Why I Am an Investor and Not a Realtor: My Story of Hustle and Risk
Jackie Coffey
**Why I Am an Investor and Not a Realtor: My Story of Hustle and Risk**
People often ask me, "Jackie, why aren’t you a realtor?" The answer is pretty simple: I break far too many rules to fit in that box. In the world of real estate investing, sometimes you have to buy a house without ever stepping foot inside first. It’s risky, it’s thrilling, and it’s what I love.
Back in my early 20s, I crossed paths with a businessman named Mitchell. Mitchell was in the commercial construction business, building Home Depot stores and other big-name facilities. Despite his serious reputation, he was drawn to my hustle and energy. Our bond formed over an unusual situation—I found out a mutual friend of ours was stealing 50K in another deal from Mitchell. Once I told his person I found out he offered me $25,000 to not tell Mitchell, and I declined, informing Mitchell instead. Mitchell and I didn’t know each other, only each other’s names on paper. A few days later he called me up and told me how much he appreciated what I did. That moment of honesty forged trust between us. He saw my integrity and wanted to work with me, especially on a flip project.
We started scouting for houses together, and finally, I found a gem in the M Street area of Dallas. For context, Mitchell considered "dressing down" as wearing a sports jacket and loafers, while I was the scrappy hustler, unafraid to bend the rules.
The house I had my sights on seemed destined for demolition, but I knew it was a goldmine. However, we weren’t allowed inside—there were explicit signs telling us not to go in. While Mitchell was reading these signs, I was busy finding a way in. I spotted an open window a bit higher up. I jumped, climbed in, and Mitchell—yes, in his sports jacket—followed suit. He even had torn his jacket while crawling inside!
Exploring that house felt like an adventure. We surveyed the rooms, made our calculations, and decided this was the project for us. We snuck out the same way we got in, adrenaline pumping. Mitchell later told me it was the most fun he'd had in years. We bought that house, and it turned out to be one of my most profitable projects to date.
Keep In mind. I am not telling you or encouraging you to break the law, I am just letting you know why I am not a realtor. 😉
So, here's the takeaway for entrepreneurs and investors:
**Embrace the hustle, the risks, and those unorthodox methods.** Sometimes, breaking a few rules can lead to the best stories—and the greatest successes.
Being a realtor follows a different set of rules, but being an investor? It’s about instincts, risks, and sometimes, sneaking in through a window or door that is already unlocked! 🚪💼💪
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