$65K / month?! $7.5M Contract?! Partnering with Government Services Administration for Real Estate Rentals - Noble Crawford
How to Make $10K per Month from Government Rentals with Noble Crawford
Why this episode matters for affordable housing investors
Most people think of affordable housing in terms of Section 8 rentals or LIHTC developments. But what if you could provide housing that the federal government pays for directly—at premium nightly rates? That’s exactly what Noble Crawford, co-founder of a Texas-based hospitality brand, has mastered.
On this episode of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, host Kent Fai He uncovers how Noble scaled from Airbnbs to government lodging contracts worth millions, including two-bedroom units generating $10,000+ per month each.
This conversation matters because it shows investors, developers, and advocates a proven path to expand affordable housing supply while also creating reliable cash flow streams backed by government contracts.
How does the GSA lodging program create income for investors?
The General Services Administration (GSA) sets nightly per diem rates for federal employees traveling on official business. Noble identified a massive opportunity:
Pilots and mechanics on Department of Defense training contracts were traveling for 2–4 weeks at a time.
The GSA lodging rate in Dallas-Fort Worth was $167 per night, per person.
By placing two mechanics in a two-bedroom unit, Noble generated $10,020 per month per unit.
Instead of chasing short-term Airbnb bookings, he leveraged multi-year government contracts that provided guaranteed occupancy and income stability.
What steps do you need before bidding on government housing contracts?
Working with the federal government requires credibility and structure. According to Noble:
Set up a real business entity (LLC or corporation) with a professional address, phone number, and website—not a Gmail or cell phone.
Register with SAM.gov, the government’s System for Award Management, to obtain your CAGE code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Create a capability statement, essentially your business resume, showing past performance, differentiators, and certifications (such as minority- or veteran-owned status).
Build relationships with contracting officers and small business liaisons at federal agencies. These are the gatekeepers to prime contract opportunities.
How can small investors find these government opportunities?
Noble shared tactical methods anyone can use:
USASpending.gov – Research past federal awards to see which companies (prime contractors) are already winning lodging-related deals.
SAM.gov – Browse live solicitations, requests for proposals (RFPs), and requests for information (RFIs).
Keyword strategy – Search contracts with terms like lodging, accommodations, housing, hotels.
Subcontracting path – Start as a subcontractor with larger defense contractors before bidding directly.
He emphasized that government demand is always bulk housing, making multifamily or condo owners well-positioned to compete.
How did Noble scale his portfolio beyond Airbnb?
Noble began with a handful of short-term rentals, but a personal crisis—his wife’s health battle—pushed him to create a more resilient business model.
Today, he manages 44 units across leased and owned properties, serving verticals like:
Corporate housing
Healthcare and higher education
Military relocation
Government contracts
Aviation industry crash pads for pilots and flight attendants
By shifting to mid-term and long-term stays with direct contracts, his team reduced turnover, cut cleaning costs, and achieved consistent revenue without depending on OTAs like Airbnb.
Key Insights from Noble Crawford
Government contracts create reliable cash flow: One two-bedroom unit can gross $10,000+ monthly.
Relationships matter more than forms: Knowing contracting officers and prime contractors opens more doors than just submitting online bids.
Professional setup is essential: Government buyers won’t take you seriously without a polished business entity.
Think bigger than Airbnb: By targeting agencies and industries with bulk housing needs, you can move from side hustle to scalable enterprise.
Team + systems = freedom: Noble uses community managers and virtual assistants to run operations so he can focus on growth.
Memorable Quotes from Noble Crawford
“When you land one of these government contracts, it’s like the gift that just keeps on giving.”
“The government wants to see a legit business—address, phone, website, and email. Don’t come with a Gmail and a PO Box.”
“In this space, relationships are everything. Contracting officers are people too. Pick up the phone, send an email, and build rapport.”
“I realized I could earn monthly recurring revenue without working harder than I did at my W-2.”
Common Questions about Government Rentals
How much can you make renting to the government?
Depending on unit size and GSA rates, investors can earn $5,000–$10,000 per month per unit, often locked into multi-year contracts.
Do you need to own the property to qualify?
No. Many contracts are filled with leased inventory, especially multifamily communities willing to partner for guaranteed occupancy.
Isn’t government paperwork overwhelming?
There’s an upfront setup process—entity registration, SAM.gov, capability statement—but once complete, deals can run smoothly for years.
Can small landlords compete with big companies?
Yes. Many prime contractors subcontract housing needs to smaller operators. Building relationships is key.
By spotlighting Noble Crawford’s strategies, this episode shows how affordable housing can intersect with government demand to create stable returns and stronger communities.
Kent Fai He is an affordable housing developer and the host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, recognized as the best podcast on affordable housing investments.
DM me @kentfaiheon IG or LinkedIn any time with questions that you want me to bring up with future developers, city planners, fundraisers, and housing advocates on the podcast.
