Real Estate Mogul Podcast - Learn How To Leverage Investing Strategies in Your Real Estate Business

When most real estate agents think about getting more seller appointments, they chase cold leads or sink money into paid ads.  But what if the highest ROI strategy has been sitting in your phone contacts all along? Most agents overlook the easiest source of deals: the people they already know. Your sphere of influence already trusts you, already wants to see you win, and often just needs a reminder that you're the person to call when real estate comes up.  Unlike cold leads, there's no need to prove yourself or compete against other agents.  When you show up consistently and offer real value, your network becomes a steady, reliable source of seller appointments and off-market opportunities. In today's episode, I break down how to turn your sphere of influence into a consistent source of seller appointments and off-mrket deals, without being pushy, salesy, or spammy. I'll share a low-cost, high-trust way to find more motivated sellers and how to work your network like a pro.   Things You'll Learn  -The sphere strategy that actually works The last thing you want to do is blindly spam your friends and family. How do you come up with a smart, scheduled way to reach out (without being annoying)?  -The best hook to use with your network Why is a no-obligation cash offer better than every other CTA for generating appointments, even with your sphere?  -How to use social media without sounding like everyone else How do you post, message, and mail your SOI in a way that gets responses, builds credibility, and sparks real conversations?  -How agents can partner with you on deals Real estate agents come across flip opportunities and don't know what to do with them. How can you work with them?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

When most real estate agents think about marketing, they picture spending money and crossing their fingers. But what if you could take the guesswork out of it and get in front of motivated sellers who want to talk to you? That's exactly what paid advertising can do for your business, if you know how to use it right. Running Facebook or Google ads might seem intimidating (or even expensive), but here's the truth: nothing grows your real estate or investing business faster than consistently booking seller appointments.  It's the lifeblood of what we do. The agents and investors who get face time with sellers win more listings, do more deals, and build more freedom. In this episode, I break down why spending money on paid ads isn't a risk, it's a strategy. And when done right, it can unlock growth you never thought possible.  I'm also pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to get a seller appointment in today's market.    Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -The most powerful marketing hook  Instead of generic “free home valuation” ads, why do cash offer CTAs cut through the noise and eliminate competition? -What it actually costs to generate a seller appointment  In today's market, one seller appointment can cost up to $1,000. Is it worth it? -Why most agents fail at seller marketing How do you build a consistent, repeatable seller lead gen system that actually works? -How to stretch your marketing budget  How do we squeeze more ROI out of every lead by combining listings and cash offer deals?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

If you're looking for an easy seller lead source, Facebook is one of the best places to be.  You might think it's just a platform for old people sharing memes, but there's a lot more to it than that.  Facebook is the most powerful marketing tool Agent-Investors have in our business, and the best part is, it's free! I've heard people say they can't get leads on social media.  The truth is: if you're not getting leads, you're just not doing the necessary activities to generate them.  By posting daily and getting eyeballs on your content, you can supply your business with a steady stream of seller leads that will become listings or investment deals.  Ultimately, Facebook is free advertising that keeps you top-of-mind with the people you're looking for.  How do you grow your social media footprint and get your content in front of more people? What should you post?  In this episode, I dive into the second way to find seller leads and investing deals - and today, I'm talking about how to turn Facebook into a lead source.  Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -How to reach more people on Facebook The whole point of social media is to get as many eyeballs on your content as possible. How do you grow your friend list/subscriber base? -The best place to find motivated sellers  Some younger agents might think Facebook is for old people. Why is it the perfect place to be if you're looking for seller leads?   -How to create your Facebook strategy  What kind of content should we post to generate seller appointments on Facebook? How often should we post?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Tired of riding the real estate commission rollercoaster? There's one simple fix: more seller appointments. Locking in just 1-3 seller appointments a week will transform your business. More listings. More income. A scalable, burnout-free business. Plus, you'll uncover more investment deals and flip opportunities.  A steady flow of seller appointments is the first step toward financial freedom—but how do you get them without spending hours cold-calling? The answer: a home valuation call-to-action. Homeowners are naturally curious about their home's value, and they want something more accurate than a Zestimate. For a small investment (as low as $10), you can turn that curiosity into a steady stream of seller leads. In this episode, I break down why this is one of the most cost-effective ways to book more seller appointments—and how you can start using it today.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -A quality lead at a fraction of the price  Home valuation leads aren't looking to sell their houses fast, so why would we choose them over instant offer leads? -What makes home valuation leads so effective  Instead of cold calling, hoping you have the correct number, and possibly pestering people, home valuation leads have already opted in. Why does this make converting them easier? -How to work a home valuation lead  Is it better to pay a service to generate home valuation leads or to do it yourself?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach, and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.     Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

If you want to build a thriving real estate sales career and create wealth through investing, there's one activity you need to consistently prioritize: generating seller appointments.  Seller appointments are the driving force behind all your success in real estate. In fact, I believe they're the single most important factor for running a successful real estate operation.  For agents, seller appointments lead to listings, and for investors, they reveal lucrative flip opportunities.  The benefits of focusing on seller appointments are numerous. You can earn more money in less time. Your business is more scalable. You can turn some of these seller appointments into cash offers, giving you the income needed to invest in long-term buy-and-hold properties.  Yet, when I speak to agents, I often hear resistance to generating seller appointments.  But here's the truth: you already possess 95% of the skills you need—what's missing is consistency. In this episode, I'm launching a new series on the power of generating seller appointments and why they're the key to becoming a successful Agent Investor.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -How to find deals with cold calling  Some agents struggle to generate seller appointments because they think they have to cold call. Are there other ways to get in front of sellers?  -Buyer vs. sellers Having a 100% buyer-based business is a huge nightmare in real estate. Why is it smarter to work with more sellers?  -The foundation of the Agent Investor model  How can you turn cash offer deals into guaranteed monthly income that will take you off the real estate rollercoaster?     About Your Host   Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

For better or worse, your daily habits are going to shape your future. Whether you're struggling to stay consistent with your investments, managing time poorly, or letting distractions take over, those bad habits are holding you back. Imagine the opportunities slipping through your fingers simply because of the way you spend your day.   What if you could break free from the cycle and transform your habits to align with success?    The right habits don't just change your life; they change your net worth. Consistently investing in yourself and your business can lead to exponential growth in your real estate investments, sales, and overall financial standing.    But the question is, how do you implement these habits effectively? How do we stay focused on them and avoid distractions?   In this episode, I reveal 9 daily habits that can transform your life and boost your net worth.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  The millionaires' habit Many millionaires attribute their success to waking up early, gaining extra time for productivity and planning. How does an early start impact daily success and long-term growth?   Do the difficult things first Tackle difficult tasks first when your energy is highest. How can prioritizing tough tasks early improve your productivity?   It's okay to say no Saying no to distractions helps you stay focused on what truly matters. How can setting boundaries improve your productivity and well-being?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!  

