If you’ve ever thought about getting into real estate investing but weren’t sure where to start, you're not alone.
Obi Dorsey, founder of Freedom Home Buyers, has done nearly 2,000 deals—from house flips to land development. His story proves that you don’t need a special background to succeed. With consistent effort and smart strategies like novation, he’s built a business that supports his family and lifestyle.
In this blog, you'll learn how Dorsey started, what makes his approach work, and how you can use his real estate investing tips to build your own success.
Dorsey started in real estate while working a regular corporate job. He realized that his biggest financial wins always involved real estate. That insight led him to take action.
After doing his research and talking with active investors, he started making offers and learning by working directly with sellers.
For new investors stuck in the learning phase, Dorsey suggests “eating the frog”—doing the task you fear most, first. This mindset helped him shift from learning to action and build what he calls a “lifestyle business.”
His real estate business allows him to spend more time with his seven children and enjoy financial freedom.
Watch this quick video where Obi Dorsey shares the mindset shift and first steps that helped launch his real estate journey.
What separates long-term winners from those who burn out quickly? According to Dorsey, it comes down to two things:
“There’s no secret sauce,” he said. “Just stay consistent and don’t give up.”
That means sticking to the fundamentals—cold calling, submitting offers, following up with leads—every single day. Consistency in real estate investing often beats short bursts of motivation.
Dorsey is increasingly using a strategy called a real estate novation, which allows investors to work with finance-ready buyers instead of only cash buyers.
Unlike wholesale real estate, where you assign a contract, novation lets you update the property and market it to a broader audience.
Instead of getting paid a fee from the buyer, you earn a novation release fee from the seller at closing. This approach can make deals work that otherwise wouldn’t, especially in a shifting market.
This novation vs. wholesaling comparison is critical for today’s investors. Wholesaling may be simpler, but novation opens the door to more financing options and larger buyer pools.
Dorsey looks for deals with hidden potential—something many investors miss. This could mean:
This deal evaluation strategy helps him find properties others ignore. Knowing how to spot hidden value in real estate deals can turn an average property into a high-return investment.
The 2025 market is shifting. More homes are for sale, and interest rates are still high. Dorsey sees a move from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. This means smart investors must change their strategies.
“We’re doing more wholesaling and novation deals, and fewer flips,” he explained. “I want to control real estate, not necessarily own it.”
Following real estate market trends 2025 and adjusting your approach is key to staying ahead. Dorsey’s focus on risk control through novation and wholesaling reflects this shift.
For those just starting or looking to scale, Dorsey recommends focusing on core habits and using technology to work smarter. Some smart real estate investing strategies include:
By combining consistency with smart tools, investors can grow faster and more efficiently.
Real estate doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach. Obi Dorsey’s journey shows that with steady effort, the right tools, and a few smart strategies like novation, anyone can find success even in a changing market.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, the key is simple: take action every day, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Real estate can be more than just a job—it can be the path to the life you want.
Q: What is real estate novation?
A strategy where investors connect sellers with finance-ready buyers and earn a fee from the seller instead of assigning the contract.
Q: Is wholesaling better than novation?
Wholesaling is faster, but novation can attract more buyers and allow you to work with traditional financing.
Q: How do I find hidden value in real estate deals?
Look for things others miss—distressed properties, extra land, zoning changes, or property types that can be repurposed.
Q: What’s the best way to start real estate investing?
Start small, take action every day, and focus on building good habits like consistent outreach and follow-ups.