Providing Value to MHP Owners

[Bryan Lee]

Hey, 

I hope all is well! I am very interested in buying a mobile home park. I am in the process of learning everything I can about them. I really wanted opinions on the best way to develop relationships with owners of MHP. I would love to learn from them but also bring a great deal of value to them. Are there any creative ways you are bringing value to owners in order to develop a relationship? 

[Brenden Mitchum]

Hey @Bryan Lee

There are really two ways to bring value to a park owner. This will depend on what kind of park owner they are. If they're a mom & pop who runs the business themselves, adding value is super easy. Simply ask them if you can help them with anything around the park. I've done this myself and learned a ton while also adding value to the park owner and their park. Nothing builds a relationship like changing out the plumbing on a mobile home!

The second way would be for investor owners. These are the guys who outsource stuff like maintenance so they won't be interested in you working in their park unless it's is your line of work. Best way to add value in this situation is to find out what they need. Maybe they're looking to infill some lots with used homes. Well, get out there and find them some homes. Or, maybe they could use a new property manager. Whatever the case is, you should be able to determine a way to help them out after a conversation or two. 

Remember, in both cases, there are just some people who don't want to build a relationship with a new investor. So, don't sweat the grumpy, pessimistic guys who think you're just in it for their park; move on and eventually you'll find a good fit. I've learned a tremendous amount by just talking to and helping out park owners. 

Best of luck! And, please, feel free to reach out anytime if you have other questions or just want to chat MHP!