Hey, it’s Annie and Jay, and in this episode of The Real Estate Ride, we’re diving deep into one of our most unique and rewarding projects—a burned property we picked up from a wholesaler. We walk you through every gritty detail, from discovering the fire damage to navigating structural surprises, all the way to our final design and staging choices. If you’ve ever wondered whether a severely damaged home could become a profitable flip, this one’s for you.

We cover why we pursue the kinds of properties most investors avoid—think mold, foundation issues, and in this case, fire. Plus, we’re sharing the strategies we used to stay within budget, the rehab decisions that made the biggest impact, and how we’re using design tools and staging tricks to finish strong and sell fast. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, you’ll pick up real-world insights that can boost your next deal.

Episode Timeline:

[0:28] - Introduction

[0:28] - How we found the deal through a wholesaler and why burned properties don’t scare us

[1:16] - The extent of the fire damage and what parts we were able to salvage

[2:27] - Why most investors shy away from projects like this—and why we don’t

[3:23] - Using smoke sealants and keeping mechanicals in place to save costs

[5:09] - Discovering hidden structural issues and how we adjusted on the fly

[6:38] - Budget cuts: repurposing cabinets and creative cost-saving measures

[8:03] - Crunch time! Ramping up crews and hitting the market deadline

[10:22] - Miscommunications, surprises, and adjusting the design plan

[12:04] - How we use House Pro and other tools to streamline the design process

[16:24] - Why we chose this property and how it fits into our first-time homebuyer strategy

[18:46] - The role of staging in selling quickly and affordably

[24:12] - Landscaping and exterior prep that saves time and money

[25:25] - Final thoughts and updates on this high-pressure flip

3 Key Takeaways

1. Distressed properties can be goldmines when you understand how to manage the rehab and budget smartly.

2. Preparation and flexibility are crucial—from sealing smoke damage to adjusting for unexpected structural fixes.

3. Staging and design planning make a difference in both marketability and sale price, even when using repurposed or budget-friendly materials.

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