Blog - DealMachine for Real Estate Investing

Pastor Turns Investor: How He Made $7,500 in Real Estate

Written by Maria Tresvalles | Feb 24, 2025 12:45:00 PM

Michael Breedlove spent over 20 years as a pastor, guiding and helping people through faith. But when he discovered real estate wholesaling, he realized he could continue helping others while also creating financial freedom for himself.

In just two months, Michael closed two real estate deals, earning half of his yearly pastor’s salary—without ever buying a house! His journey proves that real estate investing is possible for anyone, no matter their background.

In this post, we’ll break down how he made the leap, the strategies that worked, and the lessons he learned along the way. If you’ve ever wanted to start real estate investing but didn’t know where to begin, Michael’s story will inspire you to take action!

A Leap of Faith: Michael’s Journey into Real Estate

For years, Michael dedicated himself to ministry. But he wanted a way to build wealth, support his family, and give back to his community in a bigger way. That’s when he discovered wholesale real estate—a strategy that allows investors to profit from property deals without owning the property.

Michael used the same skills that made him a great pastor—listening, problem-solving, and building relationships—to close his first two deals. In his first two months, he earned thousands in profit, proving that wholesaling can be a game-changer.

His First Deal: A Lesson in Patience and Strategy

Michael’s first deal came through networking. By letting people know he was in real estate, he found a lead on a property. Partnering with an experienced local investor, he worked out a deal that earned him $7,500.

What Made This Deal Successful?

  • Networking: The lead for this deal came through Michael's network. By actively letting people know about his new venture, Michael was able to tap into opportunities that might otherwise have slipped by.
  • Persistence: Persistence paid off when initial price negotiations with the homeowner fell through due to property issues. Over time, Michael offered several tailored solutions, eventually arriving at an offer that satisfied both parties.

Why Networking is Key to Wholesaling

Michael quickly realized that wholesaling isn’t just about properties—it’s about people. The more relationships he built, the more opportunities came his way.

How Networking Helped Him Grow:

  • Attending real estate meetups introduced him to experienced investors.
  • Connecting with contractors helped him understand repair costs.
  • Partnering with buyers made it easier to close deals faster.
"Networking with different people has really afforded me the opportunity to kind of have opportunities like this for sure."

His Second Deal: A Creative Approach to Wholesaling

Michael's second deal pushed him to explore 'reverse wholesaling.' Encountering a homeowner eager to sell quickly, Michael performed several strategies to lock in the deal. By partnering with investors familiar with the area, he identified buyer price points before committing.

What is Reverse Wholesaling?

Reverse wholesaling involves finding an investor before the property is officially under contract, ensuring the deal matches the investor's requirements and risk appetite. Michael capitalized on his networking skills to find an investor ready to execute swiftly.

Overcoming Challenges in Real Estate

Real estate isn’t always easy. Michael faced his share of obstacles, from repair cost miscalculations to deal uncertainties. But each challenge taught him valuable lessons.

Tips for Estimating Repair Costs

  • Work with contractors – Even if you have to pay for an estimate, it’s worth it.
  • Use a tiered approach – Categorize repairs into light, medium, and full renovations to estimate costs faster.
  • Always have a cushion – Unexpected expenses can pop up, so it’s best to plan for extra costs.

By learning from his mistakes and adjusting his approach, Michael became a stronger, more confident investor.

Looking Ahead: Michael’s Big Plans for the Future

With two impressive deals under his belt and plans to expand his real estate hustle, Michael Breedlove is aiming even higher. His next steps include investing in marketing and building a real estate team. His vision? Not just financial independence, but the ability to support his community and potentially fund a church without relying on its donations.

Final Thoughts: A Journey of Growth and Success

Michael Breedlove’s story proves that real estate isn’t just for wealthy investors—it’s for anyone willing to learn, network, and take action. By using relationship-building, persistence, and smart strategies, he turned his passion for helping people into a thriving real estate business.

Now, he’s not just making money—he’s creating opportunities, giving back to his community, and building a future on his terms.

If you’re looking for a real way to start making money in real estate, wholesaling might be the perfect first step. Like Michael, you don’t need experience—just the drive to get started.