'Million Dollar Zombie Flips' host plans $8M to $15M Scottsdale buying spree starting in January

By Angela Gonzales

James Dainard, host of A&E Network's "Million Dollar Zombie Flips," is turning his eye to the Scottsdale market.

Starting in January, Dainard plans to buy $8 million to $15 million of homes, which he and his team will renovate and sell.

"We're gonna get pretty aggressive pretty fast," Dainard said. "We're looking within 45 minutes of the Scottsdale and north Phoenix area."



Depending on the area, Dainard said he hopes to buy homes priced between $700,000 and $2 million. There has been a surge in contract activity for Valley homes priced between $1 million and $2 million, according to recent data from The Cromford Report.

"We're focused on the best return and profit rather than the price point," he said.

Dainard currently is buying 10 to 20 homes a month in Seattle, where he renovates and sells them.

"Right now, we're doing $150 million in projects at a time in Seattle," he said. "We don't want to be as big as we are in Seattle, but our goal is to do $40 million to $50 million projects a year in metro Phoenix."

He moved his wife and family to the Arcadia area in August 2023, where he plans to expand his zombie flipping operations.

"Phoenix has a very unique population of investors compared to other states," he said. "I tried to move down here a couple of years before, but it was very hard to find a house. Then the market slowed and we were able to get the one we were looking for."

As a host for BiggerPockets On The Market podcast, Dainard caught the attention of A&E Network, which recruited him to flip zombie houses in the Seattle area for the series. Zombie houses on the show are those that are in states of dilapidation and need significant renovation to be marketable.

He's now filming the second season of that production.

Plans are in the works to film zombie flips in the Phoenix area, which will highlight his learning curve in the Phoenix market.

"It doesn't matter how experienced you are," he said. "When you go into a different market, its a big learning curve. Hopefully, we can document my learning curves and mistakes."

With more than 4,000 real estate deals, 2,000 renovations and $1 billion in sales under his belt, Dainard is now teaching what he's learned to his children, ages 10 and 12.

His 12-year-old son saved $800 and invested $500 of his savings into one of the flip properties.

"We take him through the steps to see what his $500 can turn into by the end of the flip," Dainard said. "We'll see how he does. You never know in real estate."


Final Thoughts
Scottsdale continues to draw serious investor attention for one key reason: demand in this market stays strong, especially in the luxury and near-luxury ranges. When seasoned operators like James Dainard commit to an $8M–$15M buying spree, it’s a clear signal of confidence in the area’s long-term strength. For buyers, this means well-located homes, especially within 45 minutes of Scottsdale and North Phoenix are only becoming more competitive. If you're thinking about making a move, now is a great time to explore your options and get ahead of the next wave of activity. Scottsdale matters right now because both investors and homeowners are seeking the same advantages: strong returns, lifestyle appeal, and long-term stability. Arizona Home Group Realtors is here to help you navigate it all with clarity and strategy.