The Strategic Success Podcast

Last week, legendary investor Peter Fortunato shared a powerful truth: “Your deal is your fault.” That episode sparked a lot of conversation and maybe even a little discomfort because it challenged how we think about responsibility in Real Estate.In today’s follow-up, I’m breaking that idea down even further.This isn’t about blame, it’s about power. When things don’t go according to plan, when the market feels impossible, when a deal falls apart… that’s not a reason to quit, it’s an invitation to grow.In this episode, we’ll cover:- Why “fault” isn’t about guilt, it’s about gaining control.- What a failed deal actually reveals about your systems and mindset.- How to adapt when the market turns against you.- Why opportunity doesn’t disappear, it just stops being easy.- A step-by-step way to learn from your toughest deals and rebuild stronger.If you’ve been questioning whether real estate is still worth it in a tough market, this episode is for you.Listen to the first conversation with Peter Fortunato:Your Deal Is Your Fault: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHRyL6Efk1I&t=1166sConnect with Courtney Fricke:CourtneyFricke.comInstagram: @CourtneyFrickeSubscribe to The Strategic Success Podcast for weekly episodes that help you take the next right step toward your success.If this episode hit home, share it with another investor who needs to hear it.Your perspective might be the thing that keeps them in the game.

Join Peter Fortunato, a seasoned real estate investor with over 60 years of experience, as he delves into the importance of personal responsibility in investment. He argues that true success comes from owning your deals and navigating challenges with integrity. Discover how to turn setbacks into opportunities, prioritize relationships over profit, and think like a long-term capitalist rather than a hobbyist. Peter also shares insights on effective deal structuring, proactive communication, and the value of clear paperwork in sustaining wealth.

Discover how to invest in real estate without breaking the bank! The discussion highlights innovative financing methods like seller financing and lease options, perfect for beginners and pros alike. Learn how to build relationships with private investors and structure deals creatively. Courtney shares her personal journey, emphasizing resourcefulness over cash. She breaks down bank options and practical skills needed for closing deals. If you think you can’t afford to start investing, this conversation will inspire you to take action!

Walking into FinCon 2025 as a first-timer, I had my own goals, expectations, and questions. Walking out, I had lessons, connections, and takeaways I didn’t expect. In this episode, I share: - Why I attended in the first place - My goals for the event - The best and worst parts of the experience - The sessions and lessons that stuck with me mostThis is my honest review of FinCon 2025 — and whether I’d recommend it to others."FinCon is where money content creatorslearn to grow smarter, monetize faster, & build sustainable businesses—without doing it alone." per FinConexpo.com. Connect with Courtney: CourtneyFricke.comIf this episode gave you real insight into FinCon or the business of creating content around money and real estate, hit subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations. Each week, I share episodes that dive into: - Creative real estate strategies you won’t hear from mainstream gurus - Lessons from industry events like FinCon - Honest stories from investors, creators, and entrepreneurs building wealth their own wayYour likes, comments, and shares help spread these conversations and bring more people into the community.

When the market cooled down, most flippers hit pause. But Joey Long doubled down—not with a bank loan, but stacking multiple creative strategies that turned a flip in a tough market into a winning deal.In this episode, we break down:- How Joey combined 5 different creative strategies like Subject-To, Seller Finance, Private Money and more!- What made this deal possible in a market full of fear- Why Creative Finance isn’t just for buy-and-hold—it can power flips too- Real numbers, real structure, and real lessons for today’s investorsIf you’re ready to stop waiting for the “perfect market” and start thinking like a deal maker, this one’s for you.Resources from the episode:Other episode with Joey Long: https://youtu.be/PEv6OiwTMCA?si=M3UQDmwsFLaTpy0BWorking on Joey's post of his convo with the seller to share hereWalkthru of Joey's flip: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOTqECoETXF/?igsh=cmM2MDgydm54Zjl1Connect with Joey at: https://www.instagram.com/joeylong.rei.Connect with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com.If this episode hits home, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps bring these important conversations to more people. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode, I share what’s been happening in my life and business as I make a major move and pivot my real estate strategy. From Louisiana to Mississippi and now Florida, I break down how I’m approaching three different markets, what opportunities I’m seeing, and the shifts I’m making to keep growing in a changing economy.Whether you’re an investor curious about multi-market strategies, or just following along with my journey, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m adapting and planning my next chapter.If you’re interested in creative financing, buy-and-hold investing, or simply want to see what’s possible when you stay solutions-focused, this one’s for you.Connect with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com.If this episode hits home, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps bring these important conversations to more people. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode of our Katrina series, we dive into one of the toughest questions the storm left behind: who came out ahead—and who didn’t? Hurricane Katrina wasn’t just a natural disaster—it was a stress test that exposed who was ready, who wasn’t, and what it really takes to rebuild.In this episode, you’ll hear: - A powerful look at the storm’s aftermath and how it forced hard resets for thousands of families - The difference between those who had a plan—and those who waited on aid that never came fast enough - Stories of individuals and communities who turned disaster into opportunity - Why preparedness, not luck, often determined who rose and who stayed stuck - Takeaways you can apply today to make sure you’re not left behind when the next storm hits in life either as a natural disaster or else wiseHurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, leaving destruction across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Nearly 20 years later, the lessons remain crystal clear: disaster doesn’t decide your future—your preparation does.Connect with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com.If this episode hits home, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps bring these important conversations to more people. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode, we start unpacking how Hurricane Katrina reshaped housing in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast. This is Part 1 of our deep dive into one of the most defining housing crises of our time. In this first installment of our Katrina housing series, we begin unpacking how Hurricane Katrina reshaped housing in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast. Nearly 20 years later, the storm remains one of the most defining housing crises in U.S. history—and its impact is still felt today.In this episode, you’ll hear: - A sobering reminder of Katrina’s devastation and its lasting scars on the Gulf Coast - Courtney’s personal story from the storm, alongside other accounts of resilience and survival in the search for shelter - How housing across the region was transformed by one of the largest natural disasters in American history - Where government response failed—from local agencies to federal leadership - Insights into a special program created to help New Orleans rebuildHurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, striking the Greater New Orleans area and leaving destruction across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. As we approach the 20th anniversary of her devastation, we revisit the stories of housing, survival, and the lasting impact on an entire region.Connect with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com.If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps bring these important conversations to more people. New episodes drop weekly.

In a world gripped by fear, learn how to spot wealth-building opportunities amid chaos. Discover two essential strategies to protect and grow your portfolio right now. Hear insights from seasoned real estate investors on utilizing property equity in a buyer's market. Uncover key tips for asset assessment and debt management to thrive during market fluctuations. Stay proactive and resilient as you navigate the challenges of investing, and reshape your approach to wealth in uncertain times.

Explore the compelling motivations behind a bold move from New Orleans to St. Petersburg, Florida. The discussion highlights five key reasons shaping this significant decision, including the value of mentorship and networking in real estate. Listeners gain insights into the transformative experience of relocating and reassessing skills. The personal journey adds an engaging touch, offering a glimpse into that first week in a new city.