If you’re not paying yourself a real salary, you don’t own a business—you own a job. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make: building a company that pays everyone except themselves.

We talk about why so many entrepreneurs struggle to pay themselves (even after reading all the right books), why revenue doesn’t automatically create owner income, and how to implement a simple system that makes paying yourself automatic. I walk you through exactly how to set this up—whether you’re brand new, still working a W-2, or already doing significant revenue but not consistently taking money home.

Timeline Highlights

[0:00] Why not paying yourself means you own a job, not a business

[1:05] The frustration of knowing you should pay yourself but not knowing how

[1:26] Scaling revenue while still not taking home income

[2:10] Why Profit First changed how I view owner pay

[2:29] The difference between servant leadership and financial leadership

[3:08] Why you must treat yourself like a paid employee

[4:03] The simple system: setting up an Owner’s Compensation account

[5:05] Why big money events won’t fix broken cash habits

[6:07] How much should you pay yourself? (Percentages explained)

[6:36] What to do if you still have a W-2 job

[7:29] How to build 6–12 months of reserves before leaving your job

[9:30] A real story of someone who implemented one account and built six months of reserves

[10:04] Why paying yourself consistently creates clarity and confidence

Key Takeaways

1. If you don’t pay yourself consistently, your business is unsustainable.
2. Revenue does not guarantee owner income—systems do.
3. Paying yourself is a habit, not a one-time event.
4. Start with one simple step: open an Owner’s Compensation account.
5. Choose a percentage you can consistently sustain.
6. Build 6–12 months of owner reserves before major transitions.
7. Financial freedom comes from disciplined cash habits—not big deals.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call and build a system to consistently pay yourself: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode gave you clarity around how to finally pay yourself from your business, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who’s building revenue but not taking home income. And if you’re ready to implement real systems around your money with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating financial clarity and freedom.

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with the legendary Lou Brown—real estate investor, educator, and creative financing pioneer with over 40 years in the business. Lou shares how he’s completed over 1,000 transactions without ever qualifying for a bank loan and how everyday investors can do the same.

We dive into creative acquisition strategies, the power of seller financing, and why professionalism and credibility win more deals than just offering the highest price. Lou also breaks down his “buy, hold, sell” philosophy and explains how trusts can protect everything you build. If you want to buy properties without banks, create cash flow, and actually keep what you earn, this episode is packed with gold.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:10] – Lou’s 40+ year journey and teaching investors since the 1980s

[3:28] – Why he never goes to banks and how he structures deals creatively

[6:05] – How to walk into a seller’s home with credibility and win deals

[8:10] – Why sellers often choose professionalism over the highest offer

[12:03] – The 37 ways Lou can structure a creative transaction

[15:02] – How sellers help fill out the cost-to-sell worksheet

[18:03] – Why education wins in competitive markets

[20:41] – Millionaire Jumpstart and Lou’s weekly live coaching access

[24:17] – Transitioning from landlord headaches to a “path to homeownership” model

[25:48] – The Garn–St. Germain Act and discovering the power of trusts

[27:04] – How to protect every asset you own using separate trusts

5 Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need banks to buy real estate. Creative financing and seller cooperation can replace traditional lending.
2. Professionalism wins deals. A structured presentation and credibility package separates you from competitors.
3. There’s always another offer structure. If sellers reject cash, there are multiple creative options to increase value for both parties.
4. Sell while you hold, hold while you sell. Lou’s slow-flip strategy creates cash now, cash flow, and long-term wealth.
5. Protect what you build. Trust structures can shield assets and prevent one liability from infecting everything else you own.

Links & Resources

• Buy, Hold, Sell Book: https://streetsmartinvestor.com/bhsbook
• Millionaire Jumpstart Training: https://millionairejumpstart.com
• Learn more about Profit First for real estate investors: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode gave you a new perspective on buying creatively and protecting your wealth, make sure to rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with an investor who needs to learn how to buy without banks and keep more of what they earn.

