From Risk Taker to Real Estate Mentor: The Story Behind Coastal Equity Group

From Risk Taker to Real Estate Mentor: The Story Behind Coastal Equity Group

Before Coastal Equity Group became a trusted name among Southeastern investors, it started with one bold move and a $600 down payment.

Meet Alex Baker, Founder and Fund Manager of Coastal Equity Group, who took an unconventional path into the real estate world. Originally from Kentucky and raised in Hawaii, Alex found his way to Charleston after his parents retired there. But his journey into real estate began long before the beaches of South Carolina became home.

With a background in Business Administration and Finance he gravitated toward the world of real estate and established himself as a respected leader in real estate investing. In his early 20s, Alex bought a run-down property in Louisville, Kentucky, for $12,000. The auction required just 5% down ($600) to take title, with the balance due in six months. Most would have seen the timeline as pressure. For Alex, it was opportunity.

He was taking a big risk, but he wanted to learn the in’s and out’s of flipping and dive in. He and his partner put in the sweat equity, renovating the property themselves and learning every step of the process as they went. Within six months, they had flipped the house and sold it, tenant in place, to another investor. That first win was enough to light the fire.

“I was hooked after that,” Alex says. “I started to read as much as I could, listen to every podcast, blog, all the above… After that, I definitely knew that was what I wanted to pursue.”

That first successful flip wasn’t just a win, it was the launchpad for what would become a lifelong career in real estate.

 

Building a Boutique Firm with a Bigger Vision

In 2018, that passion evolved into Coastal Equity Group, a boutique investment firm with a clear mission: to help people across the Southeast build lasting careers in real estate. The firm isn’t just about funding deals, it’s about supporting people who are willing to put in the work, take calculated risks, and grow in the industry.

While many clients come from traditional 9-to-5 jobs, Alex sees their transition into real estate as more than just a career shift. “It’s rewarding to see people who start out with this as a side hustle eventually go full-time. It reminds me of my own journey.”

The Coastal Equity Group team is small but committed, driven by a shared belief in creating real opportunities for growth. “It’s more of a lifestyle than a 9-to-5,” Alex explains. “We’re always here to assist in any aspect for our clients in their pursuit of real estate.”

 

More Than Capital, It’s About Connection

At the heart of Coastal Equity Group is a genuine love for the process, not just the profits. It’s about helping people level up, one property at a time. Whether it’s your first flip or your tenth rental, the team understands what it takes to get from idea to execution because they’ve lived it.

For those just starting out or looking to take the next step, Alex’s journey is a reminder that bold moves, even small ones, can lead to big transformations.

 

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