago through a coaching mastermind, completely shifted the way we approached our lives and careers. It’s not about setting ordinary goals—it’s about crafting a vision so clear and compelling that it becomes the filter through which every decision flows.

We break down the “why” and “how” behind creating a living, breathing document that evolves with you. You’ll hear our personal experiences of writing seemingly impossible goals that later became reality, and we’ll guide you through the categories to focus on, from spirituality and personal development to career, fun, and family. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your path, this is your invitation to think bigger and live with intention.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - The life-changing impact of writing a personal vision

[2:24] - Why vision must come before goal-setting

[5:01] - Creating both personal and business visions for alignment

[7:14] - Using your written vision to stay grounded through tough times

[10:42] - Daily visibility: Where and how to keep your vision front and center

[12:23] - Morning routines that reinforce your vision and affirmations

[18:04] - Why your sacred morning time should be distraction-free

[23:13] - Thinking without limits—writing your vision without constraints

[26:01] - The eight life categories to include in your vision

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your vision should be limitless – When writing your vision, remove all constraints like time or money and dream as if nothing is holding you back.

2. It’s a living document – Your vision will evolve as you grow, so treat it as a dynamic part of your life, not a one-and-done task.

3. Clarity leads to alignment – A clear vision helps you say “yes” and “no” more easily in both your personal life and business.

4. Visibility matters – Keep your vision front and center—on your mirror, your desk, your phone—to stay connected to it daily.

5. Start with personal, then business – Your personal vision lays the foundation; when that’s solid, your business vision will follow more naturally.

If this episode sparked a new level of clarity for you, we’d love it if you followed, rated, and reviewed the show. And don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to rewrite their own vision!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, I break down a deal that looked promising on the surface—but quickly unraveled when we took a deeper dive into the numbers, comps, and financing terms. This is a must-listen if you’re in the early stages of flipping or still learning how to properly analyze a property.

We dig into a Cincinnati property where assumptions about the ARV and comparable sales led to flawed expectations and a denied private money loan. I show you how to use PropStream to uncover the real story, how to determine whether comps are valid, and why one misplaced financing term on your contract can cost you both money and legal protection. If you’ve ever wondered how to avoid getting burned on your first (or next) flip, this is your blueprint.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:51] - The importance of including financing contingencies in contracts

[1:13] - Overview of a Cincinnati deal lenders passed on and why

[2:25] - Using PropStream effectively when you don’t have MLS access

[3:05] - Evaluating PropStream’s valuation against agent insights

[4:21] - How closing and holding costs can quietly kill your profits

[5:30] - The danger of relying on optimistic resale values

[6:20] - How an appraiser dropped value by $8,000 despite multiple offers

[7:18] - Disputing appraisals: what works, what doesn’t

[8:20] - Expired comps, off-market listings, and misleading analysis

[10:29] - How to use PropStream to filter true comparables

[11:11] - Why you can’t depend solely on your Realtor’s advice

[12:00] - How using the term “cash” in a contract can become a legal liability

[14:08] - Consequences of misrepresenting loan terms on purchase offers

[16:41] - Why property type and structure must match in your comps

[17:11] - The one valid comp and what it reveals about real value

[18:24] - Inconsistent values across neighborhoods and why it matters

[20:09] - How to read heat maps of sales activity to gauge stability

[21:58] - The difference in value between ranch and multi-story homes

[23:17] - Seller markups and minimal rehabs that don’t add up

[24:02] - Spotting emotional decision-making in bad deals

[25:01] - Final advice: Don’t let this be your first flip

Key Takeaways

1. Run Your Own Numbers, Always

   Never rely solely on what a Realtor or wholesaler tells you. Use tools like PropStream to verify comps, value, and neighborhood trends for yourself.

2. Contracts Must Reflect Reality

   If you’re using private money, your contract should say so. Mislabeling a loan as “cash” can not only cost you earnest money but open you up to legal risk.

3. Thin Margins Are Not Worth the Gamble

   Even small holding costs and appraisal gaps can wipe out your profits. If your numbers only work in a best-case scenario, it’s not a deal—it’s a liability.

If this episode gave you a clearer lens on how to evaluate deals and avoid costly mistakes, take a second to rate, follow, and share The Real Estate Ride. Every review helps us support more investors making smart, informed decisions.