If your CFO isn’t producing a return, they’re not an asset—they’re an expense. In this episode, I break down what it really takes to get ROI from a fractional CFO and why so many business owners miss the value simply because they don’t know how to use one effectively.

We talk about the key shifts that happen as your business grows, why bad financial habits only get worse with scale, and how a CFO should help you actually keep more of what you make. I walk through the exact ways you should be working with a CFO—from communication and goal setting to dashboards and accountability—so you can turn that investment into real financial results in your business.

Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] Why a CFO must produce ROI or they’re just an expense

[0:50] Growth stages where financial problems become more visible

[1:31] Why making more money often leads to keeping less

[1:48] What triggers business owners to hire a fractional CFO

[2:07] Why most owners don’t know how to work with a CFO

[2:45] The importance of open and honest communication about money

[3:28] Understanding your money habits—spender vs saver

[4:00] Why clear goals drive measurable ROI from a CFO

[4:41] Tracking progress: reserves, owner pay, and financial outcomes

[5:22] The role of dashboards in decision-making

[6:06] The “sleep at night” factor and financial clarity

[6:48] How a CFO creates systems instead of relying on hope

[7:21] Managing your bookkeeper and CPA through a CFO

[8:10] Turning tax strategies into real execution

[9:04] Time savings, peace of mind, and true financial freedom

Key Takeaways

1. A CFO should generate measurable ROI—not just reports.
2. Scaling without fixing financial habits amplifies problems.
3. Open communication about money is critical for success.
4. Clear financial goals create measurable progress.
5. Dashboards turn numbers into actionable decisions.
6. A CFO provides systems, accountability, and leadership.
7. Real ROI includes more money, less stress, and saved time.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call to see how a fractional CFO can create ROI in your business: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you understand how to actually get a return from a CFO, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another business owner who’s growing but not keeping enough. And if you’re ready to turn your finances into a system that produces real results, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start building clarity, confidence, and financial freedom.

Book your FREE financial discovery call at ProfitREI.com

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Andrew Becker—real estate operator, systems builder, and co-creator of the CRM platform Billions. Andrew shares how his team scaled from traditional retail real estate into wholesaling and high-volume investing by focusing on something many teams overlook: systems, data, and disciplined financial processes.

We dive into how tracking lead sources and key performance indicators transformed Andrew’s business, why many real estate companies are “flying blind” even at high volume, and how Profit First helped him remove emotion from financial decisions. If you’ve ever felt like your business is busy but not predictable, this episode will show you how data and financial discipline can change everything. 

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Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Andrew’s start in real estate with Keller Williams in 2013
[4:00] – Transitioning from retail real estate to wholesaling after discovering new strategies
[6:00] – Why Andrew’s operations mindset pushed him to systematize everything
[8:19] – The painful moment when a coach exposed gaps in their business data
[10:46] – Building internal systems that later became the CRM platform Billions
[13:46] – How automation and data tracking removed chaos from the team
[16:00] – What Billions does and how it simplifies CRM and reporting for real estate teams
[18:16] – How Profit First and marketing data work together to guide spending decisions
[20:00] – Why financial discipline removes emotional decision-making in business
[23:24] – Applying Profit First principles to personal finances as well
[26:00] – Why most real estate teams don’t know where their deals actually come from
[27:30] – The trap of working in the business instead of on the business
[30:00] – How systems and data can become a powerful recruiting advantage for teams

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5 Key Takeaways

1. Data removes guesswork. Knowing exactly where your deals and revenue come from allows you to double down on what works.
2. Systems create scalability. Without repeatable processes, teams become chaotic and growth stalls.
3. Profit First builds financial discipline. Allocating money by percentage removes emotion from business decisions.
4. Automation saves time and stress. When systems collect data automatically, leaders can focus on strategy instead of spreadsheets.
5. Successful teams run like businesses, not hustles. The difference between chaos and scale is often structure and accountability.

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Links & Resources

• Learn more about the Billions CRM platform: https://joinbillions.com
• Connect with Andrew Becker on social media: @iamandrewbecker (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
• Learn more about Profit First for real estate investors: https://www.simplecfo.com

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If this episode helped you rethink how you run your real estate business, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with another investor who’s ready to stop guessing and start running their business with real data and profit discipline.

If your flip isn’t profitable before you buy it, it won’t magically become profitable later. In this episode, I break down one of the biggest mistakes real estate investors make—buying deals with margins that are simply too thin.

I share lessons from my early days working in a high-volume real estate investing company where we were doing dozens of deals a month but still getting burned by projects that didn’t have enough profitability built in. We talk about how to reverse-engineer your profit margin before you make the offer, how to account for the unexpected costs that always show up in flips, and why understanding where your profit will go after the deal closes is just as important as estimating it upfront.

Timeline Highlights

[0:00] Why flips must be profitable before you ever buy the deal

[0:49] Lessons from doing 25 deals a month and still losing money

[1:32] Why unexpected repairs destroy thin margins

[1:57] The common formulas investors use to calculate flip offers

[2:18] Why beginner investors need larger buffers in their deals

[2:39] A real story of a first deal that became a losing deal

[3:03] Why managing multiple flips increases risk

[3:31] How reserves give you the confidence to walk away from bad deals

[4:22] Using Profit First to allocate profits from each deal

[5:20] Why turning failed flips into rentals can create long-term problems

[6:16] Reverse engineering your profit goal before buying the deal

[7:11] Why your minimum profit target may need to increase

[8:12] Building a financial buffer before you even submit the offer

[9:16] Taking control of your flip business instead of reacting to it

Key Takeaways

1. A flip must be profitable on the front end—not hoped for on the back end.
2. Thin margins leave no room for unexpected repairs or delays.
3. New investors should prioritize larger profit buffers.
4. Reserves give you the freedom to pass on risky deals.
5. Reverse engineer your profit goals before making the offer.
6. Profit should be allocated intentionally after every deal.
7. Strong financial systems protect your business from bad deals.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call to build profitability systems into your real estate business: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you rethink how you analyze flip deals, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another investor who wants to build more profitable deals. And if you’re ready to build systems that help you keep more of what you make with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating financial clarity and freedom.

Sign up for our event at: https://simplecfo.com/john-morey

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with real estate investor and community leader John Morey to talk about one of the most common—but least discussed—problems in real estate businesses: cash flow chaos. John shares how implementing the Profit First system completely changed how he manages money in his business, giving him clarity, structure, and something many entrepreneurs desperately need—peace of mind.

We also dive into the common mistake of running your business with “one big bucket” of money, why so many investors struggle to pay themselves or cover taxes, and how small changes in allocation can create massive long-term stability. Whether you’re doing your first deal or hundreds of deals a year, this conversation will help you rethink how your business handles cash. 

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Episode Highlights

[0:00] – John’s long-time connection with David and the early Profit First journey
[4:44] – The painful realization: having money in the bank but not enough to pay taxes
[6:13] – The “one bucket problem” most real estate investors operate under
[7:21] – Why starting small with allocations makes the system easier to adopt
[9:09] – The embarrassing truth many investors won’t admit about cash flow
[13:05] – The biggest benefit John experienced after implementing Profit First: peace of mind
[14:39] – How automated allocations remove stress from paying taxes and expenses
[16:05] – Why John pivoted toward rentals and townhome communities
[18:18] – The power of local meetups and being in the right rooms
[21:19] – Creating systems for different real estate strategies
[25:41] – How automation allows Profit First to run in the background of your business

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5 Key Takeaways:

1. The “one bucket” system creates chaos. Without clear allocation, it’s easy to have money in the bank but still be unable to cover taxes or expenses.
2. Start small with Profit First. Even allocating 1% to profit or owner pay can begin shifting the financial structure of your business.
3. Automation removes stress. Once your accounts and allocations are set up, the system can run with minimal effort.
4. Peace of mind is the biggest ROI. Knowing exactly where your money is going eliminates financial anxiety.
5. Systems allow you to pivot. Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or building rentals, structured finances give you the flexibility to adapt.

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Links & Resources

• Register for the Profit First workshop with John Morey: https://simplecfo.com/john-morey
• Connect with John Morey on Facebook or through the North Alabama Investors meetup
• Learn more about Profit First for real estate investors: https://www.simplecfo.com

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If this episode helped you realize that cash chaos doesn’t have to be part of your business, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with another investor who’s ready to turn profit into a habit—not just an occasional event.

