The Grab the Map Podcast: Real Estate Investing Info and Advice for All of Us

John Crutchfield shares his experience and insights on owning hundreds of rental properties. The session covers key strategies for acquiring, funding, and managing rental properties. John explains the BRRRR strategy, shares his criteria for good deals, and emphasizes the importance of treating property investment like a business. He discusses marketinga techniques, the role of virtual assistants, and the significance of making quality deals over high volumes. Additionally, John provides practical advice on what to avoid when searching for deals and highlights the best ways to secure properties through buyer-first strategies. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Owning Rental Properties 01:23 My Journey in Real Estate Investing 02:05 Understanding the Burr Strategy 03:17 Defining a Good Deal 06:47 Treating Deal Finding as a Business 14:01 Effective Marketing Strategies 18:05 Choosing a Consistent Strategy 18:16 Networking and Social Media Strategies 18:46 Effective Communication with Sellers 19:01 Identifying Seller Motivation 19:40 Overestimating Repairs and Timelines 20:42 Real-Life Seller Example 22:46 Positioning Yourself as the Buyer 23:17 Making Offers that Solve Problems 24:39 Utilizing Virtual Assistants 25:59 Finding and Using Lists 26:44 How Not to Find Deals 31:45 Making Enough Offers 32:29 Bonus: Finding the Buyer First If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Ever wonder how investors make passive income without lifting a hammer? What if someone else handled the rehab, tenants, and headaches—and still paid you cash flow every month?In this episode of the Grab the Map podcast, host John Crutchfield interviews Terry and Liz from Mid South Home Buyers, a leading turnkey real estate company based in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations also in Little Rock, Arkansas. The discussion covers the company's approach to creating cash-flowing properties through extensive renovations and new constructions, their strategies for maintaining high resident retention, and how they provide value to investors. The episode also touches on the key benefits of investing in turnkey properties, the efficiencies in renovation and property management, and the unique guarantees Mid South Home Buyers offers to investors. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Grab the Map Podcast 00:36 Meet Mid South Home Buyers 01:23 Why Invest in Memphis and Little Rock Real Estate? 03:14 Renovation and Property Management Strategies 05:15 Efficiency in Renovation and Management 11:10 The Investment Process with Mid South Home Buyers 20:27 New Construction and Market Preferences 25:16 Final Thoughts and Business Philosophy Call to Action: If you're ready to start earning true passive income through high-quality, fully renovated rental properties—without the stress of managing contractors or tenants—check out Mid South Home Buyers. Visit https://midsouthhomebuyers.com/ to browse available properties, learn more about their guarantees, and take the first step toward building long-term wealth today. Interested to invest in real estate and make connections, shoot me an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/. Ready for more game-changing real estate insights? Subscribe to Grab the Map's YouTube channel now, and don't forget to hit the bell for notifications! https://www.youtube.com/@grabthemappodcast About Grab The Map: In the world of real estate, Grab the Map stands out as a beacon for those seeking the perfect rental property. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Grab the Map offers a diverse portfolio encompassing single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings. Each property is meticulously maintained, reflecting the high standards that define Grab the Map's reputation. What sets Grab the Map apart is its unwavering dedication to providing clean, affordable, and secure housing, welcoming individuals and families without credit score restrictions. Who Is The Man Behind Grab The Map? Meet Dr. John Crutchfield, a God-fearing, family-focused entrepreneur, and educator with a passion for coaching and mentoring others in the realms of educational leadership, business, real estate, and faith. Drawing from his experiences as both a school teacher and principal, Dr. Crutchfield deeply understands the transformative power of a high-quality education in expanding opportunities for all. Read Dr. John Crutchfield's Full Bio Here: https://grabthemap.com/my-story/ Follow Grab The Map: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grabthemapllc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grab_themap/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrabMap TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap

In this episode, Dr. John Crutchfield discusses strategies for attracting real estate deals, outlines a simple framework, and provides actionable advice to real estate investors. This episode covers attending conferences, joining groups, leveraging social media, and staying engaged with sellers. Dr. John emphasizes the importance of continuous conversations, knowing your customers, and exploring various lead generation strategies such as networking, paid marketing, and sweat equity. Real estate investors are given specific homework assignments to increase their deal flow and make more people aware of their investment activities. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Attracting Real Estate Deals 00:53 Current Strategies for Finding Deals 03:28 Importance of Seller Conversations 05:26 Expanding Your Network 11:11 Generating Leads: The Funnel Approach 15:39 Effective Lead Generation Strategies 18:10 Be Everywhere: Building Your Brand 21:50 Knowing Your Customer 27:33 Networking for Success 29:58 Overcoming Nervousness at Meetups 31:16 Paying for Leads: Strategies and Tips 33:12 Sweat Equity: Hands-On Approaches 35:06 Commitment to Generating Leads 40:08 Homework and Accountability 47:59 Leveraging Social Media for Real Estate 50:30 Meeting Logistics and Final Thoughts Key Takeaways: If you don't have deals, you likely don't have enough leads. Every successful investor has a lead generation system in place. Focus on attracting leads consistently — not chasing them occasionally. Let everyone — friends, family, agents, contractors — know you buy houses. Post regularly, talk about your deals, and brand yourself publicly. Quotes: "It's not about who you know. It's about who knows YOU." - Dr. John Crutchfield “You can't get to the money without leads.” - Dr. John Crutchfield “If nobody knows you buy houses, don't be surprised when no one sends you deals.” - Dr. John Crutchfield If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

