How Flips Help People

[Sean McDowell]

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment in Columbia.

Purchase price: $36,000
Cash invested: $104,000
Sale price: $159,000

Lengthy probate started in June 2024. We coached the seller through the probate process. The seller had great memories as a child in the house. We brought the seller back to the house right before we hit market to see it fixed up like in her youth. This business is about helping people. Getting her through a lengthy probate, giving her a look at her childhood past, getting a new home owner a well rehabbed house, and getting an eyesore off the local street.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Helping the seller through a daunting process and giving them options.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Driving for dollars. Seller agreed to a sales price knowing it wasn't legally binding until they were given permission to sell by the court. Got a Broker Price Opinion (BPO) from an aligned realtor to submit to the court.

How did you finance this deal?

Self-funded flip.

How did you add value to the deal?

The house was a 2/1.5 that had a pass-through den from the kitchen to hallway. The den had a closet and full-sized window. We closed the kitchen pass-through and made the unit a 3/1.5.

What was the outcome?

19% ROI and satisfaction of helping the seller, who still corresponds with us.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

When we began the process in June 2024, the local market was in slightly better shape than when we went to sale in June 2025. This produced a smaller profit, but still well worth it.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Rochelle Hicklin - Realtor

[Madison Robertson]

Hey Sean,

Thats great! Probate deals can be a great fit for investors focused on value-add and helping sellers through tough situations. In Philly, there are still solid opportunities through driving for dollars, especially when you're willing to work through legal or title hurdles. Converting unused spaces (like dens or walk-throughs) into legal bedrooms is a strong strategy for boosting ARV without major additions. Worth considering if you're looking to blend impact with profit, especially in neighborhoods where these properties can really transform the block.