Let’s be honest—growth isn’t always glamorous. In this episode, I tackle a raw and real truth about leadership, entrepreneurship, and building anything worthwhile: it’s going to suck sometimes. Whether you’re transitioning into a leadership role, breaking out of a corporate rut, or chasing a dream that feels just out of reach, the path forward will require more grit than glamor.

I share my take on why most people stay stuck at the same level year after year, and how those who break through are the ones willing to get uncomfortable, take a step back, and put in the work that no one sees. This one’s a wake-up call for anyone looking to lead, grow, and truly level up in life and business.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:37] - Why we require leaders to start in the trenches

[1:15] - The myth of only doing what you “enjoy”

[2:20] - You want to lead? Prove you’re willing to do the work

[2:56] - Most people aren’t built for entrepreneurship—and that’s okay

[3:33] - In business, you are the player and the coach

[4:20] - Why you haven’t broken through yet: ego and resistance to discomfort

[5:09] - The truth about what it takes to be in the top 1%

[5:47] - Read Ego Is the Enemy, and embrace the long road

[6:01] - Show up, do the hard thing, and keep doing it—for a decade

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership begins with service – True leaders must first prove they’re willing to do the work they expect from others.

2. Success demands sacrifice – If you’re not willing to “embrace the suck,” you’ll never earn the results you want.

3. Ego is the biggest barrier to growth – Set it aside, take the long road, and stay in it longer than everyone else.

Links & Resources

• Recommended reading: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

• Follow me on social media for more insights and updates

If this episode challenged or inspired you, make sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast. I’m here to help you build something real—and that starts with doing the hard things most won’t.

Have you ever had the rug pulled out from under you—career gone, future uncertain, and fear knocking louder than ever? In this episode, I dive deep into a recent story from a friend who faced exactly that—and how it’s often in these moments of crisis that our biggest opportunities emerge. I share my own personal journey from getting fired to building a multi-million dollar business, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference.

If you’re feeling the pressure, uncertain about your future, or just need a boost of motivation to bet on yourself, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through practical strategies for building financial resilience, reframing failure, and staying committed when the excitement of entrepreneurship fades and the real work begins.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:37] - When life pulls the rug out: a friend’s job loss sparks a major turning point

[1:15] - Why I told him this was the best thing that could’ve happened

[2:49] - Turning fear into fuel: the hidden opportunity in adversity

[4:01] - How to create financial stability in uncertain times

[5:17] - Real talk on business ownership, risk, and responsibility

[6:52] - My story: from losing $140K in commissions to building a $12M company

[7:52] - Why most people quit and how to stay in the game

[9:35] - Success is lonely: what it really takes to push through the hard seasons

[11:11] - Winners don’t quit—they just stick with it longer than everyone else

[12:15] - The choice: forge your own path or go back to safety?

Key Takeaways

1. Adversity can be your biggest advantage – It all depends on your perspective and your willingness to embrace discomfort and bet on yourself.

2. Financial preparation creates freedom – Securing lines of credit, leveraging assets, and managing expenses can give you the runway to grow your business.

3. Commitment outlasts talent – Most people fail not because they aren’t capable, but because they quit too early. Stay the course, even when it’s hard.

If this episode hit home for you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the show. Every listen helps us keep bringing you real stories and practical advice to help turn your properties—and your life—into profit.

Hey guys, Michael here! In this episode of the Properties to Profits podcast, I’m opening up about a recent (and painful) lesson we learned at my company, Oasis Home Buyers. We’re talking about the hidden costs of a bad hire and how one wrong fit can ripple through your business in ways you might not expect. From team morale to public reputation to lost time and money, I’m breaking down the real impact—and more importantly, how we’re improving our hiring process to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur building your own team or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a fast-growing real estate business, this episode is packed with insights you can apply. Stick around to hear how we’re doubling down on alignment, culture, and building a resilient team that can scale and succeed.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - The story behind our first one-star Glassdoor review

[2:55] - Lessons learned from hiring misalignment and turnover

[5:29] - The emotional and financial toll of a bad hire

[6:35] - Our revamped hiring framework for alignment, not just talent

[9:57] - Red flags to watch for in the first 30–90 days

[11:10] - Why one bad review doesn’t define your business

[12:17] - How to bounce back, improve, and keep moving forward

3 Key Takeaways

1. Hire for alignment, not just talent — Skills can be taught, but shared values and work ethic are non-negotiable.

2. Act fast on red flags — A bad hire drains morale, time, and money; address misalignment early and decisively.

3. Failure is fuel for improvement — Mistakes and criticism are part of growth—learn, adjust, and keep building better.

Links & Resources

• Connect with me on social media: realestatemike02

Closing Remark

Thanks for tuning in, friends! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast—it helps us reach more people who want to turn properties into profits. And don’t forget to leave a review; I’d love to hear what you think! Until next time, keep pushing forward and building your dreams.

