Minden woman earns $220k from renovated rental properties

Sara McDaniel, a property developer in Minden, Louisiana, is making a significant impact on the local housing market. She has transformed eight abandoned apartments into profitable short-term rentals. McDaniel bought these properties for just $50,000 and has since turned them into a thriving business, generating $220,000 in revenue in 2024 alone. McDaniel’s journey began with restoring the historic Villas at Spanish Court, a block of Spanish-style villas built in 1931. These buildings had been abandoned since the 1980s and were in poor condition. Despite the challenges of renovation, including dealing with asbestos and lead paint, she managed to revitalize the villas, which reopened in February 2023. Now, the villas offer a cozy retreat for visitors to Minden, a small town with fewer than 11,000 residents. McDaniel is also committed to investing in the community, aiming to create more affordable housing options. With high demand for her rentals, she has a waiting list of clients eager to stay. In addition to her real estate ventures, McDaniel recently launched a nonprofit organization. Named Phillip’s Cottage in honor of her late father, the nonprofit will help women with children transitioning from addiction. It aims to provide support and a fresh start for families in need. Overall, McDaniel values people over profit and wants to leave a positive legacy in her community. She believes in taking risks and investing in historical structures to create job opportunities and improve local life.