Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler – Details, episodes & analysis

Most real estate entrepreneurs love quoting Warren Buffett’s rule: “Don’t lose money.” It sounds smart until it keeps you stuck.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down why this advice, while great for investors, can hurt entrepreneurs who make their living trading assets. He shares a real story about “Jim,” a client who held onto a property for too long in the name of “not losing money” and ended up losing way more by locking up his capital.

Listen as he reveals the mindset shift every real estate entrepreneur needs to grow faster, move smarter, and finally make their money work for them.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand the real difference between an investor and an entrepreneur
• Identify when holding onto a deal is actually costing you money
• Redeploy your capital faster to boost profits
• Recognize that some “losses” are actually strategic wins
• Speed up your cash flow cycle to scale your business sustainably

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:28) Why Warren Buffett’s “don’t lose money” advice doesn’t apply to entrepreneurs

(02:27) The difference between being a real estate entrepreneur and a real estate investor

(02:55) The story of Jim and how one property quietly drained his profits

(05:10) Why holding onto inventory too long kills your momentum

(06:59) There is a speed of capital that has to be deployed in real estate

(07:18) Losing a battle to win the war: when selling at a loss makes sense

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who feel stuck holding on to unprofitable deals too long
• Flippers and investors who confuse business strategy with long-term investing
• Entrepreneurs who want to improve their cash flow cycle and speed of capital
• Business owners who want to stop losing money through slow or trapped capital

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever held onto a deal too long because you were afraid to “lose money,” this episode will change how you think about risk and return. 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

Ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered how those “entrepreneurs” flying private and posing in front of mansions really afford it? In this episode, Marcus Crigler shares powerful lessons learned from working with real estate moguls who own thousands of units, revealing what truly separates those who stay wealthy from those who merely appear wealthy. It’s not about the jet, it’s about how you structure your finances to afford one.

Listen as we will dive deep into the mindset and money habits of real entrepreneurs who have built long-term wealth. Enjoy the show!

You’ll learn how to:

• See beyond the social media highlight reel and understand real financial success
• Use data to make business decisions that build wealth
• Build a financial “war chest” to survive and thrive during market shifts
• Avoid the emotional highs and lows that ruin most entrepreneurs

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

(02:24) What Marcus learned from multi-millionaire clients

(04:04) The truth behind “Instagram success” and what real financials say instead

(06:31) Riding the ups and downs of entrepreneurship

(07:30) Gut decisions vs business decisions

(09:07) The story of “Frank," a client who almost pulled the plug on his business but turned it into a multi-million-dollar comeback

(13:25) Building the financial "war chest"

(14:45) Recognize when to double down instead of retreating during tough times.

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of living deal by deal
• Business owners who earn money but never feel financially secure
• Investors who want to finally understand their numbers
• Anyone ready to build wealth and freedom

Why You Should Listen

If you ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to have lasting success while others burn out or go broke, this episode gives you the real playbook. It is time to stop chasing “rich” and start becoming wealthy.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

If you don’t have books or financial statements, that’s a big problem. No records usually means your books are a mess, and it’s time to fix it.

For today's episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the five biggest red flags that show your books are in trouble. From missing reports to inconsistent categorization, he shares real examples and practical steps to clean things up so you can run your business with confidence.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the five warning signs your books are a mess
• Catch costly errors before they drain your profits
• Make your financial statements clear and easy to understand
• Stay on top of reports that guide better decisions

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:25) “I don’t care if my book is a mess.”

(01:57) Why good books and records matter

(03:42) Red flag #1: No books or financial statements

(04:20) What a financial statement actually is

(05:03) When your bank account doesn’t match your books

(06:10) The risk of falling behind on reports

(07:15) How inconsistent categorization creates problems

(08:17) Unknown accounts and balances

(09:43) Recap of all five red flags to watch for

(10:20) Why you need a real estate-focused accountant

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs without clean books
• Investors who want to avoid expensive mistakes
• Business owners tired of late or inaccurate reports
• Anyone who wants to turn messy numbers into clarity

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever doubted your books or ignored them completely, this episode is your wake-up call. Marcus shows you what’s broken, why it matters, and how to fix it before it costs you money.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

Most entrepreneurs believe that hustling harder is the path to wealth. The truth? Hard work alone won’t make you financially free. Without the right framework, you’ll stay stuck in the cycle of hustle and stress no matter how many deals you close.

