Creative Real Estate, Market Cycles, and Ethical Deal-Making with Brad Smotherman

🧠 Overview

In this powerful episode of The Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek Dombeck sits down with seasoned investor and creative deal-structuring expert Brad Smotherman. Together, they dive into lessons learned from the 2010 foreclosure market, transitioning through market cycles, and how to ethically structure deals using subject-to, owner financing, and lease options. Brad opens up about building a virtual investing company, his personal growth journey, and the value of defining your life beyond the balance sheet.

💡 Key Takeaways

• The difference between a market crash and a return to normalcy

• Why negotiation and deal structure matter more than lead volume

• How to ethically approach subject-to and creative finance deals

• Scaling a virtual investing company across multiple states

• Moving from maximizer to optimizer: redefining success through time freedom

• The "teeter-totter" principle: price vs. terms in negotiations

🎯 Why You Should Listen

This episode is a masterclass in creative real estate investing—especially for those navigating a shifting market. Brad doesn’t just share what worked, he dives deep into why it worked, what to avoid legally and ethically, and how to build a sustainable business that supports your lifestyle goals. If you're a wholesaler, flipper, or landlord trying to sharpen your negotiation or scale virtually, this conversation is full of gold.

📚 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Subject-to deals and ethical considerations

• The importance of third-party closings over “kitchen table deals”

• Real estate market myths vs. facts (inventory levels, DOM)

• Owner financing strategies (including 0% interest examples)

• Building a digital marketing machine for motivated seller leads

• Structuring a business that supports personal values and family time

⏱️ Time Stamps 

• 00:00 – 01:45 — Derek’s introduction and Elite Negotiations Academy shoutout