Episode: Flipped, Fumbled, and Fighting to Close

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Elevate and Execute, the team dives into the chaos of a recent flip deal gone sideways, highlighting the importance of knowing your contracts, preparing for worst-case scenarios, and navigating real estate deals with confidence. From over-the-top inspection requests to last-minute buyer fallout, they share a real-world story of how one seller nearly lost everything (and what they did about it).

They also discuss the tricky legal gray areas of lease-option buyers, final walkthrough issues, and how storms, yes, literal tornadoes—can derail closings. Full of lessons, war stories, and hard-earned advice, this episode is a must-listen for flippers, agents, and real estate investors.

What You’ll Learn:

• What to do when a buyer backs out days before closing
• How legal contracts protect sellers (and what to look for)
• The truth about buyer inspection negotiations
• Final walkthrough horror stories and how to prevent them
• Why working with experienced agents (and attorneys) matters
• Navigating tornado damage and escrows during closing
• Why Saint Louis’s contract structure is unique and how to use it wisely
• Creative deal ideas for solving last-minute move-out and funding issues

Notable Quotes:

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Episode: Getting Out of the Rat Race

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this raw and honest episode, the team dives into what it really means to "get out of the rat race"and why so many people are stuck in it without realizing. Drawing from their own experiences leaving corporate jobs, Kyle, Brian, and David talk about the mindset shifts, risks, failures, and small wins that eventually led them to freedom.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever felt trapped in the 9-to-5 grind and wants to break out. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own business or just want more control over your time, this conversation offers both the inspiration and the practical reality of what it takes to make that leap.

What You’ll Learn:

• What the “rat race” really is (beyond just a job you don’t like)
• How corporate America lulls people into a false sense of security
• The real risks of staying in a job you hate
• Why mindset is the first battle you have to win
• The importance of side hustles and proof of concept before quitting
• How to mentally and financially prepare to leave your job
• The value of surrounding yourself with people who’ve done it
• Why having your spouse or family’s support makes all the difference

Notable Quotes:

⚠️ Content Note:

This episode contains some explicit language.

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If this episode inspired you to take action or re-evaluate where you’re headed, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

You don’t have to stay stuck. There’s a way out—and it starts here.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this practical and timely episode, the Elevate and Execute team breaks down everything sellers (and agents) need to know heading into the summer real estate market. They discuss the sudden surge in seller activity as people get off the sidelines, what home improvements actually help you get top dollar, and how to prepare your home so it sells quickly and profitably in a hot market.

The team also shares why pricing strategy is key, how to navigate competing offers, and what sellers should expect in the Saint Louis market—plus tips on finding your next home once your current one sells.

What You’ll Learn:

Why clutter and personalization matter (and when personal photos can help or hurt)

Which updates pay off and which don’t (like roofs and HVAC)

How Zillow’s Zestimate can mislead sellers, and why expert pricing is essential

The two reasons homes don’t sell: price and location

Why negotiating up is always better than negotiating down

Strategies to get multiple offers and leverage competition

The importance of great media—drone, 3D tours, high-def photos—in marketing your home

How to vet an agent, especially if you’re buying or selling investment property

Notable Quotes:

“The home doesn’t sell for two reasons: price and location.”

“Price cures everything—it’s the easiest way to create competition.”

“There are a lot of bad agents out there. Do your homework before you hire one.”

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode gave you insight into selling your home faster, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone planning to sell this summer. An educated seller is an empowered seller.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode, the Elevate and Execute crew dives deep into Zillow, what it is, how it works, and why so many real estate agents love to hate it. From syndication and Flex programs to fears about Zillow becoming a full-on brokerage, the team pulls back the curtain on what Zillow really means for today’s agents, sellers, and buyers.

They also explore how Zillow's expanding influence (from showing apps to CRM tools and home loans) is shifting the industry and how agents can stay competitive in a world of data, automation, and evolving client expectations.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Zillow dominates the real estate search game
• The difference between market-based pricing and Zillow Flex
• How Zillow profits from leads and how agents can still win
• Why blaming Zillow is a mistake (and who to really blame)
• What agents must know to stay relevant in the tech era
• A look at Zillow’s broader strategy, acquisitions, and “super app” vision
• How AI could disrupt real estate even faster than Zillow
• Why buying investment property is more essential than ever for agents

Notable Quotes:

Subscribe & Review:

If this episode gave you a new perspective on Zillow, tech, or the real estate industry, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone in your network. Change is coming and those who adapt will thrive.

