The Grab the Map Podcast: Real Estate Investing Info and Advice for All of Us

Hosted by Johnoson Crutchfield

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123

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Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

This podcast is made to work on both mindset and knoweldge of new and established real estate investors alike. The show host is an active real estate investor who offers advice, interviews guests for added perspective, and uses guest feedback to make sure your questions are answered. If you'd like to reach out, email me at grabthemap@gmail.com. I don't need anything from you, but I'd love to hear about what you have going on. Don't just look at the map, grab the map!

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60 recent

September 10, 20266 min

Episode 129: Why Aren't Your Real Estate Leads Converting?

Shownotes: You don't need the "perfect" software or the perfect lead list to find real estate deals. In this episode, Johnoson Crutchfield explains that successful lead generation is less about the software you use and more about consistently contacting sellers. Tools like Propelio can help investors build and filter lists based on factors such as property type, length of ownership, equity, absentee ownership, property status, and other indicators of potential motivation. Johnoson also explains why investors shouldn't spend too much time researching prospects before making contact. The initial goal is to identify pain, equity, or urgency. Once you find motivation, you can do deeper research and due diligence. The bigger lesson is simple: stop switching tools and start talking to sellers. Whether your leads come from software, Facebook, ads, or a VA, having a consistent system for generating and contacting prospects is what matters most. Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page . Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Stop Obsessing Over Your Software 00:35 – Find Pain, Equity, or Urgency 01:10 – Don't Overthink Your Research 01:45 – Build a Consistent Lead System 02:20 – Using Propelio to Build Lists 03:00 – Filtering for Motivated Sellers 03:49 – Finding Equity and Absentee Owners 04:20 – Using Stress Indicators 05:00 – Why the Software Doesn't Matter 05:40 – Contact More Sellers Quotes: “It's not about the software; it's about the consistency of contacting the people.” “It doesn't matter what list you're using if you're not contacting... sellers every day.” Key Takeaways Stop chasing software. Different platforms can provide similar list-building functionality. Focus on motivation. Look for sellers with pain, equity, or urgency. Don't over-research before contacting. A quick initial property search can help identify potential motivation. Use filters strategically. Consider ownership length, equity, absentee ownership, vacant properties, property type, and other available indicators. Expect imperfect data. Tax records and software data aren't always accurate, so don't rely on every filter being perfect. Conclusion: The biggest mistake investors make isn't necessarily choosing the wrong software—it's spending too much time looking for the perfect system instead of contacting sellers. You can use Propelio, another list-building platform, Facebook, or other lead sources. The tool is secondary. What matters is finding prospects with pain, equity, or urgency and consistently reaching out to them. Build your list, make the calls, send the texts, and refine your process as you go. The perfect list won't make you money if you never contact the people on it. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page . Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 8, 20263 min

Episode 128: Business Is Won by People Who Get Attention

Shownotes: Business is being won by people who get attention. In this session, Johnoson Crutchfield explains why staying visible is one of the most powerful ways to create business opportunities in real estate. His strategy is simple: get attention, stay top of mind, and clearly tell people what you're looking for. Johnoson shares how he consistently uses email, text messages, and social media to keep Grab the Map in front of his audience. The goal isn't simply to promote—it's to make sure people remember who you are when an opportunity comes up. He also highlights driving for dollars as a strategy he considers a “cheat code,” while other investors in the discussion share strategies including PropStream, social media, working with real estate agents, absentee owners, and high-equity properties. The bigger lesson is that every opportunity to get attention is an opportunity to let people know what you're looking for and where you're buying Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Business Is Being Won by Attention 00:30 – Staying Top of Mind 01:00 – Why Attention Creates Opportunities 01:35 – Driving for Dollars 02:03 – PropStream, Social Media & Agent Networking 02:35 – Use Every Opportunity to Get Attention 03:00 – Tell People What You're Looking For Quotes: “Business is being won by people who get attention.” “Anytime somebody gives you opportunity to get attention, you should tell people what you're looking for.” “The more attention you can get, the more money you can make.” Key Takeaways: Attention creates opportunities. People can't send you deals if they don't know who you are or what you're looking for. Stay consistently visible. Email, text, and social media can keep your business top of mind. Tell people your buying criteria. Clearly communicate the locations and types of properties you're looking for. Use free strategies. Driving for dollars and social media can help generate opportunities without relying entirely on paid marketing. Build relationships. Working with agents and other investors can create additional deal opportunities. Conclusion: Getting more real estate deals isn't always about finding another lead source. Sometimes, it's about making sure more people know who you are, what you do, and what you're looking to buy. The more consistently you put yourself and your buying criteria in front of people, the more likely you are to stay top of mind when an opportunity appears. Don't just look for deals—make sure people know you're looking for them. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 7, 20263 min

