In this episode of Properties to Profits, I get real about what it’s like to hire ambitious 20-somethings in a small business. I’ve brought more than a dozen into my real estate company over the last few years, and while the energy and drive can be incredible, it takes a whole different level of leadership to turn potential into performance.

I share the tough lessons I’ve learned—why ambition isn’t the same as grit, why structure matters more than freedom, and how to coach young talent through adversity they’ve never faced before. If you’re thinking about hiring or mentoring Gen Z employees, this episode will help you set clear expectations, reduce burnout, and develop future leaders the right way.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] Introduction

[0:44] The appeal of hiring 20-somethings—and the gap between desire and readiness

[1:24] Wanting success vs. being ready for what it takes

[2:06] Why structure and routines matter more than “freedom”

[2:59] How to give feedback that connects to their goals

[4:08] Why 20-somethings need to see success—not just hear about it

[4:49] The disconnect between expectations and reality in the workforce

[5:34] Coaching them through life adversity they’ve never faced before

[6:32] Why more experienced hires often outperform—and how to balance both

[7:56] How to lead younger talent with patience, clarity, and care

[8:39] Motivation is easy. Consistency is rare.

[9:33] Know your role as a leader—especially if you’re hiring the inexperienced

[10:39] Structure, support, and long-game leadership builds real results

3 Key Takeaways

1. Young talent brings energy—but without structure, it burns out fast.

2. You don’t hire for potential. You pay for proof and consistent results.

3. The best teams combine youthful hunger with mature, grounded consistency.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

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In this episode of Properties to Profits, I walk you through how we handle one of the most challenging—and emotionally charged—aspects of real estate: evictions. Especially post-COVID, these situations have become more complex, slower, and more expensive than ever before. But through creativity, empathy, and strategy, we’ve developed a process that protects our assets while preserving our reputation.

I dive into our step-by-step eviction approach, including how we use “cash for keys,” structured negotiations, and clear communication to create win-win outcomes. Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, or investor who works with tenant-occupied properties, this episode gives you the real-world tactics that make these tough situations easier to navigate—and even more profitable in the long run.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] Why evictions are harder than ever—and how we handle them differently

[1:25] From 4 weeks to 4 months: the new post-COVID eviction timeline

[1:50] How to lead with empathy without compromising business

[2:06] Our go-to process: cash for keys, flexible options, and fast resolutions

[2:59] What to do when tenants don’t follow through—and how to keep negotiating

[3:22] Working with attorneys as partners, not just enforcers

[4:12] The importance of creating separation and escalation paths

[5:08] Why “human-first” approaches create faster and better results

[6:22] A real example: from eviction notice to peaceful exit and long-term goodwill

[7:11] How clear, compassionate eviction processes can actually build your brand

3 Key Takeaways

1. Empathy doesn’t weaken your position—it speeds up results and protects your reputation.

2. “Cash for keys” isn’t just a tactic—it’s a proven, people-focused solution.

3. Train your property managers, document everything, and use attorneys to facilitate—not escalate.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for weekly insights into real estate investing and property management

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In this episode of Properties to Profits, I get brutally honest about what it really takes to level up. Everyone wants more—more income, freedom, health—but few are willing to pay the price. The truth? That price is sacrifice. Whether you’re chasing your first $100K year or trying to break into the top 1%, I lay out what needs to be traded today to earn the life you want tomorrow.

This isn’t just motivation—it’s a practical audit of your time, habits, and excuses. I break down the seasons of sacrifice required at every income level, why most people never break through, and how you can collapse decades of progress into just a few focused years. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with slow growth, this episode is your blueprint for getting unstuck—fast.

Episode Timeline

[0:00] Why the next level always costs you something

[1:13] More money, more freedom, better health—and why most people stay stuck

[1:37] What you’ll need to sacrifice to climb the ladder faster

[2:26] Choosing your starting point: health or money—and how they’re connected

[3:02] The truth about what it takes to hit $100K+ (and keep going)

[4:12] Why blaming your kids, spouse, or past keeps you broke

[5:19] Cutting expenses, fast food, and low-value tasks to buy back your time

[6:02] Time audits, energy audits, and choosing what really matters

[7:21] Sacrifice now, or sacrifice later—the choice is yours

[8:17] Your 90-day challenge to reset, refocus, and start moving the needle

[9:02] Calling out your excuses—because someone else is doing more with less

3 Key Takeaways

1. Every new income or lifestyle level demands a new level of sacrifice—there’s no way around it.

2. Short-term sacrifice leads to long-term freedom, but most people delay and stay stuck.

3. Audit your time, money, and energy weekly—and get brutally honest about what’s holding you back.

Links & Resources

Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

Subscribe to the Properties to Profits podcast for weekly motivation and tactical real estate growth

Enjoyed the episode?

If this challenged your thinking and gave you clarity on what’s next, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to sacrifice for success. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.