Turned a 5-Bedroom Into Co-Living: $800/Room ($4,000 Total)

Turned a 5-Bedroom Into Co-Living: $800/Room ($4,000 Total)

Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes

Converted a 5-bedroom property into co-living at $800 per room, generating $4,000/month.

Strong cash flow with the right systems.

Any in-state or out-of-state investors interested in co-living strategies in Memphis?

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James JonesPro Member
Investor · Collierville, TN 38017 · Member since 2017 · 934 posts · 638 votes
11mo

Nice work turning that into a co-living play. Memphis definitely has pockets where the room-rental model hits strong cash flow, especially when the house layout supports privacy and you’ve got tight systems in place.

Curious what part of the city you're operating in and how you're handling the operational side.
• cleaning and turnovers
• conflict resolution between tenants
• utilities + WiFi management
• screening and house rules

In my experience running volume in Memphis, the success of co-living comes down to whether your systems can maintain stability without the property turning into a full-time management job.

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  • Real Estate Broker · Austin, TX · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    11mo

    That sounds like a management nightmare. Make sure that you have the right folks involved. Oooh the drama could be made for TV if you don't have the right people in place that can handle it all. 

    • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      11mo

      @Aaron Gordy it's only a problem if you let it. Starting out i had a lot of problems, now that I am seasoned I rarely have problems 

  • Investor · Nationwide · Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 2 votes
    11mo

    Who are you using for management ? 

    Are you using Padsplit to find tenants. I own couple properties in Memphis TN that are LTR. Thinking of converting some of them

    • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      11mo

      @Jake Osborne I manage for investors, I also do the turn keys set up as well with systems. Are you in the Memphis area

  • James JonesPro Member
    Investor · Collierville, TN 38017 · Member since 2017 · 934 posts · 638 votes
    11mo

    Nice work turning that into a co-living play. Memphis definitely has pockets where the room-rental model hits strong cash flow, especially when the house layout supports privacy and you’ve got tight systems in place.

    Curious what part of the city you're operating in and how you're handling the operational side.
    • cleaning and turnovers
    • conflict resolution between tenants
    • utilities + WiFi management
    • screening and house rules

    In my experience running volume in Memphis, the success of co-living comes down to whether your systems can maintain stability without the property turning into a full-time management job.

    • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      11mo

      @James Jones I agree, I currently have houses in whitehaven, westwood, Raleigh. I think it's all about what type of tenants you allow in. I am very strict on who in allow in. If they are not older, they must work. I give each house a cap on utility usage, anything over I split amongst tenants, I enforce rules, WiFi in charge $25 per person. 

    • James JonesPro Member
      Investor · Collierville, TN 38017 · Member since 2017 · 934 posts · 638 votes
      11mo
      Quote from @Iesha Turner:

      @James Jones I agree, I currently have houses in whitehaven, westwood, Raleigh. I think it's all about what type of tenants you allow in. I am very strict on who in allow in. If they are not older, they must work. I give each house a cap on utility usage, anything over I split amongst tenants, I enforce rules, WiFi in charge $25 per person. 


       Appreciate that. You’re exactly right, co-living only works long-term when the systems run tighter than the tenants do.

      In my experience, once you put the right guardrails in place, the model becomes low-touch and predictable. The breakdown I’ve seen is almost always screening + expectations, not the strategy itself.

      I like your approach on utility caps and WiFi — that alone removes 80% of the conflict. The biggest levers for stability on my end have been:

      • firm house rules with consequences
      • weekly cleaning so problems never stack
      • no-nonsense screening (job, schedule, cleanliness, personality fit)
      • clear boundaries on guests + noise

      Memphis can absolutely support this model, but like you said, the quality of the group determines everything. If you keep the standards high, the cash flow stays high.

      Appreciate that. You’re exactly right, co-living only works long-term when the systems run tighter than the tenants do.

      In my experience, once you put the right guardrails in place, the model becomes low-touch and predictable. The breakdown I’ve seen is almost always screening + expectations, not the strategy itself.

      I like your approach on utility caps and WiFi, that alone removes 80% of the conflict. The biggest levers for stability on my end have been:

      • firm house rules with consequences
      • weekly cleaning so problems never stack
      • no-nonsense screening (job, schedule, cleanliness, personality fit)
      • clear boundaries on guests + noise

      Memphis can absolutely support this model, but like you said, the quality of the group determines everything. If you keep the standards high, the cash flow stays high.
  • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    11mo

    I also do 6month leases and 1yr leases only

  • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
    11mo
    Yes your so right as far as cleaning issues. I learned to installl cameras in the common area like the fridge. For the most part I have great tenants. I also make sure the house is furnished nicely and that gives you a good population of tenants as well. Some people just wants to save for 6-12 months especially with the economy today.
    • James JonesPro Member
      Investor · Collierville, TN 38017 · Member since 2017 · 934 posts · 638 votes
      11mo
      Quote from @Iesha Turner:
      Yes your so right as far as cleaning issues. I learned to installl cameras in the common area like the fridge. For the most part I have great tenants. I also make sure the house is furnished nicely and that gives you a good population of tenants as well. Some people just wants to save for 6-12 months especially with the economy today.

      Appreciate you sharing that, sounds like you’ve built a solid rhythm in your houses.

      Cameras in the common areas are huge. I do the same in my co-living properties (always in approved areas only) because it eliminates 90% of the “he said/she said” issues and keeps everyone accountable.
      And you're absolutely right: furnishing the home well sets the tone for the type of tenant you attract. People take care of environments that feel cared for.

      I’ve also noticed the same trend with tenants staying 6–12 months to stack cash, especially in this economy. As long as the systems are tight, those stays actually stabilize the house because they’re focused and goal-oriented.

      At the end of the day, like you said, it all comes down to screening + expectations. With the right guardrails, co-living becomes one of the most stable and profitable models out there.

    • Member since 2022 · 14 posts · 4 votes
      11mo

      @James Jones Definitely!

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