How To Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee: Step-By-Step (2025)
Jul 23, 2025
Want to learn how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee the right way? Whether you're brand new to investing or looking to scale, wholesaling is one of the fastest ways to get started, without needing a real estate license, tons of cash, or years of experience. But before you dive in, it’s critical to understand how the process works, what the laws are in Tennessee, and how to structure your deals legally and profitably.
If you're serious about making your first deal happen, we've got two free resources to help you start strong: download our Ultimate Guide To Start Real Estate Investing and grab our free wholesale real estate contracts. These are the exact tools our students use to land and close deals right here in Tennessee.
With those resources ready to go, you're in a great position to move forward. In the rest of this guide, we’ll cover exactly what it takes to wholesale real estate in Tennessee, like how to stay within the law, where to find deals, and how to lock in contracts that lead to real paydays. Let’s take it one step at a time so you can start wholesaling with clarity and confidence:
- What Is Wholesaling Real Estate?
- How To Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee (9 Steps)
- Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal In Tennessee?
- How Much Do Real Estate Wholesalers Make In Tennessee?
- Do You Need A License To Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee?
- Is Wholesaling In Tennessee Easy?
- Best Cities in Tennessee for Wholesaling Real Estate
- Final Thoughts On Wholesaling In Tennessee
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This FREE Training gives you the same system our students use to start fast and scale smart. Watch it today—so you can stop wondering and start closing.
What Is Wholesaling Real Estate?
Tennessee real estate wholesaling is a short-term investment strategy where you get a property under contract and assign that contract to another buyer (usually a real estate investor) before ever taking ownership yourself. It’s one of the fastest ways to break into real estate because you don’t need a license, capital, or renovation experience to get started. Instead, you focus on finding motivated sellers, negotiating below-market deals, and connecting those deals with cash buyers.
There are two main ways to wholesale real estate in Tennessee:
- Assignment: You sign a purchase agreement with the seller, then assign that contract to a buyer for a fee. The buyer closes on the property, not you.
- Double Closing: You briefly take ownership of the property, then resell it immediately to the end buyer. This is often used when you want to hide your profit margin.
- Wholesaler: A person who finds a discounted property and connects it with a buyer.
- Assignment: The process of transferring your rights in a purchase contract to another buyer.
- ARV (After Repair Value): The estimated value of a property after renovations.
- Double Close: A two-transaction process where the wholesaler buys and resells the property on the same day (or within a short period).
Now that you know the basics, wholesaling real estate is simply about connecting the dots; matching motivated sellers with eager buyers and making a profit in between. Whether you use an assignment or a double close, the key is understanding how to structure the deal.
Read Also: Wholesaling Commercial Real Estate: The (ULTIMATE) Guide
Why Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee?
Thinking about getting into wholesaling real estate in Tennessee? It’s a smart move. With affordable home prices and a constant supply of distressed properties, Tennessee sets the stage for investors to find great deals and turn quick profits.
According to Zillow, the median home value in Tennessee is $334,820 (well below many coastal markets), making it far more accessible for new wholesalers using strategies like assignment contracts and double closings.
The state also has strong distressed property activity. As reported by RealtyTrac, Tennessee currently has 1,446 homes in foreclosure, 262 bank-owned properties, and 1,184 scheduled for auction. These distressed homes often sell below market value, giving wholesalers the chance to secure significant equity spreads.
- Median Home Value: $334,820 (Zillow)
- Foreclosures: 1,446 active properties
- Bank-Owned Homes: 262 properties
- Auction Properties: 1,184 currently scheduled
Between the lower entry prices, consistent foreclosure pipeline, and healthy buyer demand in cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga, Tennessee is a smart place to start building your wholesaling business.
And if all that wasn’t convincing enough, Tennessee consistently ranks as one of the best states to wholesale real estate thanks to its affordability, demand, and investor-friendly laws. Want to see why for yourself? Check out the video below to learn exactly what makes wholesaling in Tennessee such a smart move.
