Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 72: Tax Strategy Series - How Investors are Writing Off Massive 2025 Tax Bills...in 2026! - Part 1 | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:16:54 | |
Part 1 Today's episode marks the start of a new tax strategy series that will help real estate investors uncover tax-saving opportunities. Listen as Marcus Crigler breaks down one of the most powerful tax strategies in real estate. He also explains how recent tax law changes have reopened opportunities for investors who purchased property in 2025 and why filing under extension can create valuable planning opportunities. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:48) Introducing the new tax strategy series to save money on your 2025 tax bill (02:55) How post-year-end tax planning can maximize deductions (04:58) Understanding the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill (06:26) You can decide how you depreciate your properties (07:50) Accelerated bonus depreciation explained (09:26) How bonus depreciation works (10:26) What a cost segregation does (12:13) How investors can generate large deductions from real estate (13:26) Cost segregation isn't always the right move every year (13:57) Who this strategy is best suited for (14:56) When the strategy may be a mediocre fit Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you're looking for practical ways to keep more of your money working for you instead of going to taxes, this episode is a great place to start. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 71: The Secret to Turning Your Business into a Cash Generating Machine with Brent Daniels | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:43:37 | |
Most real estate investors think the only way to build wealth is to buy more real estate. Brent Daniels disagrees, and he has paid close to a million dollars in taxes in a single year to prove it. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Brent shares how he went from losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis to building multiple successful businesses. He discusses the lessons he learned from real estate wholesaling, why conversations are the foundation of every successful business, and how he approaches money, taxes, investing, and long-term wealth creation. Brent also shares why he prefers building profitable cash-generating businesses over chasing complicated growth strategies. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:25) How Brent rebuilt his life and business after losing everything (05:18) Getting into wholesaling real estate (06:40) The "Talk to People" philosophy (07:51) Talking to people solve 90% of business problems (10:42) Why successful entrepreneurs spend more time communicating than most people realize (14:30) Importance of learning construction in real estate investing (15:27) The difference between fee income, flips, and long-term investing (18:20) Brent's perspective on taxes: Earn more than avoid it (22:25) His simple investment strategy and why he favors the Nasdaq (24:10) The formula he uses to turn businesses into cash-generating machines (26:29) How he balances business growth with family life (30:54) Entrepreneurs should focus on building wealth through simple, repeatable systems (33:28) Wholesaling as an art of finding good deals (36:32) Google PPC as one of the most powerful marketing channels in real estate (40:22) Brent's advice for entrepreneurs: make the call you've been avoiding (41:20) Connect with Brent Daniels Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: Brent Daniels offers a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship. Instead of chasing complicated systems, he focuses on simple principles like talking to people, solving problems, staying profitable, and investing consistently. Connect with Brent Daniels:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 62: Why Landlords Stay Broke (Even With 20+ Properties) with Eddie Speed | 01 May 2026 | 00:48:32 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Eddie Speed breaks down a hard truth most real estate investors don’t want to hear. Many landlords with 20, 50, or even 100 properties are still stuck, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Listen as he shares how he built his career by focusing on note investing instead of traditional landlording. He also explains the real math behind rentals, the hidden problem of trapped equity, and why many investors are working harder for smaller returns. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:01) Introduction to Eddie Speed and his background in note investing (04:49) The reality of “rocks in the road” and why most people quit (06:32) What an owner-financed note actually is (07:08) Working with real estate investors (07:30) The difference between compliant vs risky seller financing (08:50) Some notes are assets and others are liabilities (10:28) Liquidity matters when creating notes (13:50) The tax trap: depreciation and recapture explained (15:15) Seller financing can improve tax strategy (17:21) Rental math vs note math (20:01) Why being the bank can double your income (23:08) The power of reinvesting and compounding income (24:12) Hustler vs investor (26:49) Different ways to structure and sell notes (28:38) The “underserved” buyer market (31:20) The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (34:04) How to seller finance with an existing mortgage (39:06) The future of notes and blockchain technology (45:21) People who don't know their numbers don't know their business Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode challenges one of the biggest assumptions in real estate. Eddie offers a clear alternative path through note investing and seller financing. If you want to stop chasing small returns and start building a scalable, predictable income, this conversation will open your eyes to a different way of investing. Connect with Eddie Speed:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 61: Why Your Business Feels Tight Right Now (And What to Fix) with Bentley Pugh | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:33:17 | |
If your business feels tighter than usual with less cash, slower deals, and more pressure, this episode is a must-listen! For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor Bentley Pugh to unpack what’s going on behind the scenes when a business starts to feel squeezed. Listen as he discusses taking full accountability, resolving cash flow issues, and returning to the fundamentals that built his business in the first place. He also breaks down how he’s restructuring deals, improving financial visibility, and why strong operators win by adjusting when the market changes. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:48) Introducing Bentley Pugh and his background (04:34) How infill lot development works in Seattle (05:59) Why rising interest rates slowed the market (07:31) Adapting your business instead of blaming the market (09:44) Land deals are more complex than traditional flips (11:57) Competition and challenges in land acquisition (13:29) Avoiding shiny object syndrome in business (15:09) Vertical integration and deal optimization (16:33) How Bentley got into private lending (19:24) Bentley's "One Big Deal" (20:28) Choosing cash flow over quick profits (25:07) The importance of detailed budgeting per property (26:55) Creating a forward-looking cash flow tracking system (30:08) Bentley's advice for better results in business Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode serves as a real-world reminder that small decisions can add up. Taking your foot off the gas, ignoring your numbers, or bending your own rules can slowly create pressure in your business. Connect with Bentley Pugh: Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 60: Why High-Income Investors Overpay in Taxes (And How to Stop) | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:33:40 | |
Most investors think real estate is all about cash flow. But the ones who actually build wealth? They understand the tax game. This episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate: depreciation, and how it can legally reduce your tax bill in a big way. You will learn why buying and holding real estate is key, how an appreciating asset can still generate paper losses, and how to utilize these strategies effectively. If you’ve ever heard terms like “cost segregation” or “bonus depreciation” and felt confused, this conversation finally clarifies them. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (00:56) How exactly does bonus appreciation or depreciation work to shelter income? (02:22) What qualifies you as a real estate professional (04:24) Cost segregation explained in simple terms (06:55) Bonus depreciation and how it’s changing over time (09:28) Why cost seg can still work (12:20) The “tipping point” depends on your income level (13:39) Why zero taxes isn’t always the smartest goal (16:30) Other strategies beyond depreciation (17:34) The 1031 exchange that builds long-term wealth (21:47) Cheap properties don’t give real tax advantages (23:26) Powerful strategy: spouse as a real estate professional (27:28) The short-term rental loophole explained Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are serious about building wealth through real estate and keeping more of what you earn, this episode is one you don’t want to skip. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 59: You’re Making Money…So Why Does It Still Feel Like You’re Losing | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:41:10 | |
If money is coming in, why does it still feel like something’s off? In this episode, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down one of the most misunderstood parts of a real estate business: your marketing and sales numbers. Listen as they discuss marketing, one of the hidden secrets in the field, and why marketing is more than just graphics. This episode is all about knowing your numbers, fixing what's broken, and making smarter decisions backed by data. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:00) Marketing is a numbers game (05:27) What does a sales funnel look like? (06:01) Why ROAS matters (08:14) The real estate funnel (11:02) How bad data leads to bad decisions (13:29) Maximizing your return on ad spend (13:52) Tracking performance by marketing channel (15:27) Treating marketing like a science experiment (21:32) What “good” conversion rates actually look like (24:03) How to identify what’s really broken (27:03) Real example: fixing a drop in appointment rates using data (32:10) Closing deals, not just contracts, is what really matters (34:40) The role of integrity and reputation in long-term success Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode helps you zoom out, and if you understand where the breakdown is: marketing, sales, or operations, you can fix it fast and stop guessing. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 58: He Runs His Real Estate Business…While Hiding in a Bomb Shelter with Haim Palman | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:39:34 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Haim Palman, a seasoned real estate investor who manages his U.S.-based business from Israel. Haim shares his incredible story of running operations even while navigating the daily realities of war and seeking safety in bomb shelters. The two discuss Haim’s professional evolution from a kinesiologist and security director to a full-time real estate entrepreneur. Haim breaks down his transition through various strategies—rentals, wholesaling, and high-end flipping—before finding his "sweet spot" in private money lending. He provides a masterclass on how to transition from an operator to the "bank," prioritizing return on time and emotion to build a predictable, drama-free lifestyle. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are tired of the "headaches" of physical real estate—like the $1,700 water heater that kills four months of cash flow—this episode offers a roadmap to a more streamlined business. Haim Palman proves that with the right systems and network, you can run a highly profitable real estate engine from anywhere in the world, even under the most extreme circumstances. Connect with Haim Palman:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 57: The 4 Levers That Instantly Increase Your Profit (Most Ignore #1) | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:31:04 | |
