In this inspiring interview, Freedom Mentor graduates Laura and Branden share how they went from working full-time jobs—with zero real estate experience—to building a thriving rehab and resale business in the competitive Pacific Northwest market.

You’ll hear how they:

• Made the leap from employment to entrepreneurship
• Navigated the challenges of big rehabs and built a system that works
• Balanced family life with growing a real estate business
• Found their niche and leaned into what they do best

The Quick Nickel Over the Slow Dime

When it comes to rehabbing investment properties, we’ve said it countless times: go for the quick nickel instead of the slow dime. Flip it as-is! At the very least, we want you to be a reluctant rehabber and avoid the pain, delays, and financial strain that often come with renovation projects. There’s a wealth of wisdom in mastering the art of being a transaction engineer; someone who focuses on structuring deals creatively, rather than getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty of rehabs. For most investors, especially those just starting out, this approach is not only simpler, it’s proven to be incredibly profitable.

Meet the Exception That Proves the Rule

That said, there are always exceptions. In this interview, we’re excited to introduce you to a couple who are the perfect example of when rehabbing and reselling does make a lot of sense. Their story is one of transformation, from brand-new beginners in real estate to full-time investors, raising a family and loving the flexibility that comes with their lifestyle.

Meet Branden and Laura

How Laura and Branden Took the Leap into Real Estate Investing

Laura and Branden, a dynamic couple from the Pacific Northwest, began their real estate journey with a simple home renovation. After successfully rehabbing and selling their own property, they realized not only was it enjoyable—it was profitable. At the time, Laura was working in a dental office and Branden was managing projects for a cell tower construction company. The sale of their home sparked a desire to find a more flexible, family-oriented lifestyle.

With no formal real estate experience, Branden began researching online and discovered Phil’s videos on YouTube. What started as casual viewing quickly turned into a deep dive into creative real estate strategies. The couple spent months learning, discussing, and ultimately decided to reach out to Freedom Mentor.

Their motivation was clear: they wanted to work together, spend more time as a family, and build something sustainable. Though the learning curve felt steep at first, they committed fully to the process. As Laura put it, “We put out our prayers and said, ‘If this is the path we’re supposed to go... here we go.’” And from that moment, their journey into full-time real estate investing began.

Investing in Education

Betting on Themselves and Building a Real Business

After successfully rehabbing and selling their own home, Laura and Branden were eager to do more—but they quickly realized how much they didn’t know. The market was hot and intimidating, and they understood that if they wanted to continue rehabbing and reselling homes, they’d need guidance to do it right.

For Branden, the goal was clear: build a real business. They wanted to create a system that could eventually run without them being involved in every detail. With $100,000 from their first sale—the largest sum they’d ever had, they faced a pivotal decision. Rather than play it safe, they chose to bet on themselves and invest in an education with Freedom Mentor. That commitment marked the beginning of their journey toward building a sustainable, scalable real estate business.

Lessons Learned and Unexpected Surprises

The Human Side of Real Estate

As Laura and Branden reflect on their journey, one of the biggest surprises was just how personal real estate can be. Branden noted that interacting with sellers was far more nuanced than expected. Each seller came with a unique personality, situation, and set of needs—and learning how to navigate those differences was a major adjustment. Fortunately, Laura’s natural gift for communication made her the ideal point person for those conversations.

Another unexpected challenge was the amount of computer work involved. From managing documents to organizing systems, they quickly realized that backend operations were just as important as what happened on-site. Getting those systems in place was essential to moving their business forward.

Deals That Made a Difference

One deal in particular stood out—a situation where a seller was in crisis. The homeowner, still active in the military, was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of homeownership and facing pressure from other buyers to bring $100,000 to closing. Laura and Branden were able to negotiate a far more reasonable solution: $40,000, pulled from the seller’s retirement account.

But their support didn’t stop there. They physically helped him move, providing a truck and assisting with relocation. The seller had laid laminate flooring over carpet padding and was clearly in over his head. Laura and Branden stepped in with compassion and clarity, helping him avoid financial disaster and find a better path forward. As Branden put it, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” And for this seller, their guidance made all the difference.

Helping Sellers in Crisis

Beyond the numbers and renovations, Laura and Branden have found deep fulfillment in helping sellers through some of their most difficult moments, especially those facing bankruptcy. Over the years, they’ve completed several deals where homeowners had no other viable options. These transactions weren’t just profitable, they were life-changing for the people involved.

Laura recalled one instance where a seller received a 120-day notice on the very day they listed the property. Thanks to Laura and Branden’s intervention, that individual was able to walk away with their credit intact, cash in hand, and a fresh start. These kinds of outcomes have become a meaningful part of their business model.

Compassion and Profit Can Coexist

As Phil noted in the interview, what sets Laura and Branden apart is their genuine care for the sellers they work with. Their empathy and integrity shine through in every deal. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” and Laura and Branden embody that principle. Their success is built not just on smart strategy, but on heartfelt service.

Graduation and Going Full-Time

As Laura and Branden approached graduation from the Freedom Mentor program, the excitement was palpable. The goal felt within reach, and they were energized by the realization that their hard work was paying off. At the time, Branden was still working full-time in his project management role, while Laura had already transitioned into real estate full-time, keeping things simple as they built momentum.

