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 456 - Where to Go When You Want the Best Interest Rates
What did you think of todays show??
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:
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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
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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...
EP 443 - 3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Scale Your Real Estate Business w/ Cole Ruud-Johnson
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Are you building a business that can survive any market cycle? In this episode, Cole Ruud-Johnson is back on the show to discuss what makes a real estate business work long-term and why most investors fail — and it’s not because of the market.
He explains what separates real operators from the ones chasing quick wins, why scaling too early is risky, and why most people aren't cut out to run a real estate business. We’re calling out the hype, shortcuts, and bad advice that k...
EP 442 - How We Make a VIP Buyer’s List for Wholesale Deals
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Maybe you don’t need more leads, but better buyers. Do you know who the best ones are in your area? In this episode, learn how to make a VIP buyer’s list and calculate deals that lock in profit from day one.
We also cover new market and investment trends, like why buying small businesses probably won’t build wealth, what more housing means when most people still can’t afford to buy, and how underwriting deals like it’s 2021 is hurting your business. Tune in to...
EP 441 - Why You Should Start Investing in a Market Downturn
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Our best deals aren’t in “hot” markets — they're in places you wouldn't think to look. In this episode, find out why now is a better time to start investing than most people think, and where we're finding better deals. We share how we're changing our strategies, what today's lending landscape looks like, and when scaling too fast can actually backfire.
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
Single family rentals vs. multifamily markets (04:33)
How equity a...
EP 440 - Florida's Real Estate Market is Crashing - Which Market is Next?
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Florida’s real estate market is struggling, but how bad is it, and who’s next? Florida brokerage owner Jon Brooks joins us to explain how this market went from red-hot to near collapse, which strategies are still working, and why it’s more than just a local issue.
In this episode, find out which other markets are holding up (for now) and what this downturn says about what’s coming next. We look at why lending might beat buying, where investors are getting burned, and how...
EP 439 - What Working With Alex Hormozi Actually Taught Me
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Big changes have been happening in the market and our business. In this episode, Mike explains why we're taking a break from Friday Focus episodes and how the first year working with Alex Hormozi’s Acquisition.com team changed our business. We share the advice that led us to shut down multiple ventures, change our view on flips, and focus on what actually drives growth. Tune in to hear how we're simplifying to scale more!
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! ...
EP 438 - Hold vs. Flip: Creative Solutions in a Slow Market
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Struggling in this slow market? In this episode, find out how to get better DSCR and insurance rates, what we're doing to overcome dispo challenges, and what creative exits we're leaving on in this market. We also talk about the possibility of a recession, why flips are getting more risky, and how we’re adapting to stay in the game!
Topics discussed:
Introduction (00:00)
How a recession could affect the economy and business (02:15)
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EP 437 - Investing Strategies for Navigating Market Uncertainty
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Stop letting market uncertainty hold you back! If you’re wondering what your next move should be, this episode shares strategies you need to minimize risk and keep building wealth in today’s market. Dan gives a breakdown of his personal portfolio and explains where he’s investing his money (and it’s not all in real estate) to maintain steady cash flow, stay flexible, and prepare for the next market shift. Don’t miss his advice for actively investing when the market gets unpredictable.
Learn...
EP 436 - When to Exit, Adapt, or Double Down on Your Real Estate Strategy
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What is actually happening in the market? Depending on who you talk to, you'll get a different answer but there's still plenty of opportunity out there.
In this episode, we share the strategies working for us right now, what fundamentals we're doubling down on, and why we're not too worried about interest rates. We also talk about the mistake people make when they’re sitting on cash and what the collapse of real estate gurus says about where the industry is heading. Learn where you sh...
EP 435 - Replace Your W2 with Real Estate in 6 Months
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Imagine leaving your job for real estate in just six months. This episode lays out what it takes to build a full-time real estate business that can replace your W2 in today's market. You'll learn what marketing strategies work in each stage of growth, where to put your money, and which investment strategy is best for new investors. Listen now to start building your exit strategy!
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/
C...
