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 496 - Why SpaceX and Bitcoin Hype Pays Everyone But You
What did you think of todays show??
Kiavi just sold for $717 million, SpaceX is about to IPO at a $1.77 trillion valuation, and the through-line is the same: the people selling deals get paid whether you win or lose. In this episode, Mike, Dan, and Dylan break down why lenders are built to be flipped, why every standard metric on the SpaceX IPO makes zero sense, how AI data centers actually help your town, and why bigger funds quietly hand you worse returns. The lesson: before you invest, follow the incentives.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
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EP 495 - Operate Like a Recession Is Coming (Even When You're Winning) w/ Aaron Bihl
What did you think of todays show??
Pace Morby blocked Aaron Bihl for explaining the Morby Method out loud. In this episode, Aaron fills in for Mike while he and Dan break down the contradictions piling up around creative finance's loudest salesman: personal guarantees that aren't real, the 50-year mortgage Pace now calls a deal he hates, and the sub-two horror stories that haunt wholesalers forever. Plus why the only thing that survives a weird economy is buying real equity, not the hype someone's selling you.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Why Aaron got blocked...
EP 494 - Why You're Already Living the Life You Want
What did you think of todays show??
Most people chase money for stuff they don't actually want. In this episode, Mike, Dan, and Dylan break down the lies about luxury, real estate, and the stock market that keep people stuck. Why your $1,000-a-night hotel doesn't make you happier. Why MDs keep buying Cincinnati 4-plexes at $600K. Why the S&P 500 is really the S&P 7 propped up by 401k passive bids. The guys close with some Robinhood "what if" nostalgia.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The luxury trap and why most wealth purchases don't make...
EP 493 - How AI is replacing Appraisers, Real Estate Agents, and Insurance, sooner than you think
What did you think of todays show??
The appraisal is dying. Big lenders are building their own AI valuations, one broker rebuilt his entire MLS in a single weekend, and the people whose whole job was telling you what a house is worth are about to be gone. In this episode, we break down which real estate middlemen AI is about to wipe out, why Cincinnati could be the next market lenders blacklist, and why filing an insurance claim almost never pays off.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Revisiting the Brandon Turner and Pace Morby...
EP 492 - How to Spot a Real Estate Mentor Who's About to Sink You
What did you think of todays show??
A Hawaii broker tracked Mike down by email to warn him a Pace Morby sub-to deal had collapsed, the investors were headed for the SEC, and the people at the top had already paid themselves. In this episode, Mike and Dylan break down who actually profits when a deal goes wrong, from wholesalers who squeeze the seller after the inspection to syndication fees you pay whether the fund performs or not. Plus, why a record slice of the stock market belongs to almost nobody.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)<...
EP 491 - Why Brandon Turner's Investors Lost 100% (And What It Means For You)
What did you think of todays show??
Before you write a six-figure check into a syndication, listen to this episode. Brandon Turner's Class B investors just lost 100 percent of their money on a single Houston deal. We break down who you can actually trust with your money: the spokesperson-versus-operator filter, the cash floor that protects you, why oversharing tanks your loan, and what the Buffett yardstick at 230 percent is signaling about the market.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The Brandon Turner fund just wiped out Class B investors (07:18)
Why losing 100 percent in real estate...
EP 490 - How to Profit on Mobile Homes W/O the Parks with Aaron Bihl
What did you think of todays show??
If it doesn't have wheels, Aaron Bihl doesn't want it. After splitting with his Texas business partner and watching the San Antonio flip market grind to a halt, he moved to South Carolina and went all-in on new mobile homes on cheap lots. In this episode, we break down why FHA buyers love new manufactured homes, how Aaron sources lots for $10-15K, the trap of paying retail for land, and why hard money loans aren't part of his game anymore.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Why Aaron...
EP 489 - Where The Smart Money Is Quietly Moving Right Now w/ Drew Wiard
What did you think of todays show??
Most fund operators get paid whether your money performs or not — acquisition fees, management fees, prefs that don't actually pay until years in. Drew Wiard built his fund the opposite way: zero fees, and he personally guarantees every loan, so he doesn't get paid until you do. In this episode, Drew is back for round four on why that skin-in-the-game structure is the alignment most operators won't touch, why industrial is the unsexy corner of the market nobody posts about on Instagram, and bonus depreciation that puts 20–30% of your capital back...
EP 488 - How to Avoid the AI Trap Capturing Most Entrepreneurs
What did you think of todays show??
If you're spending your weekends building AI agents for your business, there's a good chance you've already fallen into the trap most entrepreneurs are walking right into.
In this episode, we break down how AI is hurting most entrepreneurs' businesses, the one case where Mike actually used AI the right way, and what the S&P 500 hitting all-time highs during a war really says about the economy.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
AI and...
EP 487 - The Stock Market Is Rigged and Your Portfolio Proves It
What did you think of todays show??
They told you to max out your retirement accounts. Mike is doing the opposite.
In this episode, we get into why traditional retirement accounts might be working against you, and where Mike is putting his money instead. We also break down the insider trading problem nobody wants to talk about — and whether the financial system behind your portfolio is as trustworthy as you’ve been led to believe.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The Airb...
EP 486 - Top Lending Companies Are Showing Warning Signs of Another 2008
What did you think of todays show??
We sat in a room with some of the biggest lenders in the country last week. What we heard wasn't reassuring. From rising appraisal fraud to (not) shocking statements from a loan officer, this episode breaks down what's really happening inside the lending industry and how it could impact real estate investors.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Two concerning trends in the lending industry (01:46)
Appraisal fraud and the problem with CDAs (05:25)
<...
EP 485 - AI Can Actually Hurt Your Business (& Cost You Deals)
What did you think of todays show??
Everyone's telling you AI is gonna change your business. They're right — but it could actually be costing you deals.
In this episode, we break down why AI is being wildly oversold in real estate, how the focus on automations is costing you money, and the rate chaos hitting investors right now.
We also get into the macro stuff nobody wants to talk about: what a war with Iran is doing to the economy and how to keep your head in the gam...
EP 484 - Real Estate March Madness: The Last Guru Standing w/ Alex Braich
What did you think of todays show??
Which real estate guru would survive a Hunger Games-style showdown? We built a March Madness bracket to find out. From Grant Cardone to Pace Morby, 16 of the biggest names in real estate will fight for the championship — and only one person will make it out alive.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
The March Madness real estate bracket (01:23)
The players and the rules (05:55)
The matchups (07:54)
Semi-final matchups (22:01)...
EP 483 - How to Structure a Seller Leaseback (So It Doesn't Destroy You)
What did you think of todays show??
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)
What did you think of todays show??
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)
...
EP 481 - Mortgage Rates Fell… So Why Didn’t Investors Win?
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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?
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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)
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
Flipping, wholesaling, cold calling — we’ve done it all. But now, it’s time for a change. Â
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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
What did you think of todays show??
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...
