Properties to Profits

EP158: Why Most People Quit Before They Even Start

In this Mindset Monday episode of Properties to Profits, I shine a light on the silent dream-killers that sneak into our daily routines: delay, doubt, and discouragement. These aren’t external problems—they’re internal patterns that feel logical, safe, and even justified. But they’re lies dressed up as reason, and they’re costing us the life we really want.
 
I walk you through how these subtle forces show up in our mornings, our goals, and our relationships. More importantly, I give you the mindset and action plan to overcome them—because the dream isn’t dead, you just stopped moving toward it. This one’s for anyone who knows they’re meant for more but keeps getting stuck before the start line.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:00] Delay, doubt, and discouragement—the silent killers of dreams
[1:10] Why these lies feel logical and keep you stuck
[1:26] The danger of “just 15 more minutes” and emotional spiral in the morning
[2:03] Fear disguises itself as logic—but it’s false evidence appearing real
[2:46] Why we delay health, hard conversations, and progress
[3:38] Action creates clarity and confidence—not the other way around
[4:07] Doubt sounds reasonable, but it keeps you playing small
[4:24] You’re not the exception—it will work if you work it
[4:49] Belief doesn’t require certainty—just commitment
[5:08] The people who win simply don’t quit when it gets hard
[5:31] The power of your environment: surround yourself with doers
[5:54] Discouragement comes when things don’t go as planned—but that means you’re trying
[6:48] Setbacks are required for growth—learn the lessons
[7:10] The formula: start, improve, and don’t quit
[7:53] My business didn’t go as planned—but I’m not stopping
[8:37] Ten years of consistent action = a shot at greatness
[8:51] Final reminder: just get up, take action, improve, and don’t quit
 
3 Key Takeaways
Delay, doubt, and discouragement are internal lies—defeat them with action.
Setbacks don’t define you—quitting does.
Start now, get better over time, and commit for the long haul.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more mindset, real estate, and leadership insights
 
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EP157: November MLS Breakdown: Why Now Is a Buyer’s Market

In this data-driven episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into the most recent numbers from the Columbus-area MLS and explain what they actually mean for real estate investors, buyers, and sellers heading into 2024. While headlines scream that the market is crashing, the real story is slower growth, increased inventory, and a huge opportunity for skilled operators to win.
 
I break down everything from pricing trends and inventory levels to days on market and buyer psychology. You’ll hear how we’re using this data to underwrite smarter, negotiate better, and help our team make strategic decisions. If you’ve been on the sidelines, waiting for a crash, you’ll want to hear this one—because the real risk is doing nothing.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:00] Market not crashing—just slower, and full of opportunity
[1:13] Buyers now have leverage—they can finally negotiate
[1:38] Median sales price is up 3.2% YoY to $325K
[2:01] Inventory up 20% YoY—highest since 2018
[2:20] Days on market rose 29%—pricing it wrong means sitting longer
[2:43] Sales volume is stable, but 30% of deals don’t close
[3:29] This market is a return to normal—not a crash
[3:50] Rates slightly down—but not enough to shift everything yet
[4:12] Why now is the time to level up your underwriting skills
[4:33] Buy stale listings, negotiate harder, and stop waiting for the crash
[5:20] Job market shifts: layoffs rising, more talent available
[5:56] When you train daily and stay disciplined, you build margins and win
[6:24] Inventory is high, but prices aren’t crashing—yet
[6:47] Real estate isn’t breaking—it’s just recalibrating
[7:05] This is your chance to win while others are slowing down
 
3 Key Takeaways
The market isn’t crashing—it’s normalizing. Operators with skills will win.
Use the data to guide your actions—not the headlines.
It’s not fast money anymore—but it’s still real money if you stay consistent.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more local market updates, investing strategy, and mindset
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
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EP156: Make 2026 the Year You Finally Follow Through with Your Goals

In this Mindset Monday episode of Properties to Profits, I walk you through how I’m approaching my goals for 2026—and more importantly, why so many people never hit theirs. If you’ve ever set goals that looked good on paper but didn’t move the needle, this episode will challenge you to go deeper. I share how to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in 2025, how to know if a goal actually matters to you, and the hard truth behind why we often fall short.
 
