The Easy Button Real Estate Podcast

When I was 19, I thought the goal was simple—make a lot of money, fast. I wanted freedom, autonomy, and proof that I could do it on my own. What I didn’t realize then was that chasing money for the sake of it will leave you just as broke as being without it.In this episode, I sit down with Ryan and Cory for a deep, honest, and often hilarious conversation about what really matters in business and life. We unpack my early days: dropping out of college, getting my real estate license, failing miserably as an agent, and eventually stumbling into wholesaling. I walk through the deal that changed everything—a $105k check at 19—and how that moment shifted my mindset from "make a quick buck" to "build something sustainable."We dive into why financial freedom isn’t a dollar amount—it’s a lifestyle shift. I share how $20-30K/month with complete control over your time might make you feel wealthier than a 7-figure salary working for someone else. We talk about the ego traps of big business, why more employees and revenue doesn’t always mean more happiness, and how I found peace in running lean and living intentionally.The guys and I also talk about identity—why so many entrepreneurs wrap theirs around their business or bank account—and how dangerous that can be. I share the story of how I got into the right rooms early, paid $15K I barely had to go to a mastermind in Maui, and ended up building lifelong relationships with people who changed the trajectory of my career.Whether you’re just getting started or deep into the game, this conversation is about more than money. It’s about freedom, self-awareness, and doing the work that actually matters—to you. No fluff, no flexing—just a real conversation with people who’ve been through it.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

In this episode, we are diving into one of the biggest traps we see in the real estate space — and it’s something we’ve both dealt with personally and seen way too often in our community calls: the never-ending education loop.You know the drill — buying course after course, joining mastermind after mastermind, chasing every strategy that pops up on your feed: Subto, seller finance, novations, development, you name it. We get it. Early on, we did the same thing. It feels like progress… but for most investors, it’s just mental masturbation.So in this episode, we’re getting brutally honest about:Why buying more education won’t fix your businessHow to actually identify and solve your real constraint (hint: it’s usually leads or sales)What we’ve seen happen when people chase strategies before they’ve even mastered the basicsHow Cole approached his first flip without blowing up the businessTucker’s step-by-step framework for transitioning from wholesaling to flipping — the smart wayWhy most real estate partnerships don’t work, and what makes the rare ones actually lastAnd the hardest truth of all: you need more patience than you thinkWe’re sharing personal stories — the good, the bad, and the ugly — from early flips, failed partnerships, and those moments where we thought the next course would finally be “it.” Spoiler: it wasn’t.If you're stuck in the cycle of constant learning and zero implementation, or you're trying to figure out what path makes the most sense for you, we hope this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take real action.We’re not gurus. We’re just guys who’ve been through the grind — and we’re here to tell you the truth.Because at the end of the day…You’re only one deal away.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

What does it take to build a business that stands the test of time?In this episode, we dive into a rich conversation about long-term thinking in business. We'll share key lessons learned from growing and sustaining a company over decades—touching on everything from hiring for the long haul, staying grounded in your mission, and navigating challenges without chasing every trend.You’ll hear about the mindset shifts required to focus on impact over ego, how to maintain trust with customers and teams, and why slow, intentional growth often beats hyper-speed scaling. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned operator, this episode offers timeless principles for building something that lasts.Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we challenge the common belief that bigger teams always lead to better results.Exploring lean operations, smart delegation, and the power of small, focused teams, we uncover how businesses and startups can thrive without unnecessary complexity.We'll share real-world insights on maximizing efficiency, building a strong culture, and achieving more with less. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or a team leader, this conversation will change the way you think about scaling.Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodAccess Easy Button Leads:https://easybuttonleads.com/Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies behind building a high-performing real estate team with Brandon Turner, a renowned investor and entrepreneur.Brandon shares his insights on leadership, delegation, and creating a culture of excellence within a real estate business. From hiring the right people to fostering an environment of trust and accountability, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to scale their investment operations.Whether you're an aspiring investor or an experienced professional, Brandon’s wisdom will help you unlock the full potential of your real estate team. Tune in to discover the mindset, systems, and leadership tactics that can take your business to the next level!Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

We hear the term passive income everywhere—on social media, in real estate circles, and from so-called business gurus. But is it real, or just a myth that leads people down the wrong path?In this episode, we break down what passive income really means, why so many people chase it, and the hard truth about building long-term wealth. We share real-life stories, including one about a flashy entrepreneur who sold the dream of easy money—only to end up in jail. We also dive into the common pitfalls of real estate investing, why rental properties and Airbnbs aren’t as “hands-off” as people think, and how the old-school, get-rich-slow approach is the real key to success.If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a way to make money without putting in the work, this episode is for you. We get honest about what it takes to build financial freedom and why true entrepreneurs never really “retire.” Tune in and let’s set the record straight on passive income once and for all.Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we break down the biggest mistake that causes real estate investors to lose money—and how to make sure it doesn’t happen to us.Too many investors rush into deals without fully understanding their market. We’ve seen it over and over—buying in the wrong area, missing key details about permits and zoning, or taking on projects that are way too risky. Some learn the hard way, while others don’t recover at all.But the investors who succeed? They know their market inside and out. Today, we’re sharing real experiences, lessons learned, and simple strategies to make smarter deals and build a real estate business that lasts.What We Cover:The #1 mistake that causes investors to failHow professionals choose the right deals (and avoid the bad ones)The unseen risks that can turn a great deal into a disasterHow to grow the right way—without overextendingThe simple steps to truly understand a market before investingJoin the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise to help you master off-market lead generation in real estate investing. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to scale, understanding marketing channels is critical. We dive deep into the differences between inbound and outbound marketing, the pros and cons of each, and how they fit into your ideal business model.Key takeaways from this episode:• Why there’s no one-size-fits-all marketing channel.• How to choose between inbound (like PPC and mailers) and outbound (like cold calling and texting).• The importance of aligning your marketing with the business—and lifestyle—you actually want.• Why consistency and patience are essential for success in any channel.• How to avoid the common trap of adding unnecessary complexity.Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we dive into the hotly debated topic of nationwide investing in real estate. Should you expand beyond your local market, or is staying focused the smarter move? We break down why investing in multiple states often leads to confusion, inefficiency, and lost profits.We'll share our personal experiences, hard-learned lessons, and why brand equity, deep market knowledge, and strong local relationships are the keys to building a sustainable, high-profit real estate business. Whether you're just starting out or considering expansion, this episode is a must-listen!Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson

In this episode, we talk about why building a personal and business brand is essential for real estate success in 2025. I'll break down how posting content online can remove friction in key areas like hiring, raising capital, finding deals, and forming partnerships.I'll take you back to when I had just 200 followers and how a strategic partnership helped me build a recognized brand in the real estate space. We'll also talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of consistency, and how to create content that connects with your audience.Whether you're just starting or have been in the industry for years, these insights will help you stand out in a crowded market. Learn how to go from feeling awkward on camera to becoming a trusted voice in your industry.Join the Off Market Method Community:https://www.myeasybuttoninvestor.com/off-market-methodConnect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson