Want to make money in real estate without ever owning a home? That’s exactly how wholesale real estate works! It’s one of the fastest ways to earn $5,000 to $20,000 per deal—without needing a big investment.
One person who mastered this business is Ed Hayes. He started with no experience and no big budget, but through hard work, he became a successful real estate wholesale investor. His story proves that with the right knowledge, a good plan, and determination, anyone can succeed!
How Ed Hayes Got Started
In 2016, Ed Hayes was looking for a way to make quick money. That’s when he discovered wholesaling real estate. He didn’t have much experience, but he was willing to learn. Before closing his first deal, Ed struggled with finding good leads.
He focused on motivated sellers, studied the best wholesaling contracts, and made sure he understood how to wholesale real estate step by step.
His first deal didn’t happen overnight. It took weeks of hard work, but finally, he made his first profit—$8,000 from a wholesale real estate contract he secured through a Google Ad.
"I wasn't consistent right at the beginning," Ed admits. It wasn't until connecting with a second mentor that Ed learned to not only work locally but to explore virtual deals across the nation.
Watch this video to learn step-by-step how to wholesale and start making profits like Ed Hayes.
The Secret to Virtual Wholesaling Success
Virtual wholesaling has changed the game for real estate investors. Instead of sticking to one city, Ed was able to expand across the country. But how did he make it work?
1. Learn the Market
Not every city is good for wholesaling. Ed focused on areas where homes were affordable and there were plenty of investors looking to buy. Doing research helped him make better decisions.
Ed knew he couldn’t do everything alone. He worked with real estate agents, contractors, and other professionals in different cities. They helped him find the best deals and close sales faster.
3. Understand the Numbers
To succeed in real estate, you need to know if a deal is good or bad. Ed focused on underwriting, which means analyzing the numbers to see if a property was worth investing in.
From Wholesaling to Long-Term Investments
At first, Ed focused only on wholesaling but over time, he realized something important. While wholesaling gave him quick cash, owning real estate could build generational wealth. That’s when he started looking into the buy and hold strategy, where investors buy properties and rent them out for long-term income.
Overcoming Challenges
Ed’s journey wasn’t always smooth. He faced doubt, fear, and market changes. He worried about making mistakes and losing money.
But he learned that the biggest earners in real estate were the ones who took risks and completed projects. He worked on his mindset and pushed forward.
Lessons for New Investors
If you want to succeed in real estate wholesale, here are some key lessons from Ed’s journey:
1. Never Give Up
Ed didn’t make his first deal right away, but he kept going. Success takes time and effort.
2. Find a Mentor
Learning from someone with experience can help you avoid mistakes. Ed’s mentor showed him the right way.
3. Stay Open to New Strategies
The market changes, and the best investors learn to adapt. Ed started with wholesaling real estate, but later, he expanded into property ownership.
4. Know Your Finances
If you want to grow beyond real estate wholesale, understanding money is important. Build good credit, have savings, and work with lenders to get the best deals.
How to Wholesale Real Estate in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1: Find Motivated Sellers – Look for homeowners who need to sell quickly.
Step 2: Get a Contract – Secure the deal at a discounted price.
Step 3: Find a Cash Buyer – Market the deal to investors.
Step 4: Assign the Contract & Get Paid – Sell the contract for $5,000–$20,000 profit.
Step 5: Rinse & Repeat – Scale your business by doing multiple deals per month.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Success
Ed Hayes’ story proves that wholesaling is a great way to start in real estate investing. He started with little experience but learned the skills needed to grow. Today, he helps others understand and build wealth through smart investing.
Now that you know, don’t wait! Start looking for deals, connect with investors, and secure your first contract. If Ed Hayes did it, you can too!
