Active vs. Passive Real Estate Investing: How to Pick Your Strategy
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Stop Losing Deals: How to Convert More Sellers with a Repeatable Process with Jerry Green
REI Deal Finders
In this powerhouse training session, I’m joined by seasoned real estate investor and sales master Jerry Green, who shares his 30+ years of experience on how to master the acquisition process and close more deals. If you’re doing all the marketing but struggling to convert leads—or just want to improve your closing rate—this episode will change the way you think about sales in real estate. Jerry pulls back the curtain on why most investors leave money on the table and how adopting a repeatable, process-driven approach to seller conversations can completely change your results....
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The Mindset Mistake Most New Investors Make
REI Deal Finders
In this guest episode, I sit down with the Investor Syndicate Podcast to share how I went from working in hotel management to building two successful real estate businesses—Columbia Cash Home Buyers and the REI Deal Finders community. We unpack the mindset, marketing, and systems that helped me go from side-hustling rentals to leading a values-driven team doing consistent deals. This conversation is full of actionable insights—from how we hire based on DISC profiles to how we guide sellers through the “pain train” to find win-win outcomes. If you’ve ever felt stuck or...
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How to Access $250K in 0% Business Credit (Even with Average Credit) with Ari Page
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Mike Banks, COO of Fund&Grow, to talk about how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can access 0% interest business credit to grow faster—without taking on risky personal debt. Mike breaks down the mechanics of business credit cards, how to qualify, and how Fund&Grow helps clients secure between $50K–$250K in funding—even with average credit. We discuss the most common misconceptions about credit, how to strategically use business cards for real estate deals, and what sets apart investors who scale from those who...
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How I Replaced My 9–5 with Real Estate in Under 2 Years
REI Deal Finders
In this episode, I share my story from being burnt out in hospitality to building a thriving real estate business and founding the Deal Finders Club. Originally featured on the Breakaway Wealth podcast with Jim Oliver, we dive into what it really takes to break away from the 9–5 and build lasting wealth through real estate—even if you’re starting with little money, limited time, and a whole lot of doubt. You’ll hear how I went from scraping together our first few rentals to scaling a portfolio that allowed my wife to retire in just two years. We talk about real numbers,...
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Using Data to Find BRRRR Deals (Without Guessing or Getting Burned)
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I’m showing you how to use data—not just gut feelings—to find real BRRRR deals that can help you build cash flow, equity, and long-term wealth. If you’re tired of scrolling endless MLS listings or feeling overwhelmed by lead sources, this episode walks you through exactly how to filter, focus, and find motivated sellers using the same tools and data we use in our business every day. Whether you’re in Columbia, SC, or anywhere else in the country, these steps will help you make smarter decisions faster—so you can stop researching and...
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How to Find Flip Properties That Actually Make Money
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I walk you through the exact criteria, tools, and local data you need to find profitable flip properties—especially if you’re new or looking to do a handful of smart, high-return deals each year. We break down the “Four F’s” of flipping—Find, Fund, Fix, and Flip—and zoom in on the first (and most important) one: how to find the right properties in today’s market. You’ll learn how to use your local MLS, public data, and smart investing filters like school ratings, average sale price, and buyer demand to narrow in on the best...
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How to Find Real Estate Deals Online (Without Leaving Your House)
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I’m teaching you exactly how to use free and paid data sources to uncover motivated sellers and discounted properties—without ever stepping foot outside your house. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking to scale your deal flow, this deep dive into digital lead generation will equip you with the tools and mindset to take action right away. I walk through the best public records, online tools, auction sites, and apps that our team uses every day. You’ll learn how to avoid wasting time down research rabbit holes, stay compliant with...
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Building a Real Estate Business as a Married Couple with Michelle Lucas
REI Deal Finders
In this heartfelt and hilarious episode of REI Deal Finders, I sit down with my favorite guest ever—my wife, Michelle Lucas. We’re taking you behind the scenes into how we stumbled into real estate, learned by doing (and sometimes failing), and built a business that now supports our family of five. From painting cabinets in our first home to managing flips, rentals, and a team of deal finders, Michelle shares the real story of how we went from weekend warriors to full-time investors. You’ll hear the messy, beautiful reality of working with your spouse, raising kids, and...
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The 5 D’s That Every Real Estate Investor Must Overcome
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down the real challenges that every investor faces—no matter how long they’ve been in the game. We call them the “5 D’s of Real Estate Investing,” and they’re not about deals or dollars—they’re about mindset, momentum, and staying in the game when things get tough. This is the first live training of the year, and it’s all about helping you push through the things that stop most investors: Doubt, Discomfort, Disappointment, Distraction, and ultimately Discovery. Whether you’re brand new or already doing deals, these...
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How to Start Wholesaling Real Estate with No Money or Experience
REI Deal Finders
In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I’m breaking down the strategy that launched my investing journey—and that still helps new and seasoned investors find and fund deals with little to no capital: wholesaling. Whether you’re new to real estate or just looking to sharpen your deal-finding skills, this episode walks through the full process of how to locate discounted properties, structure win-win deals, and navigate legal gray areas (especially with recent changes in states like South Carolina). I share personal stories, proven techniques, and some critical do’s and...
info_outlineIn this episode of the REI Deal Finders podcast, I walk through the most common paths in real estate investing so you can figure out which one best fits your life, time, and resources. Whether you’re brand new to the game or thinking about pivoting from one strategy to another, this episode lays out a clear roadmap to help you take the next step with confidence.
We cover the pros, cons, and requirements of wholesaling, flipping, rentals, creative deals, private lending, and more. I even break down how to decide between active and passive roles—and how much time or money each one really takes. If you’re serious about thriving in 2025 and beyond, this episode will help you choose the lane that leads you there.
Episode Highlights
[0:00] – Introduction
[0:21] – The major real estate investing paths and how to choose one that fits your lifestyle
[1:15] – Quick definitions: wholesaling, flipping, rentals, creative deals, private lending, real estate agent, and passive partnerships
[4:41] – Why jumping into the wrong strategy without education is a recipe for failure
[7:30] – The $50K Rule: how your available capital affects your entry point into real estate
[9:02] – Time vs. money: How many hours per week can you commit—and how it shapes your investing path
[12:34] – What “active” investing really means (and how it compares to passive income)
[15:10] – The IRS definitions of earned, passive, and portfolio income in real estate
[18:58] – Is wholesaling legal in South Carolina? The facts and what to avoid
[23:26] – Flipping 101: what it really takes to profit and how to avoid common mistakes
[25:25] – Why quality tenants matter more than just cash flow for rental success
[28:05] – The most passive path: becoming a private lender or investing in real estate funds
[29:56] – Why 2025 is your year to thrive—and how to make the most of where you are right now
5 Key Takeaways
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Every real estate strategy has trade-offs – Choose based on your time, capital, and desired involvement, not just what’s trending.
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Wholesaling and flipping require hustle, education, and risk management – Don’t dive in without learning the business first.
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The $50K Rule helps clarify your options – More capital usually opens doors to flips and rentals; less capital leans toward wholesaling or creative deals.
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Passive roles like private lending or fund investing build wealth with less daily stress – But you’ll need capital to start.
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Decide where you are, commit to a path, and start taking action today – 2025 can be your breakout year if you pick a lane and stick to it.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, review, and share the REI Deal Finders podcast. The path is yours to choose—just make sure you’re on the one that fits you best.
Let’s go get that next deal.