The $30k Deal: How a 19-Year-Old Used Sticky Notes to Win
At just 19 years old, Izaiah Reynoso proved that success in real estate doesn’t have to be complicated. Using sticky notes and a simple, creative approach, he landed a $30,000 deal. His story shows that hard work, persistence, and a bit of innovation can lead to big wins, even for beginners.
Izaiah’s journey wasn’t easy. He faced challenges, slow progress, and tough lessons along the way. But through determination and smart strategies, he turned those struggles into incredible success. This blog will share how Izaiah used sticky notes, built relationships, and stayed focused to achieve his goals in wholesale real estate.
The Start of Izaiah's Journey
Izaiah’s success didn’t happen overnight. Like most beginners, he faced challenges and slow progress. Starting eight months ago in Central Valley, California—a competitive real estate market—Izaiah went three months without landing a single deal. But he refused to give up and kept learning and improving.
His first big break came from a local real estate meetup hosted by Dean Rogers, a well-known investor in the area. There, he met another wholesaler, and they teamed up to close a deal. They split a $10,000 assignment fee, marking Izaiah’s first big win in wholesaling.
Sticky Notes: A Simple but Powerful Idea
Izaiah’s marketing strategy is surprisingly simple. He uses sticky notes to reach out to distressed property owners. With a stamp that looks like handwriting: "Hey, this is Izaiah. I had a quick question about your property. Call me."
While it may seem basic, the sticky notes are personal and hard to ignore. Unlike cold calls or generic mailers, they stand out and catch attention. He says, “Out of a hundred notes I leave, I’ll get about 25 or 26 calls back.” For a beginner with limited money, this cost-effective strategy helped him connect directly with potential sellers.
"The callback rate, I think out of a hundred notes I put back, I'll get around 25, 26 calls," Izaiah shares.
The Power of Networking
In real estate, relationships matter. He attended local meetups and built connections with other investors. These events not only helped him find deals but also gave him advice and support from experienced professionals.
By partnering with other wholesalers on joint ventures, he was able to share risks, learn faster, and close more deals. Working with others became a key part of his growth in the industry.
Persistence Pays Off
Izaiah’s determination led to his biggest success yet—a $30,000 assignment deal. Surprisingly, it turned out to be one of the simplest deals he’s worked on. It required minimal effort compared to his earlier deals but proved that his methods worked.
His journey shows that success in real estate comes to those who stay consistent and keep trying, even when progress feels slow. His journey underscores a crucial lesson in real estate:
"Law of averages, if you put in enough hours, someone's going to just give you their house."
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
He also has faced his share of challenges, like hiring virtual assistants (VAs) who didn’t meet expectations. But instead of getting discouraged, he used these experiences as learning opportunities.
In the future, he plans to expand his marketing efforts with direct mail campaigns. This strategy will allow him to reach more people while reducing the physical work of delivering sticky notes. It’s part of his goal to build a more efficient and sustainable business.
Lessons from Izaiah’s Success
Izaiah’s story proves that simple ideas, like sticky notes, can lead to huge results when paired with persistence and creativity. He didn’t let challenges or slow starts hold him back. Instead, he kept learning, worked hard, and built strong connections to grow his business.
What makes Izaiah’s journey inspiring is how he found success by using resources he already had and thinking creatively. He didn’t rely on expensive tools or years of experience. Instead, he focused on consistent effort, building relationships, and improving along the way.
For anyone starting in real estate, Izaiah’s journey is a reminder to stay focused, think outside the box, and never give up. Whether it’s using sticky notes, networking with others, or trying new strategies, success is possible with the right mindset and effort. By staying determined and learning from challenges, you too can create a path to real estate success. Izaiah’s story shows that big dreams can start small—and lead to amazing results with dedication.
About Maria Tresvalles
Maria Tresvalles is the dynamic Marketing Specialist at DealMachine, where she has been a key player for the past five years. With a strong background in customer relations, Maria started her journey at DealMachine as a Customer Success Coordinator, where she honed her skills in understanding customer needs and driving satisfaction.