Episode 500: Lessons & the Power of the Creative Real Estate Investing to Build Wealth

This episode is a special one, Wicked Smart listeners—episode 500! And to mark the occasion, we’re flipping the script. I step into the hot seat while three of our top Wicked Smart Coaches—Russell Ham, Mike Makredes, and Rick Abbiati—take over and put me on the spot with questions that dig deep into the journey, the lessons, and the long game of building a creative real estate business.We cover everything from how I’d start over today, to managing market shifts, scaling with the right hires, and why I believe so strongly in coaching. Whether you’re brand new or you’ve been grinding for years, you’ll hear hard-earned insight and practical tips that can help you go further, faster—with fewer bumps along the way. Timeline Summary [0:00] - Introduction [1:32] - How the creative real estate landscape has shifted—and why adaptability is key [3:02] - Why market changes don’t mean pivoting entirely, but shifting your approach [7:03] - The two hires I’d make on day one if I were starting over [10:32] - What kept me moving forward when everything felt like it was falling apart [15:45] - Stacking consistent habits vs. chasing shiny objects in real estate [18:13] - How I decide whether to cash out or hold long-term on a deal [23:24] - Why owner financing is still my favorite strategy for building wealth [27:57] - How coaching has impacted the business—and the personal growth of our team [34:00] - Our coaches share their transformations and biggest breakthroughs [37:39] - Looking ahead to QLS Live 2025 and what we’re bringing to Boston   5 Key Takeaways: 1. Adaptability is everything: Real estate markets shift, but success comes from knowing how to fish in new ponds—not switching your whole strategy. 2. Start with support: If I had to start over, I’d hire an executive assistant and a VA from day one to stay focused on high-value activities. 3. Stack before you pivot: Master one niche before jumping into another. Consistency always beats jumping from shiny object to shiny object. 4. Coaching isn’t just about deals: Coaching accelerates your growth, sharpens your skills, and gives you the confidence to lead. 5. Owner financing is a wealth builder: It may be harder to understand at first, but when structured right, it delivers six-figure paydays and long-term wins. LinksReal Estate Junkies: Coast 2 Coast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-estate-junkies-coast-2-coast/id1747965666 Episode 103: From Full-Time Job, 12 Hour Days to Full-Time Investor, with Mike Makredes https://sites.libsyn.com/101440/episode-103-from-full-time-job-12-hour-days-to-full-time-investor-with-mike-makredes Episode 371: Kickstarting Your Career in Creative Real Estate, with Rick Abbiati https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/rick-abbiati/ Episode 402: Creating a Gameplan, with Russell Ham https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcasts/russell-ham-02/ Episode 466: Creative Real Estate Investing Strategies from a Professional with Russell Ham https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/episode-466-creative-real-estate-investing-strategies/id1266331428?i=1000663909186 Episode 461: $90,000 Real Estate Payday! with Rick Abbiati https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/episode-461-%2490-000-real-estate-payday-with-rick-abbiati/id1266331428?i=1000660303869 Episode 490: $1 Million in 4 Years with the 3 PayDay® Systems with Rick Abbiati https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-490-%241-million-in-4-years-with-the-3/id1266331428?i=1000684073041 QLS Live https://qlslive.com Real Estate On Your Terms and Deal Structure Overtime https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast FREE Master’s Class http://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast FREE Strategy Session with Chris Pre http://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast QLS 4.0 https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qlspodcast Investor Resources https://smartrealestatecoach.com/resources Apprentice Program https://smartrealestatecoach.com/apprenticepodcast In the Trenches Bootcamp https://smartrealestatecoach.com/ittbpodcast 3 Paydays Virtual Event https://smartrealestatecoach.com/3paydayspodcast REI Blackbook https://smartrealestatecoach.com/REIBB-DD 7 Figures Funding https://smartrealestatecoach.com/7figures-pod