The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Jason Wojo, CEO and owner of Lifeonaire, to explore how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can build businesses that truly support the lifestyle they want—not enslave them. From earning a PhD to leaving science for flipping houses, Jason’s journey is anything but ordinary. He shares how he transitioned from rehabbing homes to coaching others on creating vision-driven businesses that don’t sacrifice life in the name of success.   You’ll hear Jason’s biggest mistakes, lessons from $90K in credit card debt, and why “grind culture” is not the path to freedom. Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up, this conversation will push you to rethink what wealth really means, how you spend your time, and how to build a business that supports—not sabotages—the life you actually want.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:57 Jason’s backstory: From scientist to entrepreneur 04:07 How Jason got into real estate investing 05:41 The real estate trap: Early success, then burnout 06:29 From member to coach to CEO in Lifeonaire 07:11 Jason’s journey in real estate: Rehabbing, wholesaling, new construction, lending 08:01 The impact of having mentors throughout your career 10:39 How to overcome the fear of speaking to people about your deals 15:00 3 mistakes that nearly derailed Jason’s business 17:39 What Lifeonaire actually does and how it helps entrepreneurs 20:02 The danger of shiny object syndrome in real estate 22:17 The power of believing in delayed gratification 23:44 Why success takes years and not just months 25:00 You can have both the life and the business   Quotables   “Success is a crock pot business, not a microwave one.”   “You can absolutely have the life you want and the business you want at the same time.”   “I was making it all about me and that’s why I was scared to speak. But if you know you can help someone, it’s selfish not to speak up.”   Links   Jason Wojo jasonwojo@lifeonaire.com Lifeonaire https://lifeonaire.com/   Smart Real Estate Coach Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/getgoing   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

Welcome to another FamilyCast episode! Today, we’re sitting down with Steve Kinsley and Chuck Bingham, two associates in the Smart Real Estate Coach community who’ve teamed up to build their real estate business using creative financing strategies. Steve and Chuck share their journeys from ministry and design careers into the real estate investing world, and how they’re leveraging subject-to deals and lease purchases to generate cash flow while helping people in tough situations.   They also break down the details of their first deal together, how they structure their partnership roles, and why community support and accountability have been critical to their early success.    If you’re curious about how to start in creative financing or why support, structure, and service matter—this episode delivers a roadmap and a ton of real talk.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:23 Meet Steve and Chuck: life before real estate and the reasons that drove them in 04:18 First deal in New Orleans: 11 people on the deed 06:59 Joining the Wicked Smart community and attending the In the Trenches Bootcamp 08:43 How seeing real deals helps with confidence and going all in 10:05 Why resilience and support are key in this business 11:33 Support from coaches in the Wicked Smart Community 15:56 Smart Real Estate Coach Apprentice Program, In the Trenches Bootcamp 16:50 Deal Breakdown: Expired listing → subject-to → $47K in 3 paydays 20:36 The buyer vetting process and working with mortgage professionals 24:12 The power of being around like-minded investors   Quotables   “We knew we needed income outside a W-2. When I found the Wicked Smart community, it just clicked.”   “You’ve got to have resilience to be in this business. But once you get the momentum, the potential is massive.”   “It’s not theory here. It’s practice. And the support between coaches and community is second to none.”   Links   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this week’s Wicked Smart Master’s Class, we welcome Deidre Quinn, 22-year real estate veteran and founder of The Deidre Quinn Team at eXp Realty. Deidre is more than just a top-producing agent—she’s a forward-thinking entrepreneur, podcast host, media contributor, and coach who thrives on building relationships, amplifying her voice through content, and staying ahead of industry trends.   In this conversation, Deidre shares her journey through market shifts, technological disruption, and personal reinvention. From building a referral-based team culture to launching her Pending & Trending podcast and appearing on HGTV’s American Dream, she reveals what it takes to grow with integrity, pivot with purpose, and stay passionate about your work after two decades in the business.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:16 Who is Deidre Quinn? 03:08 How real estate has evolved: From fax machines to AI 05:01 The impact of AI on coaching and client expectations 08:23 Market downturns, pivots, and staying relevant 09:09 Coaching, learning, and delegation in real estate 11:13 Building a referral-based business and expanding reach 15:24 Launching the Pending & Trending podcast and the power of platforms 17:58 Why Deidre never “sells” and how her business thrives on relationship-first principles 18:56 Taking part in HGTV’s American Dream to highlight Philadelphia 21:23 Operating in the Greater Philadelphia area and expanding to the Poconos market 23:21 How you can get in touch with Deidre and her team 24:06 Lead with value, stay adaptable, and prioritize the client   Quotables   “If you don’t pivot, your time in the industry is going to be really short.”   “People always need a place to live. And if you’re good at what you do, they’ll always need your help.”   “You can’t just stay the same and expect everything to stay the same around you.”   Links   The Deidre Quinn Team https://www.deidrequinn.