The shift to full-time investing came naturally. Branden had already given notice at his company, planning a smooth transition. But when the company unexpectedly shut down, the timeline accelerated—and they were ready. They had already begun moving in that direction, and the closure simply confirmed the path they were meant to take.

Confidence Through Experience

Graduating from the program and earning half a million dollars in split profits gave them more than just financial success, it gave them confidence. They had completed a variety of deals, from cosmetic flips to full rehabs, and had built a solid foundation. With real experience under their belts, they felt prepared to take full ownership of their business and push forward with optimism.

Growing Into Independence

Laura’s growth was especially evident during the program. As the full-time lead, she often joined group calls with complex creative problems, seeking guidance and validation. Over time, those calls became less frequent—not because she needed less help, but because she had grown into the role. She had internalized the systems, mastered the process, and was ready to operate independently. Laura recalled the stress and urgency of those early days, needing answers quickly to keep deals moving. What once felt overwhelming has now become second nature. As she put it, “They’re basic now, but back then, they weren’t.”

Reflecting on the Journey

The Power of Commitment and Community

Looking back, Laura and Branden are clear: joining Freedom Mentor was the turning point. For Branden, it was the difference between success and failure. Having someone to lean on, especially in the early stages, gave them the structure and support they needed to stay committed. “When you put your own skin in the game,” he said, “it’s not just a casual idea anymore, it’s serious.”

Laura recalled the skepticism they faced when they first signed up. Friends and acquaintances dismissed the idea, but once they started seeing results, the tone shifted. Suddenly, people wanted to meet, learn, and even partner with them. Their success spoke for itself.

What If They Had Gone It Alone?

Without Freedom Mentor, Branden believes they would have fallen into common traps—especially in wholesaling, where misinformation is rampant. The guidance they received, particularly around documentation and deal structure, was invaluable. Without it, they might have been like many others: excited at first, then discouraged after losing money, ultimately returning to their old jobs.

Advice to Their Younger Selves

If they could go back, Branden said they would have leaned into the program even more. Early wins gave them momentum, but there was still so much more they could have learned. He wouldn’t change the deals or the properties they worked on, but he would have focused more on building systems and creating a hands-off business model from the start.

Building a Business That Works

Balancing Motherhood and Real Estate

For Laura, balancing motherhood with real estate investing has been a journey of adaptation and creativity. With two young children, a 10-month-old and a 4-year-old, she’s found ways to stay productive while prioritizing family. From pack-and-plays on job sites to managing tasks from home, she’s carved out a rhythm that works. Her focus now includes ordering materials, organizing logistics, and handling computer-based tasks on a part-time schedule.

Branden praised Laura’s transition from hands-on work to strategic support, noting how vital her role has become. Whether it’s coordinating deliveries or streamlining procurement, her contributions have made a tangible impact on their efficiency. Though she sometimes misses the action on-site, Laura remains grateful for the flexibility their business provides.

Finding the Right Balance

When it comes to managing renovations, Laura and Branden have learned to stay in their lane. Branden’s construction background makes him a natural fit for overseeing projects, while Laura has picked up valuable skills along the way. They’ve become adept at identifying which tasks are worth outsourcing and which ones they can handle themselves.

Branden emphasized the importance of being present without micromanaging. By staying engaged with subcontractors and building strong relationships, they’ve created a reliable network of professionals who understand their standards and respond quickly when issues arise. That trust has been built over time, through consistent collaboration across multiple projects.

Staying Focused and Scaling Up

Strategy and Goals

Currently, Laura and Branden are focused on rehabbing and reselling single-family homes, a niche that continues to present strong opportunities. While they’re not ruling out other paths, they’ve steered clear of holding rentals due to restrictive laws in Washington. Instead, they’re working to expand their pipeline, build systems, and generate more leads than they can handle.

They’re also exploring wholesaling, but with a twist: they want to bring honesty and humanity into the process. Their goal is to create win-win deals that serve both sellers and buyers, while maintaining the integrity that’s defined their business from the start. They’re staying in the lane of affordable single-family homes, avoiding luxury properties and focusing on deals with broad buyer appeal. It’s the bread and butter of real estate investing, and Laura and Branden are proving just how powerful that lane can be.

Rehab and Resell: A Formula That Works

Branden and Laura have mastered the formula for making rehab and resale work in their local market. With Branden’s project management background and Laura’s operational and interpersonal strengths, they’ve built a thriving business by leaning into extensive renovations rather than avoiding them.

While many investors find success as transaction engineers, Laura and Branden show that big rehabs can be the right move—if they align with your skills and goals. They’ve built a business that not only generates income but also allows them to work together, support their family, and enjoy the journey.

Every Successful Real Estate Investor Has a Mentor

If you’re ready to bet on yourself and want to tap into the most proven business model in real estate—with mentorship from the nation’s top creative real estate coaches—apply to our Apprentice Program. Our team will mentor, coach, and guide you to financial success. Learn more here: Freedom Mentor Apprentice Program.

If you have questions for us, text FREEDOM to 305-315-8030 or post a comment below.