If you’re searching for a real-world example of how to build wealth through real estate, Terrell’s journey is a masterclass. By combining rental property investing with real estate wholesaling, he created a repeatable system that generates passive income, fuels portfolio growth, and helps distressed property owners find fast solutions.
With a strong foundation in relationship-building and smart use of capital, Terrell has scaled his real estate business across multiple states—without sacrificing service or mission.
Watch the full interview with Terrell to hear his story, strategy, and tips in his own words.
Terrell’s portfolio includes a mix of:
He focuses on value-add opportunities—properties that need renovations but are located in areas with rental demand. His key markets include South Florida, Texas, and both North and South Carolina.
Many of his tenants use Section 8 vouchers, so he’s committed to upgrading homes to modern standards—not just for aesthetics but for long-term stability and safety.
“We try to make sure that we put the tenant in the best position possible.”
Terrell’s business closes 30 to 40 real estate deals per year, with a blend of:
Wholesaling plays a key role in keeping the business liquid while scaling rental ownership. His goal is to hit 50+ deals annually, without compromising on mission or quality.
Most of Terrell’s deals come from off-market properties. These include:
Because of his background as an agent, Terrell is a trusted closer. Agents know he’ll either buy directly or assign the contract to someone reliable.
“They know that if we even assign it to someone else, that’s great, but if we don’t, we’re going to take it down ourselves.”
Here’s how his motivated seller lead generation system works:
These seller conversations allow the team to offer solutions beyond just a fast sale—sometimes including leasebacks or delayed move-outs.
Scaling a rental portfolio requires access to funding—even when existing capital is tied up.
Terrell uses:
“The larger the investment, the higher the return. A good experience turns one deal into many.”
Most properties are not rent-ready. His team renovates homes in 6–8 weeks with a focus on:
“I would hate to have to pay rent somewhere where stuff isn’t functional.”
This supports his tenant-first model, prioritizing safe, stable homes over quick flips.
After renovation, the team refinances using 30-year DSCR loans, with the core rule: Rent must exceed the mortgage.
This ensures:
Even with a focus on rentals, Terrell Killings continues to wholesale 10–15 deals a year. This:
If a deal doesn’t meet rental criteria (low cash flow, heavy rehab, or location), it becomes a wholesale opportunity.
Operating across multiple states requires smart systems and lean operations.
Terrell built a remote real estate team with:
This structure supports virtual wholesaling while maintaining boots-on-the-ground quality for buy-and-hold deals.
Terrell’s agent outreach strategy includes:
These partnerships are a key acquisition channel—especially when the property is distressed or the seller needs a quick close.
His team stays top-of-mind with:
“Sometimes it’s a slow cooker—it’s just about building that relationship and trust over time.”
A unique feature of Terrell’s model is a leaseback buyback option:
This model helps families stay in their homes while solving short-term financial distress.
Before real estate, Terrell worked in sales at Coca-Cola. He shifted careers to care for his father during a medical crisis and build long-term freedom.
His journey started with his grandfather’s home, which he renovated and refinanced—launching his investment career.
Real estate gave him:
Lessons learned:
This leads to better ROI and business scalability.
Joining a real estate mastermind group gave him:
“Once you reach a certain level, you have to start digging for more information.”
As the market shifts, Terrell adjusts:
“We just rinse and repeat that process and it’s been great for us over the last few years.”
Terrell leads with values:
Q1: What’s the difference between wholesaling and buying rental property?
A: Wholesaling generates quick cash by assigning contracts to other investors. Rental properties generate long-term income through monthly rent.
Q2: How do I start finding off-market deals?
A: Search public records for probate and foreclosure, use skip tracing tools, and build relationships with real estate agents who work with distressed properties.
Q3: What is a DSCR loan, and how does it help real estate investors?
A: A DSCR loan qualifies you based on rental income, not personal income. It allows investors to scale faster, especially in buy-and-hold real estate.
Q4: Can I invest in real estate virtually?
A: Yes. Terrell uses virtual assistants to run cold calling, lead qualification, and marketing campaigns across multiple markets.
Q5: How does a leaseback program help homeowners?
A: It allows distressed sellers to stay in their home as tenants, then buy it back once they stabilize financially.