Turn Up The Hustle Podcast

Michael Llanas
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast – Where real estate investors and entrepreneurs share their stories, strategies, and mindset behind their hustle.

  1. 1d ago

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 39 - Chris Carrillo

    What happens when a real estate lender starts treating Pokémon cards like collateral? Chris Carrillo is taking the lending experience he built through real estate and applying it to a business most people wouldn’t expect: helping collectors borrow against their cards. On this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, Mr. Hustle and Skylar Moon sit down with Chris to unpack a journey that started in San Antonio’s projects. After moving 16 times by age 16, Chris wanted to become the kind of landlord his family needed. He shares how managing a Whataburger, working for free to learn from a mentor, and learning to raise capital helped him build a career in real estate—and eventually launch Poke Loans. We break down how his Pokémon lending model works, why he lends against graded cards, and how he approaches collateral, valuations, and the risk of a market downturn. Chris also shares his plans for community card shows, while the hosts challenge the business model and crack open Pokémon packs at the table. Whether you’re a real estate investor, a collector, or an entrepreneur exploring your next business idea, this conversation offers a look at applying familiar skills to an unfamiliar market. Chris brings a clear perspective on mentorship, following through on a vision, and what it means to give everything you have—to “die on empty.” Connect with our Guest: Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/realchriscarrillo/ Instagram (Poke Loans): https://www.instagram.com/poke.loans/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37 Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #TurnUpTheHustle #ChrisCarrillo #PokeLoans #PokemonCards #RealEstateInvesting #Entrepreneurship #SanAntonio Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!The Warrior Law FirmAt The Warrior Law Firm, we’re not your typical personal injury law firm.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  2. Sep 28

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 38 - Sandra Rangel

    What makes someone leave a steady job during a housing crash—and build a real estate career with more than $400 million in sales volume? For Sandra Rangel, it started with a decision to bet on the business she was already building on evenings and weekends. On this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, Mr. Hustle and Skylar Moon sit down with San Antonio’s “Listing Queen,” Sandra Rangel. From growing up on the West Side and working in banking to leaving Toyota for real estate, Sandra shares the work ethic, family influences, and turning points behind nearly two decades in the business. We get into the client appreciation events that keep relationships alive, how local “hotspot” videos turn into real conversations, and why Sandra still answers her own DMs. She also breaks down hiring her first assistant, using AI behind the scenes, navigating slow months, and finding solutions for listings that other agents couldn’t move—including a home that sat for six months before she helped sell it in two weeks. Whether you’re a new agent trying to get noticed, an investor working to move your next property, or a business owner ready to hire help, this conversation offers practical ideas for earning trust, improving your service, and building relationships that last beyond the closing table. Connect with our Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandrarangel2018 Website: https://www.rangelrealestategroup.com/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37 Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 notification bell to stay updated on the best business, real estate, and mindset content every week! #TurnUpTheHustle #SandraRangel #SanAntonioRealEstate #RealEstateAgent #RealEstateMarketing #Entrepreneurship Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!The Warrior Law FirmAt The Warrior Law Firm, we’re not your typical personal injury law firm.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  3. Sep 21

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 37 - Queen of the Mouth

    How does a dental hygienist go from being furloughed during a global pandemic to turning her last $1,500 into a luxury teeth whitening empire? In this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, hosts Michael Llanas sit down with Heather, the visionary founder of Queen of the Mouth! Heather shares her powerful story of resilience—from overcoming a childhood speech impediment and navigating the challenges of teen motherhood to betting everything on herself when her career path was stripped away. From her early days of "hustling out of the trap house" to opening a premier storefront in Stone Oak, Heather reveals the systems, branding strategies, and elite mindset required to dominate the beauty and oral care industry. If you want to learn how to transition from a 9-to-5 to business ownership, the importance of building a specialized team, and why choosing your vision over "security" is the ultimate power move, this episode is for you! Connect with our Guest:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenofthemouth/ Website: https://queenofthemouth.com/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37 Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #QueenOfTheMouth #FemaleEntrepreneur #TeethWhitening #SanAntonioBusiness #Hustle #Mindset #LuxuryBranding #BusinessScaling #TeenMomToCEO #TurnUpTheHustle Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!The Warrior Law FirmAt The Warrior Law Firm, we’re not your typical personal injury law firm.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  4. Sep 7

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 36 - David Villas

    How does a 24-year-old turn down 10 college scholarships—including five full rides—to move to a new city and chase a career in real estate? In this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, hosts Michael Llanas and Skylar Moon sit down with Davis Villas, the Senior Disposition Agent at Inspired Buyers. Davis shares his incredible story of leaving his hometown of El Paso, selling his house, and moving his young family to San Antonio to become a high-level "intrapreneur." From closing a massive $100,000 assignment fee to the "fake it till you make it" moments of learning the dispo game, Davis reveals the grit and mindset required to succeed at the highest level of wholesaling. If you want to learn the difference between being an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur, how to build a massive cash buyer list through relationships, and why "fluffing" your ARV is the quickest way to kill your reputation, this episode is for you! Connect with our Guest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dispo_dave/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37 Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #RealEstateWholesaling #Disposition #SanAntonioRealEstate #Entrepreneurship #Intrapreneur #RealEstateInvesting #TurnUpTheHustle #100kDeal #WholesaleRealEstate #InspiredBuyers Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!The Warrior Law FirmAt The Warrior Law Firm, we’re not your typical personal injury law firm.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  5. Aug 31

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 35 - Edwin Morsa

    How does a 17-year-old immigrant from El Salvador go from cleaning a 50,000-square-foot church to owning a real estate empire with over 300 properties? In this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, hosts Michael Llanas and Skylar Moon sit down with Edwin Morsa, the CEO of Morsa Homes. Edwin shares his incredible, faith-driven journey of moving to the United States, surviving failed business ventures, and discovering the life-changing power of creative real estate strategies like owner financing. If you want to learn how to stop chasing money and start attracting wealth, build a multi-million dollar portfolio without relying on traditional banks, and transition from working in your business to working on it, this episode is a must-watch! Connect with our Guest: https://www.instagram.com/edwin_morsa/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37    Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #RealEstateWholesaling #Entrepreneurship #SanAntonioRealEstate #BusinessSystems #Mindset #TurnUpTheHustle #InspiredBuyers #financialfreedom #subjecttofinance Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!The Warrior Law FirmAt The Warrior Law Firm, we’re not your typical personal injury law firm.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  6. Aug 24

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 34 - Mr. Hustle

    Welcome back to another episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast! In this highly requested episode, host Skylar Moon flips the script and interviews our regular host, Michael Llanas (aka Mr. Hustle). For the first time ever, Michael shares the raw, untold story of his journey before the wealth and the hundreds of real estate transactions. From growing up below the poverty line in a rough neighborhood of San Antonio to joining the army as an active-duty combat medic, Michael opens up about the extreme adversity that shaped his work ethic. Discover how he balanced a grueling military career with a side hustle that saw him close 55 real estate deals in his very first year, eventually walking away from a 12-year military career to build a real estate empire using strategies that title companies originally told him were "illegal". Whether you are trapped in a 9-to-5 or looking to scale your business, this episode provides a masterclass on what it truly means to "turn up the hustle". Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37    Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #RealEstateWholesaling #Entrepreneurship #SanAntonioRealEstate #BusinessSystems #Mindset #TurnUpTheHustle #InspiredBuyers #financialfreedom #subjecttofinance Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  7. Aug 17

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 33 - Ed Guerrero

    Welcome back to another episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast! In this episode, hosts Michael Llanas (aka Mr. Hustle) and Skylar Moon sit down with special guest Ed Guerrero, a seasoned CPA and real estate investor based out of San Antonio! With over 25 years of experience, Ed isn’t just your regular accountant—he’s a "tax psychologist" who specializes in helping business owners, wholesalers, and real estate investors legally structure their businesses to pay zero taxes. From growing up in poverty on San Antonio's west side to building a thriving firm and a $12M personal real estate portfolio, Ed shares his blueprint for mindset shifts, overcoming major business challenges, and transitioning from local business success to global philanthropy. If you want to stop overpaying the IRS and learn the proactive strategies used by the wealthy, this conversation is for you! Connect with Ed Guerrero: 🌐 Website: https://guerrerocpa.com/ 📞 Phone: (210) 490-7100 Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37    Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon #RealEstateWholesaling #Entrepreneurship #SanAntonioRealEstate #BusinessSystems #Mindset #TurnUpTheHustle #InspiredBuyers #goseeed #financialfreedom #subjectto #edguerrero Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

  8. Aug 10

    Turn Up The Hustle EP 32 - Mike Leiva

    Hustlers, welcome back to the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast! In this episode of the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast, we sit down with private money lender Mike Leiva to break down everything you need to know about hard money lending. From his beginnings selling magazines door-to-door to becoming a top loan officer at Conventus, Mike discusses his journey through different sales industries and how his persistent follow-up game unlocked millions in real estate capital. Whether you are a beginner looking to scale your first property flip or an experienced investor looking for 100% financing, Mike reveals the hidden nuances of private lending. Discover what hard money lenders really look for, how to leverage asset-based loans over traditional banking credit, the difference between Dutch and non-Dutch loans, and how true partnership due diligence protects investors from high-risk real estate traps. Connect with Mike Leiva: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loansbyleiva.rei/ Follow Mr. Hustle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turnupthehustle/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.llanas.37    Follow Skylar Moon: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylarbmoon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylarbmoon Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 notification bell to stay updated on the best real estate and mindset content every week! #RealEstateWholesaling #Entrepreneurship #SanAntonioRealEstate #BusinessSystems #Mindset #TurnUpTheHustle #InspiredBuyers #lender #financialfreedom #subjectto Send us Fan Mail Hustle AcademyWe teach you how to Turn Up The Hustle and make MONEY through Real Estate Investing.ConventusConventus is a lender for Real Estate Investors. Contant them today to get started!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Turn Up The Hustle Podcast – Where real estate investors and entrepreneurs share their stories, strategies, and mindset behind their hustle.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Llanas
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Turn Up The Hustle Podcast
  • Show Website
    Turn Up The Hustle Podcast

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