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The Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast with Ferd Niemann IV.
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2 hours ago
2 hours ago
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, Ferd Neman breaks down a due diligence blind spot that quietly wrecks otherwise “great” mobile home park deals: the dirt isn’t just the soil. It’s the title, easements, access, encroachments, and every recorded (and unrecorded) mistake tied to that land.
Ferd walks through real examples where buyers relied on “we’ve never had a problem” and didn’t realize that usually just means nobody looked. From landlocked access scenarios and life-safety setbacks that can block infill, to shared sewer obligations, drainage easements, and boundary issues that can kill licensing, Ferd explains why title commitments and exception documents are where the real risk lives.
He also gets practical about what serious operators should do: order the right survey, overlay it with the title commitment, and think 3–5 years ahead—because these issues don’t appear out of nowhere. They show up when you expand, refinance, sell, or when a neighbor decides to get hostile.
Tune in now to learn how smart buyers protect themselves before the deal turns into an expensive lesson.
Highlights of the episode:
00:32 – “Risk in dirt”
01:47 – Skipping surveys
03:15 – Title vs survey
04:11 – Missing access easement
05:11 – Life safety trumps
06:05 – Highway setback fight
07:00 – Easement types
08:07 – Drainage easement costs
09:16 – License blocked
11:10 – DOT easement story
13:47 – Bank lawyers read
14:01 – Portfolio deal delay
16:43 – Overlay and verify
17:36 – Problems show later
20:11 – Control the asset
20:51 – Due diligence insurance
22:52 – Verify, don’t trust
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateDueDiligence #TitleReview #Easements #Survey #CommercialRealEstate #PropertyManagement #ParkAcquisitions #RiskManagement
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, Ferd Niemann sits down with Andy Conlin, Executive Director of the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association, to unpack the political and regulatory forces quietly reshaping manufactured housing across the U.S.
Andy draws on more than two decades in government relations to explain why the biggest risks facing park owners aren’t coming from Washington, D.C., but from state capitols. The discussion covers rent control, right of first refusal laws, resident organizing, media narratives, and why manufactured housing has become a prime target in housing policy debates.
Ferd and Andy break down what actually moves the needle for operators: working through state manufactured housing associations, educating citizen legislators, communicating transparently with residents, and avoiding rent strategies that unintentionally trigger political scrutiny. Real-world examples show how aggressive rent increases, poorly paced capital recovery, or even well-meaning park improvements can invite regulatory backlash.
Whether you own a single community or operate across multiple states, this episode gives you a practical framework for understanding how housing policy is formed—and how to protect your assets while still running profitable, well-managed parks. Tune in now to see how smart operators stay ahead of regulation instead of reacting to it.
Highlights of the episode:
00:36 – Introducing Andy Conlin
01:00 – Background in lobbying & manufactured housing
04:10 – Why manufactured housing is a political target
06:22 – Rent control & right of first refusal explained
07:54 – Why state capitols matter more than D.C.
09:42 – Citizen legislators & policy education
12:07 – Why rent control keeps resurfacing
13:27 – The role of state MH associations
15:00 – Evictions & quiet regulatory changes
17:13 – Positive momentum in manufactured housing
18:45 – Pushback in blue states
20:07 – Media narratives & resident organizing
23:21 – Permits, agencies & operational friction
24:32 – When changing the law is the answer
25:49 – Why owners must tell their story
28:31 – Resident communication & trust
29:38 – Annual rent increases vs. shock pricing
31:50 – Managing beyond the spreadsheet
33:27 – Market rent vs. political reality
36:54 – Rent control enforcement challenges
38:14 – Risk for newer, smaller operators
40:36 – Iowa’s approach to MH advocacy
41:32 – How to get involved & resources
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
Connecting with Guest:
Website: https://www.iamha.org/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewconlin/
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #BankingInsights #CommercialLending #MobileHomeParkFinancing #PropertyManagement #Underwriting #LoanApproval #ParkAcquisitions
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, Ferd sits down with Austin Fee of Bank of Springfield, a Kansas City–based lender with deep experience in commercial and mobile home park financing. Austin shares how he evaluates deals, what banks look for in today’s lending environment, and how borrowers can position themselves for smoother approvals and better terms.
Ferd and Austin dive into the nuts and bolts of underwriting—including down payment expectations, amortization norms, rate structures, committee approvals, deposit requirements, guarantor strength, and seller financing. Austin explains how banks think about risk, when they stretch on pricing, how relationships influence renewals, why communication matters, and how borrowers can “sell the deal” to help lenders champion it internally. The conversation also covers market shifts in 2025, tightening credit, committee dynamics, and why small deals often open the door to long-term lending relationships.
Whether you’re approaching your first bank, planning a refinance, raising capital, or navigating infill and turnaround projects, this episode gives you clear, practical insight into how lenders think—and how to get more of your deals across the finish line. Tune in now to understand today’s lending landscape and build stronger banking relationships that support your long-term growth.
Highlights of the episode:
00:36 – Introducing Austin Fee
03:17 – Market differences
05:29 – Selling your deal
07:06 – How rates are priced
10:26 – Value-add flexibility
12:06 – Guarantee importance
17:17 – Seller financing blends
20:07 – Net worth ranges
23:12 – Bank-friendly documents
27:13 – Performance vs. projections
28:08 – Communication matters
35:33 – When deals get vetoed
37:23 – Relationship-driven lending
39:22 – Trust in banking
40:03 – Packaging your loan
42:35 – Document requirements
45:40 – Minimum deal size
46:58 – Credit tightening
48:47 – Customer scoring
49:45 – Relationship value
50:01 – Lending states & contact info
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
Connecting with Guest:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-fee-/
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #BankingInsights #CommercialLending #MobileHomeParkFinancing #PropertyManagement #Underwriting #LoanApproval #ParkAcquisitions
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, Ferd sits down with longtime banking expert Keith Asel of Hawthorn Bank to unpack what park owners really need to know about lending, loan structures, underwriting, term sheets, and navigating bank relationships. With over 45 years in the banking world—from teller to federal bank examiner to commercial lending leader—Keith brings rare insight into both sides of the table.
Ferd and Keith discuss how banks actually evaluate mobile home park loans, what bankers look for in cash flow, collateral, and guarantor strength, and why debt structure can make or break your business plan. Keith breaks down the real differences between big-bank rigidity and community-bank flexibility, how interest rates and indexes are chosen, when to use construction loans, why interest-only periods matter, and how to avoid surprises when renewing lines of credit.
Whether you're buying your first park, restructuring debt, planning infill, or trying to understand how lenders think, Keith delivers practical, experience-backed guidance to help operators secure better financing, build stronger relationships with their bank, and avoid hidden pitfalls that stall deals. Tune in now to learn how to approach lenders strategically and set your projects up for long-term success.
Highlights of the episode:
00:36 – Keith’s banking journey
01:10 – Teller to examiner
03:33 – Restructuring debt properly
05:49 – Separate land vs. homes
06:19 – Big vs. small banks
07:06 – Educating your banker
08:52 – Rate spread basics
10:09 – Why indexes change
12:26 – Collect term sheets
14:19 – When banks say no
16:45 – Infill line changes
17:59 – Annual renewal purpose
18:55 – Evaluating slow projects
19:48 – Loan call triggers
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
Connecting with Guest:
Website: https://www.hawthornbank.com/
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #BankingInsights #CommercialLending #MobileHomeParkFinancing #PropertyManagement #Underwriting #TermSheet #ParkAcquisitions
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, Ferd dives into the importance of strengthening relationships with local communities—from city officials and vendors to residents and law enforcement. He explains why goodwill not only makes operations smoother but also directly impacts compliance, profitability, and long-term stability for mobile home park owners.
Ferd shares ten proven strategies to build trust and improve perception, including prioritizing curb appeal, investing in long-term infrastructure, subsidizing resident exterior upgrades, partnering with local police, and maintaining transparency about improvements. He illustrates these points with real examples, like earning a city “ROSE Award” for turnaround efforts and navigating challenges when support from municipalities wasn’t yet established.
Whether you’re an owner looking to ease tensions with city hall, reduce code enforcement headaches, or simply create a more positive experience for residents, this episode lays out practical steps to build goodwill that pays off in better operations and stronger returns. Tune in now to learn how to elevate your reputation and relationships while improving the bottom line.
Highlights of the episode:
00:32 – Why relationships matter
01:24 – Challenges with city support
02:36 – Prioritize curb appeal
03:43 – Build city relationships
04:24 – Subsidize resident upgrades
05:26 – Sponsor local events
05:58 – Enforce high standards
06:48 – Housing with dignity
08:11 – Partner with police
08:58 – Be transparent on improvements
09:21 – Build digital presence
10:55 – Invest in infrastructure
11:27 – Wrap-up: goodwill pays
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #CommunityRelations #AffordableHousing #CurbAppeal #CityRelations #Operations #ParkOwnership
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Thursday Sep 25, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, Ferd unpacks two nuanced syndication structures that are shaping today’s real estate deals: co-GP partnerships and fund-of-funds models. Drawing from his legal and investing experience, Ferd explains how these approaches work, their pros and cons, and the real-world risks that come with each.
Ferd breaks down the co-GP model—where multiple general partners join forces to raise capital, find deals, and combine skill sets—while warning of the legal and reputational pitfalls if a “money finder” arrangement crosses the line. He also explores fund-of-funds syndication, where a manager pools investor money to place into other sponsors’ deals, highlighting the benefits of diversification, better access to elite opportunities, and lower minimums alongside the drawbacks of double fees, less control, and reliance on another sponsor’s judgment.
Whether you’re an operator considering how to structure capital or an investor weighing direct vs. pooled opportunities, this episode gives you a clear framework to evaluate both models. Tune in now to learn how to protect yourself, spot risks early, and make informed syndication decisions.
Highlights of the episode:
01:00 – What is a co-GP structure and how it works
01:47 – The benefits of co-GP
02:39 – The downsides of partnerships
04:01 – Real-world partnership challenges
04:37 – Risk mitigation
07:04 – Introducing the fund-of-funds model
07:21 – How fund-of-funds give investors diversification
08:55 – Benefits for investors
10:55 – The cons: double fees, dilution of returns, less control
12:11 – Questions investors and GPs must ask before choosing a model
12:44 – balancing convenience, risk, and control in syndications
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #Syndication #RaisingCapital #FundOfFunds #CoGP #PassiveInvesting #DueDiligence #Partnerships
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, Ferd shares another real-world case study—this time focused on the power of synergy. By acquiring a 48-site park just blocks away from a 47-site turnaround, Ferd was able to create economies of scale, build rapport with a powerful local family, and leverage city relationships to unlock additional value.
Ferd walks through how he bought the park for $825K from one of the wealthiest families in the Midwest, why he chose not to retrade a single penny, and how aligning this deal with the previous acquisition created a scattered-site portfolio eligible for agency financing. He details the occupancy growth from 22 lots to full capacity, the operational efficiencies across 95+ sites, and how new infill homes transformed the community’s image while being sold at a profit.
The story doesn’t end there—Ferd dives into the refinance, pulling out millions in tax-free equity while maintaining strong ongoing cash flow and keeping flexibility with local bank terms. This episode is a blueprint for spotting synergy, turning underperforming assets around, and multiplying returns through strategic clustering. Tune in now to learn how synergy can turn small wins into million-dollar outcomes.
Highlights of the episode:
00:32 – The “synergy rule” of business
01:08 – A neglected 48-site park
02:45 – $825K purchase, no retrade promise
03:32 – Building rapport with sellers
04:28 – City cooperation and adding an extra lot
05:52 – The scattered-site advantage
07:06 – 187 sites across three parks with one manager
08:43 – Occupancy from 22 to full
09:37 – Community upgrades
10:43 – Strategic refinancing: $2.88M appraisal, 70% LTV, millions in cash-out
12:33 – Local bank financing over agency or CMBS debt
13:53 – Look for synergy, protect flexibility, and scale smart
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #CaseStudy #ValueAdd #Synergy #CashOutRefi #AffordableHousing #PropertyManagement #EconomiesOfScale
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Thursday Sep 11, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, Ferd breaks down a real-world case study of a 47-site turnaround he bought in 2021 with heavy zoning risk, wholesaler drama, and a seller threatening to walk. He walks through the two rules that guided the play (“don’t take no for an answer” and “don’t use your own money”), why he chose not to syndicate this one, and how strategic seller financing plus a zoning win unlocked the deal.
Ferd shares the exact negotiation sequence (price, assignment, retrading the wholesale fee, and structuring a 60-month, no-interest seller note), his legal strategy to restore infill rights, and an on-the-ground operating plan to convert problematic park-owned homes, add amenities, and submeter utilities—despite a local ordinance that initially prohibited it. He closes with the refinance numbers: a January ’25 appraisal at ~$2.75M, ~70% LTV debt, and roughly $1.2M tax-free equity pulled—off an initial ~$12K cash in.
Whether you’re underwriting a small value-add with hair or navigating a stubborn city, this episode lays out the playbook: structure the capital stack, win the zoning fight, run the business plan, then lock in the win with smart refi timing.
Highlights of the episode:
00:59 – The two rules: don’t take no; don’t use your own money
03:13 – City stance: legal non-conforming use but no infill; “abandoned” lots
03:51 – Pricing & DD: $800k offer, wholesale fees, weak third-party report
06:33 – Retrading the wholesale fee due to hair on the deal
07:19 – Why not syndicate: protecting LPs when zoning risk is binary
08:56 – Operating plan: converting POHs to resident-owned to avoid inspections
10:54 – The legal memo & strategy: restoring infill rights with case law
12:43 – Amenity & ops upgrades: dog park, picnic area, paint, submetering push
13:25 – City council approval to submeter despite local prohibition
15:22 – Refi in Jan ’25: ~$2.75M appraisal, ~70% LTV
16:17 – Payoffs and proceeds: about $1.2M tax-free equity pulled
17:44 – Lessons learned: use the seller’s money; don’t take no from the city
18:33 – Current rents, NOI view, and why Ferd believes it’s a ~$3M park
19:34 – Wrap-up: higher occupancy, better housing, strong ROI
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #SellerFinancing #ValueAdd #Zoning #DueDiligence #Submetering #CashOutRefi #AffordableHousing
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Thursday Sep 04, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, Ferd sits down with John Pentecost, managing partner at Hart Kienle Pentecost, a California law firm with decades of experience representing mobile home and RV parks. John breaks down the realities of investing and operating in California—state and local rent control, vacancy control, conversion hurdles, and the growing exposure around “failure to maintain” lawsuits.
John explains how restrictive formulas (like 70% of CPI capped at 3% in some cities) and vacancy control impact revenue, why some owners still buy for long-term appreciation, and what you must vet during diligence (Title 25 compliance, CUPs and permits, infrastructure health, insurability, wells/septic, slopes, lift stations, and more). He also covers recent policy shifts removing prior exemptions, tenant right-of-first-refusal pushes, and the new California park manager education requirement.
Whether you own in California or are simply evaluating the market, this conversation is a masterclass in risk mitigation, compliance, and realistic underwriting for MHPs in pro-tenant jurisdictions. Tune in to learn exactly what to look for—and what to avoid—before you buy.
Highlights of the episode:
00:36 – Guest intro: Attorney John Pentecost
01:13 – From evictions to full-service MHP/RV counsel
03:02 – California rent control landscape
06:46 – Why investors still buy in CA
10:23 – When officials want MHPs to stay vs. redevelop
15:05 – “Failure to maintain” lawsuits and costs; why maintenance really matters
18:12 – Diligence checklist: Title 25 inspection, CUP/permits, and leases
21:49 – High-risk systems and why these get you sued
23:32 – Insurance realities and what’s not covered
30:50 – Long-term lease exemptions
37:01 – Tenant ROFR efforts; local skirmishes despite case law limits
38:45 – Which parks get covered: thresholds and small-park carve-outs in some cities
40:54 – New manager education requirement and why it matters
42:13 – Updating your residency docs, rules, and architectural standards
43:41 – Parting advice: do real diligence early, hire the right CA-savvy team
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
Connecting with Guest:
Website: https://www.hkplawfirm.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-pentecost-116331b/
#MobileHomePark #MHPInvesting #RealEstateLaw #RentControl #CaliforniaRealEstate #DueDiligence #ParkOperations #LandlordRisk #AffordableHousing #RealEstateInvesting
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Mathew Owens, a CPA-turned-real estate investor who has bought, renovated, and sold over 1,000+ single-family homes, lent $35M+ to real estate investors, and raised over $150M in private capital. Mathew shares his expertise in mobile home parks, multifamily investing, private lending, and financial engineering to help investors maximize returns.
Mathew dive into the importance of active investing experience, fund-to-funds structures for raising capital, and how to mitigate risks in mobile home park operations. He breaks down his process for managing large-scale renovations, structuring investment deals, and sourcing funding efficiently.
Whether you’re an investor looking to scale, raise capital, or improve your financial modeling skills, this episode is packed with practical strategies for optimizing mobile home park investments. Tune in now to learn from Mathew’s real-world experience and discover how to implement smart financial engineering in your deals!
Highlights of the episode:
00:34 – Guest intro: Mathew Owens
01:45 – Leaving a CPA firm to invest full-time in real estate
03:02 – From single-family flips to mobile home parks and multifamily
05:10 – Hands-on investing experience before outsourcing
07:48 – Managing large-scale renovations
10:30 – Financial engineering and structuring deals the right way
14:15 – Raising capital legally and efficiently
18:20 – What makes mobile home park investing different from other asset classes
22:12 – Sourcing mobile home parks
25:50 –Working with contractors and how to keep projects on track
29:10 – Risk mitigation strategies for mobile home park investing
33:45 – Where to connect with Mathew Owens
Connecting with MHP Law:
Website: https://themobilehomelawyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Mobile-Home-Park-Lawyer-103814958118069
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themhplawyer-ferdniemann6923147/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themhplawyer
Connecting with Guest:
Website: https://ocgproperties.org/en/home-default/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewowens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathew_owens1/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mathewowensocg
#MobileHomePark #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #ValueAddInvesting #MHPInvesting #RaisingCapital