The Do More Podcast

Jon Farling
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Oct 20, 2025 • 29min

SBA Lender Ross Creager

If you’re considering purchasing a business or certain types of Real Estate and just curious about financing options, you won't want to miss this informative chat.Today, we're looking into the world of SBA lending with Ross Creager from U.S. Bank, who brings a wealth of knowledge as an SBA lender. We unpack the essentials of what SBA loans are, how they function, and why they’re a go-to option for many businesses looking to buy or expand. Ross lays out the three key ingredients needed to secure an SBA loan: the business's ability to pay for the loan, the owner's experience, and the required equity injection. We also discuss the various types of businesses that can benefit from SBA financing, including self-storage facilities and car washes, and how the process has evolved, especially in light of recent changes. Takeaways:Ross Creager explains the basics of SBA lending, emphasizing that the SBA guarantees a significant portion of loans to help businesses secure financing. Ross highlights the three key ingredients for securing an SBA loan: the business's ability to pay, the owner's experience, and the necessary equity injection. The conversation sheds light on the different types of SBA loans available, such as the 7A and 504, which cater to various business needs and structures. You'll learn that SBA loans typically require a 10% equity injection, meaning the buyer needs to contribute a portion of the purchase price upfront. Ross discusses the importance of a solid business plan in the SBA loan application process, stating that it should include financial projections and a clear management strategy. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about SBA loans, including their perceived complexity and the time it takes to secure funding, clarifying that recent changes have improved the process significantly. The Do More Podcast Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Oct 13, 2025 • 16min

Day in the Life of a Self Storage Investor

I'm giving you a peek into my daily life as a real estate investor and entrepreneur, where time freedom plays a huge role. I'll walk you through my typical day—from morning workouts to spending quality time with family and handling business tasks. My routine is organized but flexible, helping me juggle work commitments and personal happiness. I can't stress enough how having a solid team and good systems lets me concentrate on planning big moves while keeping everything running smoothly day-to-day. So come along as I share insights from others that have influenced how I tackle productivity and success in both business and life!Takeaways: In this episode, we explore how to achieve time freedom while managing responsibilities effectively, particularly in entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of having a structured daily schedule to balance work and family commitments successfully. The value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise and personal development is emphasized throughout the conversation. I share my insights on the significance of teamwork and communication in running a business effectively and efficiently. Networking plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship, and I highlight the benefits of having regular calls with other professionals. Finally, I explain how reflecting on daily goals and gratitude can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life. Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Oct 6, 2025 • 15min

The #1 Trait Successful People Have

I talk about how belief is the top trait among successful people. It might sound simple, but it's a game-changer not just in business but in life overall. I share some personal stories about my journey from being a hesitant athlete to becoming a confident player, thanks to mentors who believed in me. This belief has been key in my ventures, especially with self-storage and real estate investing, where trusting myself has helped me tackle challenges head-on. Bottom line: building strong self-belief is crucial for success and overcoming hurdles, no matter what you're doing.Takeaways: Belief in oneself is the foundational trait that distinguishes successful individuals in all areas of life. Growth in personal belief often requires external validation, as demonstrated through my experience with Coach Frost. The journey from self-doubt to self-belief involves hard work and perseverance across various endeavors. It is crucial to assess whether you genuinely believe in your capabilities to achieve your goals. Success requires both belief and hard work; without belief, achieving your goals becomes significantly tougher. Belief can be cultivated over time through experiences and support from mentors or coaches. The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Sep 29, 2025 • 16min

Example of a BRRRR Self Storage Deal

Today, I talk more about the concept of the BRRRR strategy in self-storage investments, outlining how it has shaped my real estate journey. The BRRRR strategy stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat, and serves as a powerful tool for generating equity in properties. I share a practical example from a recent deal in which I acquired two self-storage properties for $3.35 million, illustrating how I leveraged equity from an existing property to finance this new acquisition. Through this process, I highlight the importance of understanding financing options and the nuances of valuation in commercial real estate, particularly in the self-storage sector, where value is derived from operational income rather than comparables. Ultimately, I emphasize that substantial equity gains do not always require doubling a property's value, but rather focusing on effective cash flow and strategic refinancing can lead to significant financial success.Takeaways: The BRRRR strategy involves buying, rehabbing, renting, refinancing, and repeating to build wealth. In commercial real estate, asset value is determined by net operating income rather than comparable sales. An example of a successful Burr deal illustrates extracting equity to finance new property purchases. Investors should focus on cash flow rather than solely aiming to double property values for success. Securing the right financing options, like SBA loans, can greatly enhance investment opportunities. Long-term planning is essential in real estate to adapt to changing market conditions and financing terms. The Do More Podcast Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Sep 22, 2025 • 13min

