Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast
In the 'Collecting Keys - Real Estate Investing Podcast,' seasoned Real Estate experts Mike DeHaan and Dan Austin discuss how to use Real Estate to create Massive Income not just Passive Income. Real estate doesn't have to be a get-rich slow game, and by bringing over 500 successful deals worth of experience in three years, their episodes unpack the art of real estate investing, wholesaling, house flipping, and transforming properties into profitable rentals. Listen as they share uncensored insights and strategies, from compelling guest interviews revealing personal journeys and finding off-market deals to in-depth deal analyses and the latest market tr...
EP 483 - How to Structure a Seller Leaseback (So It Doesn't Destroy You)
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Should you buy a house from an elderly seller in foreclosure who wants to rent it back indefinitely? In this episode, we break down the financials, the moral gray area, and smarter alternatives. Plus, find out what hard money lenders actually look at when you apply, how assignment fees can jeopardize your loan, and the red flags that get you denied immediately.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Conspiracy theories and fake statistics (01:00)
Ethical dilemma...
EP 482 - Why You Shouldn’t Diversify Your Investments (And When to Start)
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Everyone tells you to diversify in your 20s and 30s... but what if that's the wrong move? In this episode, we break down why diversifying too early might be the exact thing keeping you from building real wealth — and when it actually starts to make sense. We also cover the two signs it's time to end a business, mistakes we see borrowers making every day, and why getting lucky in real estate is a trap.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
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EP 481 - Mortgage Rates Fell… So Why Didn’t Investors Win?
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Lower rates are supposed to unlock the market, so why does it feel harder than ever right now?
In this episode, we unpack why things can look better without actually getting cheaper, how pricing is influenced behind the scenes, and the recurring revenue obsession that’s turning everything into a subscription — from weight-loss meds to “free” HVAC inspections. Plus, hear about our real estate bottlenecks, tenant drama, and when paying a property manager actually makes sense.
Topics discussed:
Introduc...
EP 480 - The Problem With “No Money Down” Investments
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Your portfolio might look strong on paper… until you try to use it.
This episode focuses on the uncomfortable gap between net worth and liquidity — and how getting that math wrong can quietly kill your options. We break down the cost of selling a rental right now, why desperation in a deal is the fastest way to destroy returns, and where AI realistically fits in real estate (and where it absolutely doesn’t).
Topics discussed:
New AI agents and th...
EP 479 - How AI Could Change Real Estate Forever
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AI is moving fast… and the real question is which parts of real estate it will disrupt first. In this episode, we dive into AI hype and why transactions could change sooner than people think. Then, we zoom out to the bottlenecks actually affecting investors right now: from getting rentals leased in this market to why “qualified” borrowers are having liquidity problems.
Topics discussed:
Rental costs that kill cash flow (00:00)
How property management companies cost time and mo...
EP 478 - What Are the Real Reasons Bitcoin Crashed?
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Bitcoin just crashed below $70K, but why should you care? This event exposed the leverage trap of Bitcoin-backed borrowing and why there were so many forced liquidations. In this episode, we break down what really caused the drop, what's happening as Bitcoin becomes more financialized, and if any of this changes the way long-term investors should think about risk and building a portfolio.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
GoBundance event recap (02:30)
Market sentiment among...
EP 477 - AI Hype vs. Real Estate Reality: Here’s The Catch
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What are high-net-worth operators actually saying about the market right now?
In this episode, we share what we’re hearing from investors — and why AI is showing up in almost every conversation. You'll learn what impact the AI boom could really have on real estate, why some people have become more bearish on the market, and why the country might not be ready for an AI buildout.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
GoBundance event reca...
EP 476 - The Five-Year Reality Check Every Investor Needs
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Profitable one year, underwater the next — real estate doesn't always math the way you expect. In this episode, Mike shares why short-term numbers lie and what his once cash-flowing rental portfolio looks like five years in. You'll hear why “looking good on paper” can still turn into a cash problem, what most people misunderstand about tax incentives and lending rules, and how you can avoid surprise tax bills.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Your five-year portfolio reality check (01:13)
...EP 475 - Why Your Real Estate Business is Always Out of Cash w/ Greg Helbeck
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More doors won’t fix a cash problem. If you’re doing deal after deal but the money never stacks, something in your real estate business isn’t working the way you think it is. In this episode, we unpack what’s keeping investors stuck in that cycle and how to finally get out of survival mode — from the reality of building wealth with rentals to the skill that will keep your business afloat.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Asset pr...