In this episode, the focus is on the key questions to ask when conversing directly with sellers about property sales. It provides a comprehensive list of questions designed to gauge seller motivation, understand property conditions, and establish a connection with the seller. The script also includes practical advice on how and when to sprinkle these questions into a conversation to avoid sounding overly scripted. Real-world examples, including phone call recordings, demonstrate how to effectively use these questions in practice. The episode also touches on the importance of being willing to call sellers and the psychological aspects of handling rejections in sales. Additionally, there are tips on how to conduct online research to gather preliminary information before making a call. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Seller Conversations 01:24 Overcoming the Fear of Rejection 02:58 The Story of Deshawna Barber 04:05 Key Questions to Ask Sellers 05:17 Understanding Seller Motivation 05:30 Evaluating Property Condition 09:41 Managing Seller Interactions 18:19 Live Seller Calls 21:10 Technical Difficulties and Dialing Errors 21:32 First Seller Call 22:34 Analyzing the First Seller Call 23:25 Second Seller Call 26:16 Analyzing the Second Seller Call 28:23 Market Research and Property Analysis 32:57 Concluding Remarks and Next Steps Actionable Takeaways: · Get Comfortable Hearing "No": Success in real estate starts with overcoming the fear of rejection. Train yourself to expect and embrace hearing “no” multiple times before getting a “yes.” · Ask Motivational Questions, Not Just Property Details: Go beyond basic info—ask “Why are you selling?” or “What will you do with the money?” to uncover the seller's true motivation. · Use FaceTime or Video Tours When Possible: Instead of relying only on verbal descriptions, ask the seller if they can walk you through the property virtually. This reveals more than words can. · Sprinkle Questions Naturally: Don't read from a script. Let the conversation flow and listen actively—many of your key questions will be answered if you simply allow the seller to talk. · Know When to Pause and Follow Up: If you're unsure or need more time, say, “I think I have enough information for now—can I call you back?” It's more professional than winging it with uncertain answers. Quotes: • "If you're not hearing nos, you're probably not hearing yeses either." - Dr. John Crutchfield • "No comes in a lot of different forms." - Dr. John Crutchfield • "If you can find out why they're selling, you can get to who can help them." - Dr. John Crutchfield If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Join John Crutchfield as he delves into the crucial mindset needed to succeed in real estate investing. In this episode of the Grab the Map podcast, he shares his personal journey from a school principal to a thriving real estate investor, emphasizing the importance of how one responds to failure. Learn the key activities for real estate success, such as making offers and networking, and discover practical tips to avoid common pitfalls. If you're ready to transform your approach to failure and start achieving your investment goals, this episode is a must-watch. Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Investing Mindset 01:46 Understanding the Fear of Failure04:45 The Importance of Doing the Work 14:26 Practical Tips for Scheduling and Tracking Work 26:04 Learning from Mistakes and Partnering Up 33:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Actionable Takeaways: • Schedule Dedicated Work Time: Block out specific hours in your calendar exclusively for real estate investing activities, eliminating distractions and treating it like a serious business commitment. • Track Offer Metrics: Start counting and tracking the number of offers you make daily/weekly. Begin with 1-5 offers per day and gradually increase to 50-100 offers, understanding that consistent offer-making leads to opportunities. • Surround Yourself with Active Investors: Join local real estate meetups, Facebook groups, or networking events where active investors gather. Spend time with people who are consistently doing real estate deals to motivate and learn from their experiences. • Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Keep a journal documenting your mistakes and failures. Analyze patterns, make adjustments, and view each setback as a chance to refine your investment strategy and criteria. • Commit to Continuous Learning: Invest in real estate education through books, coaching programs, courses, and podcasts. Prioritize learning, but balance education with taking action - start making calls and offers while simultaneously expanding your knowledge. Quotes: • "If you do the work right, long enough, there is no such thing as failure." • "Your failure didn't come from doing the work. Your failure came from not doing the work." • "The greatest feeling comes when you keep doing the work and then you finally get the result and you're like, wait. So I worked for a whole month, and I couldn't find a deal, but then I got the deal on the last day of the month, and a $0 month turned into a $30,000 month." • "I have lost millions of dollars in real estate investing in order to make millions of dollars in real estate investing." • "When you make a mistake, that is the pathway to getting to your own success." • “If you make the same mistakes repeatedly, you will get the same results repeatedly, and it's likely that you'll give up before you have an opportunity to get to success in real estate." If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Join John Crutchfield, a seasoned real estate investor and former educator, as he provides a comprehensive guide on how to start investing in real estate from scratch. John shares his personal journey from having limited funds and credit to owning hundreds of homes and various commercial properties. He outlines three essential elements needed for success: time, money, or experience. Through his detailed discussion, John also emphasizes the importance of creating a consistent schedule, focusing on income-producing activities, changing your social circle to include more investors, and effectively making offers. Whether you're new to real estate investing or looking for a fresh perspective, this video offers valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed in the industry. Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Investing 01:05 My Journey into Real Estate 04:34 The Importance of Time, Money, and Experience 15:25 Making a Schedule for Success 26:00 Focusing on Income Producing Activities 29:14 The Importance of a Supportive Network 31:43 Focusing on Income-Producing Activities 32:24 Tracking Your Progress 11:03 Changing Your Circle for Success 41:30 Effective Real Estate Strategies 48:35 Making Offers and Closing Deals 53:29 Final Thoughts and Getting Started Actionable Takeaways: · Create a structured daily schedule for real estate investing, blocking out specific hours (e.g., 8am-12pm) dedicated to income-producing activities like prospecting calls, networking, and making offers. · Track and measure your real estate activities: Count the number of seller calls, offers made, networking events attended, and social media engagements to ensure you're taking consistent action. · Audit your current circle of influence - intentionally seek out and connect with active real estate investors through meetups, Facebook groups, or by hosting your own networking events. · Develop a habit of making multiple offers weekly, focusing on properties with clear owner or property problems that create motivation to sell at a lower price. · Ask yourself daily: "How many sellers have I talked to in the last seven days?" and "How many offers have I made this week?" to maintain accountability and momentum. Quotes: 1. "You cannot grow your bank account being tied to broke people." 