Episode 127: How I Get Free Real Estate Leads

Shownotes: What if you don't need an expensive lead-generation system to find motivated real estate sellers? In this mini episode, Johnoson breaks down his three favorite lead-generation strategies: social media, pay-per-lead, and cold calling. He explains why social media is his favorite because it costs nothing to post consistently and keeps real estate investing top-of-mind with his audience. He also explains when paying for leads makes sense, why cold calling is still a powerful option when you're starting with little money, and how virtual assistants can help scale outbound calls. Most importantly, Johnoson challenges the idea that you need to find the "perfect" list. The real priority is making the calls and targeting the right types of prospects, including absentee owners, high-equity homeowners, and people showing signs of motivation Episode Timeline: 0:00 – 0:35 — Social Media: The #1 Free Lead Source 0:35 – 1:20 — Turning Posts into Free Leads 1:20 – 2:05 — Pay-Per-Lead: Scaling with a Budget 2:05 – 2:40 — Cold Calling & VAs on Your Lists 2:40 – 2:58 — Picking Better Lists (Motivation & Criteria) Quotes: “It is more important that you're making the calls than it is that you get the list from a certain place.” Key Takeaways: Use social media as free marketing. Consistently talking about real estate can keep you top-of-mind when someone eventually needs to sell. Pay for leads when you have the budget. Paid leads can be more responsive because the seller has already expressed an interest in selling. Cold calling is still an effective starting point. It costs less money but requires more time and effort. Use VAs to scale your calls. Once you have a system, virtual assistants can help work through your prospect lists. Don't obsess over where your list comes from. Making the calls is more important than finding one supposedly perfect list. Prioritize motivated prospects. Recent pre-foreclosures can be more motivated than older foreclosure records. Target absentee and high-equity owners. These criteria can help you build stronger lists of people worth contacting. Conclusion: The key lesson is that you don't need an expensive lead-generation system to find real estate deals. You need a strategy you can consistently execute. Start with free social media marketing if money is tight. Add paid leads when you have the budget and want sellers who are more likely to answer. Use cold calling when you're willing to trade money for time, and eventually use VAs to help scale the process. Most importantly, don't waste time searching for the "perfect" list. Pick a solid list, target motivated sellers, and make the calls. Your ability to consistently create conversations matters more than where the list came from. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 4, 20261 min

Episode 126: How to Get Leads Without Expensive Tech

Shownotes: Master real estate prospecting by focusing on your process instead of the tools. Get the exact scripts you need to close. Too many investors get caught up in the latest software or gadget, forgetting that the core of the business is human connection. Whether you are using cold calling scripts or sending text messages, success comes down to how you communicate your value. I break down the specific approach I use to engage with agents and wholesalers to keep the deal moving forward. If you want to consistently find motivated seller leads, you have to prioritize the conversation over the technology. This guide walks through the methods that help you build rapport quickly, even when you are just starting out in real estate wholesaling. It is about knowing who to talk to and exactly what to say to get the results you want. Subscribe for weekly real estate strategy breakdowns, and comment below with your biggest challenge when contacting new prospects. Episode Timeline: [0:00:00–0:00:30] – Tools vs. Process Mindset [0:00:30–0:00:55] – Lead-Generation Tools Are Mostly the Same [0:00:55–0:01:20] – Personal Tool Choices & Deal Machine Overview Quotes: "Don't fall in love with the system. Fall in love with the process of actually contacting these people." Key Takeaways: Prioritize Outreach Over Tools Block time daily to contact leads directly (calls, texts, mail). Measure success by number of conversations started, not number of tools signed up for. Stop Overthinking Software Choices Pick one system and commit to it for at least 30–60 days. Avoid constantly switching between PropStream, Batch Leads, Mojo Dialer, etc., just because a new tool looks shiny. Recognize Most Data Comes from the Same Source Understand that many tools pull from the same underlying list/data sources, so: Stop searching for the “perfect” data provider. Focus on how consistently you work the data you already have. Conclusion: This segment drives home a simple but crucial message: your success doesn't come from the software, it comes from consistent outreach. Most lead tools pull from the same data and differ only in branding or interface, so chasing the “perfect” system is a distraction. Instead, pick a tool that lets you call, text, and mail from one place if possible, then fall in love with the daily process of contacting people—because that's where deals are actually created. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 3, 20264 min

