Follow the Money: The Strategy That Changed His Career
Follow the Money: The Strategy That Changed His Career  
Podcast: Forward One Podcast
Published On: Mon Mar 02 2026
Description: 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.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardonerealestate/Timestamps00:00:00 Meet Derek Smith00:00:15 From Texas to Real Estate00:02:26 Crushing It Fast00:05:00 Finding a Niche00:07:24 Off Market Advantage00:10:09 First Deal Lessons00:18:01 Deal Sourcing Playbook00:28:23 Underwriting and Proformas00:41:27 Many Paths to Success00:41:54 Branding the Derrick Smith00:43:15 Value Building and Negotiation00:46:08 Fatherhood and Flexibility00:49:06 Weekly Metrics and Accountability00:54:39 Prospecting and Agent Collaboration01:01:57 Goals Florida Expansion Investing01:08:31 Decisions Lessons and Fire Round