“I don’t know what a feral pig is, ma’am, but I can tell you there are at least two of them fat suckers, they look like they weigh 300 pounds each, and no one has claimed their in-laws are missing.”
If that isn’t the most Alabama thing you’ve read today, welcome to my week in real estate investing. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and last week, it involved pigs—literally. While growing my rental portfolio with the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), I’ve dealt with plenty of surprises, but this one took the (pork) chop.
The Setup: When Pigs and Plumbing Collide
It all began when I received two notifications almost simultaneously:
- A resident texted me, concerned about “PIGS” wandering on the property.
- Another resident submitted a maintenance request for an exterior water line leak.
It turns out that some neighbor’s pot-bellied pigs—though we still don’t know exactly who they belong to—decided to wander onto our apartment complex. They weren’t shy either. The two 300-pound animals found their way to one of our water supply lines, where they did what pigs do best: root, dig, and make a grand mess.
By the time anyone noticed, the pigs had created a full-blown mud spa, thanks to the gushing water from the damaged line. What started as free bacon jokes quickly turned into visions of Peppa Pig pouncing in puddles—except this wasn’t cute or fun. The result? A burst water line, a growing mud pit, and a $1,000 repair bill with no ham to show for it.
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Lessons from Pig Problems in Real Estate
When you’re managing properties using the BRRRR method, you expect the unexpected. Tenant calls, maintenance requests, and emergency repairs are par for the course. But feral pigs? That was a new one for me.
Here’s what this muddy situation reminded me about real estate investing:
- You Can’t Prepare for Everything
Whether it’s burst pipes or livestock taking up residence, managing rental properties will always throw surprises your way. Flexibility and adaptability are critical for staying on track with your investments. - Always Have a CapEx Reserve
Unexpected expenses like this are why having a solid capital expenditure reserve is crucial. When using the BRRRR method, you’re often reinvesting in new properties, so planning for unexpected costs helps you avoid financial stress. - Keep Your Sense of Humor
Sometimes, all you can do is laugh. Dealing with feral pigs on the property wasn’t something I anticipated, but it makes for a great story and a reminder that even the weirdest situations can be managed.
The Unexpected Cost of Free Bacon
So far, this piggy spa day has cost us about $1,000 for plumbing repairs and landscaping. And while the pigs have moved on, the lesson remains: real estate investing is unpredictable, but that’s part of the journey.
For busy parents side hustling in buy-and-hold real estate, the BRRRR method is an incredible tool for building wealth. But remember, whether it’s a busted pipe or a couple of freeloading pigs, property management will keep you on your toes!
And since I can’t end this story without a laugh, here are a few pig-related Dad jokes:
🐖 Where do pigs keep their money? In a piggy bank, of course!
🐖 When a pig takes out a loan, what is he called? A boar-ower.
🐖 Why was the pig crying? He was boar-ed to tears.
What’s the most unexpected issue you’ve faced while managing properties? Share your story below—I’d love to hear it!