In this special episode of The Real Estate Ride, Annie and I had the pleasure of joining Andrew Lucas on the REI Deal Finders podcast to share our full real estate story — from humble beginnings to building a diverse portfolio of over 50 rental units. We reveal how a need for more space led to our first rental property, how creative financing and an old-school library hack helped us scale, and the mindset shifts that kept us moving forward even when the bank said “no.”

We also pull back the curtain on the operations behind our business today, including our short-term rental strategy, how we’ve grown a self-sufficient construction team, and why helping people is still at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re new to investing or ready to expand, this episode is loaded with real-life wisdom, practical tips, and a few fun throwbacks to how we got started.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - How an overcrowded house sparked our real estate journey

[2:45] - Realizing real estate wasn’t as scary as it seemed

[5:07] - Why we decided to rent instead of sell our first home

[10:34] - The library hack that unlocked creative financing strategies

[14:38] - Our first lease option deals — and how we asked for them

[17:07] - How networking brought us our first off-market properties

[21:07] - The marketing tactic we still use today (and it’s free)

[22:25] - What our real estate business looks like now, 20+ years later

[25:43] - Why helping sellers shaped our growth and reputation

[26:31] - The best advice we’d give ourselves if we were starting today

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start with what you have – Our journey began by renting out the home we already owned. You don’t need everything figured out to get started.

2. When the bank says no, get creative – A trip to the library introduced us to lease options and creative deal structures that didn’t rely on bank approval.

3. Network intentionally – Our first real investment deals came from friends and acquaintances once we started telling people what we were looking for.

4. Keep it simple – We still find deals today just by asking, “Do you know anyone selling a house?” on social media. No fancy marketing needed.

5. Real estate is a people business – At every stage, focusing on how we can help others has opened more doors than any strategy alone.

If you got value from this episode, be sure to rate, follow, and review The Real Estate Ride. Share it with someone who’s thinking about getting started — or who just needs a little nudge to keep going. Thanks for riding along with us!

Hey, it’s Annie and Jay, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into one of our most unique and rewarding projects—a burned property we picked up from a wholesaler. We walk you through every gritty detail, from discovering the fire damage to navigating structural surprises, all the way to our final design and staging choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether a severely damaged home could become a profitable flip, this one’s for you.

We cover why we pursue the kinds of properties most investors avoid—think mold, foundation issues, and in this case, fire. Plus, we’re sharing the strategies we used to stay within budget, the rehab decisions that made the biggest impact, and how we’re using design tools and staging tricks to finish strong and sell fast. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, you’ll pick up real-world insights that can boost your next deal.

Episode Timeline:

[0:28] - Introduction

[0:28] - How we found the deal through a wholesaler and why burned properties don’t scare us

[1:16] - The extent of the fire damage and what parts we were able to salvage

[2:27] - Why most investors shy away from projects like this—and why we don’t

[3:23] - Using smoke sealants and keeping mechanicals in place to save costs

[5:09] - Discovering hidden structural issues and how we adjusted on the fly

[6:38] - Budget cuts: repurposing cabinets and creative cost-saving measures

[8:03] - Crunch time! Ramping up crews and hitting the market deadline

[10:22] - Miscommunications, surprises, and adjusting the design plan

[12:04] - How we use House Pro and other tools to streamline the design process

[16:24] - Why we chose this property and how it fits into our first-time homebuyer strategy

[18:46] - The role of staging in selling quickly and affordably

[24:12] - Landscaping and exterior prep that saves time and money

[25:25] - Final thoughts and updates on this high-pressure flip

3 Key Takeaways

1. Distressed properties can be goldmines when you understand how to manage the rehab and budget smartly.

2. Preparation and flexibility are crucial—from sealing smoke damage to adjusting for unexpected structural fixes.

3. Staging and design planning make a difference in both marketability and sale price, even when using repurposed or budget-friendly materials.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, follow, share, and review The Real Estate Ride. Your support keeps us going and helps others discover the show.

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!