In this guest episode, I sit down with the Investor Syndicate Podcast to share how I went from working in hotel management to building two successful real estate businesses—Columbia Cash Home Buyers and the REI Deal Finders community. We unpack the mindset, marketing, and systems that helped me go from side-hustling rentals to leading a values-driven team doing consistent deals.

This conversation is full of actionable insights—from how we hire based on DISC profiles to how we guide sellers through the "pain train" to find win-win outcomes. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure where to start, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and the next steps to move forward in your investing journey.

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:22] – My journey from hospitality burnout to real estate investing

[4:04] – The book that changed everything and sparked our pivot

[5:06] – Why wholesaling gave us the ability to go full-time

[8:14] – The mindset mistake most new investors make

[10:12] – Belief drives action—why you must build it first

[12:15] – Firing myself from acquisitions (and why it saved the business)

[15:18] – Hiring with DISC profiles and building a values-first team

[17:09] – How we break down marketing lists for better results

[20:25] – Guiding sellers through emotion to clarity: the "pain train"

[22:51] – Why we rebranded to Deal Finders—and what it really means

[24:53] – The free lead source that brings us 25–30% of our deals

[27:16] – Building a business that runs without me

[30:22] – Final advice for beginners: stop comparing and start doing

1. Belief comes before results—build confidence through consistent action
2. Your first hires should match your weaknesses, not your comfort zone
3. The right seller conversations create deals—listen more, pitch less
4. You don't need more tools—you need a tighter focus and execution
5. Community, coaching, and clarity will shorten your learning curve

• DealFindersClub.com – Join the community, get training, and schedule your free strategy call

If this episode helped you see what's possible, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. And if you're ready to get around the right people and do your next deal—reach out. We're here to help.

Let's go get that next deal.

In this episode of The PETE Podcast, I sit down with Mike Banks, COO of Fund&Grow, to talk about how real estate investors and entrepreneurs can access 0% interest business credit to grow faster—without taking on risky personal debt. Mike breaks down the mechanics of business credit cards, how to qualify, and how Fund&Grow helps clients secure between $50K–$250K in funding—even with average credit.

We discuss the most common misconceptions about credit, how to strategically use business cards for real estate deals, and what sets apart investors who scale from those who stall. Whether you're trying to launch a business, fund a deal, or just get your cash flow working harder, this episode is packed with practical funding strategies that most entrepreneurs overlook.

[0:00] – Meet Mike Banks, COO of Fund&Grow: helping clients secure over $1.6B in funding

[2:12] – What Fund&Grow does—and how 0% business credit works

[4:01] – The #1 mistake people make with credit (and how to fix it fast)

[5:48] – Why most entrepreneurs are underfunded, not over-leveraged

[7:00] – Using business credit to buy time, improve cash flow, and scale

[9:22] – Common myths about business credit and how to legally separate it from personal

[10:43] – What credit profile you need to qualify for $50K–$250K

[12:35] – When (and how) to start building business credit even with a new LLC

[14:04] – How Fund&Grow's team helps clients apply, stack, and manage multiple 0% cards

[15:59] – Fund&Grow fees, structure, and what you get with the done-for-you model

[17:48] – Creative ways clients are using funding: flips, marketing, BRRRR deals, education

[20:36] – Fund&Grow's track record and the kinds of clients they serve best

[22:01] – Real talk: how to use funding responsibly to create real ROI

[23:46] – Mike's favorite strategy: using 0% credit to invest in lead gen and scale quickly

[25:30] – What makes Fund&Grow different from credit repair or "gurus" promising easy money

[27:19] – How to get started: Fund&Grow's free consultation and next steps

[29:13] – Final tips: mindset, timing, and being open to creative capital

1. Business credit is not the same as personal credit. Used correctly, it won't impact your personal FICO and doesn't report to personal bureaus.
2. You can access up to $250K at 0% interest—even with average credit. With the right structure and help, this is achievable for most entrepreneurs.
3. Funding buys time. You can use credit to invest in high-ROI activities like marketing or acquisitions without touching savings.
4. Fund&Grow is not credit repair. It's a full-service, done-for-you strategy to help you qualify and stack multiple 0% cards.
5. Education + execution = results. Clients who follow the guidance and use funds strategically see the biggest ROI.

• Fund&Grow Free Consultation – www.fundandgrow.com
• Over $1.6B in funding secured for entrepreneurs
• Common uses: marketing, real estate deals, flipping, BRRRRs, education, and cash flow

Closing Remark

If this episode changed how you think about funding, go check out fundandgrow.com/pete and book a free consultation. Don't forget to rate, follow, and review the PETE Podcast—and share this episode with someone who needs to level up their capital strategy.

In this episode, I share my story from being burnt out in hospitality to building a thriving real estate business and founding the Deal Finders Club. Originally featured on the Breakaway Wealth podcast with Jim Oliver, we dive into what it really takes to break away from the 9–5 and build lasting wealth through real estate—even if you're starting with little money, limited time, and a whole lot of doubt.

You'll hear how I went from scraping together our first few rentals to scaling a portfolio that allowed my wife to retire in just two years. We talk about real numbers, real struggles, and the mindset it takes to succeed in a world that often tells you to play it safe. If you've ever wondered whether real estate investing is still possible "in this market," this episode is for you.

[0:00] – Introudction

[1:15] – How I stumbled into real estate out of desperation and a desire for freedom

[2:35] – The reality of bad buys, no cash flow, and DIY property management

[4:10] – The moment my wife and I decided we were either all in—or all out

[4:45] – How we added 34 doors in two years and hit our goal of full-time freedom

[6:14] – Why real estate has to be treated like a business if you want it to work

[7:00] – Starting with a $30K loan and flipping our way into rentals

[8:20] – Why most people fail: not a lack of deals, but a lack of belief and clarity

[9:12] – How the Deal Finders Club was born (and why it's about local opportunities)

[13:32] – Why "you can't buy real estate right now" is a myth—and always has been

[15:12] – The two ways to buy real estate right: at a discount or for cash flow

[17:48] – How to connect with me directly and get the support you need

[20:27] – The best advice I've ever received—and why you can't quit

1. You don't need perfect timing—you need the right mindset and strategy.
2. Flipping can be a tool—not the goal—for building long-term rental wealth.
3. Mentorship and community fast-track your success and cut down mistakes.
4. Opportunities are everywhere—but only if your eyes and mind are open.
5. The path is hard, but it's worth it. Success starts when you refuse to quit.
   
   

• DealFindersClub.com – Join the community or grab free resources

• Phone/Text: 803-216-5750 – Best way to reach me directly

If this episode resonated with you, please follow, share, and leave a review. And if you're serious about doing your first—or next—deal, reach out. I'd love to connect.

Let's go find your next deal.