Hey guys, it’s Michael here with a powerful mid-year check-in! We’re halfway through 2025—are you crushing your goals or coasting along? In this episode, I challenge you (and myself) to reflect on the past six months: Did we really do what we said we would? Did we let emotions, excuses, or bad habits derail our progress? Or are we stepping up to the plate and moving the needle in our lives and businesses?

I share my own honest audit—where I fell short, what I’ve learned, and the big commitments I’m making right now to turn this year around. We’ll dive into why most people keep repeating the same year over and over, how to reset your goals for the second half of 2025, and the practical daily habits you need to dominate Q3 and beyond. If you’re ready to stop pretending and start achieving, this episode is for you.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:36] - Kicking off the mid-year reset: the harsh truth about whether we’re truly on track with our goals.

[1:00] - Reflecting on the gap between our January intentions and June reality.

[1:44] - Why most people keep reliving the same year—and how to break the cycle.

[2:40] - Key reflection questions to get brutally honest about your progress.

[3:17] - My personal confessions: where I missed the mark on health and leadership.

[4:34] - The commitments I’m making to change my trajectory in Q3.

[5:54] - Tracking daily habits and setting higher standards to finish the year strong.

[7:19] - Encouragement to set goals across personal, family, fitness, financial, and faith categories for true balance.

[9:03] - Why your past six months don’t have to define the rest of your year—and how to reclaim your momentum.

[10:24] - Final call to take control, reset, and stack wins to make 2025 your best year yet.

1. Audit Your Actions Honestly – Regular self-reflection is crucial to identify where you’ve slacked and where you can improve.

2. Reset and Recommit – Even if you’ve fallen short, it’s never too late to set new goals and take disciplined action to turn your year around.

3. Balance All Life Buckets – Success comes from setting and pursuing goals in personal, family, fitness, financial, and faith areas—not just focusing on one.

• Follow me on Instagram & Facebook – Stay connected, share your goals, and let’s hold each other accountable.

• Opal app – The tool I use to block distractions and stay focused (highly recommend for anyone serious about reclaiming their time).

Thanks for joining me on this mid-year check-in. If you’re ready to level up, take a hard look in the mirror, and finish 2025 stronger than you started, now’s the time to recommit. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—sharing this episode could help someone else reset and crush their year, too. Let’s keep turning properties into profits together.

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into one of the most transformative tools in both life and business—mindset. From my own struggles with emotional control to reframing discomfort and setting daily intentions, I share personal stories and practical takeaways that have helped me grow as a real estate investor, father, and leader.

Tune in as I talk about how controlling your emotions, redefining discomfort, and cultivating intentional habits can create breakthroughs in your personal life and your career. Whether it’s turning ice baths into a craving, finding joy in workouts, or handling toddler chaos with patience—this episode is packed with actionable mindset shifts you can start using today.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] Introduction

[0:46] The importance of mastering mindset and emotional responses

[1:51] Reframing discomfort—how a negative view of sweating impacts health goals

[2:43] Processing anger by recognizing it as a secondary emotion

[3:37] How I trained myself to crave habits like ice baths and workouts

[4:25] Using intentionality to maximize daily routines and productivity

[5:36] Staying focused and present with work and family through setting intentions

[6:25] Intentional parenting—fostering empathy and understanding in kids

3 Key Takeaways

1. You control your emotional narrative. By consciously reframing your thoughts, you can transform how you experience challenges like discomfort, stress, or boredom.

2. Intentional living creates consistent results. Whether it’s a gym session or family time, setting clear intentions boosts presence and productivity.

3. Support others by valuing their passions. Being present and curious about the interests of those around you strengthens relationships and builds deeper connections.

If this episode resonated with you, do me a favor—subscribe, rate, and share the show! Let’s keep turning properties into profits, one mindset shift at a time.

In this high-impact episode of the Properties to Profits Podcast, I dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of success in real estate—and frankly, in any business: closing the deal. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into real estate, you’ll want to hear my proven strategies on how to stop losing deals to competitors and start locking in more wins.

I walk through my personal framework that has helped me grow Oasis Home Buyers and empower countless investors to do the same. From building real connections with sellers to handling objections like a pro, this episode will help you transform hesitation into confident closings.

Key Takeaways

1. Close on the first call – If you let sellers “think about it,” you’re giving your competition the upper hand.

2. Objections aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities – Address them head-on before they become deal-breakers.

3. Emotion drives decisions – Catch your prospects in their emotional peak moment to move the sale forward.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] Introduction

[1:07] How I help investors—whether it’s their first flip or their thousandth

[1:44] The biggest mistake salespeople make: hesitating to close

[3:17] Why giving sellers time often means losing the deal

[4:00] My “never leave without a deal” mindset and how it transformed our results

[6:03] How I uncover sellers’ true pain points to close effectively

[7:25] Handling objections like a pro before they become bombs at the finish line

[9:10] The emotional peak: why closing at first contact matters

[10:32] Your sales strategy matters—decide, commit, and train for it

[11:32] Don’t apologize for closing—own your value and close with confidence

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

If this episode gave you some real value, I’d love it if you’d leave a 5-star review, share it with your network, and hit that follow button. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I dive deep into one of the most common and complicated questions I get asked: When is the right time to give up equity in your business? Whether you’re a young entrepreneur eager for ownership or a seasoned player who believes they’ve earned a stake, the decision to share equity isn’t one I take lightly—and neither should you.

I break down the types of individuals who typically request equity, what makes a person truly deserving, and the criteria I personally use to decide when it’s worth the trade. From young go-getters with time but little experience to veteran salespeople with a track record of performance, I share real talk on what it really takes to earn a piece of the pie—and how giving equity can either catapult or complicate your business.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - What inspired this episode: tough questions about giving up equity

[1:16] - Why the wealthiest people often don’t own the majority of their businesses

[2:15] - Challenges with giving equity to inexperienced but ambitious young professionals

[3:25] - What it takes to truly earn equity: proving value before receiving it

[5:38] - Advice to young people looking to earn ownership through hard work and sacrifice

[7:17] - Evaluating partners with experience: the $2M operator vs. $50M visionary

[8:35] - When past sales success just isn’t enough without sustained elite performance

[10:05] - Real stories: Who I’ve actually given equity to—and why it worked

[12:08] - The difference A-players make, and why most people won’t qualify (and that’s okay)

3 Key Takeaways

1. Equity must be earned, not expected – Whether through financial investment, long-term commitment, or exceptional performance, equity should go to those who prove they can move the needle.

2. Experience alone isn’t enough – Past results must be significant, recent, and relevant to your business’s goals to justify an ownership stake.

3. Start small, grow with impact – Offering tiered or gradual equity can help mitigate risk while motivating team members to grow the business over time.

Links & Resources

• Connect on Instagram: @realestatemike02

If you found value in this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people who are ready to turn properties into profits!

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on one of the most painful—but important—real estate lessons I’ve ever learned. I walk you through my experience with the 808 Gilbert property—what seemed like a textbook win on paper turned into a six-figure loss. From ignoring the warning signs to trusting the wrong systems, this project taught me more than any win ever could.

If you’re investing in real estate—whether you’re flipping, renting, or exploring Airbnb—this episode is a must-listen. I share the mistakes I made so you don’t have to repeat them, and the exact systems I’ve now put in place to ensure this never happens again.

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:37] - Why I decided to share this $250K loss

[1:23] - What the market looked like before the purchase of 808 Gilbert

[2:50] - Feeling untouchable: the illusion of consistent wins

[3:52] - How one decision started the downward spiral

[5:12] - Construction setbacks and team mismanagement

[6:14] - Holding on too long and ignoring market signals

[8:06] - The operational shifts we’ve made since this loss

[10:24] - Lessons in emotional decision-making vs. business strategy

[11:49] - Final thoughts: real estate isn’t always forgiving, but it’s always a teacher

• Act fast when red flags appear: Waiting too long to sell cost me more than $100K. Don’t delay decisions in hopes the market will bounce back.

• Track everything weekly: Implementing weekly KPI reviews for all active projects now helps us stay ahead of costly surprises.

• Stick to what you do well: Avoid chasing others’ strategies or stretching into areas you’re not experienced in—especially when the stakes are high.

• Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

If you found value in this episode, please follow, rate, and share Properties to Profit with anyone who’s on their own real estate journey. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into a crucial topic that many business owners overlook—marketing. Fresh from attending the Brand Lab mastermind hosted by Brandon McCurdy of Sharper Business Solutions, I share some powerful insights that every entrepreneur needs to hear. Whether you’re struggling to get quality leads or your sales team isn’t closing, this conversation will help you rethink your approach and get your marketing engine running right.

I break down the mindset shift of treating your business like a tech company that happens to be in real estate, the game-changing role of AI in day-to-day operations, and why having a dedicated marketing person is non-negotiable if you want to scale. Tune in as I share the biggest takeaways, favorite tools, and how to build a marketing department that doesn’t just support your business—it drives it.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – The real problem behind struggling sales: it might be your marketing.