2. "If you're passionate about something and excited about something, you put as much time into it as possible. You put as much of your money into it as possible." 3. "Momentum comes when you start actually doing deals. Momentum comes from doing the work." If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Join John Crutchfield on the Grab the Map podcast as he interviews Michael Hoang, a real estate investor who retired from his W2 job to pursue full time real estate investing. In this episode, Michael shares his unique story of taking his wife's last name, his journey in real estate through house hacking, and retiring early. Michael discusses his strategies for finding and securing deals, the importance of mentorship, and how direct-to-seller marketing has helped him capture equity. He also offers insights into personal growth, work-life balance, and networking in real estate. Whether you're new to investing or looking for advanced strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Don't forget to reach out to Michael via his contact information if you have questions or deals you'd like to discuss! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Michael Hoang 00:43 Michael's Unique Last Name Story 01:57 Diving into Real Estate Investing 04:56 House Hacking Explained 11:35 Scaling Up: From House Hacking to Multiple Properties 19:57 Direct to Seller Marketing Strategies 22:05 The Importance of Mentorship 27:13 Current Real Estate Deals and Future Plans 31:33 How Real Estate Changed Michael's Life 32:54 Conclusion and Contact Information Here are 5 actionable takeaways from the podcast episode: • Reach out to Michael Hoang directly by texting him at 832-301-9672 to ask real estate questions or discuss potential deals in the Houston area. • Join Michael's free Facebook group "New Beacon with Michael Hoang" to connect with him and access additional real estate resources. Consider implementing a "house hacking" strategy by living in a multi-unit property and renting out the additional units to offset your mortgage. • Seek out mentorship from active real estate investors and lenders in your local market to accelerate your learning and investing journey. • Evaluate your current expenses and debt-to-income ratio to identify opportunities to free up capital that could be invested in real estate. Quotes: • "Money is not the issue. It's the deals that are the issue. The opportunities are amazing." • "You've got money. You've got all the money in the world you could ever want. Go to a meetup. Everyone there has money." • "Pick what you have, what you can best offer, and partner for the other two. It is a team sport." • "Every real estate deal happens with three ingredients - somebody's time, somebody's knowledge, and somebody's capital." • "If your car was paid off and you had no cost of living, how much money do you really have every month? You have a lot of money." How to get in touch with Michael Hoang:Personal Phone Number: 832-301-9672 (text first before calling) Michael's Instagram handle: @michaelbesomeoneMichael's Facebook group: New Beacon with Michael Hoang If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

In this episode, podcast host and real estate investor, John Crutchfield discusses three critical measurements for property owners to track: vacancy rates, rent collection, and maintenance costs. By effectively managing these factors, you can maximize profitability and minimize losses in your real estate business. The speaker provides practical tips and techniques to reduce vacancy, ensure timely rent collection, and handle maintenance efficiently. Whether you are a seasoned investor or new to the business, these insights can help improve your asset management strategies. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Key Measurements for Asset Owners 01:44 Understanding and Managing Vacancy 07:11 Effective Rent Collection Strategies 09:49 Tracking Maintenance Costs and Response Times 12:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Takeaways: ·Closely track your vacancy rate, including both physical vacancies and non-paying tenants. Implement strategies to minimize vacancy, such as proactive advertising and strict collection processes. ·Meticulously monitor rent collection as a percentage of expected revenue. Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly trends to identify issues early and take corrective action. ·Be responsive to maintenance requests, especially for emergency repairs. Track maintenance costs and tenant satisfaction to prevent properties from becoming financial liabilities. ·Communicate clear expectations to tenants about maintenance response times, particularly for cosmetic vs. urgent repairs. This can help manage tenant satisfaction. ·Continuously review your real estate investment metrics and make adjustments to improve profitability and tenant retention. If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com.

In this podcast episode, John Crutchfield discusses the crucial mindset shift needed to transition from hustling to building a sustainable business. Highlighting a story about a coaching student, the episode emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, long-term goals, and patience in business growth. The speaker advises listeners to seek guidance from proven entrepreneurs and avoid misleading social media influences, sharing insights on preparing for investment opportunities and the bumpy yet rewarding road to financial freedom. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 00:21 The Importance of Mindset 01:14 From Hustling to Business Growth 02:25 Strategic Planning for Business Success 04:11 Patience and Long-Term Thinking 06:03 Building Quality Relationships 06:44 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 07:43 Conclusion: Change Your Mindset, Change Your Life Key Takeaways: • Recognize the difference between being a "hustler" and being a strategic business owner. Hustlers grind and make things happen, but business owners have a long-term plan and focus on building a brand and reputation. • Set clear goals for where you want your business to be in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years. Align your daily actions to work towards those long-term goals. • Be patient and understand that the path from "bondage to freedom" is not linear - it will have ups and downs, aches and pains, worries and triumphs. Don't rush the process. • Focus on building quality relationships and partnerships, not just one-time transactions. Think about how to serve your customers/clients repeatedly over the long-term. • Be cautious about following everyone on social media who is trying to sell you something. Look for entrepreneurs who are actually doing the business they claim and are transparent about their performance. If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/http://grabthemap.com/.