Episode 125: The Exact Script to Get Sellers to Pick Up the Phone

Shownotes: Stop sounding like every other telemarketer. In this video, I show you how to make your seller calls stand out and get more people to actually engage with you. I break down simple cold-calling strategies, including how to quickly explain why you're calling, ask for permission to talk, and follow up when they don't answer. I also share why calling twice, leaving a voicemail, and sending a text can significantly increase your chances of getting a response. If you're using cold calling to find motivated sellers, these simple changes can help you have better conversations and find more opportunities. Episode Timeline: [00:00] – Why Most Callers Sound Like Telemarketers [00:22] – Putting Yourself in the Seller's Shoes [00:54] – Example Cold Call Scripts That Work [01:32] – What NOT to Say on a Call (“How are you today?”) [02:00] – Getting to the Point and Asking Permission to Talk [02:40] – Call Persistence: Calling Twice for More Pickups [03:05] – Voicemail and Text Follow-Up Strategy [03:35] – Why Texting Boosts Response Rates Quotes: "The quickest way to get their attention is to give them quickly why you're calling." "What if you considered the stuff that annoys you—and just didn't do it when you call people?" "If you are going to cold call or call people, you need to think: what makes me different than a cold caller that's spamming me?" Key Takeaways: Audit your own calls: Listen to 3–5 of your recent seller calls and identify anything that sounds like a generic telemarketer (e.g., “How are you today?” before stating your reason for calling). Write down what to cut or change. Rewrite your opener: Craft a 1–2 sentence opening that immediately says who you are, why you're calling, and what's in it for them. Example: “Hi, this is [Name]. I'm interested in buying your property on [Street]. Are you open to talking about an offer?” Practice it out loud until it's natural. Build a simple contact sequence: For each new lead, commit to this 3-step process: Call once. If no answer, call again immediately. If still no answer, leave a concise voicemail stating your purpose. Follow up with a short text that clearly states who you are and why you reached out. Flip the script on what annoys you: Make a list of 5 things you hate when telemarketers call you (long intros, fake small talk, hidden purpose, etc.). Turn each one into a rule you'll never break in your own cold calling. Integrate texting into your system: If you're not already, choose one tool or method today to start texting sellers (CRM, phone app, etc.). Create 2–3 short text templates you can reuse for first contact and follow-up. Conclusion: Cold calling doesn't have to feel like telemarketing. When you get right to the point, respect the seller's time, and avoid the behaviors that annoy you on your own phone, you immediately stand out from the noise. Use clear, direct openings, follow up with smart sequences of calls, voicemail, and text, and you'll have more real conversations with motivated sellers—without sounding like every other caller out there. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 2, 20263 min

Episode 124: How to Identify High-Profit Real Estate Leads Fast

Shownotes: Stop wasting time on unqualified real estate leads. In this video, I show you how to qualify motivated seller leads and identify the opportunities that are actually worth your time. I break down the three things I look for: equity, property distress, and seller motivation. From evictions and tax liens to financial needs and major life changes, these situations can create real opportunities for real estate investors. I also explain why recently purchased properties with little or no equity may not be the best leads to pursue—and when a subject-to deal could still make sense. If you want to find better motivated seller leads and spend less time chasing deals that won't work, this is for you. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Opening: Don't waste time on unqualified leads [00:20] Core question: How do you know who's qualified? [00:40] Example: Newlyweds, 0% down loan, top Texas neighborhood [01:05] Why this lead is bad: No equity and recent purchase [01:25] How to handle unqualified leads: Quick calls and referral ask [01:45] Exception case: Subject-to deals and taking over low-interest mortgages [02:05] Main rule: Start with people who have equity [02:25] Ownership duration filter: 5, 10, 15, 30+ years [02:40] Distress indicators: Violations, evictions, tax liens [02:50] Motivation check: Life changes and financial need Key Takeaways: Qualify for equity first: Prioritize leads who have owned their property for 5+ years so there's likely enough equity for a discount deal. Filter by distress signals: Focus outreach on owners with violations, evictions, tax liens, or obvious property distress, not just any homeowner. Look for strong motivation: On every call, ask questions to uncover life or financial changes (divorce, job loss, relocation, debt) that create urgency to sell. Keep unqualified calls short but productive: If there's no equity or no motivation, end the call quickly and always ask, “Do you know anyone else who might be looking to sell?” Stay open to subject-to opportunities: When a seller is very motivated and has a low-interest mortgage (around 3–4%), evaluate a subject-to, take-over-the-mortgage structure instead of dismissing the deal outright. Quotes: "Look for property distress, things like violations, evictions, tax liens, and look for motivation. Something is happening in their life that's causing them to want some type of change." "Start with people who have equity. Start with people who have owned their property for some length of time—five years, 10 years, 15 years, 30 years." Conclusion: The biggest lesson from this session is simple: your time is valuable, so don't waste it on unqualified leads. Johnoson explains that not every lead is a potential deal. A homeowner who recently purchased with 0% down, for example, may look like an opportunity at first—but without equity, there may be no room to create a profitable deal. Instead of chasing every lead that comes through MLS or Zillow, focus your attention on sellers who have the right combination of: Equity — especially owners who have held their property for 5+ years. Distress — including violations, evictions, tax liens, or other property problems. Motivation — a life change, financial pressure, or another reason they genuinely need to sell. When a lead doesn't qualify, don't spend unnecessary time trying to force a deal. Keep the conversation short, ask for referrals, and move on. At the same time, don't overlook creative opportunities like subject-to deals, where a low-interest existing mortgage could potentially be taken over with little or no money down. Ultimately, the goal isn't to chase more leads—it's to identify the right leads faster. When you focus on equity, distress, and motivation, you spend less time chasing dead ends and more time finding deals that can actually close. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

