The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing

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

In this high-impact episode, I sit down with Damon Remy, the visionary behind REI BlackBook, to dive deep into the real-world application of AI, automation, and CRM systems for real estate investors.   We go far beyond the buzzwords and get into the trenches—how to actually use AI to find better deals, filter out tire kickers, and close more transactions with fewer headaches. Damon breaks down the 3 most powerful ways to integrate AI into your business today, why a CRM is your “central source of truth,” and how automation allows you to create predictability and freedom.   Whether you’re a solopreneur trying to escape the hustle or a seasoned investor scaling your ops, this episode will give you a clear blueprint to simplify, systematize, and scale your real estate business.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:25 Damon’s backstory: from broke, broken home to military to entrepreneur 03:47 Why AI is overwhelming—but doesn’t have to be 05:51 Strategy vs. Tactics: start with strategy, not tools 07:26 3 key ways to use AI in real estate investing right now 09:16 What does conversational AI do? 11:50 Choosing tools that integrate with your stack to avoid “app overload” 14:31 The story behind REI BlackBook: solving inefficiency with all-in-one software 20:15 CRM as your “central source of truth” 21:50 Tracking KPIs: which marketing dollars are actually making you money? 23:25 Systems → People → Freedom (The E-Myth model in action) 28:26 The business vision of REI BlackBook 33:40 How AI can help simplify your business 35:40 Using an AI assistant vs an overseas VA   Quotables   “Grind doesn’t scale. Systems do.”   “You don’t have to love tech. You just have to love freedom.”   “If AI can book your appointment, filter your leads, and coach your calls… why wouldn’t you use it?”   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/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  

What separates those who just dabble in real estate from those who build real freedom? After a decade in the business, coaching thousands of students, and scaling my own portfolio—I can tell you this: success isn’t about talent. It’s about traits.   In today’s solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the 9 traits that our most successful associates, apprentices, and real estate partners demonstrate every day. These traits aren’t flashy. They’re foundational. And they’ll change the way you operate if you commit to them.   Whether you’re brand new or scaling your real estate business, this episode will help you self-audit your habits, refocus your energy, and get real about what it takes to win.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:01 The mission of Smart Real Estate Coach 02:07 The Genius Model: mindset, skillset, and systems 03:05 Why success requires delivering 3x the value to 3x your income 05:27 The 9 traits of success 07:05 Trait #1: Show up 08:10 Trait #2: Commitment 11:50 Trait #3: Be vulnerable enough to be critiqued (ACAA: Action, Critique, Adjustment, Action) 13:23 Trait #4: Leverage your mentor 14:29 Trair #5: Personal accountability 15:41 Trait #6: Public accountability 17:16 Trait #8: Sacrifice 18:50 Trait #9: Weekly reflection 20:33 How these traits were built by students, not coaches   Quotables   “You’re not going to make $300K doing the same thing that got you to $100K. You have to become a different version of yourself.”   “You can’t 10X your income without 10X’ing the value you bring to the market.”   “Sacrifice doesn’t mean giving something up. It means trading something small for something greater.”   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/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

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Theriault, a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, real estate investor, the CEO of Epic Real Estate and host of the Epic Real Estate Investing Podcast. Matt shares how he went from losing everything in the music industry to rebuilding his life and fortune through creative real estate strategies—without relying on his own credit or cash.   We dig into his journey through financial hardship, how he found real estate after a devastating pivot, why seller financing is his favorite type of deal, and how building multiple income streams helped him create real freedom.    Matt’s blunt, real-world advice about mindset, wealth-building, and taking action will fire you up if you’re ready to get serious about creating lasting wealth through real estate.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 02:45 Who is Matt Theriault? 04:04 How Napster crushed his first business overnight 06:47 Finding inspiration from a grocery store manager and discovering real estate 10:05 How Rich Dad, Poor Dad turned Matt’s life around 12:03 Starting creative real estate investing with no credit, no cash 14:09 Sourcing deals through small, highly targeted mailing lists 16:35 Escape: flipping the traditional wealth-building model 19:02 Why residual income > chasing a big pile of money 20:00 Matt’s favorite type of deal: seller financing with 0% interest 21:04 Advice for beginners: stop negotiating against yourself 23:57 Why lead flow matters and why some sellers want creative solutions 25:29 Matt’s transition into coaching and building another passive income stream 30:16 Remaining in the trenches: why Matt still does deals personally 31:18 Connect with Matt and get a copy of Escape 32:02 Final advice: don’t wait to own real estate—start today Quotables   “Real estate is the final frontier where the average person has a legitimate shot at real wealth.”   “Passive income should create your pile of money, not the other way around.”   “Real wealth isn’t built on flash or hype – it’s built on boring, consistent cash flow.”   Links   Escape: Crushing Conventional Wisdom With Real Estate Investing https://myescapebook.com/escape-2   Epic Real Estate Investing Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@epicrealestate   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  

