Episode: The Real Estate Flip Bet (and the Sh*t House Story)

Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

Episode Summary:

In this entertaining and insightful episode, Kyle and Brian kick off a friendly new competition: which one can sell their property for the highest percentage over list price. The winner gets bragging rights—and a new pair of Gucci shoes (or a nice stack of cash).

You'll also hear the wild backstory of “The Sht House”*—a property so neglected it nearly got condemned—and how Kyle and Brian transformed it into a showpiece.

Throughout the conversation, they share key insights about their latest big investment moves and the lessons they’ve learned scaling from single-family homes to large multifamily deals.

What We Cover:

• The structure of their friendly flip competition
• The incredible turnaround of the "Sh*t House" property
• Their recent $10.1M purchase of a 104-unit apartment complex
• Why they are shifting their portfolio away from single-family homes
• Using mailers and relationships to find off-market deals
• How a strong rehab adds real value to a property
• Market dynamics in St. Louis today

Key Quotes:

"The shttier the house, the better the deal."

"Of course, the day we closed on the 104-unit complex, tornadoes hit. Real estate will always teach you something."

Closing Thought:

This episode is full of practical investment wisdom, honest stories from the trenches, and a good dose of humor. Whether you're an experienced investor or new to the game, there’s something here for everyone.

Connect with Us:

Follow the show, leave a review, and stay tuned for future episodes where we share more real estate insights, life lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at building wealth and elevating your life.

📅 Episode: From Burnout to Breakthrough: How One Realtor Built a System That Wins

🎧 Hosts: Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, David Ounanian

🎤 Featured Guest: David Ounanian (author of the new real estate investing book)

🔥 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, the Elevate and Execute crew celebrates co-host David Ounanian and the launch of his new book—a real-world guide to helping everyday people break into real estate investing. David shares how he went from a traditional 9–5 career to building a high-performing system for investors and agents alike.

You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of why he wrote the book, how he created a formula to make investing profitable for everyone involved, and what it really takes to bring a self-published book to life. Full of insight, honesty, and hustle, this episode is essential for anyone trying to level up their business and life.

📚 What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional financial planning falls short for ambitious investors
• How David’s real estate system creates wins for agents and investors
• A step-by-step look at how he self-published on Amazon
• The discipline of writing before 6 AM—and how small habits create big results
• Why every entrepreneur should consider writing a book

💬 Notable Quotes:

Subscribe & Revew:

If this episode inspired you, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share with a friend or colleague who’s ready to elevate their mindset and execute with purpose.

If this episode inspired you, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share with a friend or colleague who’s ready to elevate their mindset and execute with purpose.

In this powerful episode, Kyle, Brian, and David take on one of the most important questions for your financial future: Should you rely on a 401(k) or real estate to retire? With real-life experience and real numbers, they break down the long-term impact of both investment vehicles—from returns and risks to cash flow and control.

If you’ve ever wondered whether that retirement account from your 9-to-5 is really going to get you where you want to go—or if you’re ready to start thinking like a true investor—this episode is your wake-up call.

• What the average return is from the S&P 500 vs. real estate
• Why appreciation alone doesn’t tell the full story
• How leverage and cash flow completely change the retirement math
• The hidden risks of relying only on your 401(k)
• How one $100,000 house could outperform a retirement account—by 3X
• The importance of smart partnerships and experienced operators in multifamily deals

Ready to rethink your financial future? Subscribe, share this episode, and connect with us as we dive deeper into real estate, investing, and wealth-building each week.

In this candid first episode, Kyle, Brian, and David tackle what sellers need to hear in today’s unpredictable real estate market. From buyer psychology to pricing strategy and the power of leverage, the trio unpacks how missteps—especially in pricing—can cost sellers dearly. They also share war stories from the field, including deals gone sideways, tough client conversations, and the importance of trusting your agent’s expertise.

If you’re a seller, agent, or investor trying to navigate 2025’s real estate climate, this one’s a must-listen.

• Why pricing aggressively (not high) gives sellers more leverage
• How interest rates and buyer psychology are shaping the market
• Real-world examples of deals lost and won based on terms—not just price
• How seller greed and mismanagement can kill a contract at the closing table
• Why the first weekend on the market is your biggest opportunity
• The role of earnest money—and the misconception around how “secure” it is

• “There’s no such thing as underpricing a home. The market will drive it up—our job is to create engagement.”
• “You’re only new to the market once. If it doesn’t sell in the first weekend, your leverage drops fast.”
• “Sometimes it’s not about the highest price—it’s about the cleanest terms and the buyer who’s most in love.”

The Elevate and Execute Podcast is where real estate, faith, and personal growth collide. Hosted by three St. Louis-based realtors, Kyle Fernandez, Brian Preston, and David Ounanian, this show explores what it means to elevate your life and execute with purpose.

As realtors, investors, family men, and fitness enthusiasts, they dive into real conversations about building financial wealth through real estate, maintaining strong mental and physical health, and living out their Christian faith in business and beyond. Whether you're an aspiring investor, a fellow believer, or someone striving to level up, this podcast will challenge and inspire you to elevate and execute in every area of life.

Kyle Fernandez

Broker | Entrepreneur

Kyle is the co-owner and President of Elevate Realty LLC, a St. Louis-based brokerage dedicated to helping clients build lasting wealth through real estate. With over a decade of experience, Kyle brings deep market knowledge, leadership, and a heart for mentorship. A dedicated husband, father, and believer, Kyle is passionate about helping others elevate their lives through real estate, fitness, and intentional living.

Brian Preston

Broker | Real Estate Investor

Brian is a seasoned REALTOR® and co-owner of Elevate Realty LLC, working alongside Kyle to guide buyers, sellers, and investors through meaningful real estate decisions. Known for his calm presence and strong work ethic, Brian balances business with faith, family, and fitness. His goal is to help others execute with confidence—in real estate and in life.

David Ounanian

Investor | Educator | Founder of Cashflow Nation

David is the founder of Cashflow Nation, where he helps aspiring investors create passive income and financial freedom through real estate. As a full-time investor and educator, David’s mission is to help others break free from traditional paths and take ownership of their financial future. His commitment to faith and personal growth is at the core of every deal, every decision, and every conversation.