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Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! Today we will be discussing how you can start a $10k per month real estate business.

Before We Get Started Here’s Your News Recap:

Fed is still split on the next move. As fresh government data finally comes in, policymakers remain divided over whether to cut rates again in December, with some laser-focused on stubborn inflation, others worried about slowing jobs. That internal tug-of-war is keeping markets guessing on the path from the current 3.75%–4.00% range.

Small and mid-sized U.S. businesses are surprisingly upbeat on 2026. A new Bank of America survey shows 74% expect higher revenue next year and nearly 60% plan to expand operations, even after a rough 2025. Only 1% plan layoffs, while 43% expect to hire, though most still report labour shortages and tariff-related cost pressure.

Wall Street slid again on valuation fears and fading rate-cut hopes. The Dow fell 374 points (-0.8%), the S&P 500 slipped 0.3%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.3%, all hitting one-month lows. Big tech and chip names like Amazon, AMD, Intel and Nvidia led the drop, while the VIX jumped to a one-month high as traders now see only about a 50% chance of a December cut.

Global markets are on “Nvidia watch” over AI-bubble worries. World equities drifted lower as investors braced for Nvidia’s earnings, seen as a litmus test for the entire AI-driven rally. Concern is growing that soaring AI valuations could be tipping into bubble territory just as rate-cut expectations fade.

Reverse stock splits hit a record, flashing stress in small caps. Companies executed a record 288 reverse splits this year versus just 53 traditional splits, according to Wall Street Horizon. Nearly 80% of firms doing reverse splits are valued under $250 million, underlining how small caps are struggling to stay listed while mega-cap AI names keep surging.

Gold slipped to a one-week low as traders scale back rate-cut bets. Spot gold edged down to about $4,040/oz, with December futures off 0.9%, as markets repriced the odds of a December Fed cut to just over 46% (down from 67% last week). The call from analysts: near-term pressure, but central-bank buying and longer-term cuts could still support the metal.

Fresh data show jobless-benefit rolls creeping higher. Continued claims for unemployment benefits rose to 1.957 million in the week ended Oct 18 — the highest since early August — while new claims ticked up to 232,000. It’s not a crisis level, but it is a clear sign that the labour market is cooling at the margins.

U.S. factory orders just posted a solid rebound. August orders for U.S.-manufactured goods climbed 1.4% after a 1.3% decline in July, and are now up 3.3% year-over-year. But a key investment proxy — non-defense capital goods ex-aircraft — was revised lower to +0.4% growth, hinting that business equipment spending is softer than it looked. 

Report: U.S. firms quietly took about $200 billion in loans from Chinese state banks. A new AidData study finds China’s state lenders funneled roughly $200 billion into U.S. businesses over the past 25 years, often via offshore shell companies in places like the Cayman Islands and Delaware that hid the money’s origin. Some of those loans targeted sectors critical to national security, raising fresh scrutiny over financial and strategic exposure.

Small businesses say costs and red tape are still biting hard. A report on regulatory compliance shows that market ballooning from $21.16 billion (2024) to a projected $23.08 billion in 2025, a roughly 9.1% CAGR. Owners highlight labour compliance, insurance requirements and rising fees as major burdens, with many saying they still haven’t fully recovered from recent shocks.

Inflation “nowcast” sits just under 3%, keeping pressure on the Fed. The Cleveland Fed’s latest nowcasting models peg November headline CPI around 2.99% and core CPI near 2.95%, with Q4 inflation running higher on an annualised basis. That keeps the Fed in a tricky spot: inflation is lower, but still too close for comfort to its 2% goal.

Target investors are bracing for softer sales and a hit to market share. Ahead of its earnings, analysts warn that weaker discretionary spending and merchandising challenges could erode Target’s share against rivals like Walmart. New CEO-elect Michael Fiddelke is under pressure to lay out a clear turnaround and inventory strategy for 2026

Real Estate Mapped Out

How to Start a Real Estate Fix-and-Flip Business That Can Earn $10K+ Per Month

Turn rundown houses into profitable properties and build a steady stream of income — one renovation at a time.

If you’ve ever watched a home renovation show and thought, “I could do that,” — you’re not wrong. The real estate fix-and-flip business can be one of the most profitable and rewarding ventures you can start, even part-time.

With the right strategy, smart budgeting, and a good team, flipping homes can easily generate $5,000–$10,000+ in profit per project — sometimes much more. And the best part? You don’t need to be a real estate mogul or contractor to start.

Let’s walk through exactly how to launch your fix-and-flip business step-by-step, and how to grow it into a consistent income-generating machine.

Step 1: Understand How the Fix-and-Flip Model Works

A fix-and-flip business involves three main stages:

1. Buy undervalued properties — Homes that need repairs or cosmetic upgrades.

2. Renovate or remodel — Improve the property’s value strategically.

3. Sell for profit — Flip the property at a higher market value.

The key is simple: buy low, add value efficiently, and sell high. Your profit comes from smart purchasing, not just fancy renovations.

Step 2: Research Your Market

Before you buy your first property, know exactly where to invest. Look for:

• Areas with rising home values and job growth.

• Neighborhoods with short average days on market (DOM).

• Homes that need cosmetic repairs (paint, flooring, landscaping) rather than structural fixes.

Use free tools like Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com to analyze local markets, or software like PropStream or DealMachine to find potential deals before others do.

Pro Tip: Focus on starter homes and mid-tier properties — they sell faster and have less financial risk than luxury flips.

