The Art of Passive Income

Hosted by Mark Podolsky

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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600

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Mark Podolsky (AKA The Land Geek) and the coaching team are successful land investors, land investing coaches and committed to helping you break out of solo-economic dependency. Discover why Land Investing is The Best Passive Income Model (no physical inventory, a one-time sale, recurring revenue, a built-in incentive for the buyer to continue paying, and low competition). Learn about strategies, skills and helpful tips that will help you grow your Passive Income through Land Investing and other passive models.

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60 recent

June 12, 20261 hr 5 min

How much money do you need to flip land in 2026?

Tune in as the team discusses: Why land investing can be less expensive and less risky than traditional real estate How investors can start with as little as $100–$1,000 using land arbitrage What land arbitrage means and how investors make the spread on monthly payments Why $2,000–$7,000 can support mailers, wholesale deals, and early passive income How a $10,000–$20,000 budget allows investors to buy multiple smaller properties instead of one big deal Why larger budgets should still start with a measured approach before scaling The importance of building proof of concept before hiring VAs or overbuilding systems How GeekPay, LG Pass, Google Voice, Slack, and Zamplo can help manage a land business Why pricing, better images, and creative marketing can help move properties in slow areas How lower returns like 2x or 3x can still create strong momentum for new investors TIP OF THE WEEK Scott: Use land arbitrage to test a county before committing serious money. One good LandArb property can help you prove demand, practice marketing, and create quick momentum.Mike: If you have more capital, do not deploy it all at once. Pull out a small amount, get mailers going, close a few deals, and then pour fuel on the fire once the process is working.Jon: Make your property listings pop. Better images, sharper descriptions, and creative positioning can help a slow-moving property attract more buyers. WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—CLICK HERE "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

May 23, 202652 min

How to Buy Discounted Land in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Celebrating top-performing land investors with the first-ever “Land Geek Olympics” How investors are turning small land deals into major cash returns The difference between cash deals and owner-finance cash flow strategies Stephanie Dean’s incredible streak of six retail cash deals in one week Structuring long-term owner-finance notes for passive monthly income Why systems and operations matter more than chasing one big deal Building a land business that runs while you’re on vacation Brian Lark’s journey from pastor to generating over $122K in revenue The importance of grit, consistency, and patience in land investing Advice for new Flight School students on county research, coaching, and community TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Focus on building cash flow, not just cash. Owner-finance deals create long-term passive income and flexibility for your business.Scott Bossman: Treat yourself after a land win, but reinvest most of your profits into more deals to keep compounding your business growth.Mike Zaino: Build systems, processes, and consistency early. Success in land investing comes from showing up even when results take time.Jon Burnett: Stick with counties that consistently perform well and keep refining your process instead of constantly chasing new markets. WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—CLICK HERE "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

May 13, 202654 min

Negotiating Tactics on the Buy Side

Tune in as the team discusses: The “Humdinger” deal and why clean, easy transactions are investor gold How to handle unrealistic seller counters using the “Deflator” strategy Real negotiation tactics for retrading a deal after due diligence uncovers issues Why silence and strategic pauses can improve seller negotiations The “One Dollar Skittle” deal and how back taxes can create opportunity How to explain land investing ethically to skeptical outsiders Why solving seller problems creates value for everyone involved The “Chunk Changer” strategy for negotiating bulk land purchases Tips for helping sellers navigate probate, title issues, and inherited land Why beginners should focus on buying their first property instead of waiting for the “perfect” deal How small land deals can snowball into meaningful passive income The importance of building systems, teams, and long-term cash flow in land investing TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Don’t be afraid to tell sellers exactly how you make money in land investing. Transparency builds trust, and most sellers simply want a hassle-free solution.Scott Bossman: Focus on whether the numbers make sense—not the size of the deal. A $500 property can be just as powerful as a $5,000 property when bought correctly.Mike Zaino: During negotiations, use pauses strategically. After lowering your offer, stay quiet and let the seller reveal how motivated they really are. WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—CLICK HERE "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

May 6, 20261 hr 2 min

How To Make Passive Income With Land in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Why fear of making mistakes is the biggest mistake of all—and how it stops action The importance of sticking to fundamentals: pricing, mailing, and marketing Why investing in your “backyard” can limit your success How overbuying similar properties can slow down your sales pipeline The danger of waiting for the “perfect time” instead of taking action Why you shouldn’t ask non-investors for advice on land investing How stopping your mailings kills deal flow and momentum Common due diligence pitfalls, including ownership verification and back taxes Why avoiding phone calls can cost you deals and relationships The value of consistency, scheduling, and surrounding yourself with the right community TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Focus on the fundamentals—get a list, price it, and mail it. Don’t overcomplicate the process early on.Scott Bossman: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—commit, take action, and cross the line into execution.Mike Zaino: Stop worrying about mistakes and start solving problems—progress comes from action, not perfection.Jon Burnett: Create a consistent schedule for your land business to build momentum and eliminate overwhelm.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

April 15, 20261 hr 4 min

5 reasons why land is the best investment in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Why most struggles in land investing are mindset-driven, not tactical How “land therapy” helps sellers release emotional attachments to property Overcoming fear of talking to sellers by using blind offers with built-in pricing Common beginner challenges like hesitation, self-doubt, and inconsistency Why pushing through discomfort leads to confidence and momentum How to raise capital using debt instead of giving up equity Creative funding strategies including friends, family, HELOCs, and credit lines The power of land arbitrage to start with minimal capital Wholesale vs. note-selling strategies for generating quick cash How to improve closing rates by asking better questions and handling objections Reframing “lack of cash” into owning a valuable land portfolio Why consistency in mailing is critical—even when cash feels tight TIP OF THE WEEKMark: When raising capital, ask for advice—not money. It naturally leads to funding conversations with people who trust you. Scott: Get on the phone to close deals—real conversations uncover objections and dramatically improve your success rate. Mike: Focus on alignment, not selling. Ask questions to confirm the property fits the buyer’s needs before presenting the offer. Jon: Don’t stop mailing when cash is tight—keep the machine running and use wholesale deals for quick psychological wins.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

April 8, 202659 min

Avoid these 3 crucial mistakes when buying land in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Why fear of making mistakes is the biggest mistake of all—and how it stops action The importance of sticking to fundamentals: pricing, mailing, and marketing Why investing in your “backyard” can limit your success How overbuying similar properties can slow down your sales pipeline The danger of waiting for the “perfect time” instead of taking action Why you shouldn’t ask non-investors for advice on land investing How stopping your mailings kills deal flow and momentum Common due diligence pitfalls, including ownership verification and back taxes Why avoiding phone calls can cost you deals and relationships The value of consistency, scheduling, and surrounding yourself with the right community TIP OF THE WEEKMark Podolsky: Focus on the fundamentals—get a list, price it, and mail it. Don’t overcomplicate the process early on. Scott Bossman: Don’t wait for the perfect moment—commit, take action, and cross the line into execution. Mike Zaino: Stop worrying about mistakes and start solving problems—progress comes from action, not perfection. Jon Burnett: Create a consistent schedule for your land business to build momentum and eliminate overwhelm.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

April 1, 20261 hr 1 min

2026 Vision: The Land Investor’s Guide to a Breakout Year

Tune in as the team discusses: Why new investors should prioritize their first deal over income goals Building momentum through repetition and consistent action The dangers of chasing multiple strategies instead of following a proven system How immersion and community accelerate early success Transitioning from hustle to efficiency as deals start closing Using “swim lanes” to identify bottlenecks and optimize workflows Avoiding the trap of turning your business into another job Leveraging outsourcing, automation, and software to scale Why advanced investors need to redefine their “why” after hitting initial goals Creating a business that can run without you through systems and team TIP OF THE WEEKMark Podolsky: Get crystal clear on your “why”—without a strong purpose, you won’t have the grit to stay consistent through challenges. Scott Bossman: Regularly look back at your progress to stay motivated—growth is easier to see when you compare where you were months ago. Mike Zaino: Focus on repetition and stacking small wins—success comes from consistent base hits, not chasing big swings early. Jon Burnett: Don’t break the chain—commit to showing up daily, even in small ways, to build long-term success.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

