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Learn from this investor’s $100m mistake

In 2010, a Grammy-winning artist passed on investing $200K in an emerging real estate disruptor. That stake could be worth $100+ million today.

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Invest for $2.90/Share

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The Zero-Dollar Washer & Dryer Rental Empire Blueprint

How a 23-year-old turned ugly appliances into $10K/month with literally zero startup capital

The Accidental Discovery That Changed Everything

Kyler was never supposed to become the washer and dryer rental king of Utah. At 21, he was just another young entrepreneur testing random rental ideas on Facebook Marketplace - nine square yard games for Mormon families, paddleboards, even luxury bathroom rentals that he didn't actually own. His method was simple but brilliant: screenshot photos from Google, post them on Facebook Marketplace, and see what got interest before buying anything. Most ideas flopped. Some got a few bites. But nothing prepared him for what happened when he randomly posted a washer and dryer rental listing one afternoon before heading out on a cruise.

When he returned from that cruise with no cell service for days, his phone exploded. Thirty messages. All about the washer and dryer he had posted but didn't own. People weren't just curious - they were ready to rent immediately. One person in Orem even asked if he could install it the next day. That's when Kyler realized he'd stumbled onto something massive. In a state where you have six months of hot weather and six months of cold, most rental businesses are seasonal disasters. Boats sit unused in winter. Snow equipment collects dust in summer. But washers and dryers? They work year-round, stay protected inside people's homes, and solve a universal pain point: the expensive, time-consuming nightmare of laundromats.

What happened next changed everything. Instead of panicking about not owning the machines he'd already "rented," Kyler drove straight to RC Willey (Utah's version of Home Depot), bought three sets of washers and dryers for about $3,000, and started installing them in customers' homes. That first customer in November 2023 is still paying him $60 every month via Cash App. No fancy contracts, no legal teams, just a handshake deal and a Google Doc agreement that probably wouldn't hold up in court. But it worked. Within two months, he had 35 units deployed and was generating $2,400 in monthly recurring revenue. The business that started with a random Facebook post and a cruise ship miscommunication was about to become a $10,000-per-month empire.

The "Wait, What?" Moment

Picture this: You're scrolling Facebook Marketplace looking for a cheap couch, and you see "Washer & Dryer - $60." You think it's for sale. You click it.

Plot twist: It's for RENT.

And the guy posting it? He's making $10,000 a month from these ugly white boxes while working 5 hours a week.

Sound too good to be true? That's exactly what I thought until I met Kyler, the 23-year-old mastermind behind this operation. Here's how he cracked the code on starting a rental business with absolutely zero dollars down.

The "Holy Crap" Math

Let's get one thing straight: This isn't some get-rich-quick scheme. It's a real business with real numbers that'll make your calculator smoke.

The Unit Economics:

• Average rental price: $60-85/month

• Customer lifetime: 12+ months (some going on 2 years)

• Monthly churn rate: 1.5% (insanely low)

• Service calls: 3% of units per month

• Time investment: 5-10 hours/week

The Growth Trajectory:

• Month 1: 4 units installed

• Month 2: 17 units installed

• Month 3: 13 units installed

• Total after 90 days: ~35 units = $2,400/month recurring revenue

And remember - he started this with ZERO dollars.

The PRB Method: Post → Rent → Buy

Here's where most people get it backwards. They think: "I need money to buy inventory first."

Wrong.

Kyler's three-step process flips the script:

Step 1: POST IT

• Create Facebook Marketplace listing

• Use stock photos (that look real - blurry screenshots get ignored)

• Title: "Washer and Dryer for Rent"

• Price: $60-85

• Description: "Never go to the laundromat again. Rent a washer and dryer month-to-month. Free delivery, install and maintenance."

Step 2: RENT IT

• Wait for inquiries (and they WILL come)

• Respond fast (same day or you lose them)

• Lock in your first customer

• Get their address and move-in date

Step 3: BUY IT

• Only NOW do you spend money

• Go find the actual machine

• Deliver and install

• Collect first month's payment

The genius? You validate demand before spending a dime. Zero risk.

The Free Machine Gold Mine

"But where do I get washers and dryers for free?"

