Episode 1298: How Business Owners Can Add Passive Income with Creative Real Estate

Seth Greene
•July 1st, 2026
DESCRIPTION
What if a single real estate deal could generate upfront cash, monthly income, and long-term wealth without relying on traditional bank financing?
In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Chris Prefontaine, Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, who shares how he rebuilt after the 2008 real estate crash and developed a creative-financing approach to investing. He explains his Three Paydays system, designed to generate upfront income, monthly cash flow, and long-term wealth from a single property transaction. Chris also discusses owner financing, lease-purchase agreements, subject-to-existing-financing deals, and how business owners can use real estate to build an additional income stream.
Key Takeaways:
→ One property can generate multiple income streams.
→ Owner financing can replace traditional lending.
→ Existing low-rate mortgages can create deal opportunities.
→ Tight lending drives demand for creative financing.
→ A few deals can have a meaningful financial impact.
Chris Prefontaine is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach®, a 4x best-selling author, a former Forbes Business Council Member, and a 3-time Inc. 5000 Honoree for Fastest Growing Company. The Smart Real Estate Coach® community operates across North America and has successfully completed hundreds of transactions, helping students do the same.
Chris also hosts the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% globally. Having navigated major challenges, including the crash of 2008, 9/11, his son’s near-death experience, and the impact of COVID, Chris reengineered his entire business to thrive in all economic cycles. Through that experience, he helps students navigate the constantly changing real estate market.
Chris, his family, and his team are focused on empowering individuals and families to create the life of their dreams. Chris and his wife, Kim, have been married for more than 39 years and now focus on creating amazing experiences with their family and community members.
Connect With Chris:
Website: https://smartrealestatecoach.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisprefontaine_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisPrefontaineSmartRealEstateCoach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisprefontaine/

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