The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast|Real Estate Investing

In this episode of The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I sit down with Tim Francis, founder of Great Assistant. Tim has helped over 800 entrepreneurs and investors hire trusted, high-level domestic executive assistants—not virtual assistants overseas, but real partners who become an extension of you. Tim's story is remarkable. From losing $350K in the 2008 crash, to developing a rare illness that left him unable to walk for months, he had to rethink everything about business and life. That journey led him to discover the right way to hire and lead executive assistants, and ultimately, to build Great Assistant. We dive into his hiring process, why most entrepreneurs fail with assistants, and how the right assistant can free you up to focus on strategy, high-level skills, and relationships—the "surgeon in the room" work that only you can do. If you've ever felt overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your real estate business, this conversation will show you how to scale sustainably. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Who is Tim Francis? 02:35 The 2008 crash, $350K loss, and developing a rare illness 04:24 Spiritual turning point: chasing truth and mastery, not fame and fortune 05:40 Failing with five assistants and discovering a new hiring process 08:22 Hiring Sarah—the paralegal who changed everything 10:16 The Great Assistant formula: pairing trained assistants with trained leaders 13:15 Hiring volume: why they review 50–200 candidates per role 17:06 The difference between VAs and executive assistants 19:21 What makes a great assistant: complement, not clone 20:50 The surgeon vs. nurse analogy—strategy, skill, and access vs. admin 22:15 Practical example: prepping comps and organizing negotiation notes 25:28 Why you must live out of your calendar, not your inbox 26:49 Expense vs. revenue mindset—why an assistant is a profit center 29:53 Tim's upcoming book: arranging life to minimize regret 32:45 How to connect with Tim and Great Assistant Quotables "Your assistant will always be an expense on paper. But your relationship with your assistant will be the biggest profit center of your career." "We don't want a clone of you—we want a complement. You throw the balls in the air, and they catch them and close the loops." "A great assistant isn't about saving time, it's about helping you fulfill your potential in this lifetime." Links Episode 152: Discover the Power of a Great Assistant, with Tim Francis https://sites.libsyn.com/101440/episode-152-discover-the-power-of-a-great-assistant-with-tim-francis Get a Great Assistant by Tim Francis https://greatassistant.com/book Great Assistant https://smartrealestate.com/greatassistant Apply for a Discovery Call with Great Assistant https://greatassistant.com/apply Tim Francis https://www.instagram.com/realtimfrancis QLS Live + QLS 4.0 at $199 smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Just QLS 4.0 at ½ off smartrealestatecoach.com/qls Coupon code: pod Apprentice Program 3paydaysapprentice.com Coupon code: Podcast Masterclass smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast Wicked Smart Books wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast Strategy Session smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast Partners smartrealestatecoach.com/podcastresources

In this episode of The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I sit down with Joe Fulvio of CAMA Plan, a leading firm in self-directed retirement accounts. Joe brings decades of experience in strategic marketing and distribution across multiple industries and now helps investors use self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s to unlock new opportunities. We break down what "true self-direction" really means, how real estate behaves differently inside versus outside an IRA, and the mistakes investors need to avoid to stay compliant. Joe also shares real-world examples of unusual assets you can hold in a retirement account—from dump trucks to coffee plantations—and why due diligence is everything when you step outside traditional stocks and bonds. If you're curious about using retirement funds to build long-term wealth, this conversation will open your eyes to strategies you can start using right now. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Meet Joe Fulvio: CAMA Plan's liaison for private equity, lending, and venture capital 02:45 What "true" self-directed investing is and why brokerages aren't offering it 04:08 Comparing real estate inside vs. outside an IRA 05:21 The rules around self-dealing and why you can't move your own properties into an IRA 06:12 Exotic assets: crypto, fine art through LLCs, coffee plantations, and international property 07:05 Using a checkbook LLC for flexibility in auctions and fast-moving deals 10:31 Common mistakes: lack of due diligence, mixing personal and IRA funds, and self-dealing 13:10 How CAMA Plan differs from competitors: 20 years of experience, accessibility, and responsiveness 14:30 Self-directed accounts as a "utility knife": 20 creative ways to fund deals 15:30 How to reach Joe and CAMA Plan before or during the Wicked Smart live event Quotables "The list of things you can't invest in is about six items long. We handle everything else." "Self-direction means you're in control. You do the work, you do the due diligence." "You can control a lot of real estate inside an IRA with very little out of pocket." Links CAMA Plan https://camaplan.com Joe Fulvio (215) 283-2868 engage@camaplan.com QLS Live + QLS 4.0 at $199 smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Just QLS 4.0 at ½ off smartrealestatecoach.com/qls Coupon code: pod Apprentice Program 3paydaysapprentice.com Coupon code: Podcast Masterclass smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast Wicked Smart Books wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast Strategy Session smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast Partners smartrealestatecoach.com/podcastresources

