Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin breaks down the exact goal-setting framework he uses to dominate each year — especially in tougher markets like we’re facing going into 2026.

Instead of vague resolutions or soft targets, Derek dives into the “More, Better, New” system, how to build a real buy box, why most goals fail, and how to create a plan you can actually execute on with discipline, clarity, and extreme ownership.

This episode blends personal story, practical systems, and investor-level strategy to help you level up your business, your mindset, and your results — whether you're flipping, wholesaling, lending, or building long-term wealth.

In this episode we cover:

🔥 Why 2026 requires higher standards, not more wishes
📦 How to build a Buy Box that removes emotion from investing
📈 Derek’s “More, Better, New” framework for setting smarter goals
🧠 Why vague goals fail — and how to avoid “new year burnout”
💼 The importance of discipline, cadence, and external accountability
❤️ Derek’s personal 2026 goals: family, health, business, and legacy
🔍 How to break big ambitions into weekly, executable actions
🏆 What it really takes to build a year you can win consistently

If you’re a real estate investor, business owner, agent, creator, or anyone who wants 2026 to be intentional and productive — this episode will help you build a plan worth following and a mindset capable of executing it.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!

LinkedIn (Derek): /derekmarlin
ELEVATION Website: https://elevationinvest.com

LinkedIn (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties
Instagram (ELEVATION): /elevationinvest
Facebook (ELEVATION): /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #GoalSetting2026 #RealEstateBusiness #InvestorMindset #MoreBetterNew #BuyBox #Discipline #FixAndFlip #BusinessPlanning #EntrepreneurLife #DenverRealEstate #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #WealthBuilding #SuccessHabits #MindsetMatters

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin sits down with Jesse from Indicate Capital — a seasoned lender with deep experience in construction, commercial mortgage banking, and private real estate finance.

Jesse breaks down how the capital stack really works, what today’s lending environment looks like, and the biggest mistakes investors make when structuring deals. From market insights to risk management, this episode is packed with real-world lessons that can help you fund smarter, negotiate better, and protect your profits.

In this episode we cover:
💰 How private lending works in today’s market
🏗️ What the “capital stack” actually is (and why it matters)
📉 Common mistakes flippers make with budgets + timelines
🏦 How Indicate Capital evaluates deals and manages risk
📈 What types of projects perform best under $1M right now
🧠 How better communication with lenders can save your deal

If you’re a real estate investor, flipper, agent, or anyone looking to understand how money flows through a deal, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to level up your investing strategy.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #PrivateLending #HardMoneyLoans #CapitalStack #RealEstateFinance #DealFunding #FlippingHouses #FixAndFlip #InvestorTips #BusinessStrategy #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #WealthBuilding #RealEstateTips #DenverRealEstate

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar!
In this episode, Derek Marlin recaps his biggest takeaways from EXPCON 2025 — where the top minds in real estate, investing, and entrepreneurship came together to share what’s working right now.

From agent growth and personal development to leadership and wealth-building strategies, Derek breaks down the mindset shifts and business moves that can help you level up in 2026.

In this episode we cover:
🏗️ Key themes and lessons from EXPCON 2025
💡 How top agents are scaling their teams and personal brands
📈 What’s changing in the real estate market heading into 2026
🧠 The importance of mindset, connection, and continuous learning
🔥 How to take inspiration and turn it into real business growth

If you’re a real estate agent, investor, or entrepreneur looking to sharpen your edge and elevate your business next year, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action right now.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #EXPCON2024 #AgentGrowth #MindsetMatters #RealEstateAgents #ScalingYourBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #Leadership #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar #BusinessStrategy #Networking #WealthBuilding #RealEstateTips #SuccessMindset

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with investor and developer Jordan Cunningham of Cunningham Invest. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real numbers behind his first big investment move — how he bought his primary home, turned it into a rental, and used equity and appreciation to scale into his next property.

We break down the exact figures, financing details, cash flow, and equity strategy that made this deal possible — so you can see how a smart first purchase can become a long-term wealth-building machine.

In this episode we cover:

📍 Purchase price, down payment, and loan structure
📈 Equity growth & how he leveraged it into the next property
💰 Rental income, cash flow, expenses, and returns
🔁 Why keeping the first home became his wealth foundation
🧠 The mindset & strategy behind the move-up investor path

If you're looking to start with your first home or want to understand how everyday buyers build long-term wealth through real estate, this episode gives you the blueprint — with real numbers.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!

Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

Hashtags

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #BRRRRStrategy #DenverRealEstate #HouseFlipping2025 #InvestmentMindset #ScalingYourBusiness #CunninghamInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #ElevationInvesting #EntrepreneurMindset #PassiveIncome #FirstTimeInvestor #RentalProperty #EquityStrategy

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, I’m joined by Jordan Cunningham, founder of Cunningham Invest, to talk all things fix and flip, BRRRR investing, and scaling a real estate business from the ground up. Jordan shares how he transitioned from the corporate world into full-time real estate — and the systems, mindset, and team structure that helped him build a thriving investment company.

Here’s what we cover:

• Jordan’s journey from side hustles to full-time investor
• How he finds and funds his deals in a competitive Denver market
• His strategy for balancing flips, rentals, and private lending
• Lessons learned from market shifts and tough renovations
• Tips for managing contractors and staying on budget
• How to build a team and create repeatable systems for growth
• The mindset shift that separates part-time flippers from pros

We also talk about the importance of mentorship, networking with integrity, and using data to make confident investment decisions in 2025’s evolving market.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #BRRRRStrategy #DenverRealEstate #HouseFlipping2025 #InvestmentMindset #ScalingYourBusiness #CunninghamInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #ElevationInvesting #EntrepreneurMindset #PassiveIncome

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics — a full deal analysis of a recent cosmetic flip in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I’m breaking down every number, decision, and lesson from this real project so you can see exactly what worked (and what didn’t) in today’s shifting market.

Here’s what I cover:

The property details and how we sourced the deal

Rehab scope: where we spent, where we saved, and what moved the needle on value

Financing and carrying cost breakdowns

How our pricing strategy evolved as the market shifted mid-flip

The final profit numbers — and the key lessons that will guide our next deal

Why design restraint and timeline management made all the difference

Tips for investors analyzing deals in the $600K–$900K price range in Denver

I also share behind-the-scenes insights into team coordination, contractor relationships, and how to stay disciplined when the market throws curveballs.

Coming up next: a full analysis of a flip that didn’t go as planned — plus lessons learned, and what we’re doing differently to adapt in 2025.

Connect with Derek Marlin and ELEVATION!
Derek on LinkedIn: /derekmarlin
ELEVATION’s website: https://elevationinvest.com

ELEVATION on LinkedIn: /elevationinvestmentproperties
ELEVATION on Instagram: /elevationinvest
ELEVATION on Facebook: /elevationinvestmentproperties

🎧 Subscribe to “Raising the Flipping Bar”
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3ByYmxv

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3WbUCeQ

📺 Watch on YouTube: /@elevationrealestateinvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #FixAndFlip #HouseFlipping2025 #DealAnalysis #WheatRidgeRealEstate #FlipBreakdown #ProfitMargins #DesignStrategy #MarketTrends #SmartInvesting #FlippingHouses #ElevationInvesting #RaisingTheFlippingBar

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually driving today’s real estate market — not predictions, not clickbait, but the real market movers.

I’m joined by special guest Rick “The Wizard”, one of Denver’s sharpest real estate minds, to unpack how interest rates, inventory, and buyer psychology are shaping 2025.

We dive into:

The two different markets we’re seeing — entry-level vs. luxury

Why this is not 2008 (and the data to prove it)

How “recency bias” is affecting both buyers and agents

The rise of builder inventory and what that means for investors

The power of perspective — and why normal doesn’t mean bad

Whether you’re an agent, investor, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening — and how to use it to your advantage.

Tune in, take notes, and let’s raise the flipping bar together.

WE ARE HIRING
Join Us at ELEVATION – Acquisitions Agent Role


I’ve got more off-market leads than my team can handle, and I’m looking for a hungry, driven Acquisitions Agent to step in and close. At ELEVATION, we’ll give you everything you need—consistent deal flow, training, and support. You bring the hustle, follow-up, and ability to turn conversations into contracts. This role should be a $250k+ first-year opportunity with big upside as we grow.



Here’s why this role is different:

Consistent off-market leads and deal flow (100+ per month!)

Rehab, transaction, and sales support so you can focus on closing

A team that values integrity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement

Listen to Raising The Flipping Bar Podcast for a detailed overview of this role.



If you’re competitive, coachable, and ready to chase deals, I want to hear from you.



👉Apply Now!

Learn more about this opportunity and see all the details here.



APPLY NOW
We’re not just closing deals — we’re building something bigger. Join a team that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates your wins. If you’re ready to level up your career in real estate, I’d love to talk.



Listen now on your favorite platform.
Connect with us:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

Website: elevationinvest.com

Instagram: @elevationinvest

YouTube: @ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateMarket #ElevationInvest #RaisingTheFlippingBar #RickTheWizard #RealEstateInvesting #MarketInsights #BusinessStrategy #EntrepreneurMindset #HousingMarket2025

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most fascinating business plays I’ve ever seen — Alex Hormozi’s $100M business model — and how we can apply it directly to real estate investing.

We’re talking about how Hormozi turned five years of focused work into $100M in a single week, and more importantly, how his principles around pricing, scaling, and building leverage can help you build a smarter, more profitable business.

I’ll walk you through what I learned from his $100M Offers, Leads, and Money Models playbooks — and how I’m using them right now inside ELEVATION to improve our operations, our team, and our results.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

The mindset and model behind Hormozi’s $100M empire

How “price anchoring” can be used in real estate offers and listings

Creating offers so good your clients or sellers would be crazy to say no

The 7 real estate business models you can focus on (and which ones actually work)

Why narrowing your focus is the fastest way to grow your business

How we’re building systems, leverage, and freedom using these same frameworks

If you’re an investor, agent, or entrepreneur who wants to stop working in the business and start working on it — this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and let’s raise the flipping bar together.

Connect with me and the ELEVATION team:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/derekmarlin

Website: elevationinvest.com

Instagram: @elevationinvest

YouTube: @ELEVATIONRealEstateInvesting

#RealEstateInvesting #AlexHormozi #BusinessStrategy #ElevationInvest #EntrepreneurMindset #WealthBuilding