Have you ever dreamed of making money in the U.S. without living there?
Colin Murphy does exactly that. He lives in sunny Spain but runs a profitable land flipping business in the United States.
By flipping land instead of houses, he’s found a smart way to earn more, work less, and live the lifestyle he wants. Whether you're new to real estate or looking for a fresh approach, his story shows how remote real estate investing can work, no matter where you live.
Want to hear Colin explain his land flipping strategy in his own words? Watch the video below to learn how he runs a profitable real estate business from overseas.
A Global Perspective on Real Estate
From Crisis to Opportunity
Originally from Ireland, Murphy has spent most of the last 20 years living in Spain. He shares his simple philosophy:
"Europe is great for lifestyle—the culture, food, and weather are amazing. But America is where you go to do business."
Murphy entered real estate after the 2008 market crash, when his international property business collapsed. He quickly pivoted to selling Florida condos to British and Irish buyers. By 2013, he was flipping houses in Tampa Bay, scaling up to 100 house flips by 2019.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and he parted ways with his business partners, Murphy saw a new opportunity. He shifted to land flipping, discovering that it required less capital and fewer moving parts.
The Benefits of Land Flipping
Why It's Better Than House Flipping
Murphy explains why he prefers land flipping over houses:
- Lower upfront costs per deal
- Higher profit margins (typically 50% to 100%)
- No need for renovations or dealing with tenants
- Easier to manage remotely
"I take clear photos, verify zoning and utility access, then create a solid listing," Murphy says. "Once it's online, I wait for the right buyer to reach out."
This method fits well with his remote lifestyle and shows the benefits of land flipping for those interested in low-hassle real estate investment. It's also a great example of how to flip land with minimal overhead.
Targeting the Right Sellers
Smart Marketing That Works
Murphy’s land flipping business model focuses on reaching motivated sellers. After studying hundreds of deals, he found that people most likely to sell land at a discount usually meet three criteria:
- They are over 65 years old
- They’ve owned the property for more than 11 years
- They don’t live in the same ZIP code as the land
"Most of my sellers are in their early seventies," he notes. "People in their 30s to 50s usually aren’t ready to let go of their land for cheap."
His real estate marketing strategy uses both direct mail and text messaging. Each month, Murphy sends out around 8,000 to 10,000 messages. This leads to 45–50 qualified leads, 15–20 offers, and two closed deals on average.
His approach proves how effective land investment strategies can be when paired with smart outreach.
Smaller Volume, Bigger Profits
Quality Over Quantity
Unlike many investors, Murphy isn’t chasing volume. He focuses on high-margin deals.
"I’d rather do 15 deals that each earn $100,000 than do 100 smaller ones that each earn $10,000," he says.
This choice helps him avoid extra staffing, paperwork, and stress. Murphy employs three virtual assistants who work U.S. hours to handle operations.
He works from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM Spanish time, keeping mornings free for exercise and personal time. His setup shows how remote real estate investing can be both profitable and sustainable.
Advice for International Investors
How to Buy Land in the USA from Abroad
For those wondering how to buy land in the USA from abroad, Murphy recommends creating a U.S.-based corporation instead of using an LLC. He says it’s more tax-friendly and easier to manage.
While setting up a U.S. business without citizenship or a Social Security number can take effort, he believes the payoff is worth it.
Despite paying higher taxes as a Spanish resident, Murphy values the lifestyle benefits. He runs his business through a Florida corporation, pays himself a regular salary, and reinvests the rest into new deals.
This international setup reflects a smart land flipping business model that others can follow.
Living Well While Growing Wealth
Colin Murphy’s journey proves that real estate investing doesn’t have to be tied to one location. By flipping land remotely, targeting the right sellers, and building a lean business model, he's found a way to succeed without the usual stress.
If you're curious about how to flip land or are looking for a way to invest from outside the U.S., his story offers a clear, simple path to follow. With smart planning and the right tools, building wealth from anywhere is more possible than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is land flipping?
Land flipping is buying land at a low price and reselling it for a profit without building or renovating anything.
Can I flip land in the U.S. if I live abroad?
Yes. Investors like Colin Murphy show it's possible with a U.S. corporation and a remote strategy.
How profitable is land flipping?
Profit margins can range from 50% to 100%, depending on the deal and location.
What are the benefits of land flipping?
It’s less expensive to start, simpler to manage, and can be done remotely with fewer risks than house flipping.