In this episode, I welcome back Gerry Delang, founder of End Tax Problems Now, a firm he started in 2001 to help individuals and businesses resolve complex IRS issues. Gerry is who I call the "stress reliever", because when you're facing the most feared collection agency in the world, you need someone who knows how to fight back and win. We talk about what really happens when you get that dreaded IRS letter, why paying without question is the biggest mistake you can make, and how Gerry has successfully represented thousands of clients, including me during the 2008 crash. He also shares recent stories, common traps to avoid, and why most IRS issues are nothing to be ashamed of. If you're an investor, entrepreneur, or anyone who's ever dealt with tax stress, this episode could save you thousands of dollars and a ton of sleepless nights. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:02 Who is Gerry Delang? 03:18 The IRS as the most feared collection agency in the world 04:45 Why ignoring IRS letters is the worst thing you can do 06:00 The mistake of paying first and hoping for a refund later 07:18 Common life events that create non-filers: divorce, illness, job loss 08:40 The trap of 800-number "IRS help" companies and why most fail 11:29 A recent personal story: a $5,000 IRS bill wiped away in one call 14:37 Why most CPAs don't want to touch tax resolution work 15:56 Even wealth advisors have IRS issues—Gerry's surprising story 17:43 How to connect with Gerry for private, judgment-free help 18:53 Stress relief, timing, and why you shouldn't wait Quotables "The IRS can freeze your paycheck, seize your bank account, or put a lien on your property with just one letter." "The last thing you want to do is give the IRS your money and then try to get it back." "When you offload to the right person, it's like taking a 50-pound weight off your chest." Links Gerry Delang gerry@endtaxproblems.com QLS Live http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast QLS 4.0 http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls4.0podcast Apprentice Program http://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp http://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event http://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast Masterclass ($297) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/webinarpodcast Masterclass (Apprentice) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast Wicked Smart Books http://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast Strategy Session http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast REI Blackbook http://smartrealestatecoach.com/reibb-dd 7 Figures Funding http://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod Landvoice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this solo cast, I'm bringing you behind the scenes of our In the Trenches Bootcamp and sharing the questions I ask every attendee—and the surprising answers I keep getting. Too many investors set goals but stop short of executing, and that's what holds them back. As you watch this episode, I challenge you to stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start treating your goals as committed plans backed by consistent action. I'll walk you through why most people freeze up, the system I teach for breaking paralysis, and the mindset shifts that separate the top 3% of doers from the 97% of dreamers. If you've been sitting on the sidelines or if you've been "getting ready to get ready", this episode is your wake-up call to act. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:54 The 3 questions I ask every attendee about jobs, goals, and deals 02:49 The surprising truth: Nobody nailed their 2024 goals 05:18 Goals vs. committed plans: Why action is the only bridge 06:52 Why "someday" is a trap and why you need predictable plans now 08:10 How our system works: Done with you, not done for you 09:08 Fear, doubt, and perfectionism: The real reasons people freeze 10:36 The danger of waiting for the "perfect moment" to start 11:28 How to shift from thinking to doing: Breaking goals into steps 12:33 Setting non-negotiable deadlines and building accountability 14:18 The ACAA framework: Action, Critique, Adjust—repeat endlessly 16:06 Why failure, setbacks, and curveballs are part of the process 16:50 3 reasons people fail: no implementation, no support, false expectations 17:52 How to get personalized coaching and accountability 18:31 Final challenge: there are thousands of excuses, but only one action that matters 19:09 Book recommendation: Undeniable by Cameron Haynes Quotables "Goals mean absolutely nothing. A committed plan with action is the only thing that matters." "Action is the only bridge from where you are now to where you want to be." "Perfectionism is a trap. Progress is what creates confidence." Links QLS Live http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast QLS 4.0 http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls4.0podcast Apprentice Program http://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp http://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event http://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast Masterclass ($297) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/webinarpodcast Masterclass (Apprentice) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast Wicked Smart Books http://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast Strategy Session http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast REI Blackbook http://smartrealestatecoach.com/reibb-dd 7 Figures Funding http://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod Landvoice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

In this Wicked Smart Master's Class, I sit down with Joe Jensen—a thrill-seeker turned real estate investor who scaled from 5 to 34 units in less than two years. Joe's story takes us from growing up on a rural ranch in Utah, to a decade in door-to-door sales, to building a diverse real estate portfolio that gave him the freedom to raise his kids and live life on his terms. Joe shares how divorce reshaped his mindset, why leveraging debt safely was a game-changer, and how he used multiple creative strategies such as seller financing, subject-to deals, partnerships, and even buying dirt lots to hit his freedom number within one year. Whether you're new to investing or looking to pivot, Joe's journey is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and a reminder that clarity of goals is everything. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Who is Joe Jensen? 02:13 Podcasts: Real Estate Investing School & Not So Average Joe 02:51 Growing up on a ranch in rural Utah & lessons in hard work 04:20 First sales jobs: roofing, waiting tables, and a church mission that taught grit 06:01 Getting into real estate through an FHA townhome & rental properties 07:11 The turning point: divorce, two kids, and a year to figure out real estate 08:12 Breaking old beliefs about debt and learning the power of leverage 09:56 Using multiple strategies: seller finance, subject-to, cash buys, partnerships 12:38 Why he experimented with every asset class to "teach what he did" 13:14 Dirt lots: renting land to RV/mobile homeowners for passive income 15:11 The importance of defining your goals, timeframe, and resources 19:26 Perspective is Power: Leveraging life challenges instead of excuses 21:36 Breaking out of the "safe bubble" and taking more risks after the divorce 23:17 Thrill-seeking adventures: cliff swings, triathlons, and making play a priority 26:25 Advice to W-2 employees: the importance of a clear plan and timeframes 28:28 How to get in touch with Joe 29:21 Current plan: simplifying the portfolio, buying quality assets, and future multifamily 31:05 The power of clarity and community Quotables "Blame is the enemy of progress. Ownership is the fuel for momentum." "Debt felt like the devil growing up but once I understood leverage, it became the game-changer." "You don't get rich off cash flow, you get freedom. You get rich off equity growth." Links Joe Jensen https://linktr.ee/josephfjensen Real Estate Investing School Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6X10Xeascsh6LIWzGdDlht The Not So Average Joe Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/2WR4MqlTXJa1p2AlFbiSdo QLS Live http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast QLS 4.0 http://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls4.0podcast Apprentice Program http://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp http://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event http://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast Masterclass ($297) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/webinarpodcast Masterclass (Apprentice) http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast Wicked Smart Books http://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast Strategy Session http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast REI Blackbook http://smartrealestatecoach.com/reibb-dd 7 Figures Funding http://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod Landvoice https://smartrealestatecoach.com/landvoice-pod

Adam Carroll, an internationally recognized financial literacy expert and TEDx speaker, shares his insights on achieving financial freedom. He introduces his 10-Year Freedom Plan and explains The Shred Method, which allows people to pay off debt and mortgages efficiently. Adam emphasizes the importance of mastering liquidity and cash flow for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also discusses skill stacking, mentorship, and overcoming complacency, urging listeners to confront their fears for a more prosperous financial future.

