Building a successful real estate business isn’t just about finding great deals—it’s about assembling the right team to make those deals happen. In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into what it takes to put together an A-player team. From attorneys and title companies to private money lenders and virtual assistants, we break down who you need in your corner and how to find the best people for the job.

We also cover key strategies for working with contractors, negotiating with lenders, and ensuring your team operates efficiently. Plus, we discuss the common mistakes new investors make when selecting their team members—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your real estate business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a winning team.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:07] Why your business is only as strong as your team

[2:52] The key players every real estate investor needs

[7:09] How to choose a title company that supports your investing strategy

[13:12] The importance of long-term relationships with agents and lenders

[16:48] When to fire a team member who isn’t meeting expectations

[28:15] Where to find private money lenders (and what to say to them)

[39:11] The power of a credibility packet when pitching lenders

[45:39] How virtual assistants can help scale your business

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In this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we break down everything you need to know about preparing a strong purchasing contract, whether you’re buying retail, wholesaling, or working with an agent. With decades of real estate experience across multiple states, we’ve structured hundreds of contracts, and we’re sharing the best strategies to ensure your offer stands out and gets accepted.

We cover the essential components of a contract, the role of earnest money deposits, inspection clauses, and key contingencies that protect your investment. You’ll also learn common contract pitfalls that can cost you the deal and how to avoid them. If you’re looking to sharpen your contract negotiation skills and gain the confidence to navigate real estate transactions like a pro, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:00] - Overview of different purchase contracts: retail, wholesale, and investor-friendly agreements

[4:15] - Why real estate agents use board-approved contracts and what investors should know

[5:35] - When to use a simple one-page contract instead of a standard multi-page agreement

[8:45] - Earnest money deposits: how much to put down and when you may not need one

[10:30] - How to structure your offer to stand out in a competitive market

[12:10] - Why hard money loans are not considered cash and how that impacts your contract

[14:45] - The importance of inspection clauses and how to use them strategically

[16:00] - How to renegotiate price after an inspection uncovers unexpected repairs

[18:50] - What to watch for when buying from wholesalers and reviewing assignment contracts

[20:10] - How to set a realistic closing timeline to avoid contract delays and penalties

[22:00] - The risks of sending earnest money directly to sellers or wholesalers and how to protect yourself

Key Takeaways

1. A purchase contract doesn’t have to be complex. A simple one-page contract with key details (property address, price, and closing date) is often sufficient, especially in direct-to-seller deals.

2. Earnest money can strengthen your offer. While not always required, a deposit can make your offer more competitive, especially in multiple-offer situations.

3. Hard money and private loans are not cash. Listing them as cash on a contract can lead to major issues at closing and even deal cancellations.

4. Inspection clauses provide leverage. Even if you waive an inspection contingency, you can still conduct an inspection and renegotiate based on findings.

5. Closing timelines should be realistic. Giving yourself extra time beyond what lenders or title companies promise can prevent unnecessary contract extensions or penalties.

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If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review. Your support helps us continue bringing expert real estate insights. Share this episode with a fellow investor or homebuyer who could benefit from these strategies.

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.