A Roadmap to Your First Profitable Flip

Send us a text

Most first-time house flippers fail because they target the wrong properties and don't have a clear roadmap to follow. We provide a step-by-step blueprint for completing your first profitable flip without the painful learning curve.

• Start with cosmetic flips (paint, flooring, simple updates) rather than properties with structural problems
• Financing doesn't require all cash – explore hard money, private money, or partnerships
• Create detailed line-by-line budgets instead of guessing at renovation costs
• Line up your contractors before closing to avoid timeline delays
• Use finishes appropriate for the neighborhood – don't over-improve properties
• Focus on building confidence and securing profit with your first flip

Want more? Catch us on YouTube at Clark Street Academy or check the show notes for the exact tools we use. If today's episode helped you move closer to your first or next deal, follow us wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss a show. We're grateful to be part of your journey. Now get out there and get cracking.

Want to learn how to flip your first house?

CLICK HERE to learn more about our upcoming boot camp, Flipper Camp.

Learn to build a house flipping or multifamily business: Clark St Academy

Episode Transcript

Jess Carter (00:00):
Use finishes that fit the neighborhood Vinyl plank
instead of hardwood Mid-gradeappliances, not a $35,000 chef's
kitchen.
The buyers will thank you andso will your bottom line.

Ed Mathews (00:11):
Ever sat in your car scrolling through Zillow and
thought, man, if I just knewwhere to start, I could flip one
of these?
Yeah, we've been there too.
Most people who want to fliphouses never even start, Not
because they're lazy, butbecause they don't have the
blueprint.
Well, that changes today.
If you give us five minutes,we'll give you real world
flipping strategies thatactually work.

(00:32):
No fluff, no theories, nogatekeeping, just real how-to
information for you to applytoday.
So you've been watching HGTVand now you're thinking well,
that doesn't look so bad, Icould probably flip a house too.
And I agree.
But hang on, not so fast, myfriend.
Your first flip can either setyou up for wins or knock you

(00:53):
flat on your butt before youeven get going, before we get
started.
Welcome back, Jess.

Jess Carter (00:59):
Thanks, Ed, A much needed vacation with the family
before school started back up.
But it's good to be back.
Okay, let's get into it.
So most newbies go after thewrong houses Burned out shells,
foundation problems that's whereinvestors lose money fast.
Where's the real money forbeginners?
Cosmetic flips, Paint flooring,simple updates that's where you
start.

Ed Mathews (01:20):
Today we're giving you a clear roadmap for your
first flip what to do, what toavoid and how to actually walk
away with a profit.

Jess Carter (01:27):
Think of it as your GPS for flipping.

Ed Mathews (01:33):
You'll know where to start where people get lost and
the shortcuts that actuallywork.
Step one start small, skip thenightmare projects fire damage,
mold or structural issues.
Those are graduate-level flipsFor your first deal.
Stick to cosmetic.

Jess Carter (01:50):
Remember this line carpet and paint brain surgery.
It ain't.
The goal is confidence andprofit, not stress.
Look for houses where you canclean out junk, update flooring,
paint cabinets, swap lightfixtures, maybe change faucets.

Ed Mathews (01:59):
Step two financing.
You don't need all cash.
Options are everywhere Hardmoney, private money partners,
even lease options in some cases.
I've done plenty of deals wherethe partner brought money and I
handled execution.
Everyone walked away happy.

Jess Carter (02:15):
Step three know your numbers.
Beginners get burned byguessing.
Don't throw out a round numberlike 15 grand in repairs.
If it ends up 30, your profit'sgone.
Break everything down line byline Roof, paint, flooring,
cabinets.
That's how pros stay on budget.

Ed Mathews (02:32):
Step four line up your contractors before you
close.
Don't wait until after you getthe keys to start lining up
painters.
That's how timelines get blownup.
Build your bench now.
Network and then screen yourcontractors.
Have them ready to rock beforeyou close.

Jess Carter (02:50):
And step five don't over-improve.
This isn't your dream.
Home Use finishes that fit theneighborhood, vinyl plank
instead of hardwood Mid-gradeappliances, not a $35,000 chef's
kitchen.
The buyers will thank you, andso will your bottom line.
Here's your roadmap Cosmeticrehabs, smart financing,
detailed budgets, contractorslined up neighborhood-friendly

(03:12):
finishes.
Do that and your first flippays you instead of schooling
you.

Ed Mathews (03:17):
Thanks, Jess, Good to have you back.
That's it for today.
This is Demo to Dollars, yourno-BS flipping playbook.
One tip at a time.

Jess Carter (03:25):
Want more?
Catch us on YouTube at ClarkStreet Academy or hit the show
notes for the exact tools we use.

Ed Mathews (03:30):
Until then, keep it simple, people.
Thanks for listening to Demo toDollars.
If today's episode helped youmove one step closer to your
first or next deal, do me afavor Follow us wherever you get
your podcasts so you never missa show.
We're grateful to be part ofyour journey.
Now get out there and getcracking.
Bye for now.