💥 $60K Lost Before, $20K on the Line, Signed Closing Docs While Waiting Tables—And Still Got the Deal Done

🪓 Real Talk: This Is What It Takes to Close a Multifamily Deal in 2025

I’ve lost $60,000 on a real estate deal before. That’s the kind of scar that sticks with you. So when I found myself neck-deep in another chaotic 6-unit deal—with $20K of my own money on the line—I knew I had one option: keep swinging.

This blog breaks down the wild ride behind Episode 243 of the Small Axe Podcast and how we actually closed this deal, even when everything almost fell apart.

🔑 Deal Snapshot

• Asset: 6-unit multifamily
• Location: [Add City/State or Market if you want SEO juice]
• Purchase Price: Negotiated $50K off asking
• Financing: Hard money + bridge loan
• Capital Raised: $150K in < 5 days
• Challenges: Investor dropped, lender delayed, closing nearly derailed
• Fun Fact: I signed the closing documents while working a shift as a waiter

💣 What Went Wrong (And How We Adapted)

Let’s be clear—this deal was nearly dead, several times.

• Investor backed out last minute
• Lender was slow and unresponsive
• Closing costs ballooned
• Time was running out

Most people would’ve walked away. But I’d already been burned once. I wasn’t walking this time.

🔥 What I Learned

1. Deals don’t die—people quit.
   If you stay in the game, you’ll find a path forward. You might have to hustle 10x harder, but it’s there.
2. Raising capital is about urgency and belief.
   Once my original investor dropped, I raised $150K in less than a week. People trusted me because I was real, transparent, and relentless.
3. You have to be willing to get uncomfortable.
   I signed the closing documents at my waiter job—between table turns. If you’re not willing to do whatever it takes,this game might not be for you.

🛠️ Key Takeaways for Multifamily Investors

• Always be building your investor list—even when you don’t have a deal
• Don’t underestimate how long it takes to close a deal (especially with hard money)
• Communicate early and often with partners and lenders
• Surround yourself with people who can step in when the deal’s on life support
• Stay emotionally grounded. This business will test you.

🙌 Want to Invest With Me?

If this story lit a fire under you and you’re ready to take the next step in your investing journey—either as an active investor or a passive partner—let’s talk.

👉 [Link to your investor form or contact page]

🔗 Listen to Episode 243 Now

🎧 $60K Lost Before, $20K on the Line, Signed Closing Docs While Waiting Tables—And Still Got the Deal Done

Available on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Libsyn
• www.smallaxecommunities.com

🔥 Related Content

• How I Lost $60K on a Multifamily Deal – Lessons From Failure
• How to Build Credibility Without a Track Record
• Should You Use Hard Money to Close Deals? Pros & Cons

📲 Stay Connected

• Instagram: @_nico_salgado
• YouTube: Small Axe Podcast
• Facebook: Small Axe Community
• Website: www.smallaxecommunities.com