Raising the Flipping Bar with Derek Marlin

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

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

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

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of breaking down a deal or strategy, I’m opening up an opportunity — and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how I’m building and scaling our real estate team heading into 2026. Right now, deal flow isn’t the issue. The real challenge is having the right people in place to handle the volume, convert opportunities, and continue pus...

Welcome back to Raising the Flipping Bar. In this episode, I wanted to slow things down and talk about something dominating headlines — institutional buyers, hedge funds, and Wall Street “owning all the homes.” There’s a lot of noise, fear, and political rhetoric around this topic. So instead of reacting emotionally, I wanted to look at the actual data and break down what’s really happening — nati...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of wholesaling with insights straight from my personal experience. I'll explore the nuances, challenges, and strategies behind successful wholesaling in real estate. Whether you're flipping properties or scaling your portfolio, understanding wholesaling is a game-changer. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The key difference between f...

Are you ready to make 2025 your best year in real estate? In this episode of Raising the Flipping Bar , I’m sharing the strategies I’m using at ELEVATION to set goals, streamline focus, and build momentum into the new year. From fine-tuning lead generation techniques to cutting through distractions, I’m here to help you start 2025 with a bang. I’ll break down practical tips like the “MORE - BETTER...

Today’s episode is all about breaking free from the New Year’s resolution trap and setting yourself up for real, lasting success in 2025. Spoiler alert: I think New Year’s resolutions are total BS, and here’s why. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why 91% of people fail to stick to their resolutions: The common mistakes and how to avoid them. The power of identifying your "why": How connect...