On this episode of the BigMikeFund Podcast, Big Mike sits down with Jack Martin, co-founder of 52TEN Partners, to break down why mobile home parks remain one of the most resilient asset classes in real estate.
Jack explains how shrinking supply, strong demand, and affordability drive consistent performance across market cycles. The conversation covers rent growth versus apartments, value creation through operations and infill, and a real-world mobile home park acquisition—including cap rates, leverage, and agency debt. They also discuss near-perfect rent collections during COVID, bonus depreciation, and why mobile home parks continue to attract investors focused on capital preservation and steady cash flow.
About the Guest:
Jack Martin is the co-founder of 52Ten Partners, a Scottsdale-based investment firm focused exclusively on mobile home parks. The firm manages approximately 1,600 lots across four states and $55+ million of private investor capital. Jack has participated in over $450 million of residential and commercial acquisitions and dispositions and is known for a disciplined, recession-resistant approach with an unblemished track record of on-time reporting and distributions for more than 200 investors.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE0:00 - Welcome to the BigMikeFund Podcast
0:30 – Guest Intro: Jack Martin
1:17 – Severe supply constraints in mobile home parks
2:29 – Shrinking supply from redevelopment and institutional consolidation
4:28 – Rent growth stability vs apartment volatility
6:37 – Difference between mobile home parks and RV parks
7:44 – Stabilized cap rates across markets
10:41 – Cost advantage of mobile home living vs apartments
12:30 – Homeownership, low turnover, and tenant stickiness
14:23 – Real deal example: Omaha acquisition and value-add strategy
16:01 – Expense reduction and auxiliary income as core value drivers
19:26 – Why mobile home parks require in-house management
22:27 – Capital preservation as the primary LP attraction
23:27 – Performance during GFC and COVID
27:01 – Extremely low tenant turnover rates
29:17 – Bonus depreciation advantages in mobile home parks29:54 – Agency debt, leverage, and DSCR constraints
32:14 – How to connect with Jack Martin
32:30 – Book recommendation: The Secret Life of Real Estate and Banking
33:07 – Market cycles, Fed policy, and closing thoughts
If you found this episode substantial and want to dig deeper into real estate, or maybe you want to discover better investment opportunities, be sure to check out www.tempofunding.com.CONNECT WITH US:Website: www.tempofunding.comYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnJkdVoOsUy85ydkmot9iVA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup/?_rdc=1&_rdr
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CONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: 52ten.com
Full Transcript:
Mike Zlotnik (02:04.075)
Welcome to the BigMikeFundPodcast. I'm the Big Mike, Mike Zlotnik and today it is my pleasure and a privilege to welcome Jack Martin. Hey Jack, thanks for coming on the show, let me give you a formal quick intro. So, you are a co-founder of 52Ten Partners with qualified investors to acquire and reposition mobile parks.
Jack Martin (02:12.456)
Thank you, Mik...
