Episode 104: The ULTIMATE Remote Landlord with Digital Nomad Ryan Mellon
Summary
The notion of having even one rental to self-manage can turn folks off completely. But what if you have a portfolio of rentals you self-manage without your physical presence? Then what? In today's show, Digital Nomad Ryan Mellon and I discuss his travel hacks and his systems to manage his rental portfolio 13 time zones away for half the year, and all without a property manager. We talk about not "paying" for flights, the magic of lock boxes and standardizing your rental unit renovations. Learn with me from the ULTIMATE Remote Landlord!
Listen to full episode :
Meet Our Guest
Ryan Mellon
Learn to Work Your 9-5 or Run Your Business from Anywhere in the World. Check out The Digital Nomad Coach
This Week’s Blog Post:
Becoming a Digital Nomad
Ryan Mellon’s journey to becoming a digital nomad wasn’t an overnight decision. It started with a grueling 14-hour workday grind at two in-person jobs, which left him exhausted and unfulfilled. Inspired by books like The 4-Hour Workweek and the experiences of solo travelers, Ryan realized that he wanted more out of life. After an eye-opening solo trip to Costa Rica, he came back with a desire to integrate travel into his everyday life. Fast forward to a one-year RV road trip across the U.S., which set the stage for him to dive fully into real estate and the digital nomad lifestyle. Over the past six years, Ryan has worked from 23 U.S. states and 22 countries, all while building a rental portfolio.
Navigating Travel and Work
Ryan’s ability to travel and still manage his rental properties comes down to having solid systems in place. For him, the key to staying connected while on the road was finding reliable Wi-Fi and backup solutions. On his RV trip, he often relied on hotspots or ventured out in search of service to send off property offers. Today, Ryan uses T-Mobile’s international plan and a portable hotspot to stay connected, which ensures he can handle work and property management no matter where he is. For those interested in taking the leap into remote work and travel, Ryan highlights the importance of preparing with the right tools—whether it’s reliable mobile data, apps for international SIM cards, or portable Wi-Fi solutions.
Remote Landlord Systems
When it comes to managing rental properties remotely, Ryan stresses the importance of having well-established systems. For instance, all of his tenants pay rent online via Apartments.com, a free service that also allows them to submit maintenance requests. This setup is ideal for when he’s across the world and in different time zones—any non-emergency issues are emailed to him and addressed the following day. Having clear, documented records of maintenance requests also protects him from any potential disputes when tenants move out. Additionally, Ryan uses a lockbox system for contractors, allowing them to access properties for repairs while tenants are away, all while he’s traveling abroad.
Handling Vacancies and Repairs
Vacancies or emergencies in the middle of winter are inevitable, but Ryan has a network of trusted contractors and investors to help manage these situations from afar. For repairs, he relies on video calls and photos sent by contractors to ensure the work is done properly. If a tenant vacates in the winter, Ryan calls on his network to assess the property remotely, creating a punch list and coordinating the necessary repairs. The systems he has set up allow him to avoid having to return home for a vacancy or repair, making remote management far more feasible.
Travel Hacking and Digital Nomad Visas
Ryan also shares his insights into travel hacking, using credit cards to rack up points for free flights. By strategically using credit cards for everyday expenses, he’s able to travel internationally without paying for airfare, and he’s been doing so for years. Beyond just flights, he also dives into the concept of a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay in countries for longer periods without having to worry about typical tourist visa restrictions. With over 55 countries offering digital nomad visas, this new option makes it easier for people like Ryan to live, work, and explore the world simultaneously.