There are only four things that really drive profit in a business. These four spots drive real profitability in your business. In this episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the four core drivers of profit in any real estate business. Listen as he walks through how small improvements across cost, people, capital, and advertising can quickly double your profit, the practical ways to reduce expenses, avoid costly mistakes, and build a more efficient, scalable operation. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:26) Advertising as a core for-profit driver (03:34) Symptoms that don't tell you the root problem (05:11) What does the cost of goods sold really mean in real estate (06:13) The four main components of COGS (07:38) Overly detailed financials can hurt decision-making (09:28) How to improve margins starting with the purchase price (10:38) Buy box explained (12:39) Why staying in your “buy box” matters (14:10) Maximizing the cost of goods sold (16:48) Why having a standardized materials list saves money (20:15) In-house vs outsourced teams (22:15) Reducing the cost of materials and labor (23:18) Cheap labor often costs more in the long run (27:09) Getting an accounting firm to diagnose your business decisions Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode simplifies what drives profit. Instead of chasing more deals or bigger numbers, Marcus shows how to fine-tune what you already have and turn small improvements into major financial wins. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 56: Most Real Estate Businesses Are Already Falling Behind (Here’s Why) with Jason Macht | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:40:57 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Krigler sits down with Jason Macht, founder of Whitespace Solutions and an expert in direct mail automation and AI integration. Jason shares his journey from working as an engineer to building multiple streams of income through real estate and tech consulting. They dive deep into how real estate entrepreneurs can leverage AI to streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and turn unstructured data into actionable insights. Jason breaks down the practical applications of AI agents, the critical importance of secure data management, and why fixing your core business foundation must happen before adding technology. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:51) Jason's transition from an engineering W-2 to real estate entrepreneurship (07:00) Building Whitespace Solutions and addressing the tech gap in real estate (10:37) The three main buckets where AI adds immediate value to operations (16:27) Why AI won't fix a broken sales process or bad business foundation (20:08) Using AI to replace redundant tasks and combat rising labor costs (27:33) The evolution of AI agents and how to train them like real employees (32:47) Navigating the security risks of AI, self-hosted models, and prompt injection (37:59) The first step to making better decisions: centralizing your data Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you feel like your team's costs are skyrocketing while efficiency is dropping, this episode reveals how the right AI tools can act as your ultimate operational lever, helping you make better decisions and build a highly scalable real estate machine. Connect with Marcus Krigler:
Connect with Jason Macht:
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| Episode 55: How Smart Investors Legally Build Wealth Tax-Free with Amanda Holbook | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:40:55 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Amanda Holbrook to break down one of the most underutilized wealth-building strategies available today: self-directed, tax-advantaged accounts. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:27) Amanda’s background and how she got into self-directed investing (06:07) What self-directed accounts actually are and how they work (09:44) Why HSAs are one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools (11:34) How Roth IRAs can be used for flexibility and tax-free growth (17:26) Using Roth IRAs for kids and building generational wealth (22:48) Paying your children and turning income into tax-free investments (28:11) The power of Solo 401(k)s for business owners (30:31) How to invest retirement funds into real estate and lending deals (34:48) Rules to follow when using self-directed accounts (37:16) Amanda’s biggest advice: start now and take action Who This Episode Is For:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Connect with Amanda Holbrook:
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| Episode 54: Invest Phase - Why You’re Not at $100K Per Month (And How to Fix That) - Part 4 | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:25:09 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down the final stage of the wealth-building journey: the invest phase. This is where your business stops being your only income source and starts fueling real, compounding wealth. They walk through the differences between expanding and inflating your business, and how to properly separate your income, reserves, and investments, as well as more about this phase. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:42) Recap of the hustle, secure, and expand stages (03:00) Investing early is bad advice for entrepreneurs (04:00) Treating real estate like inventory, not trophies (05:56) The importance of diversification beyond real estate (07:25) A real example of overleveraging and getting stuck (09:54) The difference between true investing and survival mode (11:34) Expand vs inflate (13:15) Step 1: Getting money from the business to you individually (13:30) Step 2: Making money from that money (14:14) Turning $100K/month into $80K investable capital (15:27) How assets start creating more assets (17:08) Building an asset engine (19:15) The 4 key business levers that drive growth (22:16) The power of saying “no” to the wrong opportunities Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you want to build real wealth and not just stay busy, this episode is the shift you need to hear. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 53: The $60,000 Wholesale Fee that Felt Like a Win...And Why It Wasn't with Rich Rice | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:35:00 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Rich Rice shares how a $60,000 wholesale deal ended up being a wake-up call that completely changed how he approached real estate. Listen as he breaks down the difference between making money and building wealth, why so many investors get stuck chasing income, and how shifting to a buy-and-hold strategy can change your financial future. In addition, he also talks about the moment a mentor showed him he may have traded away a million-dollar opportunity. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:10) Rich Rice’s background and transition from corporate to real estate (06:02) The $60,000 wholesale deal that changed everything (07:30) Finding financial allies and funding deals creatively (09:31) Starting with just one rental property (10:49) How rental portfolios create compounding wealth over time (11:39) The snowball effect of holding properties (14:42) Lifestyle inflation and the trap of fast money (18:42) The reality behind “looking rich” vs being wealthy (19:38) What most people actually want: simplicity and freedom (21:12) Inside the FIRE Center (23:57) Collaboration beats competition (25:54) The abundance mindset in real estate (30:11) Common traits of investors who succeed long-term (32:11) The importance of asking for help Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode breaks down the mindset shift from chasing income to building real and lasting wealth. You will also learn that holding assets, not just flipping them, is what creates true financial freedom. Connect with Rich Rice:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 70: The Hidden Financial Trap Destroying Successful Entrepreneurs with David Phelps | 29 May 2026 | 00:26:02 | |
There's a lot of white noise in your financials that doesn't matter for anything. A lot of the time, it is what many CEOs are going after. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler talks with an entrepreneur and financial expert to talk about the hidden financial traps that many business owners fall into while trying to scale. Listen as David Phelps shares why understanding your numbers goes far beyond reading financial statements, and why tracking the right KPIs and recognizing the warning signs are important in your business. These and more in this episode, enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:47) Real estate investors are struggling with hidden financial problems (04:36) CEOs are being forced back into operations (08:00) What happens when businesses hit a growth ceiling in their market (09:56) Maximize existing opportunities in your area (11:49) The financial reality behind scaling into multiple locations or markets (13:13) The scaling trap many entrepreneurs fall into (14:28) Understanding your numbers as the biggest advantage in business (16:27) Translating financial statements into key numbers as an alert (18:16) Comparison pushes entrepreneurs into unhealthy growth decisions (19:52) Ego as the real reason most people start a business (21:20) Financial freedom and ego are often confused in entrepreneurship (23:11) The role advisors play in helping business owners Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This conversation is a reminder that success is not just about scaling but about building a business that supports the life you want. This episode offers a practical and honest perspective that many entrepreneurs need to hear. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 52: The Exact Number You Need to Never Have to Work Again...and Why It's Probably Less Than You Think with Kris Kohlstedt | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:37:43 | |
How much money do you actually need to make in life? In this episode, Kris Kohlstedt breaks down a question most entrepreneurs avoid but desperately need to answer. Instead of chasing bigger deals, more flips, or endless income goals, Kris shares a different approach. It is to define your number, build toward it, and design a life that makes sense. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:11) What Kris Kohlstedt does in the real estate space (04:17) The mindset shift from chasing profit to helping sellers (05:45) The “commission breath” trap (08:20) Inside their current operation: ~9 deals/month with a lean team (09:34) The “Core Six” concept (11:28) How to stay lean (13:01) Measuring value in non-sales roles (15:49) Practices to improve the financial situation (20:15) What to do when flips stop selling (21:24) Small upgrades that make properties sell faster (23:23) Introduction to the “Aji” philosophy (25:45) How much money do you need to live your life? (30:18) The real goal in the real estate business (31:45) The value you give determines the value you receive (34:04) Better decisions = better results (34:49) The uncommon knowledge defined (35:51) Connect with Kris Kohlstedt Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode offers a different perspective. One where you build intentionally, make smarter decisions, and create a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Connect with Kris Kohlstedt:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 51: Expansion Phase - Why You’re Not at $100K Per Month (And How to Fix That) - Part 3 | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:29:31 | |
In Part 3 of this series, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down what it really takes to achieve consistent $ 100,000 months and why most business owners get stuck before they ever reach that goal. For today's episode, they focus on the expansion phase, where growth becomes intentional, not just with more deals, but with smarter decisions, better systems, and the right people in place. They also call out one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make and the misconceptions about expansion. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:26) Expansion phase explained (02:36) Growing business through wise investment (03:21) The difference between revenue and actual cash flow (04:37) You should only grow expenses when you have reserves (08:13) The “right move at the wrong time” problem in business (10:57) Stay in your lane: expand what already works (12:34) The three-legged stool in marketing (15:08) How taxes change when you hit higher income levels (16:54) Why expansion is the time to bring in experts (20:23) Managing profits and moving from monthly to quarterly decisions (22:28) Your goal should be 6 months of reserves or $1M in the bank (24:00) Thinking beyond the deal in front of you (26:00) Growth is uncomfortable Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode shows you how to expand the right way by protecting your cash, doubling down on what works, and building a business that supports your life. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 50: You're Working Too Hard to Have Nothing to Show For It - Here's What's Missing with Kirby Nie | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:30:27 | |
Connections are one of the biggest things in the real estate business. Some conversations will be with people that are tire kickers and then some will be actually useful and helpful to you. In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Kirby Nie, a young realtor and note investor who’s early in the game but already thinking long-term. From building connections to shifting into passive income through notes, Kirby shares what he’s learning as he builds his business from the ground up. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 03:42 - Getting started in real estate 05:53 - Joining into a brokerage team 07:12 - What working hard looks like: Answering your phone, and having conversations 09:45 - The problem with paid leads 11:52 - Daily posts, reels for visibility, stories for connection. 15:02 - Goals for the year: 24 home sales and 5 notes 17:55 - "Rentals are jobs." 18:52- What note investing really is 20:34 - Real example of a note deal 24:20 - How can beginners get started with notes 27:53 - The power of small habits 28:37 - Connect with Kirby Nie Who This Episode is For
Why You Should Listen This episode is a good reminder that working harder isn’t always the answer. Kirby’s story shows that you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start building the right habits early. Connect with Kirby Nie:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 49: Why You’re Not at $100K Per Month (And How to Fix That) - Part 2 | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:28:27 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney continue their conversation about what it really takes to build a real estate business that produces $100,000 per month in profit. They started off last week discussing how to build a business to a hundred thousand profit a month through the hustle phase. Now, they are diving into the secure phase. This is the phase most entrepreneurs skip. Instead of strengthening their financial foundation, many businesses jump straight into expansion. This is a must-listen episode. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:03) What is the secure phase, and why do most entrepreneurs skip it (02:58) Choosing safety first accelerates long-term growth (03:52) The marshmallow experiment and the power of delayed gratification in business (06:00) Key steps involved in the secure phase (06:27) The importance of holding three times the business expenses in reserves (07:55) Reserves protect you when the market shifts (09:36) What counts as fixed expenses inside your business (10:18) Marketing should always be treated as a fixed expense (11:16) Why does short-term debt require additional financial reserves (13:26) The risks of carrying large inventories with little cash (16:03) Playing to win vs playing not to lose (16:42) Eliminating bad debt and what qualifies as bad debt in business (21:20) Discipline for risk tolerance (22:03) Getting yourself paid (23:08) Avoiding the “good month vs bad month” lifestyle (25:30) Tax strategies entrepreneurs should begin implementing early Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you want to grow your business without constantly feeling like you are one bad month away from starting over, this episode will show you the financial habits that make long-term success possible. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 48: The Feast or Famine Cycle Isn't Bad Luck - Here's Exactly What's Causing It with Gary Harper | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:49:12 | |
The feast-or-famine cycle is one of the most common frustrations for real estate entrepreneurs, but the reality is that these are the opportunities to get better. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with business coach Gary Harper from Sharper Business Solutions to talk about the feast-or-famine cycle. Listen as Gary explains why the cycle isn’t random or caused by bad luck but a result of missing metrics, poor pipeline management, and a lack of operational discipline. He also shares how strong operators track the right numbers to grow during good markets and stay stable when the market shifts. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:58) Introducing Gary Harper and Sharper Business Solutions (03:22) The good days and bad days of entrepreneurs (05:54) Early mistakes in real estate and the impact of the 2008 crash (08:44) Returning to real estate through wholesaling and scaling quickly (11:17) The Rise Business Framework and building companies responsibly (13:11) The feast-or-famine reality many operators are facing (14:23) Downturns are the best time to prune a business (15:40) The lesson behind the book Who Moved My Cheese (18:24) Why the businesses embracing change are the ones winning (19:38) The problem with hiring too many executives instead of producers (22:01) Compensation should be tied to business performance (23:12) The importance of hiring the right people and placing them in the right seats (24:21) Most important metrics in a real estate company (26:39) People problems vs process problems (27:45) The “heart, head, hands, feet” framework (30:07) Purpose and profit indicators (32:21) The conversion benchmarks Gary recommends for healthy businesses (35:28) Tracking daily process indicators vs performance indicators (36:43) Understanding the cash conversion cycle (38:45) The role of the “innovator” inside a business (41:16) Fixing people and processes first before the marketing channel (43:11) Getting better, not bigger (44:30) The “become the box” concept for analyzing how deals move through a system (45:36) Connect with Gary Harper. Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you want more predictable growth and fewer surprises in your business, this episode breaks down the operational mindset that makes it possible. Connect with Gary Harper:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 47: The IRS Has Been Stealing From You - Here's How to Make Them Pay It Back | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:45:23 | |
The tax code isn’t designed to punish investors; it is designed to reward those who understand how to use it effectively. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down a concept most entrepreneurs completely miss when it comes to taxes and wealth building. Listen as Marcus gives a preview of a presentation he’s preparing for a national real estate conference, and the four financial stages every entrepreneur goes through. He also explains why poor bookkeeping creates the “chaos tax,” why reserves matter more than revenue when it comes to expenses, and how the right entity structure can completely change your tax strategy. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:35) The real purpose behind tax deferral strategies (03:38) Preview of Marcus’s upcoming presentation (05:01) The common problem entrepreneurs face when trying to grow wealth (07:07) The seven rules of the tax game (08:16) Why the tax game only matters if you’re playing the wealth game (08:55) Different stages of the wealth game and different rules of the game (11:16) The danger of comparing your journey to other investors (12:02) Rule #1: Entrepreneurs win the tax game (13:20) Rule #2: Avoid the “chaos tax.” (14:53) Why don’t many investors realize how much money they actually made (16:03) You can't do strategy without clarity (19:05) The secure stage and why most entrepreneurs try to skip it (19:26) Building business reserves before expanding (20:38) Bad debt must eventually be eliminated (22:21) Rule #3: Structure is strategy (26:27) Rule #4: Taking advantage of the entrepreneur’s tax gifts (27:06) Examples of simple tax strategies most people overlook (29:06) Partial dispositions explained (30:05) Moving from the secure stage into the expansion stage (30:48) Expenses should grow with reserves, not just revenue (31:24) The rule of three months of reserves before making new hires (34:30) Introducing the concept of the “tax ladder.” (38:32) Marginal tax brackets matter more than most people realize (39:39) Rule #6: Understanding and using Real Estate Professional (REP) status (40:32) What is a tax shelter? (41:38) Rule #7: Tax savings should fund wealth, not lifestyle Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: In this episode, Marcus and Kaden explain the framework behind that strategy and the financial stages every serious entrepreneur has to move through to win the long game. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 46: Why Some Real Estate Investors Will Pay MORE Taxes Under the “Big Beautiful Bill” with Leon Barnes | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:54:26 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Leon Barnes sits down with CPA and fractional CFO Marcus Crigler to break down what the new “Big Beautiful Bill” means for real estate entrepreneurs. While many investors are celebrating the return of 100% bonus depreciation, Marcus explains why the real story is more nuanced. Listen as Marcus walks through the biggest financial mistakes real estate entrepreneurs make while scaling, why cash generation should come before wealth multiplication, how the new tax rules could create major opportunities for investors in higher tax brackets, and how applying these strategies incorrectly could cause others to pay more taxes. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:06) What Marcus’s firm does for real estate entrepreneurs (03:51) Why working with a real estate tax specialist matters (07:36) Things people miss the most as they are scaling (08:10) About cash multiplication (09:04) The scarcity that makes you miss out on an opportunity (10:49) The four phases every entrepreneur goes through: Hustle, Secure, Expand, Exit (11:27) Most investors skip the “secure” phase and create long-term problems (14:58) The importance of having a strategy (16:32) Clean books alone are not enough; you must understand the numbers (17:35) Using cash flow forecasting to make better business decisions (18:30) The 52-week cash flow forecast (20:18) Challenges from real estate investors on the financial side (22:01) It is easier and faster to scale up than to scale down (25:54) Breaking down the “Big Beautiful Bill.” (27:41) Why a $100K property can create around a $25K tax deduction (35:49) How the new tax brackets reduce overall tax liability (36:49) The larger standard deduction benefits most taxpayers (38:15) The importance of the Qualified Business Income deduction (39:07) How entrepreneurs can claim a 20% deduction on business income (45:50) The least successful people (49:48) The issues concerning the new bill Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: This conversation breaks down the real implications of the new tax rules and shows how smart investors use them to accelerate wealth. Connect with Leon Barnes:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 45: Why You’re Not at $100K Per Month (And How to Fix That) | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:42:22 | |
A lot of entrepreneurs say they want to hit $100K per month, but when you look at it, most aren’t building a business that can support it. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney have an honest conversation about what keeps people stuck. They break down what they call the “Hustle Phase,” where you are making money but still feel chaotic. If you want a clear system for managing cash, visibility into numbers, and an intentional tax strategy, this episode is for you. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:09) Common goal for a lot of real estate entrepreneurs (03:36) The different paths for entrepreneurs (04:39) Not seeing the business from a financial standpoint (07:35) Why most real estate businesses aren’t truly sellable assets (09:06) What the Hustle Phase looks like (09:31) Entity mistakes that quietly cost investors money (12:45) The tax problems most people don’t see coming (16:43) Cash flow is everything in the early stages (17:18) The three core bank accounts every investor should have (18:34) Banking system vs cash management vs accounting system (21:28) Using financial statements to make decisions (25:10) Structure is a discipline, not a one-time setup (27:10) Tax compliance as a growth strategy (29:41) The trap of chasing “sexy” tax strategies too soon (34:30) Weekly scorecards and tracking the right numbers (35:03) How to know you’re moving out of the Hustle Phase (36:39) Insecurity, comparison, and why entrepreneurs sabotage growth (41:06) The process to make revenue matters more Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you’re working hard but still not at consistent $100K months, this episode explains why. Connect with Kaden Hackney:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 44: EXCLUSIVE TRAINING - The $14,000 Per Deal Tax Playbook - What Your CPA Should Be Doing On Every Closing | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:38:35 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down what it takes to build real wealth and why tax strategy has to be part of the equation from the beginning. The conversation starts with having a clear financial target, and from there, they connect the dots between income, reserves, investing, and using tax strategies to accelerate the path. They also introduce the new Tax Strategy Showroom, real case studies that show how real estate, equipment leasing, and other structured investments can create both wealth and significant tax savings when used strategically. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:34) The $5 million wealth target (04:35) How $5M at 7% produces $20,000 per month after taxes (09:36) The connection between $20K/month and long-term freedom (10:53) The hustle, secure, expand, and invest phases tie together (12:18) Introducing the Tax Strategy Showroom (14:41) Showing case studies about certain key tax strategies (15:33) Case study #1: Turnkey BRRR strategy (20:16) Case study #2: Mobile home park (23:18) Equipment leasing strategy: Leveraged deductions and 6% returns (26:10) Oil & gas investments: When tax benefits enhance long-term upside (30:00) Charitable strategies and conservation easements done the right way (32:32) Software investments: 6% cash flow plus outsized deductions (34:40) Film investments: speculative returns with major deductions (36:39) Crypto tax loss harvesting and capturing paper losses Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you understand how the tax code works, you can use it to compound wealth. This episode gives you a broad look at what’s possible and why having options and structure makes a difference. Connect with Kaden Hackney:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 43: The Real Reason You Need a Mastermind (It's Not What You Think) with Leon Barnes | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:52:08 | |
If you are a full-time real estate investor doing 10 deals a month and you want to get to 20, you need to get in a room with someone doing 20. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler sits down with Leon Barnes, VP of Membership at The Collective Genius, to break down what a mastermind really does. Listen as he shares how Collective Genius grew from a single-tier group of 100+ operators to over 500 members across four tiers, and why most entrepreneurs think they need more strategies when what they actually need is better systems, stronger leadership, and the right room. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:32) How Leon went from corporate sales to real estate operator to CG leadership (09:27) Joining Collective Genius and were humbled fast (11:38) Growing from 100+ members to 500+ (14:24) Attracting the individual you wanted to attract (17:05) What a mastermind actually is and why most investors misunderstand it (19:14) Why you should be in a room slightly ahead of you (22:28) How CG monitors the “pulse” of the industry in real time (24:03) The growing regulatory pressure on wholesalers and investors (28:05) Real examples of laws that could shut businesses down overnight (31:27) The real “secret sauce” members want right now (34:25) Entrepreneur vs. business owner (36:37) The "gunslinger" trap (39:11) The “Valley of Death” most operators hit in years 3–5 (41:52) Get around like-minded individuals (43:13) The simple acquisition metrics that drive predictable growth (45:15) Why CEOs are back to running appointments (47:11) How to make better decisions using your own board of advisors (49:17) Connect with Leon Barnes Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you want better decisions, better systems, and better long-term results, this episode will show you why you shouldn’t try to build alone. Connect with Leon Barnes:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 69: Why So Many High-Income Entrepreneurs Still End Up Broke (and How to Fix That) | 26 May 2026 | 00:23:17 | |
Why do so many business owners still struggle financially even while making good money? For today's episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler answers this question while he shares practical advice on bookkeeping, cash flow, hiring, forecasting, and building long-term wealth the right way. He also explains why financial systems matter and how small mistakes in money management can quietly destroy a growing business. Listen and enjoy! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:19) The real foundation of a successful business is your books and records (03:07) The biggest mistake bunch of coaches make in their books (04:43) The “three-box” wealth-building system (05:27) Magic in building wealth (06:50) The importance of forecasting (09:29) The “3X Rule” to hire safely (11:25) Reserves matter more than most entrepreneurs realize (13:31) The importance of accountability even when the business is doing well (14:17) How to attract clients on a day-to-day basis? (17:15) The financial systems entrepreneurs need before scaling (18:19) Marcus’ biggest takeaway from the Coaching Inc event (20:26) Entrepreneurship can feel lonely without the right community (22:06) Connect with Marcus Crigler Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode is a strong reminder that making more money doesn’t automatically solve financial problems. Marcus explains why systems, reserves, forecasting, and discipline matter just as much as revenue growth. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 42: Debt × Time × Scale Wealth - The Real Estate Freedom Formula Nobody Teaches You With David Shaw | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:52:02 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, David Shaw shares how he went from international real estate development to scaling a high-volume fix-and-flip business and eventually transitioning into private lending. But the real takeaway isn’t just the evolution of his business but the philosophy behind it. Listen as he breaks down the simple wealth formula that every real estate investor needs to understand. He also explains why lifestyle matters more than ego, the investor avatar that should shape your business decisions, and the Deferred Sales Trust to simplify your portfolio while compounding returns in the long term. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:38) Introducing David Shaw and his background (04:54) How David made more money passively than his corporate job and decided to go all in (06:57) Scaling a fix-and-flip business (07:42) Why lifestyle has always been the priority (10:36) How investors naturally evolve through different financial phases (12:24) Why owning too many small rentals eventually creates fatigue (13:27) Lending produced higher returns than rentals (16:29) Making money vs managing money (18:30) Why most investors eventually transition into lending (21:00) Designing your life first, then building the business around it (23:01) The real monthly income number most families need (26:21) The rule of 5 million bucks (30:53) The wealth formula: Debt × Time × Scale (31:35) Debt is the real asset (35:14) How a Deferred Sales Trust works and why he’s using it (41:29) Pivoting quickly when interest rates killed the flip model (42:46) Listening to your investor base instead of forcing a product (46:23) Success is a marathon, not a sprint (49:16) The key to better decisions: educate yourself Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: David’s story is a full-cycle example of what a real estate career can look like, from hustle to expansion, to passive income to strategic investing. Connect with David Shaw:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 41: The Balance Sheet Mistake that Bankrupts Entrepreneurs (Even When Revenue Looks Great) | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:37:51 | |
