Cameron Burke recently turned a $15,000 down payment into a potential 180% return by flipping a single-family home with speed and precision. The project involved a quick rehab focused on cosmetic improvements, tight budget control, and smart decision-making that kept costs low while boosting resale value. From the $151,000 purchase to the $219,000 after-repair valuation, every step was calculated to maximize profit without overextending time or resources. This real-world example shows what’s possible when you combine efficient renovations with a sharp investment strategy.
From $15K Down to $42K Profit: How It Happened
This project proves you don’t need a full gut renovation or months of work to earn a significant return on a flip. Here’s how the numbers broke down and the strategy that made it work.
Fast Purchase, Minimal Hassle
Cameron Burke acquired the property for $151,000 through a wholesaler, who made a $26,000 assignment fee. While some investors shy away from paying such fees, he was happy to pay it to avoid spending time and money on lead generation. Thanks to a $7,500 escrow holdback received at closing, his true all-in purchase price was closer to $143,500.
Targeted, Cost-Efficient Renovations
Rather than overhauling the home, the rehab focused on high-impact, lower-effort upgrades like paint, light fixtures, backsplash replacement, and some cosmetic bathroom touch-ups. Labor totaled $11,560 over two weeks, with additional costs for paint, fixtures, and cleanup bringing total renovation spend to around $17,500. He opted for quality materials such as Sherwin-Williams paint to minimize future touch-ups.
Smart Budgeting and Deal Structure
Beyond the rehab itself, Cameron accounted for roughly $4,365 in closing costs, $3,000 in interest, $1,000 for dumpsters, and just over $7,500 in anticipated selling costs. By factoring in all the financial details up front, including commissions, hold time, and maintenance, he kept his numbers tight from day one. Estimated profit on the deal ranges from $30,000 to $42,000, depending on the final sale price.
Efficiency Over Perfection
Perhaps most notable is the limited time commitment. The investor only visited the property twice and relied on a team to execute the work quickly. He aims to list the home within a month of purchase, proving that disciplined planning and experienced contractors can turn around a profitable flip with minimal stress.
Financial Breakdown
| Project Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| After Repair Value (ARV) | $219,900 |
| Purchase Price | $143,500 |
| Repair Costs | $17,506.51 |
| Buying Costs | $4,300 |
| Holding Costs | $1,275 |
| Selling Costs | $7,597 |
| Financing Costs | $2,933.13 |
| Total Estimated Profit | $42,788 |
Based on a 3-month timeline with 1 month of renovations and 2 months for resale.
Ways to Find Great Real Estate Deals
Start with FlipScout
Before you jump into MLS listings or online classifieds, check out FlipScout by New Silver. It’s a free tool designed specifically for real estate investors to help you find the most profitable deals fast.
With FlipScout, you can:
- Search nationwide for flip or rental opportunities
- See projected ROI, ARV, and rehab estimates instantly
- Narrow your search by zip code, property type, or strategy (flip vs. rent)
- Set alerts so you don’t miss new opportunities
- Get property data from multiple sources in one place
- Get an AI analysis of each property
Whether you’re a fix-and-flip investor or building a rental portfolio, FlipScout gives you the insights you need to act quickly and confidently.
Other Online Tools for Finding Deals
Once you’re comfortable using FlipScout, consider adding these online platforms to your deal-finding toolkit:
- MLS (Multiple Listing Service): A go-to for active listings, especially if you’re working with an agent. MLS is packed with data but highly competitive.
- Real estate websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com: Great for browsing large numbers of listings. Filter by price, type, location, and more.
- Craigslist: A surprisingly useful place to find motivated sellers or off-market properties—just be prepared to sift through a few duds.
- Public records: Local government websites can reveal pre-foreclosures, tax liens, or probate properties that might be available below market value.
- Social media groups and online forums: Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and agents who often post leads before they hit the market.
What Makes a Deal Worth Pursuing?
A good real estate deal isn’t just about finding a low purchase price—it’s about knowing the numbers and understanding the market. Once you’ve found a potential property, take time to research the local area. Look at job growth, school quality, and overall demand to determine whether the location supports long-term value. Then, analyze comparable properties that have sold recently to estimate a fair purchase price. Most importantly, crunch the numbers. Calculate the ROI, cap rate, cash flow, and factor in every cost you’ll face, from repairs and financing to taxes, insurance, and time on market. The best deals are the ones that align with your goals, offer solid profit margins, and set you up for repeat success.
Why Accurate Budgeting Can Make or Break Your Flip
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is underestimating the true cost of a flip. Accurate budgeting is the foundation of a successful project, allowing you to plan confidently and avoid surprises that eat into your profits. Before you even make an offer, you should have a detailed understanding of your potential expenses—this includes not only the purchase price and rehab costs, but also holding costs like taxes, insurance, utilities, financing fees, and agent commissions. Small miscalculations in any of these areas can quickly snowball and reduce your return. Cost management doesn’t stop once the project begins, either. Keeping track of your spending throughout the rehab helps you stay within budget and adjust if unexpected issues arise. Online tools can give you a strong starting estimate, but your own due diligence and a well-organized budget are what turn a good opportunity into a great outcome.
About Cameron Burke
Cameron Burke is a 23-year-old real estate investor and licensed agent based in Oklahoma City who’s already making a serious mark in the industry. With a sharp eye for deals and a drive for results, Cameron has closed over $85 million in real estate transactions and built a personal portfolio of more than 50 rental units—all before his mid-20s. His experience spans flipping, long-term rentals, and helping other investors navigate the market. Whether he’s walking through a property or breaking down the numbers on YouTube, Cameron brings transparency, know-how, and a hands-on perspective that resonates with both new and seasoned investors.
