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.

Hey everyone – it’s Jay here, and in this masterclass episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on everything Annie and I have learned from 20+ years of flipping homes, building rentals, and surviving market shifts. Whether you’re new to real estate investing or ready to level up your game, this session is packed with real-world strategies, creative financing options, and hard-earned lessons (including the time I lost it all and had to start over with joint ventures!).

We cover how to craft a personal and business vision, fund your deals with little to no money, find and manage contractors, and scale your business with systems and a strong team. I also break down our deal-finding process, go-to renovation budget hacks, and how we generate multiple streams of income from each flip. If you’re serious about investing and want to build wealth the smart way—this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Building a business on purpose: setting clear 1, 3, and 10-year goals

[6:49] – How to get funding even if you’ve got no experience or bad credit

[9:27] – Joint ventures saved my career—and how they can start yours

[13:42] – Assembling a top-tier investing team (and red flags to watch for)

[16:26] – The truth about how many sellers you need to talk to each month

[19:50] – Aligning your role to your strengths and outsourcing the rest

[22:34] – Why I became obsessed with helping sellers after losing my own home

[24:07] – How title companies can help you market—often for free

[26:26] – The deal-finding pipeline: MLS, auctions, sheriff sales, land banks & more

[28:03] – Why cheap septic inspections can cost you $30K

[31:09] – Lead sources that work: SEO, PPC, cold calls, and VA teams

[34:15] – Seller script questions that uncover true motivation fast

[35:20] – Why getting your real estate license is a cheat code for flippers

[37:03] – Avoiding over-renovating: matching finishes to your neighborhood

[41:35] – Creative funding breakdowns: using private money, credit cards, and partnerships

[46:03] – FHA 203(k) rehab loans: a powerful tool for beginners

[48:10] – How to vet and manage contractors for maximum reliability

[52:56] – Why you should pay yourself on every deal—and how to do it right

[55:13] – Our staging hack that costs $300/month and sells homes fast

[57:09] – Collecting powerful testimonials that build massive credibility

5 Key Takeaways

1. Creative financing is everywhere – Joint ventures, private lenders, and even credit cards can fund your first deal if you know how to structure it right.

2. Your contractor can make or break your profit – Always vet thoroughly, set clear expectations, and use bonuses and penalties to drive performance.

3. Vision matters – If you don’t know why you’re investing, you’ll get off track. Set personal and business goals and build a plan around them.

4. Pay yourself – Don’t wait until closing to earn. Build in income from agent commissions, GC fees, or project management.

5. Don’t over-improve – High-end finishes in a basic neighborhood don’t bring ROI. Know your comps and stay market-appropriate.

Thanks again for listening! If this episode helped you, go ahead and rate, follow, and review the show. It’s the best way to support what we’re doing—and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s ready to flip their first (or next) house!

In this special episode, we were honored to be guests on Andrew Lucas’s Deal Finders podcast—and it quickly became one of our favorite interviews ever. We opened up about how we got started in real estate over 20 years ago, what gave us the initial push (hint: it started with just one rental), and the real reason we stuck with it even after losing everything. If you’re wondering how to get into real estate investing without a ton of cash—or you’re just feeling stuck—this episode is full of real talk and actionable inspiration.

We also share how we creatively financed our first properties, how we’ve scaled to over 50 rentals, and the one strategy we STILL use today to find off-market deals (and it doesn’t cost a dime). Whether you’re a new investor or looking to reignite your momentum, you’re going to get massive value from this conversation.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] How we turned our personal home into our first rental

[3:00] Facing our fears and realizing real estate was simpler than we thought

[5:10] Renting to family and lessons learned from managing our first tenants

[7:45] The screening mistakes we made early on and how we fixed them

[10:05] Why waiting for perfection will kill your momentum

[12:34] The books and resources that helped us find creative financing strategies

[14:52] The one question we still use to unlock seller finance deals

[18:00] How networking brought us three investment properties

[20:07] Building a portfolio with zero marketing dollars

[22:00] What our business looks like today with 50+ rentals and a full team

[24:30] From bartending and video stores to short-term rentals and coaching

[26:30] Our biggest tips for getting started right now

[27:34] How we screen tenants today to protect our investments

[28:00] What to do when your family doesn’t support your investing dreams

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Creative financing isn’t just theory—it’s a tool we used to build a real business without relying on banks.

2. Your network is your first and most powerful deal-finding strategy—use it early and often.

3. You don’t need to know everything to get started. Just take the first step and keep learning as you go.

If this episode brought you value, we’d love it if you could rate, review, follow, and share it with someone who could use a little real estate motivation today.

In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving into one of the most critical pillars of your real estate success—building your team of A players. Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or buying and holding, your business is only as strong as the people you bring into your circle. I’m sharing my step-by-step approach to identifying, recruiting, and working with top-tier attorneys, title companies, contractors, lenders, and virtual assistants—those who will help you close deals smoothly and scale confidently.

You’ll also learn the secrets to setting up your deals the right way—like handling escrow, navigating private money loans, and avoiding costly misunderstandings with agents and title companies. If you’ve ever struggled with finding the right people, knowing what to say to a private lender, or just keeping your deals moving forward, this episode is packed with gold.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Build a Team That Works for You – Your business depends on professionals who understand your investment strategy. If they aren’t aligned, it’s okay to move on and find someone who is.

2. Private Money ≠ Cash – Always clarify that private money is a form of financing, not cash. Labeling it incorrectly can cause unnecessary confusion and delay closings.

3. Protect Relationships and Reputation – Every transaction impacts your future in the market. Build a solid reputation by being clear, professional, and easy to work with.

Timeline Summary:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:22] - Why your team defines your success in real estate

[2:31] - The must-have attorneys on your roster—and why one isn’t enough

[5:16] - Finding title companies that are wholesale and escrow friendly

[9:20] - Why private money ≠ cash and how to communicate that to agents

[13:02] - How your reputation with agents can impact future deals

[15:00] - Getting free lead lists from attorneys and title companies

[16:30] - Why it’s okay to “fire” team members who don’t align

[20:21] - The best ways to find investor-friendly realtors

[22:32] - What inspections you should never skip (hint: septic systems!)

[24:03] - How to use mortgage lenders to qualify lease option buyers

[27:45] - Building credibility with private money lenders (even if you’re new)

[32:05] - What you can and can’t say when marketing to private lenders

[40:37] - Why you need a credibility packet and how to use it

[45:22] - Using virtual assistants to free up your time and grow your business

Closing Remarks:

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Real Estate Ride! If you’re serious about growing your investing business, remember: you don’t need to do it all alone—you just need the right people on your team. If you found this episode helpful, please follow, rate, and leave us a review. And don’t forget to share this with a fellow investor who’s ready to level up.

Let me know if you’d like me to adapt this into a short-form version for Apple/Spotify descriptions or a caption for social media.

In this special episode of The Real Estate Ride, the mic gets turned as Julie Houston interviews us on her podcast! We open up about hitting absolute rock bottom—losing our jobs, home, and financial footing—and the journey that followed to rebuild our lives through real estate investing. This episode is a raw, real, and revealing look at how vision, mindset, and creativity helped us reclaim control over our lives and build a business with purpose.

From the very first rent check that got us hooked, to how we now help coaching students close deals in 90 days or less, this conversation is packed with practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and a whole lot of heart. We even break down how we teach our kids to invest, why we avoid bank loans, and how $10 was all it took to land a profitable deal. Whether you’re starting out or starting over, you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of what’s possible.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - How we stumbled into our first rental and caught the real estate bug

[5:30] - Learning creative financing from library books and Robert Allen

[8:04] - The lowest point: foreclosure, job loss, and four kids in tow

[12:00] - Partnering with a local investor to climb out of crisis

[17:00] - Vision and mindset: building a business that serves your life

[20:18] - How our daughter bought a rental with no credit or money down

[27:00] - Why we teach our kids to invest (and how they now lend money!)

[34:05] - Facebook, referrals, and no-yes questions: our top deal-finding tips

[35:02] - Our $10 house deal and how we turned it into a cash-flowing rental

[38:06] - Paying it forward: how referrals fuel our business and help others

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start with your “why” – Know exactly what you want real estate to do for you before diving in.

2. Mindset is everything – Decide you’re an investor, then take action as if you already are.

3. Creative financing opens doors – You don’t need your own credit, cash, or even a bank to close deals.

4. Mistakes are lessons – Our worst moments became the foundation for a mission-driven business.

5. Teach the next generation – Our kids are now private lenders and investors because we involved them early.

Links & Resources

• Vision Focused Life – Our Amazon bestselling book

• Unicorn Hunting by Neil Timmons

• Julie’s coaching & resources: FullerWalletMedia.com/GetYourFirstDeal

• LandGlide: App for driving for dollars – landglide.com

If this episode resonated with you, do us a favor: rate, follow, share, and leave a review for The Real Estate Ride! Your support helps us keep the ride rolling with more real talk and powerful strategies.

In this special episode, we flip the script! Annie and I were featured on The Al Nocletti Show, and we’re bringing the full conversation straight to you. Al invited us to dive deep into one of our favorite real estate topics—creative financing—and we held nothing back. From structuring seller terms and taking over multi-unit properties to converting tired landlords into partners, this episode is a masterclass in creative deal-making.

Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned investor looking to scale without banks, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we uncover hidden opportunities, leverage our network, and turn unconventional leads into cash-flowing properties. Plus, we share actionable tips, powerful questions to ask sellers, and how to keep negotiations simple yet effective—even with zero money down.

Episode Highlights & Timeline:

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:46] - Our first taste of rental income and the moment it all clicked

[2:27] - Facing financing roadblocks—and how creative strategies changed the game

[3:06] - Acquiring two 8-unit buildings through relationship-based deals

[4:43] - Transforming under-rented properties and unlocking $250K in equity

[8:28] - Two simple, high-impact questions to ask every seller

[14:25] - Planning with the end in mind: why we decided to hold, not flip

[17:13] - How we got a non-paying tenant back on track—and boosted rent

[27:31] - Solving a foundation issue with a no-interest payment plan

[30:57] - Turning problem properties into opportunities with lease options

[34:56] - Harnessing your network and why Facebook Lives still work

[39:12] - Finding overlooked gems in the historic registry

[43:00] - Using grants and hard money loans to finance major renovations

[47:06] - The hard lessons we learned from rebuilding after Hurricane Ian

[52:10] - Keeping deals simple and conversations clear with sellers

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your network is your goldmine – Most of our deals came from people we already knew or had worked with before. Relationships are everything.

2. Always ask: “What other properties do you own?” – This one question opened doors to major opportunities we would’ve missed otherwise.

3. Creative financing isn’t complicated—just keep it simple – Confused sellers say no. Speak in plain language and build trust.

4. You don’t need $75K to do big deals – If your deal makes sense, the money will follow. Leverage private lenders or partners.

5. Go where others aren’t looking – The historic registry, word-of-mouth, and even sticky notes can lead to deals most investors never see.

If this episode inspired you or gave you some fresh ideas, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast—and share it with a friend who needs to hear this. Your support helps us keep sharing real stories and real strategies!