*Before we continue our guide, be sure to watch our video on the 10 BEST States To Wholesale Real Estate! Learn why Tennessee made our top 10 list!
Covering the entire span of the country, we delve into what sets each of these states apart, creating a perfect environment for both wholesalers and real estate investors.
Want more real estate videos? Be sure to visit our YouTube channel, here!
Wholesaling Real Estate Pros & Cons in Tennessee
Wholesaling real estate in Tennessee isn’t some magic shortcut, but it can be a smart move if you play it right. Some parts are surprisingly simple, especially when you're starting out. Others? Not so much. The truth is, this strategy has real upside, but also a few things you’ll want to watch out for. Here's what you need to know before you dive in:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low Financial Barrier: You don’t need much capital to get started—just control of the contract, not the property itself. | Tight Deadlines: You have limited time to find a buyer before the contract expires. |
| Fast Profit Potential: Assignment fees often range from $5K to $25K+ per deal depending on location and demand. | Finding the Right Buyer: You'll need a solid network of cash buyers ready to close fast. |
| Hands-Off Strategy: No repairs or tenant management required—just find deals and pass them on. | Legal Complexity: You must understand Tennessee wholesaling laws to stay compliant and avoid fines. |
| Great for Learning: Wholesaling teaches you how to negotiate, run comps, analyze deals, and use real contracts. | Not Every Deal Works: Many leads won’t convert. Persistence is key in this business. |
| Opportunity-Rich Market: Tennessee has affordable homes, growing metros, and plenty of distressed inventory. | Property Selection Risk: Picking the wrong area or overestimating value can make a deal hard to sell. |
In the end, wholesaling real estate in Tennessee is a smart, beginner-friendly entry point into real estate investing. If you're strategic, well-informed, and action-oriented, this path can generate income and build the foundation for long-term success.
Read Also: The Pros & Cons Of Wholesaling Real Estate: An Investor's Guide
How To Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee (9 Steps)
Understanding the basic process for real estate wholesaling and then tweaking it to make it your own can help accelerate your success. With that in mind, here's our simple step-by-step process for wholesaling real estate in Tennessee:
- Partner With A Wholesale Mentor
- Learn Tennessee Real Estate Wholesaling Laws & Contracts
- Understand The Tennessee Real Estate Market
- Build A Cash Buyers List
- Find Motivated Sellers & Distressed Properties
- Put Distressed Properties Under Contract
- Assign The Contract To A Cash Buyer
- Close Deal And Collect Assignment Fee
- Double Close Or Wholetail When Necessary
1. Partner With A Wholesale Mentor
Wholesaling real estate in Tennessee isn’t something you want to figure out as you go. This strategy moves fast, and small mistakes can cost you big. That’s why partnering with an experienced wholesale mentor is one of the smartest ways to get started. A mentor can walk you through legal requirements, show you how deals really work, and help you avoid the trial-and-error path most beginners face.
Instead of piecing together information from random videos or forums, learning directly from someone who’s successfully closed wholesale deals in Tennessee gives you a serious edge. You’ll gain insights on what works in this market, where to find motivated sellers, and how to build your buyer list the right way. It's not just about speed; it's about confidence and clarity from the start.
Read Also: The Best Wholesale Real Estate Course (With Step-by-Step Training)
Want a Mentor Who's Actually Done This Before?
If you’re serious about learning how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee, and you want to avoid spinning your wheels, we’ve got something for you. Our Ultimate Investor Program walks you through every step, from finding motivated sellers to locking up contracts and getting paid. It's designed to cut out the confusion and give you a proven game plan.
Not sure where to begin? Download our FREE Ultimate Guide to Start Real Estate Investing and take the first step today. It’s the easiest way to start taking action with confidence.
Here’s the truth: the real risk isn’t taking action; it’s sitting on the sidelines while others wholesale real estate deals right in your backyard. Tennessee has no shortage of motivated sellers and distressed properties, but opportunities don’t wait. By working with a wholesale mentor, you gain access to knowledge, tools, and strategies that would otherwise take years to figure out on your own. Whether you’re in Nashville, Memphis, or a small town in between, the smartest move is to learn from someone who’s already doing what you want to do. Don’t wait to get started; just start on the right foot.
Trying to wholesale real estate in Tennessee without support can feel like navigating blindfolded. While it's technically possible to figure things out on your own, having a mentor in your corner can dramatically accelerate your progress—and your profits. To help you decide which path makes more sense for you, here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Aspect | With a Mentor | Without a Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Fast-tracked with expert guidance | Steep and time-consuming |
| Risk of Mistakes | Lower — avoid costly errors with coaching | Higher — trial and error can be expensive |
| Access to Resources | Contract templates, deal calculators, step-by-step systems | Must research and build everything from scratch |
| Confidence Taking Action | High — you know exactly what to do next | Low — uncertainty slows down decision-making |
| Time to First Deal | Weeks, not months | Could take months or longer |
Wholesaling isn’t just about finding deals—it’s about doing it efficiently, legally, and profitably. Having a mentor gives you the structure, confidence, and clarity that most new investors spend months (or even years) trying to build on their own. If you’re serious about wholesaling real estate in Tennessee, there’s no better shortcut than learning from someone who’s already done it.
2. Learn Tennessee Real Estate Wholesaling Laws & Contracts
If you're thinking about wholesaling real estate in Tennessee, one of the first things you should wrap your head around is how the legal side works. This isn’t just paperwork; it's the foundation that makes your deals legit and protects you from fines or worse. While wholesaling is legal in Tennessee, there are specific rules around licensing, advertising, and contracts that every new investor needs to understand before diving in.
According to the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act of 1973, anyone who negotiates or attempts to negotiate the sale of real estate for another person must hold a real estate license. That means if you’re trying to market a property directly without actually owning it (or without having equitable interest), you could be crossing the line into broker activity without a license.
The key to staying compliant? Make sure you're only marketing your contractual interest, not the property itself. That’s why it's so important to learn the legal differences between the three common wholesale methods:
- Assignment: You sign a purchase agreement with the seller and assign that contract to a cash buyer. You're selling your right to buy, not the house.
- Double Close: You purchase the property and resell it the same day. You’re on title briefly, but it avoids issues around disclosing your profit margin.
- Wholetail: You buy the property, clean it up just enough to list it retail, then resell it to a traditional buyer. This isn’t technically wholesaling, but it’s often used when assignment isn’t feasible.
It’s also a smart move to get familiar with Tennessee’s fair housing laws. These rules are in place to prevent discrimination in real estate, whether that’s during marketing, negotiations, or how you communicate with sellers and buyers. Even if you’re wholesaling, you’re still expected to follow them, and breaking the rules (even by accident) can land you in hot water. Better to be informed up front than deal with issues later.
Learning the legal fundamentals upfront is one of the smartest moves you can make as a new investor. The last thing you want is to find a great deal and get stuck because your contract was drafted incorrectly or your actions were perceived as unlicensed brokering. By investing time into the legal side now, you’ll protect your business long term and close deals with confidence.
Download Wholesaling Contracts You Can Use in Tennessee Today
Don’t waste time trying to piece together contracts from the internet or risk using outdated templates. We’ve created ready-to-use Tennessee wholesaling contracts that are beginner-friendly, legally sound, and designed specifically for assignment and double close strategies. Download our free contract bundle and start making offers with confidence today.
At the end of the day, the biggest legal risk in wholesaling real estate in Tennessee comes from not knowing the rules. Whether it's misunderstanding how assignment fees work or accidentally acting like a licensed agent without a license, these mistakes can stall your progress, or worse. Trying to wholesale real estate in Tennessee without understanding the rules is like driving without a map. You might get somewhere, but the odds of getting lost are high.
