Getting started in real estate can feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t have much money or experience. But what if you could make $50,000 on your first deal without even buying a property?
That’s exactly what Dennis Freeman did. With no prior experience, he landed a huge payday using a simple real estate wholesaling strategy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how Dennis found a distressed property, got it under contract, and sold it for a profit—all in just a few weeks. If you’ve ever wondered how to start wholesaling real estate, this is the perfect success story to inspire you.
Wholesale real estate is a strategy where an investor finds distressed properties, puts them under contract, and assigns the contract to a buyer—without ever purchasing the property.
It's a great way for beginners to get into real estate investing with little to no money down. Dennis’ success shows how wholesaling real estate for beginners can be highly profitable when done right.
A year ago, he had no idea that wholesaling even existed. He initially planned to invest in single family rental properties but soon realized there were other ways to get started. His introduction to wholesaling came through BRRRR Invest Academy, a real estate education group led by Nate Barger.
Through mentorship and hands-on learning, Dennis quickly grasped the fundamentals of wholesaling. This knowledge would soon lead him to his first big deal.
Many aspiring real estate investors get stuck in the "learning phase," never taking action. Dennis, however, was determined to execute what he learned.
Using the DealMachine platform, he focused on distressed properties in Sacramento, California, specifically those facing foreclosure. His strategy was simple but effective—identify struggling homeowners and offer them a way out.
His breakthrough came when he sent a cold email to a homeowner named Mr. Smith, who was on the verge of losing his property. The timing was perfect. Mr. Smith was eager for a solution, and Dennis was ready to help.
Wholesaling sounds simple, but it comes with its own challenges. Finding accurate foreclosure listings meant sorting through public records and keeping track of auction dates. Dennis had to act quickly, securing the property under contract in just seven days.
His biggest advantage? He understood the urgency. Homeowners in foreclosure often don’t have time to explore options—they need solutions fast. By presenting a win-win deal, Dennis was able to lock in the property under contract before anyone else.
Once the property was under contract, Dennis needed an end buyer—an investor willing to purchase the contract from him at a higher price.
This is where networking paid off. Before closing his first deal, Dennis had already built relationships with experienced investors. At a local real estate meetup, he connected with an investor specializing in foreclosures. This investor became his buyer, helping him finalize the deal.
The result? A $50,000 profit on his first-ever wholesale deal.
"Making $50,000 in seven days' worth of work is absolutely eye-opening," Dennis remarked, highlighting the transformative potential of wholesaling real estate.
Despite his huge win in wholesaling, Dennis wasn’t done. He decided to shift his focus toward a long-term strategy: BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat).
His first BRRRR project? Converting a garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to increase property value and rental income.
Dennis took his property’s unused garage and turned it into a fully functional living space, adding a bedroom, bathroom, and basic amenities. The entire process took 60 days and cost around $60,000.
His investment paid off—he rented the unit to a local college student for $1,000 per month, creating steady cash flow.
Dennis' journey offers powerful lessons for new and experienced investors alike:
Dennis shares some key tips for anyone looking to break into real estate wholesaling:
With a successful first deal and a growing real estate portfolio, Dennis is now setting his sights on multi-unit properties and townhouses. His story proves that wholesaling is just the beginning—with the right mindset, the possibilities in real estate are endless.
Dennis Freeman’s $50,000 wholesale deal isn’t just a success story—it’s proof that real estate investing works. His journey from wholesaling to BRRRR highlights the power of strategy, networking, and taking action.
If you’re considering real estate investing, take Dennis' story as inspiration. Whether you're starting with wholesaling or exploring long-term investments, success is within reach.
The key? Get educated, take action, and never stop learning.