REI Deal Finders

Hosted by Deal Finders Club

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100

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Are you ready to become a Real Estate Deal Finder? With the REI Deal Finders podcast, hosted by Andrew Lucas, your goal could be closer than you think. In this inspiring and thought-provoking collection of conversations, you'll get the chance to listen in as professionals from around the country reveal their secrets and strategies to becoming successful real estate investors. Interviews include Wholesalers, Flippers, Agents, and service providers that are all utilizing postcards, cold callers, google ads and their networks to Find Deals. So grab a notebook and get ready to listen in while Andrew dives into each guest's business to bring you Actionable steps that you can use TODAY! Go to DealFindersClub.com for more information.

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April 28, 202649 min

The Responsible Way to Use Other People's Money in Real Estate

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down one of the biggest growth tools in real estate: private capital. We talk about the difference between "money" and "capital," why that distinction matters, and how using private funding responsibly can help you move faster, take down more deals, and stop missing opportunities because you're waiting on the bank. I share how our business went from traditional loans and a failed first private lender experience to funding 82 deals in one year with private capital. If you're trying to grow your real estate business, this episode will help you understand how to find private lenders, present deals professionally, protect their money, and build long-term relationships that can fuel your next level. Episode Highlights [0:32] – Why we don't all think or talk about money the same way [1:05] – How we went from zero private deals to 82 in one year [2:16] – Our first private lender story—and what happened when the money disappeared [3:47] – How adversity forced us to get creative with funding [4:25] – Why "private funding" is different from just talking about money [5:11] – The role of capital in your real estate business [7:06] – Where most businesses get startup capital [9:49] – Why capital must be treated as a business tool, not spending money [10:07] – The importance of separating Other People's Money into its own account [12:04] – How access to capital lets you grab opportunities faster [15:17] – Why capital gives you speed, confidence, and more chances to win [20:17] – Why private capital is faster and easier than bank funding [22:09] – The success steps: find people, present deals, protect the money, and repeat [23:56] – How to start identifying potential private lenders [26:35] – What to say when sharing your real estate journey with friends and family [35:33] – Why creating a short private lender video can speed up the process [39:15] – How to protect private lenders with contracts, attorneys, notes, and mortgages [41:35] – Why communication keeps lenders confident and willing to lend again [45:36] – How private capital can support any size need in your business 5 Key Takeaways Private capital is not spending money—it's a business tool Friends, family, and your network are often the first funding pool Access to capital creates speed, confidence, and more deal opportunities Protecting lenders legally and emotionally is the key to long-term trust You don't need one lender with $200K—private capital can fill smaller gaps too Links & Resources REI Deal Finders Club – Join the community and apply for mentorship Recommended Book: Profit First for Real Estate Investors Private Money Club – Resource mentioned for connecting with private lenders Deal Finder Data – Partner resource for finding and analyzing deals Find & Flip Workshop – Two-day training on finding, funding, and flipping deals If this episode helped you rethink how capital can grow your business, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who needs to stop waiting on funding and start building their deal pipeline. Let's go get that next deal.

April 21, 202643 min

The Data-Driven System for Finding Discount Properties

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, we break down the full data-driven process of finding motivated sellers and discount properties—starting completely free and scaling up to powerful paid tools. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out where to even look for deals, this episode walks you through exactly how to research, identify, and reach out to property owners before anyone else does. We cover everything from free county records and auction sites to the top three paid apps our team uses daily—Deal Machine, PropStream, and Deal Finder Data—including how AI is now predicting which homeowners are most likely to sell. Whether you're just getting started or looking to systematize your lead generation, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to move forward and take action. Episode Highlights [1:21] – The honest truth: most people won't take action—will you? [3:45] – Matching your strategy to your resources: time vs. money [6:46] – The best lists for finding motivated sellers and how AI predicts who's about to sell [8:03] – Free source #1: County websites—probate, divorce, bankruptcy, and liens hiding in plain sight [11:30] – Don't fall down the rabbit hole—what you actually need from county records [12:44] – Zillow, Realtor.com, and the truth about Zestimates [14:46] – Finding deals in the "For Rent by Owner" section and auction sites like Auction.com [19:21] – Deal Machine: driving-for-dollars app, AI seller prediction, and calling owners in real time [24:02] – Absentee owners: why this is the #1 list to target [25:13] – PropStream deep dive: comps, MLS + public record data, and why the MLS alone misses 50% of sales [34:00] – Deal Finder Data: AI Sale Predictor, bored investor leads, and filtering for likely sellers in one click [37:39] – Sending marketing directly from the apps and choosing tools you'll actually use consistently [41:37] – Your next step starts tomorrow: build your action plan and get on a call 5 Key Takeaways Free data is everywhere—county websites, Zillow, and auction sites are untapped by most investors AI tools now predict which homeowners are likely to sell, giving you a serious edge PropStream pulls both MLS and public record data—giving you 2x the comps agents see Absentee owners and bored investors are two of the highest-converting lead sources Consistency beats perfection—use the tools you'll actually open every day Links & Resources REI Deal Finders Club – Join the community: reidealfinders.club Deal Machine – Driving for dollars app: dealmachine.com PropStream – Investor research and comp platform: propstream.com Deal Finder Data – AI-powered lead generation tool: dealfinderdata.com Free lead sources: Zillow, Realtor.com, Auction.com, county tax assessor and clerk of court websites If this episode helped you see how data and the right tools can transform your deal-finding process, do us a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who's ready to stop looking and start finding. Let's go get that next deal.

April 14, 202633 min

The Deal Finder's Blueprint to Flipping Houses for Profit

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down the full process of finding, analyzing, and executing profitable flip deals—from sourcing opportunities to building your contractor team and managing your rehab timeline. If you've ever wondered why some investors consistently find great deals while others stay stuck, this episode lays it all out step-by-step. We dive into the systems behind deal finding, the importance of accurate comps, and how to confidently evaluate deals so you don't lose money before you even get started. Whether you're preparing for your first flip or looking to tighten up your process, this episode gives you the practical framework to move forward with confidence. Episode Highlights [0:21] – Why finding deals is a system—not luck or timing [0:44] – The 3 key stages: marketing, communication, and negotiation [1:09] – How to comp properties correctly (and avoid costly mistakes) [1:58] – Why active listings are NOT real comps [2:47] – What to do when you can't find comparable properties [3:39] – Why guessing ARV will kill your deal before it starts [4:51] – How lenders evaluate you based on your numbers [6:12] – Building a professional scope of work to secure funding [8:24] – The 3-step flip process: find, fix, and sell [9:31] – Why your contractor team is critical to your success [10:21] – Time vs. money: how delays destroy your profits [11:35] – Quick rehab cost estimates to evaluate deals fast [14:34] – Why you need a materials database (and how to build one) [16:54] – Labor vs. materials: where investors get taken advantage of [20:05] – Why you must inspect every deal before buying [22:29] – How to properly vet contractors (and avoid bad hires) [27:10] – The real cost of holding a property per day [30:00] – Why flipping is a system—not a one-time event [31:08] – The most important step: taking action and getting started 5 Key Takeaways Deal finding is a system—build it and stay consistent Accurate comps and ARV are the foundation of every profitable deal Time kills deals—manage your timeline as tightly as your budget Your contractor team can make or break your flip Action beats perfection—your next step is what moves your business forward Links & Resources REI Deal Finders Club – Join the community and connect with deal finders Deal Finders Workshop – Deep dive into finding, funding, and flipping deals Scope of Work Template (shared inside the community) Connect on YouTube + Facebook @REIDealFinders If this episode helped you better understand how to find and execute flip deals, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone ready to take action and land their first (or next) deal. Let's go get that next deal.

April 7, 202631 min

Building Agent Relationships That Bring You More Deals

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I sit down with a panel of experienced real estate agents to break down what's really happening in today's market—and how investors can better work with agents to find and close more deals. We dive into everything from industry changes and commission conversations to what actually makes an investor stand out (or get ignored). This episode is packed with real, unfiltered insight from the people on the front lines of deals every day. If you've ever wondered how to build stronger relationships with agents, get access to better opportunities, or avoid costly mistakes when working with buyers and sellers—this conversation will change how you approach your business. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Meet the agent panel and their experience in the real estate market [2:20] – Breaking down the NAR lawsuit and what it means for investors and agents [3:43] – Why commissions have always been negotiable (and what's changing now) [6:15] – Why investors should interview agents—and why agents should interview you [7:33] – The importance of loyalty and building long-term agent relationships [8:13] – What to look for in a great real estate agent (ethics, reputation, network) [10:58] – The risk of sharing too much without an agency agreement in place [12:46] – What's happening in today's market: inventory, buyers, and opportunities [14:32] – How creative deal structuring can help you win more deals [15:29] – "Now is the time to buy"—why waiting could cost you [18:36] – Why sitting on the sidelines is the biggest mistake investors make [21:45] – What agents actually need from investors to help you succeed [22:08] – Why cutting corners on rehab can kill your deal at the finish line [24:32] – The danger of being a "bully investor" and burning agent relationships [26:05] – Why your network is your biggest advantage in this business [29:07] – What drives successful agents—and why that matters to you as an investor 5 Key Takeaways The best deals come from strong agent relationships—not one-off transactions Loyalty and communication with your agent will unlock more opportunities Reputation matters—agents talk, and it affects your ability to win deals Don't cut corners on rehabs—buyers will notice, and it will cost you Waiting for the "perfect time" to invest will keep you stuck on the sidelines If this episode gave you a new perspective on working with agents and finding better deals, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who needs to build stronger relationships in real estate. Let's go get that next deal.

March 31, 202649 min

The BRRRR Strategy Is Back: How to Build Wealth with Lower Rates

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down why the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) is making a major comeback—and how falling interest rates are opening the door for investors to build wealth faster than we've seen in the past couple of years. I walk you through exactly how BRRRR works in today's market, what changed when rates went up, and why it's becoming easier again to find deals that actually cash flow. If you've been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right time—or wondering if BRRRR still works—this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a step-by-step approach to getting started. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Why I'm saying "the BRRRR is back" (and what's changed with interest rates) [1:32] – Why BRRRR never died—it just required deeper discounts [2:16] – "Don't wait to buy real estate—buy real estate and wait" [3:12] – Why the 30-year mortgage is one of the best financial tools ever created [3:55] – Breaking down BRRRR: Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat [5:22] – Who BRRRR is for (and who it's NOT for) [6:12] – The #1 rule: you make your money when you buy [7:07] – Top ways to find deals (agents, deal finders, FSBOs, driving for dollars) [8:34] – Why bad underwriting kills deals before they start [11:19] – The 1% rule and how to quickly evaluate rental deals [13:02] – How lenders determine how much money you get back [14:18] – What a cash-out refinance really means (and why it's powerful) [17:16] – Seasoning periods and how long you need to hold before refinancing [20:05] – The truth about financing costs (and why most people ignore them) [24:10] – Real deal breakdown: turning a quad into a cash-flowing asset [33:40] – Why knowing your rental strategy (long-term vs short-term) matters [38:03] – Rates are dropping: why lenders are ready to fund your deals now [47:06] – Turning BRRRR into a repeatable system and long-term business 5 Key Takeaways BRRRR never went away—it just got harder when rates were high Your profit is made at the purchase—buy right or don't buy at all Cash-out refinancing lets you recycle capital and scale faster Interest rates and lending terms can make or break your deal Consistency and systems turn one deal into a scalable business If this episode helped you understand how to use BRRRR in today's market, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone ready to start building real wealth through real estate. Let's go get that next deal.

