Hey everyone, it’s Jay here! In today’s episode, Annie and I take a deep dive into why wholesalers are vanishing from the market and what that means for investors who are still in the game. We break down how shifting market conditions — from skyrocketing interest rates and longer days on market to layoffs and inflation — are shaking up the flipping and wholesaling world. We share how to pivot to creative financing, like lease options and seller terms, to keep deals flowing.

We also discuss the hottest price bands to target, how to educate sellers who still expect peak prices, and what to watch out for when pulling comps in a cooling market. Plus, we chat about opportunities with hedge funds, tricks for building your cash buyer list, and why adding value through simple upgrades like extra baths or bedrooms can make all the difference. If you’re worried about staying afloat in a shifting market, this conversation is packed with practical tips to keep you ahead of the curve.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Opportunity in empty rooms: Why fewer wholesalers mean more chances for you.

[2:12] – Flippers struggling: 140+ days on market and deals barely breaking even.

[3:43] – Lease options 101: How longer lease terms can protect your investment.

[5:16] – Where the deals are: Zeroing in on first-time buyer price points.

[10:25] – Loan payment pitfalls: How big loans can drain your profits if the market slows.

[16:14] – The comp game: Why you must pull comps from the last 90 days or risk overpaying.

[17:36] – Educating sellers: Talking layoffs, tariffs, and rising costs to get realistic prices.

[20:44] – Offering terms: How to get deals accepted even when cash offers fail.

[35:12] – Hedge fund buyers: How to find and build relationships with institutional buyers.

[36:15] – Sheriff’s sales: An overlooked way to grow your cash buyer list.

5 Key Takeaways

✅ The market shift is your opportunity: When wholesalers and flippers retreat, it’s time to move in — if you’re ready with the right strategy.

✅ Lease options are a powerful tool: Offering sellers lease options can save your deals when traditional sales stall.

✅ First-time buyer price points are gold: Stay in or just below your market’s median price — that’s where demand will stay strongest.

✅ Shorten your comp window: Only look 90 days back for comps to stay ahead of a falling market.

✅ Build your buyer network now: Focus on hedge funds, sheriff sales, and active cash buyers to ensure you have outlets for your deals.

Closing Thoughts

Thanks so much for listening to The Real Estate Ride! If you found today’s episode helpful, please rate, follow, and review the show — and share it with someone who’d benefit. Your support helps us keep bringing you the insights you need to crush it in real estate. See you on the next ride!

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we dive into the gritty realities of working with contractors in the real estate world. From navigating the maze of hiring reliable professionals to managing unexpected project hurdles, Jay and I share our firsthand experiences and hard-earned lessons. We talk candidly about the journey that led us to start our own construction company, why planning is crucial, and how to avoid common pitfalls whether you’re flipping your first home or managing multiple properties.

We also explore what it really takes to maintain control over your projects, including creating working interviews for new hires, understanding local permit requirements, and mastering change orders. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice and cautionary tales to keep your investments on track and on budget.

Key Takeaways

1. Have a Clear Plan Before You Start – Know what you want, document it, and communicate it clearly to avoid missteps and unexpected expenses.

2. Vet Your Contractors Thoroughly – Ask for referrals, set expectations early, and consider working interviews to gauge skills before handing over projects.

3. Local Rules Matter – Understand your city or county’s licensing and permitting requirements to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Why every investor needs a plan before hiring a contractor

[2:27] - Our motivation for launching a construction company

[5:03] - The importance of change orders and clear communication

[6:22] - Growing our construction team and the challenges that came with it

[7:16] - Teaching our daughter real estate by flipping a house for her first car

[9:20] - Tips for coordinating multiple contractor bids in a tight schedule

[10:05] - A shocking price range example from a Florida roof replacement

[11:05] - What to expect when paying contractors and protecting your investment

[12:39] - How we train and test contractors with a hands-on working interview

[13:10] - Knowing your city’s permit rules and licensing requirements

[15:30] - Why defining your renovation plan adds value and saves money

[18:24] - Small planning details that could cost big money if overlooked

[22:22] - Final thoughts on due diligence and sticking to your plan

Links & Resources

• Connect with us: Jay@jandannieadkins.com | Annie@jandannieadkins.com

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In this episode, Jay and I dive deep into how we set intentional, actionable goals for our personal lives and businesses—and how you can do the same. We’re not about vague resolutions that fizzle out by February. We’re talking about creating a vision with real, measurable steps and accountability to actually get things done.

Whether you’re balancing business with family, trying to rediscover your purpose, or looking to reframe your mindset to “How can I?” instead of “I can’t,” this episode will inspire and challenge you. We share insights from our own lives—including flipping houses, building lifestyle-driven businesses, and helping our daughter buy a car with her own real estate deal! Plus, we introduce our “Wheel of Life” framework to help you evaluate and align every area of your life with your vision.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:27] – Why we avoid resolutions and set measurable goals instead

[2:30] – Using accountability groups and coaching to stay on track

[5:41] – Building flexibility into your business and life

[9:20] – Flipping your mindset from “I can’t” to “How can I?”

[12:05] – Teaching our daughter how to flip a house to buy her first car

[14:17] – Why manifestation requires work, not just intention

[18:20] – A coaching story: how cutting Starbucks led to quitting a job

[21:21] – Why we turned down big real estate deals for a balanced lifestyle

[23:12] – The 8 key life categories in our Wheel of Life

[30:03] – Turning spiritual habits into daily rituals

[33:15] – From running half a mile to an Ironman: Jay’s fitness journey

[36:08] – Mike shares his health journey and ditching bread & dairy

[44:13] – Goal stacking: combining family time with wellness habits

[47:43] – Money, business, and how to align income with your values

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Vision beats resolution – Resolutions often fail, but a clear, actionable vision sets the foundation for sustainable success.

2. Accountability accelerates growth – Sharing goals with a group or coach creates real momentum and follow-through.

3. Flexibility is freedom – Building a lifestyle-focused business means you can show up for your family and your goals.

4. Mindset matters – Replacing “I can’t” with “How can I?” opens new paths and possibilities.

5. Goals require strategy – Big goals need micro-steps, measurable waypoints, and intentional planning to become reality.

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