PODCAST · business
Scrubs2Estates Podcast
by Ian Duffy
What’s up, everybody! Welcome to the Scrubs2Estates Podcast—where we help healthcare workers and all 9-to-5ers escape burnout, build wealth, and create financial freedom. Let’s jump in!
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48
Ozempic Nation: The Truth About GLP-1s, Peptides & Rapid Weight Loss w/ Sheldon Martin | E46
Ozempic. Mounjaro. Retatrutide. GLP-1s are completely changing the conversation around obesity, addiction, metabolic health, and weight loss. Some people think these drugs are one of the biggest breakthroughs in modern medicine. Others think we’re moving way too fast.What made this conversation especially interesting for me is I’ve actually used GLP-1s with patients in bedside healthcare for almost 10 years throughout my nursing career, so it was cool being able to approach this from both a healthcare and real-world perspective. In this episode, Sheldon Martin and I break down how these drugs actually work, the diseases they’re changing, side effects, muscle loss, the underground peptide market, and we debunk some of the biggest conspiracies surrounding GLP-1s and peptides.
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47
From ICU to Empire: How I Walked Away from Nursing to Build Millions in Real Estate w/ Anna Mendoza and Ashley Cleary | E45
I did everything I was supposed to do. Went into nursing, built a solid career, made good money, had job security. But over time I started realizing I was really good at making money and terrible at actually growing it. I was capped, burned out, and knew I was not building the life I actually wanted.This episode is from my interview on The Millionaire Blueprint with Anna Mendoza and Ashley Cleary, where I break down how I went from ICU shifts to walking away from the bedside and going all in on real estate development. We get into the mindset shift, the early moves I made while still working, and how I started raising capital and scaling into real ground up projects in San Diego.No fluff, no quit your job tomorrow talk. Just the real story of what it takes to step out of a safe path and start building something bigger. If you have been feeling stuck or know you are capable of more, this one will hit.
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46
How One Burnt Out Doctor Replaced His Income With Car Washes w/ Jay Johal | E46
In this episode, I sit down with Jay, a physician I actually used to work with, who followed the traditional path, built a high income career, and still found himself burned out and stuck trading time for money. We both saw the same realities inside healthcare, the long hours, the pressure, and the feeling that no matter how much you make, you are still tied to your time.We break down what led him to make a pivot most people would never consider, stepping away from medicine and getting into car washes. He walks through how he took underperforming assets, turned them into subscription based businesses, and built a portfolio that now out earns his physician income.We also get into the part nobody talks about, tax strategy, ownership, and how changing how you earn completely changes your outcome. If you are in healthcare or feel stuck on the path you chose, this episode will open your eyes to what is actually possible.
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45
Why Most Brokers Keep Clients Broke (And How Real Advisors Build Clients Wealth) w/ Brady Mullins | E45
In this episode, I sit down with Brady Mullins from CCG to break down what it really means to be an advisor in real estate, not just a broker closing deals. We talk about building a brokerage from scratch, the mistakes most people make early on, and what actually separates people who build real wealth from those who stay transactional.We also walk through a real deal start to finish and highlight where the value is actually created. Big theme in this one is relationships and how they directly impact your growth in this business. If you are trying to level up in real estate, this will shift how you think.
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44
From Pediatric Nurse to Future Hotelier — Lorenzo Mercado’s Journey | E44
Lorenzo Mercado is a pediatric nurse working 24 to 36 hours a week while building toward his long term goal of becoming a hotel owner. Like a lot of people in healthcare, he is not trying to escape overnight. He is playing the long game, using his W2 income to fund his real estate journey while stacking experience along the way.In this episode, we talk about what that actually looks like. From early mornings in the gym to 12 hour shifts at the hospital, to spending his off days analyzing deals, talking to brokers, and working toward his first hotel acquisition. Lorenzo opens up about losing money on flips, what he learned from those experiences, and why he is more focused than ever on building something real in real estate.We also get into the mindset behind doing both. Why he is not rushing to leave nursing, how income stability allows him to be patient, and how working in healthcare has shaped the way he thinks about hospitality. If you are juggling a career and trying to build something on the side, this episode will show you what it really takes to stay disciplined, focused, and committed to the long term vision.
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43
$5M Portfolio, $10M Deals — Why He’s Still Working as a Nurse (The In-Between Phase) w/ Nick Lyon | E43
Nick Lyon is back on the podcast and a lot has changed. When he first came on the podcast, he was a PACU nurse building a 22 unit portfolio and still figuring it out. Fast forward to today… he now owns a $5M+ portfolio, is taking down $10M development deals, and generating around $10K per month in cash flow. But here’s the part nobody talks about, he’s still working as a nurse.In this episode, we break down what actually happened over the last 15 months, from chasing small ADU deals that did not pencil, to stepping into large ground up development projects like our Meade Avenue deals. We get into the mindset shift that changed everything, what it feels like to start thinking bigger, and the in between phase where you are no longer broke, but not fully free yet.We also talk about why he is still working bedside despite the income, what it takes to go from employee to investor, raising capital, and the identity shift that comes with building wealth. If you are a nurse, or anyone feeling stuck in a career you have outgrown, this episode will show you what is possible when you start thinking differently and actually take action.
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42
The Story Behind a 27-Year-Old Serial Entrepreneur with 3 Exits and $175M+ Generated w/ Jordan Calderon | E42
Everyone sees the exits.Nobody sees the chaos it took to get there.This past weekend I drove up to LA to sit down with Jordan Calderon, 27, serial entrepreneur, 3 exits, and over 175M in client revenue generated through StratDev.This was not some clean linear path. We talked about starting with no clue, taking real losses, figuring it out in real time, and what it actually feels like when you are all in with no safety net.We get into what separates people who actually build something from the ones who just talk about it, what most founders completely misunderstand about marketing, and how AI is about to change the game whether you are ready or not.
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41
The Katie Salerni Story: Surviving Abuse, Finding Her Voice, and Building a $2M Business | E41
In this episode I sit down with fitness entrepreneur Katie Salerni.In under a year she built a million dollar fitness brand and she’s on track to do nearly $2M this year. She speaks at events, teaches other entrepreneurs how to scale their businesses online, and has built a huge platform helping women build real confidence.But Katie’s story didn’t start there.She opens up about surviving childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault, and the moment she decided she wasn’t going to stay silent about it anymore. Instead of letting her past define her, she turned it into a voice, a platform, and a mission to help other women trust themselves again.We talk about her time in the Navy, how social media became leverage, what actually helped her scale a business this fast, and how she deals with hate and criticism online.This is a real conversation about resilience, confidence, and what can happen when you stop letting your past control your future.
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40
The ADU Gold Rush with Xavier Rodriguez, COO of ADU Geeks | E40
ADUs have become one of the biggest buzzwords in real estate. Everyone is talking about backyard units and how they can create equity and cash flow.But the truth is ADUs can make a lot of money for some people and for others they can be a terrible investment.In this episode I sat down with Xavier Rodriguez, COO of ADU Geeks. Their company has been in the ADU space since the early days and has completed more than 500 ADU projects since 2020.We talk about how the ADU movement started, when ADUs actually make financial sense, when they don’t, and a lot of the nuances and issues that people don’t talk about when pitching the ADU dream.
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39
How Justin Ducharme Scaled His Cleaning Business from $5K to $100K+ a Month | E39
Justin Ducharme moved from Canada to the U.S., bought a business most people wouldn’t touch, and scaled it from $5,000 a month to over $100,000 a month. That’s the headline. What you don’t see are the nights wondering if payroll would clear, the moments where success still felt off, and the realization that building someone else’s business wasn’t enough.Before entrepreneurship, Justin was already winning. High income, status, stability. But he wanted ownership and was willing to risk comfort to get it. We talk burnout despite success, the leap into ownership, the ugly early months no one posts about, and the mindset shifts required to actually scale.
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38
How I Lost $35,000 in Bali and Why It Was The Best Investment I Ever Made | E37
In this solo episode of the Scrubs2Estates Podcast, I tell the real story of how I lost $35,000 trying to buy a villa in Bali.No blame. No finger pointing. Just ownership. Every decision that led to it was mine.I break down how the deal unfolded, the decisions I made along the way, and the point where it became clear I should have paused but didn’t. I also talk about what it felt like realizing the money was gone and learning how to sit with that without making excuses.This episode is less about losing money and more about accountability, patience, and taking responsibility when things do not go your way.If you have ever taken a risk that did not work out If you have ever lost money chasing something you believed in Or if you are navigating a setback and trying to make sense of itThis one is for you.Sometimes the lesson is expensive. But it moves you forward.
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37
Builder Brian: From the Marines to an 8-Figure Real Estate Portfolio | E38
Did you know only about 13% of veterans ever use their VA home loan benefit even though it’s one of the most powerful wealth building tools out there?In this episode of the Scrubs2Estates Podcast, I sit down with Brian Koons aka Builder Brian. He’s a Marine veteran who used a single VA loan to completely change his life. In just six years, that first deal turned into a real estate portfolio north of eight figures.But this conversation goes way deeper than numbers.We talk about who Brian was before the military, the identity shift after leaving the Marines, and what actually pushes someone from feeling stuck into taking action. We break down how overseeing 500 plus ADU projects at ADU Geeks gave him a massive edge early on, the role of luck versus preparation, and why value add real estate still wins long term.
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36
Why Most Content Fails: Branding, Attention and ROI w/ Andrew Anwar | E36
Everyone is making content right now. Everyone has a camera, everyone is posting... and most people are still invisible or burning money on content that doesn’t do anything for their business. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Anwar, a videographer, brand strategist, and content growth expert who’s worked with major brands like Nike and helped businesses turn content into real revenue...not just likes and views.This conversation isn’t about going viral. It’s about what people are getting wrong about content today, what used to work but doesn’t anymore, and how branding, marketing, and attention actually connect to sales. We break down what’s working right now, what’s a waste of time and money, and how to think about content if you actually want it to drive business, not just fill your feed.
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35
Don’t Buy Real Estate (Until You Understand This) w/ Josh Messieh |E35
Most people grow up hearing the same advice: buy a house, build equity, and you’ll be set for life. In this episode, I sit down with Josh Messiah, a real estate investor and operator with 23 years in the game, to explain why that advice is wrong for most people... especially in high-cost markets like Southern California. Josh is known for saying “Don’t Buy Real Estate,” and it’s not clickbait. His point is simple: buying a primary residence is NOT the same thing as investing, and in many cases your home is a liability, not an asset.We break down why most people confuse lifestyle purchases with investments, why cash-flowing rental properties matter more than appreciation, and what Josh has learned from surviving multiple market cycles — including the wins, the losses, and the mistakes no one talks about. This episode isn’t about convincing you to buy property. It’s about understanding whether you should even be in the game...and if you are, how to play it the right way.
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34
How Adam Rahrer Quit Corporate America and is Building a Cash-Flowing Empire With RV Parks | E34
In this episode, I sit down with Adam Rahrer — the guy who walked away from a six-figure corporate job, stopped flying back and forth to China every month, and built a lifestyle around one of the most underrated assets in real estate: RV parks.We break down how he discovered this niche, why RV parks have some of the strongest cash flow and lowest delinquency rates in the entire real estate world, and how he scaled from zero experience to owning parks that outperform traditional rentals with way less headache.We talk about the moment he realized corporate life was done, what it actually takes to run an RV park, and why this asset class might be one of the most slept-on opportunities for new investors looking for cash flow, control, and a simple operational model.If you’re a nurse, a W-2 professional, or someone trying to break out of the rat race and get into real estate with a strategy that actually works — this episode is going to open your eyes.
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33
How "Cashflow Alexio" Built a $17M Portfolio and Escaped the Rat Race | E33
In this episode I sit down with Alexio Barbara aka "Cashflow Alexio" — the guy who straight up broke out of the rat race and built a $17M portfolio that pays him cash flow while he sleeps. We get into how he learned the game from selling commercial real estate to owning 70+ units, creating real freedom through cash flow, and figuring out how to scale and start a family without losing his mind along the way.We talk about mindset, how to build wealth without overcomplicating it, and how Alexio stays grounded when the pressure hits. If you’re a nurse, a W-2 worker, or just someone trying to escape the hamster wheel… this episode is the blueprint.
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32
Millions Made, Millions Lost, Bitcoin Mining, and Finding Peace Through Faith w/ Colin Yurcisin | E32
In this episode, I sit down with Colin Yurcisin — someone who’s made millions, lost millions, built multiple businesses, dove into Bitcoin mining, and got smacked with a $500K tax bill that forced him to rethink everything. We break down how he used bonus depreciation to rebuild, the real emotional rollercoaster of winning big and losing bigger, and how he eventually found peace through faith when money alone couldn’t fix the chaos. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating the highs, lows, and heavy identity shifts that come with this game, this episode is going to hit you right in the chest.
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31
From a $120K Gamble to a 53-Unit Deal: Ian Lally’s Leap into Real Estate Freedom | E31
In this episode of the Scrubs2Estates Podcast, Ian sits down with Ian Lalley — a former salesman, rock climber, and musician who turned getting fired from multiple jobs into a launchpad for freedom. After putting his entire $120K savings on the line for a six-unit deal that almost fell apart, Ian doubled down instead of backing out. That decision led him to partner with Ranger Real Estate, where he helped scale operations from 100 to 700 units in a year. His story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, creating leverage through relationships, and designing a life that’s truly yours.
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30
From Gucci to Ground-Up: How Michelle Stevenson Went from High-Ticket Sales to Six-Figure Exits Flipping Real Estate | E30
In this episode of the Scrubs2Estates Podcast, Ian sits down with Michelle Stevenson — a powerhouse who went from selling luxury goods at Gucci to making six figures flipping homes. With no college degree or background in construction, Michelle started in high-ticket retail sales before getting her real estate license and working with investors. Watching them make huge profits sparked her curiosity, so she dove in headfirst — learning the fix-and-flip process, showing up on job sites, and mastering the business from the ground up. Fast-forward to today, she’s running her own projects and pulled in $185,000 in just eight weeks on a single flip. This episode is packed with lessons on hustle, self-belief, and building wealth through action — proving that you don’t need a fancy degree to create a life of freedom, just the courage to start.
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29
Lessons from a 20-Year Seasoned Entrepreneur w/ Mark Quesada | E29
In this episode, I sit down with Mark Quesada to unpack two decades of hard-earned lessons in business, leadership, and personal growth. From living out of his car as a teenager to building three successful real estate brokerages across three states, owning his own real estate portfolio, and running multiple businesses — Mark’s story is a masterclass in perseverance and self-belief. We talk about luck, recognizing opportunities when they show up, and the power of relationships — how one handshake can completely change the direction of your life and career.
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28
From Rough Waters to Real Estate: How An Early Life at Sea Built an Unshakable Mindset w/ Nick Rossi | E28
Nick Rossi’s story starts on the water — long days, tough conditions, and a life that demanded discipline and grit. Those years at sea forged the mindset that would later carry him through the unpredictable world of real estate and construction. After suffering an injury that forced him to pivot, Nick doubled down on growth — turning pain into purpose, learning the business from the ground up, and building a portfolio that reflects his resilience.In this episode, we talk about how the lessons from tugboats translated into leadership, how finding the right mentor changed everything, and why Nick is obsessed with putting himself in bigger rooms with bigger thinkers. It’s a story about hard work, humility, and betting on yourself — no matter how rough the waters get.
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27
The Blueprint for Balance: Architect Hector Aramburo on Housing, Design & the NIMBY Debate in San Diego| E27
Architect Hector Aramuro is in the middle of one of San Diego’s biggest challenges — building the city’s future while balancing the debate between affordable housing and overdevelopment. As the designer behind multiple high-infill, Complete Communities projects, Hector’s work quite literally shapes the skyline and the way people will live in the decades ahead.In this episode, we dive into how his upbringing in Mexico influenced his creative eye, how he blends art with code, and what it really means to design housing that’s both beautiful and attainable. Hector shares the realities of being an architect in today’s housing crisis — working between developers, city officials, and neighbors — and how each decision he makes leaves a lasting imprint on San Diego’s future.
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26
From Medical Sales to Million Dollar Side Hustles: How Sales Built the Foundation for Financial Freedom | E26
In this episode, I sit down with Austin Long — a full-time Stryker rep and part-time real estate investor out of rural West Virginia. We talk about how learning sales early became the ultimate meta-skill that set him up to win in both business and investing. Austin shares how living below his means gave him freedom, how he built his first deals while working full-time, and why waiting for the “right time” is just an excuse. If you want something in life, you’ve got to reach out and grab it — Austin’s story proves exactly that.
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25
Leaving Nursing For Freedom, Wealth & Real Estate Development: Ian Duffy on "The Lo-Down" Podcast | E25
In this episode of The Lo-Down, I sit down with my friend and fellow nurse, Lorenzo Mercado, for a raw conversation about my journey through healthcare and beyond. We talk about the early experiences that shaped me, what it was like grinding through the chaos of COVID, and how burnout became the wake-up call that pushed me to change direction.I share why I built a plan to leave nursing, what I’ve come to see in a healthcare system that feels more “for profit” than for patients, and how I made the leap into real estate development and entrepreneurship. Along the way, we dive into the struggles, lessons, and goals that keep me moving forward as I work to build something outside the hospital walls.It’s unfiltered, honest, and real — a conversation about burnout, reinvention, and the courage it takes to chase a different future in completely uncharted waters.
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24
From Living in Motels to Multifamily: A Marine Vet’s Quadplex Come-Up w/ James Deleon | E24
This one hits hard and true. I sit down with my friend James DeLeon—a 31-year-old Marine vet who grew up hopping from motel to motel, never knowing what “home” even meant. The Marines gave him purpose. Then COVID hit and he leveraged his VA loan to score his first quadplex. That one bold move didn’t just give him a building—it gave him confidence, a full-time pivot into real estate investing, and a three-million-dollar-plus portfolio in just a few years. In this episode, we dig into identity, resilience, and the moment one property turned everything around. It’s about finding home inside yourself. This is a story of the come-up—and how pushing for something bigger builds something real. Raw. Real. Relatable.
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23
From Locked Up to Leveling Up: Harlan Shelton & Robs Galakhov's Real Estate Redemption | E23
This episode is all about mindset, transformation, and the daily non-negotiables that pulled Harlan and Rob out of rock bottom and turned their struggles into the driving force behind creating their dream life. We break down the mental shifts that helped them rebuild their identity, the routines and habits that keep them moving forward, and how they’ve learned to use discipline as a tool instead of a punishment. You’ll hear how they turned adversity into opportunity, built momentum through small, consistent actions, and transitioned from hustling for flips to tackling larger-scale real estate projects. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn setbacks into setups for success, this conversation will show you exactly how to make your past the fuel for your future.
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22
Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, Bonus Depreciation & Tax Loopholes You Need to Know | Ryan Bakke E22
Ryan Bakke is not your average CPA—he’s also a real estate investor who actually walks the walk. In this episode, we cut through the fluff and break down the tax game for high W-2 earners, business owners, and real estate investors. We dive deep into Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and how the 2025 tax changes are reshaping the strategies smart investors are using to keep more of what they earn. We talk about bonus depreciation and how to use it before it phases out, Section 179 and the 6,000-pound vehicle deduction, short-term rental loopholes, and how real estate professional status (REPS) can change everything—especially for married couples where one spouse works and the other manages real estate. Ryan also breaks down how this new bill might actually stimulate the real estate market and why doing your own taxes is costing you thousands. If you're tired of giving half your income to the IRS, this episode is your blueprint to level up your tax strategy and keep more of what you make.
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21
From Bodybuilder to Flipper—How COVID Pushed Him Into the Family Business | Austin Cole E21
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Austin Cole—a former bodybuilder and solar hustler who’s now flipping houses full-time and building serious momentum in real estate.Austin shares how the chaos of COVID pushed him to finally get his license and step into the family business. But it wasn’t overnight success—he spent years learning from his dad, making little to no money while paying his dues. Now, he’s scaling a flipping operation that’s funding his future in multifamily and ground-up development.We talk about what it means to embrace the season of no—cutting out distractions, staying sober, and locking in on your long-term vision. This episode is all about the power of discipline, resilience, and using flipping as a stepping stone to build real wealth.If you’re an entrepreneur grinding through your learning phase or thinking about how to turn active income into passive freedom, you’ll feel this one.
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20
Flipping Real Estate, Finding Yourself & Redefining the Definition of Success | Peter Eberhardt E20
In this episode, we go deep. Peter Eberhardt isn’t just a real estate investor—he’s someone who’s done the inner work to figure out who he is and what success really means.A former BMX athlete who once had Olympic dreams, Peter started his real estate journey by driving Uber to fund his first deal. Now flipping houses in Bakersfield, California, his story is one of transformation—not just in business, but in life.We dive into the mental side of entrepreneurship: how to improve relationships, release anger, lead a team with empathy, and stay grounded through it all. This episode isn’t just about flipping real estate—it’s about flipping your mindset and becoming someone you're proud of.If you're building a business and working on becoming your best self at the same time, this one will hit home.
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19
Why You Shouldn’t Do Your Own Taxes: Real Estate Tax Strategies with a CPA Who Gets It | Tony Hoong aka the "CPA Dude" E19
In this episode, we sit down with a CPA who’s not your average number cruncher. He specializes in strategy, not just filing. We dive deep into powerful tax loopholes—especially around real estate and short-term rentals—and break down how high-earning W-2 and 1099 professionals are legally reducing their tax bills. Whether you’re an investor, healthcare worker, or just someone tired of overpaying Uncle Sam, this episode will change how you think about taxes.Spoiler: If you’re still doing your own taxes, you’re probably leaving tens of thousands on the table.
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18
Scaling Startups & Stacking Rentals: The Nicole Bansal Blueprint | E18
Nicole Bansal is the definition of doing it all—without losing her mind. By day, she’s a high-level marketing exec helping startups scale fast. By night (and weekends), she’s flipping homes, managing Airbnbs, investing in real estate, and raising a family in San Diego. In this episode, we dive into how she’s built a life that balances career, family, and financial freedom—and why she believes real estate is the most powerful tool for reclaiming your time.We talk about how she transitioned from startup grind to side investing, how she built systems that support both marketing growth and property income, and what it really takes to make money while working full-time. Whether you’re a tech founder, busy professional, or just someone trying to break free from the 9-5, Nicole breaks it all down in a way that’s real, relatable, and tactical as hell.
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17
Breaking Into The Game: How We Got Started in Real Estate With Zero Experience | Eva Goetze E17
Thinking about getting into real estate but have no idea where to start? This episode is for you.Eva Goetze and I both started from ground zero—no experience, no connections, just curiosity and a willingness to figure it out. In this conversation, we break down exactly how we got started, what steps we took early on, and how we overcame imposter syndrome and analysis paralysis.If you're on day one of your journey, take notes—this episode is packed with simple, real-life strategies to help you build momentum, get in the right rooms, and start building your future in real estate.
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16
House Hacking 101: How We Bought Our First Home in San Diego Without Being Rich | Paulina Garcia E16
In this episode, I sit down with my girlfriend Paulina — a Mexican immigrant who moved to the U.S. just five years ago with a dream of owning a home in America. That dream felt nearly impossible in a place like San Diego… until we learned how to play the game differently.When I moved here as a travel nurse, I also thought homeownership was out of reach. But through creative strategies like co-living, high-leverage loans, and house hacking, we turned that dream into reality.Together, we break down how we bought our first property, built over $80,000 in equity in just 18 months, and now live for below-market rent — all while laying the foundation for long-term wealth.We get into the good, the bad, and the hilarious realities of living with roommates, and how we used cost segregation studies, appreciation, and loan pay-down to turn our primary home into an investment vehicle.If you’re tired of renting, think San Diego is too expensive, or want to know how real people are building wealth through real estate — this one’s for you. From finding the right property to financing it, living in it, and learning from the chaos, this is your A-to-Z crash course on house hacking done right.
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15
"The King of Debt" – How Jack McColl Cracked the Code to Credit Stacking and Building His Dream Life | E15
Jack McColl, known as the “King of Debt,” built over $300,000 in 0% interest business credit and used it to unlock the kind of lifestyle most people only dream about. In this episode, Jack breaks down exactly how he leveraged credit to fund business ventures, travel the world in first class using credit card points, and live life completely on his terms. From jet-setting across the globe to flying top-tier airlines for next to nothing, Jack shares how he turned strategic credit into freedom, opportunity, and serious wealth. If you’re stuck thinking debt is bad, this episode will flip everything you thought you knew.
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14
From Ashes to Architecture: How Preston Dubreville Designs Luxury Spec Homes for the 1% | E14
What happens when your childhood home burns to the ground… and you watch it rise again, piece by piece?For Preston Dubreville, it sparked a lifelong obsession with design, construction, and the emotional weight that homes carry. Today, he’s one of Southern California’s most elite luxury spec home designers — building ultra-modern mansions for the ultra-wealthy.In this episode, we dive into Preston’s origin story, how personal tragedy shaped his creative eye, and what it takes to thrive in one of real estate’s most exclusive niches. From timeless design to high-stakes builds, this is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and building at the highest level.
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13
From Haiti to Housing Deals: How Carl Dumesle Built a Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Empire in 5 | E13
Carl Dumesle is a Haitian immigrant and UCSD alum who’s gone all-in on the real estate game, and it shows. In just five years, he’s built a multi-million dollar portfolio, launched his own property management company, and is now mentoring the next generation of investors and developers. In this episode, we dive into how Carl found his passion, became obsessed with development, and how we teamed up on a 16-unit project in Kensington, San Diego that’s projected to force over $2.4 million in equity in just 24 months. This one’s full of game for anyone looking to build fast, build smart, and build with purpose.
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12
$136M and Counting: The San Diego Mortgage Power Couple Who Get Sh*t Done | E12
From Chicago hustle to San Diego domination — meet Mike & Tracy Cain, the mortgage broker power couple who closed $136 million in loans in 2024. They’re #1 at C2 Financial nationwide, #11 in the country for VA loans, and living proof that hard work and great service never go out of style. We talk mindset, marriage in business, what it takes to win in the lending world, and why San Diego is the dream.
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11
From Burnt Out Sales Exec to High-Performance Coach: The Rise of The Morning Hero | Jarvis Leverson E11
In this episode of The Scrubs to Estates Podcast, I sit down with Jarvis Leverson — keynote speaker, business coach, and creator of The Morning Hero. Before helping thousands of entrepreneurs unlock peak performance, Jarvis was a burnt-out sales executive grinding through 80-hour weeks. Hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild his life — and in the process, he created a system that helps others win their mornings and master their time.We break down the Win Every Day framework, why waking up at 5AM gives you a massive edge, and how to create unshakable consistency without burning out. Jarvis shares how he engineered a life of health, wealth, and freedom — not by working harder, but by working smarter and with intention.If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this conversation is your wake-up call. Whether you're a nurse, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a bigger life, this episode will show you what’s possible when you stop reacting and start living with purpose.
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10
From Spanish Class Teacher to Short-Term Rental Empire: Billy Perez’s Crazy and Accidental Start to His Real Estate Journey | Billy Perez E10
Billy Perez was once a middle school Spanish teacher with a passion for helping people. But when he “accidentally” house hacked his way into owning a short-term rental, everything changed. Fast forward to today — Billy owns 5 Airbnbs, operates a property management company overseeing 35+ short-term rentals, and even runs a vending machine side hustle on the side.In this episode, we talk about what it really means to burn the boats and bet on yourself. Billy shares how entrepreneurship has allowed him to help more people than he ever could from a classroom, what it took to scale his portfolio, and the mindset shift that started it all. Whether you’re a burnt-out W-2 worker or a dreamer ready to make a move, Billy’s story will light a fire in you.
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9
From College Athlete to La Jolla Luxury - How Sanjay Solomon Sold a $17M Home Out the Gate | E9
From baseball fields and skateparks to selling $17 million homes in La Jolla, Sanjay’s journey into luxury real estate sounds like something out of Selling Sunset. In this episode, we dive into how a college athlete with zero real estate experience broke into San Diego’s most exclusive market during the pandemic — and never looked back.Sanjay shares how he landed his very first deal at a jaw-dropping $17 million, what it actually takes to gain trust in ultra-high-net-worth circles, and the mindset shift that helped him go from “rookie” to luxury insider. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to sell $10M+ homes without a track record, this episode gives you the secret sauce.
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8
From Living In A Garage to Building a $15,000,000 Real Estate Portfolio at 28 | Keyan Chang E8
From Living in a Garage to Owning 100+ Doors with Keyan Chang...At just 28, Keyan Chang has built a $15 million real estate portfolio with over 100 doors—but his journey wasn’t easy. From studying electrical engineering to switching to sales for better income, Keyan hustled his way up, even living in a garage to pay his way through college. In this episode, he shares how he went from struggling student to multimillionaire investor before 30. Tune in to hear his story, the strategies he used to scale, and how you can apply the same principles to build wealth through real estate.