You can’t forecast cash flow if you’re just guessing. In this episode, I break down why so many real estate investors and business owners operate on what I call the “hope and pray” plan—hoping enough deals close and praying there’s money left over at the end of the month.

I walk through what cash-flow forecasting actually means for a real estate business that’s running multiple deals at once. We talk about why forecasting doesn’t have to be complicated, how reserves change the way you make decisions, and how a simple system like Profit First gives you the visibility you need to stop reacting to your finances and start planning your business with confidence.

Timeline Highlights

[0:26] Why guessing is not the same as forecasting cash flow

[1:10] Why most entrepreneurs run their businesses without a real financial plan

[1:34] The dangers of the “hope and pray” approach to finances

[2:12] Why forecasting sounds complicated but doesn’t have to be

[3:01] How Profit First helps you understand where every dollar goes

[3:43] Why reserves are the foundation of effective forecasting

[4:24] How three months of reserves gives you options and flexibility

[5:00] Forecasting as goal management, not financial complexity

[6:12] How reserves help you make strategic business decisions

[6:28] Why chasing deal volume can destroy profitability

[7:24] Thinking like a long-term business owner instead of a short-term operator

[8:01] How dashboards and financial data improve forecasting decisions

[9:18] Why business owners need the right financial data to lead effectively

[10:13] How forecasting, dashboards, and Profit First work together

Key Takeaways

1. Forecasting is not guessing—it’s planning based on real numbers.
2. Many businesses operate on hope instead of financial strategy.
3. Cash reserves create the breathing room needed for smart decisions.
4. Forecasting is simply goal management for your business.
5. Profit First helps clarify where every dollar is going.
6. Financial dashboards turn data into actionable insights.
7. Successful businesses plan their numbers—success is not accidental.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call to build forecasting and financial clarity into your business: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode helped you see how forecasting can bring clarity and confidence to your business, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another investor or entrepreneur who’s tired of guessing with their numbers. And if you’re ready to build real systems around your finances with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating financial clarity and freedom.

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Shannon O’Neill, fractional COO and operations expert at Let’s Grow COO. Shannon and I dive into one of the most overlooked pain points in growing a real estate business: the loneliness and pressure at the top—and the even more invisible pressure on the second-in-command.

We unpack what it really looks like to move from being an operator inside your business to actually leading it. Shannon shares how tracking your time can completely change your perspective, why most CEOs are still employees in their own company, and how fractional leadership can create clarity, structure, and sanity. If you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in the day-to-day, or unsure where your time is actually going, this episode is your wake-up call.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Shannon’s role as a fractional COO and how she partners with fractional CFOs

[3:26] – Growing a real estate company from 2 to 25+ team members

[5:42] – Learning every seat in the business—from cold calling to running operations

[8:00] – Why being outside the day-to-day politics gives her an edge

[10:09] – Who should (and shouldn’t) hire a fractional COO

[12:45] – Building AcquisitionReps.com to solve hiring bottlenecks

[15:24] – Why most CEOs are “fractional everything” inside their own company

[17:27] – The powerful (and painful) impact of doing a time study

[20:18] – Giving CEOs permission to actually work on the business

[24:31] – The hidden burden of the second-in-command

[29:11] – The two things every entrepreneur must track: time and money

5 Key Takeaways

1. Track your time before you do anything else. Most CEOs have no idea where their day actually goes until they see it in writing.
2. You are likely still an employee in your own business. If you’re stuck in operations, you’re not leading—you’re reacting.
3. Fractional leadership creates focus. A dedicated COO or CFO can focus fully on their lane while you stop juggling 17 roles.
4. The second-in-command needs support too. They carry pressure from above and below—and often feel just as isolated as the CEO.
5. Time and money tell the truth. If you want freedom, track both. Clarity comes from measurement.

Links & Resources

• Learn more about Shannon and Let’s Grow COO: https://letsgrowcoo.com
• Email Shannon directly: shannon@letsgrowcoo.com
• Learn more about Profit First for real estate investors: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode challenged you to take a hard look at how you’re spending your time—or reminded you that you don’t have to carry the weight alone—please rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with another business owner who needs support at the top.

