Most real estate entrepreneurs expand too fast and pay for it later. They add expenses, hire people, and scale operations before their cash position can support it.

In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down the 3X Rule: why you should have at least three times your fixed monthly expenses in cash before you expand.

He explains how skipping this step can lead to stress, poor decisions, and fragile businesses, and why cash is essential for growth.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a cash buffer that protects your business
• Decide when you are actually ready to expand
• Stop confusing expenses with growth
• Think about spending as ROI

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(03:43) What tax strategy really is

(06:49) Why year-end tax scrambling no longer works

(07:53) Understanding marginal vs effective tax rates

(10:15) The simplest bookkeeping setup for new investors

(11:31) Separating personal and business finances is non-negotiable

(14:43) How experienced operators are shifting in today’s market

(17:26) Flipping remains essential to housing supply

(21:15) When new construction actually makes sense

(24:53) Cash creates opportunity in every market

(26:04) Smart places investors are parking cash today

(28:18) The four phases of business: Hustle, Secure, Expand, Exit

(29:15) You are not a real business owner until you pay yourself consistently

(30:19) The 3X Rule explained using real numbers

(31:45) “Low is smooth. Smooth is fast.”

(32:27) How ROI thinking simplifies every business decision

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors who are trying to scale responsibly
• Entrepreneurs who are feeling cash pressure despite growth
• Operators who want a predictable income

Why You Should Listen:

If you have ever felt stretched thin after expanding or unsure when to take the next step, this episode gives you a simple, practical rule to grow with confidence.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

• Website: https://beccfo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler