Why Digital Real Estate Is the Best Side Hustle in 2025 — and How You Can Start Today

Derek and Dakota Remote Business Academy

Digital Real Estate is exploding in 2025. Learn why building, ranking, and renting web “properties” (or managing Google Business Profiles) beats every other side hustle for time freedom, scalability, and income potential—and get a step-by-step game-plan to start this week.

1. The 2025 Side-Hustle Boom

Nearly 40 % of working Americans already run a side gig, and analysts project almost half the U.S. workforce will freelance in some capacity by year-end.


Gen-Z is (surprisingly) leading the charge: more than half want two or three income streams within five years.


With inflation still high and wages lagging, today’s side hustler needs something that:


Starts cheap


Scales fast


Stays profitable when the economy wobbles


Digital Real Estate (D.R.E.) checks every box.


2. What Is Digital Real Estate?

Digital real estate is the online version of owning rental properties—but instead of houses, you control digital “lots” that local businesses pay to occupy.

Two core plays:


Rank & Rent websites — simple lead-gen sites you rank on Google, then “rent” to a plumber, roofer, etc.


Google Business Profile (GBP) management — claim/optimize a business’s GBP, automate posts & reviews, and charge $300–$500 per month to keep their phone ringing.


Both strategies run on the same engine: local SEO + automation.


3. Seven Reasons Digital Real Estate Tops Every Side Hustle in 2025

1 Near-zero startup costs: Domain, hosting, AI tools ≈ <$50 to launch. No inventory, no storefront.

2 Quick cash-flow: First rental deals often close within 30–60 days—students in our community have landed $500–$1,500/mo retainers off a single site.

3 Scalable & stackable: One site = one “door.” Clone the process and stack 10, 20, 50 doors—without 10, 20, 50 mortgages.

4 90 % automated: AI handles copy, images, citations, even weekly GBP posts—freeing you up after the initial setup.

5 Recession-resilient: Local services (roofing, HVAC, lawyers) are evergreen. When search volume dips, you simply pivot niches.

6 Skill equity: You’re mastering SEO, local ads, and conversion copy—valuable skills you can sell as consulting.

7 True lifestyle freedom: Manage everything from a laptop in Costa Rica (ask us how we know 😉).


4. Quick Case Study|

Four years ago Derek was tossing 20 pound blocks of ice at $15/hr. Dakota was grinding a 9-to-5. One tiny window-cleaning lead-gen site turned into an $80 K+/mo portfolio that now runs mostly on autopilot—proof that average guys (with spouses & toddlers in tow) can flip time into cash-flow with D.R.E.


5. Digital Real Estate vs. Other Popular Side Hustles

Side Hustle (2025) Startup Cost Avg. Monthly Profit Time/Week Scalability

Dropshipping $$ Low-Med 15–20 hrs Supply-chain headaches

Airbnb $$$$ Med-High 10 hrs Capital-heavy

Freelance design $ Varies 20+ hrs Limited to billable hours

Crypto/NFT flipping $$$ High-risk 5 hrs Speculative

Digital Real Estate $ High 4–6 hrs Infinite “doors”


6. How to Start Your First Digital Property (This Week)

Pick a local niche + city

– Combine high ticket with decent search volume (e.g., “bathroom remodel Boise”).


Build a simple site or claim the GBP

– WordPress + Elementor or an AI site-builder gets you live in a day.


Optimize & rank

– On-page SEO, local citations, and a sprinkle of Google Ads for quick traction.


Automate reviews & posts

– Tools like WebPro Marketing Suite schedule weekly GBP content in minutes.


Monetize

– Flat rent ($500–$1 500/mo) or pay-per-lead. Draft a one-page agreement and you’re cash-flowing.


7. FAQ

How long until I see income?

Most rookies land their first client in 30–60 days if they follow the steps above.


Do I need tech skills?

Nope. If you can write a social post, you can build a site with drag-and-drop tools.


Isn’t SEO saturated?

Local SEO is hyper-geo-specific. There are over 33 million small businesses in the U.S.—plenty of open turf.


8. Ready to Claim Your First Digital Property?

If you’re serious about stacking near-passive income in 2025, Digital Real Estate Pro 2.0 walks you through every click—AI templates, live coaching, the works. Grab our free 15-minute training to see exactly how we land $500–$1 500/mo deals on repeat.


👉 Watch the free training now right here


Or slide into our DMs on Instagram @derekanddakota with the word “ASSET” and we’ll point you to the next step.


Remote Business Academy Review: The Truth About Digital Real Estate

February 15, 2025
In the ever-expanding world of online business models, one method that has gained significant traction is digital real estate. This model, often referred to as rank and rent, has been at the core of Derek and Dakota's Remote Business Academy. But with increasing popularity comes the inevitable question: Is digital real estate a scam? In this blog post, we’ll break down the business model, share real-world success stories, and dive into a review of Remote Business Academy to determine if it’s a legitimate opportunity. Who Are Derek and Dakota? Derek and Dakota, also known as The Digital Real Estate Cousins, are the founders of Remote Business Academy. They specialize in teaching individuals how to build passive income by ranking websites on Google and renting them out to local service businesses. Their program has gained widespread attention, leading many to ask: Are Derek and Dakota legit? What is Digital Real Estate? Digital real estate follows a simple yet powerful concept: Build a Website – Create a website targeting a specific local service industry (e.g., roofing, HVAC, landscaping). Rank the Website on Google – Use SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to rank the site in search results for high-demand keywords. Generate Leads – Once ranked, the website starts generating exclusive leads from potential customers looking for that service. Rent the Website to a Local Business – Businesses pay a monthly fee for exclusive access to these leads, providing recurring revenue for the site owner. This model is often compared to traditional real estate because, like rental properties, digital assets appreciate over time and provide passive monthly income. Is Digital Real Estate a Scam? One of the most common concerns about digital real estate is whether it is a scam. However, when broken down, it is clear that it’s a legitimate business model with real-world applications. The rank and rent strategy capitalizes on Google’s organic search traffic, a key driver of revenue for many businesses. Zach, a Remote Business Academy program member and digital real estate expert, confirms this: "I’ve been doing this for nearly 10 years. It started as a side hustle but has now replaced my full-time income. The best part? My sites generate leads passively, and I rent them out for $500–$1,500 per month per site." If digital real estate were a scam, it wouldn’t be possible for individuals like Zach to build a six-figure business using this method. Remote Business Academy Review: Is It Worth It? If you’re looking for an in-depth Remote Business Academy review, here’s what you need to know: 1. Comprehensive Training The program provides step-by-step training on: Website building (no coding required) SEO and ranking strategies Lead generation techniques Negotiating with local business owners Zach, who has contributed to the training materials, states: "The beauty of this program is that you don’t need to be a tech expert. Anyone willing to follow instructions and put in the work can succeed." 2. Live Coaching & Support One of the biggest advantages of Remote Business Academy is the ongoing coaching. Unlike many online courses that leave students to figure things out on their own, Derek and Dakota offer: Live weekly coaching calls Personalized mentorship A private community for networking and support 3. Proven Success Stories Many members of Remote Business Academy have reported significant financial gains. Zach, for instance, started with a goal of making $3,000/month in passive income and is now on track to hit $30,000/month. Another key point? Many students land their first paying client within 60 days. 4. Scalability & Passive Income Unlike other online businesses that require constant management (e.g., Amazon FBA, dropshipping), digital real estate is truly scalable and passive. Once a website is ranked and generating leads, minimal maintenance is required. Zach shares: "I have sites that I haven’t touched in years that continue to bring in $750-$1,000 per month. This is as close to passive income as it gets." Are Derek and Dakota Legit? With their extensive track record, transparent training, and hundreds of success stories, it’s clear that Derek and Dakota are legitimate business owners and educators. They continue to be actively involved in the digital real estate space, proving that they aren’t just selling a course—they are practitioners who teach what they do. Final Verdict: Should You Join Remote Business Academy? If you’re considering Remote Business Academy, here’s our final take: ✅ Legitimate business model – Digital real estate is a proven way to generate passive income. ✅ Derek and Dakota are credible mentors – They actively build and rent digital assets themselves. ✅ Strong support system – Includes live coaching, a private community, and step-by-step training. ✅ Scalable income potential – With no income ceiling, members have reached $10,000+ per month. If you’re looking for a long-term online business that provides recurring revenue, then Remote Business Academy may be the right fit for you.

Derek and Dakota Digital Assets Review: Is Digital Real Estate Legit or a Scam?

By Derek Millward • February 15, 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, many people are exploring new ways to generate income online. One such method that has been gaining significant traction is digital real estate — a concept where individuals build and manage online properties like websites, Google profiles, and other digital assets that can generate revenue. But, with the rise of digital marketing opportunities, questions naturally arise: Is Digital Real Estate a scam? or Is it a legitimate business model? In this detailed review, we’re diving into the experience of Jon, a successful entrepreneur, who’s been thriving in this field thanks to the methods taught by Derek and Dakota through their Remote Business Academy Program. We'll examine why digital real estate is not a scam and why building digital assets can actually be a very viable secondary stream of income. Jon’s Journey to Digital Real Estate Success: Jon, a CrossFit gym owner with 15 years of experience, was looking for a new challenge. With decades of entrepreneurship behind him, Jon wanted to expand his horizon, but he had reservations about entering the digital world. However, his journey into digital real estate began in May 2024, after signing up for the Derek and Dakota Remote Business Academy Program. The result? In just three and a half months, Jon earned over $10,000 by leveraging SEO and Google profile optimization techniques. His success story is a testament to the effectiveness of the program and the power of digital real estate as a secondary income stream. Jon credits his rapid success to the simplicity and efficiency of the SEO strategies that Derek and Dakota teach. Once he set up his first Google profiles for businesses, the results began to show. He was able to generate steady income with minimal time commitment, working about 7 hours per week. The digital asset he created started generating profits, and soon, Jon was adding more clients and building his income, all while maintaining his gym business. Why Digital Real Estate is NOT a Scam: One of the key questions people ask when exploring digital real estate opportunities is: Is Digital Real Estate a scam? The answer is a resounding no. Digital real estate is a legitimate business model that offers real, measurable results. Here's why: 1. Tangible Value Creation Digital real estate involves creating and managing online properties that provide value to businesses. These digital assets—whether they are Google business profiles, websites, or SEO-optimized listings—are tools that help companies increase their visibility and attract new customers. Much like physical real estate, where a property increases in value over time, digital assets also grow in value through SEO work, optimized content, and consistent management. By improving these profiles and websites, you’re creating long-term, sustainable assets for businesses. For Jon, the process of working on local businesses’ Google profiles was simple but effective. By implementing SEO strategies, he was able to enhance the visibility of his clients, helping them gain more leads and customers. This direct impact on their businesses is why digital real estate is so valuable and legitimate. 2. Low Overhead, High Scalability Unlike traditional businesses that require large capital investments, physical real estate, or expensive inventory, digital real estate offers a low barrier to entry. Once you understand the strategies behind SEO and digital asset management, you can scale your business without needing a huge upfront investment. Jon, for example, spends just about seven hours a week working on his side business—an amount of time that’s manageable alongside his full-time job running a gym. As he grew more confident with the process, his productivity and results improved, which shows the scalability of this business model. 3. Proven Systems with Support One of the reasons why the Remote Business Academy Program by Derek and Dakota is so successful is that it offers a proven, step-by-step system that helps beginners, like Jon, succeed in the digital real estate field. The training focuses on building and optimizing Google profiles, websites, and other assets in a manner that delivers consistent, repeatable results. Moreover, the program fosters a strong sense of community. Jon talks about the collaborative nature of the group, where more experienced members guide beginners. This mentorship and network of support significantly increase the likelihood of success for anyone willing to put in the effort. This collaborative environment helps debunk any myths around digital real estate being a scam, as it demonstrates that there are real people, like Jon, seeing actual results. Is Derek and Dakota’s Program Legit? Another frequently asked question is: Is Derek and Dakota’s Remote Business Academy Program a scam? Given the growing popularity of online business courses, skepticism is natural. However, Jon’s story is just one of many that show the legitimacy and effectiveness of Derek and Dakota’s program. In the Remote Business Academy Program, students learn to build digital assets through hands-on training. Derek and Dakota have created a system that teaches participants how to set up and manage SEO-optimized business profiles, making it possible for business owners to attract more local customers. This is not just theory but a practical, actionable approach to creating real digital assets that generate income. Jon’s $10,000 earnings in just three and a half months are a perfect example of how the program delivers on its promises. What makes the program especially attractive is the ability to create multiple income streams. Whether through Google profile optimization, website building, or other digital services, there are numerous ways to generate revenue, allowing entrepreneurs to diversify and grow their business. Why Digital Real Estate is a Viable Secondary Income Stream: Now, let’s address why digital real estate is a legitimate and sustainable way to build a secondary income stream: 1. Recession-Proof and Flexible Unlike traditional real estate, digital assets are not subject to the same market fluctuations. Businesses constantly need to be visible online to compete, and digital marketing services like SEO are always in demand. Because digital real estate relies on these ongoing business needs, it remains relatively recession-proof. Additionally, digital real estate is incredibly flexible. You can work from anywhere, at any time, which allows you to balance it with a full-time job or other commitments, just like Jon does with his gym. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those seeking supplemental income without sacrificing their primary career. 2. Low Entry Costs and High Returns Digital real estate has very low startup costs compared to traditional businesses. You don’t need to purchase properties, deal with mortgages, or manage physical locations. All you need is a computer, internet connection, and the right knowledge and tools—just like what you get with the Remote Business Academy Program. The high return potential comes from leveraging SEO and other strategies that consistently drive traffic to your digital assets. Just like Jon, who started earning $2,000-$3,000 per month after a few months, many people are able to grow this secondary income stream into a full-time business, all while keeping overhead costs minimal. 3. Endless Market Potential Almost every business today relies on an online presence, from restaurants and local services to retail stores and even personal brands. This wide range of potential clients gives digital real estate businesses endless opportunities to grow. Plus, as businesses are always looking for new ways to drive traffic and acquire customers, the demand for SEO and digital marketing services is virtually unlimited. Conclusion: Derek and Dakota's Digital Assets Program—A Legitimate Path to Success: To conclude, Derek and Dakota’s Remote Business Academy Program is a legitimate, proven way to build digital assets and generate a steady stream of income through SEO and Google profile optimization. Jon’s story is just one example of how this program can help individuals, even those with no prior experience in digital marketing, build a profitable side business. Digital real estate is not a scam—it’s a viable, scalable business model that provides tangible value to clients, offers flexibility, and allows entrepreneurs to build assets that generate long-term income. If you’re looking for a secondary income stream or a way to transition into a new business venture, Derek and Dakota’s program offers a legitimate, supportive, and effective path to success. So, is digital real estate legit? Absolutely. If you’re ready to put in the effort and learn the ropes, this could be the business opportunity you’ve been waiting for.