David Olds’ foray into real estate began almost by accident. Growing up in Drakett, Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border, David was deeply influenced by his father, an ex-military man with a DIY spirit. They tackled a variety of home improvement projects together, a practical education that David didn’t initially appreciate but would come to value immensely.
After earning a degree in criminal justice, David moved to Florida, where he started working at Scotty's Hardware Stores—early versions of giants like Lowe’s and Home Depot. His first taste of flipping came when he bought a fixer-upper with his wife in 2002. This experience flipped the switch for David, revealing a profitable pathway that spurred him to delve deeper into the world of real estate.
Like many successful investors, David's breakthrough came after reading Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad.” Encouraged by the book’s advice to seek out real estate groups, David became immersed in the Central Florida Real Estate Investors Group. Courses, boot camps, and seminars became his part-time job, laying the foundation for a full-time career in real estate.
The real estate crash of 2009 hit hard, pushing David and his family to relocate to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with less than $5,000. Undeterred, David plunged into wholesaling with an aggressive strategy: door knocking, driving for dollars, and placing hundreds of bandit signs weekly. Their hard work paid off, closing 40 deals in their first year alone.
David’s next big leap was figuring out how to wholesale virtually, leading to the creation of Nationwide Property Liquidators. Despite initial failures and lessons in losing money, they eventually operated in 100 markets across the country before refining it down to 28 highly profitable ones.
Today, David Olds runs Easy REI Closings, the nation’s largest transaction coordination company, assisting wholesalers and investors in efficiently closing deals. With over 7,000 transactions annually, David’s company handles everything from contract signing to final paperwork, allowing investors to focus on scaling their operations.
David attributes his success to building an exceptional team and maintaining simple, scalable systems. He emphasizes the need for clear communication of vision to everyone in the team, ensuring that each member understands not just what they do, but why they do it. Simplifying processes for each role is key to maintaining efficiency and promoting growth
One of David's standout strategies is his aggressive approach to disposing of properties. When launching a new property, his team ensures that every potential buyer sees it immediately. This involves a coordinated effort across multiple channels—emails, texts, RVMs, social media posts, and more—flooding the market with the property listing all at once.
Adapting to market changes and regulations is crucial. David advises meticulous tracking of numbers—leads, offers, contracts, and closing rates—enabling real estate investors to identify and rectify issues quickly. For example, in unstable markets or when working with specific types of properties like probate deals, knowing the solutions can make or break a deal.
From bad bookkeeping to the importance of holding properties for long-term gains, David candidly shares lessons from his early career mistakes. He stresses the importance of asking good questions and learning to adjust based on feedback from buyers.
David’s key takeaway for new investors is the value of supportive communities. Whether local groups or online forums, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide invaluable motivation and guidance.
David Olds’ real estate investing story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. His journey—marked by determined beginnings, strategic pivots, and consistent growth—offers a model for aspiring real estate investors. By applying his principles and systems, and maintaining a clear vision of success, anyone can navigate the complex and rewarding world of real estate investing.
To keep up with David and learn more from his ongoing projects, you can follow him on Instagram and other social media platforms under the handle David Olds, REI. Whether you're starting out or looking to scale your real estate business, David's insights are an invaluable resource for achieving financial freedom and success in this dynamic industry.
You can take what you learn from Olds and use it to your advantage. But that means having the right leads. If you're ready to hit the pavement, check out our lead generation options.