In this episode, we sit down with Joe McCall to share the full story behind our journey into real estate—from flipping with no money, to building a rental portfolio, to helping others create financial freedom on their own terms. We talk about the early mistakes, the hard lessons, and the strategies that helped us go from broke bartenders to full-time investors and coaches.

You’ll hear how we bought our first deals creatively, how we built momentum without bank financing, and why we’re so passionate about helping others do the same. Whether you’re brand new or struggling to scale, this conversation is packed with mindset, practical tips, and encouragement from two people who’ve lived the before and after.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Intro with Joe McCall: how we first got connected

[1:32] – Our first deal (and the sex offender next door that pushed us into it)

[3:45] – Creative financing before we even knew what it was

[5:12] – Transitioning from bartending and daycare to real estate full-time

[7:00] – The mindset shift that changed our trajectory

[8:18] – How we bought 12 rentals with no bank loans

[10:14] – What we look for in a property and why

[12:02] – Using seller finance, subto, and private lenders

[13:46] – Why we never depend on just one strategy

[14:55] – Finding deals in small-town markets

[16:25] – How our coaching program helps new investors get traction

[17:52] – Building a lifestyle business around family and freedom

[19:08] – What we’d do differently if we started again

[21:17] – Top advice for investors trying to get their first deal

[23:06] – Our Airbnb strategy and short-term rental pivots

[24:40] – Building real estate into your long-term wealth plan

[26:30] – Final thoughts on belief, grit, and getting started today

5 Key Takeaways:

1. You don’t need your own money to get started in real estate.

2. Creative financing works—especially in smaller markets.

3. Mindset and grit matter more than having the perfect plan.

4. A good deal solves a problem—for the seller and for you.

5. Freedom is possible—but it takes intention and consistent action.

If this episode fired you up to chase your first deal—or your next—rate and review The Real Estate Ride. Then share it with a friend who needs that push to get started.