In this episode of the Grab the Map podcast, host John Crutchfield welcomes Darrien Linton, a distinguished real estate deal maker from Lee County, Mississippi. Darrien shares his journey from his passion for cooking to becoming a successful real estate wholesaler. They dive into practical strategies like driving for dollars, contacting property owners, and analyzing deals. Darrien provides valuable insights into the grind of finding deals, building buyer relationships, and the rewarding aspects of closing deals. If you're looking for actionable advice to enhance your real estate investing journey, this episode is packed with essential tips. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:40 Darrien Linton's Background and Journey into Real Estate 03:46 First Real Estate Deal and Overcoming Initial Challenges 06:17 Networking and Finding Opportunities 08:30 Driving for Dollars: A Unique Strategy 13:26 Analyzing Deals and Understanding Buyer Needs 17:06 The Value of Full Price Offers 17:48 Finding Buyers and Social Media Influence 18:27 Strategies for Identifying Property Owners 20:20 Motivation and the Grind of Real Estate 21:39 Memorable Deals and Long-Term Efforts 24:34 Current Goals and Future Plans 26:09 The Importance of Talking to Sellers 29:23 Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges 30:43 Family Motivation and Final Thoughts Here are 5 actionable takeaways from this episode: • Consistently talk to sellers and buyers to build your real estate deal pipeline. Darrien emphasized the importance of having conversations with people to find opportunities. • Look for signs of distressed or vacant properties in neighborhoods, such as missing trash cans or overgrown yards, and follow up with the owners. • Leverage tools like LandGlide to research property ownership and find contact information for potential sellers. • Build relationships with active real estate investors in your target areas to understand their buying criteria and what they are willing to pay. • Stay motivated and disciplined when working for yourself. Darrien shared how he maintains a positive mindset and doesn't let setbacks derail him. If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/. Connect with Darrien Linton on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darrien.linton

In this episode of Grab The Map Podcast, John Crutchfield, the owner of Grab The Map Properties, discusses three real estate investment deals encountered in the first week of 2025. The deals feature various scenarios, including a distress sale from a jailed seller in need of bond money, a property in Amarillo with a tenant issue, and a subject-to sale in Fort Worth. John explains how his team addressed each situation, the financials involved, and the strategies used to turn these properties into profitable investments. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of identifying motivated sellers and offers information on a 90-day challenge and coaching for aspiring real estate investors. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Grab The Map Podcast 00:59 Deal One: Jailhouse Distress Property 02:43 Deal Two: Amarillo Tenant Challenge 04:54 Deal Three: Fort Worth Subject-To Deal 06:42 Conclusion and Opportunities Key Takeaways: · Actively look for motivated sellers facing property or personal distress (e.g. sellers in jail, with tenants, needing cash quickly) and structure deals to solve their problems. · Leverage creative financing strategies like subject-to offers and lease-options to acquire properties with little upfront capital. · Implement a consistent lead generation system, like cold calling for-sale-by-owner properties, to uncover off-market opportunities. · Consider running your own 90-day real estate investing challenge to learn strategies and build accountability with others. · Reach out to the podcast host for potential coaching or mentorship to get guidance on building your own successful real estate investing business. If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Join host John Crutchfield as he reintroduces the Grab the Map podcast with a focus on real estate investing basics and actionable strategies. In this episode, John shares his journey in real estate, discusses buying properties that need work or have motivated sellers, and provides essential tips for real estate success: adding value, prioritizing location, and buying right. Tune in weekly for expert advice, guest interviews, and all things related to real estate investment strategies and building long-term wealth. Podcast Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Grab the Map 00:13 Meet Your Host, John Crutchfield 00:35 Connecting with Us Online 01:00 Real Estate Investing Journey 03:02 Rebooting the Podcast: Back to Basics 05:29 Core Principle: Adding Value 08:33 Core Principle: Location Matters 11:19 Core Principle: Buying Right 13:51 The Importance of Doing the Work 14:56 Conclusion and Call to Action If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

In this episode, I share my journey from being a principal in Mississippi to becoming a thriving real estate investor. I open up about the challenges I faced—working long hours as a principal, dealing with financial struggles despite earning a doctorate, and the pivotal moment that pushed me to explore real estate investment. I talk about how I got started with seller financing, the ups and downs of acquiring rental properties, and how strategic flips helped me sustain and grow my business. Along the way, I learned the critical importance of having fast cash, finding the right balance between liquidity and equity, and navigating financial crises with resilience. This episode is all about the realities of real estate investing—what it takes, the lessons I've learned, and how I've turned challenges into opportunities. If you're curious about the highs and lows of this journey, I think you'll find my story inspiring and insightful. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Guest 00:43 From Education to Real Estate 03:56 Early Real Estate Ventures 06:19 Challenges and Lessons Learned 13:13 Scaling Up and Market Realities 17:40 Current Strategies and Advice 25:47 Flipping vs. Holding: A Strategic Decision 26:34 Addiction to Revenue Growth 27:07 Maximizing Rental Income 28:22 The Reality of Equity and Liquidity 28:57 Navigating Financial Challenges 30:34 The Importance of Cash Reserves 31:25 Lessons from Market Cycles 32:34 Debt Structuring and Bank Relations 35:44 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Investing 50:54 The Value of Relationships and Health Key Takeaways: • Resilience in Transition: Moving from education to real estate required overcoming long hours, financial struggles, and a mindset shift to seize new opportunities. • Strategic Financing: Starting with seller financing and understanding the balance between liquidity and equity proved essential for sustainable growth. • Cash Reserves Are Key: Maintaining cash reserves is crucial for weathering financial challenges and navigating market cycles. • Flipping vs. Holding: Knowing when to flip properties versus holding them for rental income is vital for maximizing returns and building long-term wealth. • Relationships Matter: Strong connections with lenders, sellers, and peers are invaluable in creating opportunities and sustaining success. If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you tired of the "get rich slow" approach to real estate investing? Frustrated by the high costs and barriers to entry that come with traditional rental properties? Longing for the financial freedom and flexibility to spend more time with your loved ones? In this eye-opening episode, host John Crutchfield sits down with Grant Shipman, a real estate investor who has cracked the code on a unique strategy called "co-living" that allowed him to achieve financial freedom in just 15 months. Grant went from delivering pizzas and renting a room to having a $2 million net worth - all by tapping into the power of co-living real estate. He breaks down exactly how co-living works, the benefits it offers both investors and tenants, and how it can be leveraged to scale your portfolio much faster than traditional rental strategies. If you're ready to explore a path to true financial freedom, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could change the trajectory of your real estate journey. Grab a pen and paper - you're going to want to take notes as Grant shares his proven system for creating passive income and living life on your own terms through co-living real estate. Podcast Show notes: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:41 Grant Shipman's Real Estate Journey 02:06 Discovering Co-Living Real Estate 03:53 The Co-Living Concept Explained 05:04 Benefits and Success of Co-Living 10:36 Qualifying a Property for Co-Living 15:12 Inside a Co-Living Space 18:22 Tenant Benefits and Investor Returns 18:57 Introduction to House Hacking 20:03 Beyond House Hacking: A Personal Story 21:58 The Power of Co-Living 23:22 Scaling with Co-Living 24:49 Current Real Estate Deals 26:07 Resources for Aspiring Investors 29:30 The Impact of Financial Freedom 32:50 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Key Takeaways: • Explore the power of co-living real estate to achieve financial freedom faster than traditional rental strategies. This unique approach can generate 5-6x the rental income of a single-family home. • Identify the key criteria for a successful co-living property, including size, layout, and location. Look for 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom homes in desirable neighborhoods that can be rented out by the room. • Leverage a "beyond house hacking" strategy to rapidly scale your co-living portfolio, potentially buying a new property every 3-6 months. This can allow you to achieve a high cash-on-cash return in the first year. Key Quotes: • "This is the number one in-demand rental real estate, if that's your thing, and it got me from delivering Domino's Pizza and renting a room to financial freedom." • "With co-living, you can literally close on a house-hacked house every week of the year, if you want." • "If you are on fire for financial freedom because of what it will get you, that is true. But even go further, the biggest thing I found with financial freedom is how it sets you free to love." • "Investors get way more, and renters save a ton of money." • "This is housing, because there's a lot of people who don't have family or others to live with, but they would love to live in a nice house." • "I got financial freedom in 15 months. That's ridiculous, right? But it's just because co-living is what people want." Resources Mentioned: http://livingsmithpro.com/grabthemap/ - for listeners to access to a free book, training, and consultation opportunity to dive deeper into Grant's co-living real estate expertise. Grant Shipman's Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/grantshipman/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantshipman/ Website: Livingsmith - https://livingsmithpro.com/ If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email at grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you struggling to navigate the ever-changing real estate landscape? Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of investing in rental properties? In this episode of the Grab the Map podcast, host John Crutchfield sits down with seasoned real estate investor Arn Cenedella to uncover the secrets to building wealth through multifamily investing. Arn shares his personal journey, from single-family homes to large-scale multifamily properties, and reveals the strategies he's used to mitigate risk and achieve long-term success. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you take your real estate investing to the next level. Tune in and discover the keys to unlocking your financial freedom through smart, strategic real estate investments. [00:00] Introduction and Podcast Overview: John introduces the Grab the Map podcast and encourages listeners to subscribe, like, and review the show. [02:19] Arn's Journey into Real Estate: Arn shares his background, starting as a middle-class American kid with a master's in physical chemistry. He discusses his transition from a research scientist to a real estate investor, influenced by his father's experience as a residential broker and single-family home investor. A [03:58] The Shift to Multifamily: Arn elaborates on his decision to move from single-family to multifamily real estate, highlighting the social and team aspects of multifamily investing. [06:39] Team Dynamics and Skill Sets: Arn describes his team, including Brian Walsh, who handles asset operations, and Dan, a spreadsheet geek with a background as a CFO. He highlights his role in networking, deal hunting, and bringing people together, and explains the complementary skill sets of the team members. [08:37] Risk Mitigation in Real Estate Investing: John appreciates Arn's ability to attract investors and mitigate risk in projects. Arn discusses his old-school approach to real estate investing, emphasizing capital preservation, fixed-rate debt, and low leverage. [11:21] Long-Term Investment Strategy: John and Arn discuss the importance of a long-term investment strategy, especially in a five-year journey for real estate and rental properties. Arn reflects on the low interest rates of 2018-2020 and the need for good operational skills in a normal market. He advises starting small with rental properties and gradually scaling up to larger investments. [15:13] Social Media and Networking: John shares his experience with social media and LinkedIn for networking and meeting other real estate entrepreneurs. He discusses the challenges of courses and programs designed to generate revenue for gurus rather than delivering long-term results. [16:37] Current Deals and Investment Opportunities: Arn shares details about a current deal under contract in Greenville, a sub-50 unit property with potential for long-term growth. He also discusses recent closings on new build duplexes in Greenville, with a focus on long-term value and cash flow. [20:11] Contact Information and Closing Remarks: Arn provides his contact information and details about his social media presence and website. Key Takeaways: 1. Prioritize capital preservation, fixed-rate debt, and low leverage when investing in real estate. 2. Build a strong team with complementary skill sets to handle the various aspects of real estate investing. 3. Start small and gradually scale up your investments to gain experience and minimize risk. 4. Utilize social media and networking to connect with other real estate entrepreneurs and find investment opportunities. 5. Focus on long-term value and cash flow rather than chasing short-term gains. Key Quotes: "I'm kind of more a social person. Also wanted to return to the Bay Area where I grew up and most of my life, and oh, my dad. My dad said, come on now, get your license, and I'll put you to work." "My superpower is networking, hunting deals, bringing people together, talking to investors." "If you can ride through that, I promise you, the value of all the real estate you own five years from now is going to be more." Links Mentioned: Arn Cenedella's Socials: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arn.cenedella LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arncenedella/ Website: Spark Investment Group - investwithspark.com If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you struggling to scale your real estate investing business? Feeling stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations and unable to break through to the next level? In this eye-opening episode, we chat with Justin Oldham, a real estate investor from Tulsa, Oklahoma who is part of the Spark Equity Group. Justin shares his incredible journey from being an aircraft mechanic to becoming a real estate entrepreneur closing 60-100 deals per year. The conversation dives deep into how Justin and his team are able to achieve such high volume, the key components of their team structure, and the mindset and systems that allow them to scale. Tune in to discover the strategies and tactics that are working for Justin and his team. 01:01 Justin Oldham's Background and Business Overview 01:57 Social Media and Networking Impact 04:35 Spark Equity Group and Business Operations 06:47 Justin's Journey Before Spark Homes 14:16 Team Structure and Roles 20:10 Exit Strategies and Market Adaptation 25:32 Cash Flow Management and Business Sustainability 27:21 Controlling Business Expenses 29:18 Marketing Strategies for Real Estate 31:49 Cold Calling and Lead Generation 34:50 Managing Overhead and Team Structure 41:07 Expanding to New Markets 47:41 Final Thoughts and Advice Actionable Takeaways Surround yourself with the right team members who are driven, ambitious, and aligned with your vision. Set aggressive, measurable goals for your business and hold yourself accountable to them. Focus on volume and scaling rather than maximizing profit per deal. Leverage systems and processes like Traction to streamline your operations and drive consistent growth. Key Quotes: “If you're not aiming something, you're never going to hit it or even come close. So obviously, in single family, you have two options. In my opinion, it's either be a volume person or be a single operator, and you're doing those five flips." “I don't really plan to steer my course away from this for a while. I would love to see this business become sustainable without me. You know, I haven't got it to that point where I feel comfortable where the famous quote, four hour workweek kind of thing, when it gets to that point.” “I think, it'll free up that thinker's mindset. And I'll be able to do a little bit more planning, and what's next. I think for me, I'm I'm pretty happy where I'm at. I enjoy what I do, single family. It's fun. It's bread and butter." Links Mentioned: Spark Equity Group: https://www.facebook.com/SparkEquityGroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.oldham.5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinoldham_/ If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you tired of the traditional financial advice that just doesn't seem to be moving the needle? Do you feel like you're stuck in the rat race, no matter how hard you work? If so, you're not alone. In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Curtis May, the host of the Practical Wealth Show podcast and the founder of Practical Wealth Solutions. Curtis is a self-proclaimed "anti-Wall Street financial advisor" who has dedicated his career to helping people achieve work-optional income and financial freedom.In this conversation, Curtis shares his personal journey, from realizing the NBA wasn't in his future to discovering the power of the "velocity method" of personal finance. 01:18 - Curtis May's background and journey to becoming a financial educator 04:39 - Differences between Curtis's approach and traditional financial advice (e.g., Dave Ramsey) 08:29 - The importance of cash flow control and the "velocity method" of personal finance 0:11:33 - Leveraging real estate vs. investing in the stock market 12:33 - Why following the crowd is a recipe for financial disaster 14:02 - The five principles of personal finance: saving, protection, maximizing protection, liquidity, and velocity 23:14 - How Curtis works with clients to improve their financial efficiency and achieve their goals 31:44 - How to connect with Curtis May and access his resources Actionable Takeaways: Conduct a Cash Flow Audit: Analyze your current cash flow by tracking what's coming in and what's going out. Identify areas where you can optimize and keep more of your money working for you. Assess Your Insurance Coverage: Review your liability, homeowner's, and disability insurance policies to ensure you have adequate protection. Implement an umbrella policy to safeguard your real estate assets. Explore Infinite Banking: Look into the concept of "privatized banking" or infinite banking as a strategy to store your liquidity and leverage your own capital for real estate investments. Continuously Expand Your Knowledge: Commit to reading 10-15 pages per day on topics related to real estate investing, economics, and personal finance. Seek out educational resources that challenge your assumptions. Build a Diversified Network: Identify professionals in your network (e.g., lenders, attorneys, property managers) who can help you access private capital and uncover new investment opportunities. Key Quotes: “Investing is not about buying something, it's really about becoming so if you're going to do this, you got to want to learn to become a real investor, right? A person that takes control, that wants control of their money, their personal economy, call it” "The numbers tell a story, and so you need to know your story. That's what a game is, won and lost. That when money hit your account, what do you do with it?" “I want you to leave with this is not what you earn, is what you keep, and how hard it worked for you. So I would work on keeping more of it. And if you need help with keeping more of it, reach out.” Links Mentioned: Curtis May's website: https://www.practicalwealth.net/ Text "millionaire" to 833-442-0250 to receive a report on how to build wealth like Arnold Schwarzenegger Text "infinite real estate" to 833-442-0250 to receive a free report on infinite banking in real estate If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you a real estate investor struggling to scale your business and build a reliable team? In this episode, we chat with Scott Selverian, the Head of Customer Success at Sierra Interactive, a leading real estate technology company. Scott has over 18 years of experience in the real estate industry, navigating the ups and downs of the market, from residential to commercial properties. Scott shares his journey, from being a real estate agent to a passive investor and now a technology leader, and how he's been able to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry. He'll dive into the challenges of building a team, raising capital, and finding the right investment opportunities, as well as his insights on the current market trends and where he sees the future of real estate technology. Tune in and learn how to scale your operations, streamline your processes, and create a sustainable, profitable real estate empire. [01:26] Scott is a seasoned real estate professional with over 18 years of experience in the industry. He has navigated the ups and downs of the market, from residential to commercial properties, and now works as the Head of Customer Success at Sierra Interactive, a leading real estate technology company. [01:37] In the past, Scott has been involved in a variety of investment deals, including syndications and debt deals. However, he has found that he prefers the equity side of the business, where he can have more control over the investments and the returns. [02:02] After years of working as a real estate agent, Scott transitioned into the technology side of the industry. He now works for Sierra Interactive, a software platform that provides real estate agents with tools to showcase MLS properties, create a personal brand, and automate their lead generation and follow-up processes. [06:55] While Scott is open to exploring various asset classes, he has a particular interest in self-storage, residential, and multifamily properties. His strategy often involves identifying distressed properties that he can acquire, renovate, and then either flip or hold as rental properties. Quotes: I think I've learned, definitely learned some lessons over the past couple years that has educated me to vet the partners even more than I thought I was. I'm a pretty trusting guy to begin with, and I think I vet people pretty well. I think I could probably do a better job of that. I think what I'd like to start doing is getting more into the equity game. And if I need to put money in on my own, I can do that to a certain extent, to be able to offer that capital, up to your point is the value add type deals where I can get all or brought in that capital back, but stay in the deal on a capsule basis, and things like that. I haven't looked at anything in a while. It's either reconnecting with people that I talked to in the past, or starting to connect with new people. Because I think that is the basis and the foundation of everything, Links Mentioned: Sierra Interactive website: https://www.sierrainteractive.com/ If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost http://grabthemap.com/.

Are you tired of the hands-on hassle of managing single-family rentals or small multifamily properties? Frustrated by the challenges of finding the right partners and scaling your real estate business? In this episode of Grab the Map podcast, we invited Denis Shapiro, Managing partner of SIH Capital Group, a real estate investor and author with a unique and inspiring story. Shapiro's journey from single-family rentals to large-scale commercial deals in affordable housing and hospitality makes him especially qualified to share insights on building a successful, passive real estate portfolio. From navigating the challenges of managing properties yourself to the art of cultivating strategic partnerships, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you take your real estate business to new heights. Are you ready to unlock the secrets to scaling your real estate portfolio through passive investments? Dive into this conversation with Denis Shapiro and discover how you can achieve your goals while freeing up your time and energy. [01:12] Denis Shapiro discusses his book "The Alternative Investment Almanac" which covers his experiences investing in a variety of asset classes, with a focus on commercial real estate. [02:28] Denis started with single-family rentals but quickly realized he didn't want to manage them himself. He then transitioned into more passive, alternative investments before becoming more actively involved in real estate syndications and joint ventures. This pivot allowed him to leverage the expertise of larger teams and focus on his strengths. [04:52] Denis explains how larger multifamily and hospitality deals allow him to leverage the skills of a larger team, rather than trying to manage everything himself in a smaller portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks that don't align with his strengths, such as branding and marketing for his hospitality properties. [06:24] Denis emphasizes the importance of taking the time to vet potential partners, building genuine relationships, and going through a "dating" period before committing to a formal partnership. [09:02] Denis' affordable housing investment strategy: He focuses on 50+ unit properties in the Northeast, targeting the second 15-year compliance period to take advantage of built-in appreciation. Denis explains how the affordable housing model, with its tax credits and subsidies, can provide a path to owning a free-market apartment building at a discounted price. [11:12] Denis' approach to risk and returns: He prefers a slower, steadier approach with 10-year holds and fixed-rate financing, rather than chasing aggressive returns. Denis contrasts his strategy with the higher-risk, variable-loan deals that promise outsized returns but can be vulnerable to rising interest rates and economic downturns. [17:36] Building a valuable network: Denis shares tips for using LinkedIn, attending local meetups, and cultivating quarterly check-in calls to develop meaningful relationships in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of taking the time to truly understand