In this episode, we break down what it really takes to build a profitable real estate business — and why the magic number for so many of us is $500,000 in annual profit.We share the key hires that keep our business lean and sustainable, how we avoid the trap of endless scaling, and why paying people well has made us more money in the long run. From lead managers to back-office operations, we walk through the roles that drive deals forward without burning us out.We also talk about building a personal brand, the reality of chasing higher income, and why sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to stop growing. Whether you’re flipping, wholesaling, or building, this conversation will help you focus on profit, stability, and creating a business you actually enjoy running.Access ALL the resources mentioned in this podcast for FREE on my Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/offmarketmethod/about?ref=791b3644f63045c9a6d3d8634e57c1f1---Connect with Cole Ruud-JohnsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleruudjohnsonTwitter: https://twitter.com/coleruudjohnson