This isn’t about writing a fancy list—it’s about becoming the version of yourself who actually does the work. I cover how to separate “options” from “needs,” how to tie goals to identity, and how to build the kind of year where you actually follow through. If you’re serious about growth in 2026, start here .
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:00] Reflecting on 2025 goals—did you miss them, and why?
[1:05] Hitting goals comes down to intention, not just planning
[1:41] Some goals were too easy… or maybe too hard—diagnose both
[2:04] Don’t beat yourself up—get honest instead
[2:42] Are your goals options or needs? That changes everything
[3:18] My personal reflection: business, fatherhood, and impact
[3:55] Writing goals is easy—doing the work is the hard part
[4:18] Goals without daily actions are just wishes
[5:00] Most of my missed goals came down to lack of discipline
[5:21] You can’t fix what you don’t reflect on—own your past year
[5:43] Avoid 30 years of mediocrity by learning from 12 months of mistakes
[6:00] Set goals that challenge you and change you in 2026
[6:24] Wrap 2025 strong—run into 2026 with clarity and conviction
 
3 Key Takeaways
Before setting new goals, get brutally honest about why you missed the old ones.
The gap isn’t in knowledge—it’s in consistency and emotional discipline.
You don’t need more goals—you need better reasons and better routines.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for mindset, strategy, and real talk on real estate and personal growth
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this episode helped you reset and refocus heading into the new year, hit subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone who’s serious about leveling up in 2026. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.
 

EP 155: How to Grow Through Life's Setbacks

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Properties to Profits, I walk you through a story that hits close to home—a friend who lost his job less than 24 hours after starting his own franchise. It’s a tough reminder that life doesn’t always go according to plan. But in that loss, I show how we can find our biggest opportunities—if we’re bold enough to bet on ourselves.
 
I share my own experience of being let go the same day my first TV ads went live, and how that painful moment became the launchpad for my business. This episode is all about what happens when the rug gets pulled out from under you, and why the way you respond can define the rest of your life.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:45] Getting fired after launching a franchise—real fear sets in
[1:08] Why I told him this is the best thing that could’ve happened
[1:30] When life yanks away your paycheck and your plan
[2:03] He’s got five kids, a mortgage, and a lot of fear
[2:45] You either see opportunity or you let fear break you down
[3:18] Turns out, he’s more financially prepared than he realized
[4:02] Refinancing and building safety nets through lines of credit
[5:14] Business ownership means risk—it’s the price of freedom
[5:29] You’ll have to lead, sacrifice, and walk through fire
[5:50] My story: fired the same day my marketing launched
[6:29] Rejected from a new job—best thing that never happened
[7:13] The truth about building a real business—it takes years
[8:01] Most people call it a pivot, but it’s often just quitting
[8:31] Hard equals growth—don’t expect the next level to be easy
[9:09] Want income growth? Learn to handle pressure
[9:40] Growth is quiet—success can feel lonely
[10:24] Most people turn back in the dark—don’t be most people
[10:59] You don’t need anyone to believe in you but you
[11:21] Winners don’t win because of talent—they just don’t quit
[11:42] Make the choice—will you finally go all in?
[12:04] The world just handed you a gift—now go make it count
[12:41] If you need more security but still want to grow, we’re hiring
 
3 Key Takeaways
Life’s setbacks are often setting you up for something greater—if you lean in, not retreat.
Growth comes through fire, discipline, and doing the work when no one is watching.
You only need one person to believe in you—and that person is you.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Want to grow with us? DM me to learn about open roles at my portfolio companies
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this episode helped reframe your setbacks into setups, hit subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone going through a transition. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

EP154: Mastering Conversations with Intention and Impact

In this Mindset Monday episode of Properties to Profits, I unpack one of the most overlooked success skills—mastering the art of meaningful conversations. Whether you’re leading a team, closing a deal, or talking with your kids, how you show up emotionally and mentally before you speak often determines the outcome.
 
