Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Schuster.
Hi Ben, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in San Diego and lived all over the county, but my most formative years were spent in La Mesa. Much of my adolescence was marked by housing instability, and I experienced youth homelessness well before the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. When my family lost our home during that crisis, it further cemented my drive to build a future grounded in financial stability and long-term opportunity—both for myself and others. That experience ultimately led me to pursue a career in finance, with a focus on private equity real estate.
I went on to attend California State University, Chico, where I double-majored in Finance and Economics. After graduation, I accepted an offer to work at BlackRock and spent the next seven years there, primarily based in San Francisco.
In 2021, my wife and I decided to move back to San Diego—our hometown—to raise a family and build a life in America’s Finest City. After relocating, I enrolled at the University of San Diego, where I earned my Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE).
One Saturday morning while grabbing coffee at a local bagel shop, I overheard a conversation about Manufactured Housing investments. As a real estate investor already intrigued by the asset class—but having never met someone directly involved—I introduced myself to one of the individuals on his way out.
That person turned out to be Blake Comfort, co-founder of Comfort Capital & Comfort Communities—a midsized real estate investment firm based in El Cajon that specializes in Manufactured Housing Community investments. We exchanged contact information and quickly connected over our shared passion for real estate and long-term investing. Over the next year, we built a strong friendship, and in 2023, I left BlackRock to join Comfort as a Partner, leading the firm’s capital raising and investor relations efforts. Since then, we’ve grown the business by more than 50% in just two years.
Outside of business, I’m passionate about giving back to those less fortunate. I serve as a board member of The Lucky Duck Foundation, where I lead an advisory committee focused on lived experience. The foundation’s mission is to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego. I’m also a husband, father, believer, and a die-hard Padres fan.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I don’t think it ever is for anyone building something meaningful. Growing up with housing instability and experiencing homelessness during my youth taught me how to navigate uncertainty early on. Those years instilled a level of grit and perspective that still guides me today.
Professionally, breaking into the world of finance wasn’t easy. Coming from a non-traditional background without family connections in the industry, I had to rely on persistence, hard work, and a willingness to put myself out there. Even once I landed at BlackRock, I constantly felt like I had to prove myself—first to others, and eventually to myself.
Starting over in my hometown with little to no professional ties, going back to grad school, and transitioning from a large corporate environment to a privately held, entrepreneurial real estate firm came with its own set of challenges. But every tough moment has also been a turning point, and I’m incredibly grateful for where those roads have led me. I recently heard a champion UFC fighter say, “Adversity is a privilege,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Comfort Capital, we specialize in investing in Manufactured Housing Communities—what most people refer to as mobile home parks. We’re a family-owned, San Diego-based real estate investment firm that’s passionate about creating clean, safe, and affordable housing while delivering long-term, consistent returns for our investors.
What sets us apart is our deep operational experience and our hands-on approach to this asset class. Manufactured housing is often misunderstood, but we see it as one of the most durable and recession-resistant forms of real estate—offering both meaningful social impact and strong investment fundamentals.
Over the past 16 years, we’ve owned and operated more than 35 communities totaling over 3,000 homesites. Today, we actively manage a growing portfolio of 25 communities and over 2,300 homes through our in-house property management division, Comfort Communities. With a team of more than 55 professionals, we’re proud to be fully vertically integrated—overseeing every part of the investment lifecycle from acquisitions and renovations to day-to-day operations and long-term strategy.
What I’m most proud of is that our work sits at the intersection of impact and performance. We’re not just building portfolios to help investors achieve financial freedom—we’re building neighborhoods people are proud to call home. And as someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to not have stable housing, that means a lot to me.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to just start—wherever you are, with whatever you have. It’s easy to wait for the perfect moment or feel like you need everything figured out, but the truth is, progress comes from showing up consistently and learning along the way.
Find a mentor. I’m the product of hundreds of people who have poured into me over the years, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. But don’t just look for someone to help you—know how to be a great mentee. Try to give more than you take, even if all you can offer is a handwritten thank-you card or a thoughtful follow-up. A little effort goes a long way.
Also—do the little things. Be on time. Dress well. Bring positive energy even when you don’t feel like it. People want to work with people who lift them up. Successful people are busy, and they naturally gravitate toward others who are prepared, positive, and solutions-oriented.
And finally—remember, it’s a long road. There are no shortcuts. You’ll have wins and setbacks, clarity and confusion. But if you stay grounded in your values, keep learning, and surround yourself with good people, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.
Pricing:
- We raise capital and partner with accredited investors into our deals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://comfortcapital.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfort.capital/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-schuster24/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CashFlowQuestPodcast
