Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

259: Thoughtfully Structured Alternative Investments Designed For Long-Term Success with Brad Johnson


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In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Brad Johnson, co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Vintage Capital. With over $3.3 billion in commercial real estate transactions under his belt, Brad brings a deep well of experience in structuring long-term, risk-adjusted investments, especially in the mobile home park space.

Brad's journey into real estate began in his twenties, when he and his friends started buying single-family rentals with profits from a startup. Over time, he transitioned from remote investing to institutional asset management, eventually discovering the opportunity-rich world of mobile home parks. What began as curiosity evolved into a nationwide operation of 2,300 pads.

Brad and Jonathan explore what makes mobile home parks uniquely positioned for stable, long-term returns. They discuss the operational demands of the asset class, why infrastructure and capital reserves are essential, and how seller relationships shape acquisitions in this niche market. Brad emphasizes that these often-misunderstood communities fill a critical need in the affordable housing landscape.

You'll also hear how Brad built trust with mom-and-pop sellers, scaled a portfolio through reputation and consistent deal flow, and developed the ability to underwrite quickly and confidently. His firm's approach to long-term holds, tax efficiency, and conservative underwriting stands in contrast to the high-leverage, short-term mindset that has tripped up many investors in recent years.

Whether you're an experienced investor or exploring alternatives to traditional real estate assets, Brad's perspective highlights the importance of patience, structure, and choosing the right operating partners.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Brad's early path from startup founder to long-term investor

  • Lessons from managing over 2,000 mobile home park pads

  • How infrastructure and reserves impact mobile home park performance

  • Ways reputation and follow-through win deals in tight-knit markets

  • Why tax advantages make long-term holds more attractive

  • The pitfalls of chasing high IRRs with short-term strategies

  • What separates strong operators from struggling syndicators

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Supporting Resources:

Vintage Capital website - www.vintage-funds.com

Connect with Brad Johnson on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjohnson

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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Zen and the Art of Real Estate InvestingBy Jonathan Greene

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