When things are great, everybody likes to stare at the P&L because it looks pretty. Revenue is up, profit looks solid, and things feel good. But according to Marcus Crigler, that’s exactly when entrepreneurs get into trouble. In this episode, he breaks down why the real danger isn’t on your profit and loss statement, but it’s on your balance sheet. Specifically, it’s your cash position and liquidity that determine whether you stay secure or slide backward into survival mode. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:18) What Marcus is seeing in today’s capital markets (05:28) Buy-and-hold looks different with today’s interest rates (06:44) Shorter hold times and lower risk strategies in uncertain markets (08:05) More equity is required in today’s deals (11:22) Marcus on financing real estate properties (14:06) The market’s shift toward strengthening balance sheets (14:43) What the current ratio is and why it matters (16:16) The four phases: Hustle → Secure → Expand → Exit (16:56) The secure phase is the most overlooked step (19:02) The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make before expanding (20:02) How bad debt keeps you stuck in a cycle (23:32) Important role of a good CFO (25:06) Why you need a KPI dashboard with green, yellow, red indicators (28:51) Why you can’t delegate wealth building to a financial advisor (30:20) Understanding the tax consequences of investments matters (30:53) The fear entrepreneurs face during exit (33:21) The expand phase is the right time to prepare for exit (55:39) The power of masterminds and surrounding yourself with strong operators Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: This episode is a reminder that real wealth is built on a strong foundation. If you skip the secure phase, ignore liquidity, or expand without structure, you risk undoing years of progress. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 40: The Income Trap - Why Making More Money Won't Solve Your Cash Flow Problem with Tom Krol | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:45:02 | |
The people who win in the business think and live in net, they don't talk about gross. They live in simplicity, not complexity, and they treat hustle as a season, not a lifestyle. In this episode, Marcus sits down with Tom Krol to unpack a hard truth most entrepreneurs don’t want to hear: if you don’t know how to keep money, earning more of it will only amplify the problem. This conversation goes deep into money habits, pressure, scaling myths, stewardship, diversification, and why most entrepreneurs are chasing the wrong metrics. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:43) Who is Tom Krol? (04:28) The biggest mistake young entrepreneurs make with money (05:55) Data, not drama: Why your P&L tells the real story (09:27) Being a good steward of money (11:02) Tom’s personal wealth allocation model (50-20-20-5-5) (12:15) Why diversification matters (13:39) Debt is often misunderstood (14:15) Speak, think, and live in the net (17:15) The number one predictor of entrepreneurial success (17:46) The difference between success and wealth (23:15) Most online flexing is financial smoke and mirrors (24:19) Hustle is a season, not a permanent identity (28:06) You can’t exit hustle without mastering money basics (28:59) The shift from chasing and convincing to attracting and repelling (31:18) Scale vs leads (32:28) What makes someone a great coach (36:27) Coaching business is more scalable, sellable, and profitable (39:10) Things to consider if you want to be a coach (41:23) The simple daily order of operations: Revenue → Fulfillment → KPIs Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If your lifestyle rises with your income, you’ll always feel behind. But if you master allocation, stewardship, and simplicity, you can build real wealth without building a monster business that owns your life. Connect with Tom Krol:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 39: The 3X Rule - Why You Need Triple Your Fixed Expenses in Cash Before You Expand | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:37:31 | |
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:
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:
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:
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| Episode 38: Why Time Isn't Money (But Timing Is) - The 4-Phase Formula to Go From Broke to $5M in Equity | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:24:53 | |
Providing value is a requirement for making money. If you can't provide value, the rest of it doesn't matter. But you also have to understand that the concept of timing is money. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler explains why time isn’t what creates wealth but timing. He walks through his own journey from financial stress and six figures of debt to building a business that runs without him, and lays out the four-phase framework that helps real estate entrepreneurs build wealth faster and with less burnout. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:15) Why “time is money” is the wrong mindset for entrepreneurs (02:09) Providing value is required, but not enough (03:09) Focusing on your economy instead of the economy (03:49) Marcus’ early career and financial struggles (06:32) Why getting closer to revenue is the first real shift (08:48) The moment finances finally came under control (10:16) The pattern every entrepreneur goes through (11:51) The straight-line wealth framework explained (14:01) Phase 1: Hustle and finding one repeatable profit model (16:37) Personal financial stability comes first (17:31) Phase 2: Secure. Why does skipping it create chaos? (20:35) Phase 3: Expanding based on reserves, not revenue (23:23) Phase 4: The exit phase (23:54) Why $5M in equity is the real finish line for most investors Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are working harder every year but feel like you are running in circles, this episode will show you how the right timing and the right order can help you reach real financial freedom. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 37: No Accountability No Wealth - Why Most Real Estate Investors Stay on the Income Roller Coaster | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:11:34 | |
Many real estate investors blame the market or timing when the numbers don't hit. More often than not, the real issue is a lack of accountability. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down why a lack of accountability keeps investors stuck living deal to deal. He explains the difference between being accountable to actions versus being accountable to results, and why that distinction determines whether your business creates stability or constant stress. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:01) A real-world example of failed leadership under pressure (02:41) Why being the “better team” doesn’t guarantee winning (03:36) Blaming uncontrollables destroys accountability (04:28) The hidden cost of ignoring execution failures (05:08) Why uncontrollable factors are never an acceptable reason (06:27) Accountability to results vs accountability to actions (07:31) The long-term cost of ignoring repeated performance issues (08:39) Why CEOs lose businesses despite being “good at their job.” (10:15) The importance of accountability Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you feel like your income keeps rising and falling no matter how hard you work, this episode will show you how true accountability creates stability, clarity, and long-term wealth. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 36: The Real Cost of Running Your Own Property Management (It's Not What You Think) | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:12:19 | |
Property management is one of the most misunderstood and most demanding businesses in real estate. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down what it really takes to manage your own properties or run a property management company profitably. He explains why most property management companies struggle and the hidden costs that investors often overlook. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:30) The most common question investors ask about property management (02:40) The key questions to ask before starting a management company (03:01) The two very different skill sets in property management (04:24) Why owners rarely rave about outsourced property managers (04:47) Where the property management industry falls short (06:07) Property managers don’t operate as fiduciaries (06:44) The truth about profitability in the first 300 units (08:44) Why property management is not a get-rich-quick play (09:12) Buying vs starting a property management company Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you have ever wondered whether running your own property management is worth the effort, this episode gives you the unfiltered truth. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 35: Why Real Estate Investors Making $500K+ Always Feel Broke (The Cash System That Fixes It) | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:14:13 | |
Why do real estate entrepreneurs always feel broke even if they are making money? In this solo episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down why that feeling is so common among high-earning investors and how a simple cash management system can fix it. Marcus shares the mindset traps that keep investors stressed about money, even at $500K+ in income, and explains the exact structure he’s seen successful investors use to build wealth and peace of mind. Listen and enjoy! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:26) Why do real estate entrepreneurs always feel broke? (03:00) How "feeling broke" affects your decision-making capabilities (04:25) Why draining bank accounts keeps stress high (04:51) Why a cash system removes decision fatigue (05:33) A real client story: high net worth, constant cash stress (06:30) “Stay broke, stay hungry.” (07:41) The three financial entities every investor must separate (08:15) Why cross-pollinating cash causes long-term problems (09:08) Why investment money should never go back to the business (10:18) Why lifestyle money should never fund the business (12:08) How active and passive income work together correctly (12:25) Discipline makes the system work Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are making more money than ever but still feel broke, this episode lays out a simple cash system that helps you overcome this feeling, make better decisions, and build real wealth with confidence. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 34: Start With Profitability, Not People - The Reverse-Engineering Framework - Matt Viebrock | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:44:31 | |
