How to Start Flipping Houses: A Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing in El Paso

by Javier Enriquez

Are you interested in learning how to start flipping houses and building wealth through real estate investing in Texas? Flipping homes can be a powerful way to create income and long-term financial security—especially in markets like El Paso, TX, where affordable housing and high buyer demand make it ideal for real estate investors.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to flip a house for profit, from finding the right property to selling it fast. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to build a home flipping business, here’s everything you need to know.

What is House Flipping?

House flipping means buying a property below market value, fixing it up, and reselling it for a profit. The key to successful fix and flip real estate investing is buying low, renovating smart, and selling high. In El Paso, many investors are targeting cheap homes for sale or distressed properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Step 1: Study the El Paso Real Estate Market

Before flipping homes, you need to understand your local El Paso real estate market. Look at:

Neighborhood trends and growth
Average days on market
Types of homes buyers are looking for
School zones and local amenities
Where VA buyers and first-time homeowners are shopping

Using local keywords like “flipping homes in El Paso,” “investment properties in El Paso TX,” and “best places to flip houses in El Paso” can help drive targeted traffic to your real estate content.

Step 2: Build Your Flip Team

Successful house flippers in Texas don’t do it alone. You’ll need a reliable team:

A local Realtor who specializes in investment properties
General contractor or handyman
Lender offering fix and flip loans
Home inspector
Real estate attorney (if needed)

Working with a team that knows how to handle buy, rehab, sell real estate deals will save you time and protect your investment.

Step 3: Get the Right Financing

Not everyone has hundreds of thousands in cash lying around. Here are common options to fund your first flip:

Hard money loans (ideal for fix and flip El Paso deals)
Private money lenders
Business lines of credit
Home equity loans
Partnership capital

Look for real estate investing lenders in El Paso who understand the flipping process and can move fast.

Step 4: Find the Right Property to Flip

To start flipping homes, focus on investment properties in El Paso that meet these criteria:

Distressed or outdated homes in good neighborhoods
Cosmetic-only fixer uppers
Homes with a solid foundation and roof
Properties priced well below After Repair Value (ARV)

Great places to find cheap homes for sale in El Paso:

MLS (with a Realtor’s help)
Off-market deals
Tax lien auctions
Wholesalers
Pre-foreclosures and estate sales

Search phrases like “how to find flip properties in El Paso” or “El Paso fixer upper homes for sale” perform well for SEO.

Step 5: Know Your Numbers

Use this basic flipping formula:

ARV – Purchase Price – Repair Costs – Holding Costs – Selling Costs = Profit

Stick to the 70% Rule:

Don’t pay more than 70% of the ARV minus estimated rehab costs.

For example:

ARV = $250,000
Rehab = $40,000
70% of ARV = $175,000
Max purchase price = $135,000

This is one of the most important rules in the home flipping business—don’t skip it.

Step 6: Renovate Smart, Not Over-the-Top

In a hot market like El Paso, you don’t need a luxury flip. Instead, focus on high-ROI updates:

Kitchen and bathroom remodels
New flooring and neutral paint
Updated lighting and fixtures
Curb appeal (landscaping, exterior paint)
HVAC, roof, or plumbing only if needed

Flipping homes in El Paso is about what buyers want now—not five years from now.

Step 7: Sell Your Flip Fast

Once renovations are complete:

Clean and stage the home
Use professional photos
Price competitively based on El Paso comps
List on MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and social media
Market using keywords like “El Paso homes for sale,” “move-in ready homes,” and “VA loan-approved homes in El Paso”

The faster you sell, the less you pay in holding costs and loan interest.

Common Mistakes New House Flippers Make

Overestimating ARV or underestimating repairs
Over-improving the home
Not researching local real estate trends in El Paso
Skipping inspections or permits
Letting emotions affect investment decisions

Sticking to your numbers and timeline is crucial for profitable home flipping.

Final Thoughts: Is Flipping Homes Right for You?

Starting a house flipping business in Texas can be incredibly rewarding if you do your homework. Flipping houses in El Paso is popular because of the city’s affordability, large military population, and increasing demand for renovated homes.

Ready to Flip a House in El Paso?

If you're serious about flipping homes in El Paso and need help finding the right properties, building your investment team, or evaluating deals—I'm here to help.

📞 Call or text me today 915-274-0020
📧 Email: Harveye83@gmail.com
🌐 Search investment properties now at https://javierenriquez.expchime.com