I walk through my personal framework called the Pre-Performance Outcome Method, a four-step process that helps you lead with intention, clarity, energy, and action. From emotional control to strategic communication, this episode gives you the tools to stop reacting and start leading—one conversation at a time .
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:45] Why conversations often don’t go as planned
[1:08] The key problem: we walk in unprepared and reactive
[1:35] Poor preparation leads to misalignment and poor outcomes
[1:59] How 30 seconds of prep creates connection and clarity
[2:20] Step 1: Intention—what emotional outcome do I want?
[2:42] Step 2: Clarity—what should the other person walk away thinking and feeling?
[3:06] Step 3: Energy—what tone, body language, and presence do I need?
[3:21] Step 4: Action—what’s the next ideal step coming out of this?
[3:45] How this works in sales, leadership, and personal conversations
[4:41] Emotional clarity is a superpower in communication
[5:24] Real-world example: how one unplanned conversation lost a team member
[6:09] Make this method a ritual—train your team to use it too
[6:34] Final recap of the 4 steps and how to apply them daily
[6:57] Where to start today—and how this changed my business and relationships
 
3 Key Takeaways
Every important conversation deserves 30 seconds of prep.
Intention + clarity + energy + action = leadership communication.
Conversations shape outcomes—master them to master everything else.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more real estate, mindset, and leadership tools
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this helped you rethink how you approach your next conversation, subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone who leads, sells, or communicates every day. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

EP153: Why 2026 Will Reward the Prepared Real Estate Investor

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I break down exactly why I believe 2026 will reward the prepared and punish the emotional. I dive deep into macroeconomic trends, the rising money supply, falling interest rates, and growing unemployment—and what all of this means for real estate investors who want to position themselves now, not after the market shifts.
 
You’ll learn why waiting for certainty is the biggest mistake you can make, how the government’s current financial behavior signals massive opportunity, and the strategic moves we’re making right now to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a high-earning W-2 professional, or someone just trying to grow your income, this episode gives you the mindset and game plan to win before the headlines catch up.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:00] Why 2026 will favor prepared investors and punish emotional ones
[1:02] Paralyzed vs. recency-biased—two traps holding investors back
[1:39] What happens when the government prints money and rates fall
[2:22] Interest rate drops and capital re-entering the market
[2:42] Why liquidity fuels appreciation—if you move before the masses
[3:31] How government buying its own debt creates opportunity
[4:08] High debt loads = lower rates ahead, not higher
[4:35] Why owning hard assets protects you when inflation hits
[5:24] Rising unemployment = more motivated sellers
[5:47] No housing crash—but more sellers needing creative solutions
[6:09] Tight inventory and strong equity still stabilize the market
[6:29] Global money printing makes real estate even more valuable
[7:33] Why you need to buy before rates drop and prices spike
[8:36] Use this time to increase marketing and find sellers
[9:16] Liquidity expansion is rocket fuel for hard assets
[10:05] Fixed-rate debt protects you against currency erosion
[10:27] History doesn’t repeat—but it rhymes
[10:49] Choose: wait and miss it, or buy now and be ready for the upswing
[11:11] If you’re a W-2 investor—partner up and get passive exposure
[11:28] No income? Learn sales, generate leads, and bring deals to pros
[12:02] Don’t time the bottom—get positioned before the market moves
[13:08] You’ve missed 2008 and 2020—don’t miss this one
[14:07] There are options. Take action now or stay stuck
[15:09] Final challenge: what’s your 2026 prediction? Don’t get left behind
 
3 Key Takeaways
The smart money is moving now—not waiting for headlines or rate cuts.
Liquidity is rising, inventory is tight, and motivated sellers are increasing—position now.
Real estate still wins long-term—but only if you prepare while others hesitate.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more strategies on timing, investing, and mindset
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this helped you think differently about what’s coming in 2026, subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it with someone serious about building wealth. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

EP152: Rewire Your Identity with This Affirmation Framework

In this Mindset Monday episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into the power of affirmations—but not the fluffy kind. I break down why most people get affirmations wrong, and how to flip them into a daily tool that actually changes your behavior, mindset, and results. This isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about commitment, identity, and real action.
 
