West DFW REI Group

Discover Hidden Real Estate Opportunities — One Drive at a Time

If you’re ready to uncover hidden real estate deals that others are missing, it’s time to hit the streets and start driving for dollars. This timeless, hands-on strategy remains one of the most powerful ways to find off-market investment properties—and when you combine it with modern tools like DealMachine you can transform every drive into a potential goldmine.

At West DFW REI Group, we’re passionate about helping investors like you master strategies that build wealth and freedom through real estate. In this guide, we’ll show you how to drive for dollars effectively, what to look for, and how to leverage DealMachine to streamline your process from discovery to deal.

What Is Driving for Dollars?

Driving for dollars is exactly what it sounds like—driving around neighborhoods to spot properties that appear vacant, distressed, or neglected. These properties often belong to motivated sellers who may be open to selling off-market. Instead of relying solely on the ML
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Are you ready to take your investing skills to the next level? The West DFW REI Group is excited to host Turning Investor Training Upside Down on October 4, 2025—a one-day event that could change how you approach real estate forever.

According to the latest DFW housing market report, buyer demand and market activity remain strong—reinforcing why mastering creative real estate investing in DFW is more critical than ever.

Jon and Stephanie Iannotti, who bring 40 years of combined expertise in creative real estate investing and deal structuring will give us an exclusive session on CATS – Complete Agreeable Transaction System. Whether you’re a brand new to investing or a seasoned pro, this event is designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s fast-moving Dallas–Fort Worth real estate market.

Why Creative Real Estate Investing Matters in DFW

The Dallas–Fort Worth housing market is one of the most competitive in the country. Traditional approaches often leave
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Ask any really successful real estate entrepreneur what resource has made them the most money, and if they’re answering truthfully, they’re going to say, “The people I’ve met.”

In fact, if you’re not making it a priority to spend time creating, growing, and nurturing your network of colleagues and financial friends, you’re making a big mistake.

I’m not a natural networker—I would, on any given evening, rather be curled up in front of a fire with a good book than at the hottest party in town.

In fact, if you’re ever AT a party with me, and you’re looking for me, I’m probably the one behind the potted plant playing with the host’s cat.

But, at the same time, I am very aware of how many millions of dollars my network has earned me in the past 2+ decades, and I’ve seen the nearly tragic consequences that NOT having a network when you need one can have.

Early on in my career, it was more experienced real estate association members who served as my backstop, confirming (or, in some cases, totall
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Wholesaling real estate has a reputation for being the “easy” way to get started in investing — and in many ways, that’s true. You don’t need a ton of cash. You don’t need a license. And if you play your cards right, you can make a good profit without ever owning the property.

But here’s the thing no one tells you when you're getting started: wholesaling can go sideways fast.

Maybe your buyer backs out last minute. Maybe the seller gets cold feet. Maybe a title issue pops up that throws everything off course. The truth is, if you’re wholesaling long enough, a deal falling apart isn’t a matter of if, it’s when.

That’s why understanding the dos and don’ts of wholesaling — and knowing what to do when a deal takes a wrong turn — is so important.

Let’s walk through it.

The TREC contracts used by brokers and agents in Texas do not contain any language regarding assignments. Since the contracts were silent, a TREC contract was able to be assigned without any notice to the seller. All the original buyer needed to do was enter into an assignment agreement with the new buyer and provide a copy of the executed agreement to the title company. 

Then, beginning January 1, 2024, the Texas Property Code was amended, specifically section 5.025. That section of the code always required the original buyer, before they entered into the assignment agreement, notify the new buyer that only an equitable interest was being sold, meaning the buyer did not have title to the property. Starting in January of 2024, an additional requirement was added, requiring the seller to be given notice that the original buyer was going to assign their interest in the contract. Note, it does not state seller must agree to such assignment or be told the terms of the assignment, just be notified. Such notice must be given to the seller prior to an assignment agreement being entered into between the original buyer and the new buyer.  

There are three ways the buyer can give notice to the seller:

1. Include the wording "and/or assigned" in the buyer's name on
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The real estate landscape is ever-changing, and staying on top of legal updates is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Laws and regulations can significantly impact how real estate professionals conduct business, and being uninformed can lead to costly mistakes or even legal trouble. This makes it imperative for professionals in the industry to educate themselves and adapt to the evolving legal environment continuously.

Why Legal Updates Matter in Real Estate

For real estate investors, agents, property managers, and landlords, legal compliance is a cornerstone of a successful and sustainable business. Here are just a few reasons why understanding the latest legal updates is crucial:

1. Avoiding Liability: Ignorance of the law is not a defense in court. By staying informed, you can avoid unintentional violations that could lead to lawsuits or fines. Missteps such as incorrect eviction procedures or non-compliance with fair housing laws can have severe financial and reputational consequences.

2. Maximizing Profitability: Legal knowledge can help you st
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Understanding Wraparound Mortgages: A Unique Home Financing Approach

When navigating the complexities of real estate financing, unique structures such as the wraparound mortgage offer alternative pathways for both buyers and sellers. But what exactly is a wraparound mortgage, and how does it function? Let’s dive into what makes this method appealing, along with the potential benefits and risks it presents.

What Is a Wraparound Mortgage?

A wraparound mortgage is an alternative home financing option where the seller maintains their existing mortgage while creating a new loan that “wraps around” the existing amount owed. Unlike conventional home sales where buyers secure mortgages through banks or lenders, buyers in a wraparound agreement make their monthly payments directly to the seller. The seller, in turn, uses part of those payments to continue paying off their original mortgage. This type of mortgage often comes with higher interest rates than traditional loans, giving sellers an opportunity to profit.

How Does a Wraparound Mortgage Work?

In a typical real estate transaction, a mortgage lender provides the loan for the home purchase, and the seller uses the proceeds to settle their mortgage. With a wraparound mortgage, howeve
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In real estate investing, creative financing methods can provide substantial benefits for both buyers and sellers. One such method is known as "Subject To" (often abbreviated as "Sub To"), which allows buyers to acquire properties with little to no money down. This strategy can be particularly advantageous for investors looking to expand their portfolios without significant capital outlay. In this article, we'll delve into what "Subject To" transactions entail, the benefits and risks involved, and why you should consider learning more about this method by attending the upcoming "How to Buy Houses Subject to With Little to No Money" workshop.

What is a "Subject To" Transaction?

A "Subject To" transaction occurs when a buyer takes over the seller's existing mortgage while the loan remains in the seller's name. Essentially, the buyer purchases the property "subject to" the existing financing. The buyer makes the mortgage payments on behalf of the seller, but the original loan stays intact without being formally assumed by the buyer. This arrangement can be particularly appealing in various market conditions, especially when traditional financing optio
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Gaining financial independence and building up wealth can be accomplished through real estate investing. But before making any investments, it's crucial to approach real estate investing carefully and thoroughly research the market. We'll go over five points in this blog post to ensure you have a solid foundation before making a Fort Worth real estate investment.

1. Research the Market

When diving into real estate investments in Fort Worth, it's important to immerse yourself in comprehensive market research. This involves delving into the intricate dynamics of supply and demand, rental costs, vacancy rates, and the historical and current trends in housing prices. But it doesn't stop there. To truly grasp the market pulse, it's equally important to consider factors like the labor market, population growth, and the overall local economy.

Now, navigating this sea of information might seem like a hard task, but fear not. One of the most effective strategies in your arsenal is collaborating with a seasoned local real estate agent. Think of them as your tour guide through the real estate landscape. These professiona
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