In this episode of Your Business Your Next Level, I sit down with DeShaun Sellers, a real estate investor, Air Force veteran, and operator of multiple residential assisted living (RAL) homes. What started as a way to invest in real estate with more cash flow turned into a powerful mission—providing seniors with dignified, compassionate care inspired by his own grandmother’s experience in a traditional nursing home. DeShaun shares how he scaled from one property to multiple homes in North Carolina, why the RAL model is recession-resistant, and how he leverages both franchising and real estate ownership to grow efficiently.

We also discuss what families should look for when choosing a care facility, red flags to avoid, and how DeShaun uses data-driven site selection to build profitable, sustainable businesses that serve communities. This is a must-listen for real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about how business and purpose can intersect in senior care.

Key Takeaways:

Residential Assisted Living Combines Cash Flow with Compassion: DeShaun shares how RALs can outperform traditional rentals while providing an essential service to aging communities.

Staffing with Intention Changes Everything: Lower caregiver-to-resident ratios create a better environment for both staff and residents—resulting in better outcomes and stronger retention.

Franchising Accelerated His Growth: Having the right franchise support gave DeShaun access to systems, documentation, and compliance help—freeing him to scale faster and smarter.

Site Selection Matters More Than You Think: DeShaun now uses census data, income levels, and proximity to large healthcare systems to ensure every property is positioned for success.

Do the Tour—And Talk to the Staff: Families should go beyond surface-level marketing when touring assisted living homes. The true test is talking with caregivers who interact with residents daily.

Timeline Summary:

[00:00] - DeShaun’s journey from the Air Force to real estate and residential assisted living

[02:00] - Inspired by his grandmother’s experience in a nursing home

[05:00] - Why smaller homes and lower staff ratios create better outcomes

[08:00] - How the real estate model behind RALs drives long-term wealth

[10:00] - The power of franchising and how it helped him avoid costly mistakes

[13:00] - What to ask when touring a facility—and the red flags to watch for

[16:00] - Lessons from real estate and how to select the right neighborhoods

[18:00] - Understanding pricing, private pay models, and market demand

[21:00] - Focus on what you can control—and don’t try to reinvent everything

[23:00] - Final thoughts on aligning purpose and profit in business

Links & Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshaun-sellers-9131605b/