

The Strategic Success Podcast
Courtney Fricke
The Strategic Success Podcast, hosted by Courtney Fricke, is a library of conversations around taking the next right step. Although her expertise is in Real Estate, Courtney will have conversations and dialogues around business, success, mindset, and philosophy with various guests. Her goal is to mainly showcase folks who do not have a strong online presence but who have strong philosophies around success and Real Estate. Make sure to subscribe. If you found the episodes helpful, make sure to leave us a review of your experience. You can connect with Courtney at CourtneyFricke.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2024 • 57min
EP 36: Becoming a Big Buyer in Your Market with Shaun Stephens
A lot of folks like the idea of owning properties in different places. That could be different countries, different states, or at least different counties. Shaun brings a different perspective as he shares how he has done hundreds of deals within 1 county in Ohio and his current portfolio is 98% in this area. In this episode, we deep dive how being a mile deep in his market has been a strategic and competitive advantage for him. Take a listen!
Courtney and Shaun cover many topics in their conversations but some you'll want to pay attention to are:
-how he got started in Real Estate and how he grew to where he is today
-trading up properties within the portfolio and why
-partnering with folks who have money and why that can be a powerful option
-his experience of buying within a small perimeter
-bitcoin and the position he's taken on it in his wealth building journey (note: this episode was filmed before BTC hit $100K)
-his philosophy around doing the work and why many won't
-how 1/3rd of his business comes from referrals
-among other important conversation pieces
To connect further with Shaun, visit his company's Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChillicotheInvestors or his personal Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shaun.stephens1.
We hope you enjoyed the conversation and got something out of it to help you on your journey.
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
NEW 2025 WORKSHOP ANNOUNCED: FIX YOUR INCOME Workshop: On January 20-21st, 2025, Courtney will be teaching a 2-day workshop specifically designed for folks within the Real Estate industry already. If you're an agent, a lender, a handyman or contractor, an appraiser, a title processor, etc - if your goal in 2025 is to start investing, this workshop is for you! This will be two full days of understanding why you should invest in Real Estate, what makes something a good deal, how to find said deals, how to find them without your own cash or credit, and how to succeed as an investor to fix your income and build your retirement. This workshop is for folks already in the Real Estate industry and being offered at a discounted price to help as many folks as possible join. Lunch provided both days and a 100+ page manual is included. Get your ticket today at CourtneyFricke.com. This class will be in the Greater New Orleans area and will not be recorded.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More episodes are being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Dec 8, 2024 • 15min
An Attorney Speaks Out: Mortgage Fraud & Assigning Short Sales
THIS IS PART TWO IN RESPONSE TO THE SHORT SALE QUEEN BEING INDICTED.
You can connect with Jeff Watson further at WatsonInvested. com.
Please watch my first video on the topic here: • When a Guru Gets Arrested: Lessons Le... .
On December 3rd, 2024, Nicole Espinosa, "The Short Sale Queen", was indicted, along with her associates, for mortgage fraud. This video addresses this and lessons that can be learned from the situation as a whole.
NOTICE: A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oy vey, y'all. This one is tough. Not my normal video but felt it was a chance to learn together. As you know, my motto is "HOW you do Real Estate MATTERS." In the same way that you can learn from when a deal goes wrong as when a deal goes well, you can learn from when something goes wrong with an investor's strategy. That's the goal here.
Here are some things to reference:
My Facebook post that spurred so many responses said,
"A Real Estate guru is in jail today because of mortgage fraud from the process and paperwork they used to stop foreclosures. They taught folks and have books on the subject.
HOW you do Real Estate MATTERS.
Who you learn FROM matters.
EDIT: This is not just for investors, they marketed to and worked with agents as well. I’ll work on a video explaining the malpractice and what the charges look like.
EDIT EDIT: A video worth watching from someone unknowingly involved with more details. • Nicole Espinosa, The Short Sale Queen...
This video by RJ Bates gives a personal account from someone who knew her well, did business with her, and was considered a victim in this case. This speaks to specifics from his perspective. • Nicole Espinosa, The Short Sale Queen...
Other references:
Press Release from the US Attorney General: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/...
In this episode, I share about this situation and lessons every day investors can learn from this. Consider me uninformed as I am not an attorney nor do I know Nicole personally (apart from the dealings I had with her as an educator, her content, and her as a speaker).
She has two books, and I own them. Do I think she taught these "methods" in her trainings? I don't but I can't say for sure as I never did a deal with her or took an in-depth training apart from the one short webinar I attended.
NOTICE: A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More episodes are being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Dec 7, 2024 • 43min
When a Guru Gets Arrested: Lessons Learned from Nicole Espinosa, The Short Sale Queen's Arrest
On December 3rd, 2024, Nicole Espinosa, "The Short Sale Queen", was arrested, along with her associates, for mortgage fraud. This video addresses this and lessons that can be learned from the situation as a whole.
NOTICE: A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oy vey, y'all. This one is tough. Not my normal video but felt it was a chance to learn together. As you know, my motto is "HOW you do Real Estate MATTERS." In the same way that you can learn from when a deal goes wrong as when a deal goes well, you can learn from when something goes wrong with an investor's strategy. That's the goal here.
