Land Academy Show

Whether you are a solo investor drowning in data or a growing firm ready to build an empire, transitioning from a one-person show to a high-performing squad is the most critical leap you’ll ever make. In this episode of the Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit pull back the curtain on a decade of hiring wins, losses, and “what was I thinking?” moments.They break down the “Solo to Squad” framework: the first three essential hires that move you from being “a guy with a hobby” to a true business owner. From seasoning your first “CEO-potential” administrator to finding the technical whiz who handles the data you hate, they share the exact strategy we use to buy back our time and scale our deal flow.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The “Seasoning” Strategy: Why your first hire should be someone you can groom to eventually handle the big decisions.Hiring for Weakness: How to identify the tasks that are currently “costing you money” because you’re too slow or too bored to do them right.The Entrepreneur’s Trap: Why trying to “save” a friend or hire a “startup” personality can backfire during the operational phase.Meeting Your Team Where They Are: My unconventional (and perhaps controversial) advice on motivation, turnover, and finding the “soul” of your company.The Power of the Squad: How a dedicated team allowed us to move from struggling in 2009 to building multiple revenue streams and a legacy in land.Stop doing the busy work that keeps you from the deals you should be making. It’s time to stop overanalyzing and start building your squad.

Ever wonder exactly what it takes to land a “six-figure spread”? In this episode, Jack and Jill pull back the curtain on a recent 5,000-unit mailer to show you the raw, unfiltered data behind a $100,000 profit deal.We aren’t just talking about the “win”—we’re breaking down the efficiency of the mailer, the response rates, the “no’s” we had to sift through, and the specific due diligence that turned a simple data set into a life-changing paycheck. Whether you are sending your first 500 letters or scaling to 50,000, this episode provides the mathematical roadmap you need to understand the relationship between mail volume and massive returns.What You’ll Learn Today:The Funnel Dynamics: What a 5,000-unit mailer looks like from “Send” to “Close.”The $100k Anatomy: The specific attributes of the property and the seller situation that led to a six-figure profit.Response Metrics: Why you shouldn’t panic when 4,999 people don’t result in a deal.Scaling the Math: How to project your own revenue based on the Land Academy “Yield” formulas.Key Quotes:“You don’t need a thousand deals a year; you need the right math on the right five thousand envelopes.” — Jack Butala

Going from side hustle to full-time land investing takes more than just motivation—it requires the right mindset, strategy, and resilience. Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit dive into the realities of transitioning from part-time investing to making land flipping a full-time career. They share insights on overcoming setbacks, understanding personal strengths, and making smart decisions to sustain long-term success. Is land investing the right path for you? Tune in as they break down the process, common challenges, and key steps to building a thriving land business.

What did you wish you knew before diving into the world of land investing? Join Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit on the Land Academy Show as they share their unfiltered insights, from unexpected challenges to the surprising ease of a data-centric approach. Discover their journey through 16,000 deals, what it truly takes to succeed, and how they navigate the often-confused reactions of friends and family to their unique business model. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek into Land Academy's revolutionary new tool designed to make land investing an absolute breeze.

Today on The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit explain why they do not negotiate land or house deals, as well as why this approach actually leads to faster, cleaner closings. They share how setting the price upfront filters out the wrong sellers, attracts serious ones, and gives you total control over your margins. If you are spending hours going back and forth or trying to "sell" someone on your number, this discussion will help you understand the power of firm pricing and how to build a business that runs without haggling.

Think cold calling, emailing, or texting is the best way to connect with land and house sellers? Think again. In this episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit break down the real-world effectiveness—and legality—of the top outreach methods investors use today. From awkward cold calls and ignored texts to a single strategy that actually works, they cut through the noise to reveal what’s worth your time and what could land you in hot water. If you’ve ever wondered how top land investors consistently close deals, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

What if the land investing strategies you've always relied on are no longer enough? Today on The Land Academy Show, join Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit as they reveal why the old ways of land investing are gone for 2025 and how to find the best off-market land deals. They dive deep into the critical mindset shift you need to survive and thrive in land investing, explaining why traditional methods are no longer enough, exemplified by a real-world deal review of a tricky Texas property that challenges conventional wisdom. They also emphasize the importance of upping your game in every aspect, from lead generation and deal analysis to pricing and even customer service. This episode isn't just about theory; it's about real-time adaptation and understanding what it truly takes to succeed in today's market. Are you ready to transform your approach?

