Found a Cheap House? Great. Now Look Closer.
The Real Strategy Behind Picking the Right Property to Flip
How to Pick the Right Property (and Dodge the Wrong One)
We’ve all seen it happen.
Someone posts a selfie in front of a freshly purchased flip—thumbs up, SOLD sign glowing—and then six months later… they’re stuck with a money pit, a regret-filled budget, and a house they wish they’d never touched.
The truth? Not every property is a good flip.
And just because something looks like a deal doesn’t mean it is.
If you’re going to flip houses profitably, the most important skill you can develop is knowing how to pick the right property from the start.
The “Ugly” House Isn’t Always the Problem
Yes, outdated kitchens and shag carpet are great signs of value-add potential.
However, if you’re not careful, that “simple cosmetic project” can turn into:
- A cracked foundation
- Mold hiding behind the drywall
- Electrical that hasn’t been updated since the ’70s
- Or a layout so weird no buyer will touch it later
Some houses should be renovated. Others should be left for someone else to learn a hard lesson on.
So, What Makes a Great Flip?
A good flip is about more than how bad the house looks. It’s about knowing what can be fixed—and what can’t.
Start by asking:
- ✅ Is this in a location where homes actually sell quickly?
- ✅ Can I add enough value to justify the purchase and repair costs?
- ✅ Is the layout functional or fixable?
- ✅ Are the “ugly” parts cosmetic… or structural?
- ✅ Can I fund this project and hold it through possible delays?
If the answer to most of those questions isn’t a clear “yes,” step back.
The best investors know: you make your money when you buy.
Here’s How to Choose Wisely
To avoid flipping the wrong house, follow these smart rules:
- Always run comps first. Know what fixed-up homes are selling for in the area.
- Walk the property with a contractor (or someone experienced). They’ll spot what you might miss.
- Don’t fall in love with a property. Fall in love with the numbers.
- Budget for surprises. Because you’ll definitely have them.
- Have an exit plan. If you can’t sell for what you thought, what’s your backup?
The Best Flips Don’t Always Start as the Worst Homes
It’s not about the ugliest house on the block.
It’s about the house with the best numbers and the least risk for the return it offers.
At Real Deal Network, we teach you how to spot smart flips, analyze real costs, and make decisions that lead to actual profit—not just Instagram bragging rights.
Want to Learn What a Good Flip Really Looks Like?
👉 Join us for an Intro and learn how to flip properties that create wins—not nightmares.
Because the goal isn’t to flip any house.
It’s to flip the right one.
