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Creating value and making money with mobile homes on private land (not inside pre-existing mobile home parks) is not typically a real estate niche that many investors consider pursuing. However, it is for this and other reasons that investing in individual mobile homes attached to private land may be so lucrative. In this blog post we look at six ways to make money with mobile homes on private land.
Note: This article discusses mobile homes and manufactured homes that are purchased with land. The home(s) and land were likely purchased together as a package. This article does not discuss investing in homes within pre-existing mobile home communities.
1. Buy And Rent Both the Home And Land
First, it is almost always important to purchase most of your investment properties for as far below retail price as possible. Once a mobile home with land has been purchased, the both may be rented out for monthly profit. In most areas of the country, renters are eagerly waiting to rent a quality and safe manufactured home to live in with their families.
Pro Tip: If your goal is cash flow, then purchasing mobile homes with smaller parcels of land (think a quarter acre) will help keep acquisition costs to a minimum.
2. Buy the Home And Land — Then Sell the Home And Rent the Land Indefinitely
Mobile homes attached to private land will likely be considered one of two types: real property or personal property.
Real Property
When the original owner of the mobile home moved the home onto the land, he or she legally joined the two pieces of property (mobile home and land) together as one legal description. In many states the title is then surrendered to the state. Yearly property taxes will change depending on your state.
Personal Property
If a mobile home on top of private land (you own) is considered personal property, it will likely have a title similar to a vehicle. The mobile home and the land will be taxed separately in many states. The mobile home was never legally married (joined) to the land. This process starts by contacting your local tax collector and property appraiser.
If a mobile home is legally joined to a parcel of land, it may be unmarried and separated. This is how people may upgrade their manufactured homes from year to year while keeping their same plot of land. This process of legally separating a mobile home from a parcel of land begins at your local tax collector and property appraiser departments.
Related:7 Ways to Invest in Mobile Homes With Less Than $25,000
Legally separating the mobile home and land does not mean physically separating the two — the mobile home will remain on the current plot of land. If the mobile home is legally separated from the land, then the mobile home very likely has a title and will be considered (and taxed as) personal property. In this way, you’ll be able to sell the mobile home for cash or payments while retaining ownership of the land for monthly rent.
Pro Tip:If you’re selling a mobile home with the intention of renting the land, take precautions to ensure the home will not be removed from the property for a certain number of years.
3. Buy the Home And Land — Then Resell Both For Cash or Bank Financing
This exit strategy may be what most investors think of when they hear “mobile home investing.” Depending on local supply and demand, your ability to quickly resell or flip mobile homes on private land may or may not be realistic. With that said, your sales asking price should be attractive to many buyers in your local marketplace.
Pro Tip: Be certain you are confident on your exit strategy and realistic sales numbers prior to making any purchase offers. Verify comparable sales figures thoroughly.
4. Add More Homes
Check with your local code department about adding more mobile homes to your existing land. In more rural areas, adding more mobile homes with proper utilities and infrastructure may be possible and financially beneficial. Consider your options, and ask many questions before pulling the trigger and adding more homes to your property.
5. Wholesaling
Wholesaling mobile homes attached to private land is very similar to wholesaling single-family homes. As a wholesaler, it’s important to know if the mobile home is considered personal property or real property. This way, you ensure the seller has the proper title(s) if needed.
When wholesaling mobile homes that are attached to private land, you’ll be selling (assigning) the real estate purchase contract only to another investor or end-user buyer. These buyers will purchase your real estate purchase contract directly from you. Because of this, you will never have to actually own the mobile home in order to profit. Compensation amounts certainly vary depending on the potential deal and equity.
Related:What Does an Ideal Mobile Home Investment Look Like?
6. Something More Unorthodox
Perhaps you’d like to try something a little unorthodox. Depending on your goals, the local zoning of the land, the location, supply and demand, size of the land, and size of the home, you may be able to consider the following:
- Renting the mobile home out to a business
- Using the land and mobile home as storage for boats, cars, etc.
- Subdividing the land and adding more homes — or selling to land buyers
Conclusion
There are a number of ways to create value as an active mobile home investor. Some are more realistic than others. Keep in mind that little happens without serious action and daily commitment on your part. While there are many ways to make money in real estate, there are countless ways to lose profits as well. Have fun and take daily action to reach your financial goals. If you have questions, feel free to ask them below. There are plenty of active investors around to offer help and guidance if you simply ask for it.
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Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.
