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Real Estate

Wholesaling

Find distressed properties under contract, then assign that contract to a buyer for a fee. No rehab, no holding costs — but margins depend entirely on finding deep enough deals.

How It Works

You put a distressed property under contract at a below-market price, then assign your equitable interest to a cash buyer (usually a flipper or landlord) for an assignment fee — typically $5,000–$30,000. No financing needed, no closing on the property yourself.

The challenge: finding sellers motivated enough to accept deep discounts requires consistent marketing, strong negotiation, and a real understanding of ARV and repair costs. Most people overestimate how many deals they can find.

The Math That Has to Work

  • ARV: After Repair Value — what the property is worth fixed up
  • MAO formula: ARV × 70% − Repairs − Your fee = Max offer
  • Repair estimates: Must be accurate — your buyer will back out if they don't work
  • Assignment fee: Must leave room for the buyer to profit

What You Actually Need

  • • A consistent lead source (direct mail, driving for dollars, cold calling, PPC)
  • • A vetted buyer's list — investors who close fast with cash
  • • A solid purchase contract with assignability language
  • • Understanding of your local market values

What Kills These Deals

  • • Overestimating ARV and underestimating repairs
  • • Not having a buyer ready — time kills deals
  • • Sellers who back out when they realize they're not working with a buyer
  • • Legal/licensing issues in states that require a license to wholesale

Have a wholesale deal or want to understand the numbers? Send it over and let's evaluate it.

Ryan Davies

Deal Strategist | Capital Partner | Investor

Utah-licensed real estate, mortgage, and business broker. I work on business sales and acquisitions, residential and investment real estate, mortgage and refinance placement, and short-term capital for investors — with attention to structure, documentation, and closing. When you reach out, you get me on your deal from first read through follow-up.

© 2026 Ryan Davies. All rights reserved.

Disclosures

Ryan Davies is a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker at Eleven11 Real Estate — 11136477-AB00 — and a Licensed Mortgage Broker with Creative Housing Solutions/Ultimate Home Lending, NMLS #1895732. By submitting your information through this site you agree to opt in to phone, email, and marketing communication. Ryan Davies is not a licensed financial advisor, so you should meet with one before applying any strategies that you learn.

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