September 1, 20262 min

Episode 123: How to Build a Deal-Finding Network

Shownotes: I find motivated sellers by networking with people who know where the opportunities are. Real estate meetings, LinkedIn, Facebook, agents, and wholesalers can all lead you to off-market properties. I reach out to agents and ask, “Do you have anything off-market?” or “Do you have anything an investor might want to look at?” You never know why a property hasn't been listed—it could be distressed, have problems, or simply be a seller who doesn't want to go on the market. The key is to build relationships and look beyond the MLS. Sometimes the best deals are the ones that aren't listed. Timeline: [00:00] Finding Sellers & Buyers at Real Estate Meetings [00:25] The Wholesaling “Cheat Code” [00:45] Find Buyers Before Finding Properties [01:09] Why Agents Are Valuable Connections [01:21] Finding Off-Market Properties [01:40] Why Some Properties Never Get Listed [02:00] Connecting With Agents & Wholesalers Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

August 31, 20263 min

Episode 122: How to Spot a Burned-Out Landlord Ready to Sell

Shownotes: One of the best ways I find motivated sellers is by looking for tired landlords. If you own multiple properties long enough, eventually you're going to get tired. You might be dealing with evictions, difficult tenants, properties out of state, constant repairs, rising responsibilities, or just too many properties to manage. And when that happens, you may become much more motivated to sell. So instead of just looking for properties, I want you to start looking for landlords who have a reason to sell. I'll show you some practical ways you can find these owners, including going to eviction court, reviewing eviction dockets and public records, searching Facebook groups, and using property tax records to identify property owners. I'll also show you how simple your approach can be. You can simply ask a landlord, “Would you consider selling this property?” or “Do you have a property that's becoming a headache?” You're not just looking for a property—you're looking for a problem you can solve. When you find a landlord who is tired, overwhelmed, or ready to move on, you may have found your next off-market real estate deal. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Pillar #2: Find Tired Landlords [00:30] Finding Landlords Through Eviction Court [01:05] Why Landlords Become Tired [01:35] Eviction Dockets & Public Records [01:55] Finding Out-of-State Property Owners [02:20] Using Facebook Groups to Find Landlords [02:35] Using Tax Records to Find Property Owners [02:43] Finding Landlords Ready to Offload Properties Key Takeaways: Look for tired landlords, not just distressed properties. Eviction activity can reveal landlords dealing with problems. Eviction dockets may provide useful ownership information where publicly available. Out-of-state owners can be potential motivated sellers. Facebook groups can help identify property owners. Conclusion: Finding motivated sellers isn't always about finding a distressed property. Sometimes, the landlord is the distress. Evictions, distance, maintenance responsibilities, and managing multiple properties can eventually create enough frustration for an owner to consider selling. Instead of simply posting that you're looking for a cheap property, John recommends identifying these owners directly and starting a conversation about the problems they're experiencing. Find the tired landlord. Find the headache. Then offer a solution. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

