In this episode, Annie and I walk you through a full case study of one of our most challenging and rewarding rehab projects to date—a fire-damaged property we purchased from a wholesaler. We break down every step, from structural surprises and smoke damage to budget adjustments and smart staging strategies. This is a real-world look at how we handle unexpected issues and still bring a distressed property back to market-ready condition.

We cover what tools we used, what went wrong, how we pivoted, and how we manage the pressure of a fast-approaching listing deadline. Whether you’re new to flipping or looking to take on more complex projects, this episode will give you a detailed playbook for managing rehab chaos with confidence and creativity.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Introducing the fire-damaged property and how we acquired it

[1:16] - Scope of damage: fire, smoke, plaster, and a partial roof replacement

[2:37] - Why we go after deals others avoid

[3:22] - Sealing smoke damage: products that actually work

[4:24] - Budgeting for mechanicals and structural issues

[5:17] - Surprise structural problems and how we solved them

[6:51] - Cost-saving move: repurposing used cabinets

[8:11] - Final stage of rehab and getting it market-ready

[9:29] - Dealing with contractor mistakes and last-minute fixes

[10:22] - Flooring changes and creative design decisions

[11:02] - How we handle lighting, vanities, and layout adjustments

[12:04] - Using House Pro for mood boards, budgeting, and design planning

[13:17] - Practical alternatives for new investors without design software

[14:33] - On-site organization: keeping everyone on the same page

[16:05] - Why we chose this house: location, layout, and buyer appeal

[17:38] - Deciding not to add a second bath—and why

[18:43] - Staging to sell: layout tips and selling furniture

[19:46] - Renting vs. owning staging furniture

[20:59] - How we source staging items affordably

[21:58] - Staging dos and don’ts for tight budgets

[23:21] - Building long-term vendor relationships

[24:12] - Why we skip curtains and wall art in staging

[24:31] - Simple, smart landscaping that sells without daily maintenance

[25:15] - Final thoughts and lessons from this fast-paced flip

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Don’t fear fire-damaged homes – With the right tools and knowledge, these properties can offer excellent ROI.

2. Expect the unexpected – Structural surprises are common; budget buffer and flexibility are essential.

3. Reuse creatively – Repurposing materials like cabinets can save thousands and help offset unforeseen costs.

4. Systematize your design – Using tools like House Pro or even free alternatives helps keep your projects consistent and on budget.

5. Stage smart, not expensive – Staging doesn’t require brand-new furniture—just clean, cohesive, and well-placed items.

If this episode gave you insight into tackling bigger rehabs, we’d love it if you rated, reviewed, and shared The Real Estate Ride. Your support helps more aspiring investors learn what’s really possible in real estate.

In this episode, Annie and I dive into a fresh wholesale deal that hit our inbox just an hour before recording. We walk you through our full analysis—looking at property details, running comps, identifying red flags, and evaluating whether this is a flip, a rental, or a pass. If you’ve ever been on a wholesaler’s list or considered buying one of their deals, this is the kind of real-world walkthrough you don’t want to miss.

We share our honest reactions in real time, from spotting odd features on the property to questioning the reliability of the comps provided. Plus, we open up about how we balance multiple exit strategies and what numbers really make a deal worth pursuing.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Breaking down how we received the wholesale deal

[0:54] - Initial impressions: price, size, and property highlights

[1:27] - Manufactured home or not? Determining property type

[2:32] - Unusual exterior features and needed repairs

[3:16] - First-time seeing a mysterious gutter box

[3:56] - Cape Cod layout: pros and cons for flipping or renting

[4:24] - Floor plan challenges and converted porch space

[4:58] - Garage and shed analysis: what adds value and what doesn’t

[5:22] - Bathroom setup and importance of a bathtub in flips

[6:01] - Exterior condition: paint, siding, and ceiling tiles

[6:23] - Updated panel but potential for outdated wiring

[6:47] - Initial discussion on flip vs. rental strategy

[7:22] - Comps overview and projected ARV

[8:18] - Verifying wholesaler comps—and why most didn’t check out

[10:06] - School district mismatch: why it matters

[12:30] - Running our own comps and setting expectations

[14:24] - Market activity snapshot: competition and pricing

[17:35] - Still can’t find the property on Google Maps

[21:16] - Adjusting values for acreage differences

[22:19] - Final ARV range and rehab budget

[22:56] - Deal verdict and next steps

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Always verify comps independently – Don’t assume the numbers sent by wholesalers are accurate. Run your own comparables through MLS or reliable sources.

2. Know your exit strategies – Go into every deal with at least two options, whether it’s a flip, a rental, or even wholesaling it yourself.

3. Small details matter – Odd features like unidentifiable structures or outdated floor plans can impact a buyer’s perception and resale value.

4. ARV is not one-size-fits-all – Comps must match in style, size, age, and school district to be valid indicators of potential resale price.

5. Location verification is crucial – If you can’t find the property or verify its location, it’s a huge red flag. Always confirm before proceeding.

If you found this episode helpful, make sure to rate, review, and follow The Real Estate Ride. Share it with a friend or colleague who’s diving into wholesaling or just wants to get better at deal analysis.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the different types of creative financing strategies that we’ve personally used to build our real estate business. You’ve probably heard terms like “lease option,” “land contract,” or “subject to”—but what do they actually mean, and when should you use them? That’s exactly what we cover here.

We go over the pros, cons, and real-world applications of each method so you can understand how to use creative finance to structure win-win deals, even if you don’t have perfect credit or a ton of cash. Whether you’re brand new to real estate or looking to expand your deal-making toolkit, this episode is your practical guide to understanding how these strategies work in the real world.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[0:25] Clarifying what “creative financing” really means

[1:12] What a lease option is and why it was our first creative deal

[2:23] How a lease option gives you control and flexibility without owning

[3:08] The legal shift we made after sandwich lease options were banned in Ohio

[4:19] How lease options still work with rentals and Airbnb strategies

[5:01] What a land trust is and how it helps transfer control of a property

[6:24] Using land trusts to stay legal and flexible in seller deals

[7:16] Breaking down the 3 parts of a land trust: trust, beneficiaries, trustee

[8:12] Why we use LLCs as trustees for cleaner transactions

[8:37] Understanding land contracts (aka contracts for deed)

[9:06] How land contracts allow you to buy without 20% down

[10:23] What it means to buy a property “subject to” the existing mortgage

[10:52] What to look for in a subject to mortgage—including adjustable rates and balloon payments

[11:49] Where to ask questions and get help as you learn creative finance

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative finance gives you tools to acquire property even when traditional financing says no.

2. Lease options, land trusts, land contracts, and subject to each serve different deal needs—know when and how to use them.

3. Always check your local laws and run your contracts by an attorney to keep things clean, legal, and smart.

If you found this episode helpful, we’d love it if you could rate, review, follow, and share the podcast with someone who’s ready to grow their real estate knowledge the smart way.