Words Matter

Words and thoughts hold significant power, shaping our inner dialogues and influencing our realities. In this episode, I talk about the significance of positive self-talk and its profound impact on our lives, particularly regarding real estate investing and entrepreneurship. I draw from personal experiences and observations, emphasizing how often we gravitate toward negative narratives and the need to consciously shift our focus to the positive aspects of our lives. I share insights on how even small changes in our mindset can lead to substantial improvements, both professionally and personally. Ultimately, I encourage you to be mindful of the language you use with yourself and others, as it directly correlates to the outcomes you experience.Takeaways: In this episode, I explore how our thoughts and words significantly impact our mindset, especially in real estate and entrepreneurship. I discuss the importance of focusing on positivity instead of negativity, which can greatly influence our overall outlook on life. The podcast emphasizes that self-talk matters; it shapes our actions and reactions in everyday situations as well as our business endeavors. I share personal experiences of overcoming fears through positive affirmations, illustrating how mindset shifts can lead to improved outcomes in our lives. I address societal perceptions about wealth and how negative beliefs can hold individuals back from achieving financial success and abundance. Lastly, I stress the importance of consuming positive content to foster a constructive mindset, as what we feed our minds eventually reflects in our actions. The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Sep 15, 2025 • 29min

How I've Acquired 14 Self Storage Facilities without Raising Money

This episode is a comprehensive overview of the strategies I've employed, the lessons learned, and how I navigated challenges to reach my current position in the self-storage market.I share my journey of acquiring 14 self-storage facilities over the past decade, offering insights into my unique approach to real estate investing. Many people believe they must raise capital from outside sources to succeed in this field, but I emphasize that it's possible to leverage personal finances and bank loans effectively. My path began in 2014, motivated by the need for supplementary income after the birth of my daughter, and it gradually led me to explore various investment opportunities. Through careful financial planning, utilizing home equity, and strategic decision-making, I've been able to scale my investments significantly while maintaining ownership of my assets. Takeaways: The journey to acquiring 14 self-storage facilities began in 2014, focusing on strategic investments. I utilized a combination of personal savings, HELOC, and bank loans to finance my real estate ventures. By analyzing market trends, I noticed that while home values appreciated, rental prices often lagged behind. The importance of learning from each investment experience helped me streamline operations and enhance cash flow. The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Sep 8, 2025 • 31min

Thoughts on the Current Market

Interest rates are all over the map. Investors are getting cold feet. I've been talking to a lot of people in the business. There's a sense of uncertainty hanging in the air. Deals are not getting done like they used to. It's mainly because people are waiting for the moment to make a move. The thing is, that moment might never come. I think investors need to be prepared to take a chance and make some decisions, even if things aren't exactly as they'd like them to be. Waiting around for everything to fall into place can mean missing out on some opportunities.In today's credit crunch, people are finding ways to finance their projects. One option that's becoming more popular is seller financing, where the seller acts as the bank and lends the buyer the money to purchase the property. This approach is gaining ground as an alternative to financing methods.I think it's crucial to find your niche in the real estate market. When you focus on an area, like self-storage or single-family rentals, you get a feel for what's going on in that market and how to run your investments efficiently. This approach doesn't just help you make decisions; it also makes you more resilient when the market takes a hit. I've seen many people let fear dictate their investment choices, which is why I believe in taking a proactive approach. Trying new things, exploring different strategies, and not being afraid to think outside the box. By doing you're more likely to stay ahead of the curve and find opportunities that others might miss.I want to stress how important it is to be learning and adapting when it comes to real estate investing. The market is always on the move, and people who stay on top of things and are willing to adjust can put themselves in a spot to take advantage of opportunities. I hope people will stay involved, look for ways to invest, and take on the challenges that come with each downturn or upswing. Because more often than not, it's the people who are willing to change and try new things who end up succeeding.Takeaways: In the current real estate market, it's crucial to stay informed yet not overwhelmed with information that doesn't directly impact your investment decisions. Interest rates are anticipated to decrease slightly, but it's essential to maintain focus on your investment strategies regardless of these fluctuations. Many investors are hesitant to act due to market uncertainty, which presents opportunities for those willing to take calculated risks. Creative financing options, such as seller financing, are becoming increasingly vital as traditional financing methods tighten in the current economic climate. Continuous rent adjustments and value-add strategies are necessary to ensure cash flow stability amid rising expenses and tighter budgets. Staying focused on your niche and refining your operations can lead to greater success in any market condition, especially during downturns. Links referenced in this episode:thedomorepodcast.comL4Investing.comThe Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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Sep 1, 2025 • 33min