Most real estate investors try to solve growth problems by hiring more people. Joining us in today's episode of Strength in Numbers is Matt Viebrock, real estate operator, founder of Let’s Grow COO, and owner of AcquisitionReps.com. Matt shares why profitability has to come first before you add headcount, and how reverse-engineering your financial goals creates clarity around hiring, operations, and growth. They also break down when to hire an assistant, why marketing should be protected early, how to structure your team in the right order, and what it takes to build a scalable acquisition team. This episode will bring a clear framework to follow. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:06) Matt’s background and experience across 2,000+ real estate transactions (06:38) Why most investors don’t actually need a true COO (07:53) The real role of an executive assistant in a growing business (09:24) When to hire overseas VAs vs U.S.-based EAs (11:48) Reverse-engineering net profit into KPIs and strategy (14:14) What business tune-up is all about (14:49) The ideal hiring order: EA, marketing, sales (16:22) Why TC is a sales-protection role (18:16) The real job of a title company vs a transaction coordinator (20:08) Why marketing needs an internal owner and not just agencies (23:49) Matt's advice when hiring an acquisitions manager (26:17) The structured hiring process Matt uses to filter A-players (28:56) Why onboarding and sales management matter as much as hiring (32:07) The true cost of a bad hire in acquisitions (37:12) The CEO only does three things: People, numbers, culture (38:34) “Two is one, one is none.” (40:43) Connect with Matt Viebrock Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are hiring out of pressure instead of clarity, this episode will help you slow down, start with the numbers, and build your team the right way. Connect with Matt Viebrock:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Additional Resources:
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| Episode 33: Why Most CPAs Won't Tell You About Self-Directed IRAs (And How They Work) | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:34:47 | |
Most investors are doing exactly what their CPA told them to do, and still paying far more in taxes than they should. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler joins the show to break down how self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s work, why most traditional CPAs never bring them up, and how real estate investors can use them to build long-term, tax-advantaged wealth. The conversation delves into real-world use cases, including private lending, real estate investing, Roth conversions, and the rules you absolutely cannot ignore. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:41) Introducing Marcus Crigler and his approaches to accounting (05:14) Why tax strategy must happen before the year ends (08:28) What “self-directed” actually means for retirement accounts (09:25) Why real estate fits so well inside self-directed IRAs (11:53) When and how 401(k) money can be used for private lending (12:39) Why most W-2 employees can’t self-direct their 401(k) yet (17:03) When a Roth conversion is worth paying taxes upfront (22:02) The real friction points with self-directed accounts (26:51) Common IRS rules and prohibited transactions to avoid (29:27) What Financial Liberation University is and who it’s for (33:35) Connect with Marcus Crigler Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you’ve ever felt like your CPA only looks backward instead of helping you plan ahead, this episode will change how you think about taxes, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth strategy. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 68: The IRS May Owe Real Estate Investors Thousands of Dollars | 22 May 2026 | 00:27:39 | |
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down the growing buzz around the “Kwong refund” and why it could mean significant money back for taxpayers, especially real estate investors. The discussion centers around a major court ruling involving penalties and interest that the IRS may have been charged illegally during the federally declared COVID-19 disaster period. Listen as they explain what the ruling means, who could qualify for refunds, and why investors shouldn't wait to take action. If you've ever paid late filing penalties, late payment penalties, or IRS interest between 2020 and 2023, this episode is for you. You'll Learn How To:
What You'll Learn in This Episode: (03:43) Marcus introduces the Kwong court ruling (04:28) Over $500,000 in potential refunds for clients (05:34) Tens of millions of taxpayers may qualify for Kwong refunds (07:38) How one taxpayer challenged the IRS (10:03) What does IRS Code Section 7508A mean (12:38) The important timeline for Kwong refunds: January 2020 through July 2023 (14:57) Why real estate investors are more likely to be affected than traditional employees (16:52) The IRS is not automatically sending refund checks (17:29) The IRS appeal process and why timing still matters (18:39) Filing a protective claim for refund helps secure your refund rights (19:32) Proper filing procedures are critical when dealing with the IRS (20:24) The July 10, 2026, deadline (21:45) Your CPA should already be discussing this opportunity with you (22:55) How their team helps real estate investors review potential claims Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: Marcus and Kaden simplify a complicated tax topic into a practical conversation that helps investors understand the opportunity, the risks, and the next steps for the Kwong refund. If you have ever wondered whether you have overpaid the IRS, this episode gives you a good reason to check. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
Know more about the Kwong Court Ruling: https://reikwongrefunds.com/ | |||
| Episode 32: If You're Not Getting 3X Return on People Cost, Your Business Won't Survive | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:19:04 | |
If you have a position that is salary only, you are going to get salary-only effort. You have to provide an upside for each position; it is mission-critical. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down one of the most important rules in business: your people costs must generate at least a 3X return, or the business eventually breaks. Listen as he explains how to measure return on people, why sales roles must outperform that benchmark, and how bad compensation structures kill good companies. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:57) Most businesses can’t survive without a 3X return on the people they spend (03:34) What counts as “people cost.” (04:29) Owners must include their own salary in the math (05:52) Revenue-generating roles vs support roles (06:38) Why sales teams often need a 5X return (07:53) Why total payroll should stay under one-third of revenue (10:09) How compensation plans create accountability (11:05) Every role in your company should be able to win when the business wins (12:32) Real examples of bonus structures for non-sales roles (13:30) How to structure comp plans for managers and executives (15:49) Why you can’t overpay a great employee Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If payroll feels heavy, margins feel tight, or your team isn’t producing what you expected, this episode gives you a clear framework to fix it. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 31: How My Client's Tax Savings Paid for Their Entire $1.5M Car Wash Down Payment | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:15:46 | |
What if your tax savings could cover the down payment on your next investment? In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler breaks down a real client example where smart tax strategy, specifically cost segregation and bonus depreciation, generated over $300,000 in tax savings. Those savings didn’t just lower a tax bill; they paid for the entire down payment on a $1.5 million car wash. Listen as he explains why these assets work, how depreciation plays a role, and what real estate entrepreneurs should consider when looking beyond traditional property deals. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:06) Why alternative investments deserve a closer look (03:18) Investing in vending machines for cash flow and tax write-offs (05:32) How bonus depreciation boosts first-year returns (07:05) Why car washes can be powerful income-producing assets (08:09) How cost segregation works in simple terms (08:44) Breaking down the $1.5M car wash example (09:10) How tax savings covered the entire down payment (11:09) Why car washes hold up in any economy (12:09) Laundromats: Business with assets that can depreciate heavily in the first year (12:52) Using SBA loans and depreciation in laundromat deals Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are paying big taxes every year and wondering how to turn that money into assets instead, this episode shows what’s possible when tax strategy and investing work together the right way. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 30: The Urgent 2026 Warning Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Hear Right Now | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:12:02 | |
Get better before you get bigger. Many real estate businesses are entering 2026 with numbers that don’t look promising, and are hoping things will improve magically a few months later. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler explains why that mindset is dangerous and what the data is already telling us. Listen as he walks you through a pattern he is seeing across pro formas from real estate businesses nationwide, how expanding too fast puts businesses back into survival mode, and why profitability in the slow months is the real test of a healthy operation. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:37) The trend consultants are seeing across real estate businesses (03:32) Why relying on “month three” is a problem (04:26) What a pro forma tells you about your future (05:09) When it’s time to change strategy (06:46) The danger of expanding without securing profitability (07:50) How to profit in low months, not just good ones (09:25) The hustle, secure, expand, exit still matters Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If your numbers are shaky and you are relying on hope instead of profit, this episode delivers a clear wake-up call. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 29: The 10 KPIs That Will Make or Break Your Real Estate Business in 2026 | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:39:15 | |
Most real estate businesses don't fail because of bad deals; they fail because the owner isn't watching the right numbers. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler is joined by Caden for a real, unscripted KPI draft built specifically for real estate entrepreneurs heading into 2026. Instead of rattling off a generic metrics list, they walk through a fantasy-football–style draft, each selecting the KPIs they believe matter most when it comes to control, liquidity, and long-term decision-making. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:21) The 10 KPIs you need to be tracking in 2026 (03:26) CFO vs tax perspectives on business performance (05:13) 10X thinking vs Atomic Habits (07:35) Are rentals actually accelerating your wealth? (09:23) When buying rentals for tax savings can slow you down (12:48) Why large assets demand weekly execution and strategy (15:26) Average gross profit margin per deal (18:24) Months of working capital (21:47) Cash conversion cycle (23:23) Why KPI trends matter more than benchmarks (26:15) Net profit vs cash flow (28:27) Sale-to-ARV ratio and underwriting accountability (29:31) Why broken KPIs usually point to broken processes (31:08) 60-day pipeline by month (32:38) Break-even point and why every owner must know it (33:27) The full 10-KPI framework for 2026 (34:52) Bonus KPI: Return on ad spend (ROAS) Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you have ever made money but still felt uneasy about your business, this episode explains why. Marcus and Caden walk through the KPIs that create control so you can plan confidently instead of reacting under pressure. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 28: Your Turnover is Killing Your Profit (And Here's How to Fix It) | 02 Jan 2026 | 00:11:25 | |
