In this episode of the Profit First for Real Estate Investing podcast, I sit down with Dave Dupuis, one-half of the dynamic duo behind Investor Mel & Dave. Dave shares how he and his wife Mel built a thriving real estate business—owning over 250 units across five countries—without ever using joint venture partners. From his early days as a firefighter to scaling their portfolio through creative financing, Dave unpacks the mindset shifts, systems, and strategies that helped them achieve financial freedom and teach thousands of others to do the same.

We get into the nuts and bolts of using other people’s money the right way, how to protect your equity while growing fast, and the power of not giving up decision-making control. Dave also opens up about how a life-threatening car accident led them to start coaching and why keeping your business aligned with your values is the key to long-term success.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - From firefighter to full-time real estate investor: Dave’s unexpected journey

[1:44] - The secret to working successfully with your spouse

[2:43] - Why they left their jobs to go all-in on real estate

[5:04] - The “aha” moment that changed everything for Dave

[7:35] - How they bought 12 properties in 12 months using creative financing

[9:20] - The near-fatal accident that sparked a shift to coaching

[11:05] - Over 2,000 students and counting: What makes their program different

[12:28] - Why Dave refuses to do joint ventures—and what he does instead

[15:31] - Their approach to multifamily and why they still invest in small properties

[16:29] - The three creative financing strategies they use (and teach)

[18:18] - How real estate helps them support their family goals

[21:06] - Why they brought on Simple CFO and how it’s improved their decision-making

[22:38] - Inside their coaching model and what students can expect

[25:08] - What Dave would do differently if starting over today

[27:03] - Final advice for stabilizing and growing your real estate business

Key Takeaways

1. Creative financing is key: You don’t need JVs—using OPM through seller financing, promissory notes, and retirement funds can scale your portfolio without giving up control.
2. Keep the decision-making power: Dave explains how avoiding JVs allows him and Mel to make financial decisions aligned with their family goals.
3. Stabilization > growth: Long-term success means periodically slowing down to strengthen your foundation before scaling again.
4. The right systems matter: Bringing in financial pros like Simple CFO gave them the clarity and time to focus on growth.
5. Serve from experience: Their coaching model is built on what they wish they had when starting—actionable, honest, and fully aligned with what they practice.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Dave & Mel: https://www.instagram.com/investormelanddave
• Learn more or book a call: https://www.investormeldave.com
• Bonus for Profit First listeners: Visit https://www.investormeldave.com and mention “Simple CFO” for exclusive access
• Learn more about Simple CFO: https://www.simplecfo.com

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