someone's skills and character before considering a partnership. [22:26] Prioritizing health and work-life balance: Shapiro discusses the importance of making his personal health and family a top priority, even as his business has grown. He shares how he has restructured his schedule to ensure he can maintain a healthy lifestyle and be present for his loved ones. Here are actionable takeaways from this episode: · Evaluate your current real estate investment strategy - Are you stuck managing too many hands-on properties? Consider transitioning to larger, more scalable deals that allow you to leverage the expertise of a team. · Prioritize building genuine relationships before pursuing partnerships - Take the time to vet potential partners, test their trustworthiness, and ensure you're aligned on values and long-term goals before committing to a joint venture. · Explore the affordable housing investment model - Shapiro's strategy of targeting properties in the second compliance period can provide built-in appreciation and a path to owning free-market apartment buildings at a discount. · Invest in your health and work-life balance - Follow Shapiro's example and make your personal wellbeing a top priority, even as your real estate business grows. Restructure your schedule to ensure you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Quotes: • "If you have a good relationship with someone who is ethical, hardworking, doesn't put a lot of leverage on the deal, the returns will follow." • "Commercial real estate can be incredibly forgiving, as long as you can hold on to that property." • "The larger deals allow us to leverage the skill sets of a larger team versus everything on me." • "Usually we're very careful about adding partners, because partners can 10x your business, and then they could bring down your business pretty quickly." • "If you're blinded by like, heavy numbers and quick, hey, this is going to 2x in five years, you're probably not the right investor for us." • "If you connect with anybody on LinkedIn, please don't use a generic message that a virtual assistant would say, like, I've been super disappointed sometimes, where I would connect with someone and they respond by a asking me if I'm in real estate, like question mark, which is, like, extremely frustrating." Links Mentioned: · Denis Shapiro's website: SIH Capital Group · Denis Shapiro's email: denis@sihcapitalgroup.com · Denis Shapiro's book: The Alternative Investment Almanac If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost https://grabthemap.com/.

Are you a new real estate investor struggling to navigate the current market conditions? Feeling frustrated by rising interest rates, low inventory, and uncertainty about the future? In this episode, multi-family entrepreneur Neal Bawa shares insights on navigating the challenging real estate market, emphasizing the importance of being data-driven and understanding long-term trends in rents and inflation. He also offers practical advice on leveraging data and building a successful investment strategy in today's environment. Tune in as Neal provides a blueprint for building a successful real estate investing business. [01:40] Neal shares his journey into real estate investing, starting with a successful tech career and a desire to find a solution to the significant tax burden he was facing as a high-income earner in California. He explains how he dove into the world of multi-family properties and became a savvy syndicator, building a portfolio worth over $700 million. [04:25] Neal emphasizes the importance of understanding tax percentages and keeping more of your income, rather than focusing on your gross income. He explains that the only number that matters is the amount you keep after taxes, and that investors should always be thinking about how to maximize that percentage. [06:16] Neal provides practical advice for new investors on navigating the current real estate market. He discusses the challenges facing new investors, such as rising interest rates and low inventory, and highlights the opportunities presented by the current market conditions. Neal encourages investors to think independently and not follow the herd mentality that often dominates the market. [14:42] Neal shares his unique strategy of focusing on properties with assumable loans, which allows investors to benefit from low interest rates and price discounts without having to pay the full cost of the current market conditions. He explains how this approach can help investors capitalize on the current opportunities in the multi-family market. [19:24] Neal addresses the common misconception that the multi-family market is in "distress," highlighting the resilience and stability of this asset class. He explains that while there may be some distress among individual investors and syndicators, the overall market remains strong, with high demand and low inventory. [21:52] Neal shares his data-driven approach to staying informed about the real estate market, including his use of chat GPT to gather and analyze information from various sources. He emphasizes the importance of distilling information into actionable insights, rather than just consuming data. [30:45] Neal provides insights into his team structure and data-driven approach to project management, which includes leveraging a team of 44 people, 50% of whom are based in the Philippines. He explains how this structure allows him to efficiently execute on his investment strategies and manage his growing portfolio. Here are actionable takeaways from this episode: · Understand your tax percentages and focus on maximizing the amount you keep, not just your gross income. · Leverage data and information sources, like chat GPT, to stay informed about market trends and make data-driven investment decisions. · Consider properties with assumable loans to benefit from low interest rates and price discounts in the current market. Quotes: • "Every investor must, at all times in their mind know what percentage of the money that they're making they're keeping." • "The truth is, you're a new investor. Understand that the investing world is not real. Most investors are speculators, and they follow the market." • "Be greedy when others are fearful. Be fearful when others are greedy." • "The Bible got it wrong by one letter, because it is not the meek that shall inherit the earth. It is the geek." • "Data beats gut feel by a million miles, and you can only manage what you can measure.” Ready to apply the insights from this episode? Don't stop here — explore Neal's most powerful tools and opportunities: Grocapitus Website – https://www.grocapitus.com Free eBook: Location Magic – https://multifamilyu.com/lp/location-magic-ebook/ Join Our Investor Club – https://multifamilyu.com/club If you are interested investing in real estate and make connections, shoot an email grabthemap@gmail.com. Read on some of our blogpost https://grabthemap.com/.