Nikki Merkerson: Why More Buyers Are Teaming Up to Buy Real Estate

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.

Julie Longtin: The Hiring Mistake That Cost Me More Than Any Market Shift

Most real estate professionals focus on lead generation, sales, and market conditions. Julie Longtin learned that some of the most expensive business mistakes happen after the deal is closed. In this episode, Andrew Becker sits down with broker owner, consultant, instructor, and developer Julie Longtin to discuss the lessons learned from 35 years in real estate, why systems matter more than hustle, and the hiring mistakes that can quietly limit business growth. In this episode: • Why poor hiring decisions cost more than market downturns • The systems she wishes she had built earlier in her career • How she scaled across residential, commercial, development, and leadership • The operational mistakes that prevent businesses from growing without the owner About Our Guest: Julie is a veteran real estate broker-owner, instructor, and author with more than 30 years of experience across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. With a background that includes brokerage leadership, real estate education, appraisal, and property development, she has built a reputation as a trusted expert who understands every facet of the industry. Her specialties include highest and best use analysis, new construction development, design strategy, and helping clients identify opportunities that maximize long-term value. Recognized as a Top 10 Residential Broker with RE/MAX and a Top 10 Commercial Broker, Julie has been nationally published for her expertise in real estate, investing, and market trends. Her insights have appeared in major outlets including Money Magazine, CNN Money, and Providence Business News. Known for staying ahead of industry shifts, Julie continues to lead the way through innovative technology initiatives, construction projects, and forward-thinking approaches to real estate growth and development.