In this episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the Wealth Framework he developed after a decade of working with real estate entrepreneurs. Listen as this simple but powerful 4-stage process shows you where you are right now in your wealth journey, what’s holding you back, and how to move forward without wasting years in survival mode. Enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Identify which phase of the wealth framework you are in right now
• Avoid the trap of skipping the “secure” phase
• Build cash reserves and manage risk
• Expand strategically without burning out or losing control

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:13) The Wealth Framework

(01:56) Reason why people fail in real estate

(04:33) First phase of The Wealth Framework: Hustle

(05:45) Second phase: Secure

(06:44) What you need to be doing in the "secure" phase 

(07:20) Security is all about risk management

(08:25) Fixed expense defined

(08:57) How much cash do you really need in the secure phase

(10:43) Understanding more of your business at the secure phase

(12:04) Moving to the expansion phase

(14:00) Stay as simple as possible within the risk parameters

(15:41) What “exit” really means for real estate entrepreneurs

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of grinding without seeing real wealth
• Business owners who are stuck in hustle mode with no clear way out
• Investors ready to scale but unsure how to do it safely
• Anyone who wants to stop working harder and start building smarter

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve been stuck hustling and hoping that more deals will fix your problems, in this episode, Marcus reveals the exact wealth framework he uses with clients to shorten the path to financial freedom by years.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

A lot of real estate entrepreneurs are making money but still feel broke. Deals are closing, revenue looks strong, yet the stress never goes away, and the bank account always feels empty.

In this teaser episode, host Marcus Crigler, CPA, CFO, and founder of Beck CFO & CPA, pulls back the curtain on why so many real estate entrepreneurs stay stuck in survival mode and what to do about it. He reveals why mastering your numbers is the foundation of financial freedom, and how this podcast will help you turn your real estate business into a true wealth-building machine.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Avoid the survival trap that keeps most real estate investors broke
• Build financial clarity and control with the right strategies
• Turn your real estate business into a freedom-building machine

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(00:33) The real issue: how you use money, not how much you make

(00:41) Why this podcast exists and who it’s for

(01:27) The real reason most investors stay broke despite big revenue

(02:09) The alternative story: financial liberation, impact, and legacy

(02:33) Stop the hustle, master your money, and fund your freedom

Who This Episode is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of living deal by deal
• Business owners who make money but never feel financially secure
• Investors who want to finally understand where their money is going
• Anyone who wants to create true wealth

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same cycle, working harder, making money, yet never feeling financially free, this episode is your starting point!

Most investors want to make a million dollars, but few know how actually to keep it. In this episode, Marcus Crigler talks with Benmont Locker, founder of Ramp REI, about what it really takes to build a lean, profitable real estate business that nets seven figures.

Benmont walks through the real numbers behind a million-dollar business, from how much to spend on marketing and people, to how to build profit into your operations from day one. If you’ve ever wondered what a healthy, scalable real estate business should look like, this episode breaks it down step by step.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build profit into your business from the start
• Shift from low-quality leads to high-intent marketing
• Create a data-driven, predictable sales process
• Understand the real costs behind a million-dollar net

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:03) Meet Benmont Locker and how he scaled from retail to real estate coaching

(06:50) How do I make a million dollars?

