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Zach Cook makes five figures a month flipping contracts—not houses—and he started with zero real estate experience. He doesn’t fix up homes or take out big loans. Instead, he uses a strategy called wholesaling real estate, and it’s helped him build a full-time business with a small team.
In this post, you’ll learn how Zach built a wholesaling business, the exact steps he follows, and how beginners like you can start doing deals without needing a license or tons of money. If you’re wondering how to wholesale real estate, this guide will show you the way.
What Is Wholesaling?
Real estate wholesaling is a smart way to get into investing without buying or fixing houses. Here’s how it works:
- Find a Seller: Someone wants to sell their home fast—maybe they’re moving or having money problems.
- Sign a Contract: You agree to buy their home at a certain price.
- Find a Buyer: You find another investor who wants to buy that contract.
- Get Paid: You assign the contract to the buyer and earn a wholesaling fee.
This process is simple and fast—and yes, it’s legal in most places. Just be sure to check your local rules.
How Zach Got Started in Wholesaling
Zach didn’t come from a real estate background—he used to be a chemistry teacher! But after learning about how to become a wholesaler, he took action and started doing deals.
- Team Setup: 3 team members focus on wholesaling and flipping houses; 2 help with traditional listings.
- Type of Deals: 80% of his business is wholesale contracts, 18% is house flipping, and 2% is standard real estate sales.
Last year, Zach’s team closed 42 deals—36 of them were wholesale transactions. That shows just how effective real estate wholesaling for beginners can be when done right.
The Wholesaling Process Step-by-Step
Zach doesn’t just throw out offers. He meets with sellers to understand their needs and helps them choose the best option.
Here’s his step-by-step wholesaling system:
- Connect with the Seller: Ask about their goals and why they’re selling.
- Analyze the Deal: Figure out what the house is worth and what repairs it needs.
- Make a Win-Win Offer: Either wholesale it, flip it, or list it—whatever fits best.
- Close the Deal: Assign the contract and collect a fee.
Want to see how it all works in action? Watch this quick video where Zach walks you through his exact real estate wholesaling process—step by step.
How to Find Wholesale Leads That Convert
Zach’s business depends on finding the right sellers. Here are the top ways his team finds motivated homeowners:
- Cold Calling: Reaching out by phone to ask if someone’s interested in selling.
- SEO & Online Searches: Using real estate wholesaling marketing strategies to rank on Google so sellers can find them.
- Direct Mail: Sending postcards to people who might want to sell but don’t use the internet much.
Zach says leads from online search tend to be more serious—because they went looking for help. That’s why SEO for wholesalers is so important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wholesaling legal in all states?
Wholesaling is legal in most states, but the rules can vary. Some places require a real estate license to assign contracts or market deals. Always check your local laws or talk to a real estate attorney before starting.
Do you need a license to wholesale houses?
In many states, you do not need a license to wholesale. However, if you're marketing properties (instead of the contract), some states may require a license. He operates within local laws and recommends beginners stay educated on their state’s rules.
How do I start wholesaling with no money?
You can start wholesaling with very little money. Zach began by using free methods like cold calling and SEO to find motivated sellers. Focus on learning, networking, and practicing how to analyze deals. A small budget can go a long way if used smartly.
How much can you make on your first wholesale deal?
It depends on the deal, but many new wholesalers earn between $5,000 to $15,000 on their first contract. Zach’s first few deals helped him gain confidence and grow his business. Even a small win teaches you the full process.
What are the risks of wholesaling?
The biggest risks come from not understanding contracts or local laws. Another risk is overestimating a property’s value, which can make it hard to find a buyer. That’s why Zach recommends starting small and working with a mentor.
Final Thoughts on Getting Started
Zach started out as a teacher, and now he helps people sell homes while building a strong business. He didn’t have a big team or a pile of money—just the drive to learn and help others.
If you’re ready to talk to people, solve problems, and take action, you can do this too. Start small, ask questions, and connect with someone who’s already doing deals. Wholesaling might just be your first step to something big.
Didn’t watch the video yet? Scroll back up and check it out—it’s packed with tips that make your first deal easier.