WiscoREIA Racine-Kenosha: Finding Deals in Any Market: Proven Strategies That Still Work (21 Jul 2026)

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Finding Deals in Any Market: Proven Strategies That Still Work

No matter what the market is doing, great deals are still out there—you just need to know where to find them.

Join us for an interactive panel discussion as experienced investors share the real-world strategies they're using to consistently uncover profitable opportunities in today's market.

Learn how to source deals through multiple channels, including:

• Sheriff sales

• Building and leveraging existing relationships

• Working with wholesalers

• Creative deal sourcing strategies that are producing results right now

You'll hear firsthand case studies from local investors, including:

✅ Ken Collins sharing how a simple follow-up call led to purchasing a second property from the same seller.

✅ Ryan Smolensky explaining how strong relationships with wholesalers have helped him buy multiple deals from the same source.

✅ Ray Thorsen walking through the sheriff sale process and how to identify opportunities at auction.

Whether you're looking for your first investment property or your next great deal, this session will give you practical strategies you can put to work immediately.

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and network with other local investors who are actively buying in today's market.

Special Guest:

Ryan Smolensky

I got into real estate at 21 with my first duplex in Burlington.

My Mom was a well known real estate agent in Burlington, so I had a bit of an inside track to my next few investment properties. Both rentals and fix and flips. I kept it on a very small scale, due to my age and other interests.
In 2001 I started a home inspection business. I continued with fix and flips. Mostly successful flips, aside from my current residence. Which was basically a failed flip with no way out except to move in.

In 2012 I dissolved the home inspection business. I continued flips and rentals. Sometimes a few flips at a time and and sometimes years with nothing.
After around 2015, I stopped doing flips and kept everything as rentals.
About 2 years ago I started working with a wholesaler. I've bought one property from him, and I'm supposed to close on a second in 10 days.

Currently, I have 11 rental units. And one more under renovation to be another rental.

Outside of real estate, I have a giant sand box where I enjoy playing with excavators, bull dozers, and other heavy equipment. Screening topsoil, and crushing concrete.

My girlfriend Amy and I have been together 13 years. Together we raise our daughter McKenzie. She is soon to be 16.

WiscoREIA Racine-Kenosha Always Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month from 5:30 pm to 8:15 pm!

Host: Ray Thorsen & Ken Collins

Ray began his interest in real estate investing in 1999. His parents let him continue to live at home for free after he finished school, as long as he was saving his money. This allowed him to buy his first duplex, which he renovated, put tenants in, refinanced and bought another duplex. Today, that is called the “BRRRR” method. He continued to “House Hack” and “BRRRR” numerous times which led to experience in flipping houses, private lending, as well as, creative finance deals.

He always loves talking about real estate sharing what he has learned to do and what not to do. He also enjoys making business connections and learning from others’ trials and triumphs.

Outside of real estate, he loves spending time with his family. He is an aspiring wood worker, welder, and tinkerer. He likes to play golf, ride motorcycles, and go for cruises in the convertible with his kid.

Ken's journey began in the field of social work and psychotherapy, where he dedicated a decade to helping others navigate their personal challenges. Seeking new horizons, he transitioned into the tech industry, joining Hewlett-Packard. Over the next 24 years, he evolved from a Computer Engineer to a Global Project Manager, culminating in his leadership of the Global Sales Lead program, which under his stewardship generated nearly $1 billion in sales each year.

In 2016, Ken pivoted to real estate investing, initially employing the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method. Upon retiring from corporate life, he focused on creative deal structuring, mastering techniques like Subject-To (Sub2), Lease/Options, and Land Trusts. His portfolio includes over 50 Real Estate transactions in the last 8 years, ranging from mobile homes, single family and multifamily properties, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the real estate market.

Ken credits much of his real estate knowledge and sharpened skills to his active participation in the many WiscoREIA Madison education programs. Through joining their Coaching Program, completing the Blueprint course, and engaging in numerous educational opportunities including hands-on property tours and weekend training events from a variety of speakers sponsored by the REIA, Ken has continuously expanded his expertise in real estate.

Ken is renowned for his proficiency in lead generation and deal negotiation, leveraging a multitude of creative strategies to craft win-win scenarios in real estate. He now steps into his role as a coach for aspiring real estate investors, eager to share his knowledge and experience. He is always on the lookout for personal growth opportunities, being an active member of groups like Lifeonaire and the Generations of Wealth Mastermind group, which further fuel his passion for continuous learning and development.

With a life that beautifully blends family, community, technology, and real estate, Ken Collins is not just a coach but a mentor who understands the art of building wealth through real estate while maintaining a life of balance and fulfillment.

Make sure to bring tons of business cards as you will be meeting with people that you want to get to know!

Meeting Location:

Route 20 Bar & Grill

14001 Washington Ave

Sturtevant, WI 53177

Please enjoy food, drinks, and TIP YOUR SERVERS!

5:30 pm - 6:00 pm - Doors open early for Networking/Check-in

6:00 pm - 8:15 pm - Speaker Presentation

The meeting ends at 9:00 PM, but we’ll continue with an informal after-meeting for anyone who’d like to stay.

You can stay after the meeting as well to network! Remember to bring your deals!

Our doors are open to EVERYONE!

***Make sure to pre-register - We are now Cashless***

Click here to pre-register!

WiscoREIA upcoming events

WiscoREIA Racine-Kenosha: Finding Deals in Any Market: Proven Strategies That Still Work (21 Jul 2026)