In the world of real estate investing, there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. For Murph McCarthy, a former Marine Corps officer, rugby coach, and entrepreneur, that path started on the rugby pitch and evolved into a thriving portfolio of rental properties. His journey highlights how early decisions, financial discipline, and a willingness to take calculated risks can lead to long-term financial freedom.
How It All Started: A Simple Yet Powerful Idea
Murph’s first exposure to real estate came while in flight school. After reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad, he saw an opportunity not just to rent but to own and generate income. His first step? Buying a home and renting out rooms to fellow service members. The simple idea of turning his housing allowance into an asset planted the seed for future investments.
Murph realized early on that:
- Cash flow isn’t everything – Even if a property isn’t generating large immediate profits, consistent rental income and mortgage paydown build wealth over time.
- Momentum matters – Taking action, even on smaller deals, sharpens an investor’s ability to analyze and execute future opportunities.
- Tenant selection is key – Higher-rent properties often attract tenants who require less hands-on management, reducing overall stress and maintenance.
Scaling the Portfolio: Learning Through Experience
After his first few properties, Murph expanded his portfolio by focusing on:
- Location and affordability – Finding properties that could be purchased affordably while still generating positive cash flow.
- VA Loan and Refinancing Strategies – Leveraging VA loans and strategic refinancing to maximize returns and free up capital for new investments.
- Understanding Market Trends – Investing in areas poised for appreciation rather than chasing short-term gains.
His strategy emphasized buying properties in strong rental markets, holding for the long term, and letting appreciation and principal paydown create wealth.
Managing Properties: Self-Management vs. Property Managers
One of the biggest debates among investors is whether to self-manage or hire a property manager. Murph has done both, noting that:
- Self-management is great for control and savings – Many maintenance tasks can be handled easily, and direct communication with tenants often reduces unnecessary expenses.
- A good property manager is worth the cost – When managing from a distance or juggling multiple properties, a property manager can save time and headaches.
His approach? Self-manage when practical but hand off to professionals when needed. More importantly, he emphasizes processes—from maintenance protocols to communication strategies—to keep operations smooth.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Birth of The Cover Bag
Beyond real estate, Murph’s entrepreneurial drive led him to create The Cover Bag, a protective case for military uniform covers. The idea came from personal frustration—there was no easy way to store and transport a Marine Corps cover without it getting damaged. Rather than just accept the problem, he created a solution.
The journey of launching the Cover Bag taught Murph key business lessons:
- Finding a Manufacturer – Sourcing quality production took trial and error, but persistence led him to a reliable long-term supplier.
- Retail and Wholesale Distribution – Securing a deal with the Marine Corps Exchange was a major milestone, showing the power of networking and persistence.
- Marketing and Customer Feedback – Direct engagement with customers and adjusting the product based on needs helped the brand grow organically.
This venture reinforced a key takeaway: Taking action is the most important step in business and investing.
Lessons for New Investors
Murph’s journey from rugby coach to real estate investor and entrepreneur is filled with practical wisdom for anyone looking to build wealth through real estate. Some of his biggest takeaways include:
- There’s never a perfect time to start – Whether investing in real estate or starting a business, waiting for the perfect conditions will only lead to missed opportunities.
- Look at the long game – Real estate investing isn’t about quick wins but rather building financial security over time.
- Take calculated risks – Research, plan, and then take action. The more reps you get, the sharper your investment decisions become.
Final Thoughts
Murph’s story is a testament to the power of initiative, resourcefulness, and continuous learning. Whether it’s finding creative ways to finance real estate deals, managing properties efficiently, or launching a product from scratch, his approach is all about taking action.
For those on the fence about real estate investing, Murph’s advice is simple: Start now. Learn as you go. The best opportunities come to those who are willing to step up and take them.