EP 474 - Why January is Prime Time To Get Deals for FREE
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Housing affordability; it's everyone's favorite argument. From Trump's ban on institutional buyers to what's really driving housing prices, this episode breaks down the numbers people ignore and what, if anything, they mean for investors. You'll also hear how to work your CRM with no marketing spend and win deals when taxes and Medicare premiums are a concern for sellers.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Trump’s ban on institution buyers explained (05:46)
Why regulations are hard...
EP 473 - The 2-Week Test That Tells You If It’s Time to Pivot
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Are you starting to wonder: is it the market, or is it YOU? After this episode, you'll know if you should keep grinding or if it's time to make a change. We break down why wholesaling isn't usually a forever play, how to tell if you're burned out or just ready to move on, and how you can pivot without starting over.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The struggle for many investors right now: stay in or get...
EP 472 - Our Highs, Lows, and Wake-Up Calls of Real Estate in 2025
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2025 was tough for everyone, but only some operators figured out what still works. In this year-end recap, we share our highs, the lows, and what surprised us most in real estate. From the trends that destroy assets to major changes in direct marketing, you'll hear which real estate strategies we want to leave in 2025 and where our focus will be in 2026!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Mike’s high: bad operators are getting pushed out (01:31)
...
EP 471 - The Biggest Mistake Flippers Make When a Deal Goes Bad
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Would you rather take a hit to your pride or your bank account? In this episode, find out how holding onto a deal too long can come back to bite you and your business. We dig into why so many deals are breaking down, why some investors are underwater and can't bring cash to closing, and why refinancing isn't always the fix people think it is.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The biggest mistake flippers are making right...
EP 470 - Cash Flow Lies: How to Stress-Test Your Next Deal
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Cash flow can look good on paper and still be a losing deal. Especially right now, when it's never been easier to make the wrong one. This episode breaks down all the factors crushing margins and turning cash-flowing properties into expensive surprises. Find out how to stress-test your next deal before the market does it for you!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
What the Fed rate cut means (and doesn’t mean) for investors (04:49)
Th...
EP 469 - Your Desperate Deals are Destroying Your Real Estate Biz
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New and experienced investors are making a lot of mistakes in this market. Whether it's out of desperation or overconfidence, people are ignoring red flags, not calculating risk correctly, and chasing deals that can destroy their business. In this episode, you'll learn the real value of cash in this market and how to weigh risk in every deal so you can stay in the game!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
What new investors get wrong about cap rates...
EP 468 - 3 Signs You Should Leave Real Estate (And When You Shouldn’t)
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If your real estate business feels hard right now, this episode is for you. Host Mike DeHaan breaks down how to tell the difference between a rough market and a real business problem, the signs it's time to pivot, and the type of investors who shouldn't quit just yet. You’ll also learn how to exit without starting from zero and what to work on in your business if you decide to stay.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Wh...
EP 467 - These Market Traps That Are Bankrupting Real Estate Investors
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One deal can ruin you, especially in this market. But it's not just a bad market taking investors out of the game — it's risky debt, risky deals, and risky business buys. In this episode, we dive into the biggest traps we're seeing over and over, why so many investors are struggling right now, and what we've done to survive the market. Tune in to hear how to make a smart investment in this wild economy!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
...
EP 466 - Are We Repeating 2008? Red Flags in Today’s Lending Market
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Risky lending is back. From rescue loans for low-credit borrowers to 50-year mortgages, the debt side of real estate is starting to look a lot like the pre-2008 era. So if you’re only paying attention to your DSCR rates, you're missing key shifts in the lending industry that could impact your next deal. Tune in to hear what we learned at a private lending conference, why some new loan products make us nervous, and how investors can benefit from them!
Topics discussed:
EP 465 - This New Investor 10x’d His Business in One of the Toughest Markets — Here’s How w/ Alex Braich
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The hardest part about getting started in real estate today? Realizing the shortcuts don’t work anymore.
In this episode, Alex Braich shares how he’s managed to grow a wholesaling and flipping business in one of the country’s toughest markets as a new investor. We cut down all the hype and guru tactics to highlight what really works, from the skills every newbie needs to build to the move that helped Alex 10x his business.
Topics discussed:
...EP 464 - Don’t Get Blindsided by the New DSCR Rules
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Not every deal is worth chasing, and not every deal is worth keeping. And right now, a lot of investors are learning that the hard way. In this episode, find out how refinancing has become one of the biggest traps for investors, which deal types are getting flagged by lenders, and why sometimes the best decision is to sell.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The 80/20 rule for problem deals and clients (01:36)
When to...
EP 463 - 6 Hot Takes Real Estate Insiders Don't Want You to Hear
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The industry’s full of opinions, but what’s actually happening in real estate right now? This week, we’re putting the headlines aside and sharing six hot takes about what’s really going on — some controversial, others overdue, but all showing how different real estate feels today.
Tune in for our thoughts on the end of no-money deals, outdated investing advice, a possible housing crash, and more!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Hot take...
EP 462 - The Only Housing Markets Still Appreciating in 2025
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Most headlines say the housing market’s slowing down… but that’s not the full story.
In this episode, find out which markets are defying national trends and appreciating 10% year over year. We talk about what’s causing this divide, how to avoid getting stuck with a property you can’t sell, and where you should consider investing for lasting, long-term wealth.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Canada’s affordability and housing crisis (06:11)
...
EP 461 - The Debt Trap Impacting Real Estate Investors w/ Drew Wiard
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It’s not a housing crash, but this could hit the real estate market hard. This episode is all about America's growing debt problem, the rise of foreclosures, and why cash is still king in today's market.
We break down how new credit score models could affect lending and the type of assets that can survive a debt-based economy. Plus, Drew Wiard joins the show to share how the commercial industry is holding up, which markets are doing surprisingly well, and what you should be do...
EP 460 - We Left Our 7-Figure Homebuying Business
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Flipping, wholesaling, cold calling — we’ve done it all. But now, it’s time for a change.
In this episode, find out why we’ve decided to exit from our 7-figure homebuying company and what we’re doing now. Hear the moment we decided to pivot, what we’ve learned about successful partnerships, and how we’re rethinking scale, risk, and opportunity.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Is work-life balance possible? (04:13)
Easy wins...
EP 459 - Veteran Wholesaler Calls Out Shady Tactics and Fake Gurus
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Tired of all the BS in the wholesaling? So are we. Greg Helback is back on the show to help us break down how shady operators and fake gurus are killing the industry.
We get into how to beat out national wholesalers (without overbidding), what actually gives you a competitive edge in today’s market, and why doing the right thing isn’t just ethical — it’s smart business.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
How wh...
EP 458 - How the Rich Avoid Estate Taxes – and You Can Too
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What happens to your business and your family if you're suddenly gone? No one likes to talk about it, but today we’re getting into estate planning, how to make things easier on your spouse if the unexpected happens, and what you can do now to start protecting your wealth.
You'll learn how the rich avoid estate taxes, why liquidity is a major issue for most investors, and the one mistake that could force your family to sell everything.
To...
EP 457 - Why Most House Flippers Burn Out
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Can't scale? Constant rental problems? Not sure if flipping is worth your time? You might be running your business the hard way.
This episode breaks down the risks of flipping (especially right now) and why so many investors burn out. We're also talking DSCR loans, why it might be a good time to refinance, and the systems we use to manage properties with a lot less stress. If your business feels reactive or stuck, this one’s for you!
To...
EP 456 - Where to Go When You Want the Best Interest Rates
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Struggling to make money in this market? This episode explores the ripple effect of a bad economy, why it's hard to find valuable assets, and of course, how it's playing out in real estate.
We share why the current market is actually great for investors, how to get the best interest rates on your next loan, and the concession that’s almost required to close a wholesale deal now. Learn what today’s buyers are looking for and how to stay afloat in this market!
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EP 455 - Viral Real Estate Strategies That Don’t Work
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That viral real estate post you saved? Total BS. In this episode, find out which "strategies" don’t actually work and the risky financing moves getting investors sued.
We also break down the number one thing people get wrong about wholesaling, why a high ROI isn’t always as good as it sounds, and the dispo changes helping us sell or rent properties faster.
Learn how to evaluate your KPIs in the current market and scale without burning cash!
EP 454 - Why Buying Real Estate Beats Buying a Business
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ROI doesn’t lie… and it’s better in real estate. In this episode, we’re breaking down why real estate is better than buying a business and what most people miss when they chase “passive” income.
Hear what assets we're trusting in right now, how to make wholesaling work in this market, and the one real estate rule that never fails us. Plus, we also share the skills and decisions that keep us in business even when deals get messy.
