Discover how Jordan and Jenna, brand-new to creative real estate investing, turned their first deal into $145,000 in profits. They’ll share their insights and strategies, proving that success isn’t just luck. If you're ready to explore life-changing opportunities, gain control of your time, and start building your own real estate business, this interview is a must-watch!

Real estate has been the pathway to financial freedom for countless millionaires, but does that mean the door is open for you too? At first glance, it might feel out of reach—like you’d need a fortune in savings or endure years of trial and error to make it happen. But what if I told you that creative real estate investing can make this dream not just possible, but achievable? Take Jordan and Jenna, for example—I've actually shared before some about their success in How to Turn $10,000 into a $100,000 with Creative Real Estate Investing. But here, we’re taking a deeper dive. They’re here to reveal the story behind their very first creative real estate deal—a venture that brought them over $145,000 in profits.

Discovering Freedom Mentor: A Path to Real Estate Success

Jordan and Jenna began their story as busy parents balancing multiple roles. Jordan, working in commercial insurance, stumbled across Freedom Mentor online and felt compelled to explore the program. Initially, Jenna was skeptical—like many, she questioned the legitimacy of programs found online.

But what stood out to Jenna was the program’s ethics and structure. "I could quickly tell it was legit. I really liked the ethics, how you communicated, and how welcoming the program was. It was very well put together."

The program’s flexibility fit perfectly into their hectic lives, allowing Jordan to maintain his day job while pursuing real estate after hours. Their shared excitement helped them embark on this new venture as a team.

Why Real Estate?

As entrepreneurs at heart, the Johnsons found real estate appealing for its stability and universal relevance. Jordan, inspired by his brother’s high-level success in the industry, realized that real estate was more accessible than it initially appeared.

Jordan’s Reflection: "Real estate kept drawing my interest because it's something everyone needs; we all live in it and rely on it."

For Jenna, real estate provided a sense of security compared to trend-driven industries. "There are lots of businesses you can start that come and go, but real estate is a safe place to invest your time and money."

Getting Started with Freedom Mentor

Although the couple had prior experience as homeowners and connections in the real estate world, it wasn’t until they joined Freedom Mentor that things began to click.

Jordan’s Praise for the Program: "We jumped into the program headfirst and quickly saw that there were people in the system who were already successful. It was just a matter of following the process." The structured program, combined with accessible mentorship from Brian and the team, gave them the confidence to move forward.

"When we got connected with you, Brian, it was a perfect fit. You were always there whenever I needed help with anything—I could just jump on the phone with you, and we could talk through whatever challenges I was facing. It worked so well for us."

Jenna, though not on every call, played an integral role behind the scenes, trusting the process and supporting their shared goals. "I might not have been on all the calls, but I was very much in the mix, with a lot of trust and respect for you and what we were doing. It all fit together really well for us."

The combination of leveraging mentorship, trust a proven system, and collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become an incredibly successful venture for the couple.

Jordan & Jenna’s First Creative Real Estate Deal

Creative real estate is full of unexpected twists, but few stories compare to Jordan and Jenna Johnson’s first transaction—the unforgettable Baxter deal. This rollercoaster experience not only solidified their passion for creative real estate but also highlighted the impact they could have on communities and individuals alike.

The Baxter Backstory

Their journey began with a home surrounded by chaos. The owner, Baxter, had a big heart and welcomed homeless individuals to stay with him in a community-like setup. The situation quickly escalated when one tenant, who had no lease—just like the others—filed a restraining order against the homeowner. By the time Jordan met Baxter, the house was in foreclosure, and the situation was spiraling out of control.

Jordan’s Recollection: "At the time, I thought, 'This is too much. This is too weird.' But [Baxter] literally chased me to my car and said, 'If I don't work with you or someone like you, I'm going to lose this house. I'm in foreclosure, I can't even go inside, I need help.' It was crazy how it all played out."

Despite initial hesitations, Jordan decided to take the leap, negotiating a creative deal on the spot—a decision that would mark the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Evicting the Chaos

The next step was managing the eviction process. Local authorities had visited the property an astonishing 67 times due to disturbances, and on eviction day, the situation reached new heights.

Jordan’s Experience: "On the day of the eviction, two or three people were taken away in handcuffs because they had outstanding warrants. The county sheriff told me they were happy to finally resolve the situation and get these people out of the neighborhood."

Jenna’s Reaction: "It felt like we were living in a movie. You’re just thinking, 'Is this really happening?'"

With the home cleared, the Johnsons boarded up the windows, cleaned up the space, and listed it for sale in “as-is” condition. Remarkably, the property sold within days for a $145,000 profit.

Key Takeaways: A Deal That Defined Their Path

The Baxter transaction set the tone for the Johnsons’ real estate journey. It taught them invaluable lessons about adaptability, empathy, and the potential for success, even in the face of challenges. More than just a transaction, it was an experience that changed lives—Baxter’s, the community, and their own.

Jenna’s Reflection: "These are real people with real lives in tough situations. They want to better their circumstances, and we could be a part of that. It was a win-win all around—Baxter was moving on to his next chapter, and the neighborhood was cleaned up."

Baxter’s gratitude at closing was a powerful moment, one that reinforced their commitment to making a difference.

Jordan’s Take: "The neighborhood was cleaned up, and neighbors were so happy to have the situation handled. Baxter was extremely happy at closing. He was moving to the other side of the state to start fresh. It was so nice—he was literally crying when he got his check. It was incredible."

And the financial success of the deal—earning six figures—was the icing on the cake. Jordan sums it up, "I recall, Brian, you said, 'Yeah, this is an extraordinary situation,' but you talked me through all the nuances. When we sold the property, it was a really successful exit. I think I was shocked—we made six figures right away. It was like, 'Wow, this works.' I was on cloud nine for weeks."

Freedom Mentor: Building Relationships for Lifelong Success

For Jordan and Jenna, success in real estate has always been more than just closing deals—it’s about relationships, mentorship, and creating a business model built on trust and collaboration. Reflecting on their time in the Freedom Mentor Program, they highlighted the invaluable sense of community and guidance that helped shape their journey.

Even after graduating from Freedom Mentor, the Johnsons maintain close relationships with their fellow Apprentices, sellers they’ve helped, and, of course, their mentor Brian. This ongoing connection is a testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of the program.

Jordan’s Words: "Even though we graduated a few years ago, we still have relationships with some of the other students or Apprentices. We stay in touch through texts, phone calls, and check-ins on deals. Occasionally keeping in contact with you, Brian, has been a privilege. You’re honestly one of our favorite people on the planet, based on the relationship we’ve had and what we’ve accomplished with your guidance. It’s been awesome."

Jenna emphasized how this mentorship isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building a network of genuine relationships: "We graduated, but we still have relationships with people. It’s not just about the house or transaction. We’ve helped sellers move on, yet we’ve stayed in contact with some of them. That speaks volumes about the type of business we’ve been mentored to build. That’s not typical—it’s something special."

A Foundation of Ethics and Humility

In today’s competitive and often noisy real estate industry, Jordan expressed his appreciation for the grounded approach of Freedom Mentor. Unlike the flashy tactics popular on social media, the program emphasizes integrity, tested methods, and collaboration over individual showmanship.

Jordan offers an insightful perspective: "In recent years, there are so many self-proclaimed real estate hustlers on YouTube and Instagram. There’s a lot of noise out there with people trying to become famous as real estate investors. Freedom Mentor flies under the radar. The group’s foundation, ethos, and everyone involved—from the top down—embody good people, good ethics, and good morals. The teaching and framework we learned have been tested. It’s not a 'get rich quick' scheme or fly-by-night program."

Jenna echoed these sentiments, describing the environment as humble and collaborative—a team of people genuinely invested in each other’s success.

Achieving Growth and Balance

Graduating from Freedom Mentor after completing ten or eleven deals was both exciting and bittersweet for the Johnsons. While the program provided them with the tools to flourish, they appreciated the continued mentorship that allowed them to refine their skills before fully spreading their wings.

"We graduated quickly, and I remember telling you, Brian, I still wanted to work with you. You said, ‘You can, but you’ve graduated and are out of the program.’ We worked together for a little while longer until I felt ready."

This newfound confidence allowed them to move forward, leaving behind their old jobs and embracing a new lifestyle. Jordan continues: "Since then, life has been amazing. I left my commercial insurance job, and Jenna is a stay-at-home mom. We recently welcomed a new baby girl. We’ve been able to work from home, spend time with our baby, and live the life we envisioned—all thanks to Freedom Mentor and the trust and business foundation it gave us."

Advice for Aspiring Creative Real Estate Investors

For those considering a similar journey, Jordan offers this advice, "If you’re curious about jumping into real estate and Freedom Mentor is a good fit for you, and you qualify, I’d highly recommend it. There’s a lot of opportunity in this very large country—millions of homes and properties are going to change hands in the coming years. So why not you?"

Jenna shares a key lesson they’ve learned, "The benefit of having a mentor when getting into real estate cannot be overstated. Like Jordan said earlier, it’s a loud space. There are a lot of people in the market who know what they’re doing—or think they know. I’m so thankful we went with Freedom Mentor and qualified to join their program. They know their stuff, and we’ve really benefited from their guidance."

The Value of Mentorship: "In this space—like anything you pursue—you don’t know what you don’t know. It’s like being in a dark room, looking for the door, and trying to figure out the right steps. With Freedom Mentor, we sped up the process tenfold."

Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Real Estate

Building on their strong foundation in residential real estate, Jordan and Jenna have seamlessly expanded into the realm of commercial properties. Utilizing a 1031 exchange—a tax-deferral strategy—they transformed the profit from a single-family home into a 22-unit apartment building.

Jordan’s Reflection: "Our first commercial property came from a 1031 exchange on one of our earlier single-family homes. We went from one single-family home to a 22-unit apartment building. It was incredible."

Freedom and Flexibility: Living the Dream

For the Johnsons, this transition was not just about scaling up—it was about realizing the broader possibilities that creative real estate could offer, both financially and personally. Shifting toward commercial real estate has afforded the Johnsons a lifestyle they had always envisioned—a blend of entrepreneurship, autonomy, and family time.

Jordan’s Words: "By and large, the glass is always half full for us. We’ll always have that mindset as entrepreneurs. I feel like we have a sort of retirement lifestyle. I’m in my late forties, Jenna is in her early forties, and it feels like we don’t have bosses—well, maybe Jenna is my boss here."

This newfound freedom allows them to pursue their passions, from skiing midweek to spending more time with their children, all while designing the life they’ve always dreamed of.

Jenna’s Perspective: "Being entrepreneurial and in real estate is a great fit once you figure it out. It allows you to design your life and live how you want."

Balancing Residential and Commercial Ventures

Looking ahead, the Johnsons aim to maintain a balanced portfolio, combining the steady cash flow of commercial properties with the quick turnaround of residential deals.

Jordan’s Vision: "Our goal is to take on one new commercial property per year until we’ve acquired five. On the residential side, we’ll continue being selective with the opportunities we pursue. It’s the perfect business-work-life balance."

For Jenna, this mix represents a complementary strategy. "A mix of both residential and commercial real estate makes the most sense for us. Commercial creates consistency—it’s more of a long-term play, almost like a retirement plan. Residential moves quicker and supplements that. It’s the perfect business-work-life balance."

Every Successful Creative Real Estate Investor Has a Mentor

Jordan and Jenna’s story shows how creative real estate, paired with expert mentorship, can transform lives. They took their first bold steps into creative real estate by committing weekends to learning and applying the proven systems from Freedom Mentor. Their very first deal not only solved a seller's problem and elevated the local community but also earned them an astounding $145,000 in profit. If you’re ready to take control of your financial future and build a life of freedom, consider applying to the Freedom Mentor apprentice program. The skills and confidence you’ll gain can become your foundation for success: Freedom Mentor Apprentice Program.

If you have questions for us, text FREEDOM to 305-315-8030 or post a comment below.