Case Studies
Meet the Investor
Christophe, a Boston-based business executive, wanted to begin building a real estate portfolio but lacked clarity on where and how to start.
With a budget up to $1.5 million and a flexible timeline, Christophe turned to The Elle Group to help navigate his first investment.
The Challenge
As a first-time investor, Christophe faced common—but significant—obstacles. Unfamiliar with Boston’s investment-grade neighborhoods, and unsure whether he wanted to buy-and-hold, renovate, or flip made real estate investing seem daunting.
To complicate matters, the deal that surfaced was unconventional: a wholesale transaction where the property was already under contract and being reassigned.
The Strategy
Lien and The Elle Group quickly zeroed in on a unique off-market opportunity. Key steps in the strategy included:
- Leverage Wholesale Network: Lien sourced the deal through a trusted wholesaler connection
- Simplify the Approach: Rather than overcomplicate with renovations or conversion strategies, we kept the investment straightforward
- Reinforce the Numbers: Lien ran multiple financial scenarios to ensure Christophe understood the upside potential
- Minimal Improvements: The team recommended only light cosmetic updates—paint and hardware—to preserve capital
The Result
With no major renovation required, this was an investment rich in options. Cristophe could also have held for long-term cash flow at $6,600/month projected rent, but even better for his scenario, Christophe sold the property for $880,000—an $180,000 gain on a $700,000 purchase—just two months after closing.
Cristophe’s story illustrates a powerful lesson: sometimes the best investment isn't the most complex one.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Trust your team: A strong agent-investor relationship can unlock hidden opportunities
- Simplicity wins: Shorter timelines and lower risk can outperform complex renovation strategies
- Off-market deals work: Wholesaler connections can deliver strong value
- Run the numbers, then trust the math: Confidence grows when you see the financials clearly
- Real estate is flexible: This property could have easily supported a long-term hold strategy
Want to build your own winning investment story? Connect and explore what’s possible.
