In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we sit down with Chris Wallace, a seasoned real estate investor and one of our coaching students. Chris shares his incredible journey from hitting rock bottom to building a successful house-flipping business. We talk about the highs, the lows, and the real-life lessons that HGTV doesn’t show you.

From making his first $41,000 on a flip to overcoming financial setbacks and navigating foreclosures, Chris opens up about the realities of real estate investing. He also shares key insights on how to find deals with zero marketing budget, why the right contractors can make or break your flip, and how personal growth and business success go hand in hand. Whether you’re new to real estate or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:32] – Chris’s unexpected entry into real estate through a weekend job painting houses

[3:24] – Making $41,000 on his first flip and how it hooked him on real estate investing

[6:13] – The importance of taking action, no matter where you are in life

[7:01] – Overcoming addiction and how real estate played a role in rebuilding his life

[9:21] – Lessons learned from nearly losing everything in a foreclosure

[11:18] – The importance of hiring the right contractors and avoiding costly mistakes

[16:19] – Why pictures can be deceiving when hiring contractors or buying properties

[21:10] – How Chris has flipped over 25 houses with zero marketing spend

[25:22] – Using creative financing to fund flips with little to no money down

[30:44] – The power of value-add strategies to increase a home’s resale value

[33:32] – Adapting renovation plans based on budget and unexpected surprises

[37:44] – Chris reflects on what he would tell his past self about success and real estate

Key Takeaways:

1. Real estate can be a path to personal transformation. Chris turned his life around through real estate, proving that anyone can create a fresh start with the right mindset and action.

2. The right contractors make all the difference. Cutting corners on labor can cost you thousands. Always vet your contractors thoroughly before hiring.

3. You don’t need a massive marketing budget to find deals. Chris has built a successful flipping business by leveraging relationships, networking, and the MLS.

4. Flipping is not as glamorous as TV makes it seem. Real estate investing comes with unexpected challenges, from bad hires to budgeting issues, but the rewards are worth it.

5. A strong personal foundation is just as important as business success. Maintaining sobriety and personal stability helped Chris rebuild his business after setbacks.

Links & Resources:

• Join our Facebook group to connect with fellow investors

• Want Chris’s help with your next flip’s design? Reach out to him directly

Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that real estate isn’t just about flipping houses—it’s about flipping your life for the better. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share The Real Estate Ride.