From $0 Marketing to 200 Deals & The Secret to Finding Deals Anywhere with Michael McDonald
Release Date: 11/26/2024
The 6 Ways to Find Your First Real Estate Investment Deal
REI Deal Finders
In today’s episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, I’m taking you back to where it all started—how Michelle and I stumbled into deal finding without even knowing it! I share the story that lit the fire for us and break down the six essential methods you can start using today to find your first (or next) real estate deal. From partnering with wholesalers to leveraging social media and networking like a pro, I’ll guide you through actionable steps that will sharpen your “deal-finding eyes” and set you on a clear path to success. Whether you’re brand new or ready to take...
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Turn Clicks Into Contracts with Jason Sager
REI Deal Finders
If you’re serious about finding quality real estate deals without cold-calling your way into burnout, this episode is for you. I sat down with Jason Sager from MotivatedSellers.com to get into the nitty-gritty of inbound vs. outbound lead generation—and why working smarter, not harder, can completely transform your home-buying business. We break down the real differences between pay-per-click and pay-per-lead strategies, and Jason shares why motivated sellers are the lifeblood of successful real estate deals. We didn’t just talk theory either—this is a no-fluff conversation...
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The Flipping Profit Lie No One Talks About!
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, we dive into the real deal behind those impressive-looking checks you see online from real estate closings. I walk you through a recent transaction and break down the numbers—showing why gross profit is the number that really matters, not just the “cash to seller” figure on the HUD statement. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just thinking about getting into flipping, this episode lays out the essential mindset and tools you need to focus on real profit, not just revenue hype. We also talk about our upcoming full-day flipping...
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How to Comp a Property for a Investment Deal
REI Deal Finders
Wondering if that property you found is actually a deal? In this episode, I walk you through my go-to process for comping properties—step by step, using nothing more than Zillow. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your wholesaling journey, knowing how to evaluate a property’s ARV (After Repair Value) is absolutely essential. I break down how we analyze deals every day with our partners, what tools we use (both free and paid), and how we handle the many variables that make real estate comping more of an art than a science. From square footage to corner lots and...
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The Steps to Getting Your Flip Renovation Started
REI Deal Finders
Welcome back, deal finders! In today’s Deal Finders episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most critical phases of the flip process: getting your renovation off the ground. Whether you’re flipping your first property or your tenth, this episode will give you the foundation and strategy to set your renovation up for success—and protect your profit in the process. I walk you through the systems we’ve developed over years of experience (and plenty of trial and error) to help you stay on budget, manage contractors, and avoid costly surprises. Plus, I break down three different...
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The 4 F’s of Flipping Properties: Find it, Fund it, Fix it, Flip it
REI Deal Finders
Flipping houses might look glamorous on TV, but the real magic happens long before the first hammer swing—it starts with choosing the right property. In this episode, I break down the essential first step of a successful flip: how to find the right deal in the right market with the right numbers. Whether you’re brand new to real estate or ready to scale up your flipping business, this episode gives you a clear, strategic approach to buying smart and setting yourself up for profit. I’ll walk you through how to use local market data to guide your decisions, what property types...
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Are Online Leads Cheaper Than Cold Calling? with Brandon Bateman
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of the Deal Finders Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Bateman, founder of Bateman Collective, to dive into the power of digital marketing for real estate investors. With years of experience managing millions of dollars in ad spend, Brandon shares expert insights into generating high-quality leads through pay-per-click (PPC), SEO, and social media advertising. We discuss the importance of data-driven marketing, how to evaluate a marketing agency, and the biggest mistakes investors make when running their own ads. Brandon also explains why traditional marketing...
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Motivated Seller Negotiation Tools to Close More Deals
REI Deal Finders
Negotiating with sellers isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding people, their motivations, and how to create win-win situations. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of talking to sellers, uncovering their true needs, and structuring deals that work for everyone involved. We discuss the importance of empathy, the power of open-ended questions, and how to avoid common negotiation mistakes that can cost you deals. You’ll also learn about essential deal-making strategies, including the “mirror technique” for building rapport, how to determine the right offer price,...
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3 Types of Income Streams in Real Estate Investing
REI Deal Finders
Are you ready to break into real estate investing but unsure where to start? In this episode, we’re busting the biggest myths holding people back and diving deep into the three types of income streams you can build in real estate. Whether you’re looking to make quick cash, create long-term wealth, or have your money work for you, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward. We’ll cover why wholesaling is evolving, how to navigate legal changes in the industry, and the power of deal-finding partnerships. Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple exercise to...
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The 6 Free Ways to Find Deals in Your Market
REI Deal Finders
What if I told you there were six methods you could start using today—without spending a dime—to find great real estate deals in your local market? In this episode, I break down the Wide FAN Method, a powerful strategy that real estate investors can use to uncover discounted properties and create win-win solutions for sellers and buyers alike. We dive into six key deal-finding techniques, including working with wholesalers, tapping into influential industry professionals, leveraging social media, and more. Plus, I’m giving you clear action steps for each method so you can...
info_outlineWelcome to another exciting episode of the Deal Finders Podcast! This time, we’re sitting down with Michael McDonald, a real estate investor who has closed over 200 deals with zero marketing dollars. Michael shares his inspiring journey from being a nutritionist in corporate America to becoming a successful full-time real estate entrepreneur. Learn how he took bold risks, like investing $40,000 on credit in his education, and turned them into a thriving business operating across multiple markets.
Michael dives into actionable strategies for finding deals in your local market, including his first deal that cost $0 in marketing and netted $20,000. Plus, we break down the importance of collaboration, building a network, and solving big problems for homeowners. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with tips to help you take the leap into real estate investing.
Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Introduction to Michael McDonald and his journey to closing 200+ deals.
[3:12] - Michael’s transition from corporate America to real estate investing.
[6:45] - The risk of investing in a $20,000 coaching program—and how it paid off.
[10:08] - Michael’s first deal: A $0 marketing strategy that brought $20,000 profit.
[15:17] - Why speed and determination are key in real estate investing.
[18:32] - The power of collaboration and mentorship in closing deals.
[22:40] - Breaking down a complex deal involving foreclosure, probate, and loan reinstatement.
[27:56] - How beginners can identify distressed properties and start making offers today.
[30:45] - Leveraging agent relationships to build a steady deal flow.
5 Key Takeaways:
1. Anyone Can Succeed in Real Estate: Your background doesn’t matter. Michael transitioned from being a nutritionist to thriving in real estate by learning the fundamentals and taking action.
2. The Power of Education and Mentorship: Investing in a $20,000 coaching program was a bold move for Michael, but it provided him with the skills and confidence to close his first deal.
3. $0 Marketing Strategies Work: Michael’s first deal—a For Sale by Owner property—demonstrated that a simple phone call can lead to a significant profit with zero marketing spend.
4. Speed and Resourcefulness Are Key: Acting quickly and leveraging connections, like mentors and agents, can help you stay ahead in competitive markets.
5. Collaboration Fuels Success: Working with mentors, agents, and even competitors can lead to stronger deals and a better understanding of the industry.
Links & Resources:
• Connect with Michael McDonald on Instagram: @TheVirtualMillionaire
• Learn more about Michael’s podcast, The Virtual Millionaire Show: Visit Here
• Visit Michael’s website: TheVirtualMillionaire.com
• Join the Deal Finders Community: DealFindersClub.com
Closing Notes:
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Deal Finders Podcast for more actionable insights and strategies to grow your real estate business. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share it with someone who needs inspiration to get started in real estate. Remember—opportunities are everywhere; you just need to take action! See you next time!