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DeidreQuinnTeam https://www.instagram.com/teamquinnstagram   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this episode, we’re sitting down with Rick Marotto, a High 6 Associate in the Wicked Smart Community, who shares his incredible journey from healthcare professional to real estate investor. Rick and his wife Linda initially ventured into house flipping as a means to secure their retirement, only to face roadblocks, setbacks, and disappointing coaching. But their story didn’t end there.   After a rough start in traditional real estate, Rick discovered the Smart Real Estate Coach community and completely transformed his approach. In this episode, he shares how the “in-the-trenches” support, bootcamps, and clear planning helped him confidently close creative deals and generate three-payday profits—all while helping buyers get back on their feet.    If you’re looking to ditch the W-2 and replace it with a step-by-step investing strategy, Rick’s story is packed with insight and encouragement.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 03:24 Rick’s story: from the medical field to real estate investing05:10 Bootcamp experience and a boost in confidence 07:27 Real-time coaching, dials, and how practice built belief 09:00 Managing full-time jobs while launching a real estate business 10:14 Setting a retirement plan vs. just a goal 14:42 Rick’s first creative deal and how it helped a buyer reclaim his family 18:51 How Rick’s 2nd deal turned a seller’s problem into a sub-to success 20:33 Defining terms in creative real estate: VA, AO, resetting the clock 24:06 Buyers vs. Sellers: Which is harder to find? 25:37 Why bootcamps and QLS Live are game-changers Quotables   “We were working full-time, trying to get the flipping business off the ground. It just wasn’t sustainable.”   “After the bootcamp, I started making dials and I could hear myself differently. The confidence boost was huge.”   “Creative real estate creates a win-win-win. The buyer wins, the seller wins, and we win.”   Links   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

Tait Duryea, an airline pilot turned real estate investor and founder of Turbine Capital, shares his journey from cockpit to cash flow. He discusses innovative strategies for pilots and high earners to break free from financial constraints. Tait dives into his private equity firm’s unique approach, high-risk investment ventures, and the allure of luxury tiny homes. He emphasizes the importance of diversification and the lessons learned from recent market challenges, providing valuable insights for aspiring investors to thrive in today's economy.

In this episode of The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, we’re sitting down again with Leo Kanell, founder of Seven Figures Funding, for a powerful masterclass on how to strategically access business credit and funding—even if you’re just getting started.   Leo breaks down how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can use personal and business credit the right way to unlock capital, avoid common pitfalls, and scale faster.    From building credit through a brand-new LLC to leveraging business cards that don’t report to your personal profile, this episode is packed with practical steps to get funding without tanking your credit score.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:35 Who is Leo Kanell? 03:45 The problem with always needing more capital as an investor 05:35 Focusing on helping investors build business credit for more capital 06:38 The power of revolving business credit vs. personal credit 09:40 Can a brand new LLC qualify for funding? 11:24 Personal + business credit strategy for highest capital access 13:06 Soft credit checks vs. hard inquiries: how Seven Figures handles it 17:17 New fintech cash flow platform for real estate investors 20:36 The #1 mistake new investors make with available credit 22:07 Autopay strategy and monitoring credit monthly 24:37 What changes when you have access to capital as an investor 26:35 Smart Real Estate Coach Resources   Quotables   “You’re not paying interest unless you use it—so why not get access to capital now, before you need it?”   “You don’t want to drain your savings. You want options. And that’s what business credit gives you.”   “When you invest in yourself, amazing things happen. Access to capital opens the door.”   Links   Episode 387: Funding Your Small Business, With Leo Kanell https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/leo-kanell/   Seven Figures Club Podcast https://7figures.com/7-figures-club/   Seven Figures Club https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures   The Business Funding Formula https://www.amazon.com/Business-Funding-Formula-Entrepreneurs-Businesses/dp/1542948576   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprentice-pod   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittb-pod   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by negotiation expert Tom Zeeb, and we’re diving straight into the skills that make or break deals. From his near-death experience in 2001 to closing hundreds of transactions, Tom shares the real-world tools and mindset shifts that helped him go from broke to building financial freedom through real estate.   We talk about the art of negotiation, how to create true confidence on calls, and the three simple tactics that can instantly transform your seller conversations.    If you’ve ever felt stuck, unclear, or hesitant when speaking with sellers—this episode gives you the exact language, mindset, and structure to flip the script and close more deals.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 02:28 Moving from DC to Florida and pivoting his investing focus 04:12 Negotiation as the core of every successful real estate strategy 05:30 Tom’s 5-part STACK negotiation framework: starting with Confidence 07:12 Top 3 negotiation techniques that can get you more deals 15:02 Practicing negotiation skills through Craigslist ads and call critiques 16:49 Overcoming dips in business: the mindset piece 18:13 Pivoting without abandoning your foundation 19:48 The value of mentorship and coaching during tough seasons 21:09 Mental blocks, entrepreneurial ADD, and navigating risk 22:26 How to learn more from Tom 23:49 The two most important levers: marketing and negotiation   Quotables   “Negotiation is the middle piece of every real estate deal—without it, you have nothing.”   “Confidence changes everything. People can smell hesitation, and they’ll run.”   “Don’t pivot and abandon everything. Tweak your model. Make it stronger.”   Links   Tom Zeeb https://tomzeeb.com   Traction Real Estate Mentors https://tractionrealestatementors.com/guides   Episode 157: From “Broke as a Joke” to Thriving Investor and Mentor https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/family-cast-07/   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer—Air Force veteran, real estate investor, mentor, and the founder of the Ideal Wealth Grower system. Axel shares how he transitioned from corporate life to full-time real estate investor, scaling a portfolio across multiple states and countries while helping others achieve true time freedom.   We dive deep into remote investing strategies, mindset shifts required to lead your real estate empire like a true CEO, and creative financing ideas even if you don’t have 20% down today. Axel also shares how he helps newer and seasoned investors alike not just build portfolios but transform their entire approach to wealth-building.   If you’re looking for a blueprint to real estate freedom and a mindset to match, this conversation will move the needle for you.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:00 Who is Dr. Axel Meierhoefer? 02:50 Investing across Ohio, Idaho, Florida, Belize, Spain & beyond 04:00 Creative housing strategies: room rentals via PadSplit 07:42 How to invest remotely using turnkey providers effectively 09:03 Why having property managers within turnkey companies matters 11:17 Managing your portfolio with a turnkey provider 15:12 The life cycle of a rental property: vacancy, tenant screening, raising rents 17:15 Creating a CEO mindset in real estate investing 22:20 Helping W-2 workers evolve into empowered CEOs of their portfolio 24:27  Creative strategies for funding 20% down payments 28:38 Mindset Prep Manual: Axel’s gift for building investor discipline 33:42 Tangible assets for advanced investors: gold, silver, and investment diamonds 35:23 How diversification beyond real estate protects long-term wealth 37:56 How to get in touch with Axel and his team Quotables   “You can’t earn back a dollar, but you can never earn back time or mindset once you lose it.”   “Investing isn’t just about properties. It’s about becoming the CEO of your future.”   “Freedom isn’t a destination. It’s a series of small, smart decisions stacked over time.”   Links   The IDEAL Investor Show https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ideal-investor-show-the-path-to-early-retirement/id1584725819   Mindset Prep Manual https://smartrealestatecoach.com/axel   Ideal Wealth Grower https://idealwealthgrower.com/   Ideal Wealth Grower https://www.amazon.com/IDEAL-WEALTH-GROWER-Journey-Freedom-ebook/dp/B0DH2H3P6N   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-pod   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod   Land Voice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this engaging talk, listeners are prompted to reflect on their current mindset and commitment to real estate. The speaker reveals that success hinges not on external factors but on personal accountability. Now is the ideal time for creative real estate ventures, and self-assessment is encouraged to envision future possibilities. A historic outlook on rising property prices underscores the market's accessibility. Plus, the introduction of a helpful apprenticeship program adds valuable support for new investors.

On this week’s episode, I sit down with Thomas Castelli, real estate-focused CPA and partner at Hall CPA, to dive deep into real, practical tax strategies that can save investors thousands. If you’ve ever wondered whether your CPA is leaving money on the table, this episode will confirm your suspicion and give you the tools to fix it.   Thomas shares eye-opening stories of tax returns gone wrong, the truth behind cost segregation and depreciation, and how strategic planning done proactively can unlock massive wealth preservation.    Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just closing your first deal, these are the systems, mistakes, and mindset shifts that separate the average from the elite.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 02:41 From accounting student to real estate investor to real estate CPA 04:02 Why generalist CPAs often cost investors money 05:14 The myth of “you can’t take more than $25K in losses”—and how pros work around it 06:10 How depreciation offsets income and reduces your effective tax rate 07:17 The $50K case study: a CPA missed cost segregation, costing a client dearly 08:18 Advisory vs. compliance: why strategy beats paperwork 10:02 Common mistakes: missed depreciation, unreported insurance, and more 12:02 Opting out of bonus depreciation—when it helps and when it hurts 14:47 What is cost segregation? 18:12 Which items can be carved out in a cost seg: carpets, appliances, sheds & more 19:15 Should you run a cost seg if you plan to sell in 2 years? 21:36 Get in touch with Thomas and his team 22:26 Why real estate is the best long-term tax strategy in America 24:30 Tax planning isn’t a luxury—it’s your responsibility   Quotables   “Most CPAs are generalists. If they don’t live in real estate, they don’t know what to look for.”   “Your tax return is a report card for what already happened. If you want to influence it, you have to act now.”   “This is like surgery. You don’t do it yourself. You call the right specialist.”   Links   Tax Smart Real Estate Investors Podcast https://www.therealestatecpa.com/podcasts/   Hall CPA http://smartrealestatecoach.com/hallcpa   QLS Live https://qlslive.com   Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast   Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources   Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast   In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast   3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast   REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD   7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod