Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler

Marcus Crigler
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler is the #1 podcast for real estate entrepreneurs who make good money but struggle with cash flow, tax planning, and building real wealth. If you're tired of living deal to deal, wondering where your money goes, and paying too much in taxes, this show will transform how you manage your real estate business finances.Host Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO Services, helps real estate investors escape financial stress by implementing proven wealth-building systems, advanced tax strategies, and cash flow management techniques that turn chaotic finances into predictable profit machines.Real estate wholesalers, fix and flip investors, and rental property owners making six or seven figures but still living paycheck to paycheck will discover how to stop constantly chasing the next deal. If you're overwhelmed by bookkeeping, financial management, and paying massive tax bills without knowing how to reduce them legally, you're ready to stop surviving and start building generational wealth.Every episode delivers actionable strategies on real estate tax planning, business cash flow optimization, wealth building for entrepreneurs, and financial systems that create freedom. Learn real estate tax deductions, legal tax avoidance strategies, cash flow forecasting, business budgeting for real estate investors, profit and loss analysis, entity structuring for tax benefits, and wealth building strategies beyond closing deals.Most real estate entrepreneurs focus on deal flow but ignore money flow. They hire accountants who only file taxes instead of providing proactive tax planning. Marcus shows you how to keep more of what you make, reduce your tax burden legally, and create financial systems that work whether you close one deal or ten deals per month.Listen to case studies of real estate investors who've saved $50K+ in taxes annually, built seven-figure net worth, and achieved financial freedom. Learn from entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses from cash-hungry operations into wealth-generating machines.This isn't just spreadsheets and tax codes. It's about creating a real estate business that supports your lifestyle, reduces financial stress, and builds lasting wealth. Marcus addresses the mindset shifts, business systems, and financial habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those stuck in survival mode.If you like The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Money Rahab with Nicole Lapin, The Dave Ramsey Show, or The Rich Dad Radio Show, you'll love Strength in Numbers.Subscribe now and join thousands of real estate professionals who've discovered that true wealth doesn’t come from closing more deals, but from keeping more of what you make. Stop living deal to deal. Start building wealth that lasts.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 64: The Hidden Financial Problem Killing Real Estate Investors - Part 2

    In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler continues the conversation on the hidden financial problems that quietly destroy real estate businesses. Listen as they break down why so many investors stay stuck in the hustle cycle, how expanding too fast creates cash flow problems, and why reserves matter more than revenue. They also talk about today’s “earn it” market, where operators can no longer rely on luck and instead need sharper systems, tighter operations, and stronger financial discipline. You’ll also hear practical insights on business ratios, forecasting, taxes, cash flow timing, and what separates investors who survive from those who thrive. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Build reserves before scaling your businessTrack the right financial ratios to protect your profitsAvoid cash flow traps that kill businessesCreate a stronger business in today’s market What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:30) The pattern every entrepreneur goes through (02:16) Most investors stay stuck in the hustle phase (03:02) Getting out of the hustle phase (03:43) The “secure phase” in your business (04:44) Why expansion becomes easier with reserves in place (05:06) You grow your expenses with reserves (06:33) The long-term investment stage that real estate investors want to reach (07:09) The problem of expanding the business too fast (09:10) The “earn it” market for investors (14:47) Why today’s market still creates opportunities for strong operators (18:14) Better products and smarter upgrades attract buyers faster (20:50) Lower-priced homes are struggling in today’s market (23:44) The “wine fridge” strategy explained (26:13) Studying the buyer instead of running on autopilot (28:39) Using KPIs and ratios to spot problems early (30:00) Three distinct expense categories in a business (32:26) Understanding current ratio and working capital (34:40) Why forecasting is critical in real estate investing (36:15) The importance of reserves (39:32) How tax strategy changes as income grows (40:34) Bonus depreciation and cost segregation explained (44:47) A real client story about saving taxes while increasing liquidity Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors who are trying to improve profitabilityHouse flippers and operators managing growthEntrepreneurs stuck in survival modeBusiness owners who want stronger cash flow and reserves Why You Should Listen: This episode is a practical breakdown of what causes financial stress inside growing real estate businesses and how disciplined operators avoid it. Marcus and his guest share real-world strategies around reserves, forecasting, hiring, profitability, and tax planning that can help investors build businesses that survive changing markets. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    49 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Episode 63: The Hidden Financial Problem Killing Real Estate Investors - Part 1

    There is a hidden financial issue that can kill real estate investors. It is not about deals, funding, or market conditions. In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with James to unpack a problem most real estate investors don't see coming until it's too late. Poor bookkeeping, unclear cash flow, and a lack of planning eventually led to a painful moment: a tax bill they didn’t expect and couldn’t afford. Listen as Marcus breaks down why this happens, how real estate entrepreneurs unknowingly put themselves at risk, and what it takes to run a real business and not just hustle for deals. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Avoid surprise tax bills that can wreck your cash flowUnderstand your numbers to keep your profitsBuild a real financial systemWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:47) What a fractional CFO actually does (03:38) Accounting is really about simplifying your life (05:35) The real reason behind the name of the BEC CFO (07:40) The problem with first-time business owners in real estate (08:47) Requirements of the business (09:32) "Box of receipts" doesn't work anymore for sophisticated business owners (11:15) Accounting as the “language of business.” (14:24) Why having the right financial team changes everything (16:29) The common mistake of hiring cheap bookkeeping help (18:31) When to outsource vs. build an in-house finance team (19:33) How a full financial back office supports long-term growth (21:23) Waiting too long to fix your numbers creates bigger problems (22:58) Successful-looking investors still struggling financially Who This Episode Is For: Entrepreneurs who don’t fully understand their numbers yetReal estate investors who deal with tax or cash flow issuesAnyone building a real estate business who wants to do it rightWhy You Should Listen: This episode is a wake-up call. Fixing your numbers this early can save you from costly mistakes and set you up for long-term success. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    26 min

  3. MAY 1

    Episode 62: Why Landlords Stay Broke (Even With 20+ Properties) with Eddie Speed

    In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Eddie Speed breaks down a hard truth most real estate investors don’t want to hear. Many landlords with 20, 50, or even 100 properties are still stuck, underpaid, and overwhelmed. Listen as he shares how he built his career by focusing on note investing instead of traditional landlording. He also explains the real math behind rentals, the hidden problem of trapped equity, and why many investors are working harder for smaller returns. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Get started with note investingAvoid the common traps that keep landlords stuckTransition from active income to scalable and passive incomeThink like a bank instead of a traditional investor What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:01) Introduction to Eddie Speed and his background in note investing (04:49) The reality of “rocks in the road” and why most people quit (06:32) What an owner-financed note actually is (07:08) Working with real estate investors (07:30) The difference between compliant vs risky seller financing (08:50) Some notes are assets and others are liabilities (10:28) Liquidity matters when creating notes (13:50) The tax trap: depreciation and recapture explained (15:15) Seller financing can improve tax strategy (17:21) Rental math vs note math (20:01) Why being the bank can double your income (23:08) The power of reinvesting and compounding income (24:12) Hustler vs investor (26:49) Different ways to structure and sell notes (28:38) The “underserved” buyer market (31:20) The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (34:04) How to seller finance with an existing mortgage (39:06) The future of notes and blockchain technology (45:21) People who don't know their numbers don't know their business Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors with growing rental portfolios but low returnsLandlords who are feeling burned out from managing propertiesInvestors looking to increase cash flowAnyone curious about note investing and seller financing Why You Should Listen: This episode challenges one of the biggest assumptions in real estate. Eddie offers a clear alternative path through note investing and seller financing. If you want to stop chasing small returns and start building a scalable, predictable income, this conversation will open your eyes to a different way of investing. Connect with Eddie Speed: Website: https://eddiespeed.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoteauthority/  Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    49 min

  4. APR 28

    Episode 61: Why Your Business Feels Tight Right Now (And What to Fix) with Bentley Pugh

    If your business feels tighter than usual with less cash, slower deals, and more pressure, this episode is a must-listen! For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor Bentley Pugh to unpack what’s going on behind the scenes when a business starts to feel squeezed. Listen as he discusses taking full accountability, resolving cash flow issues, and returning to the fundamentals that built his business in the first place. He also breaks down how he’s restructuring deals, improving financial visibility, and why strong operators win by adjusting when the market changes. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Manage cash flow during a business slowdownAdjust deal structures to bring in faster cashBuild multiple income streams within real estateStay disciplined with proper cash management What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:48) Introducing Bentley Pugh and his background (04:34) How infill lot development works in Seattle (05:59) Why rising interest rates slowed the market (07:31) Adapting your business instead of blaming the market (09:44) Land deals are more complex than traditional flips (11:57) Competition and challenges in land acquisition (13:29) Avoiding shiny object syndrome in business (15:09) Vertical integration and deal optimization (16:33) How Bentley got into private lending (19:24) Bentley's "One Big Deal" (20:28) Choosing cash flow over quick profits (25:07) The importance of detailed budgeting per property (26:55) Creating a forward-looking cash flow tracking system (30:08) Bentley's advice for better results in business Who This Episode is For: Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of being brokeInvestors dealing with slower deals or tighter marginsEntrepreneurs who feel plateaued in their businessAnyone struggling with inconsistent cash flow Why You Should Listen: This episode serves as a real-world reminder that small decisions can add up. Taking your foot off the gas, ignoring your numbers, or bending your own rules can slowly create pressure in your business. Connect with Bentley Pugh: Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentley-pugh-b180504/  Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    33 min

  5. APR 24

    Episode 60: Why High-Income Investors Overpay in Taxes (And How to Stop)

    Most investors think real estate is all about cash flow. But the ones who actually build wealth? They understand the tax game. This episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in real estate: depreciation, and how it can legally reduce your tax bill in a big way. You will learn why buying and holding real estate is key, how an appreciating asset can still generate paper losses, and how to utilize these strategies effectively. If you’ve ever heard terms like “cost segregation” or “bonus depreciation” and felt confused, this conversation finally clarifies them. Listen and enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Understand why passive investing isn’t a disadvantageUse depreciation to reduce your taxable incomeAvoid common mistakes that kill your tax strategyThink long-term with strategies like 1031 exchangesWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (00:56) How exactly does bonus appreciation or depreciation work to shelter income? (02:22) What qualifies you as a real estate professional (04:24) Cost segregation explained in simple terms (06:55) Bonus depreciation and how it’s changing over time (09:28) Why cost seg can still work (12:20) The “tipping point” depends on your income level (13:39) Why zero taxes isn’t always the smartest goal (16:30) Other strategies beyond depreciation (17:34) The 1031 exchange that builds long-term wealth (21:47) Cheap properties don’t give real tax advantages (23:26) Powerful strategy: spouse as a real estate professional (27:28) The short-term rental loophole explained Who This Episode is For: High-income earners who are tired of seeing huge tax billsReal estate investors who want a better strategyW-2 professionals looking to transition into investingCouples exploring ways to optimize income and tax structureWhy You Should Listen: If you are serious about building wealth through real estate and keeping more of what you earn, this episode is one you don’t want to skip. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    34 min

  6. APR 21

    Episode 59: You’re Making Money…So Why Does It Still Feel Like You’re Losing

    If money is coming in, why does it still feel like something’s off? In this episode, Marcus Crigler and Kaden Hackney break down one of the most misunderstood parts of a real estate business: your marketing and sales numbers. Listen as they discuss marketing, one of the hidden secrets in the field, and why marketing is more than just graphics. This episode is all about knowing your numbers, fixing what's broken, and making smarter decisions backed by data. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Track your real return on ad spendBreak down your sales funnel from lead to closeUse data to fix your marketingImprove conversions without overspendingWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:00) Marketing is a numbers game (05:27) What does a sales funnel look like? (06:01) Why ROAS matters (08:14) The real estate funnel (11:02) How bad data leads to bad decisions (13:29) Maximizing your return on ad spend (13:52) Tracking performance by marketing channel (15:27) Treating marketing like a science experiment (21:32) What “good” conversion rates actually look like (24:03) How to identify what’s really broken (27:03) Real example: fixing a drop in appointment rates using data (32:10) Closing deals, not just contracts, is what really matters (34:40) The role of integrity and reputation in long-term success Who This Episode is For: Real estate investors who feel stuck or inconsistentBusiness owners who don’t fully understand their numbersAnyone spending on marketing but unsure what’s workingWhy You Should Listen: This episode helps you zoom out, and if you understand where the breakdown is: marketing, sales, or operations, you can fix it fast and stop guessing. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    41 min

  7. APR 17

    Episode 58: He Runs His Real Estate Business…While Hiding in a Bomb Shelter with Haim Palman

    In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with Haim Palman, a seasoned real estate investor who manages his U.S.-based business from Israel. Haim shares his incredible story of running operations even while navigating the daily realities of war and seeking safety in bomb shelters. The two discuss Haim’s professional evolution from a kinesiologist and security director to a full-time real estate entrepreneur. Haim breaks down his transition through various strategies—rentals, wholesaling, and high-end flipping—before finding his "sweet spot" in private money lending. He provides a masterclass on how to transition from an operator to the "bank," prioritizing return on time and emotion to build a predictable, drama-free lifestyle. You’ll Learn How To: Pivot between real estate strategies by identifying when a model (like rentals or wholesaling) no longer serves your desired lifestyle or financial goals.Transition into private money lending with limited capital by utilizing "co-lending" strategies to fund larger deals and increase your ROI.Evaluate deals through three specific lenses: return on money, return on time, and "return on emotion" to reduce business-related stress.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (03:03) Haim's journey from moving to the U.S. for education to starting a real estate career in San Francisco.(07:07) Why Haim decided to leave a stable career in security to pursue time freedom through real estate.(08:11) The evolution of a portfolio: Moving from California rentals to out-of-state investing and virtual wholesaling.(09:36) The "Independence Day" moment: Firing the boss and the challenges of scaling a high-volume wholesaling operation.(11:10) Shifting to the "Money Side": Why private money lending became the ultimate predictable cash flow model.(20:51) The mechanics of lending: Using co-lenders and points to double your money without needing millions in the bank.(26:00) Risk management in lending: Focusing on single-family homes, specific LTV ratios, and lender-friendly "red" markets.(29:08) The power of repeat borrowers: How to build a system where 95% of your business comes from established relationships.Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors who feel like they have "created another job" for themselves and are looking for more passive, predictable income streams.Entrepreneurs interested in the mechanics of private money lending and how to act as the bank in real estate transactions.Why You Should Listen: If you are tired of the "headaches" of physical real estate—like the $1,700 water heater that kills four months of cash flow—this episode offers a roadmap to a more streamlined business. Haim Palman proves that with the right systems and network, you can run a highly profitable real estate engine from anywhere in the world, even under the most extreme circumstances. Connect with Haim Palman: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haimmpalman?igsh=N2RxbzR5OGxsZXAw Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hmamane59?si=MZIuiBLSG4Kyg_sN Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: Marcus Crigler on LinkedInFacebook: Marcus Crigler on Facebook

    40 min

  8. APR 13

    Episode 57: The 4 Levers That Instantly Increase Your Profit (Most Ignore #1)

    There are only four things that really drive profit in a business. These four spots drive real profitability in your business. In this episode, Marcus Crigler breaks down the four core drivers of profit in any real estate business. Listen as he walks through how small improvements across cost, people, capital, and advertising can quickly double your profit, the practical ways to reduce expenses, avoid costly mistakes, and build a more efficient, scalable operation. Enjoy the show! You’ll Learn How To: Identify the four core levers that drive profitReduce the cost of goods sold without sacrificing qualityIncrease margins by improving systemsAvoid common mistakes that kill your profitability What You’ll Learn in This Episode: (01:26) Advertising as a core for-profit driver (03:34) Symptoms that don't tell you the root problem (05:11) What does the cost of goods sold really mean in real estate (06:13) The four main components of COGS (07:38) Overly detailed financials can hurt decision-making (09:28) How to improve margins starting with the purchase price (10:38) Buy box explained (12:39) Why staying in your “buy box” matters (14:10) Maximizing the cost of goods sold (16:48) Why having a standardized materials list saves money (20:15) In-house vs outsourced teams (22:15) Reducing the cost of materials and labor (23:18) Cheap labor often costs more in the long run (27:09) Getting an accounting firm to diagnose your business decisions Who This Episode Is For: Real estate investors looking to increase profitBusiness owners who feel stuck despite strong revenueFlippers who want better control over their costsEntrepreneurs who want efficient and scalable operations Why You Should Listen: This episode simplifies what drives profit. Instead of chasing more deals or bigger numbers, Marcus shows how to fine-tune what you already have and turn small improvements into major financial wins. Connect with Marcus Crigler: Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler

    31 min
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Strength in Numbers with Marcus Crigler is the #1 podcast for real estate entrepreneurs who make good money but struggle with cash flow, tax planning, and building real wealth. If you're tired of living deal to deal, wondering where your money goes, and paying too much in taxes, this show will transform how you manage your real estate business finances.Host Marcus Crigler, CEO of BEC CFO Services, helps real estate investors escape financial stress by implementing proven wealth-building systems, advanced tax strategies, and cash flow management techniques that turn chaotic finances into predictable profit machines.Real estate wholesalers, fix and flip investors, and rental property owners making six or seven figures but still living paycheck to paycheck will discover how to stop constantly chasing the next deal. If you're overwhelmed by bookkeeping, financial management, and paying massive tax bills without knowing how to reduce them legally, you're ready to stop surviving and start building generational wealth.Every episode delivers actionable strategies on real estate tax planning, business cash flow optimization, wealth building for entrepreneurs, and financial systems that create freedom. Learn real estate tax deductions, legal tax avoidance strategies, cash flow forecasting, business budgeting for real estate investors, profit and loss analysis, entity structuring for tax benefits, and wealth building strategies beyond closing deals.Most real estate entrepreneurs focus on deal flow but ignore money flow. They hire accountants who only file taxes instead of providing proactive tax planning. Marcus shows you how to keep more of what you make, reduce your tax burden legally, and create financial systems that work whether you close one deal or ten deals per month.Listen to case studies of real estate investors who've saved $50K+ in taxes annually, built seven-figure net worth, and achieved financial freedom. Learn from entrepreneurs who've transformed their businesses from cash-hungry operations into wealth-generating machines.This isn't just spreadsheets and tax codes. It's about creating a real estate business that supports your lifestyle, reduces financial stress, and builds lasting wealth. Marcus addresses the mindset shifts, business systems, and financial habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from those stuck in survival mode.If you like The BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Money Rahab with Nicole Lapin, The Dave Ramsey Show, or The Rich Dad Radio Show, you'll love Strength in Numbers.Subscribe now and join thousands of real estate professionals who've discovered that true wealth doesn’t come from closing more deals, but from keeping more of what you make. Stop living deal to deal. Start building wealth that lasts.

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