Want to start investing in real estate but don’t have a lot of money or perfect credit? You're not alone. Tierra Long, better known online as The Pretty Girl Investor, once felt the same way. She was pregnant, broke, and tired of the 9-to-5 grind.
But instead of giving up, Tierra found non-traditional ways to break into real estate using virtual wholesaling and tax sale auctions; strategies that don’t require loans, credit checks, or a real estate license.
In this blog, you’ll learn how Tierra built a six-figure business from scratch and how you can use her approach to get started, even if you're starting with almost nothing.
Tierra Long has built a thriving real estate business by thinking outside the box. Her journey began during a tough chapter—pregnant, stuck in a 9-to-5, and low on savings.
Instead of giving up, she turned to YouTube to learn the basics of real estate and began wholesaling homes.
She started small. Driving around neighborhoods, looking for distressed properties, and reaching out to owners using Facebook Marketplace.
That hustle paid off and led her down the path to more scalable, digital strategies.
Virtual wholesaling is a beginner-friendly way to invest in real estate without ever visiting a property in person. It involves running online ads, collecting seller leads, and connecting those sellers with buyers; all while working remotely.
“Instead of cold calling, we create ads that appear while people are scrolling,” Tierra explained. “When homeowners see the ads, they fill out a form. Then we follow up.”
This strategy helps new investors avoid the stress of cold calls and requires less upfront money than buying a house outright. It’s ideal for those who want to build income from home.
Watch this quick video where Tierra explains how she uses Facebook ads to generate real estate leads. No cold calling needed.
Tax sale auctions
are another method Tierra uses to grow her portfolio, especially for buy-and-hold properties. These auctions happen when property owners don’t pay their property taxes. Counties then sell those properties to the public, often at major discounts.
“You don’t need credit, W2s, or tax returns. I buy properties through tax auctions using just cash,” Tierra says.
The biggest risk? You usually can’t go inside before buying. Tierra recommends building a network of contractors and experienced investors who can help estimate repairs using exterior photos and comps.
Tierra also recommends field inspections as a way to make money while you learn. These jobs involve visiting properties, snapping photos, and reporting back to banks or lenders.
It’s a great side hustle and helps you understand neighborhoods and property conditions.
“Inspections pay $15 to $150 per job. And notaries are in high demand,” Tierra explains.
If you’re already driving for dollars, field inspections are a smart way to turn your time on the road into extra income.
As a mom of young children, Tierra understands the importance of balance. She emphasizes building systems and hiring help when needed, especially virtual assistants (VAs) who can manage calls, emails, and lead tracking.
“Create routines for your family and get your business organized,” she advises. “You don’t want to be stuck to your laptop all day.”
Tierra runs her Pretty Big Deal mentorship group to help others, especially women and parents, find freedom through real estate.
Tierra Long’s journey shows that you don’t need perfect credit, a big loan, or years of experience to get started in real estate. With tools like virtual wholesaling, field inspections, and tax sale auctions, anyone can begin, no matter their budget or background.
If you’re ready to take action, start with one strategy, build your network, and stay consistent. Success in real estate is closer than you think.
Virtual wholesaling means finding real estate deals online and connecting sellers with buyers, all without seeing the property. To get started, run local Facebook ads, collect leads, and use a contract to assign the deal to an investor buyer.
Yes but do your research. You won’t get to inspect the inside of the home, so use public records, exterior photos, and Google Maps to estimate value. Start small and don’t overbid.
It varies by county, but some properties start at a few hundred dollars. You’ll need enough to pay in full, plus a little extra for closing fees or repairs.
Absolutely. Strategies like wholesale real estate and tax sale investing don’t require a real estate license or traditional financing. Tierra is proof that it can be done with hustle and education.
Useful tools include: