The Easy Button Real Estate Podcast

In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact cold calling system that helped me build a multi-million dollar real estate business — and yes, it still works in 2025.Cold calling might sound old school, but if you’re serious about off-market real estate deals (whether you're flipping, wholesaling, or doing commercial acquisitions), this is the blueprint you need. I walk you through the full playbook — from list stacking and skip tracing to dialer setup, hiring virtual assistants, and knowing your KPIs.I’ve personally staffed over 500 cold callers across 78 countries and built call centers in Egypt, the Philippines, and Belize. So when I say I’ve tested this stuff, I mean it. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale your real estate pipeline, I’m giving you the full backend on how to build a cold calling machine that prints leads — and revenue.If you’ve been on the fence about cold calling, give this episode a listen. This strategy changed my business, and it might just do the same for yours.Want to be around other people who are still doing deals?Join our free skool community below — with 800+ investors and agents, live calls, and coaching resources. No cost, just show up and engage.https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1You’re only one deal away.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we dig into what it really takes to close deals in today’s tougher market. We’re seeing a lot of fear out there — but also a lot of opportunity if you’re willing to stay in the game.Tucker shares how he's handling his most expensive build ever, why he's intentionally slow-playing certain projects, and what we've learned from real-time client wins in places like LA, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. These investors aren’t lucky — they’re creative, obsessed with sales, and fully committed.We talk through:How to survive and thrive during a “maintenance year”Creative ways to structure deals in a high-interest, low-demand marketWhy being half-in, half-out is killing a lot of real estate businessesReal examples of clients turning leads into revenue in hard marketsIf you’re serious about real estate in 2025, this is the kind of conversation that keeps you sharp and in motion.Want to be around other people who are still doing deals? Join our free skool community below — with 800+ investors and agents, live calls, and coaching resources. No cost, just show up and engage.https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1You’re only one deal away.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we dive into what’s really happening in the market right now. From the fear-driven headlines and social media myths to the truth about interest rates, inventory, and opportunity—this is a candid conversation for agents and investors who want to stay sharp and profitable in 2025.We break down:Why the market slowdown is actually a huge chance for growthWhat one Arizona court case does and doesn’t mean for cold calling and textingHow seasoned investors are picking up deals while others sit on the sidelinesWhat it takes to get started in new construction without losing your shirtWhether you're scaling your business or trying to find your next flip, this episode is full of real talk, tactical advice, and a few laughs (including a hair transplant story you didn’t see coming).Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we break down the real blueprint for building a successful off-market acquisition pipeline—whether you're wholesaling, flipping, or diving into commercial or industrial real estate.We pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to grow from zero to $30K–$50K per month, debunking common myths and social media hype. From understanding why time or money is your only leverage, to setting realistic marketing budgets, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), and knowing when to delegate or hire help—this episode delivers a no-nonsense, step-by-step path for scaling your real estate business from scratch.Key Takeaways:Why every acquisition business is a pipeline businessThe truth about startup costs and time investmentHow to track KPIs that actually move the needleWhen to bring on VAs, consultants, or partnersA simple exercise to reclaim hours of lost productivityWhether you're just getting started or trying to scale, this episode gives you the strategy and mindset to build a business that lasts.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we dive into one of the hottest topics in the real estate investor world right now: the growing wave of regulations targeting off-market real estate transactions—especially wholesaling. With states like Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Illinois implementing licensing requirements and others tightening up disclosure rules, what does this mean for investors and agents operating in the off-market space?You'll hear their candid thoughts on:• The likely future of wholesaling laws and the impact on investor strategy.• Why this regulatory shift could actually be a good thing for serious real estate pros.• How to pivot using double closings, better funding, and long-term relationship building.• Opportunities hiding in plain sight—like aging MLS listings and undervalued development deals.• Why now may be one of the best times in years to buy, even with buyer hesitation and elevated interest rates.Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or developing, this is a must-listen episode to stay ahead of the curve and position yourself for what’s coming next in 2025 and beyond.