Is Flipping Worth It In 2025?

The Wisconsin Counties Where the Math Still Works

If you’re a real estate investor in 2025, you’ve probably noticed a national trend: tight inventory, rising interest rates, and intense competition. This climate can make profitable flips harder to find in many markets. But in parts of Wisconsin, the math still works.

While some regions are struggling with flat appreciation and long days on market, several Wisconsin counties are bucking the trend. They’re seeing steady price growth, strong buyer demand, and competitive bidding—even in higher-rate environments. For investors, that means the right deal in the right neighborhood can still turn into a profitable flip, provided you know where to look and how to move quickly.

The Market Picture: Waukesha & Kenosha Counties Leading the Charge

Waukesha County continues to hold one of the strongest real estate positions in the state. Inventory remains limited, with well-updated homes drawing multiple offers within days of hitting the market. As of June 2025, median sales prices are not just holding, they’re climbing, often 5–8% higher than last year, and many properties are still selling above list price.

Kenosha County is showing similar resilience. Proximity to both Milwaukee and Chicago makes it attractive for commuters and hybrid workers, while investors love the mix of affordable entry points and strong appreciation potential. Average days on market remain low, and move-in-ready homes regularly spark bidding wars. For flippers, these dynamics signal that quality rehabs will be met with eager buyers ready to pay a premium.

Why Flipping Still Works Here

The secret is in the gap between distressed or outdated properties and the turnkey homes today’s buyers want. Even with increased borrowing costs, buyers are willing to pay top dollar for properties that are fully renovated, energy-efficient, and move-in ready.

The wider Wisconsin market remains strong for flipping, and the deal flow hasn’t dried up:

~$64.6K average gross profit per project

1,350+ flips statewide last year

But winning in 2025 will take sharper underwriting and faster execution. 

Tight inventory (~3 months of supply)

 ~61 days on market 

1/3 of sales closing above list 

These performance statistics show us that ☑️ Buyers are showing up, and ☑️ Well-finished product moves fast.

In Waukesha and Kenosha Counties in particular, the spread between acquisition cost and post-renovation value (ARV) often remains healthy enough to cover renovation expenses, financing costs, and still leave strong profit margins. Investors who can secure funding quickly, complete high-quality rehabs, and get the property back on the market in 90–120 days stand to do very well in this environment.

Keys to Success in 2025’s Flipping Market

 1. Move fast on acquisitions – Desirable fixer-uppers are going under contract quickly. Having financing lined up before you make an offer can be the difference between getting the deal and missing it.

 2. Know your buyer – In this market, most buyers want turnkey and will pay extra for quality finishes, energy efficiency, and modern layouts.

 3. Control your renovation timeline – Labor and material delays can erode profits fast. Work with reliable contractors and set realistic schedules to keep holding costs down.

 4. Price strategically – Even in a hot market, overpricing can backfire. The goal is to price for multiple offers, not sit on the market waiting for one.

Before You Write the Offer

• Purchasing discipline: 

• Target 20–30% below market and sanity-check with the 70% Rule

• Max Offer = (ARV × 70%) − Repairs.
  

• Renovation reality: 

• Expect $20–50K for a clean cosmetic turn 

• Add a 15–20% contingency.
  

• Carrying & exits: 

• Plan 1–3% of value (or $1/sf) for hold costs. 

• WI taxes run ~1.5–1.7% of assessed value. 

• Closing/agent costs typically ~5–10% on the back end.
  

• Speed & certainty: 

• With mortgage rates staying >6% this year, retail buyers remain rate-sensitive, but still active. 

• Clear scope, tight schedule, and strong staging/photography shorten DOM and protect margin.
  
  

Quick example: 

If your ARV is $300K and repairs budget $40K, your 70% cap is:

 (300K × 0.70) − 40K = $170K max purchase 

If your all-in (purchase + reno + carry + closing) stays under ~$230–240K, there’s room for a solid spread in today’s comps.

Markets I like right now (and why)

• Milwaukee MSA: Deep buyer pool, older housing stock ripe for value-add, proven profit history.
  

• Madison area: Job growth + low inventory = reliable exits for well-finished homes.
  

• Green Bay: Affordability + speed; starter-home price points are the sweet spot.
  

• Kenosha corridor: Commute-friendly to both MKE/CHI; value-add plays with strong buyer interest.

The money is following jobs, commute corridors, and rehab-friendly housing stock. 

Milwaukee (~$75K avg gross) and Madison (~$68K) continue to dominate for margin. Green Bay (~$62K) combines affordability with velocity with an average of fifty days on market. While Wisconsin’s average gross flip profit is around $64–65K per project, Kenosha’s affordability and rising price trajectory suggest similar upside may be within reach for smart investors. 

Statewide pricing remains constructive ( +8.7% YoY). Investors that limit scope creep and maintain tight timelines will see a strong after renovation value.

Funding that matches the flip

In a competitive offer environment, speed beats rate. At MGM Private Capital, we fund experienced and first-time Wisconsin investors with:

• Fast purchases & rehab draws (close in days, not weeks)

• Common-sense underwriting on ARV, scope, and exit strategy

• Local comps, contractor introductions, and deal review (Our local experience )
  

The Bottom Line

In Wisconsin’s current market—especially in Waukesha and Kenosha—flipping isn’t just alive, it’s thriving for those who know how to navigate the numbers. 

While many investors nationwide are pulling back, local market fundamentals here are creating an opening for those ready to act decisively.

If you’re eyeing your next flip and want to secure fast, flexible funding from a lender who understands the Wisconsin market, now is the time to connect. The right property in today’s climate can still deliver the kind of returns that make the work worthwhile.

At MGM Private Capital, we actively support real estate investors across Southeastern Wisconsin with trusted capital options and offer opportunities for capital partners to grow alongside us.