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Mike Higgins opens up about his transformative journey from personal trainer to thriving real estate investor in Wisconsin, revealing the strategic shifts that made all the difference in his business. Far from just another "how I got started" story, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on maximizing profitability in today's market.

Want to know why some investors consistently snap up deals while others struggle? Mike and Corey break down the exact systems needed to evaluate properties in minutes rather than days - including how missing just 20-30 deals annually could mean losing $500,000 in potential profits. They share their specialized approach to selecting properties in the "sweet spot" price range that ensures consistent sales regardless of market conditions.

The tax advantages of real estate take center stage as Mike explains his favorite investment strategy: "legally not paying taxes." Learn how properties showing minimal monthly cashflow can still offset hundreds of thousands in earned income through strategic tax planning, making even seemingly break-even properties incredibly valuable to your portfolio.

Perhaps most fascinating is their deep dive into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing their businesses. From AI-powered call bots handling seller leads to automated deal analysis and even legal document review, discover how a $20/month ChatGPT subscription might replace services you're currently paying thousands for.

This episode culminates with hard-earned wisdom about maintaining strategic focus in a field filled with distractions. As Mike candidly admits, "We could go from wholesaling real estate to opening a Mexican restaurant in Indiana because there's not a lot of them there." The ability to "stay the course" might be your most valuable skill as an investor.

Ready to take action? Visit wisconsindiscountproperties.com to join their buyers list and start receiving off-market deals or schedule a free consultation to break down how the numbers work in today's market. To connect with Mike, check him out on X @meetmikehiggins.

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Securing financing remains the biggest hurdle for most aspiring real estate investors. When traditional banks say "no," where do you turn? In this eye-opening conversation, mortgage expert Aaron Kramer reveals the financing secrets that have helped hundreds of investors build substantial portfolios, even without perfect credit or W2 income.

Aaron breaks down how house hacking creates a perfect entry point for beginners, allowing you to live in one unit of a duplex while tenants in the other help pay your mortgage. The financial magic happens when you learn about loan programs specifically designed for this strategy – VA loans offering 0% down for veterans, FHA loans requiring just 3.5% down, and conventional options starting at 5% down. Each option provides a legitimate path to property ownership with minimal cash investment.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Aaron explains DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans – a game-changing option for investors. These loans require no income verification, allow properties to be held in LLCs for liability protection, and offer 30-year fixed rates typically unavailable through traditional bank financing. For self-employed individuals or those with complex tax situations who've been shut out of conventional financing, this could be the breakthrough you've been searching for.

A compelling mathematical breakdown reveals why waiting for interest rates to drop might cost you more in the long run. The five-year equity difference between buying at today's rates versus potentially lower future rates amounts to just a few thousand dollars – negligible compared to the appreciation and wealth-building you'd miss by sitting on the sidelines. As Corey puts it, "Time in the market beats timing the market."

Ready to explore these financing options for yourself? Connect with Aaron through Executive Mortgage or reach out through Wisconsin Discount Properties to discuss your specific situation and get pointed toward the right financing solution for your real estate goals.

To get in touch with Aaron, head to www.executivemortgage.com. To get exclusive off market deals sent to you on a weekly basis, go to www.wisconsindiscountproperties.com and put your info in today!

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Matt and Catie Fihn transformed their family's future through real estate investing in just three short years. Starting with a simple conversation between moms at a playdate, they discovered a path that would ultimately free both of them from their corporate careers and allow them to be present for their young children's formative years.

Their approach wasn't about getting rich quick or building a massive empire—it was about thoughtfully replacing their W-2 incomes while creating flexibility and freedom. After completing their first flip in Wauwatosa in 2022, they gained confidence and momentum. Soon Matt was able to leave his corporate job at Thermo Fisher Scientific to become the primary caregiver for their children while managing their growing business. Now Catie is joining him, leaving her 19-year career behind to go all-in on their real estate ventures.

The Fihns share candidly about their journey, including how they utilized hard money lending to fund their first projects, their meticulous approach to the BRRRR method for rental acquisitions, and how they manage properties across Wisconsin without living nearby. They've calculated missing between 20-30 potential deals worth approximately $500,000 while juggling jobs and parenting—missed opportunities they're now positioned to capitalize on with both partners fully dedicated to their business.

What makes their story so compelling is the intentionality behind their decisions. Rather than chasing undefined wealth, they focused on creating enough cashflow to support their desired lifestyle—one that prioritizes time with their young homeschooled children. As Matt puts it, "I cannot imagine waking up and being to work at a certain time or leaving at a certain time, or having to delegate your three weeks of vacation... I get the benefit of hanging out with the two coolest people in the world every day."

Ready to create your own real estate success story? Start following Wisconsin Discount Properties today for weekly investment opportunities that could change your future. www.wisconsindiscountproperties.com.