The Next-Level Income Show

Next Level 297: “Grit is Good” and How to Keep Getting up When Your Business Gets you Down

Every entrepreneur knows the feeling: the deal that fell apart at the finish line, the project that took longer than expected, the market shift that changed the rules overnight. On this episode of the Next Level Income podcast, we sit down with Jose Miguel Berlanga to unpack a simple but powerful truth—grit is good, but only when it’s paired with clarity, humility, and the willingness to get back up again.With more than 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Jose Miguel Berlanga brings a global perspective shaped by his roots in Mexico City and his impact on Houston’s real estate market. As a co-founder of Tricon Homes, he has seen cycles come and go, markets boom and cool, and teams rise through adversity. His story is a masterclass in resilience—one that goes beyond motivational quotes and dives into the daily disciplines that keep leaders steady when pressure is high.

Next Level 296: How the Rich Avoid Taxes

On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we unpack one of the most misunderstood money strategies out there: how the wealthy legally minimize taxes—not through shady loopholes, but by structuring their wealth differently than the average earner.Most people are trained to focus on income. Work harder, earn more, pay more taxes. The wealthy play a different game. They focus on building assets that grow over time and are treated more favorably by the tax code. This shift in mindset—from income to wealth—is the foundation of how high-net-worth individuals keep more of what they earn.One powerful concept discussed is turning debt into income. That sounds backwards at first, but here’s the strategy: instead of selling assets and triggering taxes, the wealthy borrow against assets they already own. Because loans are not considered taxable income, this allows them to access cash without creating a tax bill.

Next Level 295: How Small Business Owners are Using Private Credit to Grow with Ian Samlin

Access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles small business owners face when trying to grow. Traditional bank loans can be slow, restrictive, and often out of reach for entrepreneurs who don’t fit neatly into rigid lending criteria. On the Next Level Income podcast, we explore smarter, more flexible ways to build wealth and scale businesses. In this episode, we sit down with Ian Samlin, CEO and Founder of REIL Capital, to unpack how private credit is becoming a powerful growth tool for small business owners.Ian’s journey into finance is rooted in both education and real-world experience. After earning his degree in Finance from Towson University, he went on to build deep expertise in business development and capital markets. Rather than following a traditional corporate path, Ian chose to build REIL Capital from the ground up with a clear mission: deliver tailored financial solutions grounded in trust, transparency, and long-term client success.

Next Level 294: How to use 1031s & DSTs to Create Generational Wealth with Tim Tepes

Building generational wealth through real estate isn’t just about buying properties—it’s about knowing how to preserve capital, defer taxes, and strategically reposition assets over time. On this episode of the Next Level Income Podcast, we sit down with real estate veteran Tim Tepes to break down two powerful tools that sophisticated investors use to scale and protect wealth: 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs).With over three decades of hands-on experience and more than 2,000 properties closed, Tim brings rare, real-world insight into how these strategies work beyond theory—and how investors can use them to move from active ownership into long-term, legacy-focused investing.

E292 | Next Level 293: How an Orthopedic Surgeon was able to make Work Optional with Tyson Cobb

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tyson Cobb shares how high-income professionals can build passive income, regain time freedom, and invest with purpose using the BONES framework.