Episodes

Everybody's focused on finding a good deal — and that's step one. But as margins get tighter and the market gets more challenging, the real difference-maker is what happens after you're under contract. In this episode, I sit down with our Senior Project Manager, Travis Masse, to break down what's actually driving rehab budgets in 2026 and how great project management can make or break a flip. Here's what we dive into: Why material costs aren't coming back down, even after COVID and tariffsThe...

Welcome back to another episode of Raising the Flipping Bar! Everybody's favorite question these days: "How's the market?" In this episode, I'm answering it honestly — it's a weird ass market. I'm breaking down 4 real deals from our pipeline over the last few weeks, and what they reveal about where things stand in Q3 2026. Here's what we dive into: A Golden property where the seller's asking price was basically made up out of spite — and what happened when we sat in his living roomLosing a We...

In this episode, I'm breaking down another Deal Analysis — one of my favorite formats on this show because it's not guru talk, it's real numbers from a real deal we just closed. This one turned into a wild ride: a rough Arvada property that wasn't ready for the market, a textbook acquisitions process, a tight rehab budget, and a sales process that had 36 showings in three weeks before a buyer's grandma tanked the first contract three days in. I walk through exactly how we found the deal throu...

In this episode, I break down the two paths I see people taking in real estate and entrepreneurship: the high-growth business model versus the lifestyle business model. I talk about what each path really looks like, the trade-offs involved, and how to think strategically about where you are in your current season of life and business. I also share some personal reflections about building ELEVATION over the years, what scaling a company actually requires, the importance of systems and delegation...

In this episode, I’m tackling a question I hear all the time—is flipping dead in 2026? Short answer: not even close. But the game has changed. I break down what I’m seeing right now in the Denver market, where the real opportunities are, and how smart investors are still finding profitable deals despite tighter margins and increased competition. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about using real data, understanding market dynamics, and making strategic decisions that actually work in today’s env...

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of breaking down a deal or strategy, I’m opening up an opportunity — and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m building and scaling our real estate team heading into 2026. Right now, deal flow isn’t the issue. The real challenge is having the right people in place to handle the volume, convert opportunities, and continue pushing the business forward without slowing momentum. After recently expanding the team with high-p...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar. In this episode, I wanted to slow things down and talk about something dominating headlines — institutional buyers, hedge funds, and Wall Street “owning all the homes.” There’s a lot of noise, fear, and political rhetoric around this topic. So instead of reacting emotionally, I wanted to look at the actual data and break down what’s really happening — nationally and here in Metro Denver. I’m not here to get political. I am here to be factual. Drawing ...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar. In this episode, I wanted to slow things down and talk about something that’s coming up more and more in my day-to-day conversations — private money lending. As we head into 2026, deal flow isn’t the problem. The real challenge is being properly capitalized and structuring deals in a way that protects downside while still creating strong returns. That’s where private money comes in. I break down exactly what private money lending is, how it’s differen...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, Derek Marlin breaks down the exact goal-setting framework he uses to dominate each year — especially in tougher markets like we’re facing going into 2026. Instead of vague resolutions or soft targets, Derek dives into the “More, Better, New” system, how to build a real buy box, why most goals fail, and how to create a plan you can actually execute on with discipline, clarity, and extreme ownership. This episode blends personal story...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, Derek Marlin sits down with Jesse from Indicate Capital — a seasoned lender with deep experience in construction, commercial mortgage banking, and private real estate finance. Jesse breaks down how the capital stack really works, what today’s lending environment looks like, and the biggest mistakes investors make when structuring deals. From market insights to risk management, this episode is packed with real-world lessons that can h...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, Derek Marlin recaps his biggest takeaways from EXPCON 2025 — where the top minds in real estate, investing, and entrepreneurship came together to share what’s working right now. From agent growth and personal development to leadership and wealth-building strategies, Derek breaks down the mindset shifts and business moves that can help you level up in 2026. In this episode we cover: 🏗️ Key themes and lessons from EXPCON 2025 💡 How to...

Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with investor and developer Jordan Cunningham of Cunningham Invest. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real numbers behind his first big investment move — how he bought his primary home, turned it into a rental, and used equity and appreciation to scale into his next property. We break down the exact figures, financing details, cash flow, and equity strategy that made this deal possible — so you can see how a smart first purchase ca...

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, I’m joined by Jordan Cunningham, founder of Cunningham Invest, to talk all things fix and flip, BRRRR investing, and scaling a real estate business from the ground up. Jordan shares how he transitioned from the corporate world into full-time real estate — and the systems, mindset, and team structure that helped him build a thriving investment company. Here’s what we cover: Jordan’s journey from side hustles to full-time investor How he finds and fun...

