Building a successful real estate business is tough. It takes more than drive. You need the right mindset. You need real systems. You need consistency. And, more than anything, you need to care about people.

On a recent episode of my podcast, I sat down with Dan Ahlborn, a seasoned real estate investor and founder of House Buyer Dan. We got real about what it takes to build a business that doesn’t just survive, but actually lasts.

Let me break down the key takeaways from our conversation!

From Failure to Focus: Dan’s Turning Point in Real Estate

Dan didn’t hit it big out of the gate. In fact, he spent his first 12 years in real estate “failing forward.” He was making $40–60K a year, which felt okay, but something was missing. He realized he was “playing investor,” not actually being one.

That shift in mindset changed everything.

Once Dan committed fully, got the right training, and started building real systems, his income shot up. In just eight months, he went from scraping by to earning $500,000. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when mindset meets action.

That’s when House Buyer Dan really took off!

Mindset, Faith, and the Power of Identity

Before he could fix his business, Dan had to fix what was going on in his head.

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Dan grew up in a broken home. He didn’t grow up around money or business. For a long time, he didn’t feel like he deserved success.

He carried that into adulthood, and it held him back. Every time he started to win, he would self-sabotage.

Rewiring His Relationship with Money

When Dan had money, he’d freeze. He didn’t trust himself to manage it. That fear kept him small. So, he started changing the way he spoke to himself.

How?

He reframed his thinking. He decided to see money as a tool—to be a good steward, not a victim of it.

Finding Strength in Faith

Dan leaned on faith during hard times, especially after a business breakup in 2023 that left him questioning whether to stay in real estate at all. Through prayer, mentorship, and an event by Tony Robbins, he decided to double down, not quit.

He found clarity. And, he found purpose!

Doing Real Estate the Right Way: Trust and Ethics in Wholesaling

Real estate wholesaling has been getting a bad rap. And honestly, I used to feel the same way. But after talking with Dan, I see there’s a right way to do it.

Dan explained wholesaling like this:

Some sellers don’t want the traditional listing route. They need quick solutions. Dan offers that, but he’s 100% upfront about how it works. He doesn’t promise what he can’t deliver. He doesn’t push people. He listens, he serves, and he keeps it honest.

He even shared how his company has taken losses just to do the right thing for a seller. That’s the kind of investor I can respect.

Systems, Processes, and Running a Remote Business

Dan now runs his Wisconsin-based business from Florida. That’s only possible because of the systems he’s built.

Here are a few tools he uses:

• CRM: REsimpli – Tracks leads, automates outreach, and organizes deals.

• Automation: Zapier – Connects different platforms and makes tasks happen automatically.

• AI Tools: Handles calls, texts, and follow-ups when the team can’t.

Dan also sees his real estate business as a marketing company. He knows his numbers: cost per lead, response rates, and ROI. That helps him make smart, fast decisions.

He’s also a big believer in outsourcing. Instead of asking how to do everything, he asks who can help. That mindset comes from a book we both love, “Who Not How,” by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Mentorship, Seasons, and Redefining Success

Every time Dan leveled up, it was because of mentorship. He’s invested time and money into learning from people who’ve already been where he wants to go.

We also talked about how business comes in seasons. Sometimes you have to grind. Other times, you step back and breathe. You won’t have perfect balance every day, but you need to keep checking in with your priorities.

Dan’s idea of success isn’t about money. For him, it’s about freedom. It’s about being there for his family. And, it’s about using his business to help other people rise up, too.

The Power of Continuous Learning

As real estate professionals, we need to keep learning, whether it’s through books, events, mentorship, or a real estate podcast network.

Remember—growth doesn’t stop when you reach a milestone. If anything, it’s just getting started.

Want to hear my entire conversation with Dan? Listen to our podcast episode! 

Tune In to HomeBrew Podcast for More Inspiring and Insightful Conversations with Real Estate Experts!

Dan’s story shows what’s possible when you stop making excuses and start getting serious. Mindset, systems, and serving people well—that’s the winning combo.

If you’re serious about growth, tune in to HomeBrew Podcast. Every week, I sit down with agents, investors, and business leaders, like Dan, who are doing things the right way.

And, if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in South Carolina, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let’s make your move the right one!

Apply as a Guest on HomeBrew Podcast!

Do you also have a story that could inspire others? Or, want to share what you’ve learned on your journey in business or real estate? Apply to be a guest on the HomeBrew Podcast. Let’s talk real stories, real lessons, and real growth

Apply Now