Are you struggling to turn your social media presence into a consistent income stream for your real estate business? You're not alone. Many real estate professionals are putting in hours of work posting on social media, but still aren't seeing the income results they hoped for. It's frustrating, right? You understand social media's power, but the real question is: how does it actually work to generate real, consistent income? Here's the truth: the objective of social media isn't just about posting pretty pictures or listing updates. It's about building trust, connection, and offering value. Without this, you're wasting your time.  In today's digital world, authenticity is the secret ingredient. If you're just posting for the sake of posting, your audience will see right through it. They want to connect with you, not a brand. Being authentic—sharing your real self, your stories, your challenges—builds that trust and turns followers into clients. In this episode, I talk about the value social media, how to leverage it to generate income for real estate businesses and why a personal touch adds value when it comes to posting. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Social media advertising vs traditional methods for real estate. Social media advertising allows for precise audience targeting and real-time engagement, unlike traditional ads. How does the ability to target specific audiences on social media enhance advertising effectiveness?   -Monitor social media engagement. Monitoring social media engagement helps businesses understand customer preferences, track brand sentiment, and adjust strategies accordingly. How can tracking social media engagement enhance your real estate business?   -Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for social media. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't account for the unique audiences of different businesses. How can businesses tailor their social media strategies to better engage their specific audience?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Staying motivated on the journey to building long-term wealth through real estate investing can feel like an uphill battle, right? You dive in with energy, eager to start closing deals and grow your portfolio, but somewhere along the way, that motivation starts to dip. It's frustrating when the results aren't immediate, and before you know it, you're second-guessing your strategy or feeling burnt out. But here's the truth — real estate investing isn't a quick win. It's a marathon. So how do you keep pushing forward when your long-term goals feel out of reach? How do you avoid the trap of thinking it's all for nothing when you don't see instant returns? The key is patience and incremental progress. Small, consistent actions add up over time. In this episode, I'll walk you through 8 powerful ways to stay motivated as you work towards long-term success in real estate investing.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Managing expectations Clear expectations help you stay focused and achieve your goals effectively. How can setting clear expectations improve your chances of success? -Comparison is the thief of joy Success is personal, and comparison diminishes happiness. How can focusing on your own journey lead to greater fulfillment? -Eat the frog! Tackle the hardest tasks first to boost productivity and avoid procrastination. How can starting with the toughest task improve your daily efficiency?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Many agents find themselves stuck in a cycle, spending countless hours showing homes, closing deals, and still feeling like they're not getting ahead. Imagine waking up every day to a life that's different—not just in what you do, but how you live.  What would it feel like to work fewer hours, generate more income, and actually create wealth for yourself instead of just earning a commission? This is the reality for agent-investors. As an agent-investor, you not only help clients buy and sell homes—you also own properties, build your portfolio, and watch your income grow from multiple sources. This shift in mindset and strategy means you don't just rely on your commission to pay the bills. Instead, you can leverage your real estate expertise to build a lasting, passive income that works for you 24/7. How would it feel to have income streams that aren't tied to client transactions? Imagine building generational wealth through real estate investments. In this episode, I discuss how becoming an agent investor can transform your life, your work, and help create lasting wealth for future generations.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Agent investing made easy Being a real estate agent makes investing easier since you already have the tools—just minor adjustments are needed. What small tweaks can agents make to succeed in real estate investing? -Pick your own clients As an agent-investor, you have the flexibility to choose your clients, unlike traditional agents who often take on any client. How does selecting your clients as an agent-investor impact the way you work? -Agent vs.agent-investor  An agent facilitates transactions, while an agent-investor builds wealth by actively investing in real estate. How do you transition from selling properties to building a real estate portfolio? About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Visit www.partnerwithagentinvestor.com     Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Most agents are well aware of the power of investing, the unique advantage they have, and the opportunities they come across every single day. But with all this knowledge, the vast majority of them never end up doing it.    They may even raise their hands and say they want to invest, but when it comes down to it, they never do. Why is that? How come the agents who set the intention of investing never turn it into a reality?    There are plenty of reasons why would-be investors stay stuck on the real estate income rollercoaster. From having the wrong mentors to looking for deals in all the wrong places, how we approach the goal of investing matters.    How do we make it more likely we'll follow through with our goals? What gets in the way? In this episode, I share 10 reasons why many agents are eluded by their goal of investing, and how to fix it.  Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -The first step to successful investing  No matter how badly you want to invest, you'll never do it if you're around the wrong people. How do you find the right peer group for your goals? -Start now, start small  Many agents want to invest but can't seem to escape the routine of working with buyers and sellers. How do you make small changes to your schedule that lead to massive results?  -Get the right information  It's hard to get any traction if you can't settle on a single investing strategy. How do you focus?      About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

When it comes to achieving wealth through sales and investing, most agents know exactly what to do, but they just don't implement it. It's not because they lack the tactics or strategies, they are facing obstacles that keep them doing what they need to do.  Those obstacles could be in their mindset, the people around them, the real estate market they're in or their daily activities (or lack thereof).  There's no such thing as success without challenges and obstacles. Whether they show it or not, anyone who accomplishes anything great has their struggles. The only difference is they anticipate the obstacles and find ways to mitigate them when they come up. How do we overcome the biggest obstacles in real estate sales and investing? How do we stay on track when things get hard In this episode, I share 10 obstacles all agent investors face, and how to knock them down. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Investing is a long-term play Building wealth through real estate isn't an overnight process, it takes time. How do we adjust to not getting results quickly?   -How to become a market-proof investor Many real estate agents only know how to thrive in the market they know. How do you make money in any market?   -Run your own race It's really easy to get caught up in the comparison trap in this business. How do we keep going when it feels like other people are further ahead and we're stalling?  About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Whether you're an agent looking to load up on listings, or an investor intending to grow your wealth, there's one activity that should always be our top priority, no matter what. Generating seller appointments. Seller appointments are the source of a successful, scalable real estate business. In fact, I believe if you learn to generate consistent seller appointments, you really wouldn't need to learn anything else. If you're an agent, these appointments lead to listings. If you're an investor, they lead to flip opportunities. A lot of the things we spend our time on feel important and urgent but seller appointments actually are. The more sellers we're having conversations with, the more people that know we're looking for appointments, the better off our businesses will be. What strategies can we use to generate more seller appointments? How can we use leverage to have more conversations with potential sellers? In this special episode, I'm revisiting all the ways you can generate more seller appointments in 2025.    You'll learn;  The Impressions Concept you need to apply to your appointment lead generation How to get other agents to find you seller appointments  How to use Virtual Assistants to generate leads at scale      About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!   

Most real estate agents never break free from the grind of chasing commissions and reacting to daily emergencies. Despite the hard work, the unpredictable nature of their income keeps them on an exhausting financial rollercoaster. The truth is, how you spend your time daily is the BIGGEST factor in your success.  Prioritizing the right activities—like finding seller opportunities and building passive income—can transform your business and create financial freedom, yet so many agents overlook these simple but powerful steps. Are you prioritizing the wrong tasks, starting your mornings with emails and follow-ups instead of focusing on growth-driving activities? What if the first 3 hours of your day could determine your net worth, and shifting your focus to sellers and passive income could transform your business? In this episode, I reveal the perfect daily blueprint for agents who want to grow their business, flip more homes, and generate passive income so that you can identify your high-impact tasks, build wealth through consistent effort, and create a sustainable plan to hit your financial goals. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  Why you need to prioritize sellers Working with sellers gives you time back and opens the door to lucrative flip opportunities. Are you spending enough of your day actively seeking out seller leads?   The power of social media in real estate Social media platforms, especially Facebook, are goldmines for connecting with potential sellers. Are you leveraging daily actions like adding friends, sending messages, and posting engaging content?   How morning habits shape your wealth Your morning routine sets the tone for the day. Are you spending the first hours on the activities that drive your business forward? About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.      Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

As a real estate agent, there are many things you can do with your time, but nothing is as valuable or productive as generating seller appointments. Whether you want to do more deals or build your investing portfolio - the quickest way to get there is by focusing on listings.    Every single day, we should wake up with the goal of generating a seller appointment, and put our time and effort towards that. By generating listing appointments, you'll come across more investing deals, multiply your earnings, have more leverage and have more control over your business.    They don't say “list to last” for nothing.    If we want to make more money with far less steps, hassles, headaches, we have to focus on sellers. Why do listings beat working buyers especially now? How do we generate more listing appointments?    In this episode, I'm going to share 10 reasons why you need to focus on listings in order to have a better real estate business.  Things You'll Learn In This Episode  The leverage of listings Focusing on buyers leads to an unpredictable business that you have no control over. How do you shift to driving your own business?   How to magnify your income  When we wake up everyday, we should be focused on listings. How does this lead to us making more money?     Why listings are more marketable It's hard to market buyers the way we can easily and effectively market sellers. What are some of the advantages of leveraging our listings online?    About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Everytime the end of the year rolls around, agent investors start talking about goal setting for the new year. They make lists, create vision boards and set the intention to make those goals a reality. The sad truth is, many of these people - despite their best intentions - will fail to achieve what they want. You can have the best vision board, or set the most ambitious goals, but if your underlying actions aren't lined up with your goal, you just won't achieve it. Year after year, most people set vague goals, fail to put any monitoring measures in place and end up exactly where they started. How do we avoid this? The whole point of goals isn't just to list them, it's to actually hit them so you can make your life better. With a few simple steps, we can make hitting our goals and improving our lives inevitable. How do you measure and monitor your goals? How do you set goals and actually achieve them? In this episode, I share why year-end goal setting doesn't work and how to change it.    Things You'll Learn In This Episode  The first step to achieving your goals  People like to set the goal of a six-figure income because it sounds good. How do you set income goals that actually align with your life?   Breaking down your big goals Every goal you set has to be translated to daily, weekly and monthly actions. How do you know if you're off track?   How to create a goal-setting scorecard It's hard to achieve a goal you're not measuring. What systems can we put in place to monitor our goals?    About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Selling real estate offers a ton of advantages and opportunities for people who want to make a good living, but it alone will never make you wealthy. Even if you sell hundreds of homes and become a top producer, purely working as an agent will never lead to financial freedom - it will keep you on the real estate rollercoaster. It's virtually impossible for most agents to earn enough to cover their bills and have excess cash to pour into wealth-building activities. The only way to build real wealth is to simultaneously sell homes and invest in them (an opportunity agents are in the perfect position to take advantage of). We come across great deals without even trying, and even snapping up a tiny fraction of them will put us on a path to passive income. How do you become wealthy without putting in more time, effort and energy into real estate? Why do you need both sales and investing to boost your net worth? In this episode, I share the only model that will allow real estate agents to become wealthy, and how easy it is to make it a reality.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  Great opportunities by accident  Real estate agents come across great deals without even trying. How do we use this to our advantage? Don't quit your day job  Your real estate sales business is the thing that will feed your investing business. Why do you still need income from selling homes if you want to escape the real estate rollercoaster? Put math in your favor  Investing in residential real estate makes it very possible to earn a minimum of $5k in passive income a month. How do you start this process without working any harder?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Fix and flip houses, generate huge chunks of income and invest it into passive assets. This is the roadmap for escaping the real estate rollercoaster. But the starting point of this entire process is generating seller appointments. If you don't have a way to consistently meet with homeowners, your business won't grow.   Most agents rely on the same marketing message to get homeowners to want to meet with them: the free home valuation.   But here's the problem: in a competitive, crowded market, this isn't a strong enough motivator for sellers - it might actually put them off meeting with you. A cash offer is a far superior message that most sellers won't be able to resist.   Why is a free home valuation a weak marketing message right now? How will a cash offer boost your listing business as well as the investing side?   In this episode, I share the call-to-action you have to put in front of sellers if you want to book more appointments.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -How to build a business that gives you freedom It's hard to scale your business when you're focused on buyers. Why are listings perfect for an agent looking to build wealth?  -The key to earning more money Whether you want to sell more homes or do more investing deals, all roads lead to the seller appointment. How do you get homeowners to want to meet with you? -Cash offer vs. home valuation  Most agents try to generate seller leads by offering free home valuations. What are some of the reasons why people might not go for the offer?      About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.    Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

Investing in real estate can change your life, but most people never take the leap. Why? It's not because they lack the resources, but because of avoidable mistakes. Common pitfalls like having no goals, lacking mentorship, and not prioritizing investing stop people from ever getting started. The good news? These mistakes are fixable. With the right mindset, strategy, and guidance, anyone can start building wealth through real estate—even with limited time or money. What's holding you back from achieving financial freedom, and could these 10 mistakes be the reason? How would your life change if you avoided these missteps and embraced a simple, actionable approach to real estate investing? In this episode, I break down the top errors agents and non-agents make and share actionable steps to avoid them. Real success doesn't come from having perfect conditions. You can achieve it by simply taking action despite the imperfections.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  The importance of goals and focus Without clear goals, you're just running in circles. What simple steps can you take to clarify your vision and map your investing journey? Why you don't need money to start investing Many people assume they can't invest without money. How can partnerships and creative strategies make this a non-issue? How to overcome analysis paralysis It's easy to get stuck preparing and never acting. What can you do today to stop procrastinating and start making moves?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   

Investing in real estate is life-changing, but one of the biggest challenges most agents face is finding the time to start. Here's the good news: you don't need endless free hours to make it happen.  Even with a packed schedule, you can carve out time to build a real estate portfolio. The truth is, building wealth through real estate doesn't require a massive time commitment—it only requires smarter use of the time you already have. Is it possible to make time to earn $10,000 or $15,000 in monthly passive income from investing? If you think you're too busy to invest, think again. The problem isn't time—it's how you choose to spend it. In this episode, I share simple yet powerful time-management strategies that anyone can implement, why consistency is more important than hours, as well as how to get started investing with the help of others. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  The time audit that will change your life Finding out where our time is actually going and what inefficiencies are holding us back is important. How many hours could you reclaim with this simple exercise?   Get more done with less time Transaction coordinators, virtual assistants, and systems can free up hours of your week. What can you outsource to focus on building wealth? Start small and stay consistent Even just 30 minutes a day can create big results over time. What small daily habits can get you closer to financial freedom?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!  

