Why do most people give up before finding success in real estate? 

In this episode of the REI Freedom Podcast, host Jeremy Beland sits down with Raphael Williams, a rising investor from Rhode Island, whose inspiring journey reveals what separates those who quit from those who win.

After earning a master’s degree in education, Raphael didn’t start in real estate with a clear plan or instant success. He balanced teaching, personal training, and early investing efforts while facing rejection after rejection. Deals fell through, leads went cold, and months passed without a paycheck. Still, he refused to give up.

Then came the breakthrough a $5,000 wholesale deal that proved his hard work was paying off. That small victory led to a $24,000 land deal shortly after, and with it, the confidence to go all in on real estate. Raphael’s story is proof that persistence, faith, and a willingness to keep learning can turn struggle into success.

In this powerful conversation, Raphael shares:

• The emotional and financial reality of walking away from a stable career to pursue real estate full-time.
• What his first year in wholesaling really looked like failures, lessons, and small wins that built momentum.
• How he used text blasting, pay-per-lead services, and persistence to find his first profitable deals.
• Why he shifted his focus from houses to land and what new investors can learn from that pivot.
• How mentorship, group coaching, and community support helped him stay consistent through tough times.
• The mindset shifts that helped him overcome comparison, self-doubt, and fear of failure.
• His roadmap for building a sustainable wholesaling business with a growing acquisition and disposition team.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged or on the verge of giving up, this episode will reignite your motivation. Raphael’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from luck it comes from grit, consistency, and the courage to keep going when most people stop.

Key Takeaways:

• Why persistence and consistency matter more than talent or timing.
• How to handle the emotional ups and downs of real estate investing.
• The importance of faith, mentorship, and community in your growth.
• How to build a lead generation system that fits your goals.
• Why mastering the fundamentals will always outperform chasing quick wins.

Connect with Raphael:
Instagram: @obeyraphael

Resources Mentioned:
Free Guide: More Deals, Bigger Deals, and Less Cancellations

REI Freedom Coaching: reifreedom.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the REI Freedom Podcast. Share it with a friend who needs a boost of motivation, and join our community of investors who are building freedom through real estate one deal, one lesson, and one step at a time.