Real estate investment in Maple Grove and the Twin Cities, run by the numbers
I help investors find rentals, small multi-family and fixer-uppers across the northwest metro. You get an engineer's read on the property and a spreadsheet of returns and expenses before you offer.
How I help investors
A returns spreadsheet
Rent, taxes, insurance, repairs, vacancy and financing in one sheet, so you can compare deals on the same terms.
Structural and code red flags
I'm a licensed civil engineer. On the first walkthrough I'm checking foundation, drainage and work that may not meet code, which is where rehab budgets go wrong.
Off-market and distressed deals
Since 2017 I've built relationships with asset managers, banks, lenders and other agents. Some of the best deals never hit the MLS.
A local team
I can connect you with lenders, contractors, inspectors and property managers I've worked with.
5449 30th Ave S, Minneapolis, my listing. Purchase price from county records; sale price from the MLS. Renovation costs not included.
What a well-planned renovation can do
The house on 30th Ave S in Minneapolis was bought for $260,000 in March 2026, renovated, and I sold it for $458,000 in September 2026. That gap is not all profit. Purchase, rehab, holding and selling costs all come out of it.
The point is that the numbers have to be run before you buy, not after. I build them with you: after-repair value from real comparable sales, a rehab budget that accounts for what's behind the walls, and carrying costs for the months it takes.
Common investment strategies in the Twin Cities
| How it makes money | What to watch | |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family rental | Monthly rent plus long-term appreciation | Higher prices in suburbs like Maple Grove mean thinner cash flow |
| Small multi-family (2 to 4 units) | Several rents under one roof and one mortgage | Older buildings, shared systems and city rental licensing |
| House hacking | You live in one unit or room and rent the rest | You have to live there, and lender occupancy rules apply |
| Fix and flip | Buy below value, renovate, sell | Rehab budget, holding costs and timeline |
How we work a deal
Set your criteria
Cash flow or appreciation, budget, financing, how hands-on you want to be and where you'll buy.
Screen properties
I pull listings and off-market leads that fit, and cut the ones that don't pencil.
Walk it with an engineer
I look for structural, drainage and code issues and give you a realistic view of the repair list.
Run the spreadsheet
Returns and expenses side by side, so you can see the deal before you commit.
Offer, inspect and close
I negotiate, including with bank and REO asset managers, and keep the deal on schedule through closing.
"With an engineering background, Mike was able to analyze the deal with the best return. I am happy with the result and I look forward to work with him again."
Frequently asked questions
Is Maple Grove a good place to buy a rental property?
It's a stable suburb with good schools and steady demand, which helps with tenants and resale. Prices are higher than in Minneapolis or some inner-ring suburbs, so monthly cash flow can be thinner. I'll run the numbers on Maple Grove against nearby cities so you can compare.
How much down payment do I need for an investment property in Minnesota?
Conventional loans on a home you won't live in usually need more down than a primary residence, often 15 to 25 percent depending on the number of units. Buying a 2 to 4 unit property you'll live in can take much less down. Confirm the current rules with your lender.
Do you work with out-of-state real estate investors?
Yes. I've helped out-of-state investors buy their first Twin Cities rental. I walk the property for you, send the numbers and keep you updated through closing.
Can you help me find off-market or foreclosure properties near Maple Grove?
Yes. I watch bank-owned and foreclosure listings and use my network of asset managers, lenders and agents to hear about properties before they hit the market. Distressed homes need a careful look at condition, which is where my engineering background helps.
How do you calculate cash flow on a rental property?
Start with realistic rent, then subtract the mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, repairs, vacancy, capital expenses like a future roof, and management if you hire it out. What's left is your cash flow. I put all of it in a spreadsheet so nothing gets skipped.
Have a deal you want checked?
Call or text me at 612-655-3309 and I'll run the numbers with you.
612-655-3309