In this episode, I sit down with Isabelle Guarino, CEO of Residential Assisted Living Academy, to talk about one of the most overlooked and impactful real estate investment opportunities in the market today. We dive deep into how owning and operating a residential assisted living home can create lasting income, build generational wealth, and provide critical care for a rapidly growing aging population.

Isabelle shares how her late father pioneered the RAL movement, how the industry exploded during COVID as families turned away from big-box facilities, and why this business model is not just recession-resistant—but recession-proof. From licensing to staffing, cash flow to exit strategies, this episode is packed with real-world insights and an inspiring mission: to do good and do well.

[Timeline Summary]

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:45] – COVID exposes flaws in big-box senior care and boosts small-home demand

[3:01] – How one student opened two homes—and filled them within months

[4:15] – Why most RAL investors end up selling everything else to go all-in

[6:25] – Big-box vs. boutique care: The numbers that reveal the quality gap

[8:02] – Do you need a license? The truth about roles, regulation, and how it works

[10:05] – Four ways to get started: build, buy, convert, or lease

[11:07] – The cash flow math: How 10 residents at $5,500/month adds up

[13:49] – How RAL Academy trains you to scale with staffing, licensing, and funding

[16:00] – Marketing that fills beds: Facebook buzz, placement agents & more

[18:48] – It’s not just income—it’s a real, sellable business + real estate play

[22:18] – Why this model is steady through recessions and economic chaos

[24:32] – Impact first, money second: how mission drives this model

[27:00] – How to get started: training, resources, and what to expect

Links & Resources

• Learn more and get started: RAL101.com
• Isabelle’s organization: Residential Assisted Living Academy
• Want help organizing your business finances first? Visit SimpleCFO.com

If this episode opened your eyes to a new path in real estate, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show. Share it with someone who’s ready to invest with purpose—and build a legacy while they’re at it.