Finding the Property Is Only the Beginning

Justine Ramos bought her first rental in South Bend, Indiana, for just over $65,000. Since going full time in 2023, the Phoenix agent and investor behind That Flipping Agent has closed more than 60 transactions and more than $20 million in sales, and built an audience of more than 50,000 by showing the renovation problems and unexpected expenses alongside the wins. She spoke to Leadership Review about numbers, nerve, and leaving a proven system behind.

Q: Start with the plain version. What do you do, and who for?

A: I help Phoenix-area homeowners and real estate investors navigate complicated properties, uncover opportunities, renovate homes, and successfully buy or sell real estate.

Q: Before Phoenix, there was a house in Indiana. What did that purchase set in motion?

A: It started when I bought my first rental property in South Bend, Indiana, for just over $65,000. That property showed me that real estate could create income, equity, and options that a traditional career could not.

I became fascinated with how deals were found, negotiated, and improved. Eventually, that curiosity led me into wholesaling full time in 2023. Once I closed my first deal, I knew I had found an industry where my ability to connect with people, solve problems, and recognize potential could become a real career.

Real estate rewards the person who is willing to solve the problems everyone else avoids.

Q: You walked away from the team that taught you the business after your second year. What did that decision cost?

A: That was the hardest stretch. I left the security and success of the team that taught me everything, because I knew I was ready to build a business and identity of my own. I went from having a proven system around me to being responsible for every decision, expense, delay, and outcome.

It cost me stability, sleep, time, and a lot of comfort. There were moments when I questioned whether I had taken on too much, but that season forced me to become more resourceful, disciplined, and confident in my own judgment.

Q: What actually moved the business after that?

A: The trajectory changed when I stopped waiting to feel completely ready and started consistently putting myself and my work in front of people. I began documenting the real process online, including the successful deals, renovation problems, unexpected expenses, and lessons learned along the way.

That honesty helped me build trust with homeowners, investors, clients, and an audience that wanted to see what real estate actually looked like behind the finished photos. Consistency created opportunities that I could never have planned for.

I do not want to sell people a fantasy about real estate. I want to show them what the work actually looks like.

Q: You've said finding the property is only the beginning. What is everyone else getting wrong?

A: Most people believe real estate investing is mainly about finding a great deal and making easy money. In reality, finding the property is only the beginning. The outcome depends on due diligence, accurate numbers, risk management, follow-up, negotiation, and the ability to solve problems quickly.

A renovation can look beautiful and still be a bad investment. The most successful people in this industry are not necessarily the flashiest. They are the ones who understand the numbers, protect the downside, and remain consistent when a deal becomes difficult.

Q: Put the record on the table. What have you closed, and what are you working on now?

A: Since entering real estate full time in 2023, I have closed more than 60 transactions totaling over $20 million in sales. My experience includes wholesaling, residential sales, rental properties, renovation projects, and foreclosure opportunities.

I have built an investment portfolio across multiple states and am currently completing my first major renovation project in Phoenix. I have also grown an audience of more than 50,000 followers across social media by sharing an honest look at real estate and entrepreneurship. My work and expertise have been featured by Arizona's Family and several real estate podcasts and media platforms.

A renovation can look beautiful and still be a bad investment.

Q: Someone is standing today where you stood in 2023. What do you tell them?

A: Start before you feel qualified, but take the responsibility to learn seriously. You do not need to know everything before taking your first step, and you probably never will. Ask questions, study the numbers, follow up more than everyone else, and do not confuse fear with a sign that you should stop.

Your first opportunity may not look impressive, but it can teach you the skills and confidence that lead to everything else. Most importantly, build a reputation you are proud of because relationships will take you further than any single transaction.

Q: That Flipping Agent is a brand now, not just a handle. Where are you taking it?

A: I am building That Flipping Agent into a recognizable real estate and media brand centered on investment opportunities, renovations, foreclosure solutions, and honest education. I want to continue acquiring and transforming properties while helping homeowners and investors make better decisions.

I am also expanding the content side of the business so people can follow real projects from acquisition through completion and learn from both the successful decisions and the expensive mistakes. The long-term goal is to build a business that combines investing, service, education, and storytelling.

Get in Touch

Justine Ramos
Realtor and Investor with Real Broker, creator of That Flipping Agent

Instagram: @thatflippingagent
YouTube: youtube.com/@ThatFlippingAgent
TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThatFlippingAgent