For many, buying a home can be a dream come true, a daunting challenge, or even a lucrative business venture, depending on one's perspective. This is certainly the case for a Cuban woman living in the United States who took a unique approach: importing two prefabricated houses from China to rent them out. Her project was completed in under two months and has captivated thousands on TikTok with its details.
The mastermind behind this venture is TikTok user @mai_algarete, who documented the entire process in her videos—from the arrival of the homes in shipping containers to the final touches before they were ready for tenants. Perhaps the most intriguing part for many viewers is her transparent breakdown of the costs involved in each stage of the project.
Each house cost $15,600, with additional expenses including $10,200 for international shipping, $9,900 in taxes, $1,100 for on-site delivery, $10,000 for septic systems, $2,000 for landscaping, and a $7,000 loss due to a scam. In total, she invested $118,780, as detailed in her clips. These homes are far from basic: one features three bedrooms, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony, while the other—already rented—boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and closets. While some viewers were surprised to see washing machines in the bathrooms, others praised the practical design, with one follower noting, “That’s normal in Europe.”
The response to her videos was immediate and varied. Many applauded her foresight and optimism: “Great investment, you’ll recoup everything in five years,” “I admire your resilience,” and “This is real vision.” Others posed crucial questions: “Where did you buy them?” “Did you need permits?” “Do they meet local codes?” and “When will you share the scam story?”
Some viewers shared their own experiences for comparison. “I bought a house for $160K and I’m still spending on repairs,” one person commented. Another humorously noted, “It’s not like ordering from Shein, where it just arrives ready.” Reactions included emojis, applause, jokes, and numerous requests for a “part 3” video.
Despite some criticism—“That won’t work,” “Better to build from scratch,” “What about insurance?”—most recognized her creativity, transparency, and courage to start a new venture. In a market where a home can easily exceed $250,000, her approach is, at the very least, unconventional.
With ingenuity, transparency, and a touch of charisma, @mai_algarete has demonstrated that establishing a real estate business in the U.S. by shipping homes in containers is indeed feasible... for a total of $118,780.
Insights Into Prefabricated Homes from China
What inspired the Cuban woman to import houses from China?
She saw it as a unique business opportunity to offer rental properties in the U.S. at a lower cost than traditional methods.
How long did the entire process take from import to rental readiness?
The project was completed in less than two months, from importing the houses to preparing them for tenants.
What were the total costs involved in the project?
The total investment amounted to $118,780, covering everything from house costs to taxes and landscaping.