Wholesale real estate can be a fast and smart way to make money if you know how to do it right. In Phoenix, one team is doing things differently and getting big results.
Thrive Real Estate Team, led by Luke Careccia, has built a strong and growing business by flipping the typical wholesaling model on its head.
Instead of chasing down homeowners, they work directly with agents, and it’s paying off.
Whether you're just learning how to wholesale real estate or looking to improve your strategy, Thrive’s story is full of lessons you can use.
Starting a Real Estate Wholesaling Business in Phoenix
Luke, the founder of Thrive Real Estate Team, has built a successful real estate wholesaling business in Phoenix, Arizona.
What started just three years ago in a small "closet office" with four people has grown into a thriving operation. Now, the team is planning a move into a larger office space to support its growing business.
Luke began his real estate journey as a traditional agent. But after one eye-opening deal, everything changed.
He saw a wholesaler make $15,000 to $20,000 on a deal where he made only $9,000 and just $7,000 after his brokerage took its cut.
That moment made him realize the potential of real estate wholesaling, and he shifted his focus.
What Is Real Estate Wholesaling?
Wholesaling is a strategy where investors find distressed properties, get them under contract, and then assign that contract to another buyer for a fee.
It’s a fast-paced approach to real estate investing that doesn’t require owning the property.
Want to see how this strategy works in action? Watch this quick video where Luke explains Thrive’s unique approach to real estate wholesaling.
The Direct-to-Agent Model for Real Estate Wholesalers
Most wholesalers use a direct-to-seller strategy. They are cold-calling homeowners, hoping to find someone willing to sell fast and below market value.
But Luke took a different path. He built Thrive Real Estate around a direct-to-agent model.
Instead of calling homeowners, Luke’s team cold calls real estate agents. They present themselves as serious cash buyers, ready to close quickly. This approach builds strong relationships with agents who, over time, bring them deals. Thrive’s team makes about 250 calls a day to keep their deal pipeline full.
"When I first started, realtors didn’t like wholesalers. They thought we were taking deals from them," Luke explains. "Now, we have agents calling us. They want to work with us."
This strategy helps Thrive stand out in Phoenix’s competitive wholesaling market. It’s also helped change how wholesalers are seen by agents as partners, not competitors.
How Thrive Creates Win-Win Deals with Agents and Team Members
Luke also developed what he calls the “double dip model.” Here’s how it works:
When an agent brings him a deal, Luke hires that same agent to list the property after it’s flipped. This means agents make money twice, once on the sale and again on the listing.
"Anything you bring me, I’ll hire you to be the agent on the back end too," Luke says.
For his team members, Luke offers even more. Thrive allows team members to buy great wholesale deals at a price that’s about 50% lower than what they’d find elsewhere.
They only pay the internal team’s split, not a big wholesale fee.
"The Thrive team is made up of people building their own net worth," Luke shares. "It’s not a boss-employee setup. It’s a true collaboration."
Wholesaling MLS Properties in Phoenix
Most people think wholesaling only works with off-market properties. But Luke’s team often wholesales houses listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). They use creative strategies like:
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Making offers below list price
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Including zero-day inspection periods
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Putting down non-refundable earnest money
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Offering moving help to sellers
What’s surprising is their method of qualifying leads. They start by trying to talk agents out of selling to investors.
"It sounds backwards, but it works," Luke says. "When you tell someone, 'I might not be the best buyer,' they usually start listing all the reasons why you actually are."
Real Estate Investment Strategies for Long-Term Wealth
While wholesaling brings fast profits, Luke is now focusing on long-term real estate investing. With a young daughter at home, he wants more time with family and to build lasting wealth through rental properties.
"I’m thinking more about the big picture now," he says. "Being home with my family and owning rental properties is my long-term vision."
Final Thoughts: Why This Model Works
Thrive Real Estate Team’s success shows that wholesaling doesn’t have to follow the old rules. By working with agents, building trust, and sharing profits, they’ve created a model that works for everyone involved.
Luke’s focus on long-term wealth and strong relationships makes this more than just a business, it’s a path to financial freedom.
If you’re thinking about real estate wholesaling in Phoenix or anywhere else, take a page from Thrive’s playbook. With the right strategy, teamwork, and a little hustle, you can build something big too!