Discover the secrets of land flipping success in this exclusive interview with Karl and Samantha Lathus on the Land Academy Show. Hosts Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit delve into the strategies that propelled the Lathuses to mega-success in the land investing world. From corporate careers to full-time land flipping, Karl and Samantha share their journey and insights. The tables turn in the second half as the Lathuses interview Steven and Jill, uncovering the failures that paved the way to their ultimate success. Get ready for an inspiring episode filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a glimpse into the mindset of successful land investors.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review it in Apple Podcasts. Reviews are incredibly important for rankings on Apple Podcasts. My staff and I read each and every one.If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. The BuWit Family of Companies include: https://BuWit.comhttps://offers2owners.comhttps://landinvestors.comhttps://landacademy.comhttps://landpin.comhttps://parcelfact.comhttps://countywise.comhttps://deedperfect.comhttps://ownersdata.comhttps://houseacademy.comI would like to think it’s entertaining and informative and, in the end, profitable. And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please review it in iTunes. Reviews are incredibly important for rankings on iTunes. My staff and I read each and every one.If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. The BuWit Family of Companies include: https://BuWit.com https://offers2owners.com https://landinvestors.com https://landacademy.com https://landpin.com https://parcelfact.com https://countywise.com https://deedperfect.com https://ownersdata.com https://houseacademy.com I would like to think it’s entertaining and informative and in the end profitable.And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts.

Listen to Land Academy Member Christine McManus discuss her Land Investing journey with Steven Butala and Jill DeWit. She's about to make a million and a half bucks on a deal.

Ever wonder what separates successful land investors from the ones who quietly walk away? In today’s episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit dig into the most common — and often painful — regrets shared by people who gave up on land investing too early. From motivation struggles to letting life get in the way, they share real stories from the Land Academy community, including the ones who came back (sometimes three times!) and finally made it work. No techy mailer talk today — just honest, sometimes funny, and eye-opening insight into what not to do if you want to build real success. Tune in to hear what people wish they had done differently and how you can avoid making the same mistakes.

What happens when your success starts to make the people around you uncomfortable? In this candid and relatable episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit dive into a challenge many high-achievers face but few talk about—how to handle jealous friends when your life starts to take off. From luxury lifestyles and financial freedom to dream homes and flexible schedules, they’ve been there—and they’re not bragging, they’re qualifying. Whether you’re just starting out or finally hitting your stride, this episode offers real talk, laughs, and lessons from the trenches of winning big… and navigating the awkward social fallout that can come with it.

Welcome to episode 2200 of The Land Academy Show! In this milestone episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit tackle a question every land investor eventually faces: How do you know when you've found your land niche market? Whether it’s probate properties, landlocked lots, or the sweet spot of 5–10 acres, Jack and Jill share how your niche often finds you — and why that’s actually a good thing. Plus, they respond to a listener’s concern about outdated DataTree info, explain how county data updates work, and give tips on choosing the land deals that work for you. If you’ve ever wondered where your land investing sweet spot lies — this is the episode that just might reveal it

What if you could make more money, in less time, with fewer headaches—without ever leaving your desk? In today’s episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit unpack why flipping 20 land deals can easily beat holding one rental property. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the fast cash—it’s about freedom, efficiency, and knowing the real math behind real estate. They unpack national data, compare profit margins, and share their own behind-the-scenes experiences that prove why land investing is the ultimate low-drama, high-return strategy. Whether you’re new to land or wondering if rentals are really worth it—this episode will make you think twice.

Market dynamics can shift on a dime, and understanding the delicate balance of supply and demand is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in land investment. In this episode, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit unpack the essential laws of supply and demand and how they directly impact the land business, revealing strategies to thrive even when market conditions shift. They delve into a real-world scenario of a penthouse condo pricing discussion and address a listener's question about mailing to zip codes with strong sales history but no current listings. Expect insights into identifying prime buying opportunities during periods of high supply and low demand, and learn why economic downturns can actually lead to record-breaking deals. Tune in to discover how understanding basic economics 101 can give you a major advantage in the competitive world of land acquisition and investing.

In this episode of The Land Academy Show, Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit dive into the art of creating effective land mailers that get results. They share insider tips on what to include, what to avoid, and how small details can make a big impact. From personalized touches to professional design, they explore the elements that can transform a basic mailer into a response-generating powerhouse. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you get your land offers noticed. Plus, they tackle a real-life question from a listener about data discrepancies—something every land investor should understand. Tune in for practical advice you can apply immediately!

Things get real (and a little funny) as Steven Jack Butala and Jill DeWit dive into how to actually use AI in your land business today—without letting it script your entire life. In this Back to the Basics episode of The Land Academy Show, they break down why certain deals should never make it past your desk, especially those buried in steep HOA fees and niche communities. Learn how a single Discord post stirred up a valuable conversation on avoiding costly mistakes, filtering your mailers like a pro, and using AI as a smart, practical tool (not your business brain). Bonus: Some candid banter and lessons on what won’t change in your relationship—no matter how advanced AI gets.