August 25, 20265 min

Episode 121: Why Most Wholesalers Never Close Their Deals

Shownotes: Are you constantly looking for your next real estate deal but struggling to find motivated sellers? Are you pulling lists, making calls, and searching for properties without getting the results you want? The problem may not be how much you're prospecting—it may be where you're prospecting. In this episode, John Crutchfield uses a fishing analogy to explain why finding the right “pond” is one of the most important parts of real estate investing. He breaks down how to identify distressed property owners, recognize the two major types of distress, and build a targeted list of potential sellers. John also shares real-world examples of owner problems, including inherited properties and absentee ownership, and explains how investors can use tools such as PropStream, BatchLeads, and county records to find motivated sellers. The goal is to stop chasing random property owners and start looking for people who have a genuine reason to sell at a discount or consider creative terms. Episode Timeline [00:00:00 – 00:00:53] – Introduction & objectives for finding your next deal [00:00:53 – 00:00:57] – Quiz: two types of distress (property vs owner) [00:00:57 – 05:14] – Pillar #1: Distressed/absentee owners and how to find motivated sellers Key Quotes “You gotta make sure that you're fishing in the right pond.” “People are not going to sell you something at a discount unless there is some type of distress.” Key Takeaways Fish in the right pond: Your prospecting results depend heavily on targeting the right markets and seller situations. Look for distress: Discounted real estate deals usually require some form of seller or property motivation. Understand the two types of problems: A seller may be motivated because of a property problem or an owner problem. Build targeted lists: Look for pre-foreclosures, code violations, inherited homes, and absentee owners instead of randomly contacting homeowners. Use available data: PropStream, BatchLeads, and county records can help investors identify potential motivated sellers. Look beyond price: The right seller may be open to a discount or creative terms that allow both sides to solve a problem. Conclusion Finding your next real estate deal isn't just about making more calls. It's about finding the right people to call. John Crutchfield's fishing analogy makes the prospecting process simple: if you're fishing in the wrong pond, you can spend all day casting and still come home empty-handed. By focusing on distressed property owners and understanding the problems that create seller motivation, investors can build better lists and have more productive conversations. The next deal could be sitting with an owner who has a problem—not necessarily a property that looks distressed. Find the problem. Find the motivated seller. Then find the deal. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.

August 21, 20263 min

Episode 120: Leverage Can Make You Rich—Until It Doesn't

Shownotes: Leverage is one of the most powerful tools in real estate investing—but it can also become one of the biggest risks when market conditions change. In this episode, John Crutchfield explains what happened after he built a large rental portfolio using low-interest-rate debt. When rents stopped growing, interest rates increased, and property expenses continued rising, the leverage that once helped accelerate growth became a major burden. John explains why investors shouldn't simply assume rents will continue increasing or that the equity shown on a spreadsheet will always be there. He breaks down the importance of stress testing a portfolio against higher expenses, lower rents, rising vacancies, and changing market conditions. John also highlights why a smaller portfolio built with more cash can sometimes be more resilient than a heavily leveraged portfolio. He ultimately argues that real estate can still be a powerful wealth-building tool, but investors need to understand the risks of leverage before they scale. Episode Timeline: 00:00] The Hidden Risk of Real Estate Leverage [00:35] When Low Interest Rates Made Scaling Easy [01:15] What Happens When Leverage Goes Wrong [01:55] Why Paper Equity Isn't Always Real Equity [02:30] Stress Testing Your Real Estate Portfolio [03:05] Building a More Resilient Portfolio [03:35] Creating Passive Income in 2026 Key Takeaways: Paper equity doesn't necessarily mean usable equity. Investors should stress test deals before taking on significant debt. Smaller, more conservatively financed portfolios can be more resilient. Maintaining cash reserves is critical when managing leveraged properties. Real estate can still create passive income in challenging markets. Quotes: “A smaller portfolio that you build slowly with cash down is going to be more resilient than a huge portfolio where you're financed to the teeth and you're cash poor.” “When you go to sell rental properties and you owe more on them than you can get, that's not equity.” “In flat or down markets, leverage actually becomes a treadmill that it's hard to get off of.” Conclusion: Leverage can make a real estate portfolio grow quickly—but growth isn't the same thing as financial security. John's experience shows why investors need to look beyond projected appreciation and rent increases. If borrowing costs rise, rents flatten, expenses increase, or property values fall, a heavily leveraged portfolio can quickly become difficult to manage. The goal isn't simply to own more properties. It's to build a portfolio that can survive when the market doesn't behave the way you expected. Stress test your deals. Protect your cash. Understand your leverage. And build a portfolio that can withstand the unexpected. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://coaching.grabthemap.com/90-day-deal-system-for-47 Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.