Why Land Flipping and Mobile Home Investing Are a Profitable Power Pair

For years, savvy investors have looked to land flipping as one of the most straightforward and scalable ways to generate income in real estate. The premise is simple: buy undervalued land and sell it for more. No tenants, no toilets, and no 2 a.m. phone calls. But what if we told you there’s a hidden layer of opportunity right beneath your feet—an opportunity that many land investors are completely overlooking? 

Enter mobile home investing. 

If you’ve been flipping land and haven’t added mobile homes to your portfolio yet, you might be leaving significant profits on the table. Let’s dive into why this pairing works so well, how to get started, and what mistakes to avoid. 

From Accidental Discovery to Intentional Strategy 

Like many things in entrepreneurship, mobile home investing didn’t start as part of the original plan for Land Academy founders Jack and Jill. After sending out thousands of direct mail offers to landowners, they began to notice that some properties came back with mobile homes already on them. 

At first, Jack thought it was a mistake—a misfire in the data. But after looking deeper into comps and potential resale value, the realization hit: these weren’t just decent deals. They were great deals. 

Mobile homes, especially those on their own land with utilities, septic systems, and electric hookups, were increasing the overall value of the properties by a significant margin. What began as a happy accident became a calculated and repeatable strategy. 

Why Mobile Home Investing Makes Sense for Land Flippers 

The transition from flipping land to flipping land with mobile homes is surprisingly smooth. Here’s why: 

• Similar acquisition process: You’re already sending out mailers. Adding properties that allow for mobile homes is just a few extra clicks. 

• Increased property value: A piece of dirt with utilities already in place is worth more than raw land. Add a mobile home—even an old one—and the value jumps again. 

• Minimal additional learning curve: You don’t need to become a construction expert. The core fundamentals of land flipping still apply. 

• Big demand, little competition: While single-family home and land markets are saturated with investors, the mobile home space is often ignored. That’s your edge.
  

What to Look for in a Mobile Home Lot 

Not all land is created equal when it comes to mobile homes. The key is finding properties where mobile homes are allowed and already present—or where the zoning permits one to be added. 

Here are the top criteria: 

• Zoning that allows mobile homes: Call the county or check their GIS data. In unincorporated areas especially, you’ll often hear: “It’s your land, do what you want.” 

• Existing or possible utilities: Septic, well, and electric connections dramatically increase resale value. 

• Market demand: Look on Zillow or Redfin to see if mobile homes in the area are selling quickly. If you see several newer or well-maintained units moving fast, you’re in a good spot. 

Jill says it best: “Don’t be afraid of a mobile home on a property. Often, the seller is embarrassed by it, but I see it as a diamond in the rough.” 

How to Price Mobile Home Lots for Maximum Profit 

Jack recommends starting with your usual land pricing method. Use comps and your data analysis tools to establish a baseline price for the dirt. Then, if the land allows for mobile homes—or already has one—adjust your resale strategy accordingly. 

A few tips: 

• Don’t overpay. Stick to your pricing rules. Your purchase price should still be around 5–10% of the potential resale value. 

• Use the mobile home as a bonus. If it’s inhabitable, fantastic. If it’s junk, that’s okay too. The value is in the land and infrastructure. 

• Call it what it is. Market the property as “mobile home-friendly” or “ready for your next manufactured home.” Use clear language buyers will search for. 

What to Avoid When Adding Mobile Homes to Your Portfolio 

Not every mobile home deal is a good one. Here’s what to steer clear of: 

• Parks: Mobile homes in parks are often personal property, not real estate. Stick to mobile homes on their own land. 

• Overpriced lots: Don’t get emotional or caught up in the “flip” potential. Stick to the math. 

• Skipping inspections: Even if it’s just a Google Earth view or a drone flyover, get eyes on the property. Know what you’re getting into.