You don’t usually hear about pickleball and real estate in the same sentence. But for Mike Balcom, a casual game of pickleball turned into a career in land investing.
What started as a way to get active in college led to flipping land for big profits. With one smart deal, Mike realized that land could be simpler and more rewarding than managing rental homes.
Today, he helps others see the power of land flipping, smart teamwork, and using new tools like AI in real estate.
Watch this short video to see how Mike Balcom turned a casual pickleball game into a profitable land flipping business.
Why Land Flipping Works
Balcom believes land is one of the best real estate assets you can invest in. Unlike rental properties, there are no tenants to manage, no leaky toilets, and no trash problems. Land investing is simpler. The main things to consider are:
Key Factors in Evaluating Land Deals
- Does the land have road access?
- Can you get utilities like water and electricity?
- Is the land buildable?
Top Reasons Land Flipping Works:
- No tenants or maintenance
- Easier to evaluate
- Faster closing cycles
- Lower competition
These questions help investors quickly decide if a piece of land is a good deal. Compared to homes, there's no need to worry about repairs, old roofs, or foundation issues. Balcom says that even though land sellers aren't always in a rush to sell, the process is less stressful and more about finding win-win deals.
Simple but smart land flipping strategies like these have helped Balcom build his business. And now, more people are searching for land investing tips as they look for less risky and more hands-off real estate options.
How Mike Built a High-Performing Real Estate Team
As his business grew, Mike realized he couldn’t do it all alone. So he built a team. His biggest advice?
"Empower your team. Empower them. Empower them. Empower them."
Balcom wants his team to act like owners. Instead of thinking of themselves as just employees, they should feel like they're running a part of the business. For example, his executive assistant doesn’t just manage his schedule—she’s the "CEO of Mike’s life."
This shift is tough for many real estate investors, especially those used to doing everything themselves. But Mike learned the value of letting go.
One time, he hired a texter to follow up with leads. She ignored his detailed instructions and followed her own method. When Mike questioned her, she explained that her approach, built on seven years of experience, worked better.
She was right. Her results were stronger than his system.
Balcom recommends that any growing business owner hire an executive assistant early. It's a small investment that can free up hours each week, time better spent closing deals or finding new land flipping opportunities.
Using AI in Real Estate Investing
Mike was also quick to adopt technology. When tools like ChatGPT became popular, he didn’t see them as a threat. Instead, he asked his team to learn how to use AI tools to make their work better.
Prompt Engineering for Better Results
He gave his texter a choice: either let AI replace her job, or use AI to make her job easier and more effective. She chose to adapt. Now, the team uses AI to answer questions, write drafts, and solve problems faster. They start with AI, then use their skills to polish the results.
Balcom teaches his team prompt engineering basics—like how to clearly tell AI what they want, in what format, and with what tone. With that knowledge, they treat AI like a super assistant. According to Mike, it’s like doubling your team without hiring anyone new.
This strategy has become a core part of his real estate business. As more investors explore how to use AI in real estate investing, Balcom’s team is already ahead of the game.
From Court to Closing Table
Mike didn’t follow a typical real estate path. By starting with land instead of rental homes, building a strong team, and using AI tools to grow, he found a smart and simple way to succeed.
His journey shows that with the right mindset and strategy, anyone can start flipping land—even if they’ve never invested before.
Whether you're into pickleball or just looking for land investing tips, Mike’s story proves that great opportunities can come from unexpected places.
