This week on High Stakes Deals, we break down our recent 3-day water fast, what we learned from it, and how discipline and discomfort translate directly into better business decisions.

We also dive into:

• 50-year mortgages and housing affordability

• New ideas to stimulate the real estate market

• Why we brought property management in-house

• Hiring our first C-suite executive

• Taking calculated risks to scale faster

Real talk on health, money, and building long-term wealth.

Today’s episode is basically Real Estate Lending 101… and 401 at the same time. Brandon and Greg break down the difference between good deals and great ones, and how leverage, loans, and using other people’s money can completely change the outcome.

They get into residential vs. commercial financing, why loan terms matter more than people think, and how the commercial lending space is getting way more competitive right now. Fixed vs. variable rates, when refinancing actually makes sense, bridge loans, and why the right capital structure can make or break a deal — it’s all covered.

If you’ve ever nodded along in a real estate conversation but secretly felt like you needed a glossary… this episode’s for you.

Is it better to be the bank than the broker? In this quick-hitting mini episode of High Stakes Deals, Brandon and Greg pick the brain of lender and real estate pro Kendell Angeles. They’re talking 2026 interest rate predictions, the strategic move to go national, and whether growing a portfolio really gets tougher the bigger you get. Kendell also shares the one piece of advice he gives every investor: get a killer accountant. Tune in for the insights—no fluff, just the good stuff.

In this mini episode, Kendall Angeles breaks down his real entry into real estate — no shortcuts, just persistence. From literally knocking his way into the industry to getting his start in mortgages with The Mortgage Guys, Kendall shares how learning the finance side first gave him an edge most new investors don’t have. It’s a real conversation about hustle, betting on yourself, and building a foundation before scaling in real estate. Perfect for anyone trying to break in without a roadmap.

In this episode of High Stakes Deals, we sit down with Kendell Angeles, a young entrepreneur whose path into real estate started far from traditional. Kendall began his career in app development as a technical project manager at Walmart, where he gained early exposure to large-scale systems, strategy, and problem-solving.

While still an undergrad, Kendell made his first real estate move by purchasing a home—an experience that completely shifted his perspective once he sold it and realized the financial upside real estate could offer. That moment sparked a transition out of tech and into mortgage lending, where his background in accounting and numbers gave him a strong foundation to understand deals from the inside out.

From there, Kendell set his sights on real estate brokerage, following and learning from brokers at The Brokerage Guys and doing whatever it took to get his foot in the door. He shares honest conversations around self-doubt, betting on yourself, and why marketing and personal branding matter more than ever in today’s real estate world.

We also talk about his plans to continue buying property, expanding into nationwide deals, and building a long-term real estate career rooted in strategy, visibility, and execution. If you’re navigating a career pivot or trying to break into real estate from the outside, this episode delivers real insight.

In today's mini episode Gabe Cole joins High Stakes Deals to break down the truth behind brokerage models — big names vs boutiques vs online brokerages like REAL and eXp. We talk commission splits, caps, support, and how to decide what actually makes sense for your stage of business. If you’re an agent questioning where your money’s going, this episode brings clarity.

Marketing isn’t what it used to be—and that’s not a bad thing.

In this High Stakes Deals mini episode, Brandon chats with Gabe Cole about the evolution of marketing, from direct mail and flyers to social media and modern relationship-driven business. Gabe shares how consistency and credibility have become the real drivers of growth, and why most of his work today comes from word of mouth.

If you’re building a brand, investing in your business, or wondering how to stay relevant in a crowded market, this quick episode is packed with real-world perspective and practical insight.

In this mini episode, Greg and Brandon break down one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in construction: how much to pay a contractor upfront.

They talk through smart down payments, when retainers make sense, how to negotiate payment terms, and why structured payouts tied to milestones can protect you on any renovation or flip. If you’re hiring contractors and want to avoid delays, leverage disputes, or straight-up getting burned, this one’s a must-listen.