

Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast
Mike DeHaan
In the 'Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast,' seasoned Real Estate experts Mike DeHaan and Dan Austin discuss how to use Real Estate to create Massive Income not just Passive Income. Real estate doesn't have to be a get-rich slow game, and by bringing over 500 successful deals worth of experience in three years, their episodes unpack the art of real estate investing, wholesaling, house flipping, and transforming properties into profitable rentals. Listen as they share uncensored insights and strategies, from compelling guest interviews revealing personal journeys and finding off-market deals to in-depth deal analyses and the latest market trends. Whether you're taking your first investment step or scaling up your portfolio, embark on your investment journey with the Collecting Keys podcast - where every episode unlocks a door that brings you one step closer to financial freedom so you can finally live the life of your dreams.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 9, 2025 • 35min
EP 469 - Your Desperate Deals are Destroying Your Real Estate Biz
What did you think of todays show??New and experienced investors are making a lot of mistakes in this market. Whether it's out of desperation or overconfidence, people are ignoring red flags, not calculating risk correctly, and chasing deals that can destroy their business. In this episode, you'll learn the real value of cash in this market and how to weigh risk in every deal so you can stay in the game!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)What new investors get wrong about cap rates vs. appraisal value (02:42)Section 8 abuse and the truth about cash flow (05:04)How DSCR requirements have changed (09:29)How lenders are cracking down on DSCR fraud (12:13)Why your first flip shouldn’t be a big project (13:45)The major math mistake new investors make (16:36)Balancing reward vs. risk in real estate (18:03)Why a “long-term investing mindset” is dangerous for new investors (21:13)What newbies need to know about their first big loss (23:51)Why comps in this market are unreliable (28:12)Where experienced investors turn for true passive income (30:42)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

Dec 2, 2025 • 20min
EP 468 - 3 Signs You Should Leave Real Estate (And When You Shouldn’t)
What did you think of todays show??If your real estate business feels hard right now, this episode is for you. Host Mike DeHaan breaks down how to tell the difference between a rough market and a real business problem, the signs it's time to pivot, and the type of investors who shouldn't quit just yet. You’ll also learn how to exit without starting from zero and what to work on in your business if you decide to stay.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Who shouldn’t quit real estate (02:50)Why your business may be struggling (04:02)Who should consider leaving real estate (06:20)How to quit and transition the right way (11:04)Real estate-adjacent businesses to consider (13:00)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

Nov 25, 2025 • 37min
EP 467 - These Market Traps That Are Bankrupting Real Estate Investors
What did you think of todays show??One deal can ruin you, especially in this market. But it's not just a bad market taking investors out of the game — it's risky debt, risky deals, and risky business buys. In this episode, we dive into the biggest traps we're seeing over and over, why so many investors are struggling right now, and what we've done to survive the market. Tune in to hear how to make a smart investment in this wild economy!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)The current state of the economy (04:51)How job boards and AI are screwing employers and applicants (06:55)The smart path to business and real estate investing (13:30)Beware of risky deals and SBA loans (15:23)The generational mindset gap on debt and investing (19:03)Why gurus and investors are getting exposed (23:58)What separates the successful operators in this market (25:29)How we’re surviving the hardest part of the market cycle (28:05)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

Nov 18, 2025 • 39min
EP 466 - Are We Repeating 2008? Red Flags in Today’s Lending Market
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

Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
EP 465 - This New Investor 10x’d His Business in One of the Toughest Markets — Here’s How w/ Alex Braich
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

Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
EP 464 - Don’t Get Blindsided by the New DSCR Rules
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

Oct 28, 2025 • 42min
EP 463 - 6 Hot Takes Real Estate Insiders Don't Want You to Hear
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

Oct 21, 2025 • 44min
EP 462 - The Only Housing Markets Still Appreciating in 2025
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

Oct 14, 2025 • 40min
EP 461 - The Debt Trap Impacting Real Estate Investors w/ Drew Wiard
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

Oct 7, 2025 • 39min
EP 460 - We Left Our 7-Figure Homebuying Business
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