You’ll learn how to create affirmations that don’t just sound good, but actually make you better. I walk through a clear framework to align your words with your actions and to stop the internal resistance that arises when you repeat something you don’t believe. If you want to be more consistent, more focused, and more intentional in who you’re becoming, this episode will give you the blueprint.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:00] Why most affirmations fail—and how to fix them
[1:09] Your subconscious resists vague affirmations like “I’m successful”
[1:33] A better framework: identity, commitment, reason, action
[2:12] What happens when affirmations are tied to real behavior
[2:33] Use affirmations to reduce drifting and increase consistency
[3:08] Example: how I use affirmations to show up as a better dad
[4:08] Replace “I’m in shape” with “I do what’s required to be in shape”
[4:28] Pick one life category for 30 days: money, health, parenting, etc.
[4:56] Why daily repetition programs your subconscious over time
[5:20] Track it: journaling + habit tracking builds belief
[6:03] Affirmations should end the inner battle, not start it
[6:47] Pressure isn’t the enemy—it’s growth disguised
[7:06] Affirmations = identity + action + proof
[7:36] Start small, win daily, and stack evidence for the life you want
 
3 Key Takeaways
Affirmations should be tied to identity, commitment, and action—not just feel-good phrases.
Pick one area of life and write an affirmation that drives specific behavior daily.
When you act in alignment with your words, you stop negotiating with yourself—and you start changing your life.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for more mindset and real estate growth strategies
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this helped you rethink how you talk to yourself and show up daily, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone working on their mindset. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

EP151: How a $60K Equity Deal Came from a Divorce and a TV Ad

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I walk through a recent deal we closed in Worthington, Ohio—a classic example of why real estate isn’t always about hitting home runs. Sometimes, it’s about solving a real human problem, creating long-term value, and positioning yourself to win years down the line. This wasn’t the flashiest deal, but it checked every box for us: great location, stable rental demand, and a seller who truly needed our help.
 
I break down the full numbers, the seller’s situation, and why we kept this property instead of wholesaling it. You’ll hear how we created $60K in equity, got two strong rental applications, and helped a seller walk away from a painful divorce with more money than he ever imagined. This is what real real estate looks like—messy, meaningful, and worth it.
 
Episode Timeline
 
[0:45] A single—not a home run—but a long-term win in a great zip code
[1:10] Helping a seller through divorce and creating $60K in equity
[2:22] Full breakdown: purchase price, rehab, refinance, and equity
[3:11] Two tenants lined up at $2,500/month in under 90 days
[3:28] Why we overpaid by $15K—and why it still made sense
[4:04] The seller’s reality: embarrassment, emotional fatigue, and letting go
[5:08] How he found us: TV ad → website → phone call → trust
[6:07] Why we loved the house: minimal rehab, great schools, B+ neighborhood
[6:33] Lender wins too: 10% annual return, full payback in under 90 days
[7:20] Property manager’s dream: clean rehab, low headaches
[7:41] Our Q4 game plan: 15 more just like this, scaling to 30 next year
[8:20] It’s not free real estate—but it’s the kind that compounds
[8:42] Playing the long game and stacking wins
 
3 Key Takeaways
Not every deal is a slam dunk—some are quiet wins that grow over time.
Helping sellers with real-life struggles creates trust and long-term opportunity.
Playing the long game in the right markets leads to exponential gains.
 
Links & Resources
 
Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02
Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for real-world deals, strategies, and lessons
 
Enjoyed the episode?
 
If this deal breakdown gave you clarity on what a real win looks like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s in the game. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.