Here are some things to reference:
My Facebook post that spurred so many responses said,
"A Real Estate guru is in jail today because of mortgage fraud from the process and paperwork they used to stop foreclosures. They taught folks and have books on the subject.
HOW you do Real Estate MATTERS.
Who you learn FROM matters.
EDIT: This is not just for investors, they marketed to and worked with agents as well. I’ll work on a video explaining the malpractice and what the charges look like.
EDIT EDIT: A video worth watching from someone unknowingly involved with more details. • Nicole Espinosa, The Short Sale Queen... "
This video by RJ Bates gives a personal account from someone who knew her well, did business with her, and was considered a victim in this case. This speaks to specifics from his perspective. • Nicole Espinosa, The Short Sale Queen...
Other references:
Press Release from the US Attorney General: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/...
In this episode, I share about this situation and lessons every day investors can learn from this. Consider me uninformed as I am not an attorney nor do I know Nicole personally (apart from the dealings I had with her as an educator, her content, and her as a speaker).
She has two books, and I own them. Do I think she taught these "methods" in her trainings? I don't but I can't say for sure as I never did a deal with her or took an in-depth training apart from the one short webinar I attended.
NOTICE: A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
To connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More episodes are being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Dec 7, 2024 • 37min
EP 35: How 2024 Will Shape My 2025 (A Year End Review and Focus for Next Year)
The host dives into the challenges of the 2024 real estate market, spotlighting key rental and sales trends. Strategic partnerships are explored, emphasizing their role in productivity and effective delegation. Listeners gain insights into innovative investment strategies, including master lease options that could capitalize on market shifts. Additionally, the importance of community support in navigating investment tactics is highlighted, alongside upcoming workshops aimed at enhancing diversification for greater financial stability.

Dec 5, 2024 • 17min
EP 34: Throwback to a 2023 Review and My 2024 Focus (A Goal Setting Exercise at Year End)
This is a powerful goal setting exercise to tackle at the end of the year and one that you should consider for yourself. The Westbank Real Estate Investors Meetup in the Greater New Orleans area started this tradition for their December meetup and that's where this clip is from (apart from the additional add libs). To see the full video where they interviewed multiple investors in different parts of the industry with the same questions, you can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tLqXNwRvbA. They have a great YouTube channel, by the way.
In this throwback episode, Courtney breaks down what 2023 was like for her and then speaks to what areas she wanted to focus on in 2024. This will make sense when a future episode is Courtney breaking down 2024 and sharing about her focus in 2025.
We hope you enjoyed the conversation and got something out of it to help you on your journey.
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More are episodes being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Dec 3, 2024 • 50min
EP 33: A Due on Sale Call Breakdown with Steve Keighery PART 2
Subject To deals have a LOT of moving parts to them and are inherently risky for all parties involved but investors still tackle these deals because of how profitable they can be and how they allow you to manipulate the interest rates in the marketplace. Success in these deals comes from knowing how to properly structure them and how to protect all parties involved, including yourself as the buyer. Join us in this episode as we deep dive in extensive detail one of the scariest risks in a Subject To deal: the Due on Sale clause being called due immediately after purchasing.
Make sure you check out Part 1 here to get the FULL story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl3GmhHeCA4&t=2469s.
Courtney and Steve cover many topics in their conversations but some you'll want to pay attention to are:
-his experience with Subject To deals before getting the Due on Sale called
-the details of the deal (where it came from, the sellers motivation, the numbers, the exit strategy, etc)
-the exact timeline of the Due on Sale being called
-how he was notified of the Due on Sale being triggered
-how the Lender found out about the Subject To transaction and why the clause was triggered
-what solution he found to keep the deal and survive the Due on Sale being called
-how the Seller acted during all of this and what communication looked like
-his conversations with the Lender about his role in the deal
-his numbers after he executed his rescue plan
-among other important conversation pieces
We hope you enjoyed the conversation and got something out of it to help you on your journey.
This episode was sponsored by Investor Property Loan, the DSCR lender who saved the day on Steve's failed Subject To deal. There is a reason they are the most reviewed lender on BiggerPockets.com! One important piece to this puzzle with Steve's short time frame was that they didn't require him to own the property for 3-6 months+ like some other lenders require. This is requirement is called a Title Seasoning period. Oof! That could've killed the refinance for Steve or forced him to find another option. Need financing for your next deal or need to refinance? Check out their DSCR products, which is an asset based product, by checking them out at www.investorpropertyloan.com/DSCR. You can find their rates, fees, and terms there with a few clicks and you don't even have to give them your info unless you want to move forward. This will help you underwrite deals faster. What a great tool! Want a direct contact? Check out Alex Bekeza (NMLS:1711070) on his socials at https://www.instagram.com/alexbekezathebrrrrlender/. Don't forget to tell them that Courtney sent you!
Want to connect further with Steve? You can find him on Facebook at / stephen.keighery .