Dirty books cost you way more than clean books ever will—and in this episode, I explain exactly why. I see so many business owners avoid cleaning up their books because of cost or inconvenience, without realizing how much confusion, stress, and lost money messy books actually create.

In this episode, I break down what “dirty books” really look like, how they silently hurt your business, and how you can realistically transition from messy to clean books in about 90 days. We talk about why clean books are the foundation for profit, decision-making, and peace of mind—and what you must put in place so your numbers stop working against you and start working for you.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Why dirty books cost far more than clean books ever will

[1:05] How inaccurate financials prevent you from knowing what you really make and keep

[1:24] Why cheap bookkeeping often becomes the most expensive mistake

[2:26] The tax-time chaos caused by messy books

[2:42] Why your bookkeeper must understand your industry

[3:03] The serious risks of bad bookkeeping—including legal issues

[3:41] Why communication with your bookkeeper matters

[3:59] The pain of waiting until the last minute to clean up your books

[4:15] The three requirements for getting clean books

[4:36] Why bookkeepers must be managed, not assumed

[5:55] How clean books help you identify real business problems

[6:10] Following the money to improve spending and profit

[7:05] How to move from dirty books to clean books faster than you think

Key Takeaways

1. Dirty books create confusion, stress, and costly mistakes.
2. Clean books are the foundation for profit, clarity, and smart decisions.
3. Cheap bookkeeping often leads to expensive cleanups later.
4. Your bookkeeper must understand your specific industry.
5. Communication and oversight are required—even with good help.
6. Clean books help you identify where money is leaking in your business.
7. Bookkeeping is not about compliance—it’s about control and clarity.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call to get clarity on your books and financial systems: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks so much for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you see why clean books matter and what they unlock in your business, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who’s tired of guessing with their numbers. And if you’re ready to clean up your books and build real financial clarity with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call with our team.

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Carter Lane from Unified Wealth to talk about one of the most overlooked tools in a real estate investor’s financial toolkit: the self-directed IRA. Carter breaks down how business owners and investors can take control of their retirement funds, invest in what they know (like real estate), and build long-term, tax-advantaged wealth.

We dive into how the traditional retirement model is failing most Americans, why Carter believes the “Wall Street path” is broken, and how Solo 401(k)s and checkbook IRAs can give entrepreneurs the flexibility and protection they need. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how your retirement savings are actually working for you, this episode will give you clarity—and action steps.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:48] – Carter’s background and what led him to launch Unified Wealth

[3:32] – How his mother’s devastating retirement loss shaped his mission

[6:17] – Why 85% of retirees go back to work within three years

[8:44] – What exactly is a self-directed IRA—and what it is NOT

[10:29] – The biggest myth about what you can invest in with retirement funds

[13:11] – Custodial model vs. checkbook control: key differences

[16:06] – Solo 401(k)s explained and why they’re a game changer for business owners

[18:27] – How you can legally “borrow” from your 401(k) to invest in your business

[20:35] – The importance of financial education and investor control

[23:41] – What Carter’s weekly investor calls are all about

[26:18] – How to reach Carter and take the first step toward financial freedom

5 Key Takeaways

1. Self-directed retirement accounts = investor control. You don’t have to leave your wealth in Wall Street’s hands.
2. Solo 401(k)s offer powerful tax and funding advantages. Especially for entrepreneurs, these tools are often underutilized.
3. Avoid the middleman with checkbook control. Unified Wealth’s model simplifies access to your funds while staying compliant.
4. The traditional retirement system is outdated. Most investors don’t realize the risks until it’s too late.
5. Education is the differentiator. Unified Wealth leads with clarity and support, not complexity and jargon.

Links & Resources

• Schedule a call with Carter: https://www.talktounified.com/pf
• Learn more about Profit First for REI: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode opened your eyes to how you could grow your retirement outside of Wall Street, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with another investor who needs to hear this strategy.