Hey everyone, Michael here! In today’s episode, I’m diving into the story of how I used real estate to buy my very first new car—and trust me, it’s a fun one. I take you behind the scenes of one of my early duplex deals in Columbus, Ohio, and break down how the cash flow from that property eventually paved the way not only for a Shelby GT350R but also for my first Lamborghini. I share all the highs, the challenges, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

We’ll explore everything from managing repairs and rent increases to unlocking the hidden power of real estate appreciation. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your W-2 income into a portfolio that fuels your dreams—whether that’s cars, vacations, or financial freedom—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - How I bought a duplex off the MLS without discounts

[2:00] - Why I aimed for the 1% rule from day one

[4:52] - The importance of budgeting for repairs and unexpected costs

[9:25] - How cash flow from multiple properties funded my first new car

[14:10] - Selling the duplex for a big payday and rolling profits into more properties

[17:17] - My philosophy on using real estate to power your lifestyle

[19:45] - How you can get started and join me on this real estate journey

3 Key Takeaways

1. Start small and scale smart — You don’t need huge discounts to win in real estate; steady cash flow and long-term appreciation can build serious wealth.

2. Budget for repairs and be ready — Always have a financial cushion for repairs or tenant turnover, or you risk becoming a distressed seller.

3. Let real estate fuel your dreams — Whether it’s cars, vacations, or freedom from your 9-5, smart real estate investing can turn your passions into reality.

Links & Resources

• Follow me on social media: @realestatemike02

Closing Remark

Thanks so much for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast with anyone you think would benefit. And don’t forget to leave a review—it really helps us reach more people. Until next time, let’s keep turning properties into profits!

In this episode of the Properties to Profits podcast, I’m diving deep into what it really takes to level up your life—not just in real estate, but across the board. We all have dreams, but why do so many of us fall short of achieving them? Today, I break down how to close that gap and start living the life you’ve always envisioned, using practical strategies that have worked in my own journey.

I’m sharing the powerful concept of the “Four V’s”—Visualize, Vocalize, Vote, and Vicinity—and how mastering these can transform your mindset, health, wealth, and overall success. Whether you’re working toward your next property deal or aiming to become your healthiest, strongest self, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you raise your standards and hit your goals faster.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - What does your dream life really look like?

[1:25] - The story of a football player turned marathon runner—and why identity matters.

[2:37] - Why working out first thing in the morning sets you up for success.

[3:35] - The ripple effect of not living your dream life on faith, family, finances, and fitness.

[4:16] - The Four V’s: Visualize, Vocalize, Vote, and Vicinity explained.

[6:01] - Why fitness is the foundation when you’re stuck in life.

[7:20] - Surrounding yourself with the right people as a success “cheat code.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity shapes action. You have to believe in the identity you’re stepping into before the results show up.

2. Small daily “votes” compound. Every choice you make is a vote for the person you want to become—consistency is everything.

3. Your circle matters. Who you spend time with can either pull you up or hold you back—choose wisely.

Links & Resources:

• Follow me on Instagram: @RealEstateMike02

If you enjoyed today’s episode, I’d love it if you subscribed, rated, and shared the podcast with someone who’s ready to take their life—and investments—to the next level. Keep turning those properties into profits, and I’ll catch you next time!

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into a fresh strategy we’ve rolled out to supercharge our team’s engagement and goal-setting for 2025. We’ve all been there—starting the year with big goals, only to see motivation wane within weeks. That’s why we’ve introduced a fun and highly effective approach: Vision Bingo. I break down exactly how we’re using this creative tool to keep our team focused, motivated, and aligned with both personal and professional goals all year long.

Tune in to hear how gamifying goal tracking is transforming our team culture, keeping everyone on track, and driving results. Whether you’re leading a team or just looking for a new way to stick to your personal goals, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help you level up your accountability and hit those 2025 milestones.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Why traditional goal-setting methods often fall short

[1:15] – The concept behind Vision Bingo and how we built it

[1:51] – Incentives that are keeping the team fired up and committed

[2:15] – The power of gamification: early results and team feedback

[2:51] – How we’re using Vision Bingo to realign focus when motivation dips

[3:10] – Balancing work, health, and personal growth in goal-setting

[3:27] – Invitation to join our growing team and apply the strategy yourself

Key Takeaways:

• Gamifying goal-setting keeps your team more engaged and focused for longer periods.

• Offering meaningful incentives can significantly boost commitment and progress.

• A well-rounded approach to goal-setting—including personal, health, and work-related targets—builds a stronger, more motivated team.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Thanks for tuning in! If you found value in today’s episode, I’d love it if you subscribed, rated, and reviewed the show. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and team members—let’s keep turning properties into profits together!

Hey guys, Michael here! In today’s Properties to Profits episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at a real challenge we’re facing this month — too many leads. Sounds like a great problem, right? Well, not exactly. I break down why having too many leads can actually hurt your sales performance if your team isn’t ready, and share the adjustments we’re making to fix it fast.

From dialing back marketing spend to jumping back on calls myself, I walk you through the strategy shifts we’re using to get back on track. Plus, if you’re an ambitious salesperson looking to make serious money, I’ve got an opportunity you’ll definitely want to hear about!

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] What happens when your sales team gets overwhelmed with too many leads

[1:03] The missed opportunity: 40 potential contracts but only 20 secured

[1:45] How lead overload causes salespeople to chase “easy” deals

[2:06] Our plan to cut marketing and balance lead flow

[2:45] Why I’m jumping back onto the phones to close deals personally

[3:24] Why dialing back spend can actually drive more profits

[4:09] How to diagnose a sales conversion problem vs. a lead problem

[4:26] Our training focus and why we’re hiring 3–5 new sales reps

3 Key Takeaways:

• Too many leads without the right systems and training can hurt your business, not help it.

• Scaling smart means balancing lead flow with your team’s real capacity to close deals.

• If your team isn’t converting at 1 in 10 or better on warm leads, it’s time to refocus on training and systems.

Links & Resources:

• Interested in joining our growing sales team? Apply now via the link below!

• Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Closing Thoughts:

Thanks for tuning into the Properties for Profit podcast! If you found this episode helpful, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who are growing their real estate businesses. Let’s keep turning properties into profits together!

Hey guys, Michael here! In this episode of the Properties to Profits podcast, I’m breaking down the latest numbers from the Columbus MLS for March — and let me tell you, things are shifting! Inventory is rising, sales are dipping, but surprisingly, prices are still climbing. What does this strange combo mean for real estate investors like us? I dive into the key stats, what they signal for our strategies, and how you can use this market mismatch to your advantage.

Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or buying rentals, now’s the time to sharpen your negotiation skills and find those motivated sellers. I share my best advice on navigating longer days on market, budgeting for extended holding costs, and spotting opportunity pockets before rates come down. Plus, if you’re ready to level up your real estate career, I’m growing my team — listen in for details!

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] Overview of the March Columbus market numbers: inventory up, sales down, prices rising

[1:21] Why many investors are sitting on the sidelines (and why that’s a good thing for action takers)

[2:07] Year-over-year closed sales and buyer activity breakdown

[3:02] What’s happening with median sales prices and price per square foot

[4:25] Jump in inventory and what it means for buyers and negotiators

[5:05] Strategies to take advantage of longer days on market

[6:14] How to spot undervalued properties and negotiate better deals

[7:21] Key tips for underwriting conservatively in today’s shifting market

[8:12] Exciting opportunity to join my growing real estate team!

3 Key Takeaways:

• Rising inventory and longer days on market are creating fresh negotiation opportunities for savvy investors.

• Despite slower sales, home prices are still inching up — smart underwriting and patience are critical right now.

• Acting quickly and strategically can give you a serious advantage before interest rates shift the market again.

Links & Resources:

• Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Closing Thoughts:

Thanks for tuning into the Properties for Profit podcast! If you found value in this breakdown, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show — and don’t forget to share it with other investors looking to sharpen their edge. Let’s keep turning properties into profits together!