Joel Kraut's journey began on Wall Street, where he spent over two decades trading through major economic cycles — including the historic crash of 1987. After transitioning into real estate, he rapidly scaled a large portfolio using leverage before the 2008 crash wiped out millions and forced a hard reset.

Instead of quitting, Joel rebuilt smarter — focusing on disciplined investing, strong partnerships, and long-term strategy rather than speculation.

Together, Derek and Joel dive into:

• Why success is about solving problems, not chasing properties

• How market cycles create opportunity for prepared investors

• The power of partnerships and scaling with the right people

• Why communication builds trust with lenders

• How relationship capital can outperform financial capital

• The importance of multiple exit strategies

• Using modern tools like AI to stay competitive

The episode ultimately shifts beyond real estate — challenging listeners to design a life aligned with freedom, purpose, and fulfillment.

• Success in real estate starts with thinking differently.

• The best deals come from solving real human problems.

• Market cycles reward disciplined investors — not speculators.

• Relationship capital is often more valuable than cash.

• Partnerships can accelerate growth while reducing risk.

• Communication builds long-term trust with lenders and partners.

• Always have multiple exit strategies before buying.

• Leverage technology and AI or risk falling behind.

• Execution beats intelligence — action creates opportunity.

• True wealth is flexibility, freedom, and time — not just money.

• Market cycles & investor psychology

• Recovering after financial loss

• Creative deal structuring

• Seller financing & partnerships

• Scaling across multiple markets

• Relationship-based investing

• Risk management

• Private lending dynamics

• Communication with investors

• AI in real estate

• Opportunity cost & capital velocity

• Building generational wealth

• Designing a life around freedom

Watch this episode if you want to:

✅ Learn how seasoned investors think during uncertain markets
✅ Avoid costly mistakes newer investors make
✅ Understand how relationships drive opportunity
✅ Gain confidence navigating market shifts
✅ Learn how to scale responsibly
✅ Build wealth without sacrificing your life
✅ Think like a professional investor — not a gambler

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, mindset shifts, and timeless investing principles.

00:00 – 04:00
Introduction & Joel's background

04:01 – 09:00
Wall Street lessons & surviving major market crashes

09:01 – 14:00
Scaling into real estate and losing millions in the housing collapse

14:01 – 18:30
Rebuilding smarter & learning disciplined investing

18:31 – 23:30
Market cycles, perspective, and where opportunity lives

23:31 – 28:30
Finding deals by solving problems

28:31 – 33:30
Creative structuring & real-world deal examples

33:31 – 38:00
Relationship capital and partnership strategy

38:01 – 42:30
Risk management, lenders, and communication

42:31 – 46:30
Leveraging AI, technology, and staying relevant

46:31 – 50:00
Building a life you love vs. just surviving

50:01 – 52:00
Final wisdom & closing thoughts

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