Many real estate agents face a constant struggle to earn stable income, and most feel locked in a cycle of high stakes, low security. Even skilled agents are just one market shift away from their income being impacted. Adding investment deals into your real estate game plan can give you consistent income and help you avoid the industry's unpredictable waves. One powerful way to do this without fronting your own cash is through partnerships with established investors. Are you convinced that only “insiders” get access to deals like this or that you need to be in an exclusive group to join? Many agents let myths about partnerships keep them from a life-changing income stream. How do you break free from the “sales-only” mindset and add real estate investment income to your strategy? In this episode, I will dispel the top myths surrounding the Agent Partnership Program and explain how you can build wealth without up-front costs or even being tied to a particular brokerage. I will also explain how this unique partnership model works, why it's accessible to all agents, and how to overcome the assumptions keeping you from financial freedom.    Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Why real estate agents don't need extra cash to partner You don't have to invest your own money to partner on a flip. How are agents closing lucrative deals without upfront capital? -How this partnership program benefits everyone The Agent Partnership Program is built for mutual benefit. How does partnering on flips create a win-win for agents and investors? -Common misconceptions that stop agents from earning big Myths about needing experience, a specific brokerage, or extra funds hold agents back. How can ignoring these myths open new income streams for you? About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate. 

Working with sellers has always been the cheat code to a profitable real estate business. With recent changes to the real estate transaction, we can't succeed without generating more listings.   But even if working buyers and sellers was exactly the same, I'd still double down on sellers. Here's why… Listing appointments bring higher chances of closing deals, faster turnaround times, and more scalability to our businesses. Better yet: seller appointments create opportunities for flips and investment deals - income streams that can lead to long-term wealth and passive income.  If you're not making consistent seller appointments a top priority, you're limiting your income potential and putting unnecessary strain on your business.  Why is it better to spend most of our time in front of sellers instead of chasing unpredictable buyers? What strategies can you use to generate more seller appointments?  In this episode, I discuss the importance of seller appointments and reveal actionable strategies for helping agents generate these valuable leads consistently.    Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Why listing leads outperform buyer leads  Generating seller appointments gives agents a greater chance of securing listings over buyers. How can shifting your focus to listings boost your income and reduce wasted time? -Improving seller appointments through impressions Consistent impressions across various channels are key to booking seller appointments. What methods can you use to maximize impressions weekly? -Scaling your business through seller appointments  With a steady flow of seller appointments, agents can unlock more flip opportunities, boost income, and work towards passive wealth. How do top agents build passive income from a seller-based model?     About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.

Inconsistent income is one of the biggest challenges real estate agents face, leaving many on a financial rollercoaster. With transaction volumes down and competition high, agents are increasingly feeling the pinch. Imagine breaking free from this constant grind and building a stable income that pays you even during slower months. Passive income is the answer, and it's within reach—even if you're starting from zero.   You might think you need a big upfront investment or years of experience to get started, but that's not true. Real estate professionals have unique advantages that make it easier to tap into this revenue stream.    Is relying solely on commissions keeping you trapped in the cycle you're trying to escape? How can agents build passive income without big upfront capital and grow it alongside their careers to create lasting financial freedom?   In this episode, I share steps and strategies agents can use to start generating passive income today—creating stability, reducing stress, and giving agents the freedom to work on their terms. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -What passive income really means for agents Passive income provides stability, even during slow months. Is there a way to experience financial freedom without stressing over every commission? -Why real estate is the best path to passive income Real estate investments offer a faster way to build wealth compared to other income sources. How can you leverage your knowledge as an agent to make passive income? -How to start earning passive income without capital Building passive income doesn't require a huge investment upfront. How can agents start from zero and scale over time to financial freedom?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.

Creating seller appointments consistently is challenging for most real estate agents. Which explains why they end up with missed listing and flip opportunities. The agents who thrive in today's competitive market are the ones who can automate prospecting and lead generation with virtual assistants (VAs).   But here's the hard truth: most agents aren't using VAs effectively, or worse, they're not using them at all. Many agents believe they can handle everything on their own, thinking that outsourcing might reduce their control or compromise the quality of their work. However, this mindset is costing you deals, time, and ultimately, money.   What if you could free up your schedule while still generating consistent seller appointments and delegate routine tasks to a VA—how much more productive could you be, and how many more flip deals could you close with a team working behind the scenes every day?   In this episode, I reveal how to use virtual assistants to find flip deals and create a steady flow of seller appointments. I also share practical strategies for hiring and training VAs, how to ensure compliance in prospecting, and which tasks are best suited for outsourcing.  Things You'll Learn In This Episode  How VAs can boost your business VAs can handle the repetitive tasks that bog down agents. Are you using VAs effectively to free up your time for high-value activities?   The best countries to hire virtual assistants There are pros and cons of hiring VAs from the Philippines and Mexico. Which country is the right fit for your business needs?   Simple strategies for generating more seller appointments There are exact methods to ensure a steady stream of seller leads through VA-managed calls and texts. Could this be the missing piece in your business? About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.

A majority of real estate agents are trapped on an income rollercoaster, losing thousands without the right guidance to break the cycle.  That's why mentorship is essential to avoid costly and fast-track your success. Without it, you're wasting time and missing out on big opportunities. In real estate, time and money are directly tied to success, and not having someone to guide you is one of the biggest hurdles to building long-term wealth. But here's the problem: most agents either don't seek out a mentor or, if they do, they're not using that mentor effectively.  Are you holding yourself back by thinking you can't afford to invest in guidance right now? How can mentorship help you reach financial freedom faster?  In this episode, I explain how to find the right mentor for your specific goals, how mentorship can accelerate your success in real estate, and practical tips for making your mentor work for you, so you can make fewer mistakes, save time, and earn more.   Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Why you need a mentor Many agents struggle without mentorship, leading to costly mistakes. How can finding the right mentor change your real estate game? -How to find the right mentor Finding a mentor isn't just about finding anyone. How can you ensure your mentor aligns with your goals and expertise? -How to effectively use a mentor Once you've found a mentor, what's the best way to leverage their knowledge and avoid wasting opportunities?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

