The Hard Truths

In this episode, we dive into the final steps of selling a fix-and-flip property. From navigating the closing process to fulfilling lender requirements, we cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Topics include: Key steps in the closing process How to handle lender requirements efficiently What to expect as you approach the finish line Common pitfalls to av...

You've completed the rehab—now it's time to sell!  In this episode, we break down how to market your fix-and-flip investment property to attract the right buyers and maximize your profits. What You'll Learn: - How to create an eye-catching property listing that stands out - The art of pricing your property correctly to attract offers without leaving money on the table - How to lever...

In this episode, we're diving into how to manage your flips like a pro and maximize your returns. We discuss: - The importance of creating and sticking to a realistic budget - How to set and follow a timeline to avoid costly delays - Tips for managing contractors effectively to ensure quality and efficiency - Pro strategies for tracking your project from start to finish Thank you for listenin...

Looking to crush your next fix-and-flip project? In this episode, we break down the essentials of structuring a hard money loan to maximize your success. Topics We Cover: Understanding Loan Terms – what you need to know about interest rates, fees, and repayment schedules. Building Contingencies – How to prepare for unexpected expenses and keep your project on track. Proper Documentation – The must...

Learn how to prepare your loan application for approval, what documentation you’ll need to provide, and how to meet lender requirements in order to present yourself as a trustworthy borrower. Throughout the episode, we present you with real-world statistics and practical advice to make the process clear & achievable. Whether you're new to real estate investing or looking to improve your c...

If you want to keep your risk LOW and profits HIGH, tune in! On this episode, we discuss: - The importance of budgeting, and why a solid budget is the foundation of any profitable project - Understanding the jargon and tools used by successful investors - How to calculate your potential earnings and assess if a deal is worth pursuing. - Funding strategies and the associated costs, from hard money...

Today we’re breaking down everything new investors need to know about identifying and assessing potential fix & flip properties. You’ll learn: - How to choose the right location for your investment - Key factors to analyze when evaluating a property’s potential - Proven tips to maximize property value and boost ROI -  Essential questions to ask real estate agents, contractors, and inspectors W...

In this episode, we dive deep into hard money lending – a popular alternative financing option in the real estate world. Whether you’re an investor looking for a faster way to fund your next project or curious about how hard money loans work, this video covers everything you need to know! We’ll start by explaining what hard money loans are and how they differ from traditional loans. Then, we’ll ex...

If you've ever thought about buying a property, renovating it, and flipping it for a profit, this episode is for you. We share best practices and helpful tips that will  help you succeed in this high-reward, high-risk space. We'll cover everything from finding the right properties, financing options, market statistics and more. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale...

Join us as Scott Lurie interviews Shalonda (Londi) McCrory & Steve Krizak, a Milwaukee-based couple who transitioned from auto sales and trucking into full-time real estate investing. By leveraging the BRRRR strategy—buy, renovate, rent, refinance, repeat—they’ve grown a successful portfolio in targeted Milwaukee neighborhoods.  Learn how they identified opportunities, used hard money to scale...

Join Scott Lurie and guest Eugene Marshall from Magnolia Tax Services for a session on maximizing your tax benefits in real estate investing.  In this session, we'll explore:  The line between tax planning and preparation Secrets of beneficial ownership information reporting Essential tax write-offs that can dramatically impact your financial outcomes And much more! Whether you're lookin...

In this installment of our webinar series, we're discussing how to effectively renovate properties. Topics include: The importance of planning Maximizing ROI Tools and softwares that make the process simpler And much more! This webinar is part of our ongoing series designed to empower real estate investors with insights and strategies that will change the way they do business Thank you for li...

In the next episode of our webinar series, we talk about all property valuation, namely: How to budget around your After Repair Value (ARV) Finding accurate, comparable properties (Comps) Tools and softwares that make the process even simpler And much more! This webinar is part of our ongoing series designed to empower real estate investors with insights and strategies that will change the way the...