[1:16] – Inside scoop from the Brand Lab marketing mastermind and why it stood out.

[2:17] – Reframing your business as a tech company first.

[2:59] – Using AI tools daily and why storing your data is critical.

[4:02] – Tools mentioned: ChatGPT, Google AI, Storyboard AI, Scribe AI, and Notebook Lab.

[5:04] – Why your marketing person should be analyzing data and tracking every lead.

[6:02] – Key traits to look for when hiring your first (or next) marketing hire.

[8:00] – Aligning your brand message across all platforms and departments.

[9:28] – Following up with leads that didn’t convert and what you can learn.

[10:34] – Final takeaways: treat marketing as a priority and hire accordingly.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Marketing is not optional—it’s foundational. Treat your business like a tech company that happens to be in your industry and prioritize marketing as a core function, not a side task.

2. AI is a game changer. Leverage AI tools like ChatGPT and others to save time, analyze data, and optimize your workflows—but don’t forget to store your input for future flexibility.

3. Hire smart. Your marketing person should be a proactive, data-driven collaborator who knows your customer inside out and brings energy, discipline, and fresh ideas daily.

Links & Resources

• Brand Lab by Brandon McCurdy – Hosted by Sharper Business Solutions

• AI Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Google AI, Storyboard AI, Scribe AI, Notebook Lab

• Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

If you got value from this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review! Your support helps this podcast grow and reach more entrepreneurs turning properties into profits.

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I dive into one of the biggest challenges every entrepreneur and investor faces today: distraction. From constant notifications to dopamine-driven social media loops, our attention is under siege. But what if you could reclaim just two hours of focused time each day—and in doing so, unlock an entire extra month each year for deep, productive work?

I share how I’ve been using the Opal app to engineer my environment, eliminate time-wasting triggers, and get laser-focused on the actions that move the needle in my real estate business. This isn’t just about cutting screen time—it’s about buying back your time and executing with intention. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a productivity boost, this is the episode for you.

[0:00] Introduction

[0:56] The digital world is designed to hijack your focus—and how that sabotages your goals

[1:53] The cost of distraction: how many days a year are you unintentionally giving away?

[2:42] Real estate use-cases for reclaimed time: more offers, more deals, more growth

[3:06] How to block out distractions and create deep work windows that work for you

[4:17] My personal setup with the Opal app to protect focus time in the morning and evening

[5:14] Using technology to fight back: how Opal rewards focus instead of feeding distraction

[6:21] Results you can expect: less screen time, more energy, and better sleep

[7:41] Why distraction, not failure, is the real enemy of greatness

1. Distractions are stealing valuable hours from your day—taking control of them can dramatically change your productivity.

2. Tools like the Opal app can help you lock in focus by scheduling access to attention-grabbing apps and rewarding deep work.

3. Reclaiming just two hours a day could give you an entire month back in your year—imagine what you could achieve with that time.

Opal App – The focus tool I’m using to block distractions and reclaim my day

DM me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

If this episode inspired you, do me a favor—subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s all get focused and start turning properties into profits.

In this episode of Properties to Profits, I unpack one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—strategies in real estate investing: the “subject to” deal. If you’re hitting walls with traditional financing or looking to acquire properties with minimal upfront cash, this approach might be your next move. But be warned: it’s not without risk.

I walk you through how these deals work, why they’re a win for both investors and sellers, and what risks you absolutely need to understand before diving in. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode offers the insights you need to evaluate if subject to deals should be part of your investing toolkit.

Key Takeaways

1. Control Without Credit – Subject to deals let you acquire properties by taking over existing mortgages—no credit checks or bank qualifications required.

2. Win-Win for Sellers – This strategy offers immediate mortgage relief to distressed sellers, helping them avoid foreclosure and protect their credit.

3. Risk Requires Readiness – The due-on-sale clause is real. Always have a backup plan—like the ability to refinance or sell—before you close a subject to deal.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why subject to deals are relevant in today’s market

[1:25] - What “subject to” really means and how it works

[2:21] - Benefits for sellers: financial relief and credit protection

[3:13] - Benefits for investors: minimal cash and fast control

[4:39] - The due-on-sale clause: the hidden risk every investor must understand

[6:30] - Why integrity matters—don’t put sellers in worse situations

[8:01] - Real-world example: taking over a two-mortgage home in Canal Winchester

[9:25] - The importance of having an exit and payment plan

[10:13] - Final thoughts: power and pitfalls of this creative strategy

Links & Resources

• Follow me on Instagram: @RealEstateMike02

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective or valuable insight, please rate, follow, and leave a review. And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow investors. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.