In fluctuating markets, agents who rely solely on buyers are missing a vital opportunity to build stable, scalable income. Listings offer constant revenue regardless of market conditions. Yet many agents remain stuck on the unpredictable rollercoaster of buyer-driven transactions. Most agents fail to realize that the key to earning consistent income is controlling inventory by concentrating on listings rather than hustling to close more deals. Prioritizing seller leads can boost an agent's income and lead to more lucrative flips and long-term passive income. How would your real estate career change if you didn't have to fight for every listing and had access to qualified seller leads every week? How could turning these opportunities into flips and investments help you build long-term wealth? In this episode, I let you in on how agents can partner with my team to receive seller appointments, tips for converting these leads into cash deals, and strategies for building a more secure and profitable real estate business.  Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Why listing appointments matter more than you think Scheduling seller appointments can unlock a steady flow of income. How does focusing on listings help you build a stronger business? -How to convert seller appointments into cash deals  Learning to identify the right deals is crucial. Would you like to know how to turn a regular seller lead into a profitable flip or listing? -How to partner with us and get seller appointments  We're offering agents a chance to take seller appointments, but only those who can follow through will get more. What are the steps to partnering with us and succeeding in this new model?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

In the current real estate market, a lot of agents and investors are feeling the squeeze. With fewer transactions, high rates, and rising unemployment, the real estate industry is set to face big challenges over the next 12 months. These tough conditions mean that real estate professionals need to adapt fast. Many real estate agents and investors still hope for a big market recovery, but is that realistic? Waiting for the market to bounce back isn't the best strategy.  How will rising unemployment impact housing demand, and what happens if interest rates don't drop as quickly as we hope? Is there still room for growth in the real estate industry, even with these challenges? In this episode, I share my bold predictions for real estate for the next 12 months and explain how these trends will impact agents and investors alike. Stay ahead of the curve by learning what's coming and how to prepare for it. Things You'll Learn In This Episode    How inflation and rates are shaping the market Mortgage rates have skyrocketed, affecting both the retail and fix-and-flip markets. How will interest rates shift over the next 12 months, and what does it mean for your business?   Rising unemployment and its effect on the housing market Job loss is one of the biggest factors affecting housing sales. What happens when unemployment rises, and how can investors stay ahead of the curve? Interest rates and buyer hesitation have resulted in lower transaction volumes. Will this trend continue in 2024, or could things start to improve?   About Your Host Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Check out this episode on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!

Building a real estate team seems like the next logical step when you're a successful agent looking to grow. But for many people, it's a move that can quickly turn into a costly mistake if you're not fully prepared.   The harsh truth is that 90% of real estate teams fail, leaving their leaders disappointed and drained. Many agents jump into building teams without fully grasping the challenges, which often leads to less income, more stress, and disappointing outcomes.   What are the obstacles of building a team? Is there a better way to scale your business and reclaim your time?    In this episode, I explore why most real estate teams struggle to succeed and share an alternative strategy that could lead to greater success without the usual headaches. Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    Why most real estate teams don't work out Building a team sounds great in theory, but the reality is harsh. What makes it so hard to succeed, and why do so many agents regret the decision?   What makes investing a better option Scaling your income doesn't have to involve managing a team. How can real estate investing provide the growth and freedom agents are looking for?   How to Build a Strong Team and Avoid Costly Mistakes If you're set on forming a team, there are key mistakes to avoid. What can you do to increase your chances of success and avoid the common traps?     About Your Host   Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.

Selling homes as a real estate agent can pay the bills, but it won't make you wealthy. Despite working long hours, closing deals, and chasing commissions, the vast majority of agents are stuck on the financial treadmill—working harder and harder just to maintain their lifestyle, with little to no progress toward true financial freedom.   Many agents believe that if they just work harder, sell more homes, and climb the ranks, they'll eventually reach financial security. The truth is, no matter how many homes you sell, you're still trading time for money. And without a strategic shift in your approach, you may never escape the cycle.   How can you break free from the income rollercoaster and start building real wealth? What if there was a different way—one that doesn't depend on endlessly chasing the next sale?   In this episode, I reveal how to move from just selling real estate to building a portfolio of income-generating assets, allowing you to achieve long-term success and financial independence.   Most real estate agents, even successful ones, do not become wealthy by just selling real estate. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode    -Why selling homes won't make you wealthy Selling homes is tough, and while it can provide a decent income, it's not the path to wealth. How can agents get off the income rollercoaster?   -Keeping a consistent approach to real estate Staying on top of the game year after year is rare. What makes consistency so challenging, and how does it impact your long-term success?   -A Better Path to Wealth The true path to wealth lies in investing. What strategies can agents use to transition from selling homes to building portfolio assets that generate income?   About Your Host   Tom Cafarella is a real estate investor, agent, coach and entrepreneur who helps real estate agents achieve financial freedom through investing. Agent Investor is the only brand that helps real agents get off the real estate roller coaster and start building wealth by investing in real estate.   Join the Agent Investor Facebook Group here. I'd love it if you subscribed to the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps feed the algorithm and reach more agents!

Every single year, real estate agents come across hundreds of flip opportunities, but they totally miss them. These missed chances rob you of income and even future wealth. Spotting these opportunities and taking advantage of them is as simple as changing the way agents think about finding deals.   We have to think outside the box and use different strategies to find the deals that suit us best.   How do we stop letting great deals slip through our fingers?   In this episode, I talk about common mistakes agents make and how to spot hidden flip deals. I share about how to use listing appointments, networking with other agents, and using social media to find these hidden opportunities.   The problem is that a lot of people get super motivated and put in big bursts of effort over short periods, rather than giving small, bite-sized efforts each week. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Maximizing appointments for listings Offering cash deals on listing appointments can uncover hidden flip opportunities. Are you fully exploring all options with your clients?   -Collaborating with co-brokers Building relationships with other agents can lead to more flip opportunities. How can you better collaborate to find these deals?   -Making the most of social media Use the power of social media to find flip opportunities. Are you engaging your network to discover potential deals?

Before we can even begin to focus on the actions that drive success, we have to start with our mindset. What we think affects what we can do, and no one knows this more than the highly successful. We may call them high achievers, but they are actually high level thinkers first. Good strategies or a lot of knowledge can't outpace a bad mindset. Even the best plans won't work without the right attitude. Do you ever wonder why some people seem to reach their goals no matter what? Or why others give up when things get tough? In this episode, I will share the secrets of how high achievers think and why their mindset makes all the difference.   High achievers don't focus on things they can't control. They look in the mirror and ask, what can I control today? -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Controlling what you can control High achievers don't waste time on things they can't change. How can you focus on what's within your control to improve your success?   -Going the extra mile Success requires more than just average effort. What does it mean to go above and beyond in your daily tasks to achieve your goals?   -Being open-minded High achievers listen and learn from others. How can staying open to new ideas and perspectives help you find better ways to succeed?

