Fact check: This content was posted by Derek Gray (@thederekgray) on Instagram on April 22, 2026.
Verdict: mostly true — Trust Score 64/100
This post is an authentic 2026 marketing carousel from influencer Derek Gray. While the core business model (AI Automation Agency) and the cited software costs are factually accurate for April 2026, the specific $600,000 annual income claim is unverified and the 'passive' nature of the work is misleading, as industry data shows such agencies require significant active management.

- Platform
- Source author
- thederekgray — see all fact-checks of this account
- Original post
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DXcC-O6gmmp/?igsh=NHU4a2FoOXlsZW0w
- Verified on
- April 27, 2026
- Verification ID
- qxurqrqxE_7iWiMahzk9qw
Original content reviewed
Platform: INSTAGRAM Author: @thederekgray --- Caption/Description --- Comment “AGENT” and I’ll show how to access my full strategy & AI Agent. (Only if you follow @thederekgray --- Carousel/Slides (16 items) --- Slide 1 (image): Text: DAD FROM UTAH WHO MAKES $600K/YEAR RENTING OUT AI AGENTS REVEALS THE BUSINESSES WHO PAY THE MOST: (Swipe left…) Slide 2 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 1. Plastic Surgeons (S-Tier) $5K-50K procedures per patient. One new lead = massive ROI. They'll pay $1,500-2,500/month for an AI Agent without hesitation. These doctors literally print money. Slide 3 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 2. Realty Firms (A-Tier) Referrals and repeat business for life. $800-1,500/month for buyer leads. High lifetime customer value. Professional & always pay on time. FOR SALE Slide 4 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 3. Lawyers (S-Tier) Huge money in settlements. One good client covers their yearly marketing budget. $3,000/month budgets are standard. They’ll pay top dollar for AI Agents that rank them for “Lawyer near me” Slide 5 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 4. Bathroom Remodeling (God-Tier) $15K-40K project averages. High-margin luxury service. Homeowners don't shop on price. Get them 10+ more calls every month and they’ll pay $1,000/month forever. BEFORE AFTER! Slide 6 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 5. Therapists (A-Tier) $100+ per session, recurring weekly. Once acquired, patients stay for years. Insurance-backed, predictable revenue. An AI Agent that generates leads can keep them fully booked for months. Slide 7 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray 6. Auto Repair Shops (S-Tier) $200-1,500 per repair. Essential service, can't be delayed. Local monopoly potential. Owners are usually not "tech-savvy" I-70 AUTO SERVICE Slide 8 (image): Text: Derek Gray @thederekgray Most people know that AI is pow
Claims analyzed (5)
- verified: This content was posted by Derek Gray (@thederekgray) on Instagram on April 22, 2026.
Platform metadata and current 2026 search results confirm Derek Gray is an active AI influencer on Instagram with this specific content style. - unverifiable: Derek Gray makes $600,000/year ($50,000/month) renting out AI agents.
This is a self-reported figure used for marketing. While top-tier agency owners can reach these levels, there is no public audited financial data to confirm this specific individual's earnings. - verified: Monthly operating costs for the AI agent business are approximately $55 (Claude Pro $20, Loom $15, Google Email $20).
Current April 2026 pricing for Claude Pro is confirmed at $20/month. Loom Business/Premium is $15/month, and Google Workspace starts at approximately $18-20/month. - mostly true: Industries like Plastic Surgeons and Lawyers pay $1,500-$3,000/month for AI agents.
Market data for 2026 shows AI Automation Agencies (AAA) typically charge retainers between $2,000 and $8,000 for high-ticket niches like healthcare and legal. - misleading: The business generates $50k/month 'passively' with AI agents handling the work.
Industry experts and practitioners in 2026 note that agency work requires significant active labor for client acquisition, business diagnosis, and relationship management. Labeling it 'passive' is a marketing exaggeration.
Sources consulted (5)
- laozhang.ai — laozhang.ai
- Automate, Engage, Convert: The AI Agent Playbook 2026 — InstantDM
- Is a serious AI automation agency still worth building in 2026? — Reddit
- Loom Pricing Breakdown for 2026 — Prospeo
- AI Agents 2026: From Chat to Action — YouTube
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