If you don’t have cash reserves in your business, you’re one bad month away from everything falling apart—and I don’t want that for you. In this episode, I break down why cash reserves are the foundation of financial stability and how a lack of reserves quietly destroys otherwise good businesses.

I share a real story of an investor who was doing meaningful work, growing fast, and still ended up having to shut everything down because cash wasn’t under control. We talk about why reserves aren’t built in one good month, how systems like Profit First make reserves automatic, and how building cash buffers gives you options, peace of mind, and real freedom as a business owner.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Why a lack of cash reserves puts your entire business at risk

[0:47] A real story of growth, cash crunches, and hard decisions

[1:56] How not having reserves led to layoffs and shutting down

[2:29] Why entrepreneurship requires systems for volatility

[2:48] The first step: knowing your real numbers

[3:08] Why Profit First prioritizes profit and reserves

[3:48] The danger of “sales minus expenses equals profit”

[4:20] How reserves create options and peace of mind

[5:13] Why cash issues cause stress, conflict, and bad decisions

[5:44] The difference between fear-based decisions and calm leadership

[6:24] Giving every dollar a name with Profit First

[7:29] How reserves are built automatically, not accidentally

[8:34] Why reserves let you make decisions from opportunity, not fear

[9:25] Why reserves are a habit, not a one-time event

Key Takeaways

1. Cash reserves protect your business from volatility and uncertainty.
2. Most business failures come from cash issues, not bad ideas.
3. Reserves give you options, confidence, and decision-making power.
4. Profit must be prioritized before expenses—not after.
5. Profit First builds reserves into every sale automatically.
6. Financial peace comes from systems, not hope.
7. Reserves are built through consistent habits, not one great month.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call and build real cash reserves in your business: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you see why cash reserves matter so much, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who’s riding the cash-flow roller coaster. And if you’re ready to build real financial stability with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating clarity and freedom in your business.

Book your FREE financial discovery call at ProfitREI.com

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Leon Barnes—real estate investor, coach, and long-time leader at Collective Genius. Leon shares his journey from sports journalism and corporate sales into building a 65+ door portfolio in Kansas—all while working full-time and growing alongside a strong investing community.

We talk about what it really takes to build wealth slowly and intentionally, the difference between chasing “door goals” and actual profit, and how Leon leaned into community and personal development as much as business strategy. This episode is a reminder that real estate isn’t a race—it’s a tool to build the life you want.

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Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Leon’s journey from sports broadcasting to corporate sales to real estate investing
[3:50] – Building his first few rentals while still working full-time
[6:03] – How being bankable gave him a financial runway most new investors don’t have
[8:44] – Why he grew to 75 doors—and intentionally scaled back to 65
[10:12] – The birth of Collective Genius and how it grew into a values-driven community
[13:00] – The problem with chasing someone else’s goals
[15:22] – Short-term goals as a long-term strategy: why they matter
[18:09] – The connection between personal development and business growth
[20:41] – The importance of being intentional with your time, money, and community
[24:26] – Leon’s final thoughts on playing the long game in both business and life

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5 Key Takeaways

1. 1. Real estate doesn’t have to be rushed. Leon built his portfolio slowly while working full-time, proving that patience pays.
2. 2. Being bankable opens doors. Keeping your W-2 income for a while can give you more financing options early on.
3. 3. More doors ≠ more freedom. Scaling down can sometimes increase profitability, focus, and peace.
4. 4. Community matters. The right peer group will challenge you, keep you grounded, and help you grow.
5. 5. Define success on your terms. Whether it’s 10 doors or 100, know what you’re building and why.

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Links & Resources

• • The Collective Genius: https://explorecg.com
• • Listen to the CG Podcast: https://thecgpodcast.com
• • Learn more about Profit First for REI: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode helped you reframe your real estate goals or inspired a new path forward, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with someone who needs a reminder that slow and steady still wins.

