What if the easiest deals are the ones no one else is even looking at?
In this episode, Captain Curt sits down with Cole Ruud-Johnson, a real estate wholesaler who built a $20M+ off-market empire from cold calls, consistent follow-up, and creative seller conversations. He’s the founder of Easy Button Real Estate and leads a fast-growing community on Skool called Off Market Method.
They get into the weeds of offer structure, VA systems, building buyer lists, why Cole left the MLS behind, and how wholesalers can ethically scale without burning bridges. Cole also shares how travel, golf, and living slower actually made him a better dealmaker—and why good people win long-term in this game.
This episode is a tactical playbook for anyone looking to exit the rat race and go off-market.
Timestamps
00:00 – How Cole Got Started in Off-Market Wholesaling
03:31 – The $30k Deal That Changed Everything
06:29 – Why He Quit the MLS and Built His Own Buyer List
08:42 – Real Offer Structure Tips for Wholesalers
14:11 – Building a Scalable VA System That Works
18:54 – Why Follow-Up Is 90% of the Game
24:45 – How Cole Builds Trust with Sellers Without a License
30:12 – Mindset Shifts: From Hustle to Alignment
36:09 – Golf, Travel, and Life Outside the Grind
40:00 – Why Off-Market Is the Future of Real Estate Deals
CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @thecaptaincurt
TikTok: @thecaptaincurt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecaptaincurt_
Website: www.captaincapital.com
Invest With Curt: Start Here: https://www.captaincapital.com/invest
CONNECT WITH COLE RUUD JOHNSON:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnson
Easy Button Real Estate: https://www.easybuttonrealestate.com
TAGS:
#RealEstateWholesaling #OffMarketDeals #FinancialFreedom #ColdCallingWorks #EasyButtonRealEstate
CONNECT WITH US:
Instagram: @thecaptaincurt
TikTok: @thecaptaincurt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thecaptaincurt_
Website: www.captaincapital.com
Invest With Curt: Start Here: https://www.captaincapital.com/invest
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