In this episode, we’re breaking down the different types of creative financing strategies that we’ve personally used to build our real estate business. You’ve probably heard terms like “lease option,” “land contract,” or “subject to”—but what do they actually mean, and when should you use them? That’s exactly what we cover here.

We go over the pros, cons, and real-world applications of each method so you can understand how to use creative finance to structure win-win deals, even if you don’t have perfect credit or a ton of cash. Whether you’re brand new to real estate or looking to expand your deal-making toolkit, this episode is your practical guide to understanding how these strategies work in the real world.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[0:25] Clarifying what “creative financing” really means

[1:12] What a lease option is and why it was our first creative deal

[2:23] How a lease option gives you control and flexibility without owning

[3:08] The legal shift we made after sandwich lease options were banned in Ohio

[4:19] How lease options still work with rentals and Airbnb strategies

[5:01] What a land trust is and how it helps transfer control of a property

[6:24] Using land trusts to stay legal and flexible in seller deals

[7:16] Breaking down the 3 parts of a land trust: trust, beneficiaries, trustee

[8:12] Why we use LLCs as trustees for cleaner transactions

[8:37] Understanding land contracts (aka contracts for deed)

[9:06] How land contracts allow you to buy without 20% down

[10:23] What it means to buy a property “subject to” the existing mortgage

[10:52] What to look for in a subject to mortgage—including adjustable rates and balloon payments

[11:49] Where to ask questions and get help as you learn creative finance

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative finance gives you tools to acquire property even when traditional financing says no.

2. Lease options, land trusts, land contracts, and subject to each serve different deal needs—know when and how to use them.

3. Always check your local laws and run your contracts by an attorney to keep things clean, legal, and smart.

If you found this episode helpful, we’d love it if you could rate, review, follow, and share the podcast with someone who’s ready to grow their real estate knowledge the smart way.