Patrick Donley sits down with John Marsh to talk about his incredible journey of transformation both of himself and of his community of Opelika, Alabama. They dive into how John rebuilt his life and his community, how he worked his way out of over $1 million in debt, how he went on to renovate 300 properties and be part of starting 60 businesses, why he likes to focus on “irreplaceable real estate, and why he thinks historic small towns could be their own asset class in the future.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:00:00 - Intro03:18 - Why having hope in your future is having power in your present.03:18 - How he was making more money in high school than his teachers.03:18 - How he worked his way out of over $1 million in debt, healed his relationship, and transformed his life.08:45 - How he got his start rebuilding homes in Opelika.10:49 - Why having no outside capital can be a blessing.10:49 - How he went on to renovate 300 properties and start 60 businesses in Opelika.12:03 - What his first renovation was like and why it took 6 ½ years.14:08 - How a $15,000 profit became the seed for much bigger projects.14:08 - Why Marsh Collective focuses on companies, couples, and communities.17:31 - How he used owner financing to build his portfolio.21:01 - Why he starts revitalization of a town with an iconic food and beverage project.37:51 - How do you know you’ve found the right mentor?47:01 - How he evaluates the “5 F’s” — faith, family, fun, fitness, and finances.58:27 - How to work at the intersection of purpose and profits.58:27 - Why he likes to focus on “irreplaceable real estate”.62:58 - Why historic small towns could become their own asset class.01:10:43 - Who are some of his favorite guests who have been on his podcast?And much, much more!*Disclaimer: Slight timestamp discrepancies may occur due to podcast platform differences. BOOKS AND RESOURCES5 Voices personality test.Positive Intelligence test.Redemptification podcast.Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.Related episode: Listen to REI165: Taco-Oriented Development w/Eric Weatherholtz, or watch the video.Related episode: Listen to REI164: Intelligent Design w/ Bobby Fijan, or watch the video.NEW TO THE SHOW?Check out our Real Estate 101 Starter Packs.Browse through all our episodes (complete with transcripts) here.Try our tool for picking stock winners and managing our portfolios: TIP Finance Tool.Enjoy exclusive perks from our favorite Apps and Services.Stay up-to-date on financial markets and investing strategies through our daily newsletter, We Study Markets.Keep up with the latest news and strategies on real estate investing with the best real estate podcasts.P.S The Investor’s Podcast Network is excited to launch a subreddit devoted to our fans in discussing financial markets, stock picks, questions for our hosts, and much more! Join our subreddit r/TheInvestorsPodcast today!SPONSORSGet a FREE audiobook from Audible.Instead of trying to time the market or pick single stocks, automate your investments and invest in a variety of companies with Betterment.What does happen when money and big feelings mix? Tune in to find out on the new podcast, Open Money, presented by Servus Credit Union.Apply for the Employee Retention Credit easily, no matter how busy you are, with Innovation Refunds.Support our free podcast by supporting our sponsors.Connect with Patrick (@jpatrickdonley): TwitterConnect with John Marsh: Website  | Facebook | LinkedIn | TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.