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