Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast

What did you think of todays show??Struggling to scale your business? Well, maybe you don't have to.In this episode, we’re talking about why 10x growth might not be for everyone — and when scaling actually makes sense. From the risks of scaling with debt to the marketing mistakes that can drain your profits, you'll hear the risks of scaling a wholesaling business and why we ultimately chose to scale back.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)AI hype, influencers, and business scams (02:05)Can you 10x a real estate business? (06:48)Why we stopped scaling our wholesaling business (10:43)When scaling to $10M works (13:08)The dangers of scaling with debt (18:17)The perfect size for a wholesale business (19:39)AI driving for dollars (21:45)Building long-term wealth through wholesaling (22:58)Where wholesalers fail at marketing (28:16)Marketing strategies to avoid as a new wholesaler (33:18)How low-fee wholesalers are disrupting the market (34:09)“Slow flips” and taxes (36:12)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??Even small deals can keep you in the game, especially in this economy. But that doesn't mean every deal is worth the effort. In this episode, we break down which deals are worth your time, when it makes sense to walk away, and why chasing quick wins won't work in this market.Hear why we take on $0 deals, why you should stop caring about interest rates, and the best size for a scalable wholesaling business.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The pros and cons of small deals (00:37)Why we do zero profit deals (04:17)Chasing bad deals (06:01)Why you should stop caring about interest rates (08:39)Affordability, debt, and real market risks (11:25)Why rates won’t go down anytime soon (16:47)How to track your business success (24:05)Long-term plays and relationship equity (26:56)Why we pivoted our business (30:51)The lending landscape is killing deals (38:57)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??The mortgage fraud fallout is officially here, and we’re starting to see the effects. This episode breaks down new lending requirements, our experience with appraisers, and why getting a loan is getting harder for experienced investors.We also talk about insurance loopholes that can kill your deals, how the affordability crisis is impacting our rentals, and the added pressure wholesalers are feeling in this market.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)New lending requirements (02:03)Our current appraisal struggles (04:45)Why banks are hesitant to work with wholesalers (06:51)The future of the lending landscape (09:13)How affordability issues are impacting our rentals (21:16)Why our deals are getting killed at closing (26:13)How insurance providers are making it harder to sell properties (29:45)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??One wrong deal could set your business back years — especially now when cash is tight and the market can't be trusted. In this episode, we share how changes in the market have impacted our real estate business and what we're doing to protect our portfolios.From a looming mortgage fraud crackdown to COVID-19 relief programs ending, there's a lot going on. Tune in to hear where we see potential opportunities, what we're avoiding, and the number one thing you can do to survive this uncertain market!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Our Q2 performance and Q3 updates (01:06)How to make direct leads work (05:06)Balancing high returns with rising risk (06:54)The impact of COVID-19 relief programs ending (08:40)Why the buyer pool is shrinking (12:23)Why your competition is offering better deals (13:37)How to protect your business in this economy (17:57)What we know about an incoming mortgage fraud crackdown (25:02)Chasing bigger deals vs. playing it smart (31:05)Don’t make this mistake in your business right now (35:21)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??100% bonus depreciation might be back, but don’t get too excited just yet. In this episode, Greg Helbeck joins us to break down what the “Big Beautiful Bill” could mean for investors and if it should change your real estate strategy. We also talk about flipping vs. holding in blue states right now, the strategy that cost Greg $55,000, and how we use ChatGPT to protect our deals.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Real estate advantages in the big beautiful bill (02:41)What people get wrong about bonus depreciation and taxes (06:30)Recent changes we’ve seen in the market (10:52)The strategy not working in blue states (12:38)Why finding good tenants is getting harder (15:51)How we deal with tenant removals (20:30)Our renter horror stories (26:17)Real estate 10 years ago vs. now (31:41)AI hacks for your real estate business (37:25)How we protect ourselves from buyers that flake (41:37)The value wholesalers bring to sellers (44:39)Connect with Greg Helbeck:https://www.instagram.com/grego_37/Listen to episode 420, “10 Years of Wholesaling: Greg Helbeck on What You Should Be Doing Differently in 2025” here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1867269/episodes/16755674Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??Still chasing financial freedom? It’s harder now than it used to be. This episode digs deeper into how inflation and the devaluation of the dollar are impacting real estate assets, and what you can do to adapt and protect your wealth.Mike and Dylan talk about the risks they’re seeing in today’s market, the fall of syndications, and what passive investors are getting wrong about financial freedom. Tune in to learn how to make real income in this economy!