From Broke to $120M: The Real Estate Wealth Blueprint Behind the Numbers
Be Wealthy
What Happened When I Didn’t File Taxes
Dustin reveals years of unfiled returns, the stress of IRS debt, and the moment he sought professional help.
In this episode of the Be Wealthy Podcast, Brett Tanner sits down with real estate leader Dustin Runyon, who shares his powerful journey from being broke and deep in debt to developing over 1,200 acres and leading one of the top real estate teams in the country.
Dustin opens up about his early struggles with money, lessons from failure, and how he transformed his mindset from scarcity to abundance. Together, Brett and Dustin unpack how discipline, self-awareness, and clear money rules can create real freedom and peace of mind.
This episode dives deep into rebuilding after failure, mastering your relationship with money, and creating a life built on focus, alignment, and long-term wealth.
🔑 TOP TAKEAWAYS
- Financial discipline creates freedom. Lasting wealth comes from structure and habits, not quick wins.
- Active income is your foundation. Keep building before chasing “passive” opportunities.
- Debt is a teacher. Learning from mistakes is the most powerful investment you can make.
- Know your “floor.” Build a savings base that covers your lifestyle for 12–24 months before investing.
- Invest only in what you understand. Simplicity and patience outperform risky, shiny strategies.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction of Dustin Runyon
01:15 – Growing Up With a Scarcity Money Mindset
05:15 – Starting in Real Estate During the 2008 Crash
07:30 – Chasing Image, Validation & Lifestyle
09:30 – Avoiding Financial Reality & Taxes
13:00 – Discovering $1M in Tax Debt
15:00 – 16 Months of Extreme Financial Discipline
18:30 – Paying Off Debt & Regaining Control
20:00 – First $1M in the Bank After Debt
24:00 – Creating a Financial “Floor” for Freedom
30:00 – Living Below Your Means & Smart Investing
36:00 – Active vs. Passive Income Truth
42:30 – Dustin’s Rules on Debt
48:30 – Leading From Abundance, Not Scarcity
57:15 – Final Thoughts on Wealth, Discipline & Freedom
🧭 RESOURCES & MENTIONS
- The Be Wealthy Mastermind – Brett Tanner’s coaching community
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – on freedom and leverage
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant – principles on wealth and peace of mind
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki – rethinking money and mindset
- Gary Keller – teachings on discipline and wealth building
🚨 BE WEALTHY WEBSITE 🚨
👉 www.BeWealthy.com
📱 Follow Be Wealthy:
Facebook: / brettbewealthy
Instagram: / bewealthybrett
Twitter (X): / bewealthybrett
YouTube: / bewealthybrett
🧱 ABOUT THE SHOW
The Be Wealthy Podcast brings entrepreneurs the strategies to grow their business — then teaches them how to think about their money. Because wealth is far more than money — it’s freedom. Hosted by Brett Tanner & co-pilot Katelyn Mitchell.
Mission: Get Free.
📚 Free Resources: https://www.bewealthybrett.com/resources
🏦 Infinite Banking Education: SaveLikeaBank.com
⚡️ Cost Segregation Studies and 45L Tax Credit: SingleFamilyCostSeg.com
💵 Self-Directed IRA: MaxOutRetirement.com
🏢 Trust and Entity Structure: http://setupmyestate.com/
🏘️ Off-Market Deals and Cash Buyers List: TheMagicMailers.com
🛠️ Hard Money Financing: https://www.lendingcashnow.com/get-fu...
📥 Wholesale Deals: getourhousedeals.com
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Be Wealthy and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting decisions. Always consult your own advisors before taking financial action.
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