When it comes to real estate investing, finding a property before it hits the MLS is often the key to closing a deal and staying ahead of the competition. That’s why I discuss some industry secrets with Angelenna Grant-Ashanti. Angelenna has worn many hats: from registered nurse to veteran to top-producing realtor.
As a multi-million-dollar-producing real estate agent, investor, HGTV alum, and Airbnb Superhost in the Atlanta metro area, her greatest strength is helping both new and experienced investors discover opportunities that others often overlook. In this interview, she shares her journey along with insider strategies for finding distressed and off-market properties, navigating today’s shifting market, and building long-term wealth through real estate.
Like many successful investors, Angelenna’s entry into real estate began with a simple, practical decision: to obtain her real estate license so she could earn the commission on her own property purchases rather than paying it to someone else. That choice sparked a long-term career and set the stage for everything that followed.
From there, she and her husband leveraged their first two town homes into a dream property, a pivotal moment that cemented her belief in real estate as a true path to wealth. The takeaway for first-time investors is clear: don’t underestimate the power of starting small; a modest condo, townhouse, or duplex could become the foundation for future opportunities.
Competition in today’s market is fierce, especially for distressed and foreclosure properties. So how does Angelenna stay ahead?
“Networking is always gonna be number one. Build relationships with wholesalers, contractors, and even other agents. Other agents are not your competition - they can be your partners.”
She also points to social media as a surprisingly powerful tool. By sharing content, collaborating, and engaging with wholesalers and investors online, she’s able to uncover off-market properties that never reach the MLS.
For beginners, the takeaway is clear: your next deal might come from a contractor fixing a roof, an agent in another state, or even an Instagram reel. Stay visible, stay connected, and opportunities will find you.
Atlanta’s market is evolving quickly, and Angelenna is quick to point out that strategy matters more than ever. When it comes to flipping, she says focus on the sweet spot:
“In the Atlanta market, you would flip to put a property on the market in the low $300,000s. That’s a gap in our market - people are looking for good homes at that price point.”
Outside of the low $300s, she believes investors should lean toward buy-and-hold strategies, specifically with mid-term rentals.
Unlike Airbnbs with constant turnover or long-term rentals with lower income potential, mid-term rentals (30–180 days) are ideal as a temporary solution for travel nurses, insurance clients, and film industry workers in Atlanta.
“Mid-term rentals are the best of both worlds. You earn more than a long-term rental without the hassle of constant turnover - and often a company or insurance policy is footing the bill.”
With Atlanta’s growing film industry and strong healthcare sector, this strategy provides a reliable cash flow option for investors seeking stability with above-average returns.
One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Angelenna’s advice for those just starting out. Many first-time investors hold out for the “perfect” home or fear properties that need work.
Her advice: “Don’t fear an ugly house. Look at the numbers and the data, especially if it’s in a great community. You can win off the equity that comes from transforming it.”
She also recommends considering multi-family distressed properties, such as duplexes or triplexes, where you can live in one unit and rent out the others, allowing tenants to help cover the mortgage. As she put it simply:
“Cash flow is king.”
These insights align well with the current market, as affordable entry points, value-added opportunities, and creative financing strategies provide new buyers with a chance to compete with seasoned investors.
Atlanta’s real estate landscape has shifted dramatically since the post-COVID bidding wars of 2022. At that time, buyers waived inspections and paid well above appraised value. Today, the market looks very different.
According to Angelenna:
“Right now is a great time to buy. The first house is not going to be your perfect house - just get in the market and own something.”
For investors, this means distressed and off-market opportunities are likely to grow. Buyers have more leverage, and those who position themselves now could see significant equity gains when the cycle swings again.
Angelenna’s story is proof that real estate isn’t just about transactions — it’s about building wealth, creating options, and seizing opportunities others overlook.
Her advice for new investors in Atlanta (and beyond) is clear:
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, now may be one of the best times in years to explore Atlanta’s off-market and distressed property opportunities.
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