Things like contract language, licensing laws, and fair housing regulations matter more than most new investors realize. That’s why it's smart to slow down just enough to get familiar with the legal basics before jumping into deals. You don’t need to be an expert overnight, but having access to solid contracts and a simple game plan can make all the difference as you get started.
3. Understand The Tennessee Real Estate Market
If you're wholesaling real estate in Tennessee, market knowledge gives you a serious edge. You need to know where inventory is tight, where buyers are active, and which areas offer investor-friendly opportunities. Below is a breakdown of key MLS regions across Tennessee and where to find up-to-date housing data in each:
| MLS Region | Association | Market Report Link |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Tennessee | Greater Nashville REALTORS | View Market Data |
| West Tennessee | Memphis Area Association of REALTORS | View Market Data |
| East Tennessee | Knoxville Area Association of REALTORS | View Market Data |
| Statewide | Tennessee REALTORS | Monthly Market Report |
Sure, local agents and the MLS are goldmines for data, but don’t sleep on sites like Zillow and Redfin. They can still tell you a lot about what homes are listed for, how long they’ve been sitting, and what buyers seem to be paying. It’s not the whole picture, but it’s a great way to start getting a feel for the market on your own.
📊 Most Important Market Metrics for Tennessee Wholesalers
- Median Days on Market: Tells you how quickly homes are selling—faster sales typically mean stronger demand.
- Inventory Levels: Low inventory can create urgency and make your deals more appealing to buyers.
- Price Trends: Rising prices may indicate a hot market, while declines could signal a slowdown or opportunity.
- Price per Square Foot: Helps estimate ARV (After Repair Value) when comparing comps.
- Rent-to-Price Ratio: Useful for identifying properties that might also appeal to rental-focused buyers.
- Recent Sales Activity: Keeps you aware of buyer demand and popular neighborhoods.
- Distressed Property Listings: Look for terms like “as-is,” “cash only,” or “needs work” as potential wholesale leads.
When you keep an eye on these local trends, you start to notice which properties are priced right and which ones might be flying under the radar. Whether you're working deals in Memphis, Nashville, or a smaller town, getting familiar with the numbers helps you make smarter moves. The more time you spend digging into the data, the better your instincts get, and that’s what really makes a difference out there.
4. Build A Cash Buyers List
If you want to succeed in wholesaling, you need a strong list of cash buyers ready to close. These are the investors who will ultimately purchase your wholesale deals—and the more active, qualified buyers you have lined up, the faster you can move your contracts and collect assignment fees. Here are some of the best ways to start building your buyers list:
- Work with local real estate agents: Agents who regularly work with investors can be a goldmine of buyer leads. Ask them who’s buying with cash, who’s flipping, and who’s looking for rental properties. A good agent may even help you source off-market deals. Win-win.
- Join investor meetups and Facebook groups: Start introducing yourself in real estate investing groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Meetup.com. In-person networking still works too—show up, share your elevator pitch, and collect contact info from active investors.
- Go to real estate auctions: Local foreclosure or tax lien auctions are filled with cash buyers who need inventory. Introduce yourself, pass out business cards, and ask if they’d like to be notified when you have off-market properties available.
- Dig into public records: Search your county’s property sales records for cash purchases, multiple transactions from the same buyer, or homes bought and sold within a year. These patterns often point to active investors. Use skip tracing tools if contact info is missing.
- Set up a cash buyers website or landing page: Don’t just chase buyers—make it easy for them to find you. A localized, SEO-optimized landing page where investors can sign up for deal alerts is a great way to automate your list building.
Whether you’re brand new to wholesaling or you’ve already closed a few deals, one thing remains true: your cash buyers list is the heartbeat of your business. It’s not just a spreadsheet of names; it’s your deal-closing engine. The stronger and more responsive your network of buyers, the more confidence you’ll have locking up deals, negotiating terms, and moving fast when opportunity strikes.
