How You Closed Two Subject-To Deals Without a Bank, a Credit Pull, or a Stack of Cash

Focus keyphrase: how to convince a seller to do subject to

SEO title: How to Convince a Seller to Do a Subject-To Deal (2 Real Stories, No Banks Needed)

Meta description: Jorge Vazquez shares how he convinced sellers to say yes to subject-to deals—owning two rental properties with massive equity and cash flow, no bank loan, and little money down.

Let’s get real—most investors are playing a slow game.

They’re waiting to save $100K.

They’re trying to qualify for FHA loans.

They’re flipping homes they live in.

And they’re praying interest rates come down before their deals fall apart.

But you? You stopped waiting.

You started solving problems and structuring deals creatively. And that’s how you picked up not one, but two properties using Subject-To, with very little money out of pocket—and no banks, no credit pulls, and no stress.

Let’s break down exactly how you convinced these sellers to say yes, and how each of those deals turned into long-term wins.

Deal #1: Luis in Ybor City – The Deal That Built $200K in Equity

You met Luis about ten years ago in Ybor City. He owned a tired little single-family home—vacant, beat up, and stressing him out. He was a landlord in name only at that point.

The place wasn’t in foreclosure, but it was getting close. You could tell Luis wasn’t desperate… but he was drained. The weight of the property—repairs, taxes, utilities—was crushing him.

You didn’t hit him with a lowball offer or some cookie-cutter script.

You sat down and asked:

“What’s the biggest thing keeping you up at night with this place?”

He paused, sighed, and said:

“Honestly? I just want out. I don’t even care about making money—I just want peace.”

So that’s what you gave him.

The Structure

Here’s what you offered:

• $15,000 cash to Luis at closing

• You’d take over the mortgage using a land trust (no due-on-sale risk)

• You’d handle everything from that point—repairs, taxes, insurance, tenants

• He’d be done with the property immediately, clean break

You kept it smooth, fast, and respectful. That made him feel safe—and he said yes.

Then you invested around $25K into renovations, kept it durable (“Tonka rehab,” like you always say), and had it rented out within a few months.

What It’s Worth Today

Fast forward to now: that same house in Ybor City has over $200,000 in equity.

You still own it. It still cash flows. And every time you drive by, you’re reminded that this whole deal started because you sat with a seller and gave him exactly what he needed—a simple way out.

No bank.

No loan.

No stress.

Just you, a napkin sketch, and a strategy.

Deal #2: Captiva Street – $5K In, PMI Out, Cash Flow In

This one’s more recent, and it shows how powerful Subject-To can be when you bring in smart partners.

The lead came in from someone who knew you handled creative deals. The seller was slipping behind on payments—not quite in foreclosure yet, but it was headed that way.

You gave him a call. Listened. Asked the right questions. And sure enough, he was ready to walk away from the whole thing… if someone could take over and make it painless.

You told him:

“I’ll take over your payments, handle everything, and give you a little cash so you can move on.”

And that’s exactly what happened.

The Structure

You came in with:

• $5,000 cash (your only money in)

• Took title using a land trust

• Found two investors to fund a small second mortgage

• Used that second to pay down the original mortgage just enough to remove PMI

No PMI = lower monthly payment = more cash flow.

You rented the property on Captiva Street for just under $2,000/month. It cash flows. It’s appreciating. And the only reason you got it?

Because you offered the seller speed, simplicity, and a fresh start—when everyone else was offering stress.

Why These Sellers Said Yes

If you’re asking, “How do I convince a seller to do a subject-to deal?”, the answer isn’t technical.

It’s emotional.

These sellers weren’t looking to squeeze every dollar out of the property. They wanted out. They wanted relief. They wanted someone to step in and handle it.

You provided:

• Certainty (“I’ll close fast, and you’re done.”)

• Protection (using wraps, trusts, and disclosures)

• Professionalism (explaining it clearly—not sounding shady)

• Speed (they didn’t have to wait 60 days and hope a bank approved the buyer)

And you didn’t come at them like a shark. You came in like a problem-solver. That’s the key.

Let’s Compare to the Average Investor’s Path

Right now, most investors are doing one of the following:

• Saving for years to buy one house

• Trying to house-hack or live-in-flip for seed money

• Applying for loans and praying they get approved

• Overpaying in trendy STR markets and hoping to cash flow

• Or just giving up until “the market crashes”

You? You skipped all of that.

You controlled two income-producing assets using a total of $20,000—and even that was offset by bringing in investors.

You:

• Never applied for a loan

• Never had your credit pulled

• Never relied on interest rates or lender delays

• And ended up with massive equity and consistent income

That’s the power of knowing how to talk to people… and how to structure deals.

How to Start Doing Subject-To Deals Like This

Want to replicate what you did?

Here’s what someone new should focus on:

1. Learn to Listen First

You don’t sell Subject-To—you listen for pain points. Divorce, job loss, probate, burnout… sellers will tell you what they need. Your job is to build the bridge.

2. Understand the Tools

Study land trusts, wraparound mortgages, disclosures, and option agreements. They’re your safety net—for you and the seller.

3. Build Trust, Fast

Be real. Show up with credibility. Send your website, your BiggerPockets profile, your calendar. Sellers want to know they’re not getting burned.

4. Find a Capital Partner

Plenty of people have money but no time. You have time, experience, and drive. Put the puzzle together.

5. Keep It Simple

Most people overcomplicate the pitch. Explain it like this:

“I take over the payments. You walk away stress-free. We both win.”

That’s it.

Final Word

Real estate isn’t about buying properties—it’s about solving problems. That’s how you got Luis to hand you a home in Ybor that became a $200K equity machine. That’s how you turned $5K and a smart structure into a cash-flowing rental on Captiva Street.

While others are waiting for banks, deals, and rate drops…

You’re out here building wealth through conversations.

Keep it consistent, stay patient, stay true—if I did it, so can you. This is Jorge Vazquez, CEO of Graystone Investment Group and all our amazing companies, and Coach at Property Profit Academy. Thanks for tuning in—until the next article, take care and keep building!

👉 https://graystoneig.com/ceo