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this solo episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I wish I had known when I first started my real estate investing journey nearly a decade ago. These are the things that could’ve saved me time, money, and a whole lot of stress—lessons that came from doing hundreds of deals, building teams, navigating partnerships, and learning the hard way.Whether you're just getting started or scaling your operation, I break down the truths no one told me upfront—like why partnerships often fail, how sourcing your own deals is a million-dollar skill, and why focus is everything in this business.Here’s what I cover:• The real reason most partnerships don’t last—and what to look for instead• Why your word matters more than your contract• How focusing on personalization beats mass marketing every time• The math behind why sourcing your own deals is critical to long-term success• Why chasing every strategy is killing your momentum—and what to do insteadThis is the episode I wish someone had handed me in my first year. Take it with you on your commute, during your workout, or wherever you listen—and let it help you make better moves, faster.As always, I appreciate the listens, shares, and reviews. Let’s grow together—and remember, you’re only one deal away.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we unpack the real-world strategies behind scaling a real estate investing business to $3 million in revenue. I'll share the exact blueprint that took my company from modest beginnings to a seven-figure operation, focusing on hiring smart, building systems, and staying focused on high-ROI activities.You’ll learn:• How to structure your team for scale without burning cash• Why simplicity in systems often beats complexity• The key hires that unlocked growth—and when to make them• What metrics to watch to avoid scaling the wrong way• Lessons learned from mistakes made during rapid growthWhether you’re flipping homes, wholesaling, or building a rental portfolio, this episode offers a tactical playbook for ambitious investors ready to level up.Don’t just hustle—scale smart.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we dive deep into what’s working right now for real estate investors when it comes to sales, acquisitions, and navigating a softening market.We kick things off with a quick update on our rebrand to The Deal Engine—a shift that reflects how we’re not just helping you generate leads anymore. We’re building full acquisition systems and helping you master the one skill that moves the needle: SALES.Tucker shares lessons from being a licensed GC for over 15 years, including the insane permitting hurdles he’s facing while building luxury homes in Naples, FL. We also talk about how most of the best deals we're seeing right now—yes, even the big flips—are hiding in plain sight on the MLS. It’s not about having a secret source. It’s about asking the right questions and spending real time in your pipeline.We dig into:• How one client is converting at 1 deal per 30 leads by simply hammering the phones• Why most investors grossly neglect their lead pipelines—and how we’re fixing that• The importance of categorizing leads into hot, warm, and cold—and working all three daily• Why mastering a few simple skills outperforms constantly chasing new tactics• What’s coming as rates drop and why now is the time to sharpen your edgeIf you’ve been bouncing from strategy to strategy, waiting for the market to change, or assuming the big players have some magic advantage—you’ll want to hear this. We break down exactly what separates those who scale from those who stall.This episode is for the investors, wholesalers, and agents who are serious about building a real business, not just closing one-off deals. We’re here to help you stay consistent, confident, and competitive—because you’re only one deal away.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---In this episode, we pull back the curtain on how we’ve taken a unique approach to real estate investing—and why blending education with entertainment (what we call “edutainment”) is such a powerful strategy.We share the story behind our content philosophy, why we prioritize transparency over polish, and how we create an authentic connection with our audience while still delivering solid, actionable insights.We also talk about the importance of showing the real behind-the-scenes of the business: the wins, the challenges, and the day-to-day decisions we make as investors. If you're tired of overly slick sales pitches and want to hear how we're building trust through honest, practical value—this one's for you.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, you'll walk away with a clearer sense of how to stand out in this industry by simply being real, being consistent, and genuinely caring about your audience’s success.Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we answer real-world questions straight from the trenches — covering the critical crossroads many real estate agents and investors face.Here's what you'll learn:• How to navigate seller meetings when you wear both the agent and investor hat • The best way to avoid confusing sellers — and close more deals • When it's actually time to quit your W2 job and go full-time into real estate • Smart decision-making on whether to wholesale or flip — without getting stuck • How your professional background (sales, engineering, construction) influences your real estate journey — and where it doesn't • Why velocity of money matters more than ever in today's market • The real truth about "easy" paths in real estate entrepreneurship (spoiler: there aren’t any!)Cole and Tucker pull from years of coaching, investing, and building businesses to share no-BS insights that help you move faster and smarter.Whether you're just starting out, debating your next big leap, or scaling a six-figure business — this episode is packed with lessons you can use today.Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson