Follow the Money: The Strategy That Changed His Career

Welcome back to the Forward One Podcast, hosted by Paul Mark Morris and Josh Spitzen of Forward One Real Estate. In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Smith, who built a $130M+ real estate career without a sphere, without family connections, and without shortcuts. Derrick shares how writing $30M in offers before closing his first deal shaped his mindset, why “following the money” changed everything, and how focusing on developers and off-market opportunities accelerated his growth. We unpack the discipline behind consistent prospecting, how to underwrite deals like an investor, and why long-term commitment beats short-term motivation every time. If you’re serious about building a sustainable real estate business — especially in a challenging market — this conversation is for you. *Derrick Smith* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveluxuryla Website: https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/specialist/PDAMNSlX/derrick-smith  *More from Paul & Josh* Paul: https://www.instagram.com/paulmarkmorris/ Josh: https://www.instagram.com/spitzenjosh/ Forward One Media: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonemedia/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@forwardonepodcast *Presented by Forward One Real Estate* https://www.forwardone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate/ Timestamps 00:00:00 Meet Derek Smith 00:00:15 From Texas to Real Estate 00:02:26 Crushing It Fast 00:05:00 Finding a Niche 00:07:24 Off Market Advantage 00:10:09 First Deal Lessons 00:18:01 Deal Sourcing Playbook 00:28:23 Underwriting and Proformas 00:41:27 Many Paths to Success 00:41:54 Branding the Derrick Smith 00:43:15 Value Building and Negotiation 00:46:08 Fatherhood and Flexibility 00:49:06 Weekly Metrics and Accountability 00:54:39 Prospecting and Agent Collaboration 01:01:57 Goals Florida Expansion Investing 01:08:31 Decisions Lessons and Fire Round