Team Lead Talks

Jason Waller: Why Selling Mexico Means Selling a Lifestyle Not a Property

Most real estate companies focus on selling homes. Jason Waller focuses on selling the experience that comes with them. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Jason Waller of Christie’s International Real Estate Mexico Luxury Properties to discuss luxury real estate, expansion, branding, AI, and how destination markets require a completely different approach to attracting buyers. In this episode: • Why Mexico's lifestyle is often the real product being sold • The systems behind expanding into multiple high-growth markets • How Christie’s branding helped strengthen trust with international buyers • Why speed-to-lead and AI are becoming competitive advantages in real estate About Our Guest: Jason Waller is the CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Mexico Luxury Properties and a leading expert in luxury real estate and investment opportunities across Mexico. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Jason relocated to Playa del Carmen in 2005 and has spent nearly 21 years building a reputation as a trusted advisor to international buyers seeking premium properties, boutique hotels, and high-performing real estate investments throughout the Riviera Maya and beyond. Through Christie’s International Real Estate and a network of complementary companies he has built alongside his partner, Leah Campbell, Jason provides a seamless investment experience for foreign buyers, combining property sourcing, investment advisory, legal support, and escrow services. His expertise spans major markets including Cancún, Tulum, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City, where he has structured and negotiated multi-million-dollar transactions ranging from luxury residences to off-market hospitality deals. Known for his transparent, data-driven approach, Jason helps investors confidently navigate the Mexican real estate market while identifying opportunities that align with both lifestyle and long-term wealth-building goals.

Andrew Engel: He Cut His Lead Volume by 90% and Closed More Deals

Many real estate investors cast the widest net possible, hoping more leads will create more deals. Andrew Engel found the opposite was true. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Andrew Engel of Fast Selling Solutions to discuss niche real estate investing, distressed property acquisitions, and why becoming an expert in specific seller situations can outperform broad marketing campaigns. In this episode: • Why probate and foreclosure became his highest-performing lead sources • The costly impact of chasing unqualified seller leads • How investors can position themselves as problem solvers instead of buyers • The systems behind a lean acquisitions business operating across Wisconsin About Our Guest: Andrew is a full-time real estate investor based in Wisconsin who has built a highly efficient investment business by focusing on targeted lead generation and niche market opportunities. Through strategic marketing to specialized lists, he acquires wholesale deals, fix-and-flip projects, and rental properties while operating with a lean, scalable team. As the founder of FreshPickedLeads, Andrew created a unique real estate lead generation platform that gathers every divorce, eviction, foreclosure, and probate case filing across Wisconsin on a daily basis. His data-driven approach has helped investors uncover motivated seller opportunities before they reach broader markets. A husband and father of three, Andrew successfully transitioned from a traditional career into real estate investing, doubling his former W-2 income within two years of leaving his job. His experience offers valuable insights into lead generation, real estate marketing, business efficiency, and building long-term wealth through real estate investing.

Charles Rossano: Why Co-Living Is Creating a New Path to Passive Income

Many investors focus on multifamily, short-term rentals, and traditional buy-and-hold strategies. Charles Rossano believes one of the biggest opportunities in real estate is hiding in plain sight. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Charles Rossano, co-founder of Cohaven Capital, to discuss co-living real estate, affordable housing, passive investing, and the systems that helped scale a portfolio of more than 260 units across multiple markets. In this episode: • How co-living creates affordability while improving property performance • The $50,000 mistake that reshaped their acquisition process • Why systems and SOPs became critical to scaling beyond a few properties • How Cohaven Capital combines social impact with investment returns About our guest: Charles is a co-architect of the Impact Co-Living model and a driving force behind CoHaven Capital. Together with Anthony Free, he developed the vision of combining high-yield co-living with government-backed revenue and nonprofit partnerships, creating an entirely new category in real estate investing. Under their leadership, CoHaven has scaled to approximately 240 units across multiple markets with over 90% occupancy.

Marcus Crigler: The Financial Mistakes Quietly Costing Real Estate Entrepreneurs Millions

Many real estate entrepreneurs work hard to build profitable businesses but never develop the financial systems needed to protect and compound their success. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO, to discuss how tax planning, cash flow forecasting, and financial visibility help real estate operators make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode: • The difference between being a dealmaker and building a real business • Why entity structure impacts taxes, liability, and future growth • The cash flow framework Marcus recommends for entrepreneurs • How financial data can improve business decisions and profitability About Our Guest: Marcus Crigler is the founder of BEC CFO, a specialized advisory firm that helps real estate investors and entrepreneurs build wealth through proactive tax planning and strategic financial management. Rather than simply filing tax returns or recording transactions, Marcus focuses on forward-looking strategies that help clients keep more of what they earn and make smarter business decisions. His expertise includes entity structuring, cost segregation studies, 1031 exchanges, QBI optimization, S-Corporation elections, and comprehensive tax planning designed to create long-term financial advantages for real estate businesses. Based in Ozark, Missouri, Marcus founded BEC CFO in 2020 with a mission to help real estate entrepreneurs grow and scale with greater confidence and clarity. His career began in the real estate accounting world, performing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit audits and preparing related tax returns, where he discovered his passion for helping business owners use financial strategy as a tool for growth. Known for his coaching mindset and analytical approach, Marcus excels at solving complex financial challenges while helping clients build stronger businesses, increase profitability, and make more informed decisions for the future.

Nick Belardo: He Turned Agent Retention Into Compass’s Competitive Advantage

Recruiting agents is only half the challenge. Keeping great agents engaged, supported, and growing is where many brokerages struggle. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with Nick Belardo, Director of Operations at Compass, to discuss the intersection of marketing, operations, retention, and technology. Nick shares how Compass approaches agent experience, why human connection still matters in an AI-driven world, and what leaders often overlook when building long-term loyalty. In this episode: • Why agent retention starts long before someone considers leaving • The balance between technology, automation, and personal service • How marketing supports business growth beyond lead generation • The leadership mindset required to build lasting relationships About Our Guest: Nick Belardo is an operational leader, marketing strategist, and real estate executive with more than 15 years of experience spanning corporate hospitality, luxury brands, and real estate. As a leader within one of Compass’s largest markets across Southern California, San Diego, and Hawaii, Nick oversees large-scale operations and high-performing teams, helping drive growth, customer experience, and business performance. His expertise centers on business strategy, leadership development, marketing alignment, and using data-driven insights to strengthen customer loyalty and organizational success. Nick’s career path is anything but conventional. From working as a Justin Bieber impersonator to leading teams of more than 200 real estate professionals, his journey has shaped a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Known for guiding organizations through periods of rapid expansion, product launches, and major market transitions, Nick combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach. As he prepares to begin his MBA at Boston University and launch a new podcast focused on leadership, mindset, and living an integrated life, he continues to inspire others to maximize their potential both professionally and personally.