March 24, 202636 min

How to Build Wealth Faster with Small Multifamily Deals

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down why small apartment investing (typically 4–50 units) is one of the most powerful and overlooked strategies for building consistent cash flow and long-term wealth. If you've been stuck thinking one house at a time, this episode will shift your perspective on what's possible when you scale smarter—not just bigger. We walk through the key advantages of small multifamily, how to find these deals, and the strategies to structure them—whether you want full ownership or are considering syndication. I also share the exact process we use to evaluate, fund, and close these deals so you can move forward with confidence. Episode Highlights [0:50] – What qualifies as a "small apartment" (4–50 units) and why it matters [1:28] – Why vacancies don't kill your income like they do in single-family rentals [2:33] – The efficiency of scale: one roof vs. ten separate properties [3:54] – Why less competition exists in the 5–50 unit space [5:12] – Mom-and-pop owners and why they create the best opportunities [8:39] – Ownership vs. syndication: control, returns, and decision-making [11:42] – The trade-offs of using your own capital vs. pooling funds [15:02] – The 7-step process to closing a small apartment deal [17:26] – How to pick the right market (local, cash flow, and emerging markets) [22:12] – Key economic indicators to analyze before buying [25:30] – Why building the right team is critical to scaling successfully [27:40] – "Deals are made, not found": how to structure creative opportunities [29:07] – Why tired landlords and professional investors are your best sellers [32:58] – How to find deals: MLS, direct mail, brokers, and off-market strategies [33:30] – Why multifamily brokers control the best deals—and how to access them 5 Key Takeaways Small apartments reduce risk—vacancies don't wipe out your income Scale creates efficiency—more units, less complexity per door The 5–50 unit range has less competition and more opportunity Great deals are created through structure—not just price Your team, market, and strategy matter more than the property itself Links & Resources REI Deal Finders Club – Join the community and learn how to close your first multifamily deal Tools mentioned: Deal Finder Data, LoopNet, CoStar Connect on YouTube + Facebook @REIDealFinders Apply for mentorship and live trainings inside the community If this episode helped you think bigger about your investing strategy, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone ready to move beyond single-family and start scaling. Let's go get that next deal.

March 17, 202650 min

Why Most Rehab Projects Lose Money (And How to Avoid It)

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I break down the reality of rehabbing houses in today's market and how investor strategies have changed over time. While the fundamentals of flipping haven't changed much, buyer expectations have—and that's where many new investors get into trouble. I share lessons from my early days rehabbing houses (including some hilarious rookie mistakes), and walk through the systems, budgeting strategies, and team-building steps that make flipping houses profitable instead of painful. If you're thinking about doing your first rehab—or want to avoid expensive mistakes—this episode will give you a practical framework to evaluate, fund, and manage your next project. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Why rehabbing houses feels different today than it did years ago [1:27] – How HGTV and market cycles shape buyer expectations [4:33] – My early rehabbing mistakes (including sanding floors the wrong way) [6:04] – Why education, community, and mentorship speed up your learning curve [7:02] – The danger of over-demolishing houses before you understand costs [8:43] – What makes a great flip property (age, layout, and size considerations) [10:55] – Cosmetic rehabs vs. structural rehabs—and which beginners should target [15:15] – Why deal finding requires systems, marketing, and consistent lead flow [17:00] – The rules of accurate comping and determining ARV [22:14] – Building a scope of work and presenting deals to lenders [25:09] – How to assemble your contractor team and manage bids [33:27] – Labor vs. material costs—and how contractors structure pricing [40:50] – Why inspections can save you thousands on a flip [43:40] – Understanding holding costs and why timeline matters [46:05] – The real key to success: taking action and finding your niche 5 Key Takeaways Rehabbing houses hasn't changed—but buyer expectations definitely have Never demo before you understand the full cost of putting it back together Cosmetic rehabs are the safest entry point for new investors Your timeline is just as important as your renovation budget Success comes from systems, community, and consistent action If this episode helped you understand what it really takes to rehab houses today, do me a favor—follow, rate, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who's ready to stop watching HGTV and start doing real deals. Let's go get that next deal.

