Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayson Underwood.
Hi Jayson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a degree in Finance, always having an interest in real estate but not fully understanding how to break into the industry or turn it into a career. After graduating, I had opportunities to step into corporate roles with FedEx and International Paper as a financial analyst. Instead of taking the traditional route, I made the decision to turn those offers down and take a risk by joining a local real estate firm as an asset manager, not fully knowing what I was stepping into.
That decision turned out to be a blessing. It gave me the chance to earn while learning, gaining hands-on experience in the real estate business while also saving capital. After about a year and a half with the company, I felt confident enough to branch out on my own. In August 2022, I launched Key Estates Properties.
Starting my own company came with real risk, especially given the timing. Interest rates were rising quickly, and the market felt uncertain. Despite that, I stayed committed and pushed forward. Today, I manage multiple rental properties across three states and have completed over 200 real estate transactions in just four years of operating.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting my own real estate firm has been anything but easy. There were no shortcuts, everything had to be built from the ground up. Early on, credibility was not given, it had to be earned. We had to prove ourselves time and time again to banks, lenders, title companies, and even sellers before they were willing to trust us with real opportunities. Every relationship took consistency, follow through, and results.
There were moments of uncertainty, deals that did not go through, and obstacles that tested our patience and commitment. But each challenge helped shape how we operate today, more disciplined, more knowledgeable, and more resilient.
What keeps us moving forward is the understanding that every day brings a new opportunity. A new conversation, a new deal, a new relationship to build. That mindset has been key, not focusing on how difficult the journey has been, but staying locked in on where we are going and the opportunities still ahead.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and managing both residential and commercial properties. Our core business revolves around identifying opportunities where we can add value, whether that is through repositioning a property, stabilizing it with strong tenants, or providing flexible solutions for sellers who need certainty and speed.
We specialize in working with distressed properties and motivated sellers. That includes situations involving foreclosure, inherited properties, vacancies, or properties that need significant repairs. Our ability to move quickly, structure creative deals, and handle complex situations has become one of the things we are known for.
What sets us apart is our approach to relationships and execution. We have spent years building trust with banks, lenders, title companies, and sellers by doing exactly what we say we are going to do. In this business, reliability matters just as much as capital. We pride ourselves on being straightforward, transparent, and solution oriented in every deal.
We are most proud of the brand we have built around consistency and results. From day one, the focus has been on creating a company that people can depend on. Whether someone is selling a property, partnering on a deal, or working with us on the back end, they know they are dealing with a team that is professional, responsive, and committed to getting deals across the finish line.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that we are not just buying properties, we are building long term relationships and creating opportunities. Every deal is handled with intention, and every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce the reputation we have worked hard to build.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a role, but not in the way most people think. There have been moments where things lined up at the right time, meeting the right people, coming across a deal at the right moment, or having an opportunity open up unexpectedly. On the flip side, there have also been situations that felt like bad luck, deals falling apart, unexpected issues during closings, or challenges that delayed progress.
What I have learned is that luck tends to show up more when you are consistently putting yourself in position. In this business, the more calls you make, the more relationships you build, and the more deals you analyze, the more “lucky” you appear over time. It is really preparation meeting opportunity.
The tough moments, what some would call bad luck, have honestly been just as valuable. They forced me to learn quickly, tighten up processes, and become more disciplined in how I evaluate deals and manage risk. Those experiences helped build the foundation of how we operate today.
In the long run, I do not rely on luck. I focus on consistency, relationships, and execution. Luck may open a door, but being prepared and reliable is what allows you to walk through it and actually turn it into something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keyestatesproperties.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyestatesproperties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584963916887
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/key-estates-llc
