S
ara McDaniel, a 47-year-old former teacher turned real estate investor and content creator, has been transforming the heart of Minden, Louisiana, by buying up abandoned properties and renovating them. Guided by her faith and passion for making a difference, she returned to her hometown in 2016 after a devastating divorce. McDaniel now owns what she calls "27 doors," including 11 short-term rentals, long-term rentals, buys and holds, or vacant land investments.

    Her most successful project earned her $220,000 last year, but McDaniel's mission is about more than profit or recognition. She aims to leave a lasting legacy by restoring not only properties but also lives. "It's just a whole street centered around a theme of redemption – redemption of both properties and lives," she said.

    McDaniel's journey began with the purchase of a broken-down cottage in 2016, which she renovated into a stunning rental property called Sara's Cottage. This project set the course for her future endeavors. She then bought another cottage, which became known as Cottage on Fort, a sought-after Airbnb rental. McDaniel continued to acquire and restore properties, including an aging set of Spanish-style apartments, a three-story Queen Anne-style house, and a Victorian house built around 1905.

    Her biggest project to date is the renovation at The Villas at Spanish Court, which she purchased in 2021 and officially opened as a short-term rental business in 2023. Despite initial warnings that the property was beyond repair, McDaniel saw its potential and invested $51,306 to buy it. She secured an interim construction loan of $202,725 and a permanent mortgage of $290,710 to complete the renovation.

    However, McDaniel soon discovered environmental hazards, including asbestos and lead paint, which she had to address with a $46,731 loan from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. To cover additional costs, she sold her Texas home for $175,354 and contributed an extra $8,000 from her income streams.

    The villas now showcase their unique charm, featuring vibrant colors, vintage archways, and other architectural details that harken back to their 1930s origins. In 2024, the villas brought in $224,133 revenue from Airbnb bookings. McDaniel's next project is a Victorian house built around 1905, which she plans to restore and use as a gathering spot for the community.

    McDaniel's journey has not been without challenges, but her determination and passion have driven her success. Her story serves as an inspiration to others who want to make a difference in their communities. To follow McDaniel's real estate journey, visit her personal blog at simplysoutherncottage.com or find her on social media under @simplysoutherncottage across all platforms.