If your revenue is growing but your profit isn’t, your business isn’t scaling—it’s sinking. In this episode, I break down why “growth at all costs” is one of the most dangerous mindsets for business owners and how I learned that lesson the hard way while scaling a high-volume real estate company.

I walk through why revenue alone doesn’t create freedom, how hiring, systems, and expansion can quietly kill your margins, and what it actually takes to grow profitably. We talk about building profit into the business from the start, using systems like Profit First, and why focusing on what you keep—not just what you make—is the only way to scale without burning out or going broke.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Why growing revenue without profit is a losing strategy

[0:47] Scaling deal volume fast—and why the bottom line never showed up

[1:27] The difference between making money and building a real business

[2:07] Why “I want to scale” usually means “I want more freedom”

[2:56] How hiring and growth can quietly destroy profit margins

[3:36] Why higher revenue doesn’t automatically mean higher profit

[3:58] What actually protects your bottom line as you scale

[4:23] Why Profit First forces profitability into your business

[5:38] Why bookkeepers and CPAs don’t protect margins

[6:10] Using systems and accountability to scale profitably

[7:54] Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, and cash is king

[9:24] Why intentional cash allocation is required to grow

[10:05] The real reason business owners feel broke as they scale

Key Takeaways

1. Revenue growth without profit is not real scaling.
2. Freedom comes from what you keep, not what you make.
3. Hiring and expansion must be planned around profitability.
4. Profit must be designed into the business—not hoped for later.
5. Systems like Profit First force discipline as revenue grows.
6. Scaling profitably requires focus, structure, and accountability.
7. Without intentional cash allocation, growth will control you.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call and get help scaling profitably: profitrei.com

Closing:

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you rethink how you grow your business, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another business owner chasing growth. And if you’re ready to scale revenue and protect your profit with real guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start building financial clarity and freedom.

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Jordan Mederich, founder of Revatto, to explore how mastering retention and reducing churn can massively increase your business value—especially if you’re eyeing an exit. Jordan’s journey from performing magic tricks to building and selling businesses with recurring revenue is anything but ordinary. We talk about what real estate investors can learn from subscription businesses and how landlords can build tenant loyalty that pays off long term.

Jordan breaks down practical, repeatable ways to keep customers—and tenants—engaged for the long haul. Whether you’re scaling a coaching business, SaaS platform, or a rental portfolio, the strategies we cover in this episode are essential listening if you’re looking to create predictable profit and long-term success.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] - Why recurring revenue is the “purest” form of business

[4:35] - The origin of Revatto: born out of churn-related deal collapses

[6:01] - A 24-year-old’s churn reduction success story and multi-million-dollar exit

[8:12] - The #1 mistake that causes customer or tenant turnover

[10:31] - How your first payment cycle sets the tone for retention

[12:36] - “Surprise and wow”: How landlords can radically increase tenant loyalty

[15:14] - The real cost of ignoring retention: turnover headaches and lost profit

[16:49] - Why even busy owners should find time to make retention personal

[19:07] - How we’ve used client onboarding calls to strengthen relationships

[20:54] - Retention mindset for wholesalers and flippers with recurring buyers

[23:03] - Why filtering for the right clients or tenants matters more than you think

[27:09] - A full-circle retention recap and actionable takeaways you can implement today

5 Key Takeaways

1. Recurring revenue isn’t optional—it’s foundational. One-time transactions are unstable; real profit comes from long-term relationships.
2. Retention starts at acquisition. Filtering for the right clients or tenants is the first defense against churn.
3. You have one cycle to impress. Whether it’s a client or tenant, you’ve got one “billing period” to create a positive, memorable experience.
4. Surprise and wow wins. Go above and beyond with personal touches. It doesn’t cost much but builds major loyalty.
5. You can systematize retention. Whether it’s onboarding calls, personalized videos, or gift baskets—these processes can be delegated and scaled.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Revatto: https://www.revatto.com
• Work with Simple CFO: https://www.simplecfo.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing clarity, cash flow, and consistent profit to real estate investors like you!