From clocking in at a 9–5 to building a real estate empire.

Derek Kelley’s story is about work ethic, confidence, and refusing to stay stuck.

Derek has completed 400+ real estate transactions in just 4 years, currently runs 30 active house flips, and owns 300+ doors — all while starting this journey with a W-2 job.

He didn’t wait for the “perfect time.”

He worked nights, weekends, and holidays.

He did his own handyman work, bought foreclosure deals, and learned the game while still showing up to work every day at the plants in Baytown.

In this episode, Derek breaks down what it really takes to scale while still working a job — and the mindset required to move from employee to empire builder.

🔑 In this episode, Derek breaks down:

• 🏗️ How he scaled flips while working a full-time W-2 job

• 🔨 Doing his own rehab work early to keep deals alive

• 🤝 Building partnerships — and knowing when to simplify

• 🧠 Why being the right partner matters

• 📈 How he evaluates deals and adds value every time

• 🏠 Running construction while managing multiple projects

• 💥 Lessons learned from a $150,000 partnership loss

• 🪞 Why your only real competition is the person in the mirror

• 🔍 How he filters partners and structures JV deals before LLCs

• 🔢 Running numbers confidently and performing as a closer

• 🚀 How purpose changes as you grow — and why belief unlocks the next level

Derek doesn’t sugarcoat the grind.

Real estate is hard. Partnerships get tested. Mistakes cost money.

But if there’s a problem, there’s always a solution.

This episode is for anyone still working a job but knowing deep down they’re meant for more.

Entrepreneurship is about making calls others won’t. That’s where we come in — combining AI, people, and relentless hustle to fill your pipeline with leads and scale your business.

Click on the link below to see how Vancom can help! 🔗 https://vancom.io/calendar-page

Connect with Us: Instagram / josuellanass

Our guest: Contact Derek Call/Text 281-352-2632

Visit his Facebook page Derek Kelley

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories of business, real estate, and scaling your business! 🔔

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