Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast

What did you think of todays show??Risky lending is back. From rescue loans for low-credit borrowers to 50-year mortgages, the debt side of real estate is starting to look a lot like the pre-2008 era. So if you’re only paying attention to your DSCR rates, you're missing key shifts in the lending industry that could impact your next deal. Tune in to hear what we learned at a private lending conference, why some new loan products make us nervous, and how investors can benefit from them!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Highlights from a private financing conference (03:45)Foreign investment, hedge funds, and more shifts in private lending (09:25)How loans move through originators to platforms and aggregators (13:12)How investor demand impacts loan rates (17:08)Why some investors can’t get loans and how to be a better borrower (18:20)How lenders are approaching the real estate market (20:07)The perks of investing in the distressed debt market (21:09)Debt liquidity and who loses in a private lending collapse (23:25)Hot take on the 50-year mortgage (27:30)Why lending is getting risky again (32:23)Sign up to join the FREE Scale Community! https://collectingkeys.com/Want deeper breakdowns like this every week? Subscribe to the Collecting Keys newsletter! https://collectingkeys.com/newsletter/Follow 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 hardest part about getting started in real estate today? Realizing the shortcuts don’t work anymore.In this episode, Alex Braich shares how he’s managed to grow a wholesaling and flipping business in one of the country’s toughest markets as a new investor. We cut down all the hype and guru tactics to highlight what really works, from the skills every newbie needs to build to the move that helped Alex 10x his business.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Meet California investor, Alex Braich (01:52)The hardest part of growing a real estate business in 2025 (04:02)Why he moved from direct mail to cold calling (05:28)His strategy for staying profitable in a high-cost market (09:16)The end of easy lead gen and cheap deals (12:10)The downfall of big real estate ‘gurus’ (14:17)Long-form vs. short-form real estate content (18:38)How Alex learned the real estate business (20:08)Why people struggle to leave their W-2 job (27:02)Advice for new investors (32:23)How he 10x’d his revenue (33:47)Sign up to join the FREE Scale Community! https://collectingkeys.com/Want deeper breakdowns like this every week? Subscribe to the Collecting Keys newsletter! https://collectingkeys.com/newsletter/Follow 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??Not every deal is worth chasing, and not every deal is worth keeping. And right now, a lot of investors are learning that the hard way. In this episode, find out how refinancing has become one of the biggest traps for investors, which deal types are getting flagged by lenders, and why sometimes the best decision is to sell.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The 80/20 rule for problem deals and clients (01:36)When to keep pushing vs. when to walk away (03:31)The inflection point flippers are hitting right now (07:02)The rental strategy that’s in trouble (08:16)Why you should consider selling your properties (11:09)What investors get wrong about their equity (11:37)Depreciation and true wealth strategies (13:37)Underwriting and lending criteria for big funds (18:39)Why lease terms matter for DSCR loans (19:33)Why loan rates aren’t lower but mortgage rates are down (21:45)How the government shutdown is impact housing (24:23)The inefficiency and inaction of government (31:12)The growth of our lending business (35:50)Fed updates and what to expect in the next six months (38:20)Sign up to join the FREE Scale Community! https://collectingkeys.com/Want deeper breakdowns like this every week? Subscribe to the Collecting Keys newsletter! https://collectingkeys.com/newsletter/Follow 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 industry’s full of opinions, but what’s actually happening in real estate right now? This week, we’re putting the headlines aside and sharing six hot takes about what’s really going on — some controversial, others overdue, but all showing how different real estate feels today.Tune in for our thoughts on the end of no-money deals, outdated investing advice, a possible housing crash, and more!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Hot take #1: syndicators knew investors would lose money (02:33)Hot take #2: AI and the labor force (09:12)Hot take #3: the housing market crash (15:02)Hot take #4: some owners should be forced to sell (20:26)Hot take #5: traditional investment strategies no longer work (28:18)Hot take #6: wholesaling as we know it is over (36:21)Want deeper breakdowns like this every week? Subscribe to the Collecting Keys newsletter! https://collectingkeys.com/newsletter/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??Most headlines say the housing market’s slowing down… but that’s not the full story.In this episode, find out which markets are defying national trends and appreciating 10% year over year. We talk about what’s causing this divide, how to avoid getting stuck with a property you can’t sell, and where you should consider investing for lasting, long-term wealth.