Most business owners think turnover is just part of the game. Most people don't know, this mindset is quietly destroying profitability. For this episode, Marcus Crigler shares a real, behind-the-scenes look at how core values drive hiring, firing, culture, and long-term retention inside his own company. He explains why peer-driven accountability is one of the most overlooked tools for reducing turnover, strengthening culture, and building a team that actually wants to stay. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:27) How the BEC CFO uses just three core values to run the entire company (02:44) The TOP framework: Truth Teller, Others First, Pursuit of Excellence (04:49) How peer-voted core value awards reinforce culture (07:00) Why core values act like a “cheat code” for retention (08:32) How your team can help you identify bad fits faster (09:23) What it means when someone never gets a core value vote Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are tired of cycling through employees and watching profits leak through the cracks, this episode gives you a simple, practical way to fix the root problem. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 27: The Simple Rehab System That Frees Up Your Time (And Makes More Money) with Ryan (Rotty) Garcilazo | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:46:11 | |
Most real estate investors don’t lose money on the deal; they lose it in the rehab. For today's episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Ryan “Rotty” Garcilazo to break down the simple rehab system he uses to save time, protect profits, and keep projects moving without constant supervision. Listen as he breaks down how to evaluate rehabs quickly, how to avoid getting crushed by contractors, and why understanding construction numbers is the real skill that protects your profits. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:25) Getting to know more about "Rotty." (05:36) Why construction knowledge is non-negotiable for investors (06:32) How to evaluate a rehab using cost per square foot (08:16) The “50% below retail” rule for profitable rehabs (08:44) Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 rehabs (11:06) The $1,000-a-day rule and why timelines always get underestimated (12:10) How permits, inspections, and city delays kill profits (14:29) Why you must think like a general contractor even if you hire one (18:20) Variables that will affect rehab budget and timeline: Location, demographic, and material ordering (19:18) Construction skills are a permanent leverage in real estate (21:02) How Ryan built a rehab-focused AI to manage budgets, scopes, and timelines (26:25) The lowest-risk rehab strategy in today’s market (27:49) Why staying between Level 1 and Level 2 rehabs protects your capital (28:34) “Aim small, miss small.” (30:35) Why showing problems instead of pretty finishes matters (31:59) The hidden 20% cost most investors never plan for (33:37) Hard money often creates more problems than it solves (35:54) Why contractors aren’t “stealing.” (36:53) The difference between 20% markup vs. 20% margin (37:22) Leadership vs. management on a job site (39:27) Why understanding people matters more than understanding construction (42:02) What real leadership and accountability look like in rehab projects Who This Episode Is For:
Connect with Ryan “Rotty” Garcilazo:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 26: Exclusive Training - The 4-Phase Formula That Gets You to $5M in 10 Years (Not 30) | 26 Dec 2025 | 00:41:25 | |
Most business owners don’t fail because they don’t work hard. They fail because they grow in the wrong order. In this exclusive training, Marcus Crigler breaks down the exact 4-phase framework he uses to help real estate entrepreneurs and small business owners build real wealth. Listen as he shares why most investors get stuck grinding for decades, why revenue alone doesn’t create wealth, and how focusing on the right phases at the right time can compress a 30-year journey into 10. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:10) The real reason this community was created (05:52) What Marcus has learned from seeing millions in transactions (08:12) Most investors don’t have a money problem; they have a profit problem (09:26) “Making money is a skill. Keeping it is a discipline.” (11:16) The harsh truth: most real estate businesses are not sellable (13:33) Why cash flow keeps you alive (14:56) Why “time is money” is the wrong mindset (16:03) The difference between time, timing, and value (17:09) Your economy matters more than the economy (17:52) Marcus’ personal story: debt, stress, and the turning point (21:03) Getting closer to revenue (24:24) The pattern every successful entrepreneur goes through (25:25) Why 10 focused years can beat 30 years of grinding (26:15) The Straight Line Wealth Formula (28:11) Phase One: Hustle (31:11) Goal of the hustle phase: Never come back to it (31:41) Phase Two: Secure (32:13) Phase Three: Expand (35:11) Why expansion should be measured by reserves, not revenue (37:27) Phase Four: Growth (38:43) The straight-line path most people miss Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you are tired of hustling harder every year without feeling more secure, this episode gives you a clear framework to build wealth the right way, in the right order, and cut decades off your timeline. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 25: How Successful Investors Think Different About Profit and Structure with Brandon Rickman | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:44:46 | |
Most people wait until they “know enough” before they start. But that hesitation is exactly what keeps them stuck. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor and builder Brandon Rickman to unpack what drives long-term success in real estate. From flipping Brandon’s first house nights and weekends to scaling a high-volume operation and developing a 115,000 sq ft Class A self-storage facility, this conversation breaks down how experienced investors think differently about profit, risk, and growth. Listen and enjoy! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:38) Brandon’s background from a single-family house to building a 115,000-unit storage facility (04:55) Flipping the first house nights and weekends (05:45) How volume grew from a few deals to 100 houses a year (08:23) Imperfect action beats trying to plan everything up front (09:05) CRMs, marketing channels, and SOPs (09:59) The importance of relationships before scaling fast (11:35) How Brandon prepared financially and mentally for large developments (13:12) Spotting opportunity in land and pivoting to self-storage (14:34) The “cheat code.” (17:41) The 3-1-1 strategy: wholesale three, flip one, hold one (22:46) Adjusting strategy as market conditions change (24:07) Private money vs hard money (27:31) Transitioning from borrower to lender as wealth grows (28:22) Why lending can be one of the strongest positions in real estate (30:30) Why relationships determine your cost of capital more than market conditions (31:41) Why arbitrage is how large funds make money (32:20) Who Flip Genius is built for (34:35) Why coaching and relationships shortcut years of costly mistakes (36:04) Lending across multiple states and how geography impacts private lending (40:27) Why investing in a lending fund reduces risk versus lending on a single deal (41:42) Brandon’s core takeaway: five trusted voices beat one emotional decision Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you’ve been trying to figure out what to do next, this episode shows how experienced investors think about profit, structure, and leverage, so growth doesn’t break the business. Connect with Brandon Rickman:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 24: Why Paying Zero Taxes is the Dumbest Thing You Can Do with Kaden Hackney | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:41:48 | |
You save the money, you find the money, and then you invest it because we all owe it. But it's the opportunity to invest those savings that will ultimately generate long-term wealth through a tax strategy. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler sits down with BEC CFO tax partner Kaden Hackney to explain why the mindset of paying zero taxes can actually slow down wealth creation. Listen as they break down the real purpose of tax strategy. From depreciation and real estate investing to understanding when not to eliminate taxes, this conversation brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood parts of running a successful real estate business. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:25) Kaden’s path into tax strategy and real estate (05:17) What makes strong business partnerships work (07:30) Why company culture and accountability matter in growth (09:33) Tax preparation vs. tax strategy (13:04) Tax savings only matter if you invest them (16:21) Compliance risk and why documentation matters (18:07) Key takeaways from the new tax law changes (18:42) Hiring your kids as a legitimate tax strategy (22:55) Tax rates as an important part of tax strategy (24:06) Why 15–18% is the sweet spot for most entrepreneurs (25:30) The danger of chasing zero taxes (27:09) Bonus depreciation and real estate strategies explained (29:12) Choosing between selling deals or holding rentals (31:45) What a cost segregation study actually does (32:27) How tax benefits influence which assets to buy (35:35) Alternative tax-efficient investments beyond direct ownership (37:30) Understanding tax-efficient investments at higher income levels Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: Paying zero taxes might sound good, but it’s rarely the smartest move. This episode explains why intentional tax planning, paired with the right investments, creates far better outcomes over time. Connect with Kaden Hackney:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 23: His Bookkeeper Cost Him $300K in Taxes on Money He Never Made | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:13:58 | |