Your business is not too small for Profit First—you’re just used to chaos. In this episode, I break down exactly how to set up the five foundational bank accounts that bring clarity, control, and confidence to your real estate investing business.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re living deal to deal instead of building real wealth, this is your starting point. I walk you through the simple, practical setup of the Income Account and what I call the “Golden Trio” — Profit, Owner’s Compensation, and Owner’s Tax — so you can stop guessing where your money went and start building a bridge out of the rat race.

Timeline Highlights

[0:00] Why your business isn’t too small for Profit First

[1:17] The real reason entrepreneurs stay stuck in the rat race

[2:14] Lessons from Cashflow 101 and escaping the wheel

[4:29] My personal experience doing 25 deals a month and still feeling stuck

[5:08] Why deal volume doesn’t equal financial freedom

[6:30] How Profit First builds a bridge to wealth

[7:10] A real example of building a tax surplus through the system

[8:02] The first practical step: opening multiple bank accounts

[9:21] The five foundational accounts explained

[10:01] Why you need an Income Account

[10:17] The “Golden Trio” — Profit, Owner’s Comp, and Owner’s Tax

[11:08] Why Owner’s Compensation is the most important account

[12:19] How the Tax Account removes fear and surprises

[13:06] How to practically implement weekly or bi-weekly transfers

Key Takeaways

1. Financial freedom is built through systems, not deal volume.
2. Separating income from expenses creates clarity and control.
3. The “Golden Trio” accounts help you keep what you make.
4. Owner’s Compensation ensures you actually get paid.
5. A Tax Account removes stress and eliminates surprises.
6. Profit is intentional—not what’s left over.
7. Simple bank account structure can radically change your cash flow.

Links & Resources

Book a free discovery call to implement Profit First in your business: profitrei.com

Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. If this episode gave you clarity on how to set up your Profit First accounts, make sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with another real estate investor who’s tired of living deal to deal. And if you’re ready to build real financial structure with guidance and accountability, visit profitrei.com and book your free discovery call to start creating financial clarity and freedom.

In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Cody Hofhine—entrepreneur, former co-owner of Wholesaling Inc., and founder of Joe Homebuyer—to talk about what really drives long-term success in business. Cody shares his journey from struggling insurance agent making $19,000 a year to building and selling a national real estate education company, and the identity crisis that followed.

We dive into personal development, leadership, and why your business can only grow to the size of the person running it. Cody explains how shifting from ego-driven goals to purpose-driven impact changed everything, and how that mindset now fuels his mission to help franchise owners scale to $1 million territories across the country. If you’re chasing growth but feeling stuck, this episode will challenge you to level up from the inside out.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Cody’s entrepreneurial roots and growing up with a contractor father

[6:47] – From vinyl fencing to insurance—and earning just $19,000 in a year

[9:26] – The moment his wife’s tears changed everything

[10:47] – Joining Wholesaling Inc. as one of the first students

[11:06] – Partnering, scaling, and eventually selling the company

[12:33] – The identity crisis that followed the sale

[16:31] – Redefining identity: faith, family, and purpose first

[20:01] – Why helping others win eliminates financial insecurity

[20:27] – Joe Homebuyer’s goal: 100 $1M territories by 2028

[28:46] – The business can only scale to the size of the leader

[29:08] – Why personal development beats marketing hacks every time

5 Key Takeaways

1. Your identity cannot be your business. When the business changes, you need a foundation deeper than titles or income.
2. Personal development determines income ceilings. Rarely does income exceed leadership growth.
3. Purpose beats ego. When you focus on helping others win, financial success follows naturally.
4. Community accelerates growth. Entrepreneurship is lonely—aligned partnerships change everything.
5. Think 10X, not linear. Scaling requires new thinking, new systems, and a bigger vision than incremental growth.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Cody: https://www.codyhofhine.com
• Follow Cody on Instagram (blue check): https://www.instagram.com/codyhofhine
• Learn more about Profit First for real estate investors: https://www.simplecfo.com

If this episode challenged you to grow as a leader and think bigger about your business, make sure to rate, follow, and review the podcast. And share it with an entrepreneur who needs a reminder that real growth starts within.