Ever wonder how a janitor could go from mopping floors to making millions in real estate? That was Josh Swart’s reality just a few years ago. Today, he’s a successful real estate investor, closing 50 wholesale deals a year and building rental properties that generate long-term wealth. His journey proves that with the right mindset, smart strategies, and a little creativity, anyone can turn their life around.
Recently, at Collective Genius—the nation’s top event for real estate investors—Josh shared how he went from being a janitor to a real estate success story. His path wasn’t easy, but it’s one filled with lessons that can help anyone looking to make it in real estate.
The Power of Social Media in Real Estate
Seven years ago, Josh was cleaning buildings. Today, he closes around 50 wholesale deals and builds the same number of rental properties every year. His growth came from more than just hard work—it was also about smart marketing. A game-changer in his success was social media.
At first, Josh handled his own social media with little strategy. Then, he hired Corey, a team member who knew how to make an impact online. With Corey’s help, Josh turned his social media into a powerful tool.
Social Media Strategy
Want to land more off-market real estate deals and attract private lenders? Social media is the key. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have turned into goldmines for real estate investors, helping them grow their brands and scale their businesses faster than ever. He uses them for two main reasons:
- To attract new deals
- To raise private capital easily
“Establishing credibility with private lenders is far easier when they follow your journey on social media rather than relying on cold outreach," Josh explained.
Viral Content and Engagement
Josh knows that social media success comes from engaging content. One of his biggest viral moments happened when he shared a phone call with an angry neighbor. The video, which showed a funny debate about why two houses were painted the same color, reached millions of people.
"Our audience enjoys the edgy, confrontational stuff," Josh noted, underlining the importance of engaging narratives.
Building a Real Estate Business
While social media helped Josh grow, his success also comes from a strong real estate strategy. He follows a "build-to-rent" model, meaning he constructs houses specifically to rent them out. Alongside this, he also works on wholesale real estate deals, buying and selling properties quickly.
Strategy Breakdown
1. Infill Lot Development Josh builds new homes in existing neighborhoods. Often, he takes large lots and divides them into smaller ones for multiple new houses.
2. Adapting to Market Needs Josh started by flipping houses but realized that building new homes was a better strategy. New construction is more predictable and avoids surprise repair costs after selling a flipped home.
The Learning Curve in Real Estate
Josh’s real estate journey started in 2017. His goal was simple: create rental properties for steady cash flow. His first project relied heavily on credit cards and personal loans.
"You learn best by doing, even if your early ventures bring nominal returns," Josh recounted about his first flip that netted just $1,000.
Over time, Josh refined his building process. He ensures that costs, house plans, and sales strategies remain the same across different markets. The only major change from project to project is land acquisition.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Investors
- Use Social Media for Growth – Build an online brand, showcase projects, and gain credibility through content.
- Think Big – Choose strategies that allow you to scale. New construction offers a consistency that house flipping often lacks.
- Network and Build Relationships – Success comes from the right connections. Josh even met business partners at the gym!
- Be Willing to Take Risks – Josh took a leap from remodeling to new construction because he saw long-term benefits.
- Stay Flexible and Keep Learning – The real estate market constantly changes. The best investors adjust their strategies as needed.
Conclusion
Josh Swart’s story is a powerful reminder that success is within reach for anyone willing to take action. He started as a janitor with no experience in real estate, but through social media, smart investments, and persistence, he built a thriving business.
His journey shows that no matter where you start, the right mindset and strategies can change everything. Are you ready to start your own real estate investing journey? Follow Josh’s blueprint, take action, and turn your dreams into reality—just like he did!
