Everyone sees a six-figure wire… but that’s not what you actually walk away with.

In this episode, I close the loop on my first flip and break down what really happened after the $155K wire hit my account.

I share:

Where the money actually went

What had to be paid back (401k loan, holding costs, credit cards)

Why this deal netted around $80K, not $155K

How leverage and liquidity changed everything for me

Why this deal was a turning point — mentally and financially

This isn’t about flexing numbers. It’s about understanding leverage, risk, and why one transaction can completely change your position.

If you’re a beginner investor, W-2 employee, or someone wondering if real estate is actually worth it — this episode is for you.

In a previous episode, I shared that a $152,000 wire hit my account after selling my first flip.But this episode isn’t about celebrating that number.It’s about the truth behind it.This deal didn’t happen because I had a pile of cash sitting around. It happened because I had to think differently, take on real pressure, and figure things out in real time.In this episode, I walk you through:How I funded my first flip without having cash on handThe real funding stack: 401k loan, hard money, HELOC, and credit cardsWhere things went wrong when the rehab went over budgetHow my W-2 paycheck, credit, and stress were all impactedThe lessons I’m taking into my next deal so I don’t repeat the same mistakesThis isn’t a blueprint or a recommendation — it’s simply my path.We all come into this with different resources, and this is how I navigated mine.If you’ve ever wondered “How do people actually fund deals?” or felt stuck because you’re illiquid, this episode is for you.Next episode: I break down the expenses, paybacks, and what the real numbers look like after the wire.

Two weeks ago, the wire hit — $152,000 from my flip.Then life immediately happened.I got sick and lost my voice.Right after that, I was in New York watching my son perform at Radio City Music Hall during the Rockettes’ 100-year anniversary.In this episode, I explain the pause, reflect on perspective, and reset what’s coming next — including a full breakdown of how I actually funded this deal, from down payment to rehab, holding costs, and the lessons that came with it.This journey isn’t just about money.It’s about why we build, when to pause, and how to get back on track.

The wire hit — $152,000.I posted the screenshot on Instagram and everybody went wild. But the truth behind that wire?It’s nothing like what people think.This episode closes the biggest chapter of my real estate journey so far: my first flip project 2,300 miles away that tested my patience, my confidence, my family time, my wallet, and honestly… my belief in myself.Today isn’t the numbers episode.Today is the emotional one — the sacrifices, the setbacks, the delays, the overtime shifts, the mistakes, the lessons, and the reality of what it actually took to get to that final wire.If you’ve ever wondered what the real first-flip experience looks like — not the polished Instagram version — this is that story.Next week: I’m breaking down exactly how I funded this flip — the tools I used, the risks I took, and how you might have access to the same things.

This week’s episode is different.We’re officially in closing week on the biggest project of my real estate journey — but instead of breaking down numbers or giving a huge update, I wanted to slow down and sit in some gratitude.Thank you to everyone who has followed this flip for over a year… through the delays, the wins, the losses, the messy updates, and every moment of doubt and growth in between.Thank you for the DMs, encouragement, jokes, memes, accountability, and for simply showing up each week to listen.This community has kept me going more than you know.Next week — if everything goes smoothly — we close this chapter for real, and I’ll share the big number you’ve all been waiting for.But today is for reflection, gratitude, and appreciating how far this journey has come.Happy Thanksgiving week, and thank you for being part of this story.

We’re officially 11 days away from closing on my Wetumpka flip — and for the first time all year, things are calm. In this episode, I break down where the flip stands now that the appraisal is done, repairs are complete, and lending is quiet.I also share a huge update from dinner with my CPA that might save me thousands… and why I’ll likely be taxed at 15% capital gains instead of ordinary income.On top of that, real life didn’t stop this week. My son had three theatre performances, and the flip had to take a backseat. Balancing work, investing, and being present as a parent is real — and I talk about how all of that felt heading into these final 11 days.If everything stays on track, next week might be the last episode before closing. The countdown is real.Follow the journey on Instagram @rickyricardoshow

I flew to my niece’s wedding — and to make it happen I missed my son’s halftime performance at a Sacramento Kings game. Then my original flight home got canceled because of the government shutdown. It was chaos… but even in the middle of it, we still finalized our contractor for the inspection repair addendum. Sometimes the right move isn’t squeezing every dollar — it’s choosing certainty. Profit is still tracking above $50K — but the real lesson this week is about the sacrifices behind the scenes that nobody posts.

We’re under contract — but this week was inspection week.Me and my agent were literally praying nothing major popped up… because after everything this flip has put me through, I just needed something to go right.The inspection report came back — and thankfully — it was mostly minor.But even with that relief… I’m still not celebrating.My contractor still has to go back out.Quotes still have to come in.Negotiations still have to happen.This is the part nobody posts.This is where the deal can still fall apart.

After months on the market, price drops, and endless lessons… we’re officially under contract at $360,000.But this isn’t the victory lap — this is the final boss.In this episode, I break down:The first offer that came in low at $340KWhy we held strong and negotiated upSmall market realities and buyer feedbackThe emotional toll of waiting… and hopingWhat still needs to go right before closingIf you’re flipping in today’s market or dreaming of financial freedom, this is the real side no one talks about. The deal isn’t done until the wire hits — but right now, it feels good to be this close.Thanks for following along this wild first flip journey.Final boss mode: activated. 🎮▶️ Follow @rickyricardoshow on Instagram for real-time updates⭐ Leave a rating to support the show — it really helps!