The path to financial freedom in real estate is clear and easy to follow. Knowing and following this path can help you succeed.   Many real estate agents have ups and downs in their income. Learning how to make steady, passive income can solve this problem. Investing in rental properties can be a great way to generate passive income, and agents have a huge advantage.   Why do agents struggle with income and how can they make it steady? What steps should they take to reach financial freedom?   In this episode, I explain how agents can find good deals, flip houses, invest money in other projects that make more money, and have an advantage in finding deals. You can learn from others' experiences and avoid mistakes to achieve financial freedom faster.   The more assets that you own that are cash flowing, the more cash flow you have, the more your net worth is going to grow. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -The Agent Investor Model Real estate agents can leverage their unique position to find lucrative deals. How can you transition from selling real estate to flipping and investing?   -The 80/20 Rule and Time Management Prioritizing the right activities can exponentially increase your success. How do you make sure you're focusing on the tasks that yield the most results?   -The Importance of Passive Income Building a stable income stream through real estate investments is crucial. What steps can you take today to start generating passive income?

Mistakes are inevitable, especially when we're new to the investing game. What's important is avoiding the mistakes that could cause our downfall before we start getting results.   Learning the fatal mistakes beforehand can make the process daunting and discouraging, but it's necessary. By side-stepping a lot of the speed bumps, you actually get momentum faster.   What are some of the obvious mistakes we can avoid in investing, whether we're new to the game or not? What are some of the challenges that come with investing? What are some of the common misconceptions newcomers have in the world of real estate investing?   In this episode, I talk about the mistakes I made in the 6 years it took me to do my first real estate deal, how you can avoid them and how you can use mistakes other investors made to learn and grow.   "How you spend your time is going to dictate how much money you're going to make." -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Taking action is easier said than done Taking action is hard and that's why a lot of us stay stuck in the preparation phase. How do we overcome this?    -Make the impossible possible Getting around other people who achieve their goals can make the impossible seem possible. Why is it so important to be around like minded people?   -The first investment you have to make  The most important investment to make as a new investor is coaching and mentorship. How can having a good coach or mentor help produce results we want?

You might have heard that social media is a great place to find deals and wondered if it sounds too good to be true. Or at the very least, getting leads through social media is time-consuming, complicated and expensive. Isn't that just a lot of work for little return?   Finding deals on Facebook seems far-fetched, but it's possible - in fact many investors do it. Some even get these leads for free! What if your fears about social media lead gen are totally unfounded? Is using Facebook to find real estate deals easier than you might think?   In this episode, I explain simple and practical steps to use Facebook to consistently find great deals without spending any money. From optimizing your profile to engaging with your audience, let me show you how to turn social media into a powerful tool for deal generation.   If you're not telling people on social media that you're looking for deals, you are not going to get deals. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -The Best Social Media Platform for Real Estate Deals Facebook is the top platform for finding real estate deals today. Why is Facebook the best choice for agents? -Effective Social Media Practices Simple daily actions on social media can lead to big results. What steps should you take every day to generate leads? -Balancing Personal and Professional Posts Mixing personal and business content keeps your audience engaged. How can sharing both types of posts help you find deals?

Trying to make it as a real estate agent but having a hard time? The constant ups and downs can be exhausting and stressful. You may have heard about our Agent Partnership Program and thought, "This sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?" Many agents struggle with the fear of hidden fees, complex requirements, or feeling like they're getting the short end of the stick. The idea of partnering with a company on fix and flips might seem risky or confusing, leaving you wondering if it's really worth it. But what if I told you that these assumptions are wrong? Our Agent Partnership Program is designed to be straightforward and mutually beneficial. In this episode, I break down the myths and realities of our Agent Partnership Program, showing you why it's so great for agents looking to generate passive income and achieve financial freedom. We partner with agents on fix and flips, giving them the freedom to do whatever they want and the confidence to enter each year, no matter what the market conditions are. -Tom Cafarella Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode -The Structure of the Program Become familiar with how the Agent Partnership Program works and how agents play an important role. What makes this program unique? -Why We Partner with Agents How does this partnership create a win-win scenario for everyone involved? -The Financial Benefits Agents can earn significant income through this program and it makes financial sense. How can you earn more through this partnership?

Many people believe that sellers only call investors when their houses are falling apart or they can't pay their mortgage. But that's not the whole story. Sellers have lots of different reasons. Knowing these reasons can help you become a better investor. Understanding why a seller wants to sell can help you make better offers and close more deals. What makes sellers pick a quick cash deal over a regular sale? How can knowing a seller's thoughts help you? Always keep an open mind when talking to sellers. Even if the seller's situation does not currently seem ideal, they may be open to negotiation or other options that could work for everyone involved. In this episode, I am going to share the real reasons why sellers choose investors, so you can understand sellers better and improve your investing skills. A lot of times when we buy a home from a seller, it's not due to the seller's situation or the property's condition. Instead, it's the seller's mindset that determines their decision to sell to an investor. -Tom Cafarella Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode -Why Sellers Choose Investors Sellers often have personal reasons for selling quickly. What are the real reasons sellers choose investors? -The Power of Cash Offers A cash offer gives sellers peace of mind and a fast solution, which can be very appealing. Is it a good idea to have a cash offer ready? -How to Help Your Clients Better  Helping your clients understand why they're selling can help you make better offers. What can you gain from knowing what a seller is thinking?

The number 1 thing holding people back from building a real estate empire is money. The truth is: you don't need a hefty bankroll to kickstart your investing journey. You might believe it takes money to make money, but my journey from zero to flipping over 100 houses a year proves otherwise. I started with nothing—no big capital, just sheer determination and the right strategies. Could you start building your real estate business today, with the resources you already have? How did I manage to flip so many houses annually, grow a massive rental portfolio, and direct a 400+ agent brokerage, all starting from scratch? Don't let “I don't have the money” stop you from pursuing real estate investing. The longer you wait, the more you stand to lose. In this episode, I talk about actionable steps and mindsets that can enable significant growth in real estate—even on a shoestring budget. Anyone who's ever had any level of success in anything has done it in a progression. Being flat broke to being worth a billion dollars is a step-by-step process. -Tom Cafarella  Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -How to Start Investing with Little to No Capital Begin investing with just a little money. What simple ways can help you start making money in real estate even if you don't have a lot of cash to start?   -Growing Your Business Step-by-Step Make more money by finding good deals and managing house projects effectively. Why is it important to think about making your business bigger, and what easy steps can you follow to grow your real estate work quickly?   -Getting Help from a Mentor for Rapid Growth Mentorship accelerates your real estate success. Why is it important to find the right person to learn from, and how can they help you avoid mistakes and do well sooner?

If you're tired of riding the real estate income rollercoaster, investing is the only way out of the stress of sales. What holds people back is thinking we need big money to start. What if we could do it with absolutely nothing? Contrary to what people believe: it's possible to flip houses and start building wealth with zero upfront cash. You DON'T need a pile of cash to start getting investments under your belt. What you need is what every agent has easy access to - deals. How can you use other people's money to start investing in real estate? What can you do to find good house deals even if your wallet is empty? In this episode, I bust myths and give real world examples of success without starting capital. I also show you how to turn a lack of funds into a flood of opportunities. The key thing here is that you don't need YOUR money to invest in real estate. You can invest in real estate with OTHER PEOPLE'S money. -Tom Cafarella Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode -Kick-off without capital You can begin your investment journey with minimal personal financial resources. How exactly did I start with just $5,000 and significant debt? -How to use other people's money You can use other people's money for real estate investments. How do we leverage partnerships so we're not putting up our own capital? -Finding the right deals is crucial Why is securing good deals more important than having capital? How do we find and secure deals that are off market and require no-upfront-cost? 

The recent NAR Lawsuit Settlement drives home one important point: real estate agents who don't invest aren't safe. They should be worried.   Without the solid safety net of income-earning assets, you'll always be a victim to the ups and downs of the market. With just one investing deal, you can protect your income and never have to worry about shrinking commissions or industry disruptions.   Many agents are in deep denial about the impact the NAR Settlement will have, and that's a dangerous position to be in.   While it's definitely too soon to tell what will happen to the industry, make no mistake - things won't be the same. The faster we adapt, the more bulletproof our businesses will be.   What are the implications of the NAR Settlement? How do we bulletproof our income before it's too late? In this episode, I talk about how to adapt to this development and protect yourself from the worst case scenario.    There's never been a time where it's more important for agents to add investing income into their arsenal. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -The bad news about the NAR Settlement  Whether we want to admit it or not, this development doesn't bode well for a lot of agents. Does it mean we'll have to work harder for less money?   -Adapt sooner than later  The majority of agents believe that the changes of the NAR Settlement will take up to 5 years to kick in. Why should we make changes now regardless of how long it will take?   -Investing is evergreen  Due to disruptions and shifting market conditions, commissions will always be under threat. How can we use investing to build something that can never be taken away from us?

In school, we learn a lot about a multitude of subjects, topics and concepts in order to succeed. While it worked in that space, it can hold us back in our careers, especially as real estate investors.   Because of how we were taught, we end up gathering more information than we need in order to get started. We think we need to read every book, absorb all the knowledge and go to all the events to be ready to pull the trigger, but that's really not necessary.   In this game, 80% of our results can come from 20% of the information. Instead of knowing everything, we can go pretty far with a few simple pieces of information, especially when it comes to getting that first deal under our belts.   How do we eliminate the information that doesn't matter and focus on what truly moves the needle? In this episode, I talk about how school might be the thing keeping you from success, wealth and financial freedom.   In school, you learn about a lot of things but only end up implementing just a few things, investing is the same. -Tom Cafarella     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Focus on deal #1 Thinking we need to have everything figured out keeps us from taking action. What do we need to focus on if we're new to the game?   -The Pareto Principle  What is the simple minimal work that takes less than an hour a week, but will produce 80% of our results?   -Shortcut the path to success  How does a mentor help you cut out mistakes and gain you confidence in the deals you are and aren't doing?

One of the critical components of being a successful investor is finding deals, but not all deal sources are created equal. In fact, some of the most common places to find deals, I wouldn't recommend.   As solopreneurs, how we spend our time is directly connected to the results we get. Anytime we're focused on the wrong lead sources, we're not getting the most value out of our time. That doesn't mean any one of these channels won't get you deals, it just means they aren't the most efficient.   What are some of the most popular deal sources, and why would I recommend you look elsewhere? Which methods lead to us burning time?   In this episode, I share where not to look when it comes to finding great investment deals.   The odds of getting a deal on the MLS are very low. You're not just competing with other flippers and buy-and-hold people, you're also competing with people who want to live in those properties. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Cut out the competition  Why do we have to avoid deal sources where there's always someone looking to pay a little bit more?   -The guiding principle of finding good deals  How do we avoid fishing in red water and fighting other investors when it comes to finding deals?    -Why FSBOS don't work for investors FSBOs by their very nature aren't great for people looking for great deals. What makes them challenging and inefficient? 

Many agents are tired of the rollercoaster ride that small multifamily took them on in 2023 - including us. The constant stress of dealing with high-risk ventures, the disappointing returns that didn't match the effort invested is a far cry from the passive income dream.   Managing these units demands constant effort, hardly constituting the 'passive income' dream. And let's not forget the lurking beast of deferred maintenance, ready to devour profits which is why we sold all our rental properties.   How do rental properties often fall short in delivering promised rewards? Is there a smarter way to invest our resources?   In this episode, I talk about the reasons why we sold our rental properties, how the risk is not worth the meager reward and why we don't recommend buying them right now.   Do not allow 100% of your income to come from residential real estate. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Swimming against the tide They say going against the status quo is smart, but can it tire us out in some situations?   -Individual case situations in rental properties Every case is different so how do we figure out what works for us?   -Risk vs. reward Is the risk in rental properties higher than the reward?

If you're looking for investing opportunities, you'd think the MLS is the right place to find them. Hundreds of properties and motivated sellers at your fingertips, and as an agent, you have front row access.   Well, that's not the case…   Relying on the MLS to find deals might just be the worst way to run an investing business, especially in this market. While some people can certainly find great opportunities on the retail market, those are extreme rare cases. Seasoned investors looking to build a predictable, reliable business go off-market.   Why is the MLS the last place we go looking for deals? Are there cases where MLS properties can work in our favor?   In this episode, I answer a question I get asked constantly: why we don't buy MLS properties.   The odds of you getting a great deal on the MLS are far less than if you were to get it off-market. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Two ponds, two different results   You might think the MLS and the off-market are similar. What's the difference between the two?    -Why it's hard to get a discount on the MLS  Properties off the MLS definitely don't work for flips and quick turn deals, but what if you want to do a long-term buy and hold?   -The secret competitor you're not aware of  If an MLS property needs a ton of work, does that make it a great investment deal?

Selling real estate can be lucrative, but it's far from a consistent income stream. Some months might bring in substantial earnings, while others leave us scraping by.   It's a constant juggling act - trying to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while navigating the unpredictable nature of the market.   Diversifying our income streams is the key to overcoming this challenge. By supplementing our earnings from sales with investments, we can create a more stable financial foundation.   Is the benefit of just selling real estate enough? How does investing allow us to build wealth and achieve financial freedom?   In this episode, I talk about the real reason why I stopped just selling real estate and tapped into being an agent investor. I also talk about how investing helped me gain autonomy over my business and life.   What investing is doing for you is giving you leverage. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Why flips are necessary  Is flipping and fixing homes a quick way to earn big chunks of income?   -Investing and autonomy How does investing free up our workload and give us time back to spend elsewhere?   -Spending resources with no results Why do some agents spend their resources on building a team and then disbanding it soon after?

9 out of 10 conversations I have with agents go something like this: “I've read the book, attended seminars, listened to the podcasts, but I don't know what the actual first step to investing is”.   They like selling real estate, but they are frustrated with the income rollercoaster. They know they want to start acquiring assets, but they don't know how to take action.   They think the thing keeping them from achieving their goals is money, but that's actually not true.   What do we actually need to get started and why is it a lot easier than we think?   In this episode, I talk about the investing advice I give agents on their first call with me.   Your biggest obstacle isn't that you don't have money. The biggest obstacle is that you don't have deals. -Tom Cafarella     Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -The first step  How can we use our easy access to real estate to start building up our investing war chests?   -Get them to call you first People in your sphere know that you're in real estate. Why will they call an investor before they call an agent they know, like and trust?   -One agent's worst listing is an agent investor's opportunity  Why are fellow agents a good source of off-market, discounted properties?

Real estate sales can certainly earn you a great living, but can you easily retire on transactions alone? I don't believe so…   Many would argue that if an agent sells many homes and saves the money they make, they can gain financial freedom. While that's true, only the elite of the elite can achieve that. With investing on the other hand, you can be average and still guarantee wealth and retirement.   Why is it unrealistic to think you can retire on sales alone?   In this episode, I tackle a much debated subject in real estate, and share why investing is the ultimate cheat code to wealth.   Investing is truly the Average Joe way to achieve financial freedom. -Tom Cafarella    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Investing allows you to work smarter, not harder  Many people argue that an agent who sells many homes and saves money can gain freedom. How realistic is this if we look at the stats?   -The Average Joe path to wealth  Most of us know people who got wealthy through investing. Why is it hard to find someone who got wealthy through traditional sales?   -Even luxury agents can't get wealthy without investing Can you get wealthy through sales by raising your average price point?

Every December, people come up with predictions for what the real estate market holds in the new year. In this market especially, many of the forecasts are extreme. The truth about home prices might not be quite so dramatic.   We can't predict the future with 100% accuracy, but we can certainly assess probabilities to get an idea of what's coming. Home prices aren't driven by one thing - there are multiple values that play into them. The 2023 real estate market was flat, but 2024 could be different.   What are some of the key factors that influence home prices? Instead of just focusing on market conditions, what should we be doing?   In this episode, I share my predictions for the real estate market, and the variables influencing my position.   The most important thing in 2024 isn't to know what's happening in the market. It's having a great plan. -Tom Cafarella    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Why it's hard to make accurate market predictions  Many people are predicting extreme highs or extreme lows. Are the conditions in the market present for any of these scenarios?   -Jobs, wages and inflation  How do these 3 factors play into the home prices and what can we expect in 2024?   -The good news for real estate professionals  There are a ton of people waiting on the sidelines to purchase homes. Will they take action even if rates don't go down?

For agents, up to 20% of the listings we come across can be flipped to our own investment deals, but we don't believe we have the vehicle to do so. There are tons of sellers who are better suited with not taking the traditional listing route, and all it really takes is identifying the opportunity and showing up with a cash offer.   How do we know if a listing could be an investment deal? Why do we need to have the offer before we get to the appointment?   In this episode, I'm sharing how we add cash offers to our listing presentations, and why it creates the ultimate win-win for everyone.   10-20% of all sellers want a cash offer and would be better off taking a cash offer than a listing. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Why fetching top dollar isn't every seller's top priority Why would someone ever want to sell their house for below fair market value?   -How to get ahead of the competition Why do we need to be ready to sign on the dotted line before we even get to the appointment? -How to easily draw up your offer How do we calculate the right number for a cash offer?

My path to financial freedom began when we combined traditional real estate sales with investing, but that success story didn't happen overnight. It's taken a few iterations, pivots and even mistakes to get to where we are today - and we also learned a ton of lessons along the way.   In order to diversify your income away from selling homes traditionally, taking action is key. Even if you don't have a ton of money and experience, you can get started.   How do you shrink the space between your dream and taking action? How do you stop being a victim to the ups and downs of the market?   In this episode, I share the origin story of my business, how I got into real estate and everything I've learned on my journey.   While I didn't get into real estate to flip houses, flipping homes can give you big chunks of income that then can be used as down payments for passive income assets. -Tom Cafarella    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -From pre-med to business  How did I discover that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and how did real estate become my vehicle of choice?   -The deal that completely changed my life  How did a listing appointment become the investing deal that changed the trajectory of my business?   -Quality over cash flow  Building a rental portfolio is an incredible way to build wealth and gain financial freedom, but how do we make sure we're not buying the wrong kinds of homes?

Unless you want to lose a lot of money, the MLS is the worst place to find investing deals and set yourself up for success. Off-market properties are where we need to focus our efforts. The good news is, if you're an agent, you often unknowingly come across great deals that haven't hit the MLS yet.   How do we spot these properties and how can we structure the deals if we don't have the capital upfront?   In this episode, I'm sharing strategies to launch and grow your investing operation through off-market deals.   Deals are scarce, that's why you need to learn how to find them off-market. -Tom Cafarella   Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   The options we have for finding deals that aren't on the MLS How do we find an off-market deal at the click of a button? How to set up an agent referral program How do we build such solid relationships with fellow agents, they spot off-market deals for us? Why we shouldn't solely focus on getting listings Can we turn a potential listing lead into our next investment deal?

Agents come across great investing deals every single day, but they don't go after as many as they could. That's usually because they lack capital, construction expertise or a combination of both.   Through our partnership program, we've eliminated both of these barriers and created a way for agents to get off the transaction rollercoaster. This is incredibly important in the market we're in right now. In a market where transaction count is down by up to 30%, creating another lane of income is key to our survival and success.   In this episode, I share 10 case studies of real estate agents who partnered with us, how they found the deals, and how we created the ultimate win-win.   By real estate recession, we don't necessarily mean a consumer recession where prices are down, but a transactional recession, where volume has gone down. -Tom Cafarella    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -A transactional recession Why are agents feeling the pinch in this market?   -How to keep your eyes open for opportunity  There are many unique ways agents come across deals. What are some of the ways our partners found theirs?   -Knocking down barriers to investment  You don't need to have capital or construction know-how to do a deal, how do we provide the 2 in a win-win deal?

In real estate investing, nothing wastes more time or loses more money than taking the wrong first steps. Newer investors are at a greater risk of falling into this trap. With all the information and strategies out there, you can end up focusing on things that don't actually move the needle.   What are the key things you need to steer clear of as a newbie? Can doing the right things in the wrong order be a mistake?   In this episode, I share 10 things I wouldn't recommend for newer investors.   We all have limited time so we've got to spend it the right way. We always have to focus on the things that are going to move the needle in our businesses. -Tom Cafarella    Three Things You'll Learn In This Episode   -Don't be stupidly impatient  Taking too long to start investing is a huge error, but how do we make sure we're not rushing in without a strategy?    -Step 1 vs. step 5 activities Things like building a buyer list, raising capital and even naming our businesses shouldn't be the first thing we focus on. What needs to be priority #1?   -Don't quit your day job cold turkey  Real estate investing promises a high return, but it's not instant. Why is it critical that we keep earning money?