Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast

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Are you building a business that can survive any market cycle? In this episode, Cole Ruud-Johnson is back on the show to discuss what makes a real estate business work long-term and why most investors fail — and it’s not because of the market.

He explains what separates real operators from the ones chasing quick wins, why scaling too early is risky, and why most people aren't cut out to run a ...

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Maybe you don’t need more leads, but better buyers. Do you know who the best ones are in your area? In this episode, learn how to make a VIP buyer’s list and calculate deals that lock in profit from day one.

We also cover new market and investment trends, like why buying small businesses probably won’t build wealth, what more housing means when most people still can’t afford to buy, and how underwr...

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Our best deals aren’t in “hot” markets — they're in places you wouldn't think to look. In this episode, find out why now is a better time to start investing than most people think, and where we're finding better deals. We share how we're changing our strategies, what today's lending landscape looks like, and when scaling too fast can actually backfire.

Topics disc...

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Florida’s real estate market is struggling, but how bad is it, and who’s next? Florida brokerage owner Jon Brooks joins us to explain how this market went from red-hot to near collapse, which strategies are still working, and why it’s more than just a local issue.

In this episode, find out which other markets are holding up (for now) and what this downturn says about what’s coming next. We look at ...

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Big changes have been happening in the market and our business. In this episode, Mike explains why we're taking a break from Friday Focus episodes and how the first year working with Alex Hormozi’s Acquisition.com team changed our business. We share the advice that led us to shut down multiple ventures, change our view on flips, and focus on what actually drives growth. Tune in to hear how we...

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Struggling in this slow market? In this episode, find out how to get better DSCR and insurance rates, what we're doing to overcome dispo challenges, and what creative exits we're leaving on in this market. We also talk about the possibility of a recession, why flips are getting more risky, and how we’re adapting to stay in the game!

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Introduction (00:00)

How a rec...

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Stop letting market uncertainty hold you back! If you’re wondering what your next move should be, this episode shares strategies you need to minimize risk and keep building wealth in today’s market. Dan gives a breakdown of his personal portfolio and explains where he’s investing his money (and it’s not all in real estate) to maintain steady cash flow, stay flexible, and prepare for the next marke...

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What is actually happening in the market? Depending on who you talk to, you'll get a different answer but there's still plenty of opportunity out there.

In this episode, we share the strategies working for us right now, what fundamentals we're doubling down on, and why we're not too worried about interest rates. We also talk about the mistake people make when they’re sitting on ...

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Imagine leaving your job for real estate in just six months. This episode lays out  what it takes to build a full-time real estate business that can replace your W2 in today's market. You'll learn what marketing strategies work in each stage of growth, where to put your money, and which investment strategy is best for new investors. Listen now to start building your exit strategy!

Le...

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Markets that used to be hot are now cooling fast. Florida’s slowdown is making headlines, but it's not the only place where inventory is rising and buyers are stepping back.

In this episode, find out where buyers are still active, why home prices could drop soon, and what these market changes mean for you. We also dig into why you should think twice before making an LP investment and how stric...

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Impatience is your biggest enemy in real estate. You could be looking for easy wins or just trying to scale too fast, but shiny object syndrome is what keeps most investors struggling to grow their business. Instead of rushing success because you’re feeling the pressure, find out how to overcome shiny object syndrome and build a real estate business that actually creates real wealth.

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Real estate is shifting fast — are you ready to adapt? The end of FHA loan relief, tighter buyer budgets, and new Zillow rules are all putting fresh pressure on investors to spot potential risks and seize the right opportunities.

We're unpacking housing affordability challenges, why we should have a free marketplace, and what investors can do as easy money disappears. Tune in to get the insigh...

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Leaving a steady paycheck behind isn't crazy — if you're ready to put the work in. In this episode, you'll hear how one of our SCALE members walked away from a $200K salary to build a real estate business from the ground up. Dan breaks down the five phases he went through during his first year, the skills that helped him start closing deals, and the decisions that led to his growth....

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The same playbook from 2021 won’t cut it anymore. Instead of bidding wars and easy cash flow, today’s economy is forcing investors to adapt fast as buyer behavior changes and even solid deals take more work to close.

We dive into follow-up and acquisition mistakes, his shift from investor to business owner, and share our own strategy that turns direct mail into real deals. Tune in to hear how we’re...

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The economy might suck right now, but your business doesn’t have to. If you're feeling unsure about your next move, this episode breaks down exactly what you can do to stay focused and keep your real estate business alive in this shaky market. Mike dives into the biggest mistakes operators make when things get tough, where you can safely cut costs in your business, and how to set yourself up ...

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When your marketing stops working, what do you do: double down or hit pause? We’re with Cam Cathcart to discuss what happened when he stopped marketing, the deeper issues it exposed inside his business, and what he plans to change moving forward.

We dive into follow-up and acquisition mistakes, his shift from investor to business owner, and share our own strategy that turns direct mail into real de...

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Some deals don’t fit the usual mold—and that’s where novation comes in. We’re leaning into this strategy more than we ever have before, and it’s helped us stay competitive without taking on extra risk. In this episode, Dan breaks down two novation deals: one on a dated property in a rural market, and another with a seller who wanted a guaranteed payout. Tune in to hear why we're working with ...

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We spent over $60K on marketing this quarter — let's break down what we got for it. From lead flow to revenue, we share exactly our KPIs and dive into how our Q1 marketing played out — what worked, what didn't, and which channels actually brought in deals.

This episode is all about managing cash flow in your business, tracking the right metrics, and making smart decisions whethe...

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Ryan Pineda is being sued. Let this be a lesson: influence doesn’t equal trust. Today, Mike unpacks how investors got scammed out of millions and the red flags that were there from the start. Plus, find out which other influencers may be using sketchy tactics and why more lawsuits might be on the way. This episode will make you think twice about where you get financial advice!

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