Every time you meet someone at a networking event, attend a real estate meetup, or connect with an investor online, think of it as a potential shortcut to your next payday. A solid buyer can mean the difference between a deal falling apart and a check in your hand. So don’t just build your list; nurture it. Follow up. Understand what your buyers are looking for. Over time, this consistency creates momentum, and momentum is what turns wholesalers into real dealmakers.
5. Find Motivated Sellers & Distressed Properties
One of the fastest ways to land wholesale deals in Tennessee is by focusing on homeowners who need to sell quickly. These are your motivated sellers: people facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, probate, divorce, or other personal hardships. They’re often less concerned about your profit and more focused on speed, convenience, and certainty. And that’s where you come in.
Position yourself as a problem solver. When you can offer a clean, quick sale with no commissions, fees, or repairs, you're not just doing a deal; you’re solving a real problem. Here are some of the best sources for finding motivated sellers and distressed properties in Tennessee, especially off-market:
- Public records: Look for properties with tax liens, code violations, or pre-foreclosure filings. These indicators usually point to owners who are financially strapped and may be open to cash offers.
- Bankruptcy attorneys: Individuals filing bankruptcy often need to liquidate assets, including real estate. Build relationships with attorneys and become their go-to solution for fast, clean closings.
- Local inspectors and code enforcement: Properties flagged for health or safety issues are often in rough condition and owned by sellers who can’t afford repairs. These can be prime wholesale opportunities.
- For Sale By Owner (FSBO): Many FSBO sellers list properties "as-is" because they don't want the hassle of renovations or agent commissions. You can find leads on sites like ForSaleByOwner.com, FSBO.com, Houzeo, and Fizber.
- Expired listings: Homes that sat on the MLS and never sold—especially in a hot market—usually have issues like deferred maintenance or unrealistic pricing. These are excellent wholesale leads if the seller is still motivated.
- Death notices and probate attorneys: When someone inherits a property they don’t want to manage or rehab, they’re often happy to sell below market for speed and simplicity. Probate attorneys can be a great ongoing referral source.
In the world of wholesaling, finding the right sellers is half the battle. When you learn how to spot motivation (and take action fast), you can secure deeply discounted deals before they hit the open market.
Whether you’re targeting pre-foreclosures, FSBOs, or probate leads, the key is consistency and follow-up. The more you practice this skill, the more predictable your deal flow becomes.
Mastering how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee starts with becoming an expert at finding sellers who actually want to sell. Focus here, and everything else becomes easier.
6. Put Distressed Properties Under Contract
Before making an offer on a property, it's crucial to run the numbers. Successful wholesalers use three core calculations to ensure every deal is profitable:
- After-Repair Value (ARV)
- Estimated Repair Costs
- Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO)
Read Also: How To Find Off-Market Properties In Tennessee: The 3 Best Sources
To help you understand how to lock in your contract correctly, be sure to watch the video below:
After-Repair Value (ARV)
The After-Repair Value (ARV) estimates what a property will be worth after renovations. This is a critical benchmark that drives your offer price and profit margins. Here’s the formula:
ARV = Property’s Current Value + Value of Renovations
Estimating Repair Costs
Next, calculate how much it will cost to bring the property to market value. You can hire a general contractor or estimate the rehab costs yourself if you’re confident in your skills.
MAO Formula
Your Maximum Allowable Offer (MAO) ensures you leave room for profit and makes the deal attractive to end buyers. Here’s the formula:
MAO = ARV – Fixed Costs – Rehab Costs – Desired Profit
This formula protects your bottom line and prevents you from overpaying. If you don’t calculate your MAO correctly, you could lose out on profit—or worse, be stuck with a property you can’t wholesale.