In this FamilyCast episode, I’m joined by Tim and Sandra Smith, a power couple from upstate New York balancing a demanding W-2, medical challenges, and real estate success. Tim and Sandra share their journey from doing deals the traditional way to successfully closing their first creative financing deal with the Wicked Smart® community despite all the life chaos happening behind the scenes.   We talk about the systems that helped them close the deal, how they sourced a buyer using our in-house platform, and why they’re excited about doing more rent-to-own deals instead of dealing with rental headaches. Plus, we share real, boots-on-the-ground insight into building something meaningful without having to go “full time” on day one.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 02:49 Tim and Sandra’s background: real estate since the late ’80s, nursing, and analytics 05:34 First creative deal: expired listing from MyPlusLeads 07:40 Seller motivation: first-time landlord overwhelmed by damage & eviction 09:52 Buyer marketing process: Craigslist, Facebook & Propsperity.io 11:27 Sifting through all the leads we generate from marketing properties 13:15 Their biggest aha: wait until after the viewing to pre-qualify the buyer 16:36 Structuring a 24-month rent-to-own term with the buyer 21:25 How they sold the deal before it even closed with the seller 22:21 Why you should join the QLS Live event in October 2025 24:03 Using Propsperity.io to automate tenant management 26:22 Words of wisdom: Don’t wait for perfect conditions—just start Quotables   “When you build the system once, it becomes rinse and repeat, and we’re ready to do more.”   “Everyone has life going on. But the Smiths didn’t let it stop them—they found a way to keep moving forward.”   “The buyer was a foster family. They needed space. And our structure gave them that opportunity when a bank wouldn’t.”   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/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   Propsperity.io https://propsperity.io

In this special FamilyCast episode, I sit down with David Albin, a high-performing member of our Wicked Smart® community who just closed his first creative real estate deal—while juggling a demanding W-2 job and family life.   David brings a unique background to the table: 26 years in the military, 25 years in corporate accounting, and now he’s diving head-first into real estate investing using creative financing. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I actually do this while working full time?” or “What happens after my first deal?”—this is your episode.   We break down the real estate deal from start to finish, including how David landed the seller, how he sifted through buyers, and how he confidently closed a $26,000 payday—without ever owning the home. Plus, we unpack the incredible support system that helped him get there.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:30 Who is David Albin? 04:30 Why David decided to join the Wicked Smart community in 2023 06:00 How David incorporates real estate into his schedule 07:15 How the goal to supplement retirement grew  08:25 The power of community and camaraderie 11:20 What makes live events like QLS and In the Trenches so impactful 14:16 David’s first creative deal 16:46 Switching from owner financing to assign out 18:11 Listing the property and getting flooded with buyer inquiries 21:51 How Nick and the team helped him vet buyers using Next Step forms 26:49 REI BlackBook, tracking, and scripting for your deals 28:00 Building confidence through the support from the community 32:02 Lessons learned from the first deal 35:09 Why you need to get to the next live event: QLS Live 2024 Quotables   “This started as a side hustle to build retirement savings. But once I did the first deal, I realized—it could replace the W-2.”   “I felt like I was drowning at first. But once I got the scripts and the support, it clicked—and the deal closed fast.”   “Getting to $26K on a property I never owned… that’ll change how you think about income.”   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/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

Dwan Bent-Twyford, known as the Queen of Short Sales, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a health crisis while revitalizing downtown Clinton, Iowa, with her husband. They discuss creative financing and the importance of being financially prepared for life's challenges. Dwan emphasizes the need for a resilient mindset and the power of community support in real estate investing. Tune in to hear about spotting hidden opportunities and creating generational wealth, all while transforming a small town, one block at a time.