Step 3: Build Your Fix-and-Flip Team

You don’t need to do everything yourself. Build a reliable team to handle the buying, renovating, and selling process:

• Real estate agent – Finds undervalued properties and lists your finished homes.

• Contractor or handyman – Handles repairs and renovations.

• Inspector – Evaluates property condition before purchase.

• Lender or private investor – Provides financing for deals.

• Accountant – Tracks expenses, profits, and taxes.

Having a dependable team allows you to take on more projects without burning out.

Step 4: Secure Funding

You don’t need hundreds of thousands in the bank to start flipping homes. There are multiple financing options available:

• Hard money loans – Short-term real estate loans specifically for flipping.

• Private investors – Individuals who fund projects in exchange for a share of profits.

• Home equity or business lines of credit.

• Partnerships – Split profits with an investor who provides capital.

Once you complete a few successful flips, lenders will be more eager to fund your future projects.

Step 5: Find the Right Property

Look for undervalued or distressed homes you can buy below market price. The “70% Rule” is a standard in real estate flipping:

You should pay no more than 70% of the property’s after-repair value (ARV) minus repair costs.

Example:
If a home will sell for $300,000 after repairs and needs $50,000 in work:
70% of $300,000 = $210,000
$210,000 - $50,000 = $160,000 maximum purchase price.

Stick to this formula to protect your profits and reduce risk.

Step 6: Renovate Smart — Not Extravagant

Flippers often make the mistake of over-renovating. Focus on high ROI (return on investment) upgrades that boost appeal without breaking the budget:

• Fresh paint and new flooring.

• Updated kitchens and bathrooms.

• Curb appeal — new landscaping, modern front door, exterior paint.

• Energy-efficient lighting and fixtures.

Always get multiple contractor bids and monitor expenses closely. Time and cost efficiency are key to profitability.

Step 7: Sell Strategically

Once renovations are done, it’s time to sell. Work with your agent to:

• Stage the home for better presentation.

• Use professional photos for online listings.

• Price it competitively to sell quickly and maximize ROI.

• Offer small buyer incentives (closing cost help or upgraded appliances).

The faster you sell, the faster you can move on to the next property — and the next profit.

Step 8: Scale and Systemize

Once you’ve completed 2–3 flips successfully, start turning your business into a scalable operation.

• Hire a project manager to oversee renovations.

• Use a bookkeeper or virtual assistant to track expenses and communications.

• Hire a sales specialist to find buyers or negotiate deals.

• Build a network of contractors and wholesalers for faster turnarounds.

Eventually, you can flip multiple homes simultaneously — while focusing on strategy, funding, and growth.

Step 9: Automate with Software and Tools

To stay organized and efficient:

• PropStream or BatchLeads – Find distressed or pre-foreclosure homes.

• QuickBooks or Wave Accounting – Track costs and profits.

• ClickUp or Trello – Manage renovation timelines and tasks.

• Canva or CapCut – Create marketing visuals for listings.

• DocuSign – Handle digital contracts and closings.

Automation means fewer headaches, fewer delays, and more time spent scaling your business.

Estimated Monthly Income Potential

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on your activity level:

• Beginner: 1–2 flips per year → $15K–$30K annual profit (~$2K–$3K/month).

• Intermediate: 3–5 flips per year → $60K–$120K annual profit (~$5K–$10K/month).

• Advanced: 1+ flip per month → $15K–$30K+ profit per month or more.

Many experienced flippers also build rental portfolios for passive income — turning short-term profits into long-term wealth.

Requirements to Start

• Good credit or investor connections.

• Real estate knowledge (market research, ROI, and pricing).

• Access to contractors and inspectors.

• Willingness to manage budgets and timelines.

• $20K–$50K minimum startup capital (depending on market and funding).

Products & Equipment to Maximize Results

• Laser measuring tool – For accurate room dimensions.

• Inspection checklist & clipboard – To assess property condition.

• High-quality camera or smartphone – For before-and-after marketing photos.

• Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, and dust masks.

• Laptop or tablet – For contracts, listings, and communication.

Websites & Resources

• BiggerPockets.com – Community for real estate investors.

• Zillow / Redfin – Market research and comparables.

• Roofstock.com – For rental property investments.

• HardMoneyLenders.com – Find fix-and-flip financing.

Pros

• High profit potential – Each deal can earn $10K–$50K+.

• Tangible results – You see the transformation of your work.

• Flexible and scalable – Work at your own pace and expand anytime.

• Multiple exit strategies – Flip, rent, or refinance.

Cons

• Market dependency – Economic downturns can hurt profits.

• Upfront capital required – Not ideal if you’re cash-strapped.

• Unexpected repairs – Costs can spiral quickly.

• Time-sensitive – Holding costs eat profits if homes don’t sell fast.

Summary: How to Grow and Maximize a Fix-and-Flip Business

1. Research markets and find undervalued properties.

2. Build a reliable team of agents, lenders, and contractors.

3. Use smart renovation strategies — don’t overspend.

4. Sell fast and reinvest profits into new deals.

5. Automate and scale through systems and hired help.

With discipline, market research, and automation, your fix-and-flip business can evolve from a side hustle into a six-figure operation that delivers consistent, scalable income — and helps rebuild neighborhoods while you build wealth.

That’s A Wrap

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and if you have any questions about the post, upcoming posts, how to advertise, or anything else, feel free to reply. See you next time with another money-making post, helping you boost your income!

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.