In this episode of the Know Your Why podcast, Jason Balara sits down with Jack Martin, co-founder and CIO of 52Ten, to explore why mobile home parks have become one of the most resilient and overlooked real estate investment opportunities in the country. Jack shares his journey from growing up in a big Minnesota family to building a thriving investment firm focused on affordable housing, long-term cash flow, and operational stability. He breaks down what makes mobile home parks uniquely durable—especially in shifting market trends—and explains why limited supply, tenant-owned homes, and strong demand create a powerful investment model. Jack also opens up about the heart behind his work, reflecting on fatherhood, legacy, and the motivation to build a business that supports both investors and communities.
Key Highlights:
- Growing up in a large family shaped Jack’s work ethic and values.
- Stumbling into the mobile home park niche revealed its long-term stability and strong cash flow.
- Mobile home parks remain resilient even during economic downturns due to tenant-owned homes.
- Demand for affordable housing continues to grow while zoning restrictions limit new supply.
- Lower turnover makes property management more predictable than traditional multifamily.
- Strong management strategies are essential for long-term success in this asset class.
- Investors benefit from significant tax advantages when acquiring mobile home parks.
- Jack’s focus on family and legacy informs the way he builds his business.
- He encourages his kids to follow their own passions rather than assume they’ll join the family business.
- The mobile home park sector remains filled with overlooked opportunities for patient, disciplined investors.
Jack’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful investment opportunities exist where few people are looking. Through a blend of stability, affordability, and operational simplicity, mobile home parks offer a pathway to meaningful cash flow and long-term impact—both for investors and the communities they serve. Jack’s commitment to family, legacy, and responsible management brings heart to an asset class often misunderstood, encouraging listeners to rethink what resilience and opportunity look like in real estate.
Get in touch with Jack:
Website: https://52ten.com/
If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara
Audio Track:
Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/