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7
Why I Decided to Transition out of Nursing to Become a Real Estate Investor (solo) | E7
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a career you don’t love, just because it’s the "safe" path? In this episode, I break down why I walked away from healthcare—despite making over $250K/year as a travel nurse—and why real estate became my new vehicle for financial freedom.
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6
From Immigrant to Entrepreneur Who Took the San Diego Real Estate Community By Storm | Till Schmidt E6
Till Schmidt, a German immigrant and former fitness pro, made a bold career shift into real estate—and in just one year, he’s become a well-known name in the industry here in San Diego. Now leading a community built around pickleball and real estate, he helps agents scale their businesses through presale renovations and expert strategies at Keller Williams.In this episode, we dive into his rapid rise into the San Diego real estate space, the power of networking, and how he’s changing the game for agents and their clients. Don’t miss it!
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5
From Senior Photos to Million-Dollar Clients - Brandon Fortino’s Creative Hustle Into Real Estate | E5
In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Fortino, an Indonesian immigrant and SDSU alum who turned his passion for content creation into a thriving business. Now the go-to content expert in San Diego, Brandon helps millionaires and entrepreneurs scale through strategic videography, photography, and social media.We dive into his journey, the power of storytelling in business, and how great content drives real revenue. If you’re looking to grow your brand, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!
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4
The Underwriting God: How TJ Miller Is Taking Over Real Estate Before 25 | E4
In this episode, we chat with TJ Miller, a 23-year-old entrepreneur making waves in San Diego’s real estate scene. After moving to the city for college, TJ connected with top industry players and now works as a property manager, mastering leasing, sales, development, and construction.Known as the “Underwriting God,” TJ leads our weekly underwriting calls with unmatched expertise. We talk about taking calculated risks, big swings at the plate, and our 10-year plans, as TJ shares how he’s preparing to invest in an out-of-state multifamily portfolio.A must-listen for anyone looking to level up in real estate!
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3
From Silicon Valley to STR Savvy: How One Programmer Is Cracking the Wealth Code | Darryl Lang E3
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Darryl, a software engineer and real estate investor with two rental properties. We dive into breaking free from the traditional educational mold, shifting your mindset, and thinking bigger. Darryl shares his journey as a hungry entrepreneur who defied expectations, proving wrong those who doubted him in high school, and thriving in college and beyond. We also explore the power of your network in achieving your goals. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about resilience and ambition!
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2
From PACU to Private Lending: How Mike Anguiano Is Flipping the Script on His Nursing Career | E2
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Anguiano, a nurse turned real estate investor specializing in hard money lending and creative financing for flips, developments, and acquisitions. We dive into the power of mindset, deciding to make a change, and realizing we’re made for more. Mike shares the value of backyard community, finding mentors, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to level up. This is a must-listen for anyone ready to take the next step toward a bigger life!
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1
From Burnt-Out RN to 22 Doors: Nick Lyon’s Escape Plan Through Real Estate | E1
In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Nick Lyon, a PACU nurse and real estate investor with an impressive portfolio of 22 units. Starting his journey in Hartford, Connecticut, Nick has mastered the art of juggling per diem nursing—earning $150K a year—with building multiple cash-flowing properties that are buying back his time and creating long-term wealth.We dive into Nick’s nursing background, including unforgettable COVID stories from the frontlines, and what it means to step into the role of an entrepreneur. Nick shares his mission to help burnt-out healthcare workers like himself navigate the world of real estate investing, showing how it’s possible to break free from the grind and take control of your future.If you’re a healthcare professional looking for a way to reclaim your time, find balance, and start investing in your financial freedom, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a roadmap to get started.Don’t miss this powerful kickoff to our podcast series! 🎙️
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What’s up, everybody! Welcome to the Scrubs2Estates Podcast—where we help healthcare workers and all 9-to-5ers escape burnout, build wealth, and create financial freedom. Let’s jump in!
HOSTED BY
Ian Duffy
CATEGORIES
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