From Corporate Layoffs to Land Empire: Mike Deaton's Journey to Financial Freedom

📋 Overview

In this episode of The Generations of Wealth Podcast, Derek Dombeck sits down with Mike Deaton, a former tech executive who left corporate America after a double layoff and built a thriving land-investing business with his wife in the mountains of Colorado.

Mike shares how they transitioned from W-2 jobs at Microsoft and Nokia into land flipping and owner financing, creating consistent cash flow and lifestyle freedom. Together, Derek and Mike unpack the mindset shift required to leave corporate comfort, the mechanics of land investing, creative deal structures like owner financing and purchase options, and how to build a resilient business through market shifts.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Turning Setbacks into Opportunity: Getting laid off became the catalyst for Mike's financial independence.

• Why Land Investing Wins: Lower competition, flexible strategies, and scalable margins make land one of real estate's best-kept secrets.

• Owner Financing Power: How stacking small notes creates predictable monthly income and long-term wealth.

• Creative Deal Structures: Using purchase options and seller financing to control assets with minimal capital.

• Scaling Smartly: How mentorship and community accelerate success and prevent costly mistakes.

• Tax Advantages: Leveraging passive investments and depreciation to minimize taxes and maximize returns.

• Market Resilience: Why land tends to stay stable through market cycles compared to other asset classes.

🎧 Why Should You Listen

If you've ever dreamed of leaving your job, creating freedom through real estate, or wondered how to invest without tenants, toilets, or termites—this episode is your roadmap. Derek and Mike reveal the real numbers, strategies, and mindset behind building wealth through land.

🗣️ Relevant Topics Discussed

• Land flipping & investing models

• Owner financing & note stacking

• Creative real estate strategies (options, double closings)

• Tax advantages & depreciation strategies

• Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship

• Building community & mentorship in real estate

• Market cycles and land resiliency

⏱️ Time Stamps 

• 00:00 – 03:00 Derek's intro & Mike's backstory