

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

Jul 8, 2025 • 38min
EP 447 - Real Money vs. Fake Equity: Is Inflation Killing Your Returns?
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

Jul 1, 2025 • 48min
EP 446 - The Only Deals Worth Doing Right Now
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

Jun 24, 2025 • 41min
EP 445 - How We Deal with Seller Concessions
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

Jun 17, 2025 • 39min
EP 444 - This System Saves Us Thousands on Rehabs
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

Jun 10, 2025 • 42min
EP 443 - 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Scale Your Real Estate Business w/ Cole Ruud-Johnson
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

Jun 3, 2025 • 41min
EP 442 - How We Make a VIP Buyer’s List for Wholesale Deals
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

May 27, 2025 • 39min
EP 441 - Why You Should Start Investing in a Market Downturn
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

May 20, 2025 • 44min
EP 440 - Florida's Real Estate Market is Crashing - Which Market is Next?
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

May 16, 2025 • 22min
EP 439 - What Working With Alex Hormozi Actually Taught Me
What did you think of todays show??Big changes have been happening in the market and our business. In this episode, Mike explains why we're taking a break from Friday Focus episodes and how the first year working with Alex Hormozi’s Acquisition.com team changed our business. We share the advice that led us to shut down multiple ventures, change our view on flips, and focus on what actually drives growth. Tune in to hear how we're simplifying to scale more!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

May 13, 2025 • 40min
EP 438 - Hold vs. Flip: Creative Solutions in a Slow Market
What did you think of todays show??Struggling in this slow market? In this episode, find out how to get better DSCR and insurance rates, what we're doing to overcome dispo challenges, and what creative exits we're leaving on in this market. We also talk about the possibility of a recession, why flips are getting more risky, and how we’re adapting to stay in the game!Topics discussed:Introduction (00:00)How a recession could affect the economy and business (02:15)Dispo struggles and adapting our strategy (10:45)Managing CapEx for long-term plays (20:21)Selling versus holding in this market (23:31)Creative financing solutions (27:09)How to get better DSCR and insurance rates (32:39)Why Dan delayed his new construction project (35:59)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