In the first episode of our webinar series, we dive into private money, specifically topics such as: The role of private lenders Advantages of using other's people's money And more! This webinar is part of our ongoing series designed to empower real estate investors with insights and strategies that will change the way they do business. Thank you for listening to our podcast! If you&apos...

Today, we dive into entrepreneurship. Topics include whether or not people are born entrepreneurs, the importance of having a routine, the fear of failure, and much more. "The Scott Seat" is a new series in which we focus our attention on none other than the boss man himself. Facilitated by Denver Biddle III, Scott answers a wide array of questions regarding real estate, entrepreneurship...

In this episode of The Hard Truths Podcast, we explore Sophie Hengst's strategic vision, from her beginnings in dorm room interior design to her work in apartments and homes. Sophie shares why she pursued real estate as a proof-of-concept for her growing design business and why she's been comfortable taking huge swings at such a young age. The impressive start to her career provides valu...

In the latest episode of The Hard Truth's podcast, we welcome back Eric Cline, co-founder of TLC HomeBuyers and a powerhouse in the real estate industry. This time, we dive deep into his challenging beginnings in Rockford, IL, battles with addiction, and eventual triumph in Raleigh, NC, where he now leads a sales team generating millions of dollars of fees per year. Our conversation explores...

In this episode of The Hard Truths podcast, we feature Donovan Ruffin, a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and closer who is the founder of Equity Cash Offer. During our conversation, Donovan shares a pivotal moment from his early career—where he reflects on his first wholesale deal and tells us why he knew he would be successful in this industry. From putting up bandit signs in the middle of th...

On this episode of The Hard Truth's podcast, Scott Lurie interviews Justin Colby, a real estate entrepreneur with a track record of success in both the Phoenix and Miami markets. Justin shares his insights on wholesaling, house flipping, and coaching, and provides his 5 pillars of success that he believes every entrepreneur should follow. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or jus...

Welcome to The Hard Truth's Podcast with Scott Lurie, where we explore the world of short-term rentals and Airbnb. Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Daniel Rusteen, an expert on optimizing AirBnB listings and maximizing earning potential. Daniel's new book 'Profitable Properties' provides valuable insights for hosts looking to increase their profits. In this epi...

In this episode of "The Hard Truths Podcast with Scott Lurie", JD Sustar, AKA "The Finance Cowboy" shares his inspiring journey to success in the real estate industry. Despite working a full-time job, JD completed his first successful house flip in South Florida in 2016, which taught him the value of owning rental properties for long-term wealth building. In 2018, with a net wo...

We're joined again by Jerry Norton at Hustle Harder 2.0 in Milwaukee, WI. Last time he was on The Hard Truths, Jerry discussed how to capitalize on the 'home run' deals in your pipeline, and he expands on that idea again in this conversation. He also shows us how wholesaling is the 'Freshman Year' of real estate investing and you need to continue to grow your skillset in o...

In our latest episode of The Hard Truth's Podcast, Scott is joined by Co-Founder of Hivemind CRM, Daniel Martinez, to discuss the impact of marketing technology on real estate wholesaling. The conversation covers a range of topics including an entry-level explanation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, communication tools/tactics, and how automation can professionalize your opera...

In this episode of The Hard Truths Podcast we are joined by Craig Haskins of Knight Barry Title. As COO of the company with over 26 years of experience, Craig has seen what it looks like when the title process goes right, and what can happen when it doesn't. Topics discussed in this episode range from title insurance, chain of title, 1031 exchanges, land contracts, subject to real estate, and...

In this episode of The Hard Truths Podcast, Scott Lurie is joined by real estate investor David Dodge. Their conversation takes a look at David's career beginning with house-hacking through college to where he is now; a real estate entrepreneur generating $50,000 a month of passive income. The two offer insights on a range of investment strategies including house-hacking, wholesaling, the BRR...