The Art of Passive Income

Hosted by Mark Podolsky

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

600

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 12, 20261 hr 1 min

Hidden Profits: Monetizing “Unsellable” Parcels

Tune in as the team discusses: Why “unsellable” land is often just improperly marketed or misunderstood. Creative exit strategies including neighbor sales, property bundling, wholesaling, and repositioning. Real examples of costly due diligence mistakes that still resulted in profitable outcomes. How identifying a property's highest and best use unlocks hidden value. Why buying at a deep discount provides room to solve unexpected challenges. The importance of consistent mailing and maintaining deal flow regardless of market conditions. Student success stories and recent land investing wins from the community. How inflation, real assets, and land investing may perform during uncertain economic conditions. Why every parcel has a buyer when marketed to the right audience. TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: There’s a buyer for every property. Focus on discovering the land’s highest and best use and market it to the right audience instead of assuming it’s unsellable. Scott Bossman: Get creative before giving up on a property. Try neighbor letters, bundle it with another parcel, or reposition your marketing to match the property's strengths. Mike Zaino: Buy right from the beginning. Purchasing land at a steep discount gives you the flexibility to solve problems and still create a profitable deal. Jon Burnett: Due diligence matters, but mistakes don’t have to be deal killers. Be transparent about a property's limitations, adjust your pricing, and market it to buyers who value its specific use. 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?"

August 5, 202659 min

Failure Files: 5 Deals That Almost Sank Us (And the Checklists They Created)

Tune in as the team discusses: How Don Thrasher moved from healthcare burnout toward land investing Why he committed to logging into the community for 300 consecutive days How consistency and support shorten difficult learning periods Why moving too quickly can create setbacks when scaling a land business How Don sold three neighboring New Mexico parcels in one cash transaction What answering a buyer inquiry from the beach taught him about time freedom How losing a virtual assistant forced him to rebuild and document his systems Why chain of title, access, zoning, and county relationships matter in due diligence How neighbor letters can produce faster sales from a captive audience Don’s plan to complete 36 deals and grow beyond $1,000 in monthly passive income TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Bet on yourself, follow the proven process, and focus on consistent execution instead of searching for shortcuts. Scott Bossman: Build redundancy into your business. Cross-train virtual assistants and document their tasks so one departure does not stop operations. Mike Zaino: Slow down enough to master the fundamentals. Smooth, repeatable processes ultimately help you scale faster. Jon Burnett: Stay connected to people who understand the journey. The right community can provide clarity, accountability, and encouragement when momentum slows. Don Thrasher: Contact neighboring property owners first when selling land. A simple neighbor letter can reach motivated buyers without a large marketing expense. 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?”

July 29, 20261 hr 5 min

The Land Investor’s Tech Stack in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Organizing documents and property records with Google Drive Managing deal pipelines, workflows, mailings, and documents through LG Pass Pulling and preparing mailing lists with Zample Using county GIS systems, LandID, DataTree, and Parcel Review for due diligence Evaluating a property’s usability, viability, visibility, and “buy-ability” Tracking buyer leads with Trello or a dedicated CRM such as Follow Up Boss Collecting down payments and managing notes through GeekPay Using AI to create training manuals, analyze expenses, research markets, and improve sales calls Avoiding shiny-object syndrome before building consistent deal flow Starting with simple tools and adding automation as the business grows TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Use AI to review bank and credit card statements for duplicate subscriptions, unnecessary tools, and costly overages—but keep your technology focused on a clear business outcome. Scott Bossman: Keep the horse in front of the cart: prioritize mailing, buying, marketing, and selling before investing time in complicated automation. Mike Zaino: Never prepare sales documents based only on a buyer’s promise. Collect a payment first to confirm commitment. Jon Burnett: The best CRM is the one you consistently use. Start with a notebook or Trello, then upgrade when your lead volume justifies it. 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?"

July 22, 20261 hr 2 min

Neighbor Marketing Masterclass: How We Sell Properties FAST

Tune in as the team discusses: Why neighboring owners are natural buyers for vacant land How privacy, control, and property expansion motivate neighbor purchases A simple neighbor-letter template that encourages calls and responses Why neighbors may pay cash but still appreciate owner financing How to offer neighbors a preferred price without undervaluing the property Using a higher public price as an anchor before presenting a neighbor discount Why neighbor outreach should be an automated step in every acquisition How neighbor letters can uncover additional properties to purchase Why new investors should master sales before outsourcing the process How honest, low-pressure conversations create stronger buyer trust TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Anchor the property at its expected public listing price, then offer the neighbor a preferred price based on the savings from avoiding traditional marketing. Mike Zaino: Offer owner financing even when a neighbor may have cash. Flexible terms remove barriers and can help buyers make a faster decision. Jon Burnett: Keep your neighbor letter simple: identify the nearby parcel, explain that it is available, mention financing, and provide an easy way to respond. 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?"

July 15, 20261 hr 0 min

Zero-Cash Land Deals: 7 Ways to Control Dirt Without Using Your Own Money

Tune in as the team discusses: Seven creative ways to control land deals without using your own money How other people’s money, debt deals, and JV partnerships can fund acquisitions Why assignments and double closings let investors profit without taking long-term ownership How seller financing can help buyers control land before making the first payment The “dollar skittle” strategy for deals with back taxes Why wholesaling existing inventory can create capital for future deals How land investing compares to traditional real estate, flipping, laundromats, and other businesses Why owner financing creates recurring cash flow and long-term freedom The downside of “going vertical” by adding mobile homes or major improvements Real investor wins, including high-yield terms deals and fast cash flip TIP OF THE WEEK Mark: Keep the model simple. Buying land right and selling it on terms creates cash flow without adding the complexity, risk, and overhead of vertical improvements. Scott: Use the “one cash flip, three terms deals” approach early on: cover your operating expenses with a quick cash or wholesale deal, then build recurring income through owner financing. Jon: Stay lean and resourceful. With 10–15 focused hours a week, the right tools, and consistent mailing, investors can build momentum without needing a large operation. 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?"

July 8, 202657 min

Where to Sell Land in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Why land is still selling in 2026, but buyers expect better marketing Which platforms work best for inexpensive land versus higher-priced parcels How to use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Landmodo, LandFlip, Land and Farm, and neighbor outreach Why your buyers list should be focused by region and property type How fast follow-up and phone conversations improve conversion rates Why “systems equal freedom” when scaling land sales How headlines, pricing, copy, photos, and storytelling can revive stale listings Why flaws like flood zones, slopes, or rough terrain can become part of the sales story How TikTok and short-form video are producing real land sales Why most sales still happen on terms rather than cash TIP OF THE WEEK Mark Podolsky: Build a true marketing system, not just a few random ads. Track where your leads come from, follow up consistently, and invest more in the platforms producing results. Scott Bossman: Do not overlook neighbors, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or your buyers list. The cheapest lead is often already connected to the area where your parcel sits. Mike Zaino: Price land so it feels attractive, affordable, and easy to say yes to. Scale wins when your systems help you repeat mailing, marketing, and follow-up consistently. Jon Burnett: Use story-driven marketing and strong visuals to make each property feel compelling. Facts tell, but stories sell. 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?"

June 24, 202657 min

The truth about the 5 biggest land investing myths

Tune in as the team discusses: Why land investing is simple, but not always easy How owner financing creates monthly income and long-term note portfolios Using other people’s money through partnerships, straight debt, and LandARP Why Xamplo can help with list building, but pricing should be verified with multiple data points How modern list tools replaced old-school county data, CD-ROMs, scrapers, and spreadsheet headaches The moment each host gained confidence that land investing could become a real business How honesty, transparency, and follow-through build credibility with buyers and sellers Why consistent mailing is an investment, not just a cost How to fine-tune mailing lists without overthinking the process What to do when you own inventory but haven’t made sales: wholesale, market daily, and keep showing up TIP OF THE WEEK Scott: Don’t stop mailing just because costs have gone up. Adjust your volume if needed, but keep deal flow moving and treat mailing like a necessary business expense. Mike: Market your properties with relentless consistency. Like the vendor walking the parade route, keep showing up until buyers finally say yes. Jon: Use other people’s money carefully and strategically. Partnerships can provide both funding and a second set of experienced eyes on your deals. 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?"

June 18, 20261 hr 0 min

Where to find the best land deals in 2026

Tune in as the team discusses: Why the current land supply market remains strong, healthy, and inefficient How sellers continue responding to consistent direct mail campaigns Why buyer demand may fluctuate seasonally but remains solid overall How tax refunds can create an uptick in land sales and early payoff opportunities Real deal examples showing strong yields and healthy profit margins Why land investing is not saturated, even with more awareness online Why direct mail still works better than flashier acquisition strategies How community helps investors grow through real friends, deal friends, and shared wins The role AI, agents, and automation may play in acquisitions, sales, research, and operations Why grit, resilience, flexibility, and a strong “why” matter in building a long-term land business TIP OF THE WEEK Mark: Treat land investing like a fine wine business—the longer you stay in it, the better it gets. Build grit, stay flexible, and have fun while working through the hard parts. Scott: Invest in and protect your future self. As AI changes industries, use land or another entrepreneurial path to create more security, freedom, and options. Jon: Focus on the one next action that will move your land business forward the most, then do it. Progress comes from consistently doing the next right thing. 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?”

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?"