Most of my deals come straight from my network, not from public listings. Building strong relationships is the key to finding off-market opportunities that most investors miss. Take my Mastermind student, Keishia Kennedy. Through a connection with a commercial broker, a simple lunch turned into a private tour of two off-market properties in Tulsa—a 27-unit and a 150-unit building. These weren’t deals on any listing site; they were shared because of the trust she built through networking. When you have a solid network, you get access to properties before they hit the market. Brokers, owners, and investors are far more likely to keep you in mind when you’ve established that connection. A network like this can become your best source of quality deals and real opportunities. In our training tomorrow, November 6 at 8 pm EST, we’ll share 10 key strategies for finding off-market deals. Comment “OFF-MARKET” below, and we’ll give you the registration link.

With the market leveling out, finding solid real estate deals still takes strategy. The secret? Look off-market. Forget MLS competition and build your own “lead pipelines” to find hidden opportunities. One effective method is direct mail. Reach out to property owners in foreclosure, landlords ready to retire, or properties needing renovations or with code violations. These owners may be more motivated to sell without ever listing publicly. But here’s the thing: I have a strategy I rely on to find off-market apartment and hotel deals. One of my students recently used it and landed an incredible property. Want to know how? Drop a comment, and I’ll tag you in my next post where I share exactly how it works. PS. Image not related to the post.

Everyone talks about cashflow: “Get enough rentals with $200 monthly income, and you’re set!” But here’s the truth—focusing only on cashflow can lead to common mistakes that hold you back. One big mistake? Going for the cheapest properties just for quick cash. They often come with high maintenance and turnover. I’ve been there—the real gains happen when you invest in better properties in solid neighborhoods, where value appreciates and income stays steady. Turnkey rentals also seem like an easy choice, but that convenience comes with a premium. Providers often charge more, slowing your path to real wealth. So, where’s the real wealth? Appreciation. Choose properties in growing markets, and they’ll increase in value, giving you leverage to buy more. Imagine pulling $100K from one property to reinvest—boosting both cashflow and long-term wealth. Forced appreciation is key too. Using strategies like BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), I create value instantly..For instance, we acquired 30 units for $470K, put in $1.4M, and now it’s valued at $4.7M. Cashflow is great, but true wealth is built by creating value. What strategies have worked best for you in building wealth through real estate? Share below.

Here’s the story: We took over a 128-unit property (part of a 270-unit portfolio) without putting a single dollar down on the acquisition. The bank urgently needed to remove this property from their books due to issues with the previous operator. So, they made us an offer that worked in our favor. We assumed the mortgage with no assumption fee, making it a true no-money-down deal from an acquisition perspective. They even financed the renovation, with just a small contribution on our part. But let’s be real: Not every bank or seller is in a rush to sell without cash upfront. The key to “No Money Down” deals isn’t about needing zero money. It’s about leveraging funds that don’t have to come from your pocket. Money for these deals can come from: 1. The seller 2. The bank or private lenders 3. Private investors 4. The deal itself 5. Other creative sources. This Wednesday, October 30 at 8 PM EST, I’m going live to cover these five strategies for real estate deals—houses, apartments, hotels, you name it. Click here to register https://bigdealmasterclass.com/

I was just 16 when I picked up Robert Allen’s Nothing Down and saw the power of buying real estate with no money down. That book planted a seed, showing me that if you got creative, you could achieve what seemed impossible. Fast forward to 2003—I hit rock bottom, losing everything. But with zero cash, I had no choice but to revisit those lessons and get creative. I rolled up my sleeves, looked for unconventional deals, and found ways to buy property without putting a single dollar of my own down. Sometimes I used seller financing, and sometimes I raised funds from private investors, but in every case, I made it happen without personal capital. Here's what I want you to know: if you’re feeling held back because you lack money, it’s time to switch that mindset. Use every tool you’ve got—your creativity, your network, and your hustle. I started with nothing, yet built a $300M real; estate portfolio. You can do the same. What’s your biggest challenge in real estate right now? Share it in the comments below.