Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast

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

What did you think of todays show??Maybe you don’t need more leads, but better buyers. Do you know who the best ones are in your area? In this episode, learn how to make a VIP buyer’s list and calculate deals that lock in profit from day one.We also cover new market and investment trends, like why buying small businesses probably won’t build wealth, what more housing means when most people still can’t afford to buy, and how underwriting deals like it’s 2021 is hurting your business. Tune in to hear how to protect your deals and avoid mistakes taking some investors down!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Why we’re against the business buying trend (02:17)The downside of SBA loans and private equity (04:52)Why wholesaling is a safe investment (11:47)Two mistakes people make in wholesaling (12:57)How we saved a deal when the buyer fell through (14:34)How to build a VIP buyer’s list (19:09)How we calculate offers and profit (23:41)Where new investors go wrong in real estate (27:39)New housing inventory and affordability trends (31:33)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??Our best deals aren’t in “hot” markets — they're in places you wouldn't think to look. In this episode, find out why now is a better time to start investing than most people think, and where we're finding better deals. We share how we're changing our strategies, what today's lending landscape looks like, and when scaling too fast can actually backfire.Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Single family rentals vs. multifamily markets (04:33)How equity and liquidity impact home ownership (08:09)Economic indicators vs. our local markets (09:19)The worst housing markets in the US (12:49)Benefits of local markets (14:35)Why DSCR loans are trending lower than personal rates (17:57)Are we becoming a renter’s nation? (20:41)The pros and cons of entering real estate in a downturn (23:18)How to spend less time in your business (27:50)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??Florida’s real estate market is struggling, but how bad is it, and who’s next? Florida brokerage owner Jon Brooks joins us to explain how this market went from red-hot to near collapse, which strategies are still working, and why it’s more than just a local issue.In this episode, find out which other markets are holding up (for now) and what this downturn says about what’s coming next. We look at why lending might beat buying, where investors are getting burned, and how to prepare for the next wave of distressed deals. Florida’s just the beginning — hear what it could mean for your market!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)Jon’s real estate brokerage (02:02)Why Florida’s real estate market is struggling (04:40)Should you buy property in Florida? (08:30)How Jon is adapting to the market slowdown (09:12)The #1 thing you need to survive this market (11:57)Why you should focus on short sales and foreclosures (14:52)Short sales process and its challenges (17:35)Can the government fix the market? (19:50)The future of Florida and other struggling markets (22:41)Affordability issues and credit card debt (28:07)The best investments in this unstable market (30:12)What it takes to make millions in real estate (36:47)100% bonus depreciation coming back (37:50)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