
Episode 251 - From Prison to Profits: Real Estate Journey & Financial Freedom with Alex Donnolo
What happens when you start with a 10-year prison sentence—and end up managing over $50 million in real estate assets? In this powerful episode of the Invest2FI, Craig Curelop welcomes Alex Donnolo: a real estate expert, public speaker, and former inmate with a story that defies the odds. Alex Donnolo’s life wasn’t always destined for success. Learn how he went from wrongful conviction to creating a thriving business in mobile home park investing through seller financing and operational discipline. You’ll hear how he scaled from a lawn care hustle to an empire with 21 parks across 11 states and what it really takes to raise capital, build a hybrid investment model, and lead with resilience. Whether you"re facing setbacks or looking for a strategic investing edge, this episode delivers inspiration and tactical wisdom in every minute. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [02:35] - Growing up with family of business owners [03:02] Middle school hustling with t-shirts and skateboards [03:10] Ran small business screen printing with friends [03:49] Wrongfully convicted, sentenced to 10 years [06:50] Became national news, withdrew from high school [12:46] While incarcerated, Alex found spiritual guidance [26:45] Started seller-financed mobile home park investing [32:31] Alex manages 21 properties across 11 states, totaling $50 million [34:31] Blended interest rate strategy at 8% [35:59] Exit strategies and contingency planning [38:21] "Hybrid model" gives lenders partial equity [42:40] Doubled value of first MHP in 2 years [45:31] Rent increase strategy done with transparency [47:19] Solo growth after partnership split in 2020 [48:00] Why MHPs outperform storage and multifamily [49:02] Seller-financed deals are harder in storage asset class [51:01] Scaling challenges, building efficient team culture [52:55] Plans to focus more on writing and speaking [53:05] Upcoming book release in September [53:51] Best advice: “Resilience not perfection” by Jim Collins HOST Craig Curelop 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefiguy 📘 Book: https://store.biggerpockets.com/products/the-house-hacking-strategy 🏘️ Buy Real Estate: https://bit.ly/3V3QDze GUEST Alex Donnolo 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdonnolo/ 📘 Pre-order his book: https://www.alexdonnolo.com/ 🔍Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2rurhFHovVKJgTxC3d5DBg
From "INVEST2FI"
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