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Canada’s affordability and housing crisis (06:11)AI-generated real estate data gone wrong (10:05)Can AI be trusted to use in your business? (17:36)The best and worst markets right now (21:43)Why some markets are declining while others grow (22:49)Should investors buy for cash flow or appreciation? (26:31)The downside of investing in “cheap” markets (30:21)How third-party management can ruin a sale (32:40)How to protect yourself from shady property managers (36:51)Where high-income earners should invest (38:45)Check out the AI graph on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp6mK14rYvQWant deeper breakdowns like this every week? Subscribe to the Collecting Keys newsletter! https://collectingkeys.com/newsletter/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 not a housing crash, but this could hit the real estate market hard. This episode is all about America's growing debt problem, the rise of foreclosures, and why cash is still king in today's market.We break down how new credit score models could affect lending and the type of assets that can survive a debt-based economy. Plus, Drew Wiard joins the show to share how the commercial industry is holding up, which markets are doing surprisingly well, and what you should be doing to adapt.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Drew’s current stance on commercial real estate (04:48)Why pivoting our focus to lending was a smart move (07:22)How to decide when to keep going or pivot (09:15)The rise of foreclosures and cash purchases (11:12)Credit score changes and its impact (13:38)How the long-term debt cycle is shifting our investment strategy (19:48)Generational shifts in work ethic (22:17)The long-term effect of AI and global labor shifts on real estate (28:44)Why people are migrating to midwest markets (33:30)How Drew is underwriting commercial assets in this risky market (37:35)Connect with Drew Wiard:https://www.instagram.com/theflyinginvestor/https://www.tiktok.com/@theflyinginvestorhttps://www.facebook.com/drew.wiardLearn 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??Flipping, wholesaling, cold calling — we’ve done it all. But now, it’s time for a change.  In this episode, find out why we’ve decided to exit from our 7-figure homebuying company and what we’re doing now. Hear the moment we decided to pivot, what we’ve learned about successful partnerships, and how we’re rethinking scale, risk, and opportunity.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Is work-life balance possible? (04:13)Easy wins vs. higher profits (08:01)Dylan’s $50,000 mistake (10:01)Why we left our homebuying business (14:03)Lessons on partnerships in real estate (16:05)A key trait for real estate entrepreneurs (28:05)How co-living and Section 8 impact neighborhoods (32:02)Our competitive edge in the lending business (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??Tired of all the BS in the wholesaling? So are we. Greg Helback is back on the show to help us break down how shady operators and fake gurus are killing the industry.We get into how to beat out national wholesalers (without overbidding), what actually gives you a competitive edge in today’s market, and why doing the right thing isn’t just ethical — it’s smart business.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)How wholesaling has changed in the last decade (01:21)The biggest threat to local wholesalers (04:57)Why you shouldn’t listen to real estate gurus (07:05)Why we’re fed up with unethical wholesaling (15:42)Working with greedy wholesaling company (19:18)How shady ethics are ruining the industry (23:59)New wholesaling legislation and the future of the industry (26:02)How we avoided the real estate bubble (30:09)A wholesaler’s competitive edge (31:24)3 ways Greg stays competitive in this market (36:31)Connect with Greg Helbeck:https://www.instagram.com/grego_37/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??What happens to your business and your family if you're suddenly gone? No one likes to talk about it, but today we’re getting into estate planning, how to make things easier on your spouse if the unexpected happens, and what you can do now to start protecting your wealth.You'll learn how the rich avoid estate taxes, why liquidity is a major issue for most investors, and the one mistake that could force your family to sell everything.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Social media’s fear-based algorithm (01:05)Dylan’s car accident wake-up call (06:23)Estate planning for real estate investors (07:51)How the rich avoid estate taxes (10:05)Partnerships, agreements, and trusts (11:55)3 things to simplify your plan (15:40)Living frugally vs. living life to the fullest (18:40)What happened to Dylan’s business when he was out of commission (24:49)New Fed rate cuts: too little, too late? (28:51)The only people getting institutional money right now (31:55)Will Fannie and Freddie go private? (33:22)Who’s getting the best rates right now (35:09)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??Can't scale? Constant rental problems? Not sure if flipping is worth your time? You might be running your business the hard way.This episode breaks down the risks of flipping (especially right now) and why so many investors burn out. We're also talking DSCR loans, why it might be a good time to refinance, and the systems we use to manage properties with a lot less stress. If your business feels reactive or stuck, this one’s for you!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Mortgage applications on the rise (04:23)Why I’m refinancing (05:03)DSCR loans and multifamily investments (08:31)How the market is affecting flips (12:24)The risks of flipping and scaling in today’s market (15:15)When flipping makes sense long-term (19:22)ADUs and luxury real estate (23:41)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