Grace in Brick and Mortar: My Journey in Real Estate and Faith

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rathelky Gonzalez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rathelky below.

Finding Purpose in Real Estate

Hi Rathelky, really happy you were able to join us today! We’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

A Deeper Meaning Behind Real Estate

For Rathelky Gonzalez, real estate has never been just about buying and selling homes; it’s about making an impact. “Restoring not just distressed properties but also people’s lives,” she explains. Each deal, every family she helps, and every property she transforms is rooted in faith, service, and the belief that real estate can change lives.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Rathelky witnessed families feeling trapped—struggling to buy homes, dealing with landlords, and striving for a better future. She realized early on that homeownership was not merely a financial goal; it represented stability, dignity, and opportunity. This understanding has shaped her approach as both an investor and an agent.

A Defining Moment

One of her most significant learning experiences came with her first major investment project—a distressed property in Pennsylvania. While others saw only problems, Rathelky recognized potential. “I ran the numbers, did my due diligence, and prayed on it,” she recalls. Yet, the journey was fraught with challenges: unexpected costs, unreliable contractors, and moments of self-doubt. However, her faith kept her moving forward.

After months of hard work, the property was transformed. The real reward, she says, wasn’t the profit but witnessing the family who moved in, finally able to afford a home they never thought possible. “That moment reinforced why I do this,” she shares. “It’s not just about flipping properties; it’s about changing lives, one home at a time.”

Faith, Family, Service, and Real Estate: How Residential Grace is Changing Lives

Introducing Residential Grace

I’m Rathelky Gonzalez, a real estate investor and agent based in Brooklyn, NY, and the founder of Residential Grace—a company built on faith, family, service, and real estate. My focus is on finding distressed and underperforming properties, revitalizing them, and turning them into homes that create opportunities for families. Whether through investing, flipping, or helping clients buy and sell homes in Brooklyn, my mission is always to add value—not just to properties, but to people’s lives.

The Heart of Transformation

For Rathelky, real estate is about transformation. “Every property I work on has a story, and every client I help has a dream,” she explains. The most exciting part of her work is witnessing the impact it has on people’s lives. Real estate creates stability, builds generational wealth, and gives individuals a sense of ownership over their future. Knowing she plays a role in that journey makes her work profoundly meaningful.

More Than a Business

At Residential Grace, the focus is on service. Rathelky believes that real estate should be about more than just profit; it should be about making a difference. Her company emphasizes:

Helping families and individuals who feel stuck, especially in Brooklyn, by guiding them through the home-buying process with transparency and care.
Transforming distressed properties into thriving homes, creating opportunities for both investors and families.
Providing education and resources so that more people can confidently take steps toward building their future.

What’s Next for Residential Grace?

Exciting things are on the horizon! Rathelky is continuing to expand Residential Grace, helping more families achieve homeownership and revitalizing communities. Upcoming initiatives include:

New investment projects—transforming more distressed properties into valuable homes.
Educational content—helping people understand real estate, investing, and homeownership through social media and other platforms.
Community engagement—hosting events and workshops to empower more individuals with the knowledge and confidence they need to own a home or invest in real estate.

A Personal Invitation

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate—or if you just want to learn more—Rathelky invites you to connect. “Whether you’re feeling stuck in the process, unsure where to start, or just looking for guidance, I’m here to help,” she says. “At Residential Grace, it’s not just about real estate—it’s about people, purpose, and creating lasting opportunities.”

Key Qualities for Success in Real Estate

Looking back, Rathelky identifies three key qualities that shaped her journey: Faith, Resilience, and Market Knowledge.

1. Faith: The Foundation of Decisions

Real estate is filled with uncertainties. Rathelky emphasizes that her faith has kept her grounded during challenging times. “When you approach your business with integrity, patience, and a greater purpose, the right doors will open at the right time,” she advises.

2. Resilience: Pushing Forward

Setbacks are inevitable in real estate. Rathelky believes that resilience separates those who succeed from those who quit. “Your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and keep moving forward determines your success,” she notes.

3. Market Knowledge: Understanding the Landscape

Knowledge of the market is crucial. Rathelky stresses the importance of analyzing deals, understanding neighborhood trends, and recognizing overlooked opportunities. “The more knowledge you have, the more confident and strategic you become,” she explains.

Books That Shaped My Real Estate Journey

Books have played a vital role in Rathelky’s growth as a real estate investor and agent. Here are some that have significantly impacted her journey:

“Real Estate Deal Maker” by Henry Washington: A practical guide for beginners focusing on creative financing and building relationships.
“The Book on Rental Property Investing” by Brandon Turner: An essential guide for building passive income through real estate.
“Long-Distance Real Estate Investing” by David Greene: Strategies for investing in properties outside your local area.
“The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Flipping Houses” by J. Scott: A comprehensive roadmap for successful house flipping.
“Wealth Without Cash” by Pace Morby: Strategies for acquiring properties with little to no money down.
“The 10X Rule” by Grant Cardone: Emphasizes the importance of massive action and a relentless work ethic.
“The Wealthy Way” by Ryan Pineda: Combines real estate investing with entrepreneurship for a fulfilling life.
“The ABCs of Real Estate and Raising Private Capital” by Matt Faircloth: A detailed guide to multifamily properties and syndications.
My Bible: The most significant influence on Rathelky’s life, guiding her values and decisions.

Final Thoughts

Rathelky Gonzalez’s journey in real estate is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and knowledge. She encourages those starting out to embrace these qualities and never stop learning. “Success in real estate is about more than just deals and properties—it’s about mindset, persistence, and living out your values,” she concludes.

If you’re on your journey—whether buying your first home, looking to invest, or seeking guidance—Rathelky invites you to connect. “Let’s build something great together!”

Contact Information

For more insights and to connect with Rathelky Gonzalez, visit Residential Grace or reach out directly.

Image Credits

Logo: Luz Perdomo
Images: Bryan Maldonado

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems. If you or someone you know deserves recognition, please let us know here.