The Craziest Real Estate Stories From Buying 400 Homes

The Deal Flow Real Estate Podcast

**Trigger Warning! Stories might include a mention of dead people found in a home** Join us on this wild ride through the underbelly of real estate investing where Cameron Cathcart shares the craziest stories from his years in the trenches.

From accidentally wandering into active brothels to navigating properties brimming with hazards like heroin needles, these tales aren't just shocking—they're real. We'll also reveal the brighter side of the business, like those delightful "grandma clean" homes that just need a touch of modernizing. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that truly showcase the unpredictable nature of dealing with distressed properties.

Venture with us into the world of hidden treasures and dramatic human encounters, as we recount stories from storage unit auctions and estate sales that turned up unexpected gems, including a working vintage record player and antique firearms that led to a heartwarming family reunion. We'll also navigate through the tense and often murky waters of property sales, where human drama can escalate quickly.

Each narrative weaves a tapestry of the unexpected joys and challenges that come with flipping homes and acquiring estates, reminding us that every property has a story. In this episode, we tackle the more sobering aspects of the real estate world, confronting issues like racism and the difficulties of dealing with squatters. The tales range from the unsettling to the compassionate, including distressing encounters that require us to engage with law enforcement and social services. Yet, through it all, we'll explore the human side of the industry—emphasizing the importance of empathy and the emotional toll these experiences can take.

Listen in as we discuss not just the mechanics of real estate investment, but also the team dynamics and emotional resilience needed to thrive in this complex field.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:00) - Real Estate Investor Crazy Stories

(0:07:00) - Interesting Finds and Crazy Stories

(0:11:51) - Real Estate Risks and Rewards

(0:23:38) - Empathy and Compassion in Real Estate

(0:27:38) - Real Estate Deal Gone Wrong

(0:34:24) - Real Estate Business Team Dynamics

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:00) - Real Estate Investor Crazy Stories Real estate investing can lead to wild experiences, from brothels to heroin needles, but also the joy of finding "grandma clean" houses.

(0:07:00) - Interesting Finds and Crazy Stories Valuable finds from auctions and sales, including a record player, pool tables, antique guns, love letters, and a tense confrontation.

(0:11:51) - Real Estate Risks and Rewards Racism and squatting in real estate, including police response and community involvement, are discussed in this chapter.

(0:23:38) - Empathy and Compassion in Real Estate Encountering distressed homes reveals the human element behind them, highlighting empathy and responsibility for those facing hardships.

(0:27:38) - Real Estate Deal Gone Wrong Real estate mistake, high demand for duplex, missed opportunity, bizarre encounter with deceased person during property evaluation.

(0:34:24) - Real Estate Business Team Dynamics Real estate investments in properties with dark pasts, including personal tragedies, and the practical side of the business.