Minnesota’s booming with real estate potential—if you know where to look and who to learn from.
Let’s be real: investing in real estate can feel like tossing a dart at a map and hoping Zillow agrees. But for savvy entrepreneurs and small business owners across Minnesota, it’s less guesswork—and more groundwork. This week on Brennan Buzz, we’re breaking down local investors to watch, top-performing neighborhoods, and what to look for when buying a boutique hotel (spoiler: it’s not just about the hot tub).
Whether you’re flipping your first property, opening a guesthouse, or just want to know what’s working for others, these insights come straight from the field—and a few hard-earned lessons.
🧑💼 Local Investors Who Are Quietly Crushing It
Every region has its real estate MVPs. Here in Minnesota, two names keep coming up:
- Mike Schraepfer has built a reputation in Duluth for flipping homes with integrity and long-term value. He’s not just painting over drywall—he’s reshaping neighborhoods one block at a time.
- Mike Torvinen brings a strategic mindset to small-town revival, blending mixed-use development with a sharp eye for community-building.
They’re not on HGTV, but they are building real equity—and community trust—through smart, consistent action.
Reilly’s Take:
“I’ve seen Mike S. walk into a 1940s duplex and say, ‘Yup, this one just needs new life.’ Most people would’ve run for the hills.”
🗺️ Where to Invest in Minnesota Right Now
Before you buy, flip, or start building bunk beds in a converted firehouse (true story), let’s talk location. Reilly’s latest picks:
- Lakeside (Duluth) – Ideal for long-term rentals. Quiet streets, beautiful views, and serious tenant demand.
- Lincoln Park & Superior – These areas are hot for house flipping. Gritty charm, rising arts scenes, and growing infrastructure.
- Duluth & Grand Rapids (Waterfront) – Perfect for boutique hotels. Tourists are drawn to these scenic, walkable zones year-round.
- Short-Term Rentals? Avoid residential zones. Instead, target commercial properties near hospitals, sports arenas, or downtown attractions where STR laws are more flexible and demand stays high.
Pro Tip: Don’t buy a “deal” in a dead zone. Buy where the numbers already make sense.
🏨 5 Must-Know Tips for Boutique Hotel Investments
A boutique hotel sounds romantic until you’re up at 2 a.m. plunging a toilet. (Reilly’s been there.) If you’re serious about buying one, vet your options with these essentials:
- Location is everything – If the area doesn’t draw year-round tourism or events, move on.
- Emotional pull – If you don’t feel anything walking in, your guests won’t either.
- Upside potential – Can you renovate, rebrand, and increase ADR (average daily rate)?
- Know the comps – Stay in nearby hotels. Study their prices. What’s their draw? Do they use dynamic pricing?
- Seasonality math – If you need to make 12 months of income in five, it’s not a safe bet.
Reilly’s Rule:
“Run your numbers twice, trust your gut once—and then sleep on it.”
🎧 Ready to Level Up Your Investment Game?
Whether you’re scouting your first flip, sizing up a boutique hotel, or just watching the local players do it right—there’s always more to learn. Reilly Brennan’s been in the trenches with hotels, short-term rentals, and even a fast-food concept or two. (Spoiler alert: don’t skimp on fryer space.)
Want to hear more about smart investing in Minnesota?
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