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this lighthearted and hilarious episode, the Elevate and Execute crew tests their knowledge (or lack thereof) of Gen Alpha slang. From "brain rot" to "womp womp," the guys try to decode the strange new language their kids are speaking—and the results are pure gold.

Along the way, they discuss parenting in the digital age, how trends spread among kids today, and why staying connected to the next generation is more important (and funnier) than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

• What "Rizz," "Cap," and "Sigma" really mean to Gen Alpha
• The surprising origins of today’s trending slang
• How kids communicate across schools and states with shared lingo
• Why slang might just be the ultimate parenting challenge
• A hilarious breakdown of Savannah Bananas baseball and viral marketing

Notable Quotes:

"The shttier the house, the better the deal."*

"These kids are speaking a universal language—no one taught them, but they all know it."

"I thought 'Rizz' was short for 'jizz'... I was wrong."

Subscribe & Review:

Enjoyed the laughs and the confusion? Hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share the show with a fellow parent or friend who needs to brush up on Gen Alpha slang.

It’s not just about real estate—it’s about life, parenting, and keeping up with a world that moves fast.

Episode: The Real Estate Flip Bet (and the Sh*t House Story)

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this entertaining and insightful episode, Kyle and Brian kick off a friendly new competition: which one can sell their property for the highest percentage over list price. The winner gets bragging rights—and a new pair of Gucci shoes (or a nice stack of cash).

You'll also hear the wild backstory of “The Sht House”*—a property so neglected it nearly got condemned—and how Kyle and Brian transformed it into a showpiece.

Throughout the conversation, they share key insights about their latest big investment moves and the lessons they’ve learned scaling from single-family homes to large multifamily deals.

What We Cover:

• The structure of their friendly flip competition
• The incredible turnaround of the "Sh*t House" property
• Their recent $10.1M purchase of a 104-unit apartment complex
• Why they are shifting their portfolio away from single-family homes
• Using mailers and relationships to find off-market deals
• How a strong rehab adds real value to a property
• Market dynamics in St. Louis today

Key Quotes:

"The shttier the house, the better the deal."

"Of course, the day we closed on the 104-unit complex, tornadoes hit. Real estate will always teach you something."

Closing Thought:

This episode is full of practical investment wisdom, honest stories from the trenches, and a good dose of humor. Whether you're an experienced investor or new to the game, there’s something here for everyone.

Connect with Us:

Follow the show, leave a review, and stay tuned for future episodes where we share more real estate insights, life lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at building wealth and elevating your life.

📅 Episode: From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One Realtor Built a System That Wins

🎧 Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

🎤 Featured Guest: David Ounanian (author of the new real estate investing book)

🔥 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, the Elevate and Execute crew celebrates co-host David Ounanian and the launch of his new book—a real-world guide to helping everyday people break into real estate investing. David shares how he went from a traditional 9–5 career to building a high-performing system for investors and agents alike.

You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of why he wrote the book, how he created a formula to make investing profitable for everyone involved, and what it really takes to bring a self-published book to life. Full of insight, honesty, and hustle, this episode is essential for anyone trying to level up their business and life.

📚 What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional financial planning falls short for ambitious investors
• How David’s real estate system creates wins for agents and investors
• A step-by-step look at how he self-published on Amazon
• The discipline of writing before 6 AM—and how small habits create big results
• Why every entrepreneur should consider writing a book

💬 Notable Quotes:

Subscribe & Revew:

If this episode inspired you, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share with a friend or colleague who’s ready to elevate their mindset and execute with purpose.

If this episode inspired you, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share with a friend or colleague who’s ready to elevate their mindset and execute with purpose.

In this powerful episode, Kyle, Brian, and David take on one of the most important questions for your financial future: Should you rely on a 401(k) or real estate to retire? With real-life experience and real numbers, they break down the long-term impact of both investment vehicles—from returns and risks to cash flow and control.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that retirement account from your 9-to-5 is really going to get you where you want to go—or if you’re ready to start thinking like a true investor—this episode is your wake-up call.

• What the average return is from the S&P 500 vs. real estate
• Why appreciation alone doesn’t tell the full story
• How leverage and cash flow completely change the retirement math
• The hidden risks of relying only on your 401(k)
• How one $100,000 house could outperform a retirement account—by 3X
• The importance of smart partnerships and experienced operators in multifamily deals

Ready to rethink your financial future? Subscribe, share this episode, and connect with us as we dive deeper into real estate, investing, and wealth-building each week.