EP 434 - Florida Real Estate is in Big Trouble
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Markets that used to be hot are now cooling fast. Florida’s slowdown is making headlines, but it's not the only place where inventory is rising and buyers are stepping back.
In this episode, find out where buyers are still active, why home prices could drop soon, and what these market changes mean for you. We also dig into why you should think twice before making an LP investment and how stricter lending could impact your next deal.
It’s not too...
EP 433 - How to Build Wealth Faster (& Overcome Shiny Object Syndrome)
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Impatience is your biggest enemy in real estate. You could be looking for easy wins or just trying to scale too fast, but shiny object syndrome is what keeps most investors struggling to grow their business. Instead of rushing success because you’re feeling the pressure, find out how to overcome shiny object syndrome and build a real estate business that actually creates real wealth.
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/
Check ou...
EP 432 - What Happens to Real Estate When People Can't Afford Homes?
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Real estate is shifting fast — are you ready to adapt? The end of FHA loan relief, tighter buyer budgets, and new Zillow rules are all putting fresh pressure on investors to spot potential risks and seize the right opportunities.
We're unpacking housing affordability challenges, why we should have a free marketplace, and what investors can do as easy money disappears. Tune in to get the insights and strategies you’ll need to navigate what’s coming next!
Topics discussed:
...EP 431 - Year 1 of Real Estate Investing: What It Takes to Grow Your Business
What did you think of todays show??
Leaving a steady paycheck behind isn't crazy — if you're ready to put the work in. In this episode, you'll hear how one of our SCALE members walked away from a $200K salary to build a real estate business from the ground up. Dan breaks down the five phases he went through during his first year, the skills that helped him start closing deals, and the decisions that led to his growth. Tune in for a realistic look at what it takes to make it through the tough early days an...
EP 430 - Real Estate Has Changed — Here’s What Works Now
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The same playbook from 2021 won’t cut it anymore. Instead of bidding wars and easy cash flow, today’s economy is forcing investors to adapt fast as buyer behavior changes and even solid deals take more work to close.
We dive into follow-up and acquisition mistakes, his shift from investor to business owner, and share our own strategy that turns direct mail into real deals. Tune in to hear how we’re addressing marketing and sales challenges in our businesses!
Topi...
EP 429 - What to Do (& Not Do) In This Weird Economy
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The economy might suck right now, but your business doesn’t have to. If you're feeling unsure about your next move, this episode breaks down exactly what you can do to stay focused and keep your real estate business alive in this shaky market. Mike dives into the biggest mistakes operators make when things get tough, where you can safely cut costs in your business, and how to set yourself up for success when the economy bounces back. Tune in to hear what really works right now and what co...
EP 428 - Making 6-Figures with Zero Marketing w/ Cam Cathcart
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When your marketing stops working, what do you do: double down or hit pause? We’re with Cam Cathcart to discuss what happened when he stopped marketing, the deeper issues it exposed inside his business, and what he plans to change moving forward.
We dive into follow-up and acquisition mistakes, his shift from investor to business owner, and share our own strategy that turns direct mail into real deals. Tune in to hear how we’re addressing marketing and sales challenges in our businesses!
EP 427 - When Novations Make More Sense Than Wholesaling
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Some deals don’t fit the usual mold—and that’s where novation comes in. We’re leaning into this strategy more than we ever have before, and it’s helped us stay competitive without taking on extra risk. In this episode, Dan breaks down two novation deals: one on a dated property in a rural market, and another with a seller who wanted a guaranteed payout. Tune in to hear why we're working with partners, how we're structuring win-win deals, and the surprising tool that's making reno a whole lot...
EP 426 - Our Q1 Metrics and Marketing Breakdown
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We spent over $60K on marketing this quarter — let's break down what we got for it. From lead flow to revenue, we share exactly our KPIs and dive into how our Q1 marketing played out — what worked, what didn't, and which channels actually brought in deals.
This episode is all about managing cash flow in your business, tracking the right metrics, and making smart decisions whether your account is stacked or money is tight. Tune in to hear why tracking your metrics changes everything about your investment stra...
