Hey everyone, Awa Gueye here! I'm a real estate investor and entrepreneur, and I'm excited to be sharing my story with you today on GRID Richmond, a fantastic platform for all things Richmond real estate! Before I begin, I would like to give a quick shoutout to my friend and mentor Dustin Olverson for bringing us all together!

As you know, GRID Richmond is a real estate investment community based in Richmond, VA—built by investors for investors. We are a group of real people doing real deals in our local marketplace. I am one of those real people! 

Our core mission is to connect to, learn from, and collaborate with like-minded people interested in growing their businesses and creating long-term wealth.

We welcome investors of all experience levels. We are life-long learners and believe everyone has value to share. So, I thought I would share a bit about me, as well as give some insights into the basics of Real Estate Investing. If I can do it, YOU can do it. All it takes is hard work, patience, faith and persistence. 

Who is Awa Gueye?

I wasn't born into real estate. My journey started in Senegal, West Africa, where I'm the second of four children. At 12, I was already braiding hair at my mom's shop, "Awa's African Hair Braiding," the first of its kind in Richmond!  My mom, yes you guessed it, is also Awa. Confusing, right? But being a double Awa taught me the value of family traditions, as well as the value of standing out and making a name for myself!

From Braids to Business

Those early braiding days not only instilled a strong work ethic in me (who knew you could make over $100 a week braiding hair in middle school?), but it also sparked my passion for business. My mom taught me the ropes of running a successful shop, and that entrepreneurial spirit has stayed with me ever since.

Beyond the Braid: A Life of Learning

I've always been a go-getter, athlete, entrepreneur and a helper, and that drive to be the best and be of service led me to pursue a career in healthcare after high school. I attended J Sargeant Reynolds Community College and became a certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, and finally, an endoscopy technician. Working in healthcare for over 15 years honed my communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills – all essential tools in the real estate world! More on this coming up…

From Caregiving to Deal-Making

While healthcare was a rewarding experience, my entrepreneurial fire never died.  Being a single mom to two beautiful girls only fueled my desire to build a secure future for us. That's when I set my sights on real estate investing and locked onto learning as much as I could.

International Investments and the Power of "Yes"

Today, I'm a proud real estate investor not just in Richmond, but also in Dakar, Senegal! I'm constantly looking for new opportunities, and places like Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Dubai are on my radar. The key to success? Saying "yes" to new adventures and challenges.

Finding My Place in Richmond Real Estate

GRID Richmond has been an absolute game-changer for me. It's a fantastic platform to connect with other investors and learn from experienced professionals like Dustin. And let's face it, the Richmond real estate market is booming, and there are endless opportunities to discover great deals, find fantastic flips, and build a thriving and profitable business.

My Take on Wholesaling: Start with The Basics

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: wholesaling real estate. In a nutshell, wholesaling is where you find a killer deal on a property, secure it under contract, and then assign that contract to another investor for a profit. It's all about finding undervalued properties and negotiating rock-bottom prices with motivated sellers.

Here's a quick rundown of my 4-step wholesaling process:

• Find the Deal & Make an Offer: Look for distressed properties through foreclosure lists, auctions, or by directly reaching out to motivated sellers.

• Enter a Contract: Secure the property under contract with a contingency clause allowing you to find a buyer.

• Find an Investor: Network with investors like those you meet on GRID Richmond! Showcase your wholesale deals and highlight the profit potential.

• Assign the Contract: Once you have a buyer, assign the contract and collect your profit! 

   

Of course, this is only the beginning. The key is consistency and connections. And GRID Richmond is a great place to foster both. 

My personal philosophy is that you have to put in the work and eat, breathe and dream real estate. It’s a LOT of fun, but it’s an everyday practice and very often, a sacrifice. But it’s DEFINITELY worth it. If you think you have what it takes, I believe in you! 

Ready to Wholesale? Let's Chat!

This is just a small taste of the real estate wholesaling world. If you're interested in learning more and getting started, I'm here to help! I offer one-on-one coaching and can guide you through the process, from finding deals to making a profit.

So, if you're ready to take your real estate journey to the next level, reach out to me today! Let's turn your real estate dreams into reality, together.

Contact Info:

Awa Gueye

Phone: 804-605-3809

Email: [email protected]

Let’s connect! I’m here to help!