Welcome back to the Forward One Podcast, hosted by Paul Mark Morris and Josh Spitzen of Forward One Real Estate.

In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Smith, who built a $130M+ real estate career without a sphere, without family connections, and without shortcuts. Derrick shares how writing $30M in offers before closing his first deal shaped his mindset, why “following the money” changed everything, and how focusing on developers and off-market opportunities accelerated his growth.

We unpack the discipline behind consistent prospecting, how to underwrite deals like an investor, and why long-term commitment beats short-term motivation every time. If you’re serious about building a sustainable real estate business — especially in a challenging market — this conversation is for you.

*Derrick Smith*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveluxuryla
Website: https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/specialist/PDAMNSlX/derrick-smith

*More from Paul & Josh*

Paul: https://www.instagram.com/paulmarkmorris/

Josh: https://www.instagram.com/spitzenjosh/

Forward One Media: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast

*Presented by Forward One Real Estate*

https://www.forwardone.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate/

Timestamps
00:00:00 Meet Derek Smith

00:00:15 From Texas to Real Estate

00:02:26 Crushing It Fast

00:05:00 Finding a Niche

00:07:24 Off Market Advantage

00:10:09 First Deal Lessons

00:18:01 Deal Sourcing Playbook

00:28:23 Underwriting and Proformas

00:41:27 Many Paths to Success

00:41:54 Branding the Derrick Smith

00:43:15 Value Building and Negotiation

00:46:08 Fatherhood and Flexibility

00:49:06 Weekly Metrics and Accountability

00:54:39 Prospecting and Agent Collaboration

01:01:57 Goals Florida Expansion Investing

01:08:31 Decisions Lessons and Fire Round