The path to financial freedom in real estate is rarely smooth. For many investors, it starts with a leap of faith and a willingness to learn. Paola Gramajo’s journey from delivering Uber Eats to building a career in real estate investing shows the power of persistence, mentorship, and hands-on training.
Her story is proof that the right guidance and mindset can turn early struggles into lasting success.
A Risky Leap Into Real Estate
Like many beginners, Paola didn’t begin with a formal course or years of background knowledge. Instead, she stumbled across a TikTok video about wholesale real estate. The concept caught her attention, and she made a bold choice: quitting her job as an assistant manager at a paint store to pursue real estate full-time.
The timing was difficult. Without a deal in sight, Paola delivered for Uber Eats for the next seven months to cover her bills. She made about $10,000 during that time, but her real focus was on trying to gain traction in real estate.
Her breakthrough came when she joined a Zoom call hosted by a mentor. That connection led her to an experienced investor who walked her through the steps she was missing. The mentorship gave her the clarity she needed to close her first wholesale deal.
The Biggest Obstacle for New Investors
Paola’s biggest struggle wasn’t with contracts or finding distressed properties. It was picking up the phone.
“I was really scared of picking up the phone. It was emotionally heavy for me,” she admitted.
This fear kept her from contacting motivated sellers, which is the heart of wholesaling. Many new investors make the same mistake, focusing on things like building a website or creating a buyer list instead of talking to sellers. Good real estate investing training emphasizes that conversations create contracts.
Once Paola pushed past her fear with her mentor’s help, she closed her first deal within three months. She earned about $5,000. Not life-changing money, but a sign that her hard work was paying off.
Core Skills Every New Wholesaler Must Learn
Through her struggles and successes, Paola learned three key skills every beginner needs:
- Mastering property comping – Accurate property values are critical. Misjudging comps can turn a promising deal into a loss.
- Identifying seller motivation – Deals happen when you solve problems. Understanding why someone is selling matters more than the property itself.
- Maintaining focus – Many new investors jump between strategies. Consistency matters more than trying everything at once.
Paola often tells new wholesalers: “Pick one thing that matches your lifestyle and what you can do right now, and do it for six months straight. Stay consistent and don’t get off track.”
This mindset applies to every type of real estate investing training. Success comes from steady effort in one direction.
Why Strategic Partnerships Matter
Paola’s career turned around when she stopped trying to figure it out alone and began working with an experienced investor. The support she received through mentorship was far more valuable than trial and error.
Now, she pays it forward by helping new wholesalers through her work with Keigle in Austin, Texas. She and her team coach beginners through:
- Comping properties correctly
- Estimating repair costs
- Negotiating with sellers
- Connecting with buyers
This type of guidance prevents common mistakes like overpricing contracts or underestimating renovations. Partnerships also create a win-win dynamic: the new investor gains training and confidence, while Paola’s team gets access to new opportunities.
Growing Beyond Wholesaling
Wholesaling is often the entry point for new investors, but many eventually branch out. Paola has expanded into flipping houses, completing four flips so far.
Her flipping checklist includes:
At least $50,000 profit potential
- Mostly cosmetic repairs instead of structural issues
- Renovations under 45 days
- Reliable comparable sales to predict the after-repair value (ARV)
This disciplined approach reduces risk. For beginners, this is a crucial lesson in real estate investing training: never pursue a deal without a clear exit strategy and a safety margin.
Why Sellers Choose Wholesalers
Some critics argue that wholesalers take advantage of sellers. But many sellers prefer wholesaling real estate because they provide solutions that agents often can’t.
Sellers often choose wholesalers when they want to:
- Sell quickly without showings or listings
- Avoid paying commissions
- Offload inherited properties they don’t want
- Sell homes needing major repairs that won’t qualify for loans
- Keep their sale private during divorce or financial challenges
As Paola explains: “We’re just a better option in those cases. You don’t have to worry about what’s left in the house. You’re ready to let it go.”
Understanding seller psychology is a major part of real estate investing training. Investors succeed when they solve problems, not just when they make offers.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Investors
Paola’s story offers clear lessons for anyone considering real estate investing training:
- Consistency beats perfection. Stick with one strategy long enough to see results.
- Overcoming fear, especially phone calls with sellers, is essential. Training makes this easier.
- Working with a mentor shortens the learning curve and prevents mistakes.
- Wholesaling can be a gateway to bigger opportunities like flipping or buy-and-hold investing.
- Providing true value to sellers builds trust and leads to win-win deals.
Four years after starting, Paola continues to expand her business while helping new investors. Her journey proves that even without experience, persistence, and mentorship can change your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to close your first wholesale deal?
It depends on the market, consistency, and guidance. Paola spent seven months on her own before closing her first deal within three months of working with a mentor.
Q: What’s a safe profit margin for flipping?
Paola recommends aiming for at least $50,000 in profit, especially for beginners. This leaves room for unexpected expenses.
Q: How can I overcome the fear of cold calling?
Start with a script, practice with friends, and focus on solving problems instead of “selling.” With practice, your confidence will grow.
Q: Is mentorship necessary for real estate investing training?
Not required, but highly valuable. Mentorship helps you avoid costly mistakes and gain confidence more quickly than through trial and error.
