He Turned Raw Land Into an $8M Pipeline (Here’s How)

Stepping from chemical engineering into multimillion-dollar land development is no small leap, but that’s exactly what guest Mike DeFrancisis did, and his story is one of relentless action, sharp instincts, and a refusal to settle for “good enough.”

In this episode, Mike breaks down how he stumbled into flipping infill lots during the 2022 rate spike and quickly realized he could earn massive margins without swinging a hammer.

What started as selling a few lots for 2–4x returns became a full pivot into the land world, where he scaled fast, applied his wholesaling background, and built systems that allowed him to turn simple dirt into serious profits.

He also shares his early realizations that changed everything, from discovering he was unknowingly buying land at steep discounts to understanding why flipping land offered a far better return than building houses.

What’s most impressive is how Mike evolved from small flips into tackling major subdivisions… securing entitlements, building a powerhouse team of engineers, and controlling a pipeline valued at more than $25 million.

He reveals how he sources deals through strategic marketing channels, why developers struggle with acquisition, and how he carved out an edge by blending marketing expertise with engineering firepower.

Whether you're new to land or looking to level up, Mike’s insights on scaling, risk-taking, and treating land like a real business are packed with value. This episode is a goldmine for anyone serious about scaling their land business, and Mike’s journey will leave you thinking bigger than you ever have before.

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