Glad you asked. There are three reliable sources:

Source #1: Facebook Marketplace Free Section

Search terms: "free appliances" or "broken appliances"

Every day, people post: "Moving Friday, first come first serve, these need to go." Often they're perfectly functional - people just can't take them to their new place.

Source #2: Delivery Partnerships

Walk into local used appliance stores. Ask: "Do you need delivery help?"

Most mom-and-pop shops don't offer delivery. They'll gladly let you handle it. You deliver their sold units, pick up the customer's old ones. Often one of the old units still works perfectly.

Pro tip: Don't tell them you're renting these out. Just say you're a property manager who needs lots of units.

Source #3: The Scrapper Network

Find people who collect appliances for scrap metal. They're on Facebook and KSL constantly. Many units they collect still work - they just need minor repairs.

The reality check: You could theoretically never buy a single unit if you're patient and persistent with these methods.

The $0 Startup Reality Check

Let's address the elephant in the room. What do you ACTUALLY need to start this with zero dollars?

Must-haves:

• Facebook account (free)

• Access to a vehicle that can haul (borrow, rent for $25/day from Home Depot)

• Basic tools: drill and channel locks ($50 total - but you might already have these)

Nice-to-haves:

• Trailer (Kyler's dad gave him one, but a 10x5 storage unit works for $80/month)

• Multiple Facebook accounts (just different email addresses)

• Insurance (Kyler went 3 months without it, then got coverage for $60/month)

The borrowing strategy:

• Friend with a truck? Trade some labor for hauling help

• Don't have tools? Most customers have basic tools you can borrow

• Need a place to store units? 10x10 storage unit or ask around for garage space

The Facebook Marketplace Customer Acquisition System

Here's the complete playbook for turning Facebook Marketplace into your personal customer acquisition machine:

The Pattern Interrupt Psychology

When people search "washer dryer" on Marketplace, they see hundreds of units for sale ranging from $200-800. Their brains are in "buying mode," scanning for the best deal among similar-looking listings. Then they see yours: "$60."

Their brain stops. "Wait, what?"

That's the pattern interrupt. They click. They read "for rent." Mind blown. You've just captured their attention in a sea of sameness.

The Listing Creation Formula

Title Options (A/B test these):

• "Washer and Dryer Rental"

• "Washer and Dryer for Rent"

Price Strategy:

• Always list the lowest price first ($60)

• This gets you into the "low to high" filter results

• Explain higher pricing options in messages

The Description Template:

Never go to the laundromat again!
Rent a washer and dryer month-to-month.
✓ Free delivery
✓ Free installation  
✓ Free maintenance
Message me for more info

Photo Requirements:

• Multiple angles of the same machine type

• Must look real (no blurry screenshots)

• Stock photos are fine if they look authentic

• Facebook's algorithm can detect fake/stolen images

The Multi-Account Domination Strategy

Account Setup:

• Create 3-5 different Facebook profiles

• Use real photos of yourself with different names (Kyler uses "Spencer Williams")

• Different email addresses for each

• No need for different IP addresses

Geographic Coverage:

• Change zip codes for each account

• Cover multiple cities/counties from each profile

• Spencer Williams posts in Mapleton, Springville, Spanish Fork

• Main account covers different areas

The $12/Month Hack: Pay for Facebook's verified badge on each account. This gives you:

• Priority customer support

• Easier account recovery if banned

• Higher trust from potential customers

• Ability to tell support you're a paying advertiser

The Response System That Converts

Speed Matters Most:

• Respond within hours, preferably minutes

• Same-day response is critical

• Delay = lost customer (they'll find something else)

The Copy-Paste Response:

Awesome! This is month-to-month rental.
Used sets: $60/month
New sets: $85/month  
Must rent minimum 6 months
First payment due day of install
Free delivery, install, and maintenance
What's your address?

Common Follow-Up Questions:

• "How does it work?" → Send the template above

• "Is this still available?" → "Yes! What's your address?"

• "Can I see it first?" → "I'll bring it to your place and set it up. If you don't like it, no charge"

The Group Posting Multiplication Effect

Target Groups:

• "[Your County] Classifieds" (Utah County Classifieds has 30K+ members)

• Local buy/sell/trade groups

• Apartment community Facebook pages

• College student housing groups

Posting Strategy:

• Same listing across multiple groups

• Stagger posting times throughout the day

• Don't spam - respect group rules

• Engage with comments to boost visibility

The Free Machine Acquisition Playbook

Here's exactly how to build your inventory without spending a dime:

Method 1: The Facebook Marketplace Free Section

Daily Search Strategy:

• Search terms: "free appliances," "broken appliances," "moving sale appliances"

• Set up notifications for these keywords

• Check multiple times per day

• Be ready to move fast

What to Look For:

• "Moving Friday, first come first serve"

• "Need gone ASAP"

• "Broken but might be fixable"

• "Upgrading, these work fine"

The Utah County Reality: In Kyler's market, there are hundreds of washers and dryers posted daily. The turnover is insane because:

• People move constantly

• Appliances break and get replaced

• Home upgrades happen frequently

• Landlords switch out units

Success Rate: Expect 5-6 legitimate free listings per day in a decent-sized market. Many are working units - people just can't transport them.

Method 2: The Delivery Partnership Goldmine

The Approach:

1. Identify mom-and-pop used appliance stores

2. Walk in and ask: "Do you offer delivery services?"

3. If no: "I'd like to handle deliveries for you"

4. If yes: "Do you need backup delivery help?"

The Value Proposition for Them:

• No liability for delivery

• No employees needed for delivery

• More customers willing to buy (delivery available)

• Competitive advantage over stores without delivery

How the Economics Work:

• Customer buys a set from the store

• You deliver the new set ($50-150 per delivery)

• You pick up their old set (often 1 of 2 units still works)

• You fix the broken one using parts from other units

• Boom: Free working set

Store Owner Mindset: Tell them you're a property manager who needs lots of units. Don't mention the rental business - they might see it as competition or charge you more.

Market Size Reality: There are approximately 15,000 mom-and-pop appliance stores in the US. At least half don't offer in-house delivery.

Method 3: The Scrapper Network

Finding Scrappers:

• Search Facebook/KSL for "appliance pickup"

• Look for people advertising scrap metal collection

• Check Craigslist "services" section

• Ask at local scrap yards

The Partnership:

• They collect appliances destined for scrap

• You pay them $15-25 per unit (more than scrap value)

• They text you photos before scrapping

• You get first dibs on anything repairable

What Scrappers Find:

• Units from apartment turnovers

• Costco/Lowe's/Home Depot trade-ins

• Estate sales leftovers

• Property management cleanouts

Kyler's System: His scrapper has a key to his grandparents' property and drops off units daily. Photos get texted, Kyler approves which ones to keep.

Method 4: The Delivery Driver Connection

The Source:

• Costco delivery drivers

• Lowe's delivery crews

• Home Depot installers

• Best Buy Geek Squad

The System: Instead of hauling old appliances to the dump, drivers make side money selling them for $15-20 each.

How to Connect:

• When you buy appliances, ask the delivery driver for their number

• They'll text you about available units

• Build relationships with multiple drivers

• Pay cash on pickup

Example: Kyler's dad bought a fridge from Costco. The delivery driver got Kyler's number. Now they text him regularly with available appliances.

The Repair and Flip Component

Basic Repair Skills Needed:

• Replacing heating elements ($15 part)

• Swapping out thermostats ($10 part)

• Installing new belts ($5 part)

• Cleaning lint buildup (free)

The Parts Strategy: Use broken machines as parts donors. One broken dryer can fix 8 other dryers by providing:

• Elements

• Thermostats

• Belts

• Pulleys

• Motors

Average Investment Per Working Set: Even when you pay for machines, Kyler averages $35 per working set including repairs.

The Free Machine Reality Check

Time Investment: Sourcing free machines requires daily effort:

• Checking Facebook multiple times

• Responding to listings immediately

• Having transportation ready

• Building relationships with suppliers

Success Metrics:

• 5-6 free listings per day (major market)

• 70% are actually worth picking up

• 80% of collected units are repairable

• Average time to find working set: 3-5 days

Storage Requirements:

• 10x10 storage unit: $80/month

• Garage space: Free (if available)

• Kyler uses his grandparents' garages (relationship hack)

The Bootstrap Reality: Yes, you can start with zero dollars. But having $500-1000 for initial repairs, storage, and transportation makes the process significantly faster.

The Magic Machines: Why These Ugly Things Print Money

Not all washers and dryers are created equal. Kyler swears by one specific type: Whirlpool Direct Drive units (made before 2013).