(08:35) Three keys to building a profitable operation: High-intent marketing

(09:16) Three keys to building a profitable operation: Being great at sales

(09:41) Three keys to building a profitable operation: Building from a net margin perspective

(10:48) Why inbound leads outperform cold calls every time

(13:43) How poor marketing culture kills your margins

(16:07) Avoidance 101

(16:53) “Required results” vs. KPIs

(18:16) The “three-legged stool” model

(22:42) Understanding your market’s receptiveness to cash offers

(24:25) The truth about scaling marketing budgets and diminishing returns

(25:47) Building a good sales culture in every single role

(26:03) “Total store awareness”

(28:46) How many people do you really need to run a million-dollar business

(31:48) The “decade rule”

(34:35) The 30-30-10 formula: 30% marketing, 30% people, 10% G&A = 30% net

(37:12) Why it’s nearly impossible to fix bad margins after scaling too big

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs ready to move beyond deal-to-deal income
• Operators doing 10–50 deals a year who want to scale the right way
• Leaders who want real clarity around their numbers and margins
• Investors building a lean, profitable seven-figure business

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re tired of working hard without seeing real profit, this episode is for you. Marcus and Benmont show exactly how to build a business that’s simple, scalable, and actually pays you, not just one that looks good on paper.

Connect with Benmont Locker:

• Website: https://ramprei.com/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

Most real estate investors dream of doing 200 deals a year. In this episode, Marcus Crigler interviews Chad Young, founder and CEO of The Easy Home Buyer, on building a business through clarity, discipline, and smart strategy.

Chad describes his journey from janitorial work to running a top real estate company. He covers the importance of knowing your numbers, reinvesting profits wisely, and adopting a mindset that turns stress into confidence.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Scale your real estate business without losing control of your cash flow
• Reinvest profits to create long-term growth
• Build a rental portfolio that adds real wealth over time
• Avoid financial mistakes that keep investors stuck

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:22) Chad Young’s journey from janitorial work to 200+ deals a year

(04:13) If you are going to flip one, it's the same process to flip a hundred

(05:57) Taking the route of entrepreneurship

(07:31) How his finances evolved from $100K a year to $300K a month in overhead

(08:12) Scaling teams without losing profitability

(10:23) Managing risk and sleeping well with $300K monthly overhead

(12:20) Why multiple coaches and mentors are his secret weapon

(15:48) How action and accountability turn education into results

(16:30) Paying yourself vs. reinvesting in the business

(21:57) The importance of large cash reserves

(23:54) How financial control impacts marriage and peace of mind

(25:58) Why avoidance destroys financial health

(26:52) The power of clarity and knowing your starting point

(28:52) Building long-term wealth through real estate ownership

(32:12) When to hold, sell, or redeploy capital

(36:40) How to measure the return on equity in your portfolio

(38:48) Turning your real estate business into a true wealth engine

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who want to scale without burning out
• Operators managing high deal volume but unclear on profit margins
• Investors ready to turn active income into lasting wealth
• Business owners who want to make financial decisions based on facts, not feelings

Why You Should Listen:

If your business keeps growing but your profits don’t, this episode is a must-listen. Chad breaks down how to grow smart, use your money wisely, and build a business that actually pays you, not just one that looks busy.

Most real estate entrepreneurs stay stuck working in their business instead of leading from it.

For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler talks with Corey Reyment, investor, business owner, and host of The Wisconsin Investor Podcast.

Listen as Corey shares how he built a 200-door portfolio, how he structured his team, manages cash flow across good and bad months, and balances business growth with personal finances. He also shares the system he and his wife use to keep their business and household money separate. Enjoy the show!

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a real estate business that runs without you
• Hire and structure a team that multiplies your time and profits
• Manage cash flow across slow and busy months
• Separate business and personal finances for peace at home

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(02:48) How Corey scaled from start-up to 200+ doors

(03:33) The CEO seat vs the owner's box seat

(04:51) Why strong financials allow you to hire top-tier talent

(05:39) Building a stable team and reducing turnover

(08:01) How to evaluate employee ROI beyond sales roles

(09:55) Finding your “queen bee role”

(11:50) When to invest in admin, HR, and finance support

(13:26) Using data to forecast and manage seasonal cash flow

(14:44) Setting aside reserves for slow months

(18:30) Balancing deal income with steady cash flow even in bad months

(19:53) Lifestyle creep is the silent profit killer

(24:56) How Corey and his wife use the “Profit First” method for peace at home

(28:51) Turning active income into long-term wealth through rentals

(31:42) Being a real estate entrepreneur vs a real estate investor

(34:55) Corey's advice: Get clear on your goals and why you want to do it

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are ready to move from operator to true owner
• Investors who want to build wealth through rentals
• Business owners who are balancing financial growth with family priorities
• Couples running a business together who want less stress around money

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re growing fast but still feel stuck in the weeds, this episode will show you how to step into the owner’s box with clarity and control.

Connect with Corey Reyment:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corey.reyment/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyreyment/  
• Website: https://www.wisconsindiscountproperties.com/ 

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

Most entrepreneurs start a business to generate income. But what if your business could do more, serve your family better, strengthen your marriage, and create real impact in the world?

In this episode, Marcus Crigler sits down with Mika Self, founder of American Home Buyer in Houston, Texas, to talk about how purpose, faith, and financial clarity come together to build lasting wealth.

Mika shares how he stayed in business for over 25 years, the crucial role his wife played in that journey, and how his company uses profits to support causes. You’ll also hear practical lessons on managing money as an entrepreneur, leading your home well, and creating a purpose-driven business.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a financially stable business that supports your family and your mission
• Lead with faith and purpose without losing focus on profit
• Use consistent income to strengthen your marriage and reduce stress
• Create a giving culture in your company that inspires your team

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(04:07) The early struggles, lessons, and first $100 profit that started it all

(06:55) The deal that gave him the courage to continue with his journey

(08:00) How surviving 2008 shaped his business for long-term success

(11:51) The key to business longevity: a supportive spouse

(14:47) Why emotional and spiritual support matter more than tactical advice

(17:20) The “4 Ps” every man should live by: Priest, Prophet, Protector, Provider

(17:31) Be a protector: Protect your home and your wife's heart

(18:10) Be a provider: Women need security

(20:32) How consistent income creates peace in marriage

(21:54) Debt destroys marriages

(23:12) The mindset shift from buying “dream cars” to funding lasting impact.

(24:58) How Mika’s son is now carrying forward the same giving mindset

(26:15) The creation of AHB Cares and how his team joins the mission

(27:00) Real stories of giving back

(32:17) Mika's advice: Reflect and find your sustaining passion

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs who want their business to serve a bigger purpose
• Real estate investors who want to connect profits with passion
• Business owners who are seeking a balance between success and family
• Leaders who want to create a lasting impact through their work

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered what wealth really means beyond money, this episode will make you rethink your definition of success. Mika shows how to build a business that not only supports your life but also changes lives.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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

Connect with Mika Self:

• Website: https://www.americanhomebuyer.us/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikabself/ 

You can have the best marketing, a steady flow of deals, and big revenue months, but if you don’t manage your cash, your business won’t last.

For today's episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the real key to staying in business: mastering cash flow. Drawing from years of experience, Marcus shares his five most practical and proven strategies for managing cash so you won't live from deal to deal and finally take control of your finances.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Manage your cash like a pro, no matter your revenue size
• Set a consistent bill-pay schedule that keeps you in control
• Build cash reserves that protect your business through slow months
• Forecast your cash flow weekly to make smarter decisions

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

(01:46) One thing that keeps you up at night

(02:15) How to keep you in business as a real estate entrepreneur

(03:43) The daily cash report: a simple millionaire habit that keeps you grounded

(05:22) Why you should only pay bills once a week

(07:32) Why every investor must build reserves

(09:19) The right way to forecast your cash flow weekly

(11:50) What is a balance sheet?

(12:18) What to watch for on your balance sheet

(14:12) Maximize speed and cash

(15:08) The top 5 habits that keep your business healthy and growing

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of living deal by deal
• Business owners who struggle with unpredictable cash flow
• Investors who want to understand and control their numbers

Why You Should Listen:

This episode gives you a practical, no-fluff blueprint for keeping your business stable, growing, and profitable no matter what the market looks like.

Connect with Marcus Crigler:

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