Money Behind the Deal

Épisodes

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  Why He Moved to Cleveland Blind to Build a $10 Million Net Worth 14.09.2026 41min

  What does a real estate portfolio need to look like to grow your net worth from $2.5 million to $10 million?In this episode, Gualter Amarelo joins Michael Gabriel to break down the deal math, investment strategy, and scaling principles he uses to buy bigger properties, create equity, and continuously grow his real estate portfolio.Gualter moved to Cleveland without knowing the market, but he had one clear goal: find deals with enough upside to change his family’s financial future.He explains how he looks for roughly a 20% discount at purchase, then targets another 20% in value-add opportunities. Through renovations, rent growth, refinancing, and mortgage paydown, some of his properties have reached 40% to 50% equity in just a few years.In this conversation, you'll learn:• Why Gualter doesn't buy properties with the intention of holding them forever• How his “pyramiding” strategy helps him trade smaller properties for larger multifamily assets• Why he now refuses to buy anything under 80 units• The acquisition rules he follows before considering a property• Why he stays within five minutes of his team• Why he avoids studios and one-bedroom units• How he evaluates whether existing tenants can support a property's mortgage• Why newer investors should talk to a mortgage broker early• Why buying the smallest deal you can afford today may beat waiting years for the “perfect” opportunity• How speed and relationships can give investors an advantage when deals hit the marketGualter also shares how he built his network from scratch, turned early relationships into capital partnerships, and established credibility by simply getting his first deal done.And if he had to start completely over?He explains exactly how he would approach the challenge of having little money, no credit, and only 30 days to find 200 doors.This episode is for real estate investors who want to think bigger, move faster, build equity, and create a portfolio that scales by design instead of by accident.
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  Why Most Fix-and-Flip Deals Fail Before Funding 24.08.2026 30min

  The conversation covers Brett Fair's background in lending, his experience with fix and flip loans, and the challenges and strategies involved in financing real estate deals. It also delves into the importance of teamwork, borrower responsiveness, and the key factors for successful real estate investments. The conversation covers the importance of customer service, risk assessment, and myths in real estate lending. It also delves into the significance of realistic expectations and the value of problem-solving in the lending process.TakeawaysTeamwork is crucial in real estate financing and involves collaboration between the lender, broker, and borrower.Borrowers need to be financially prepared with reserves and a solid credit score before seeking financing for real estate investments. Customer service and coaching are key to retaining repeat borrowers.Realistic expectations and problem-solving are crucial in the lending process.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Lending Products01:40 Brett Fair's Background and Career Journey03:23 Challenges in Real Estate Financing04:32 Teamwork and Borrower Responsiveness06:40 Investor Struggles and Financing Considerations09:38 Dealing with Tough Deals and Creative Approaches13:33 Key Factors for Successful Real Estate Investments18:11 Working with First-Time Investors19:29 The Importance of Customer Service20:06 Risk Assessment in Real Estate Lending21:01 Realistic Expectations and Myths in Lending23:02 The Value of Problem-Solving in Lending29:09 The Significance of Repeat Borrowers
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  24 Hours to Foreclosure 20.08.2026 15min

  A real estate crisis unfolds as an investor is faced with an urgent situation involving an elderly lady at risk of losing her home to auction. The investor explores various solutions, weighs options, and strategizes a financial commitment to resolve the crisis. The final negotiations and decision-making process determine the fate of the property.TakeawaysUrgency in real estate investingImportance of exploring multiple solutionsChapters00:00 Urgent Real Estate Crisis03:09 Exploring Solutions05:30 Options and Decision Making10:15 Financial Strategy and Commitment13:10 Final Negotiations and Decision
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  Never Buy a House Before Checking These 10 Things 11.08.2026 20min

  Before buying a property, it's crucial to consider the location and potential issues that cannot be fixed with renovations. This includes evaluating the neighborhood, traffic, flood risks, and the property's marketability. Investors and homebuyers should focus on the right property, financing, and have a clear exit strategy.TakeawaysLocation is a critical factor in property investment.Consider potential issues that cannot be fixed with renovations.Chapters00:00 The Importance of Location03:17 Evaluating Neighborhood and Traffic07:43 Assessing Property Characteristics09:35 Avoiding Overpriced Properties10:05 Managing Flood Risks11:26 Understanding Renovations and Inspections14:16 Multiple Property Visits and Neighbor Interaction17:05 Investor's Perspective and Exit Strategy
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  Interviewed: How a 20-Year Friend Turned Scam Artist Taught Me the Value of Protecting Your Money 27.07.2026 45min