March 10, 202656 min

The House Flipping System That Turns Deals into a Repeatable Business

In this episode, we break down what it really takes to build a house flipping business—not just flip a house. The conversation focuses on the difference between treating real estate like a hobby versus operating it like a scalable business. From mindset shifts to systems and project management, this episode dives into the fundamentals that separate successful flippers from those who burn out or lose money. We also walk through a real-world deal example and explain how systems, timelines, budgets, and repeatable processes turn flipping from a gamble into a predictable business model. If you want to flip houses consistently and profitably, this episode will give you a framework to think like an investor rather than a contractor. Episode Highlights [0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and the mission of helping investors find deals [0:21] – Why flipping houses must be treated as a business, not a hobby [1:12] – Real-life flipping example used throughout the episode [3:22] – The most common problems investors face: contractors, budgets, and timelines [4:10] – Why timelines are the number one reason flips fail [4:37] – Understanding holding costs and why delays destroy profits [5:07] – Systems vs. hoping things work out [6:21] – Why most failed flips are caused by investor mistakes—not the market [7:14] – Interactive Q&A approach to learning and problem solving [8:14] – Why building a business requires discomfort and risk [10:08] – The reality: starting a flipping business is harder than a regular job [11:34] – Investor mindset vs. contractor mindset explained [13:24] – Why contractors often become successful investors [14:23] – Learning expensive lessons from doing work yourself [15:43] – Why scalable businesses require systems and delegation [17:04] – Contractors react to problems—investors build systems to prevent them [18:10] – Systems remove emotion and create consistent decision-making [21:13] – Eliminating outside noise and focusing on trusted advice [22:24] – Building repeatable processes that protect profit [23:09] – Real flip example: analyzing the numbers behind a deal [24:28] – Formula for calculating your maximum offer price [26:01] – Why emotional attachment leads to bad deals [27:06] – The importance of a detailed scope of work [29:06] – Negotiating material costs and improving margins [30:35] – Structuring contractor payment schedules [31:55] – Managing timelines and holding contractors accountable [33:04] – Case study: analyzing a real flip using project management software [35:03] – Why rough math can trick investors into overestimating profit [37:08] – Actual deal results and profit breakdown [41:03] – Example flip outcome: about $35K profit in roughly six months [44:01] – Why successful deals create wins for everyone involved [45:22] – The investor—not the contractor—is responsible for project timelines [47:01] – Delegation vs. abdication in business leadership [49:48] – The difference between gathering information and taking action [51:28] – Why many investors stall by consuming too much content [52:06] – The value of mentorship and community when starting out [53:04] – Building a scope of work and construction schedule [54:59] – Managing contractors with proper documentation and lien waivers [55:29] – Controlling your job site with systems and monitoring tools 5 Key Takeaways Flipping houses is a business, not a hobby. Without systems and discipline, profits disappear quickly. Timelines are the biggest profit killer. Every day a project runs late increases holding costs and reduces margins. Think like an investor, not a contractor. Your job is to manage systems and people, not swing a hammer. Systems create scalability. Repeatable processes allow investors to run multiple deals at once. Action beats information. Most investors fail because they keep learning instead of executing. Closing Remark If you're serious about building a flipping business, remember that success doesn't come from luck—it comes from systems, discipline, and taking action. Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect deal. Build your process, start analyzing deals, and take the next step toward becoming a real estate investor. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to rate, follow, share, and review the podcast so more investors can learn how to build profitable real estate businesses.

March 3, 202623 min

How to Invest in Real Estate with A Full Time Job with Emily Padula

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, Michelle and I sit down with Emily Padula to talk about what it really looks like to invest in real estate while working a demanding full-time job. Emily shares how she started with long-term rentals for family members, tried the BRRRR method (and what she calls her "failed BRRRRs"), and ultimately decided to plug into community and mentorship to level up her investing game. We walk through her journey flipping three very different properties—a mobile home, one side of a duplex, and a single-family home—and the real lessons that came with each one. From budgeting mistakes and contractor management to septic surprises and champagne taste on a beer budget, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone on the fence about getting started. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Emily's start in real estate and why she bought her first rentals for family [2:16] – Attempting the BRRRR strategy—and what she learned from not pulling all her capital out [5:11] – Why flipping overlaps with buying rentals (and how one flip became a short-term rental) [7:38] – The mobile home deal she almost passed on—and what changed her mind [8:22] – Learning the realities of mobile home titles and resale [9:03] – Dumpster lesson: why small operational details matter [10:29] – Navigating HOAs and understanding what they will (and won't) enforce [12:35] – Managing rehabs while traveling internationally for her corporate job [14:44] – Champagne taste vs. real investor budgets (windows and kitchen cabinets included) [18:03] – Salespeople vs. true needs: how to evaluate contractor recommendations [19:24] – Septic surprises and why inspections are non-negotiable [21:10] – Why community changed everything in her investing journey 5 Key Takeaways You can invest in real estate while working a full-time job—but systems and support are critical Not pulling all your capital out doesn't mean failure—clarity of goals matters Every deal teaches something different—embrace the learning curve Always verify big-ticket items (like septic and utilities)—don't assume Community and mentorship dramatically reduce costly mistakes If this episode encouraged you to stop sitting on the sidelines, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who needs to hear that you don't have to quit your job to start building wealth. Let's go get that next deal.

February 24, 202628 min

Active Income vs. True Wealth: The Real Estate Shift You Must Make

In this episode of REI Deal Finders, I'm walking you through the difference between making money in real estate and actually building wealth that lasts. Flipping, wholesaling, and even landlording can feel exciting—but they're active income. If you stop working, the income often stops too. So how do you transition from hustle to long-term freedom? I break down the exact path Michelle and I took—from flipping houses for capital to buying rentals that produced real cash flow and long-term net worth growth. You'll hear how we recycled profits from our first flip into a five-unit property, then into a 10-unit mobile home park, and how small rent increases created massive jumps in equity. If you've been wondering how to move beyond transactions and start building a real estate business that compounds over time, this episode is your roadmap. Episode Highlights [0:00] – Why flipping and wholesaling can feel like just another job [1:05] – The difference between active income and income that lasts [3:09] – Why "financial freedom" gets a bad reputation—and how to pursue it wisely [4:57] – Our first flip on purpose—and how it generated $30,000 in capital [6:21] – Moving profits from a flip into a 5-unit rental property [8:22] – Flipping as fuel—not the end goal [11:19] – Why tracking your net worth matters more than just cash flow [13:49] – How we BRRRR'd our capital into a 10-unit mobile home park [16:20] – The power of raising rents (even $200 per unit) [17:52] – Why banks treat you differently once your balance sheet grows [20:10] – Finding the right people, mentors, and partners [22:22] – How to spot opportunity—even at your Thanksgiving table [25:02] – Lending as a path to passive income and diversification [27:26] – Why lending can be the "golden years" strategy in real estate 5 Key Takeaways Flipping is fuel—rentals and assets are freedom Wealth grows when you recycle profits into cash-flowing properties Raising rents and improving management directly increases property value Track your net worth—not just your income—to measure real progress Real estate freedom is built one deal at a time, with the right people around you If this episode shifted your mindset from hustle to long-term wealth, do me a favor—rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who's ready to stop chasing income and start building assets. Let's go get that next deal—and build wealth that lasts.