Showcase #9 - Nate Stallman, Founder of Lighthouse Offers

In this episode of Startup Showcase, host Colton Hower sits down with Nate Stallman, founder of Lighthouse Offers, to discuss his journey into real estate investing, his transition from a corporate sales job to full-time entrepreneurship, and his long-term vision for his company. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, Nate focuses on flipping homes and holding rental properties, specifically targeting distressed properties owned by landlords or inherited by individuals who prefer to sell rather than renovate. He acquires his properties through direct mail and pay-per-click marketing, avoiding the traditional MLS and opting for direct-to-seller transactions. Nate shares how he initially got into real estate while still in college, recognizing its potential for wealth-building. To fund his first deal, he started a cleaning business with his roommate, saving enough money to purchase his first property for just $15,000. After graduating in 2022 and working in construction sales, he ultimately decided to take the leap into full-time real estate investing in December 2023. His goal is to flip at least seven properties per year, while steadily building a rental portfolio of 50 high-quality units by the time he turns 30. Throughout the conversation, Nate discusses key lessons learned, including a contractor horror story where he lost $10,000–$15,000 due to mismanagement. He now mitigates this risk by purchasing all materials himself and working exclusively with trusted contractors. He also highlights his shift from cold outreach to a more brand-focused marketing strategy, incorporating Google Ads, SEO, and online reviews to build credibility in the community. Looking ahead, Nate plans to scale his business within the Youngstown market and possibly expand into Cleveland, but prefers to stay within an hour of his home base. He shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of taking risks while young, having strong financial reserves, and making strategic business decisions without being cash-strapped. He also gives a shoutout to Corey McPherson, a fellow entrepreneur in real estate and e-commerce, as a potential future guest.