Show Notes
What happens when a burned-out investment banker walks away from billion-dollar deals… to buy a small mobile home park in the Midwest?
Brad Johnson has managed over $3 billion in assets and now operates as an asset allocator, investing his own capital alongside private equity in mobile home parks and other alternative assets. In this episode, we break down how Brad built long-term wealth without flashy flips, why single-family homes didn’t deliver the freedom he wanted, and the overlooked power of being a boring investor in a niche asset class.
Whether you're a W2 earner looking to pivot or an operator wondering how to scale without managing dozens of staff, this episode lays out the real path to freedom—one quiet deal at a time.
Key Takeaways
Why Single-Family Homes Didn’t Work
Started buying rentals in vacation markets like Scottsdale and Palm Springs.
Realized one tenant per property created too much risk and inconsistency.
Turned to mobile home parks for more control, better scalability, and professional management.
The Shift from Hustling to Allocating
Brad burned out as an investment banker, missing key years with his family.
Sold his portfolio and now focuses on capital allocation—not operations.
Instead of owning thousands of pads himself, he partners with multiple sponsors and lets them do the heavy lifting.
How Mobile Home Parks Unlock Stable, Long-Term Wealth
Low capex risk when you don’t own the homes—just the land and infrastructure.
No new supply being built means limited competition and high tenant retention.
Still requires discipline: don’t get lured into soft markets or “cheap” deals.
Scaling Through Private Equity Platforms
Brad transitioned from operator to co-GP on nine-figure platforms with institutional capital.
Helps experienced operators scale by providing capital, back-end infrastructure, and investor relationships.
Brings Wall Street discipline to mom-and-pop operators—creating win-wins for both sides.
How He Architected His Ideal Life
Walked away from managing 30+ employees and 60-hour weeks.
Built a lifestyle-first business model that aligns with his strengths and goals.
Now spends his time underwriting deals, nurturing investor relationships, and saying no to the wrong opportunities.
Connect with Brad Johnson
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Resources
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Get the Book, Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing by Michael Blank
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