March 25, 202658 min

The Hidden Land Boom: 3 U.S. States Where Deals Still Exist

Tune in as the team discusses: Debunking the myth that land deals are “picked over” or gone How the proven buy box ($1K–$5K acquisitions, 3–10x flips) still works today Top-performing states like Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Oregon Why “cookie-cutter” rural subdivisions create repeatable deal flow The importance of demand drivers like recreation, off-grid living, and proximity to cities Avoiding complex markets like attorney states and high-POA areas Why simplicity (no tenants, no leverage, no inspections) makes land investing scalable The “beachhead strategy” of mastering one market before expanding How lifestyle trends like homesteading and escaping cities fuel demand Lessons from failed or difficult deals and how to avoid unnecessary friction TIP OF THE WEEKMark Podolsky: Focus on simple, high-demand markets with plenty of inventory—don’t overcomplicate when easier deals exist. Scott Bossman: Start in one market and master it before expanding—depth beats distraction early on. Jon Burnett: Look for repeatable products in areas with strong demand so you can scale efficiently and consistently.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?" Show Less

March 11, 20261 hr 1 min

The Land Investor’s Lifestyle: Why Time Freedom Beats 10 Rentals

Episode Notes Tune in as the team discusses: Why rental properties often become a second job filled with late-night calls, repairs, and tenant drama The true cash flow comparison between rentals and low-cost land deals How land investors create high cash-on-cash returns with minimal overhead The power of scalable systems and virtual assistants in building freedom What “passive income” really means—and why most real estate isn’t truly passive How defaults in land investing can actually increase long-term profitability Why blind offers streamline acquisitions and eliminate wasted time The mindset shift from owning assets to building a cash-flow machine How land investing creates time freedom without sacrificing profitability TIP OF THE WEEKMark Podolsky: Don’t chase “doors” for the sake of status—focus on building a scalable machine. Create systems and automation so your income doesn’t depend on you being the bottleneck. Scott Bossman: Run the math before you buy rentals. Compare the cash-on-cash return of one rental to multiple small land deals—you may be surprised how quickly land wins. Mike Zaino: Embrace the boring. The repetitive, simple nature of land investing is what makes it scalable, automatable, and ultimately freeing.WANT MORE? Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing. UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES: Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree. "Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

March 4, 202652 min

How to Profit from America’s Housing Shortage - Without Owning a House

Tune in as the team discusses:How to handle a fence blocking legal access—and when to involve neighbors or the sheriffWhy “there’s a pig for every barn” and how every property sells at the right priceWhat really happens when sellers receive multiple mailers in competitive marketsThe power of consistent remailing to break through life’s noise and improve response ratesHow many mailers it realistically takes to land a profitable dealWhen to use (or skip) a formal purchase agreement before recording a deedWhat makes a great intake manager—and why they’re really a “land therapist”How to structure incentives and daily huddles to keep your team alignedWhether AI can accurately price land offers (and why human judgment still wins)Lessons learned from the Dirt Rich Summit and the power of community in scaling your land business TIP OF THE WEEKMark Podolsky: Almost every land problem is solvable—lean on your community, stay calm, and look for creative solutions before walking away from a deal.Scott Bossman: Consistency wins. A steady rhythm of daily mail—like 20 offers a day—keeps deal flow predictable and profitable.Mike Zaino: Hire an intake manager who can build rapport and listen deeply—most sellers need a land therapist as much as they need a buyer.Jon Burnett: Don’t “set it and forget it” when delegating—review calls, train consistently, and stay engaged to keep momentum strong.WANT MORE?Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing.UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES:Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it’s all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree."Isn’t it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"