In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics — a full deal analysis of a recent cosmetic flip in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. I’m breaking down every number, decision, and lesson from this real project so you can see exactly what worked (and what didn’t) in today’s shifting market. Here’s what I cover: The property details and how we sourced the deal Rehab scope: where we spent, where we saved, and what moved the needle on value Financing and carrying co...

In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s actually driving today’s real estate market — not predictions, not clickbait, but the real market movers. I’m joined by special guest Rick “The Wizard”, one of Denver’s sharpest real estate minds, to unpack how interest rates, inventory, and buyer psychology are shaping 2025. We dive into: The two different markets we’re seeing — entry-level vs. luxury Why this is not 2008 (and the data to prove it) How “recency bias” is affecting both buyers and ...

In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most fascinating business plays I’ve ever seen — Alex Hormozi’s $100M business model — and how we can apply it directly to real estate investing. We’re talking about how Hormozi turned five years of focused work into $100M in a single week, and more importantly, how his principles around pricing, scaling, and building leverage can help you build a smarter, more profitable business. I’ll walk you through what I learned from his $100M Offers, Leads, ...

In this episode, I share a personal story about chasing my dream job with the Denver Broncos — and how that moment shaped the way I think about opportunity. That experience is what inspired me to open up a rare and one-of-a-kind role at ELEVATION. We’re hiring one sales professional to join our team. This isn’t your typical acquisitions position — it’s built for the right person who’s hungry, motivated, and ready to grow. Here’s what I cover in this episode: Why I created this position and wh...

Welcome back to Season 5 – Ep. 4 of Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, Travis and I break down what’s really happening in the Denver fix & flip market as we head deeper into 2025. Buyers are more critical than ever, homes are sitting longer, and the details matter more than they ever have. We share what we’re seeing on the ground, from starter flips all the way up to luxury projects, and what you should be focusing on to stay ahead. Here’s what we dive into: Why buyers are bein...

Welcome back to Season 5 – Ep. 3 of Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, I’m kicking off our new Elevation Business Book Club with a deep dive into the 5 Pillars of Wealth—time, social, mental, physical, and financial—and how they impact both business and life. From timeless classics like Think & Grow Rich to modern insights from Sahil Bloom and Tim Grover, I share what I’ve been reading, re-reading, and most importantly, implementing in 2025. Here’s what I cover: Why I re-read m...

Welcome back to Season 5 - Ep. 2 of Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, I’m breaking down one of our deal analysis case studies—a 1972 bi-level in Arvada that we transformed into a modern family home. This project had it all: off-market sourcing, probate delays, full-gut rehab challenges, and ultimately, a strong return for our investor client. Here’s what I cover: How we sourced this off-market deal through an agent referral (and why those relationships are gold) The probate...

Welcome back to Season 5 of Raising the Flipping Bar! In this episode, I’m sharing a mid-year 2025 market update and breaking down what’s really happening in the Denver Metro real estate scene. From shifting inventory levels to changing buyer behavior, I go over the latest DMAR housing stats, interest rate impacts, and why I call this a “bipolar market.” Here’s what I cover: Why I decided to bring podcast production in-house and the long-term ROI behind it How I’m sharpening sales strateg...

The real estate game is changing in 2025, and if you’re still flipping houses the way you did in 2020, you’re already behind. Buyers are more selective, and cookie-cutter flips won’t cut it anymore. In this episode of Raising The Flipping Bar, I break down the biggest design trends and strategies that will help you flip faster, sell for more, and stay ahead of the competition. I’ll cover multifunctional layouts, eco-friendly materials, and the power of great staging—plus, I’ll give you real-wor...

Real estate investing isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about buying the right ones, at the right price, with the right strategy. And if you’ve ever wondered how to successfully invest in land flipping, multifamily deals, and passive income strategies, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Mike and Ligia, two investors who have mastered the art of finding undervalued land, structuring smart deals, and pivoting in changing markets. They break down their journey from land flipping to large...

Flipping houses isn’t just about major renovations—it’s about strategy. In this episode of Raising The Flipping Bar, I sit down with Travis Masse, our senior project manager at Elevation, to break down the Fix & List strategy. We walk through real-world case studies and show how minor upgrades can lead to major profits without over-improving. Whether you're an investor looking to maximize returns or an agent helping clients sell for top dollar, this episode is packed with actionable insights. ...