When it comes to transitioning from the adrenaline-pumping world of the NFL to the strategic game of real estate wholesaling, few have done it as successfully as Gary Brackett. Having played in two Super Bowls, Gary's competitive edge and tenacity have translated seamlessly into his new career. This blog post dives into Gary's journey, exploring how he made $10,000 on his very first wholesale deal and the strategies he employs to navigate the real estate market.
Transition from NFL to Real Estate Wholesaling
Gary Brackett's story is a testament to the idea that skills from one high-pressure career can often be transferred to another. After an illustrious NFL career, including two Super Bowl appearances, Gary turned his focus to wholesale real estate. He made a remarkable $10,000 on his first deal, thanks to a distressed seller he found through Instagram. This initial success set the stage for his burgeoning career in real estate.
"When the money goes through the title company and actually hits your account, you're almost thinking it's a prank." — Gary Brackett
First Steps in Real Estate Wholesaling
Gary didn't dive into real estate blindly. Initially involved in business coaching, he gradually shifted into real estate investment. A key turning point was meeting a seller with multiple distressed properties. By providing tailored solutions—including cash offers—Gary successfully facilitated the sale of six properties in quick succession.
Strategies for Finding Deals
Leveraging Social Media
One of Gary's unique strategies involves leveraging his social media presence. With a significant following on platforms like Instagram, he uses his reach to find potential buyers and sellers. This approach not only broadens his network but also expedites deals.
Utilizing DealMachine
Gary also employs tools like DealMachine, a comprehensive software platform that helps identify motivated sellers and streamlines the process of reaching out to them. With DealMachine, Gary can target specific types of leads, such as high equity properties, vacant homes, and absentee owners.
Overcoming Challenges
Pricing and Valuation
One of the initial challenges Gary faced was accurately pricing properties, especially multifamily and duplex homes. Through trial and error, including joint ventures with more experienced wholesalers, Gary refined his pricing strategies to maximize profits.
Market Analysis
Being a realtor helps Gary analyze market trends and identify hot zip codes. By focusing on areas with high activity, he increases the likelihood of quick and profitable deals. He's also exploring less competitive markets like Muncie and Kokomo to create a "blue ocean" strategy.
Building a Buyer Network
Gary has built a robust buyer network using multiple channels:
- Social Media: Initially, he found buyers through his Instagram account.
- Website: He created a dedicated website, buyandsellindiana.com, to capture and manage buyer information.
- CRM Systems: By using CRM software, Gary can match properties with potential buyers based on their specific requirements.
Lessons from the NFL
Gary attributes much of his success to lessons learned on the football field. One key lesson is the concept of "good play, bad play, move on to the next play." This mindset helps him stay focused and resilient, regardless of setbacks.
"Fall in love with the process and divorce yourself from the outcome." — Gary Brackett
Improving Business Efficiency
Implementing EOS
Gary uses the principles from the book "Traction" and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to streamline his business operations. This structured approach helps him set clear goals, establish core values, and measure performance effectively.
Customizing Direct Mail Campaigns
With DealMachine, Gary customizes direct mail pieces based on specific criteria like high equity, vacancy, and absentee ownership. This personalized touch increases the likelihood of engagement and successful transactions.
Final Thoughts
Gary Brackett's journey from the NFL to real estate wholesaling is nothing short of inspiring. His story demonstrates that with the right mindset, tools, and strategies, it's possible to transition successfully from one high-stakes career to another. Whether you're a seasoned real estate professional or just starting, there's valuable insight to be gained from Gary's experience.
For those interested in following Gary's journey or potentially partnering on a deal, visit his website buyandsellindiana.com or follow him on Instagram.
If you want to quit your job and achieve financial freedom through wholesaling real estate, you can check out The DealMachine Real Estate Investing Podcast.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice in the world of real estate investing!
