Although it’s mentioned in the article, I’m surprised that the author didn’t place more emphasis on the different set of state laws that typically apply to mobile homes given their status as (theoretically) moveable property. The relative ease of eviction compared to real property (houses, condos, things without wheels) is probably the primary factor for the private equity investment thesis. It’s a material driver of the economics of these investments and substantially reduces the risk profile of the generally marginal tenant base.

Nothing in America is left un-exploited. Incredibly tragic to see yet another sizable contingent of Americans, often particularly vulnerable ones, squeezed by capital. What foes.

Private equity is such a vicious foe to mankind. Hostis humani generis: this profit motive corrupts our world, erodes at humanity, in every way it can. Just once, I'd like to see amalgamated capital try to improve the lot of the world, help humanity along. But no, never: always the swirling draining negative to suck life from the world.

John Oliver, 6 years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCC8fPQOaxU

I guess PE firms have realized that putting humans into debt that they have to work endlessly to repay is very profitable.

Housing as an investment vehicle is ultimately the problem. Those who buy into it expect prices to keep going up, like any good investment. If rising prices falter, there’s big rippling consequences, especially for those whose net worth is mostly their house value, bought with debt.

On the other side is those who need shelter, who don’t have unlimited income to afford the price of something that rises faster than they earn.

It doesn’t seem like a sustainable system.

Mobile home parks are predatory. Unlike a traditional home, "owners" own only the home and pay an exorbitant land rent each month. So, unlike a traditional home where the land appreciates and you maintain the home, you get in effect, the worst of both worlds. You get zero land equity for rents approaching mortgages (YMMV. They are very high in desirable CA locations.), and still pay to maintain the home.

Of course, private equity firms love the idea. Price-fixing among park owners happens. [1] Some comments [2]

Pro's and Cons[0]

I live in a double-wide manufactured home in the country, and own the land, quite a bit of it (sharpens chain saw ) Spare you the details.

[0] https://www.luxwisp.com/pros-and-cons-of-land-lease-communit...

[1] https://www.classaction.org/news/class-action-alleges-mobile...

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/s0jh8a/what...