Topics...
EP 453 - The New Wholesaling Law That’s Changing Our Market
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When the market's a mess, how do you avoid getting burned? From fake sellers to a new law that could seriously impact your wholesale deals, this episode breaks down the risks and changes in real estate right now.
Wondering if multifamily deals are still worth your time or when refinancing might be a smarter play than selling? We're talking about appraisals, lenders, and market shifts that are making even solid deals fall apart.
Topics discussed:
...
EP 452 - How to Avoid the Scaling Trap in Real Estate
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Struggling to scale your business? Well, maybe you don't have to.
In this episode, we’re talking about why 10x growth might not be for everyone — and when scaling actually makes sense. From the risks of scaling with debt to the marketing mistakes that can drain your profits, you'll hear the risks of scaling a wholesaling business and why we ultimately chose to scale back.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
AI hype, influencers, and...
EP 451 - What to Do When The Effort Isn't Worth the Payout
What did you think of todays show??
Even small deals can keep you in the game, especially in this economy. But that doesn't mean every deal is worth the effort. In this episode, we break down which deals are worth your time, when it makes sense to walk away, and why chasing quick wins won't work in this market.
Hear why we take on $0 deals, why you should stop caring about interest rates, and the best size for a scalable wholesaling business.
Topics discussed:<...
EP 450 - New Lending Rules Making Real Estate Harder for Wholesalers
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The mortgage fraud fallout is officially here, and we’re starting to see the effects. This episode breaks down new lending requirements, our experience with appraisers, and why getting a loan is getting harder for experienced investors.
We also talk about insurance loopholes that can kill your deals, how the affordability crisis is impacting our rentals, and the added pressure wholesalers are feeling in this market.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
New le...
EP 449 - A Major Mortgage Fraud Crisis is Coming — Here’s What We Know
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One wrong deal could set your business back years — especially now when cash is tight and the market can't be trusted. In this episode, we share how changes in the market have impacted our real estate business and what we're doing to protect our portfolios.
From a looming mortgage fraud crackdown to COVID-19 relief programs ending, there's a lot going on. Tune in to hear where we see potential opportunities, what we're avoiding, and the number one thing you can do to survive this uncertain ma...
EP 448 - What the Big Beautiful Bill Means for Real Estate Investors w/ Greg Helbeck
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100% bonus depreciation might be back, but don’t get too excited just yet. In this episode, Greg Helbeck joins us to break down what the “Big Beautiful Bill” could mean for investors and if it should change your real estate strategy. We also talk about flipping vs. holding in blue states right now, the strategy that cost Greg $55,000, and how we use ChatGPT to protect our deals.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Real estate advantages in the big be...
EP 447 - Real Money vs. Fake Equity: Is Inflation Killing Your Returns?
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Still chasing financial freedom? It’s harder now than it used to be. This episode digs deeper into how inflation and the devaluation of the dollar are impacting real estate assets, and what you can do to adapt and protect your wealth.
Mike and Dylan talk about the risks they’re seeing in today’s market, the fall of syndications, and what passive investors are getting wrong about financial freedom. Tune in to learn how to make real income in this economy!
<...
EP 446 - The Only Deals Worth Doing Right Now
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Are you noticing all the bad deals in the market right now? Or is it just us? In this episode, we break down where we’ve made the most money this year, how we're balancing short-term wins and long-term strategy, and the monthly overhead of running a wholesaling business. Learn how to avoid wasting time on the wrong sellers and keep your margins strong, even as you scale your business!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Our current le...
EP 445 - How We Deal with Seller Concessions
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It’s a buyer’s market, but sellers aren't the only ones making concessions. In this episode, you'll hear how we’re managing seller concessions and protecting our margins even when we have to negotiate.
We're seeing good flips struggling to make a profit, cash becoming more important than ever, and even lenders trying to offload bad debt. Tune in to hear how our investment strategy has changed, including what deals we’re avoiding and our plans for the winter slowdown!
Top...
EP 444 - This System Saves Us Thousands on Rehabs
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Should you hire a project manager or just power through? Today, we’re talking about why we haven't hired one (yet), how Dylan is managing 13 deals at once, and the move that doubled his revenue.
In this episode, you’ll learn ways to keep your rehab costs low, make more per deal, and close deals faster. We also share if we’re on track to meet our yearly revenue goals and give updates on our new American cold callers. Join us as we explore the chaos...
