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The Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast with Ferd Niemann IV.
Episodes
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
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Cory Harelson, a structural engineer turned mobile home park investor, to discuss key lessons learned from buying, operating, and improving mobile home communities. Cory shares his journey from working long hours in engineering to discovering mobile home park investing and building a thriving portfolio.
Cory and Ferd discuss the challenges and successes of mobile home park acquisitions, including navigating zoning issues, scaling up with off-market deals, and managing private utilities. Cory dives into his most challenging deal—a wastewater treatment plant disaster—and how he overcame a $1 million setback. He also shares insights on sourcing off-market deals, utilizing virtual assistants for property management, and why ugly parks in great locations can be hidden gems for investors.
Whether you're a seasoned mobile home park owner or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights on finding, financing, and optimizing mobile home parks. Tune in now to learn from Cory’s real-world experiences and discover how to scale your mobile home park investments successfully!
Highlights of the episode:
00:34 – Guest intro: Cory Harelson
01:50 – Leaving engineering to invest in mobile home parks
03:10 – Finding the first deal through Craigslist
05:12 – Scaling up with strategic acquisitions
08:45 – A costly mistake with private utilities
10:58 – How a wastewater treatment disaster nearly derailed a deal
15:30 – Lessons learned from financial setbacks
19:40 – Turning challenges into investment opportunities
22:55 – Sourcing deals: Off-market vs. brokered transactions
26:38 – Using virtual assistants to scale operations
31:15 – The infill process: New vs. used homes
36:50 – Market predictions for mobile home park investing
40:10 – Where to connect with Cory
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://freedominvestinggroup.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-harelson-81141414/
#MobileHomePark #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #ValueAddInvesting #MHPInvesting
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Monday Mar 03, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this milestone 200th episode, we take a deep dive into the lessons learned from 24 mobile home park acquisitions. Host Ferd Niemann reflects on the key takeaways from his deals, covering everything from value-add strategies, zoning battles, tenant challenges, infill processes, and successful exit plans.
Ferd breaks down his business approach to off-market acquisitions, rent increases, submetering utilities, and creative financing. He shares firsthand experiences on how some deals turned out better than expected, while others presented unexpected zoning, tenant, and infrastructure issues. From flipping small parks to stabilizing large ones, this episode offers a candid look at the successes, struggles, and strategies that shaped his portfolio.
Whether you're a new or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with actionable insights on mobile home park investing, value creation, and risk mitigation. Tune in now to hear what worked, what didn’t, and what to watch out for in your next mobile home park deal!
Highlights of the episode:
00:34 – Lessons learned from 24 mobile home park acquisitions
01:18 – Off-market deals, value-add strategies, and infill process
02:41 – Slow turnaround, park-owned home challenges, and eventual success
04:02 – Why strategy matters in acquisitions and resale
05:34 – Zoning and why cities can make or break a deal
07:19 – Infill parks: Costs, financing, and demand challenges
09:01 – Zoning rights and the impact on park expansion
10:45 – Paying a fair price vs. getting a bargain
12:32 – High-density parks: The pros and cons
14:26 – When a park needs drastic changes to improve safety
16:30 – Rural mobile home parks: Logistics and demand struggles
18:03 – Park-owned homes to tenant-owned homes
19:42 – Turning a B-class park into an A-class investment
21:07 – The danger of trusting seller representations
23:00 – When a “hot” market turns out to be slow-moving
25:47 – The most important lessons from 24 mobile home park acquisitions
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 #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #ValueAddInvesting #MHPInvesting
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into tax strategies and opportunities for mobile home park investors with Margaret Asher, a seasoned CPA with over 15 years of experience specializing in real estate accounting and tax services. Margaret shares her expertise on cost segregation studies, bonus depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and other critical tax-saving strategies that make mobile home parks an attractive investment.
Margaret highlights the unique tax advantages of mobile home parks, such as the high percentage of land improvements qualifying for accelerated depreciation, and explains how investors can optimize their tax positions. She also provides practical insights into managing recapture rules, navigating partnership agreements, and planning for the future of tax policy under the new administration.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to maximize your returns. Tune in to learn how to leverage tax strategies to enhance your mobile home park investments!
Highlights of the episode:
00:34 - Guest intro: Margaret Asher
01:09 - Journey into CPA work with mobile home parks
03:02 - Tax-saving opportunities in mobile home park investments
05:47 - Cost segregation studies and bonus depreciation
09:01 - Cost segregation for mobile home park owners
13:20 - Depreciation recapture: Ordinary vs. capital gains taxation
17:22 - 1031 exchanges and common pitfalls to avoid
20:41 - 1031 exchanges to defer taxes and trade up properties
26:09 - Advanced strategies for partnership structures and at-risk basis
33:00 - Upcoming tax policy changes
38:53 - Closing insights and how to contact Margaret Asher
Connect 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
Connect with the Guest:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-ascher-73aa782a5/
Email: margaret@djeadvisors.com
#TaxStrategies #MobileHomeParks #RealEstateInvesting #CostSegregation #1031Exchange #PassiveIncome #AffordableHousing
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this solo episode, we dive deep into tackling one of the most persistent challenges for mobile home park owners: finding and fixing water leaks. Drawing on personal experiences and input from industry experts, Ferd shares actionable strategies and lessons learned when dealing with water loss, inaccurate billing, and maintenance inefficiencies in mobile home parks.