In this episode, I'm joined by Shaun Farr, President of Landvoice, a leading real estate technology and data firm that's been helping investors and agents find profitable off-market deals since 1991. Shaun shares exactly how Landvoice sources its unique lists that include pre-foreclosures, for-sale-by-owners, expired listings, and a brand-new distressed properties dataset—and why these tools give you an edge in today's competitive market. We also dig into compliance, targeting strategies, and how combining great data with creative deal structuring can create win-win solutions for sellers and investors alike. Whether you're looking for your first deal or adding to an already robust portfolio, this conversation will open your eyes to data-driven ways to find opportunities other investors don't even know exist. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:28 What is LandVoice? 03:07 Specializing in off-market data for real estate investors 06:12 Pre-foreclosure and REO data: how Landvoice blends multiple sources for accuracy 08:04 Expired listings and why agents love partnering with investors 09:01 Neighborhood search tool for hyper-targeted prospecting 10:15 The new Distressed Property list: 4 levels of motivation before foreclosure 12:09 How distressed data + creative deal structuring creates win-wins 14:08 New tools coming to LandVoice in October 15:01 Join QLS Live in October! Quotables "We're blending the biggest foreclosure sources to eliminate blind spots. You won't find a better file in the country." "The distressed list gets you in front of homeowners before the foreclosure competition shows up." "Expired listings are gold because you're negotiating directly with the homeowner, not through a licensed agent." Links QLS Live https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast 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 Propsperity https://propsperity.io

In this Wicked Smart Master's Class, I sit down with Jason Abell—speaker, coach, and co-founder of Rewire, to talk about what it really takes to make a sustainable transition from W-2 life to entrepreneurial freedom. Jason spent over two decades in the mortgage industry before answering the deeper calling to help others grow through mindset transformation. We unpack the difference between skillset and mindset coaching, why emotional intelligence is the most underrated leadership tool, and how you can start preparing now to make your next leap, whether it's quitting your job, scaling your business, or improving your personal life. If you've ever felt "ready to be ready," this episode will challenge you to take action today and get your inner house in order. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:45 The voice inside: wanting to do for others what early mentors did for him 04:59 The reality of leaving your W-2 for entrepreneurship 05:48 The importance of running your life like a business and having options 08:07 "Start now": practical steps for building your financial runway before making a leap 09:53 The power of coaching: why telling someone your goals brings them to life 12:02 How community and accountability will help you achieve your goals 15:42 Why readiness is the real secret to success 18:08 Emotional intelligence, mindset mastery, and how Rewire helps leaders think differently 21:19 Iceberg model: why you must go below the surface to create lasting change 23:34 Final reflections, Smart Real Estate Coach bootcamp info, and upcoming live events Quotables "We can't do anything about yesterday—but we can start now." "Telling someone your goal changes everything. Even if it's just your partner or friend, that accountability is powerful." "Results are the tip of the iceberg. If you want to change those, you have to go underwater to work on your thoughts and emotions." Links Rewire https://www.rewireinc.com/ Jason Abell https://www.instagram.com/rewirejason QLS Live https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast 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 Propsperity https://propsperity.io

In this episode, I sit down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Rob Chavez, CEO of Caza Group and founder of the GRID Investor Network. Rob's built a vertically integrated real estate business spanning sales, construction, private lending, investments, and property management—and he didn't do it by doing everything himself. Rob walks us through his transition from solopreneur to CEO, the hard lessons he learned chasing too many rabbits at once, and how letting go of control ultimately 10x'd his income. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced investor stuck on the transaction treadmill, this conversation is packed with actionable insight to help you scale, leverage, and build wealth for the long haul. Key Talking Points of the Episode 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Meet Rob Chavez: Caza Group, GRID Investor Network, and a mission to build wealth through real estate 02:40 Life as a D1 athlete, psych major, and the power of proximity to a mentor 06:03 Working 4:30 AM to 9 PM: Lessons from a serial entrepreneur who modeled success 10:00 Learning to utilize the power of leveraging to streamline and scale the business 13:02 Rob's operating system B.O.S.S. and the 7 Levels of Freedom 17:05 Helping entrepreneurs evolve from self-employed to business owner 20:00 Overcoming burnout, broken marriages, and bottleneck thinking as a solopreneur 21:25 Why scaling takes 2–3 years and what most people get wrong 24:01 Mastering money math, building leverage, and hiring right 28:05 The importance of inventory stacking, strategy shifts, and recession lessons 30:26 You're one relationship away from your next breakthrough Quotables "Solopreneurs are often stuck in this idea that nobody can do it better than them. That's false." "Everything you want in life is usually one relationship away." "It takes 2 to 3 years to really build a scalable business model—don't quit 18 months in." Links The Income Flip Podcast https://www.gridinvestor.com/podcast GRID Investor Network https://www.gridinvestor.com/ Rob Chevez https://www.instagram.com/robchevez 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 Propsperity https://propsperity.io

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