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More are episodes being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 15min
EP 32: A Due on Sale Call Breakdown with Steve Keighery PART 1
Subject To deals have a LOT of moving parts to them and are inherently risky for all parties involved but investors still tackle these deals because of how profitable they can be and how they allow you to manipulate the interest rates in the marketplace. Success in these deals comes from knowing how to properly structure them and how to protect all parties involved, including yourself as the buyer. Join us in this episode as we deep dive in extensive detail one of the scariest risks in a Subject To deal: the Due on Sale clause being called due immediately after purchasing.
Courtney and Steve cover many topics in their conversations but some you'll want to pay attention to are:
-his experience with Subject To deals before getting the Due on Sale called
-the details of the deal (where it came from, the sellers motivation, the numbers, the exit strategy, etc)
-the exact timeline of the Due on Sale being called
-how he was notified of the Due on Sale being triggered
-how the Lender found out about the Subject To transaction and why the clause was triggered
-what solution he found to keep the deal and survive the Due on Sale being called
-how the Seller acted during all of this and what communication looked like
-his conversations with the Lender about his role in the deal
-his numbers after he executed his rescue plan
-among other important conversation pieces
We hope you enjoyed the conversation and got something out of it to help you on your journey.
This episode was sponsored by Arena Collective, a Greater New Orleans area Title Company that understands what investor deals require. They can tackle everything from Subject To deals, wholesale transactions, seller finance and private money notes, as well BOI filings for the Corporate Transparency Act and Operating Agreements for LLCs/Partnerships, plus many more. Courtney personally uses them for the majority of her deals. Have a Subject To deal or any other type of deal you'd like to open with them? Send them an email at intake@arenacollective.com to start moving things towards the closing table today! You can also follow them on social media. You can find their links here: https://linktr.ee/arenacollective. Don't forget to tell them that Courtney sent you!
Want to connect further with Steve? You can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stephen.keighery.
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More are episodes being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Nov 28, 2024 • 58min
EP 31: Getting to Know Mr. Northshore with Daniel Munn
This episode is a special collaboration with In the Arena podcast where Courtney Fricke and Jared Miguez of Arena Collective have conversations with some local Real Estate professionals.
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Munn, a standout real estate agent on Louisiana’s North Shore who has built a reputation not only for his top-ranked business but also for his strong, community-focused social media presence. With a marketing degree from LSU, Daniel transformed his career by embracing video on Facebook, starting with Facebook Lives to refine his on-camera skills. This dedication led to guest spots on local news stations and helped him build a local following.
Daniel’s social media presence goes beyond real estate—he’s become an informal news source, sharing community events, supporting local businesses, and filling a gap for North Shore residents who want to stay connected to what’s happening around them. He favors Facebook for its authentic conversations and has used it to foster real connections in local groups. Through consistent posting and a community-first approach, Daniel shows how small business owners can stand out by adding genuine value. Tune in to learn how Daniel’s unique approach to social media has made him a trusted figure in both real estate and community life!
Want to connect with Daniel further? Follow him here:
https://www.instagram.com/daniel.munn/
You can follow the Co-Hosts here: https://linktr.ee/ITAPSOCIALS.
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More are episodes being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Nov 27, 2024 • 42min
EP 30: Talking Real Estate and Real Life with Felicity Kahn
This episode is a special collaboration with In the Arena podcast where Courtney Fricke and Jared Miguez as well as Lauren Navarre of Arena Collective have conversations with some local Real Estate professionals.
In this episode, Felicity Kahn—a leader in real estate and a powerful advocate for living a purpose-driven life—joins co-hosts Lauren Navarre, Courtney Fricke, and Jared Miguez to share her insights on what it takes to build a meaningful career and legacy in business. 🌟 Felicity dives deep into her journey, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your goals and embracing your identity in a world that often tries to define it for you. She shares how authenticity and vision have shaped her success and underscores why pushing past perceived limits is essential for growth.
Felicity also discusses the evolving role of women in business, advocating for balance and ambition while challenging societal expectations. Her perspective offers invaluable advice for anyone aiming to create a lasting impact through their work, no matter the industry. 🚀
Curious about how to blend ambition with authenticity and turn vision into reality? This episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! 🎧
Want to connect with Felicity further? Follow her here:
https://www.instagram.com/felicitykahnrealtor/
https://felicitykahn.com/
You can follow the Co-Hosts here: https://linktr.ee/ITAPSOCIALS.
If you would like to connect further with Courtney, visit CourtneyFricke.com.
Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found value in it. Thanks for tuning in! More are episodes being uploaded weekly. We welcome show ratings and reviews as it'll help us get in front of more folks with these messages.

Nov 27, 2024 • 55min
EP 29: Being A Role Model In Real Estate & As A Parent with Gabriella Francescon
Gabriella Francescon, a top-producing real estate agent in New Orleans with a hospitality background, shares her inspiring journey from novice to industry leader. She discusses the role of referral networks in building client relationships and how personal experiences shape her approach. Gabriella emphasizes the importance of balancing family life with a successful real estate career, reflecting on her commitment to creating a legacy of security for her children. Her insights on navigating the dynamic New Orleans market make for an engaging and informative discussion.