BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast

Turning a $25,000 Rental Property into a $5,000/Month Rental Portfolio

22 snips
Oct 6, 2025
Dustin Cardenas, a seasoned real estate investor from Western Illinois, shares his journey of transforming a mere $25,000 rental property into a thriving 20-unit portfolio that generates over $5,000 a month. He highlights the advantages of investing in affordable small towns, the importance of mentorship, and how to leverage bank credit for rapid growth. Dustin discusses creative strategies for renovating properties on a budget and managing a rental portfolio himself, inspiring others to embrace opportunities in overlooked markets.
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ANECDOTE

$25K First House Sparked Everything

  • Dustin bought his first house for $25,000 after low-balling a $41,000 listing.
  • He still owns it and estimates its value around $70,000 today.
INSIGHT

Small Midwest Towns Offer Repeatable Deals

  • Dustin targets a midwestern town of ~35,000 people located between larger metro areas.
  • He finds smaller markets offer less competition, lower prices, and repeatable deal flow.
ANECDOTE

Three Deals And A Bank Line Of Credit

  • Dustin bought three houses in 2018, including one for $18,000 after negotiating directly with the seller.
  • The bank initially hesitated but funded further purchases after he presented a business plan and got a line of credit.
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