How to Build a Real Estate Team That Wins: NFL Coaching Tactics for Success

When I think about building a successful real estate investment (REI) team, I can’t help but compare it to my time in the NFL. I spent nine seasons with four different teams, and I witnessed many coaches and players come and go, each bringing a unique skill set. Together, we formed teams that achieved remarkable results.

Building a strong REI team is much like putting together a football team. Both require a clear vision, the right talent, and a strategy to ensure everyone works together toward a common objective.

Just as in football, it all begins with a vision. As the coach of my REI team, it’s my responsibility to set the direction and define our overarching goal. In football, the goal might be to win a game; in real estate, it could be to successfully flip a property for profit.

Once you establish the goal, assembling the right team becomes crucial. If my goal is to flip a house, I need to consider every team member essential for achieving that outcome. This involves identifying the key roles, just as a football coach determines the positions to fill on the field.

For example, in a house flip, my team might include:

A wholesaler to find off-market deals

A hard or private money lender to finance distressed properties

A contractor experienced in efficient renovations

A real estate agent to provide after-repair value (ARV) estimates and list the property

Each member of this team plays a critical role in the project’s success, much like a football team needs a quarterback, receivers, and offensive line. If I can bring together top talent in each position and ensure they work cohesively, we’re set up for success. The key is making sure everyone is aligned with the mission.

Alignment and Motivation: Getting Your Team on the Same Page

Creating a successful team isn’t just about hiring the most skilled individuals; it’s about fostering alignment. In football, every player knows their role, and they’re all driven by a common goal: winning.

The same concept applies to real estate. Your team members need to understand the big picture and how their role contributes to it. This means aligning their incentives so everyone is motivated to perform at their best.

In real estate investing, alignment involves ensuring that everyone is fairly compensated and sees the potential for future deals. When people know their efforts today could lead to more opportunities tomorrow, they’re more likely to be committed to the team’s success.

Think of it like a quarterback: If they deliver an exceptional game, they’ll be rewarded with more control, better pay, and perhaps a long-term contract.

Trust and Communication: The Backbone of Teamwork

Trust and communication form the foundation of any successful team. In football, trust is built through practice and open lines of communication on and off the field. The same holds true in real estate. Your team must trust that everyone is working toward the same goal and that transparency is maintained in all dealings.

To build trust, encourage open communication within your team. Ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and updates. Just as a quarterback must communicate effectively with the offensive line, you need to make sure your contractor knows exactly what’s expected, and your lender fully understands the deal.

Adaptability: Pivoting When Necessary

No matter how well you plan, obstacles will arise in both football and real estate. Maybe a property needs more repairs than expected, or the market changes unexpectedly.

In these moments, adaptability becomes essential. The best teams are the ones that can pivot quickly when plans go awry. That’s why it’s important to have team members who are not only experts but also flexible and solution-focused.

In football, if the defense adjusts its game plan, the offense must respond on the fly. Similarly, your REI team needs to be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions when challenges arise.

Leading Your Team to Success

At the end of the day, building a successful REI team is about finding the right mix of talent, aligning everyone with your vision, fostering communication, and staying flexible in the face of challenges. Just like in football, your role as the coach is to develop the strategy, position the right people, and lead them to success.

So, think of your REI team like a football team: Find your key players, align their incentives, and maintain strong communication and adaptability. With these elements in place, you’ll be on your way to achieving great results in real estate investing.