Preparing the Purchase Contract
After you've run the numbers and reached an agreement with the seller, the next step is putting everything in writing. That means drafting a purchase contract that clearly lays out the terms of the deal. If you’re wholesaling, don’t rely on generic contracts pulled from the internet—most of them leave out key details like assignment language, inspection windows, or how earnest money will be handled. Take the time to make sure your contract reflects the structure of a wholesale transaction and protects your interests.
To avoid costly mistakes, download our free wholesale real estate contracts and follow along with the video above for a step-by-step breakdown.
7. Assign The Contract To Cash Buyer
Once you’ve locked up a distressed property under contract at a price that makes sense, it’s time to bring in your end buyer. This is where the wholesale strategy really comes together—by assigning the contract to a cash buyer, you step out of the transaction and let your buyer take over the deal at a higher price point. The difference becomes your assignment fee.
The process is straightforward: you'll use an Assignment of Contract form that legally transfers your rights in the purchase agreement to your buyer. This form outlines the original contract terms, names the assignee (your buyer), and spells out the assignment fee that will be paid to you at closing.
To ensure a smooth handoff:
- Verify your buyer is ready: They should have proof of funds and be comfortable closing within your original contract’s timeline.
- Send over the assignment agreement: This should be signed by both you and the buyer and shared with the title company or closing attorney.
- Confirm with the closing team: Let the title company know that the deal is now being assigned, and your fee should be added to the final closing statement.
💰 What’s a Typical Assignment Fee?
While assignment fees can vary depending on the deal and market, we suggest aiming for around $10,000 per deal as a starting benchmark. Some deals may net you less, others significantly more—it all depends on how well you negotiate and structure the deal.
This is the payoff for all the work you’ve done finding the deal, analyzing the numbers, and coordinating the transaction. The stronger your buyers list, the faster this step becomes. Over time, assigning contracts can go from a challenge to a well-oiled machine.
Read Also: Wholesale Real Estate Contracts: Download FREE PDF Templates
8. Close Deal And Collect Assignment Fee
This is the moment your effort turns into income. After finding a motivated seller, locking up the deal under contract, and assigning it to a qualified cash buyer, the finish line is the closing table.
💡 Assignment Fee Tip: While every deal is different, here’s a quick breakdown of typical assignment fees wholesalers earn when they close:
- Low Range: Around $5,000 for smaller or simpler deals
- Typical Range: $8,000 to $15,000 per deal (our team targets $10K)
- High Range: $20,000+ for complex or high-margin properties
There’s no hard rule—your fee depends on the size of the deal, the end buyer’s margins, and how well you’ve negotiated the contract.
When the deal closes, the title company or closing attorney disburses your assignment fee from the buyer’s funds. You don’t need to bring money to closing, take title, or get financing—the buyer handles the purchase, and you walk away with your check.
Pro tip: Always make sure your assignment contract clearly spells out your fee and is understood by all parties.
9. Double Close Or Wholetail When Necessary
Sometimes, the homeowner may not feel comfortable assigning the purchase contract to a third party. When this happens, you still have options—namely, a double closing or a wholetail exit strategy.
Double Closing: In a double close, you briefly take title to the property before reselling it. The first transaction is between you and the seller, and the second is between you and your end buyer. While this strategy often requires two separate closings—and potentially two sets of closing costs—it allows you to keep your wholesale fee private and avoids assignment issues altogether.
Wholetailing: Another creative option is wholetailing, a hybrid between a flip and a wholesale deal. You purchase the property outright, make light cosmetic improvements, then re-list it on the MLS to attract retail buyers. Wholetailing gives you access to a wider buyer pool, including conventional and FHA-financed buyers who are typically willing to pay more than cash investors.
Whether you choose to assign, double close, or wholetail, mastering these exit strategies is key to learning how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee and scale your business with confidence.
*For in-depth training on real estate investing, Real Estate Skills offers extensive courses to get you ready to make your first investment! Attend our FREE Webinar Training and gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way!
Is Wholesaling Real Estate Legal In Tennessee?
According to the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act of 1973 (TREBLA), individuals without a real estate license may not market or advertise properties directly unless they're the property owner or a licensed broker. However, wholesalers can legally market the rights to an assignable purchase agreement.
The Tennessee REALTORS® association also confirms that most real estate contracts in the state are assignable by default—unless explicitly prohibited in writing. This reinforces your ability to legally assign contracts as part of a compliant wholesale transaction.
So while wholesaling is legal, Tennessee investors must follow the rules: avoid marketing the property itself, use proper assignment language in contracts, and stay within the boundaries of what’s allowed without a real estate license.
Tennessee Wholesale Real Estate Laws
If you're learning how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee, you need to understand the state laws that govern assignments and investor activity. Here are the key regulations that every wholesaler must follow:
- Written disclosure is required at least three days before assigning a contract, as outlined in the Wholesaling Real Property Act (HB0781).
- Wholesalers must clearly state their intent to assign and disclose their equitable interest, per the Wholesaling Real Property Act.
- An equitable interest refers to rights under a valid purchase contract, as defined in Tennessee Code § 66‑4‑401.
- Wholesaling disclosures must be in bold, capitalized text in the contract, according to the Wholesaling Real Property Act.
- Acting as a broker without a license (such as marketing property you don’t own) is prohibited under TREBLA: Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act.
- Any violation of these wholesaling laws may result in legal action within two years of the breach, per the Wholesaling Real Property Act.
How Much Do Real Estate Wholesalers Make In Tennessee?
As with most means of self-employment, it’s difficult to say exactly how much you can make as a Tennessee real estate wholesaler since wholesalers don’t earn a set salary or hourly wage. Instead, real estate wholesalers make a living from closing deals, whether from assignment fees, net profits from double closings, or profits realized from other agreements forged with partners through other types of real estate deals.
While it may be difficult to point to average annual earnings, the good news is, you have the potential to earn a significant income. It all comes down to how many deals you can turn in a year and the size of the fees you are able to negotiate with your third-party investors. Real estate wholesalers can make anywhere from $0 to over $1 million—and more!
Both the median sales price and price per square foot increased year over year in 2022 to date, signaling the opportunity for wholesalers to command higher fees from wholesale real estate transactions.
If you’re looking for a benchmark, take a look at what happens if a wholesaler in Tennessee earns $10,000 per deal, a likely average. Under this scenario, it would take:
- 5 deals to make $50,000/year
- 10 deals to make $100,000/year
- 20 deals to make $200,000/year
- 50 deals to make $500,000/year
- 100 deals to make $1M/year
The sky’s the limit when it comes to a wholesaler's earning potential and growth.
Do You Need A License To Wholesale Real Estate In Tennessee?
Wholesaling is legal without a license because you're not acting as a real estate broker. You're simply selling or assigning your equitable interest in a property contract. This distinction is key in Tennessee, where marketing the property without a license would otherwise be a violation of state licensing laws.
That said, many successful wholesalers do eventually pursue their real estate license. Being licensed gives you access to the MLS, allows you to legally collect commissions, and boosts your credibility with both sellers and buyers. If you’re licensed, be sure to clearly disclose that status when dealing with sellers—lack of transparency can lead to serious legal issues.
If you’d rather not get licensed, another smart strategy is to partner with local real estate agents. Agents can give you access to MLS listings, provide insights on local comps and market activity, and even help connect you with end buyers to grow your network faster.
Read Also: Can A Realtor Wholesale Property? The (ULTIMATE) Guide
Is Wholesaling In Tennessee Easy?
While wholesaling real estate in Tennessee isn’t easy, there are resources that can help you find success. After doing your homework on the legalities and familiarizing yourself with contracts and assignment agreements, you can move on to reading informative articles and taking courses that can help you establish a process for the growth and success of your wholesale real estate business.
Another step you can take is investing in the assistance of a coach or mentor. These experienced wholesalers can be invaluable in helping you with the day-to-day process of wholesaling, from start to close. You’ll also gain some practical tips that will help augment what you’ve learned through articles and courses.
If you’re serious about establishing a real estate wholesaling business, you’ll want to sign up for our Pro Wholesaler VIP Program. This program will help you take your business to the next level by showing you how to:
- Consistently identify real estate wholesale deals
- Successfully wholesale homes with zero cash investment on your part
- Earn 6 —and even 7—figure profits
- Become a dominant force in your targeted real estate market
The Pro Wholesaler VIP Program is designed for the modern entrepreneur to learn the basics and how to help new real estate wholesalers avoid the pitfalls typically found by beginners. It is 100% online and is used for local and virtual real estate wholesaling.
But don't just take our word for it. Meet Cecilia, a student of the Pro Wholesaler VIP Program and real estate investor located in Franklin, Tennessee! Cecilia implemented our MLS Offer System in her home state of Tennessee and she's been able to get $30k worth of wholesale profits locked up in the last 90 days.
See how Cecilia has made each of these deals happen from the MLS & her honest take on the Pro Wholesaler VIP Program's huge impact on her business in our video, below!
Best Cities in Tennessee for Wholesaling Real Estate
Looking for the best markets to get started in wholesaling real estate in Tennessee? Whether you're after volume, fast flips, or reliable rental demand, these cities offer the right mix of motivated sellers, active buyers, and investment potential. Here are four Tennessee hot spots where wholesalers are consistently finding deals and building profitable pipelines.
- Memphis: Low home prices, high investor activity, and a large pool of cash buyers make this city ideal for entry-level wholesalers.
- Nashville: This fast-paced market rewards wholesalers who can find off-market deals in areas with rapid resale potential like East Nashville and Antioch.
- Chattanooga: A rising star with redevelopment projects, affordability, and strong job growth that attracts out-of-state investors looking for ROI.
- Knoxville: The college-town economy ensures consistent rental demand, giving wholesalers access to landlords and long-term buyers year-round.
Final Thoughts On Wholesaling In Tennessee
If you’re serious about learning how to wholesale real estate in Tennessee, you’re in the right place. This strategy offers a real opportunity to build income fast—without needing a real estate license. With a clear plan and consistent effort, many investors earn six figures (or more) just by flipping contracts.
That said, it’s critical to understand Tennessee’s real estate laws. Avoid marketing the property itself unless you’re licensed, and instead focus on assigning your contractual rights—the legal way to wholesale.
Follow the nine steps in this guide to build your foundation the right way. And if you’re ready to move faster, join a community of experienced wholesalers and take advantage of our free training. It’s the best next step to sharpen your skills and scale your business in Tennessee and beyond.
If you’re serious about doing your first real estate deal, don’t waste time guessing what works. Our FREE Training walks you through how to consistently find deals, flip houses, and build passive income—without expensive marketing or trial and error.
This FREE Training gives you the same system our students use to start fast and scale smart. Watch it today—so you can stop wondering and start closing.
*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.
Alex Martinez, the founder of Real Estate Skills, is known for his strong, practical expertise in real estate, starting from a beginner with no family connections in the industry to completing over 50 real estate deals, including wholesale and flips, within his first year.
He has dedicated his career to providing cutting-edge education and resources for real estate professionals. He emphasizes the importance of self-taught knowledge through mentors, books, and hands-on experience.
His journey from earning a modest income to becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur and educator showcases his expertise and dedication to the field.
Ryan Zomorodi, co-founder and COO of Real Estate Skills, leverages his experience from a diverse background in real estate investment, construction management, and entrepreneurship to provide comprehensive education in the real estate sector.
His expertise is rooted in hands-on experience, extensive industry knowledge, and a commitment to empowering others through education.
Ryan's journey reflects a blend of practical experience and entrepreneurial success, contributing to his role in developing a platform that educates and supports aspiring real estate professionals.
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