From Flipping to Freedom: How Sharad Mehta Built a Real Estate Empire
At Libertas Wealth Management Group, we believe that every successful financial journey starts with a vision of freedom—freedom of time, money, and purpose. Our recent guest on The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast embodies that vision.
Sharad Mehta, founder and CEO of REsimpli, started as an accountant in Chicago. While his job at Ernst & Young paid well and provided professional growth, it lacked one critical component: freedom. Sharad didn’t want to ask for days off. He didn’t want his time dictated by someone else. So he began searching for something more, and real estate opened the door.
From Side Hustle to Scale
In 2010, Sharad began flipping homes in Indiana while continuing to work full-time in Chicago. The timing was perfect—post-2008, housing prices were depressed, and opportunities were everywhere for those bold enough to take the leap. Inspired by the books “Flip” and “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor,” he began acquiring and flipping properties aggressively, particularly in Lake County, Indiana.
Over the next decade, he completed more than 800 deals, including as many as 50 flips a year, often selling to overseas investors. But this wasn’t just about making money—it was about creating passive income. Over time, Sharad began keeping more rentals for himself, building a portfolio of 60 properties, most of which he now owns free and clear.
A Conservative Approach to Real Estate
What sets Sharad apart from many real estate investors is his philosophy on debt. In a world where leveraging is the norm, Sharad takes a different approach—he prefers to own properties outright. His strategy? Flip 4–5 houses, then buy one in cash. That deliberate, disciplined approach not only kept him financially stable during downturns but gave him true peace of mind.
It’s not the fastest path to building a massive empire, but it’s sustainable—and that’s often what matters most, especially for those focused on long-term freedom and retirement.
Solving a Pain Point: Enter REsimpli
As his flipping business grew, Sharad ran into a common problem: inefficiency. Managing multiple tools for leads, marketing, project management, accounting, and communication was chaotic. So, in 2016, he hired a couple of developers and built REsimpli—a single platform to run everything.
Today, REsimpli serves thousands of real estate investors. It streamlines everything from pulling lists and skip tracing to managing leads, texting, calling, emailing prospects, and even handling full bookkeeping, eliminating the need for tools like QuickBooks. Sharad’s own business hasn’t used QuickBooks in years.
Remote Investing Made Simple
Though his properties are in Indiana, Sharad operates his business from Carlsbad, California. His project manager lives nearby, and his acquisition team works remotely from the Philippines. He hasn’t been to Indiana in over five years—a testament to the power of systems, relationships, and simplicity.
How does he do it? By:
- Systematizing everything: All houses use the same finishes and materials, reducing decision fatigue.
- Relying on trusted partners: Agents give accurate comps, and contractors provide honest rehab quotes.
- Making data-driven decisions: Every offer is calculated backward based on exit price and rehab costs.
- Staying consistent: Marketing, follow-ups, and operations are conducted regularly, regardless of the circumstances.
Key Takeaways for Investors and Business Owners
If you’re approaching or living in retirement, or simply looking to diversify income streams, Sharad’s story offers key lessons:
- Know your why: Whether it’s financial freedom, legacy, or lifestyle, a clear purpose drives long-term success.
- Consistency wins: Just like compound interest, consistent effort in marketing, follow-ups, and decision-making builds real results over time.
- Build with simplicity in mind: Fewer decisions = less stress. Systems free up mental energy for higher-value decisions.
- Don’t fear remote investing: With the right team and processes, you don’t need to be local to succeed.
Is Real Estate Right for You?
Flipping and rentals can be a part of a well-rounded wealth plan—but only if they align with your risk tolerance, time commitment, and financial goals. At Libertas Wealth Management Group, we help clients evaluate all the pieces of their financial puzzle, whether that includes real estate, equities, retirement plans, or entrepreneurial ventures.
If you’re inspired by Sharad’s story and want to explore how real estate or business income fits into your financial freedom plan, reach out to us. We offer no-strings-attached second opinions and comprehensive planning services tailored to your life goals.
Want to Learn More?
You can listen to the full interview on The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast or visit reimpli.com to learn more about Sharad’s software.
Interested in a second opinion on your investment strategy or retirement plan?
Visit libertaswealth.com to schedule a meeting with our team.