New investor in Central FL

Lakeland, FL · Member since 2018 · 1 post · 4 votes

I'm John, new investor and licensed FL Realtor based in the Central Florida area (holding my license since 2016). Over the years, I’ve handled transactions in Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Osceola Counties—spanning single-family homes, land deals, and even a commercial property.

On the investment side, I closed my first wholesale deal back in December 2025 and caught the bug. Right now, my main focus is on wholesaling and then eventually flips, LTR and STR. I'm here to build real relationships with local pros. Cash buyers, wholesalers, lenders and contractors. Feel free to let me know how I can help your business!!

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Emanuele Mayer

Lender · Member since 2022 · 72 posts · 19 votes

1mo

Welcome, John! Sounds like you’ve built a solid foundation and are headed in the right direction. Central Florida has a lot of opportunities, and it’s always great to connect with people focused on building long-term relationships. Wishing you continued success!

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Ricardo Gonzalez
Property Manager · Orlando, FL · Member since 2026 · 22 posts · 18 votes
1mo
Hi John! Happy to connect with you, check your inbox
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Janice Carter
Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 604 votes
1mo
@John Martinez Welcome to the BP community and congratulations on your first wholesale deal. It sounds like you have a solid foundation in real estate and I wish you continued success as you expand into flips, long term and short term rentals.
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Emanuele Mayer
Lender · Member since 2022 · 72 posts · 19 votes
1mo
Welcome, John! Sounds like you’ve built a solid foundation and are headed in the right direction. Central Florida has a lot of opportunities, and it’s always great to connect with people focused on building long-term relationships. Wishing you continued success!

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Lucas Flowers
Virtual Assistant · Egypt · Member since 2026 · 51 posts · 15 votes
1mo
Welcome, John. That's a great foundation: real transaction experience plus your first wholesale deal already closed. As you scale the wholesaling side specifically, the biggest lever early on tends to be consistent outbound and follow-up discipline more than anything else. The deals that convert are usually the ones where someone actually called back at the right time. Good luck ramping up flips and LTR/STR too, sounds like you're building a well-rounded operation.
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Jorge VazquezBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 679 votes
1mo
Welcome, John! I actually started as a wholesaler, did that for about 10 years, and then decided to get my brokerage license. I’ve now been in real estate for more than 20 years, and getting licensed was one of the best decisions I ever made because it gave me access to both the light side and the dark side of the force—LOL. Having experience as both an investor and a broker gives you a completely different perspective on deals, relationships, and opportunities. We work throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida, so I’d be glad to connect, exchange ideas, and see how we can help each other grow.
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Amber Stout
Lender · Tampa/Saint Petersburg, FL · Member since 2014 · 356 posts · 148 votes
1mo
Welcome, John! Sounds like you've built a solid foundation between real estate and wholesaling. If you ever need financing for your flips, long term rentals, or STRs, feel free to reach out. I work with a lot of investors throughout Florida and have lenders that can qualify STRs using AirDNA projections upfront. Looking forward to seeing you around the forums!
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Scott Dinan
Property Manager · Saint Petersburg · Member since 2026 · 7 posts · 2 votes
1mo
What’s up, John! Your journey sounds a lot like mine. I got my start in wholesaling before going all-in on short-term rentals. We have now operated/managed 50+ vacation rentals, mostly on the Gulf Coast of FL. I’m also based in Central Florida, so I’d love to connect sometime!

Side note: @Amber Stout Is a great resource for lending needs. She's a pro.

Welcome to the group!

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