Digital Rental Method Review: Is It Legit?

Hey, it’s Mark from MarksInsights.

If you’ve been looking into ways to build an online income, you’ve probably come across Digital Rental Method — a program created by Sean Kochel and Joshua T. Osborne that’s been getting a lot of attention lately.

It’s marketed as a step-by-step system that teaches you how to build and rent out websites to local businesses — what they call digital real estate — so you can earn passive income month after month.

It sounds like a smart business model on paper… but does it actually work in the real world?

In this review, I’ll break down what Digital Rental Method is, how it really works behind the scenes, and whether it’s a legitimate opportunity.

Before we dive in…

After 15+ years testing every way to make money online, I can tell you this honestly:

If you like the digital rental / digital real estate idea behind this program, there’s an earlier, more proven, more sustainable version of this model that’s been working for years before DRM existed.

It’s the version I personally use — and the one I’d choose if I had to start from scratch today.

👉 Click here to see my no.1 recommendation!

Key Takeaways (if you’re short on time)

• Digital Rental Method is a program that teaches you how to build websites that bring customers to local businesses, and then charge those businesses monthly.
• You learn to use both Google/Facebook ads and SEO to get those websites seen by potential customers.
• Potential earnings are significant, with reported incomes of $5,000–$10,000 per month in some cases — but this is not typical and requires real skill and effort.
• Digital Rental Method cost is not public; you’ll need to contact them for details and jump on a call.

• Verdict: Digital Rental Method is legit and teaches a real business model, but in my opinion there is a better, more beginner friendly alternative.

Want to see the better alternative?👉 See my No.1 recommendation here

What is the Digital Rental Method?

The Digital Rental Method focuses on building online assets, primarily websites, that act as lead-generation tools for local businesses.

Think of it less like building a traditional real estate business and more like creating digital properties that you then lease out. You’re essentially constructing online storefronts tailored to attract potential customers for specific services or businesses in a given area.

The core idea is simple:

1. Build a website around a local niche (e.g. “plumbers in Denver”).
2. Get that website in front of people actively searching for that service.
3. Route those leads to a local business owner.
4. Charge a recurring fee for the leads / calls you generate.

Sean Kochel and Joshua T. Osborne provide training on building these websites and, importantly, generating traffic. They emphasize a combination of:

• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Paid advertising (Google & Facebook Ads, etc.)

Their training includes techniques for running effective ad campaigns and using A/B testing to optimize performance. This focus on paid ads aims to provide a faster route to generating leads and securing clients, instead of waiting months for SEO alone.

The goal is to create a sustainable, recurring income stream by providing a valuable service to local businesses. You’re effectively bridging the gap between potential customers searching online and businesses that need those customers.

If you want a deeper dive into the overall concept of local lead generation as a business model, I break that down in my dedicated Local Lead Generation guide.

Digital Rental Method vs Local Lead Generation

You’ll often hear “Digital Rental Method” and “Local Lead Generation” used as if they’re exactly the same thing, and while they share a core goal – getting paid by local businesses for leads – there’s a pretty significant difference in how they get there.

Think of it this way:

Digital Rental Method → “Turn on the tap”

Digital Rental Method is like turning on a faucet. You’re using paid ads (Google, Facebook, etc.) to drive traffic to your lead-generating website.

• The upside: you can see results quickly. You launch ads, and you can get traffic and leads within days.

• The downside: you’re paying for every click. You’ve got to be good at managing those ads, constantly tweaking and testing so you’re not just burning money.

You need to understand ad platforms, copywriting, tracking, analytics and offer–market fit. It’s a faster route, but it’s more hands-on and typically more expensive.

Traditional Local Lead Generation → “Plant the tree”

Organic local lead generation is more like planting a tree.

You’re focusing heavily on SEO — getting your website to rank high in Google search results for local keywords. This takes time (usually a few months), because you’re working with Google’s algorithm.

Once that site is ranking, it can bring in leads almost automatically, with very low ongoing costs. You’re building a long-term digital asset.

So, while both methods aim to connect local businesses with potential customers, they do it in very different ways. One is about quick, paid traffic, the other about slower, organic growth.

Want to see what I recommend?👉 See my no.1 recommendation here!

Who’s the Digital Rental Method For? (And Who Should Skip It)

So, who’s the Digital Rental Method actually for? And more importantly, who isn’t it for?

If you’re serious about building a real, sustainable online business and you’re willing to put in the work, this could be a good fit. If you like the idea of building a recurring income stream and you’re looking for a program that teaches proven strategies, you’ll probably find value here.

It can also be a fit if:

• You’re a small business owner with a website gathering dust and you want to finally make it produce leads.

• You run a digital marketing agency and want to expand beyond SEO alone, adding a performance-based lead gen offer using paid ads.

Now, who should probably steer clear?

• If you’re looking for a “get rich quick” scheme, this isn’t it.

• If you’re not willing to learn paid ads, handle some complexity, and test campaigns, you’ll struggle.

• If you’re starting from zero with a tiny budget and high anxiety about risk, a pure paid-ads model might not be the best starting point.

