Key Takeaways
- Your profit is made when you buy, not when you sell.
- Estates, distressed owners, and off-market leads are common sources of flip opportunities.
- Always calculate the after-repair value from real comparable sales.
Mendy's Original Take
From the Mendy Realty archive, first published by Mendy Lipsker.
Some people want to buy properties because they want to invest and hold them long-term. Others want to “flip” the property. The purpose of flipping properties is basically to create profit and cash flow in a reasonably short time.
The first part of flipping properties is to have the opportunity. The property doesn’t necessarily have to be for sale, but it has to be on sale. You might have to look at 100 properties until you find the right one.
2026 NYC Investment Snapshot
Investor demand stayed strong in 2026. New York City investment sales reached $23.69 billion through Q3, with multifamily and development sites leading the market.
NYC sales by asset class, Q1 to Q3 2026
Figures through Q3 2026 include projected closings.
How To Evaluate A Flip
Estimate after-repair value
Use recent sales of renovated homes on similar blocks.
Price the renovation
Get contractor estimates before you commit.
Work backward to your offer
Subtract costs, carrying expenses, and target profit from the resale value.
Common Questions
Where do Brooklyn flip deals come from?
Often from estate sales, owners who need to sell quickly, and off-market referrals.
What is a good margin on a flip?
Many investors target a meaningful profit after all costs, enough to cover risk and surprises.
Related Reading
Talk To A Brooklyn Broker
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718.751.0738Market figures compiled from public records and published market data. Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