EP 425 - The Ryan Pineda Class Action Lawsuit
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Ryan Pineda is being sued. Let this be a lesson: influence doesn’t equal trust. Today, Mike unpacks how investors got scammed out of millions and the red flags that were there from the start. Plus, find out which other influencers may be using sketchy tactics and why more lawsuits might be on the way. This episode will make you think twice about where you get financial advice!
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/...
EP 424 - What Makes a Great Acquisition Manager (& How to Pay Them)
What did you think of todays show??
A new hire can move fast if you set them up right. In this episode, Dylan shares why his third attempt at hiring an acquisition manager has finally paid off. Hear how he's paying his new AM, what helped his AM start talking to sellers on day one, and the one thing he won’t delegate — no matter how good the hire is.
We also get into how to protect yourself and your real estate business, from unexpected legal issues to institutional buyers making a come...
EP 423 - How to Do Your Due Diligence on Land Deals
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Thinking about diving into land investments now that rentals aren't cash flowing? Land can be a goldmine — or a money pit — depending on how well you analyze the deal. In this episode, Dan breaks down our step-by-step process for evaluating two recent land deals. Find out what impacts land value, how to spot red flags early, and the hidden costs that could turn a promising deal into a financial fail. Due diligence can make or break a land deal, so tune in now!
Lear...
EP 422 - What’s Changed in Real Estate: Buyer Behavior, Closing Times, and More w/ Aaron Bihl
What did you think of todays show??
Experiencing longer closing times? Pickier buyers? You’re not alone. We're seeing lots of changes in the economy, and they’re no doubt having an impact on real estate.
Investor Aaron Bihl is back on the show to help us break down what’s working (and what’s not) in our local markets, why dispo isn't as easy as it used to be, and how we're navigating changes in buyer behavior. Get the insights you need to push through market shifts and keep deals moving!
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EP 421 - Novation Agreements Explained: SCALE Community Q&A
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When a seller says no to your cash offer, what’s your next move? Join us on this SCALE Community Live Q&A to discuss when to use novation agreements and how to avoid the biggest pitfalls. Mike gets into the nitty-gritty details of structuring novation deals the right way, from legal documents you need to working with third parties without headaches. You'll learn how to pitch novations to sellers, the common mistakes that could cost you money, and what happens to your deal if sellers stop making their mo...
EP 420 - 10 Years of Wholesaling: Greg Helbeck on What You Should Be Doing Differently in 2025
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What worked in wholesaling five years ago won’t cut it in 2025. After a decade in the business, Greg Helbeck has made three key shifts to his marketing strategy to keep leads coming in and deals flowing. In this episode, he breaks down the new way he’s using cold calling, why most investors are struggling with lead generation, and what it really takes to stay competitive in today’s market.
We also dive into the growing ethical concerns in wholesaling, how to find “invisible deals” in your marke...
EP 419 - How I’m Getting More Cash Flow in 2025
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It’s no secret that rental properties aren’t cash-flowing like they used to. So, where can you find reliable passive income in today’s market? In this episode, I share my new primary strategy that beats out rentals for higher cash flow in 2025: hard money lending. Learn why lending outperforms rentals, its key benefits and risks, and how you can start with as little as $10K!
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/
EP 418 - Where New Real Estate Investors Go Wrong
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One bad deal is all it takes to make or break an early investor. If you don’t know how to buy well or spot red flags, you might find yourself constantly playing catch-up as the market, economy, and regulations keep shifting. In this episode, learn whether wholesaling or flipping is the better move for new investors, why it's harder to make a profit, and how to adjust when real estate strategies stop working. Make sure your next move is a smart one — tune in now!
EP 417 - How to Get Real Estate Deals Without Trying
What did you think of todays show??
Forget aggressive strategies — sometimes, the easiest deals find you when you're not even looking. Instead of cold calling or constantly chasing down leads, Dan shares how staying active, building connections, and putting yourself out there can lead to surprising (and profitable) deals. Find out how to attract opportunities with less effort than you think!
Learn more about the Collecting Keys SCALE Community! https://collectingkeys.com/scale/
Check out the FREE Collecting Keys “Invest Anywhere” Guide to learn how to...