Essentially, it’s for people who are serious about building a real online income, and who understand that lead generation is a real business, not a loophole.

Want to see what I recommend?👉 See my No.1 recommendation here

Now who are the Gurus behind the Digital rental method

Let’s talk about the people behind the Digital Rental Method: Sean Kochel and Joshua T. Osborne.

Who Is Sean Kochel?

Sean Kochel is one of the key minds behind Digital Rental Method. He’s known for running highly profitable ads across Google, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Snapchat — turning online traffic into real revenue.

His background isn’t the typical “born marketer” story. He grew up in New Jersey in a middle-class family, studied supply chain management at Lehigh University, and started out in a corporate job working long shifts.

Eventually, he realised the 9–5 grind wasn’t giving him the financial or lifestyle freedom he wanted, and he pivoted into digital marketing.

But Sean didn’t just wake up one day as a marketing pro. His journey started in New Jersey, where he grew up in a typical middle-class family. He later attended Lehigh University (2010-2014), earning a degree in supply chain management—a background that gave him insight into business operations before he fully dove into digital marketing.

Over the years he:

• Worked with ad tech firms like Smartly.io

• Managed large ad budgets for brands (including Microsoft)

• Tested multiple models like e-commerce and Amazon

Now, Sean runs a successful lead gen and digital marketing agency and collaborates with Joshua T. Osborne on projects like Digital Rental Method. He’s the “ads and data” guy behind the system.

When you join Digital Rental Method, you’re learning a paid-traffic-centric approach from someone who’s been in the trenches.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

Who Is Joshua T. Osborne?

If you’ve spent any time researching digital assets, “digital real estate,” or “renting out websites,” you’ve probably seen Joshua T. Osborne.

He’s built a brand around teaching people to escape traditional jobs and build online income through local lead gen and digital rentals.

His backstory is not a polished corporate ladder story. He had a rough upbringing, made decisions that led to time in solitary confinement, and hit what most people would call rock bottom.

That period became a turning point. With the help of a mentor, he focused on turning his life around — learning business, marketing, and personal development.

After his release, he started a moving company in Colorado. It was profitable, but physically draining and time intensive. A health scare forced him to rethink everything, and that’s when he pivoted into digital marketing and digital real estate.

Fast forward to now:

• He’s built a multi-million dollar online business

• He runs multiple programs around digital assets — including Digital Rental Method, Rent Digital Assets and Digital Leasing (which I’ve also reviewed separately)

• And he’s become a known figure in the “digital real estate” niche

If you’re comparing his different programs, I recommend reading my Digital Leasing review as well — the positioning is similar, but the structure and pricing vary enough that it’s worth understanding the differences.

Compared to a lot of “gurus,” Josh is less about flashy Lambos and more about the “worked my way out of a hole” narrative. You still have to filter the marketing from the reality — which is exactly what I try to do in my reviews — but he’s not some random face who popped up yesterday.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

How do you make money with the Digital rental method

Let’s say you’ve built a lead generation website, and you’ve found a local business owner who wants more customers.

You’ve shown them:

• the traffic your site is getting
• the leads or calls it’s already generating

Now it’s time to talk numbers.

Typically, the local business owner pays you a monthly fee in exchange for those leads. That might be:

• a flat monthly “rent”
• a performance-based deal (e.g. pay per lead or per call)
• or a hybrid (retainer + performance bonus)

For example, you might start a new client at $1,000/month for the first 30 days and then revisit pricing once you’ve proved you can generate consistent leads.

The key is: they’re paying for results, not theory.

If you deliver a steady flow of genuine customers, they’ll usually see that as a worthwhile investment and happily stay on.

Want to see what I recommend?👉 See my No.1 recommendation here

What do you get with the Digital Rental Method?

Let’s talk about what you actually get when you sign up for the Digital Rental Method. It’s not just a bunch of videos thrown together, they’ve really tried to build a full package. You’re getting training on how to talk to clients and close deals, which is crucial.

1. Sales Skills Training

You’ll get access to Joshua’s “6 Steps 2 Close” sales system. This is designed to take the pressure off sales, giving you a structured approach to securing clients. It’s about learning to communicate value and close deals effectively.

2. Paid Ad Training

The program covers both the theory and practical application of Facebook and Google Ads. You’ll learn the fundamentals of how these platforms work, including ad auctions and audience targeting. More importantly, you’ll learn how to set up and launch profitable ad campaigns, covering everything from keyword selection to landing page optimization.

3. Pre-Built Niche Funnels:

One of the key features is access to over 30 ready-made niche funnels. These are complete campaign packages, including ad copy, targeting, and landing pages. This allows you to jumpstart your campaigns and focus on client acquisition, rather than building everything from scratch.

4. Live Weekly Support

You’ll have access to weekly live calls with Sean and Joshua within their community group. With multiple calls per week, you can ask questions, get feedback, and stay motivated. This ongoing support system ensures you’re not left to figure things out on your own.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

You want Digital Rental Method “Preview”?

If you want a feel for what Josh teaches before committing, here’s a tip:

Joshua Osborne has a YouTube channel.