Why these dinosaurs are goldmines:

• Built like tanks (made to last 50+ years)

• Parts are cheap ($30 or less on Amazon)

• No fancy electronics to break

• Top-loading (easier to move than front-loaders)

• Government changed efficiency requirements in 2013, so these "obsolete" units are everywhere cheap

The sweet spot pricing:

• Average price: $200 for a set

• Good deal: $100 for both

• Great deal: Free (see sources above)

• With warranty: $300 (still pays for itself in 4-5 months)

The Service Reality

"What about repairs and service calls?"

Here's the truth: It's not that bad.

Service call frequency: 1-2 per week across 120+ units Common issues:

• Lint trap needs cleaning (phone support fixes this)

• Dryer vent clogged (customer's responsibility)

• User error ("Did you turn the heat on?")

Actual repairs needed: Maybe 3% of units per month require physical service calls.

Each service call takes 30-45 minutes, same as an install.

The Scale-Up Strategy

Once you've got your first few units rented, here's how to explode growth:

The Door Hanger Assault

• Order 10,000 door hangers for $500

• Target apartment complexes where you already have customers

• Hang 200 in 30 minutes

• Expect 1-3% response rate

• Could scale from 10K to 20K monthly revenue with one campaign

The Wholesale Connection

Find used appliance dealers on Facebook Marketplace (look for multiple daily listings). Approach them as a "property manager" needing bulk units. Negotiate warranties and volume pricing.

The Geographic Expansion

This works in markets from 10,000 people (Burley, Idaho) to millions (Salt Lake City). Anywhere people rent apartments, this business model works.

The Numbers Game

Let's run some real projections:

Conservative 6-month plan:

• Month 1: 5 units @ $65/month = $325

• Month 2: 10 units @ $65/month = $650

• Month 3: 18 units @ $65/month = $1,170

• Month 4: 28 units @ $65/month = $1,820

• Month 5: 40 units @ $65/month = $2,600

• Month 6: 55 units @ $65/month = $3,575

Aggressive 12-month plan:

• Target: 150+ units

• Monthly revenue: $10,000+

• Time investment: Still 5-10 hours/week

• Profit margin: 70-80% after all expenses

The Brutal Honesty Section

Let's talk about what they DON'T tell you:

The grind is real:

• Moving heavy appliances sucks

• Some customers are difficult

• You'll get dirty

• Weekend install requests happen

• Competition exists (but most people won't do the work)

The risks:

• Facebook could ban your accounts

• Machines break down

• Customers damage units

• Market could get saturated

• Requires physical labor

The investment reality:

• While you CAN start with $0, having $2,000-5,000 makes scaling much faster

• Insurance is basically mandatory ($60/month)

• You need reliable transportation

• Storage costs add up

The Action Plan

Ready to start? Here's your 30-day roadmap:

Week 1: Market Research

• Search Facebook Marketplace for "washer dryer" in your area

• Check pricing and demand

• Look for free/cheap units available

• Join local Facebook buy/sell groups

Week 2: Create Infrastructure

• Set up Facebook business accounts

• Design simple door hangers

• Create Marketplace listings (don't own units yet!)

• Set up payment processing (Stripe)

Week 3: First Listings

• Post 3-5 listings across different accounts

• Respond to inquiries immediately

• Lock in first customer

• Source your first machine

Week 4: First Install

• Buy/acquire first unit

• Install and collect payment

• Perfect your process

• Start planning scale-up

The Bottom Line

This isn't a passive income fantasy. It's a real business that requires hustle, especially in the beginning. But the math works, the demand is real, and the barrier to entry is literally zero dollars if you're willing to get scrappy.

Kyler proved it works. The guy in Burley, Idaho proved it works in small towns. The Salt Lake operator with 900 units proved it scales.

The question isn't whether this business model works.

The question is: Are you willing to haul some ugly appliances to build a $10K/month rental empire?

Final Reality Check: This business works because it solves a real problem (expensive, inconvenient laundromats) with a simple solution (affordable, convenient in-home rentals). The Facebook Marketplace arbitrage is just the customer acquisition method.

Start with zero dollars. Validate demand first. Scale with proven customers.

That's the blueprint. Now go execute it.

Full youtube video here: