Build to Rent: The Next Big Strategy Investors Need to Put in Their Tool Belt

Build-to-Rent: The Next Big Strategy Investors Need to Put in Their Tool Belt

Lessons from Christina and Greg

In this episode of Branching Out: Where Real Estate Meets Real Life, Christina sits down with Greg Lafferty, founder of Branch Wealth Partners, McAllister Creek Development, and Plumber Today, to unpack one of the most talked-about investment strategies emerging in today’s market: Build-to-Rent (BTR)

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube or listen to the podcast here

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While many investors are familiar with flipping homes or buying existing rentals, Greg makes the case that build-to-rent is not just a niche strategy — it’s a powerful tool that can create long-term wealth, offer better tenant experiences, and solve one of the biggest challenges investors face today: finding deals that actually cash flow.

“Build-to-rent is just another tool in your tool belt,” Greg explains. “When the market shifts, your strategy needs to shift. You have to look up, pay attention, and choose the tool that fits the season you’re in.”

Why Build-to-Rent is Gaining Momentum

Traditional long-term rentals often rely on older homes — properties with decades-old systems, roofs nearing the end of life, and hidden issues that can explode into unexpected repair bills.

With build-to-rent, investors can create rental-ready properties with:

• Brand-new systems

• Lower long-term maintenance

• Higher rental appeal

• Better energy efficiency

• Modern finishes that tenants will pay a premium for

Greg explains why the capital markets are pouring money into this strategy.

“Prices of multifamily and existing single-family homes are high. Investors are asking, ‘Why buy a 50-year-old house when I can build a brand-new one for the same price and have no maintenance headaches?’”

You Don’t Need a 200-Home Community

One of the biggest misconceptions about build-to-rent is thinking it requires massive developments or purchasing land at scale.

Greg breaks that myth quickly.

“You don’t need a 200-home community. You can build just one house. Start with an infill lot in an existing neighborhood. That’s build-to-rent too.”

He encourages new investors to set up searches for:

• Extra lots

• Deep lots with subdivision potential

• Older homes on oversized parcels

• Infill opportunities

Often, investors already own build-to-rent opportunities without realizing it.

Finding the Right Land

Land isn’t disappearing — you just need to look differently.

Greg explains what to watch for:

• Zoning compatibility

• Topography (slopes, hills, drainage)

• Utility easements

• Soils and compaction issues

• Sewer vs. well and septic

• Walkability and proximity to jobs

“Don’t ever buy land sight unseen. Do your due diligence. A perk test, a survey, and city conversations can save you from a very expensive mistake.”

For rentals, Greg strongly prefers city water and sewer.

“Well and septic can work, but long-term it’s costly. If you can tap into city services, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache.”

What Tenants Actually Want in New Construction

Greg has built rental-friendly homes for years — and he knows exactly what works.

Tenants want:

• 2–3 bedrooms

• 1-story or easy-access layouts

• Durable interiors

• Hard flooring

• Granite or durable surfaces

• Crawlspaces (easier to repair than slabs)

• A usable, safe yard

“A tenant wants a comfortable home, not a grand home. Keep it durable, simple, and functional.”

The Money: Financing Build-to-Rent

Many investors think building means they must buy with cash, but that’s not always true. Most hard-money and investor-focused lenders offer new construction loans similar to fix-and-flip financing.

Greg breaks down the typical structure:

• Pay cash (or private money) for the lot

• Use a construction loan for the build

• Expect draw schedules just like a flip

• Plan for 20–25% equity

• Refinance after completion into long-term rental debt

“If you’ve done a fix-and-flip loan, you already understand most of the process.”

What Makes Build-to-Rent Scalable

Whether you're building one home or a full cul-de-sac, scale comes from smart design and efficient systems.

Greg shares how McAllister Creek scales their builds:

• Standardized floor plans

• Repeated materials and finishes

• Preferred vendor pricing

• Building multiple homes at once

• One-time engineering and surveying

This creates cost efficiencies that make the deals work.

“We once built a whole new house faster than someone renovated the house next door. When you standardize, you reduce unknowns and avoid surprises.”

Why Build-to-Rent Matters Right Now

Demographics are shifting. Younger households struggle with affordability, and many Baby Boomers will be selling their homes in the next decade.

Greg explains why BTR is strategically positioned for the future:

“People still want the American dream — space, safety, a yard — but many can’t buy. Build-to-rent gives them a single-family home experience at a price they can manage monthly.”

At the same time, rising rates have slowed home purchases, keeping renters in the market longer.

Mentorship Makes the Difference

Before wrapping up, Greg circles back to the theme that runs through every episode: the importance of mentorship.

“A mentor helps you avoid costly mistakes, make smart decisions, and actually take action. Too many people sit on the sidelines because they lack confidence. A mentor pushes you to move.”

5-Minute Fast Fire with Greg Lafferty

Christina closed the episode by putting Greg under pressure with the 5-Minute Fast Fire — five rapid-fire questions answered in under a minute each.

Q: What’s the number one mistake investors make when thinking about build-to-rent?

• “They think it can’t be done. Do the math. If you don’t know the math, find someone who does.”

Q: What’s the best advice for investors who aren’t builders?

• “Find a builder who builds the product you want to rent. Not a custom luxury builder — someone who specializes in affordable, efficient product.”

Q: What’s the biggest factor in choosing the right location?

• “Access to transportation, schools, groceries, and jobs. Tenants want convenience.”

Q: What design feature keeps tenants long term?

• “A good, usable yard. And think of all ages — wide halls, one-level living, easy access.”

Q: Why is build-to-rent a game changer?

• “It expands your tool belt. When flips get tight and inventory is scarce, build-to-rent opens new doors.”

Final Thoughts 

Greg wrapped the episode with a simple truth:

“Get a mentor. Ask questions. Learn. And then execute. Don’t stay stagnant — do the work and pull the trigger.”

And if Greg’s message resonated with you — especially the part about choosing the right tool for the season you’re in — then now might be the perfect time to start your own guided path.

Because here’s the reality:

Build-to-rent isn’t just for big developers.

It’s for everyday investors who are willing to learn, follow a proven system, and take action with the right support.

That’s exactly why we built the Real Estate Wealth Mastery Membership — the same framework Greg teaches from and the same path our investors use to go from “curious” to “confident.”

Inside the membership, you’ll get:

✔ A clear step-by-step roadmap for your first (or next) deal

✔ Weekly mentorship calls and deal analysis

✔ Training that takes the mystery out of land, construction, lending, and rentals

✔ A community of investors who walk with you, not ahead of you

✔ Accountability so you stay consistent through the ups and downs

This isn’t about hype.

It’s about stewardship, strategy, and building something that lasts — whether that’s your first rental or your first new-construction build.

And as Greg emphasized, the fastest way to grow is to stop going at it alone.

👉 Learn more about the Real Estate Wealth Mastery Membership and start your guided path today.

Your first build-to-rent — or your first door — may be closer than you think.