Vanilla Ice first became a household name with the hit “Ice Ice Baby.” Yet long after dominating music charts, he built another career—real estate. In the 1990s, at the height of his fame, Robert Matthew Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, began buying and renovating properties. Unlike many celebrity investors, he didn’t just sign checks. He studied design, became a licensed general contractor, and transformed houses with his own hands.
His skills were showcased in “The Vanilla Ice Project,” a popular DIY Network show that aired from 2010 to 2019. On screen, he took on ambitious renovations, demonstrating how a pop icon could thrive in a completely different field.
The Real Estate Strategy He Lives By
During a conversation with Fox News Digital, Vanilla Ice outlined how new investors can find success in the housing market. His approach stresses one key principle—never pay full market price.
According to him, buyers should:
1. Get appraisals to know true property value
2. Make repeated low offers to increase chances of a deal
3. Look for owners in difficult situations, such as divorce or family loss
4. Avoid listings on mainstream platforms like Zillow
He explained that the best opportunities rarely appear online. Instead, he looks for overlooked deals and distressed sales. As he put it, “The trick is to learn how to buy your houses first. Always buy below appraised value.”
Beyond Traditional Buying
Vanilla Ice also pointed to tax liens as a powerful but lesser-known strategy. When homeowners fail to pay taxes, local governments can place liens on the property. Investors can purchase those liens and often gain access to properties at far below market value.
He emphasized the importance of working with legal professionals when exploring this route, saying buyers can “go to the county with a lawyer and figure out how to buy a tax lien.” He pointed out that for intelligent investors who are prepared to put in the time to understand the procedure, auctions provide special chances.
Why Money Comes First
When it comes to real estate, Vanilla Ice strips it down to basics: profit over passion. He advises looking for undervalued homes—those priced lower than appraisal—and seizing them quickly. “If somebody accepts a low offer, they need to sell fast. That’s when opportunity strikes,” he said.
It’s a reminder that successful investing depends on math, not sentiment.
A Nod to the ‘90s
Away from property flips, Vanilla Ice still celebrates the 1990s as a golden era. He often notes how the decade felt easier, less burdened by screens and social media. He calls it “the last great generation before computers ruined everything.”
He remembers Blockbuster runs, mixtapes, and afternoons spent outdoors as markers of that era. And he enjoys seeing his kids and today’s younger crowd bring the styles, music, and energy of the decade back into fashion. “The ‘90s are back in full force, and it’s a good thing,” he said.
Back on Screen With “KPOPPED”
While real estate remains a focus, Vanilla Ice also returned to television through Apple TV+ with the series “KPOPPED.” The show blends global music by pairing major K-pop groups with Western stars. Teams race against the clock to produce unforgettable performances, with a winning group crowned each episode.
Vanilla Ice praised the series for its broad appeal, saying it delivers entertainment for audiences “from nine to ninety.” He described it as a chance to relive the high energy of earlier decades, packaged in a modern format for today’s streaming generation.
Building Wealth While Staying Relevant
Vanilla Ice’s path shows that reinvention works when paired with discipline. His roadmap—targeting undervalued homes, bidding on tax liens, and focusing on profit—offers practical guidance for aspiring investors. At the same time, his ability to balance real estate success with entertainment projects like “KPOPPED” proves his staying power.
Decades after “Ice Ice Baby” made him famous, Vanilla Ice continues to build, create, and inspire. His message is clear: invest wisely, stay adaptable, and never stop evolving.