Explore practical solutions like using submeters, isolating leaks with zone valves, and leveraging new technologies like thermal drones. You’ll also hear stories from the trenches, including creative (and sometimes unconventional) methods like witching sticks and sonar leak detection. Whether you’re a park owner or operator, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help you save money, conserve water, and better manage your properties.
If you’re dealing with water loss in your park or looking to improve operational efficiency, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now for insightful stories and practical advice!
Highlights of the episode:
01:19 - Basic water loss solutions: Master meters and submeters
03:00 - Leak detection machines and witching sticks
05:15 - Sectioning parks with additional shut-off valves
07:01 - Costly lessons from draining fire hydrants
09:02 - Identifying leaks through historical property data
11:00 - Underground clay tiles and misidentified leak locations
12:45 - Risky but effective over-pressurizing techniques to find leaks
15:50 - Ensuring accurate city billing
18:12 - Hidden leaks from poorly capped lines and infrastructure
21:20 - Practice tips for maintaining property maps and anticipating future leaks
22:45 - Closing remarks and thanks to contributors
Connect 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 #WaterLeaks #RealEstateInvesting #MaintenanceSolutions #PropertyManagement
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this insightful episode, we’re joined by John Neet, a seasoned expert in mobile home park appraisals and valuation. John shares his vast knowledge on the complexities of rent control, the nuances of regional regulations, and how these factors impact property valuations, particularly in states like California with highly regulated markets.
John discusses the intricacies of rent control policies and how they affect market value, tenant dynamics, and owner strategies. He sheds light on unique valuation challenges, such as factoring in vacant pads and fractional interests, while also delving into the current landscape of investment in mobile home parks. With decades of experience on the West Coast, John provides valuable perspectives on the future of regulatory changes and their potential to expand eastward, offering listeners essential insights into market trends and long-term investment strategies.
Whether you're managing a small portfolio or a large one, this episode will give you a comprehensive look at property management challenges and opportunities in the mobile home park industry. Tune in now for a discussion filled with practical advice for any property manager or investor!
Highlights of the episode:
00:34 - Guest Intro: John Neet
01:11 - Appraising mobile home parks and focus on the Western U.S.
03:30 - Rent control and its impact on California markets
05:45 - Localized rent control challenges
09:00 - Creative strategies for addressing rent control limitations
13:02 - Valuation of vacant pads
17:45 - Discussing cap rates in today’s economic environment
22:20 - Fractional interest valuation and ownership complexities
27:35 - Understanding local regulations for accurate appraisals
31:42 - Shifts in buyer demographics and new trends in park ownership
37:20 - The future of regulatory impacts expanding eastward
43:56 - Closing insights and how to contact John Neet
Connect 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
Connect with the Guest:
Website: https://www.johnneet.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-neet-b9b3ab12/
#RentControl #PropertyManagement #MobileHomePark #RealEstateInvesting #ValuationStrategies
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Luis Platt, who shares his unique journey from brokerage to becoming a vendor in the mobile home park (MHP) industry, now specializing in high-speed internet solutions with Quickbit Internet.
Luis discusses the increasing need for reliable internet connectivity in MHPs and how fiber optic technology can help park owners attract higher-income tenants, enhance security, and improve overall property management efficiency. He explains how fiber optic internet infrastructure benefits residents who work from home, game, or rely on stable connections for daily needs, and how it can even help lower insurance premiums. From security enhancements to supporting work-from-home lifestyles, Luis offers valuable insights into how digital infrastructure is changing the landscape of mobile home park living and management.
Whether you're managing a small portfolio or a large one, this episode will give you a look into the future of property management technology and how it can help your business grow. Tune in now for a great conversation filled with practical advice for any property manager or investor!
Highlights of the episode:
00:32 - Guest Intro: Luis Platt
03:25 - Transition to Quickbit Internet and its role in the MHP sector
05:00 - Fiber optic technology without digging
06:50 - Benefits of high-speed fiber optic internet for MHP residents
options
11:10 - Future-proofing communities with digital infrastructure
15:01 - Leveraging internet connectivity for better security and cost savings
20:31 - Impact of connectivity on residents' job opportunities and lifestyle
24:22 - Addressing challenges and misconceptions around MHP internet solutions
26:57 - Closing thoughts and how to contact Luis Platt
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.kwikbitinternet.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisplatt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwikbitinternet/
#PropertyManagement #MobileHomePark #FiberOptic #TenantConnectivity #RealEstateTech
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Tanner Buuck, team lead at Yardi for manufactured housing sales. Tanner provides valuable insights into the world of property management software, sharing how technology is modernizing the operations of mobile home park communities. He discusses the challenges operators face, such as streamlining accounts receivable, improving tenant communications, and automating operations like utility billing and invoicing. Tanner highlights the tools that Yardi offers to simplify these tasks, making property management more efficient.
From utilizing AI, implementing resident portals, and the benefits of automating collections to leveraging CRM systems for better marketing, Tanner provides actionable tips for operators to maximize efficiency in managing their properties.
Whether you're managing a small portfolio or a large one, this episode will give you a look into the future of property management technology and how it can help your business grow. Tune in now for a great conversation filled with practical advice for any property manager or investor!
Highlights of the episode:
00:00:48 - Guest Intro: Tanner Buuck
00:05:02 - Challenges operators face with modernizing operations
00:06:40 - Streamlining accounts receivable and utilizing property management software
00:08:47 - The evolution of AI in multifamily and manufactured housing
00:12:20 - Automating invoicing and improving operational efficiency
00:15:10 - Utilizing CRM tools to manage leads and tenant engagement
00:19:08 - Implementing resident portals and the importance of online payment systems
00:21:50 - Managing utility bill backs and compliance
00:26:30 - Automation in accounting and maintenance management
00:31:10 - Closing thoughts and where to find more information
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.yardibreeze.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbuuck/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YardiBreeze/
#PropertyManagement #MobileHomePark #RealEstateTech #TenantManagement
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Thursday Oct 17, 2024
Welcome back to the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the complex but crucial topic of the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) provisions in mobile home park (MHP) contracts and leases. Host Ferd Niemann breaks down the pros and cons of these provisions for both tenants and landlords, sharing insights on how the growing trend of statutory ROFR is impacting MHP transactions in various states.
Ferd covers why ROFR is gaining traction in 16 states and discusses real-life examples where these provisions come into play, including the financial, operational, and legal challenges landlords face when selling parks. He also explores how these rules can protect tenants from sudden evictions and provide opportunities for them to own the parks they live in, while also addressing the strain these provisions can place on the landlord-tenant relationship.
Whether you’re a park owner navigating state laws or a tenant exploring your rights, this episode will equip you with practical knowledge to handle the complexities of ROFR in real estate transactions. Tune in now for a comprehensive breakdown of this timely issue.
Highlights of the episode:
00:00:34 Introduction and overview by Ferd Niemann
00:01:05 What is Right of First Refusal (ROFR) and why it's becoming more common
00:03:15 How ROFR provisions impact landlords’ ability to sell mobile home parks
00:05:22 Key challenges tenants face in executing a ROFR
00:08:07 Financial and legal considerations for landlords
00:11:15 Real-life examples of ROFR transactions gone wrong
00:14:32 How ROFR can affect landlord-tenant relationships
00:17:02 Legislative trends and the growing influence of tenant rights in real estate
00:19:02 Final thoughts on navigating ROFR as a park owner or investor
00:20:00 Closing remarks and where to find more 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
#RightOfFirstRefusal #MobileHomePark #RealEstateInvestment #TenantRights
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Mobile Home Park Lawyer Podcast! Today, we are excited to have Justin Donald, the founder of The Lifestyle Investor and author of the Wall Street Journal #1 bestseller "The Lifestyle Investor: The 10 Commandments of Cash Flow for Passive Income and Financial Freedom." Justin is on a mission to help people achieve financial freedom through low-risk cash flow investing.
Justin shares his journey from his early days of investing to building a nine-figure net worth and creating a lifestyle-centric approach to investing. He discusses the importance of passive income, the power of mobile home park investments, and the strategies he uses to simplify complex financial systems. Justin also provides insights into balancing life and business, the significance of finding the right team, and the value of joining masterminds and learning from successful investors.
Tune in to gain actionable advice on low-risk cash flow investing, building a lifestyle-focused investment portfolio, and achieving financial freedom.
Highlights of the episode:
00:00:34 Welcome and introduction of guest Justin Donald
00:01:05 Justin's background and journey into investing
00:02:00 Discovering mobile home parks as a profitable investment
00:05:00 Transition to full-time investing and achieving financial freedom
00:11:20 Building systems and hiring the right team
00:15:15 Importance of off-market deals and finding invisible opportunities
00:20:30 Challenges in the mobile home park industry
00:26:40 Strategies for maintaining and growing a portfolio
00:35:00 Overcoming local government challenges
00:39:30 Closing remarks and how to find Justin Donald
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://justindonald.com/
Podcast: https://justindonald.com/podcast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justindonald/?hl=en
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwdonald
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.donald.79
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWDonald1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCM-bhk3FxHQRDXXlDU2r2Q
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/JustinDonald
Book “The Lifestyle Investor”
#MobileHomeParks #RealEstateInvestment #LowRiskInvesting