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The devaluation of the dollar (01:16)Where to invest for financial security (07:01)Financial freedom vs. financial security (13:15)Global economics and what the future could look like (18:01)Why people are getting caught up in bad syndications (22:45)The key to building a successful business (30:40)Lessons from a low-margin flip (35:07)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??Are you noticing all the bad deals in the market right now? Or is it just us? In this episode, we break down where we’ve made the most money this year, how we're balancing short-term wins and long-term strategy, and the monthly overhead of running a wholesaling business. Learn how to avoid wasting time on the wrong sellers and keep your margins strong, even as you scale your business!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Our current lead management process (04:46)How we give sellers a range offer (06:20)Monthly cost of running a wholesaling business (11:16)Why you should spend more on marketing (13:33)How to manage a growing list of leads (16:54)Real estate trends we’re not falling for (20:41)Strategies to reach your long-term real estate goals (23:22)The best advice for new investors (26:35)Impact of the Fed’s loosening SLR restrictions (33:38)Why we’re concerned about consumer debt (40:42)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??It’s a buyer’s market, but sellers aren't the only ones making concessions. In this episode, you'll hear how we’re managing seller concessions and protecting our margins even when we have to negotiate.We're seeing good flips struggling to make a profit, cash becoming more important than ever, and even lenders trying to offload bad debt. Tune in to hear how our investment strategy has changed, including what deals we’re avoiding and our plans for the winter slowdown!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Warrantable vs. non-warrantable condos (02:46)Why we struggled to sell our condos (04:30)How we manage seller concessions (11:37)Why we’re not taking on big projects (16:52)How we’re preparing for a slow winter market (19:52)Will the Fed raise interest rates? (21:36)Where we’re investing during this inflationary period (25:11)Geopolitical tensions and real estate (31:31)Lenders are offering distressed debt deals (34:40)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??Should you hire a project manager or just power through? Today, we’re talking about why we haven't hired one (yet), how Dylan is managing 13 deals at once, and the move that doubled his revenue.In this episode, you’ll learn ways to keep your rehab costs low, make more per deal, and close deals faster. We also share if we’re on track to meet our yearly revenue goals and give updates on our new American cold callers. Join us as we explore the chaos of closing off-market deals and what’s keeping us in the game!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The perks of real estate and partnerships (02:47)What helps you close deals faster (08:58)Difficult sellers we’re currently dealing with (10:08)Our current deal pipeline (12:49)How we handle novation negotiations (15:17)Managing a heavy deal pipeline (18:54)Why we haven’t hired a project manager (20:24)How we keep rehab budgets low (21:53)Tips to maximize revenue from your rehabs (25:03)Why Dylan is holding more deals (27:44)Hiring in-person U.S cold callers (34:52)Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

What did you think of todays show??Are you building a business that can survive any market cycle? In this episode, Cole Ruud-Johnson is back on the show to discuss what makes a real estate business work long-term and why most investors fail — and it’s not because of the market.He explains what separates real operators from the ones chasing quick wins, why scaling too early is risky, and why most people aren't cut out to run a real estate business. We’re calling out the hype, shortcuts, and bad advice that keeps investors from becoming strong operators.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Building a true business versus a marketing machine (05:19)Why some operators are succeeding and others aren’t (12:28)Must-have business fundamentals in the current market cycle (15:17)Who are the true real estate influencers? (24:22)Why it’s hard to learn how to be a true operator (26:48)The ideal business size for most investors (32:59)Connect with Cole Ruud-Johnson:https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnson/https://www.easybuttonrealestate.com/Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to find deals in ANY MARKET Completely virtually (this is how we scaled to over a dozen markets)!https://instantinvestor.collectingkeys.com/invest-anywhereFollow us on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/collectingkeyspodcast/https://www.instagram.com/mike_invests/https://www.instagram.com/investormandan/https://www.instagram.com/dylan_does_dealsThis episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com