It’s not a 1:1 replica of the course, but it does give you:

• a sense of his teaching style
• how he thinks about digital assets and local businesses

• his general approach to “digital real estate”

Think of it as a free “vibe check.” It won’t replace the program, but it’s a good way to see if his style resonates with you before jumping on a sales call.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

How much does the Digital rental method Cost?

Honestly, I couldn’t find a straight answer online — and that’s by design.

They don’t publish the price publicly. Instead, they invite you to schedule a call with one of their coaches or advisors.

This is pretty standard in the higher-ticket coaching world. It lets them:

• qualify you
• position the offer
• present the price in context

I know that’s frustrating if you’re the type who just wants to see a number upfront. But it is what it is.

What I can say is:

• Sean and Josh do have real experience in this space
• The training is positioned more as a coaching/mentorship program than a cheap self-paced course
• You should expect a meaningful price tag plus additional ad spend on top

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

Is Digital Rental Method Legit?

The big question: Is it legit or a scam?

From everything I’ve seen, Digital Rental Method is legit in the sense that:

• Sean and Josh are real operators with real history in digital marketing
• The business model (local lead generation) is real and used worldwide

• The program offers genuine training, coaching and support — it’s not just a slapped-together video course

Could someone sign up, half-watch the videos, dabble in a few ads and then complain it “doesn’t work”? Of course. That happens with every business model.

The more important point is this:

• The model requires real effort and real skill development
• You need to be comfortable with paid ads and testing

• Results will vary wildly based on your niche, market, budget and execution

If you’re cautious (which is smart in this space), my Online Business Models Guide breaks down the major legitimate models side-by-side so you can see where lead generation fits in — and how it compares to the alternatives.

Personally, after reviewing a lot of lead gen programs over the years, I’d say Digital Rental Method is one of the more grounded options. It’s built around a service that genuinely helps real businesses and can be scaled.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommendation

What Is Digital Real Estate?

“Digital real estate” is the term Josh and others use for online assets — mainly websites — that behave like rental properties.

Instead of a physical building, you own:

• Lead generation websites
• Niche sites

• Occasionally valuable domain names

You monetise them by:

• renting them to local businesses
• charging per lead / per call
• or using them to drive sales/affiliate income yourself

The core idea is that these assets:

• can be built relatively cheaply compared to physical real estate
• can be duplicated across multiple locations and niches
• can produce recurring monthly cash flow once they’re dialled in

It’s definitely a legitimate online business model, but it isn’t for everyone.

Are Digital Assets the Key to Online Income?

Digital assets are a big deal because people spend more and more of their lives online, and search + ads still drive a huge percentage of buying decisions.

Research suggests:

• around 90% of consumers are influenced by online content/ads before buying

• a significant portion of those go on to actually make a purchase

Digital Rental Method taps into this by:

1. building digital “storefronts”
2. connecting them to local services

3. renting that flow of interest out to businesses

Unlike traditional real estate, you don’t need hundreds of thousands in capital to start. You can build multiple assets with relatively low upfront cost and scale over time.

With a large percentage of small businesses still having weak or non-existent online presence, there’s a real gap to fill.

Want to see what I recommend?👉 See my No.1 recommendation here

Digital Rental Method Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown.

Pros

• Expert guidance: You’re learning from people who genuinely know paid traffic and local lead gen.
• High-income potential: Some students report $5,000–$10,000/month, though that’s not typical and requires serious effort.
• Beginner-accessible structure: The program is designed to walk you through the process, even if you’re new.
• Strong business model: Local lead generation is a proven, in-demand service.

Cons

• Relies heavily on paid ads: Done wrong, this can burn money quickly.
• Not ideal for very low budgets: You need both course investment and ad spend.
• Lack of price transparency: You have to go through the sales process to find the real cost.
• Time and testing required: Managing and optimising ad campaigns isn’t “set and forget.”

Want to see a better model?👉 See my No.1 recommendation here

Conclusion: Should You Join the Digital Rental Method?

There’s no question that Sean and Joshua teach a real business model — one that genuinely works when it’s done properly. Lead generation for local businesses is not a gimmick, it’s not a temporary loophole, and it’s certainly not “the next shiny thing.” It’s a solid method that’s been around for years before Digital Rental Method existed.

That’s exactly why this is worth saying honestly:

Digital Rental Method isn’t the original, it’s a version of the model.
And like most versions, it leans heavily on paid ads, faster execution, and a more aggressive growth style.

There’s nothing wrong with that — but it does mean you’re learning a modified, more ad-dependent interpretation of the method, not the pure, long-term, foundational version that built this entire industry in the first place.

If you’re comfortable spending on ads from day one and you want to follow Josh’s particular paid-traffic-first approach, then Digital Rental Method can absolutely work for you.

But if you’d rather learn the original, more sustainable, more proven version of this model — the one that doesn’t rely on throwing money at ad platforms while you’re still learning, and the one that’s built countless full-time incomes long before these newer “digital rental” brands appeared — then I’d strongly recommend starting where the model actually began.

👉 Click here to check out my No.1 recommended business model