Passive Income Strategies with Chris Miles: A Path to Financial Independence

Chris Miles, an expert in financial freedom, joins us to discuss how to break free from the traditional financial system that often leaves people feeling trapped. Chris shares his journey from being a financial advisor to becoming an advocate for alternative investments and passive income strategies, emphasizing the importance of being "work optional." He highlights the common misconceptions surrounding 401(k)s and traditional saving methods, arguing that they may not be the best path to true financial independence. By focusing on creating cash flow and diversifying investments, Chris provides actionable insights for listeners looking to improve their financial situations. Join us as we explore innovative strategies to achieve financial freedom and how to avoid the pitfalls of conventional financial wisdom.Takeaways: Chris Miles emphasizes the importance of creating passive income that allows individuals to become work optional, shifting focus from mere saving to generating wealth. The traditional financial advice of saving through 401(k)s may not lead to true financial freedom, as many find themselves still dependent on work in retirement. Miles shares his personal journey of transitioning from a financial advisor to a real estate investor, illustrating the flaws he found in conventional financial planning. Achieving financial independence requires a shift in mindset, where one prioritizes liquidity and smart investments over locking money away in retirement accounts. The conversation highlights that true financial freedom is not just about accumulating wealth but about making informed decisions that allow for lifestyle choices. Miles advises that people should focus on increasing their income and managing their finances wisely, rather than merely cutting expenses. Links referenced in this episode:money ripples.coml4investing.comThe Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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7 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 17min

Understanding what Financial Freedom really is

The host expresses heartfelt gratitude for listener support and reflects on the podcast's growth. They dive into financial freedom, defining it as covering monthly expenses through cash flow from assets rather than a traditional job. A critical step toward this goal is an honest assessment of personal finances, including creating a balance sheet. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding expenses and exploring ways to generate passive income, such as real estate investments.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 24min

Mastering the Market: Scott Durham on Flipping Houses and Short-Term Rentals

Scott Durham joins me to share his journey in the real estate investment world, emphasizing the importance of persistence and strategy in achieving success. With 20 years of experience, Scott transitioned from a successful real estate agent to a house flipper and rental property investor. He discusses how his background in real estate sales provided him with a unique advantage in finding lucrative deals, particularly through online leads. Scott's approach to flipping houses includes acquiring properties at a discount, renovating them, and leveraging the cash flow from short-term rentals. He highlights how having a solid foundation of cash-flowing properties offers a safety net, particularly in an uncertain market. We talk about the challenges of finding good contractors and navigating a changing real estate landscape, all while maintaining a focus on disciplined investment practices that prioritize quality over quantity.Takeaways: Scott Durham's journey in real estate spans over 20 years, evolving from a top agent to a successful house flipper. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and utilizing one's expertise as a realtor to create personal investment opportunities. In today’s market, finding motivated sellers is easier than in recent years, despite rising lead costs. Durham highlights the necessity of networking with contractors and having a reliable team for successful property flips. He employs AI tools to analyze potential deals, showcasing how technology can enhance real estate investment strategies. The discussion stresses making informed buying decisions, as success in real estate largely hinges on purchasing properties at the right price. The Do More Podcast https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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