An Inspired Chat with David Ifediba of Central Los Angeles

David Ifediba shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

David, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would absolutely hire me. I’m a hardworking, driven, and charismatic leader who brings excellence and intentionality into everything I do. Whether in school psychology or real estate, I hold myself to a high standard and consistently deliver results, closing over $10 million in real estate volume across multiple states while also serving students and families in my district.

I’m someone who thrives in challenging environments, adapts quickly, and always finds solutions. I’m ambitious, but I’m also deeply people-centered. I make sure the people around me feel supported, valued, and motivated to perform at their best. I believe in elevating those I work with, not just myself, and I take pride in creating environments where everyone can win.

Most importantly, I show up with consistency, integrity, and a genuine desire to make an impact. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly why I would hire me without hesitation.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is David Ifediba, and I am a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, real estate agent, and real estate investor dedicated to helping families change their lives through education, mental wellness, and wealth-building. I run Deals with Dave LLC, a brand built on integrity, community, and results. Over the past few years, I’ve closed $10M+ in real estate volume across California, Texas, Florida, and other parts of the U.S., while also serving students and families in Compton Unified through comprehensive psychological services and advocacy.

What makes my journey unique is that I bridge two worlds—education and real estate—to empower people academically, emotionally, and financially. Whether I am writing a psychological evaluation to support a student’s success or guiding a first-time homebuyer toward generational wealth, my mission is the same: to help people unlock opportunity and build a better future.

Right now, I’m working on expanding my brand, growing “Deals with Dave” into a full-service real estate and consulting platform, and pursuing advanced education toward becoming a director, consultant, and eventually a real estate broker. My story is still being written, but every chapter is centered on leadership, impact, and elevating the communities I serve.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom was the person who truly saw me before I ever fully saw myself. She recognized my potential long before I understood it and consistently spoke life into me. Through her encouragement, love, and kindness, she made me believe that I was capable of more than my circumstances. She pushed me with a gentle but steady confidence, celebrating every accomplishment, big or small, and reminding me that greatness was already inside me. Her belief shaped the foundation of who I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I almost gave up during graduate school, when everything in my life felt like it was happening at once. I was balancing substitute teaching, building a brand-new real estate career, serving as a national youth leader for the Igbo Catholic Community USA, and stepping into my role as an early-career school psychologist. I was stretched thin in every direction, trying to pursue excellence while carrying responsibilities far bigger than myself.

My first two years in real estate were especially tough—I made only three sales, and I genuinely questioned whether I had chosen the right path. The pressure, the self-doubt, and the exhaustion hit hard, and there were moments where quitting felt easier than continuing.

But I refused to give up. I kept pushing, kept learning, and kept faith in the bigger picture. Looking back now, I’m grateful I held on. Those challenging years built the resilience, discipline, and character that allow me to thrive today—both as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and as a real estate professional who has now closed over $10M in sales.

What once felt like a breaking point became the foundation of who I am.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” I learned this from my parents, who modeled humility, discipline, and responsibility through every sacrifice they made. As a first-generation Nigerian immigrant, this lesson has been exceptional in shaping who I am, it grounded me in gratitude while pushing me to aim higher in every area of my life.

This value has fueled my drive to excel, whether I’m supporting students as a school psychologist, closing deals in real estate, or serving my community through leadership. It constantly reminds me that every opportunity I have is both a blessing and a responsibility. It keeps me focused on using my gifts and accomplishments not just for myself, but to elevate the people and communities around me.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in two moments that mean everything to me. The first is when I hand over the keys to a client buying their home. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing I helped someone achieve a milestone that can change their family’s future. It’s a quiet, powerful kind of peace that comes from purpose.

The second is when I finally get a chance to step away and take a much-needed vacation. With the pace of my life, balancing school psychology, real estate, leadership, and personal goals, those moments of rest allow me to breathe, reset, and reconnect with myself. Both experiences ground me in gratitude and remind me why I work as hard as I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_ifed/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ifediba/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090964517384
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DealswithDave