In this episode of Properties to Profits, I unpack one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—strategies in real estate investing: the “subject to” deal. If you’re hitting walls with traditional financing or looking to acquire properties with minimal upfront cash, this approach might be your next move. But be warned: it’s not without risk.

I walk you through how these deals work, why they’re a win for both investors and sellers, and what risks you absolutely need to understand before diving in. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode offers the insights you need to evaluate if subject to deals should be part of your investing toolkit.

Key Takeaways

1. Control Without Credit – Subject to deals let you acquire properties by taking over existing mortgages—no credit checks or bank qualifications required.

2. Win-Win for Sellers – This strategy offers immediate mortgage relief to distressed sellers, helping them avoid foreclosure and protect their credit.

3. Risk Requires Readiness – The due-on-sale clause is real. Always have a backup plan—like the ability to refinance or sell—before you close a subject to deal.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why subject to deals are relevant in today’s market

[1:25] - What “subject to” really means and how it works

[2:21] - Benefits for sellers: financial relief and credit protection

[3:13] - Benefits for investors: minimal cash and fast control

[4:39] - The due-on-sale clause: the hidden risk every investor must understand

[6:30] - Why integrity matters—don’t put sellers in worse situations

[8:01] - Real-world example: taking over a two-mortgage home in Canal Winchester

[9:25] - The importance of having an exit and payment plan

[10:13] - Final thoughts: power and pitfalls of this creative strategy

Links & Resources

• Follow me on Instagram: @RealEstateMike02

If this episode gave you a fresh perspective or valuable insight, please rate, follow, and leave a review. And don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow investors. Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

In this episode of Properties to Profit, I dive into a creative investing strategy that’s helping me—and could help you—navigate today’s sky-high interest rates: lease options. If you’re a real estate investor struggling to make deals cash flow or frustrated with slim flipping margins, this episode is a must-listen. I break down how lease options can offer control, flexibility, and long-term upside with minimal upfront investment.

You’ll learn how this approach benefits both investors and sellers, how to identify ideal properties, and the pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re looking to scale your rental portfolio or lock in future appreciation, lease options might just be your new secret weapon.

Key Takeaways

1. Flexibility Without Ownership – Lease options allow investors to control properties and benefit from market appreciation without the obligations of immediate ownership or large down payments.

2. Win-Win for Sellers – This strategy offers financial relief to motivated sellers, especially those with high mortgage burdens or stagnant listings.

3. Low-Risk Entry with High Potential – By targeting newer homes that don’t need major repairs and negotiating favorable terms, investors can enter deals with minimal risk and significant upside.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why high interest rates are forcing investors to rethink their strategies

[1:16] - What exactly is a lease option and why it’s powerful in today’s market

[2:14] - Key advantages: flexibility, rent control, and future appreciation

[3:17] - How lease options help sellers facing financial strain

[4:06] - The importance of choosing newer homes and doing thorough inspections

[5:13] - How lease options conserve cash for other investment opportunities

[6:32] - Dealing with unmotivated realtors and identifying properties ripe for lease options

[7:15] - Customizing lease terms and having multiple exit strategies

[8:12] - Final thoughts on creating win-win deals with minimal risk

Links & Resources

• Follow me on Instagram: @RealEstateMike02

If this episode gave you new insights or inspiration, please take a moment to rate, follow, and review the show. And don’t forget to share it with a fellow investor! Let’s keep turning properties into profits—together.

In this episode, I dive into a frustrating but all-too-common situation in real estate investing: when a seller ghosts you. I share firsthand experiences—some successful, others not so much—and walk you through the exact steps we take to reconnect, from simple texts to certified letters, and even calling in a wellness check. One case even led to a surprising $32,000 deal!

Whether you’re new to the game or have a few deals under your belt, you’ll want to know how to handle these unpredictable moments with professionalism and care. Because sometimes, it’s not about the deal—it’s about genuinely checking in.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - What to do first when a seller goes silent

[1:28] - Sending a certified letter: polite persistence pays off

[2:04] - The Cleveland case: from ghosted to closed via local police

[3:28] - A tech mishap: how “Do Not Disturb” nearly killed a deal

[4:02] - Lessons from a 90-year-old seller who climbed through a window

[4:46] - A concerning local case and the importance of wellness checks

[5:08] - The full recap: from texts to wellness calls, what really works

[6:10] - The big takeaway: it’s usually not personal—just life happening

Links & Resources

• Follow me on Instagram: @realestatemike02

• Connect on Facebook: Michael Smith

If you found this episode helpful, please rate, follow, and share it with someone who’s navigating the ups and downs of real estate. Your support helps us keep turning properties into profits!