It is the boring part of the business that has to be done, and has to be done successfully, as it could destroy every other part of the business: bookkeeping. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler explains why ignoring the “boring” side of your business can quietly destroy everything you’re building. He also walks us through a real client story where bad bookkeeping caused over seven figures of income to be reported incorrectly, leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and years of cleanup, amendments, and potential IRS scrutiny. This is a wake-up call for any business owner who thinks bookkeeping is easy or not worth investing in. Listen and enjoy! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (02:26) What defines a “sophisticated” business with longevity (03:04) Why bookkeeping should be consistent (03:53) A real client story: millions in revenue, messy books (04:41) Discovering inaccurate financials going back 18 months (05:54) Cleanup work is expensive but avoidable (06:35) Reporting over $1M in income that never existed and paying taxes on income the business never earned (08:14) Why incorrect books always lead to incorrect tax returns (09:53) Bookkeepers are the heartbeat of the business (11:08) When to bring in higher-level accounting oversight (12:00) The importance of multiple review points in accounting Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you think bookkeeping is something you can ignore or deal with later, this episode will change how you see your entire business. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 67: Why Thach Nguyen Thinks Most Investors Buy Rentals the Wrong Way with Thach Nguyen | 19 May 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Thach Nguyen to talk about what most investors get wrong when building rental portfolios. Thach shares how he went from selling real estate in Seattle in the early '90s to building a long-term portfolio through BRRRRs, multifamily projects, and ADUs. He also explains why focusing too much on passive income too early can slow people down financially. If you are trying to build wealth through rentals without getting overleveraged or stuck chasing bad deals, this episode is filled with practical advice and real-world perspective. Listen and enjoy! You'll Learn How To:
What You'll Learn in This Episode: (02:29) How Thach built his Seattle real estate business (05:27) Choosing real estate investing over other industries (06:50) From being an agent to becoming a realtor (08:37) The “make money, save money, invest money” mindset (09:24) The real difference between earned income and passive income (11:06) Why Thach believes investors should maximize active income first (14:07) Relying heavily on syndications can become risky (17:15) Generational wealth isn't about giving but teaching (21:58) The biggest challenge investors face today is finding good deals (25:20) ADUs are becoming one of the biggest opportunities in real estate (30:00) Adapting and reinventing strategies as market changes (33:13) How Thach and his wife actively manage and review their portfolio (36:41) How Springboard to Wealth grew into a nationwide investing community (40:48) Obsession and deep market knowledge matter in real estate investing Who This Episode is For:
Why You Should Listen: Thach Nguyen keeps the conversation simple, direct, and experience-driven. He discusses what has worked for him over the past 30 years in real estate. Connect with Thach Nguyen:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 22: What My 12-Year-Old Taught Me About Running a Million-Dollar Business | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:11:19 | |
Sometimes the clearest lessons come from right inside your own home. In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Marcus Crigler shares a story about his 12-year-old son, Carter, a tough, hard-working seventh grader who decided to try wrestling for the first time. What started as a new sport turned into a reminder about consistency, discipline, and doing the hard things even when they don’t feel good. Marcus breaks down how watching Carter grind through practices, get beat, show up again, and finally start winning mirrors what real estate entrepreneurs struggle with in their financials. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:39) Introducing Carter and how his story ties back to business (02:23) Daily practices, training, and the jump to school sports (03:52) First matches, early setbacks, and getting beat (06:33) Building confidence through repetition (07:38) The bridge between Carter’s consistency and business success (08:29) Skills you never lose once you learn them (09:21) Financial understanding is non-negotiable for business owners (09:53) Lessons aren’t always from gurus; they are in your everyday life Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: If you know your financials are weak or you are avoiding them because they feel uncomfortable, this episode will give you a practical, relatable push to strengthen the skills that make you money. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 21: He Built a Massive Rental Portfolio By Accident — Here’s What He Did Different with Jimmy Vreeland | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:47:02 | |
Most real estate entrepreneurs chase cash flow, flip for quick money, and think a high bank balance means they are rich. In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Jimmy Vreeland to unpack how he built his rental portfolio backward and why that wrong path taught him the most valuable lessons. Jimmy shares how he went from buying rentals while deployed in Iraq, to building 100 poorly structured lease-option rentals, to nearly wiping out his business during COVID, and finally transforming everything once he understood liquidity, balance sheets, tax planning, and smart rental acquisition. This is one of the most honest conversations about wealth, risk, tax pain, and building rentals the right way. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (04:00) Doing everything backwards and why it both helped and hurt him (06:50) COVID hits: liquidity panic, market uncertainty, and the turning point (09:07) The CG talk that pushed Jimmy to build $1M+ in liquidity (10:48) Marcus explains switch-tasking vs multitasking (12:10) The painful $250k tax bill (13:00) Most investors didn't understand bonus depreciation (17:32) The four ways real estate pays you (18:46) What Jimmy buys today (19:25) Why C-class rentals fail to appreciate and drag down long-term returns (21:47) The truth about cash flow (22:13) High-income earners don’t need cash flow (23:24) Bad debt is any debt that doesn't pay for itself (24:44) Why buying only for tax savings is a terrible idea (27:19) The BRRRR but smarter approach (28:08) The difference between turnkey and what Jimmy offers (30:02) Every stage must work: buying right, scoping right, contractors, management, tenants (34:46) Why every real estate entrepreneur should buy rentals no matter what (35:55) Two greatest threats to anyone's wealth (37:28) History lesson: how America beat the British with a hyperinflated currency (38:08) Why hyperinflation has always rewarded people who own hard assets (39:05) Buying real estate is a wealth savings account (42:19) Why syndications frustrate many operators (44:25) Jimmy’s final advice: plan your taxes 15–18 months ahead Why You Should Listen: Jimmy lays out the lessons most investors only learn after losing money. If you want a rental portfolio that appreciates, reduces taxes, builds wealth, and doesn’t drain your time, this episode gives you the blueprint. Connect with Jimmy Vreeland:
Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 20: Why Most Real Estate Partnerships Fail (And How to Make Yours Succeed) | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:14:42 | |
Partnerships are one of the most common ways real estate businesses get started and one of the biggest reasons they fall apart. In this episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down why most partnerships fail, what causes the friction, and how you can protect yourself before emotions get involved. Marcus explains why partnerships often work during the startup phase but break down once the business grows, money increases, and each partner’s goals start going in different directions. If you are currently in a partnership, thinking about starting one, or trying to exit one, this episode is for you! You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:58) Most real estate businesses start as partnerships (02:46) The hidden reason good partners eventually grow apart (03:31) How a CPA sees partnership problems six months early (04:17) The poorly written operating agreements (04:47) What happens to money, leases, assets, and employees during a split (06:47) What should be inside a real operating agreement (07:34) How to avoid making your exit expensive and ugly (08:23) The truth about giving equity vs. hiring talent (10:06) Employees vs. partners: the cleanest way to grow your team (11:19) Where to start if you are trying to leave a partnership (12:51) Three scenarios Marcus sees most often and how to handle them Who This Episode Is For:
Why You Should Listen: A partnership can be the best thing you ever do or the most expensive mistake you ever make. If you want clarity and confidence in how you work with or separate from a partner, this episode is worth your time. Connect with Marcus Crigler:
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| Episode 19: The Alternative Investments Generating $20K+ Monthly (Without Deals) with Chris Miles | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:01:26 | |
It is not about working harder or smarter; it is about working right. Working hard is important, but if you are doing bad habits, it doesn't matter. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler talks with Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples, cashflow expert, and the man known as the Anti-Financial Advisor. Chris has retired twice and now teaches real estate investors how to build passive income through non-traditional paths like lending, land notes, oil and gas, and other alternative investments that outperform the typical 401(k) model. Listen as he breaks down mindset traps, the dangers of hustle culture, why most entrepreneurs overwork from fear, and how to build a stable financial life with liquidity, reserves, and cash flow that continues even when business slows down. You’ll Learn How To:
What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (06:47) The athlete mindset and why many entrepreneurs come from competitive backgrounds (09:00) How fear and trauma secretly drive many high achievers (10:07) Hustle is a season, not a lifestyle (11:53) Helping people become “work optional.” (13:24) Chris’ wake-up call: breaking down his dad’s finances (14:51) The realization that mutual funds and 401(k)s weren’t producing freedom (16:51) Why liquidity is what protects you (18:27) The danger of relying only on active income streams (19:29) Diversifying portfolio through lending, oil, and gas (22:46) Your business is your number one investment (23:46) Profit First mindset and why reinvesting everything means you’re not profitable (24:06) The trap of buying a lifestyle too early (26:01) Liquidity creates opportunity, and opportunity creates profit (26:34) What “retirement” really means (30:55) Why “high risk = high returns” is Wall Street’s biggest lie (31:54) The myth of tax benefits (35:29) The danger of deferring time with your kids, family, and life experiences (36:05) Why the 401(k) and IRA are among the worst places for entrepreneurs to trap money (39:17) Infinite banking explained: a tax-free high-yield savings account with a death benefit. (41:48) The importance of avoiding commission-focused agents (43:51) Tax-free growth, liquidity, and access without penalties (49:51) How high-net-worth investors store millions in cash value for safety (54:14) Why wealthy families and politicians have used this strategy (58:31) Chris introduces the “Work Optional Blueprint.” (59:01) Final advice: Better decisions come from following your gut Why You Should Listen: If your business makes good money but you are still stressed, grinding, or feeling like you can’t slow down, this episode gives you the freedom, stability, and passive income that pays you whether you work or not. Connect with Chris Miles:
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