  Most entrepreneurs and marketers focus on the wrong thing — chasing results without truly understanding the human behavior behind success. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Michael Gabriel reveals the secrets he’s learned from nearly two decades of navigating the world of marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.From explosive poker nights that launched him into a decade-long career and the lessons learned from high-stakes scams to the importance of protecting your investments and reputation, Michael shares concrete insights that can save you from costly mistakes. Discover how understanding the psychology of human behavior, identifying who’s a giver versus a taker, and guarding your energy and resources can dramatically alter your success in business and life.You'll uncover:The powerful lesson that "design without results is just art" — and how this mindset can transform your marketing strategy.The true value of aligning with genuine givers and avoiding toxic relationships that drain your energy and growth.The eye-opening story of a scam that cost millions, and the critical lessons on protecting yourself, trusting your instincts, and the importance of airtight contracts.Practical tips to analyze human behavior, recognize red flags, and strengthen your decision-making in any relationship or deal.How resilience, integrity, and continuous learning help you bounce back from setbacks and turn adversity into exponential growth.This episode isn't just about marketing — it's about mastering your mindset, safeguarding your investments, and forging authentic relationships. Perfect for entrepreneurs, business owners, or anyone tired of the noise and ready to focus on what truly matters: results that last, and a life built on integrity.Michael Gabriel is a marketing strategist and entrepreneur known for his results-driven approach and deep understanding of human psychology. He's helped clients grow their businesses, avoid scams, and build sustainable legacy wealth.Get ready to see your business—and your life—with new clarity. When you understand who you're really dealing with, your success becomes inevitable.
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  No Money Down : Primary Home 23.07.2026 18min

  Michael Gabriel shares a compelling story of helping a young couple achieve their dream of homeownership, despite financial and logistical challenges. His expertise and determination lead to a successful outcome, highlighting the complexities of real estate transactions and the emotional journey of first-time homebuyers.TakeawaysNavigating financial hurdles in real estate transactionsThe emotional journey of first-time homebuyersChapters00:00 The Dream of Homeownership02:53 Navigating Financial Hurdles06:08 The Complexity of Closing Costs09:05 Time Constraints and Real Estate Transactions11:54 Portfolio Loans and Property Sales15:10 Negotiating Closing Delays18:04 Overcoming the Fear of the First Step
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  From Zero 2 Closing Deals 23.07.2026 36min

  The conversation delves into Tashin Collins' journey as a real estate investor, from his early fascination with real estate to his impactful mission of reentry housing. Tashin shares insights on his first real estate deal, mistakes made, and the importance of serving others. He also provides a 30-day action plan for securing a property with minimal resources.TakeawaysFascination with real estate sparked by history and the desire to own assetsThe journey to the first real estate deal involved mentorships and learning from mistakesThe first real estate deal involved creative financing and a successful wholesale subject-to transactionMistakes and lessons learned include the importance of holding onto profitable propertiesThe bigger mission involves reentry housing and serving marginalized populationsA 30-day action plan for securing a property with minimal resources was outlined by Tashin CollinsChapters00:00 The Fascination with Real Estate03:01 The Journey to the First Deal07:04 The First Real Estate Deal11:03 Mistakes and Lessons Learned17:03 The Bigger Mission29:14 30-Day Action Plan
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  The High Stakes Fight - Multifamily Deal 23.07.2026 17min

  Michael Gabriel shares the journey of working on a deal to convert a multifamily unit into a sober living facility and the challenges faced in the process. From lender requirements to appraisal issues, the persistence and commitment to client success shine through in this story.TakeawaysVision and passion drive real estate investmentNavigating lender requirements is crucial for deal successChapters00:00 The Vision of a Sober Living Facility01:55 The Challenges of Converting to Condos03:49 Navigating Lender Requirements06:12 The Appraisal Process07:59 The Persistence of Closing the Deal09:52 Negotiating the Appraisal Value11:50 The Final Hurdle and Closing the Deal13:48 The Commitment to Client Success