Episode 251 - From Prison to Profits: Real Estate Journey & Financial Freedom with Alex Donnolo
Description
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
United States
