Denver’s inventory just exploded by 8,000 homes in four months – and the impact on flippers heading into 2026 has been brutal. Properties that once sold in days now sit for weeks. Price cuts of $80,000+ are becoming standard even on fully renovated homes. Derek Marlin of Elevation just watched his $775,000 Englewood flip sell for $695,000. Meanwhile, his million-dollar projects continue crushing it. This tale of two markets is forcing flippers to completely rethink their 2026 strategy.

Chris Lopez welcomes back Derek Marlin, founder of Elevation Invest. Over 10 years, Derek has flipped hundreds of Denver properties. Previously, he sourced 300+ acquisitions for institutional buyers in just 20 months. Now, Derek reveals why his “singles strategy” of targeting lower-priced flips failed in 2025. He explains how he’s writing offers $100,000 to $150,000 below asking price and converting 1 in 10. Additionally, he shares why hedge funds are quietly disposing of 10-12% of their Denver portfolios right now. His off-market cold calling system converts 20-30 leads into one closed deal. Furthermore, his transparent wholesaling model shows clients exactly what he makes on every transaction.

Derek shares brutal lessons from 2025’s market shift. First, he explains why spring selling season completely disappeared. Next, he reveals how massive inventory growth created fierce competition even for beautifully renovated properties. Then, he breaks down the specific underwriting adjustments required for success in 2026. He also explains his defensive acquisition strategy for Q4 2025 – buying now to sell next spring. Moreover, Derek discusses the “more better new” business philosophy that helped Elevation focus on core revenue streams. He demonstrates why creative problem-solving with sellers delivers deeper discounts than simple price negotiations. Most surprisingly, institutional buyers are now targeting distressed new-build communities rather than scattered single-family homes. As a result, this creates opportunities for investors who understand the evolving market dynamics heading into 2026.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Why 8,000 homes added in four months completely changed the competitive landscape for the Denver flipping market


• The tale of two markets reality where million-dollar flips thrive while entry-level properties struggle to sell


• How to write lowball offers $100K-$150K below asking and convert 1 in 10 into contracts in today’s Denver flipping market


• Derek’s off-market cold calling system that generates 20-30 warm leads per closed deal


• Why transparent wholesaling (showing clients exact assignment fees) builds better long-term relationships


• Creative problem-solving strategies that get deeper seller discounts than price-only negotiations


• The “more better new” business philosophy for maximizing revenue before adding new ventures


• Why hedge funds are selling 10-12% of Denver portfolios and where they’re buying instead


• Institutional appetite for distressed new-build communities as the next major acquisition target


• Derek’s 2026 market prediction (flat prices hiding real 2-3% decline from buyer concessions)


• And So Much More!

Whether you’re navigating the Denver flipping market heading into 2026, looking to acquire deals through creative strategies, or trying to understand what institutional players are doing right now, this episode delivers the data-driven insights and proven tactics you need. Derek doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges facing the Denver flipping market – but he shows exactly how strategic investors are still winning in this shifted landscape.

Watch the YouTube Video

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Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
03:10 – 2025 Flipping Market Reality – Tale of Two Markets
05:56 – Price Cut Case Study – $775K to $695K Englewood Flip
14:17 – Q4 Acquisition Strategy & 2026 Spring Planning
18:05   Lowball Offer Strategy – Writing $100K-$150K Below Ask
23:13 – New Acquisitions Manager Position – $200K+ Opportunity
26:32 – Off-Market Deal Flow – Cold Calling System & Conversion Rates
31:17 – Creative Problem Solving – Getting Deeper Discounts Beyond Price
32:18 – Business Focus Philosophy – More Better New Revenue Strategy
37:04 – Institutional Business Update – Hedge Funds Selling Denver Portfolios
44:40 – New Build Community Opportunities – Next Institutional Target
46:56 – 2026 Market Prediction – Flat Prices Hide Real Decline

Connect with our Guests:

Derek Marlin: derek@elevationinvest.com

Connect on LinkedIn: Derek Marlin

Links from Podcast

• Elevation Invest: elevationinvest.com


• Podcast: Raising the Flipping Bar

Who is Dynamo

Dynamo Capital, founded in 2023, is a debt fund specializing in residential real estate lending in Wichita, Kansas. Offering fix-and-flip, construction, and long-term financing, they leverage technology and experience to give investors an edge in the lucrative fix-and-flip market. Dynamo balances traditional lending rigidity with hard money speed, typically lending up to 75% of a property’s after-repair value. Their personalized approach and strategic underwriting aim to provide flexible, accessible financing for real estate investors, enhancing clients’ portfolios with agility and expertise.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.