The Corporate Approach to Land Investing with Mason McDonald!

Kendall LeJeune
Oct 22, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Aug 1

OnlyLandFans Podcast Ep. 85

In this episode of the OnlyLandFans Show, Kendall sits down with former hospital CEO turned land investor, Mason McDonald. Stay tuned as we explore how Mason made a successful transition into land investing. For anyone looking to break into the world of land deals, Mason's journey offers practical insights and lessons on how to overcome skepticism and thrive in this niche market. Whether you're a wholesaler, developer, or flipper, this interview will give you actionable steps to leverage opportunities in land investments.

Overcoming the Skepticism of Land Flipping: Like many others, Mason was initially doubtful about the concept of land flipping. He admits to thinking it was a "silly" idea when first introduced by his mentor, Brent Bowers. However, after diving into the Land Sharks course and completing his first deal—purchasing three lots for $43,000 and selling them for $185,000—his skepticism was shattered. This experience highlights a powerful lesson: action dissolves doubt.

The Importance of a Safety Net: One crucial takeaway from Mason’s story is the importance of having a financial cushion when venturing into land deals. His wife’s six-figure income allowed him to take risks without a scarcity mindset, which many new investors might struggle with. This reminds us that land investing, while lucrative, can be unpredictable, and a solid financial foundation offers security while you navigate new terrain.

Building a Track Record to Attract Capital: As Mason scaled his business, capital became critical. Before co-founding Ground Up Fund, he relied on personal finances and, eventually, friends and family. He stresses that building a track record of success was key to attracting investment. Sharing details of past deals with potential investors, backed by transparency and a reliable reputation, helped him raise millions. The lesson here? Your credibility in land deals starts with a few successful transactions.

The Power of Seller Financing: Seller financing is one of Mason’s preferred exit strategies. By selling land on terms, he’s able to broaden his buyer pool significantly. However, he advises investors to screen buyers rigorously to avoid headaches, drawing from personal experience with delinquent payers. Whether using soft credit pulls or asking for multiple pay stubs, his rule is simple: “Set your buyers up for success.”

Market Selection and Micro Trends: When it comes to picking target markets, Mason emphasizes starting at the macro level—analyzing census data and migration patterns—then narrowing the focus to micro trends. He discusses the importance of honing in on specific counties and neighborhoods where demand for land is highest. This systematic approach to market selection is crucial to securing successful deals that have a high likelihood of fast turnaround and profitability.

Don’t miss out on the valuable lessons and detailed strategies Mason shares in this episode! From raising capital to mastering the art of seller financing, there’s much more to unpack.

Enjoy the show!

Mason McDonald is a former hospital CEO turned full-time land investor. Mason owns and operates RM Golden LLC, a company that focuses on the acquisition of discounted land throughout the United States for the purpose of immediate resale or minor development and resale. Through his own experiences, Mason recognized the need for capital partners in the land space and co-founded GroundUp Fund, a capital solution for land investors nationwide. Mason co-hosts his own podcast The Big Picture Blueprint, with Dan Haberkost.

For more information on Mason, you can check him out here:

Personal Website: https://masonrmcdonald.com/

Deal Submission Site: https://gupland.com/

Fund Website: https://www.groundupfund.com/ I

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonrmcdonald/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mason-mcdonald-748110113/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonm1/