Grant Cardone Says If He Were Down to His Last $5K, He’d Flip It Into $200,000 and Live Rent-Free for a Year With One Purchase

Grant Cardone, a real estate investor, shared an idea on TikTok that if he had only $5,000 in his possession, he would invest it in a $100,000 four-unit property, live in one unit and rent the other three. This strategy, known as house hacking, aims to eliminate personal housing expenses while building an income-producing asset.

After living in the property for a year, Cardone planned to move out, rent all four units and increase the rents by $200, potentially making a profit of $200,000 from his initial $5,000 investment. While there is financing available for low-down-payment owner-occupied multifamily properties, finding a livable, financeable four-unit building for $100,000 is challenging in many markets.

Additionally, the buyer must qualify for the mortgage, meet the lender's requirements, and manage various costs such as closing costs, repairs, and tenant payments. Turning a $5,000 investment into $200,000 is an ambitious goal that assumes favorable conditions and excellent execution. Fractional ownership through platforms like Arrived offers a different approach to real estate investing with a lower capital requirement, but it also comes with less control and responsibility.

Diversifying investments across various asset classes can help manage risk and capture steady returns.