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What would you do if your high-paying tech job suddenly disappeared? In this episode, Steven chats with Mike Deaton, who shares how getting laid off, alongside his wife, became the moment that changed everything. With no real estate background and a $1,000 land course collecting dust, they took a chance on land investing. Today, that business gives them steady income, control of their time, and a life they love in the Colorado mountains. Mike breaks down how they got started, what it really takes, and how you can build your own safety net before you ever need it.
Mike Deaton is a former supply chain executive who spent over 30 years in international operations at Fortune 50 tech companies. In 2016, after both he and his wife Ligia were laid off from their corporate jobs, they decided to pivot. With no real estate experience but a strong desire for freedom, they launched a land investing business, buying vacant parcels at steep discounts and reselling or offering owner financing.
Since then, they’ve expanded into multifamily syndications and other tax-efficient investments, fully replacing their W-2 income and building long-term wealth. Today, Mike also leads coaching programs through Flipping Dirt, where he helps other professionals create income and flexibility through land investing.
Connect with Mike:
Website: https://flippingdirt.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbdeaton/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mikeandligia
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandligia
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mike_and_ligia/
Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:55) Who is Mike Deaton?
(5:14) His career in tech and how it shaped his mindset
(8:52) Why land investing stood out and how he got started
(16:44) Their first deals and surprising returns
(22:06) Owner financing explained: How passive income works in land
(34:08) Who the buyers really are and how to find them
(40:01) The traits of a successful land investor
(54:53) How this business changed their family and future
(59:48) Where to learn more: Free resources and coaching from Mike
(1:01:18) Outro
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For more resources and guides, check these out:

• Investor 101 https://www.aritacapital.com/investor-101-resource/#
• Due Diligence Resource https://www.aritacapital.com/dd-checklist-resource/

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