In this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, host Mike Zlotnik (Big Mike) sits down with real estate powerhouse Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®. Chris is a 4x best-selling author, Forbes Business Council Member, and a 3-time Inc. 5000 Honoree who has led one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies. With more than three decades of experience and hundreds of creative-finance real estate transactions under his belt, Chris has built a thriving community that empowers investors to succeed in any market.
Mike and Chris dive deep into the world of creative real estate, exploring how Chris rebuilt his business after the 2008 crash and why strategies like lease-purchase, owner financing, and subject-to deals remain powerful tools for today’s investors. Chris explains how his “buying on terms” approach works in both residential and commercial markets, why many sellers prefer creative structures over traditional cash offers, and how he and his family continue to complete deals weekly—while coaching students across 80+ markets to do the same.
They also discuss the importance of mentorship, real-world deal support, and proper expectations for long-term success. Chris shares how the Wicked Smart Community helps investors avoid common pitfalls, accelerate learning through hands-on deal flow, and build credibility through unique certifications.
Whether you’re new to creative real estate or looking to sharpen your strategy, this conversation offers practical insights, mindset shifts, and a clear look at how to thrive in any economic climate.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE00:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast
0:53 – Chris’s Background
1:17 – Chris’s Credentials & Wicked Smart Community
3:11 – Creative Real Estate After the 2008 Crash
4:45 – Lease Purchase, Owner Financing & Subject-To Explained
5:55 – Creative Finance in Commercial Transactions
6:10 – Recent Creative Finance Deal Example
8:59 – Principal-Only Payments & Deal Structure
9:43 – Creative Financing in Various Asset Classes
9:48 – How Students Work with Chris & His Team
10:59 – Coaching Model, Deal Review & Support System
12:44 – Certification & Credibility in Seller Conversations
13:31 – How to Reach Chris | Free Resources
14:54 – Current Market Conditions & 2025 Real Estate Environment
15:37 – AI, Technology & Faster Deal Analysis
17:22 – Modeling Success & Learning Through Technology
18:49 – AI Tools for Real Estate Due Diligence
19:30 – Integrated Tech Stack for Real Estate Students
21:40 – Scalability & Local Execution
21:52 – Recommended Podcasts
22:19 – Recommended Books
23:01 – Closing Thoughts
If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA
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CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/
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