If you’ve been wondering how to find real estate deals without breaking the bank, this episode is for you. We’re pulling back the curtain on how we use Facebook groups to source 90% of our deals—and how you can too. From setting your vision to building momentum with simple daily action steps, we’ll walk you through a proven strategy to grow your business organically, even if you’re just starting out.

We cover why mindset and vision are your foundation in real estate, how to tap into free community resources, and the exact posting strategies we use to generate consistent leads. Whether you’re wholesaling, flipping, or just looking to break into the market, you’ll come away with a step-by-step game plan you can start today.

Episode Timeline Highlights:

[0:00] – Why vision is the foundation of your real estate journey

[1:14] – Why 80% of success in real estate comes down to mindset

[3:28] – How Facebook deals became our #1 lead source

[4:13] – Why you don’t need big marketing dollars to get started

[5:27] – What types of Facebook groups to join (and which to avoid)

[7:33] – Posting strategies to stand out and work with the algorithm

[8:20] – Why keeping posts short, simple, and question-driven boosts engagement

[9:11] – Always be testing: creating your own templates for better results

[10:05] – Building your sphere of influence and networking with agents

[11:14] – Understanding group rules and how to avoid Facebook jail

[12:38] – Why group size matters (and how small groups can still deliver leads)

[13:28] – Action items: vision video and joining 12 groups per day

[15:06] – Posting consistently while staying under Facebook’s limits

[16:01] – Tracking your posts and groups with a spreadsheet system

[18:26] – Examples of the types of community groups to target

[20:00] – Sample posts that generate leads in buy/sell/trade groups

[21:01] – Expanding into new markets with virtual wholesaling

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Vision and mindset are critical – Before diving into deals, you need clarity on what kind of life and business you’re building.

2. Facebook groups are a free goldmine – With the right posting strategies, you can consistently find deals without expensive marketing.

3. Consistency wins – Small, daily actions like joining groups, posting, and tracking results will compound into real results over time.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a friend who’s ready to grow their real estate business and start finding deals the smart way.

In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to run comps using free online tools—no MLS access required. Whether you’re evaluating a flip or rental, understanding how to analyze comparables is essential. I use a real property in a small Ohio village as a live case study and show you how to assess the market, evaluate potential resale values, and avoid common pitfalls.

From navigating Zillow filters to understanding how lot size, condition, and bathrooms affect pricing, this is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for beginners and seasoned investors alike. If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to value a deal outside your local area or without MLS access, this episode is for you.

Episode Timeline:

[0:00] - Intro to running comps without MLS

[0:28] - Starting with a real property search on Google

[1:16] - How to define comparable neighborhoods

[1:42] - Understanding style and structure of nearby homes

[2:57] - Getting base info from Zillow and what to watch out for

[4:13] - Using Zillow’s map overlay for quick value insights

[5:22] - The problem with active listings as comps

[6:13] - Spotting unfinished flips and interpreting pricing

[7:09] - Filtering out non-comparables like multifamily homes

[10:05] - Setting square footage ranges to narrow results

[11:44] - Evaluating condition and work needed on subject property

[12:09] - Finding neighboring sales and checking sale dates

[13:35] - Why age of comp data matters

[14:25] - Identifying market value ranges for different property types

[17:02] - Digging into why certain homes sold for more

[18:19] - What a $60K property typically looks like inside

[20:00] - Rental potential and cash flow calculations

[21:17] - How an extra bathroom can increase value significantly

[23:19] - Two rehab scenarios: small profit vs. big return

[24:03] - How to approach comps with multiple exit strategies

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Start with neighborhood context – Understand the micro-location before diving into numbers.

2. Use Zillow’s filters wisely – Limit by property type, square footage, and sale recency to get relevant data.

3. Photos are your friend – Look at sold properties’ condition to estimate your ARV more accurately.

4. Add a second bath if possible – It can boost value by $20K–$50K, depending on area and price point.

5. Be realistic about your profit margin – A $15K flip might not be worth the risk, but a $40K return could be.

If this walkthrough helped you feel more confident about comping deals, rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride. Every bit of support helps more investors find us and grow their business.

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.