Ep. 103 Reed Goossens: Talking Syndication of Multifamily Projects

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syndication of multifamily projectsLet’s face it, every real estate investor just starting out dreams of landing the huge deals. The question remains though: how to make it to the institutional level?

The answer comes with syndication. Syndication expands the opportunity to make larger deals by leveraging capital from a group of investors.

For singlefamily and small, residential multifamily, the first syndication deal can seem like a large step. There are a lot of moving pieces to keep track of in a syndicated deal that may seem complex to investors used to self-financing.

Reed Goossens knows the power in syndication.

A native Australian, Reed moved to the U.S. after educating himself in real estate investing. As a foreign investor, Reed saw the potential for earning cash-flow in U.S. real estate markets and set about acquiring properties.

Initially investing in small duplexes in tertiary markets outside of New York City, Reed had been using his own capital to finance deals.

He realized the need to scale his real estate investment goals and set about transitioning from residential multifamily to commercial multifamily through syndication.

Reed founded RSN Property Group and has been investing in commercial multifamily properties through syndication since 2011.

In addition to expanding his asset portfolio and investor base, Reed also hosts a podcast to educate foreign investors in the U.S. real estate market

Syndicating Investment Deals

  • SEC has strict rules for syndication under Regulation D
    • Rule 506 (b)  – allows for unlimited accredited investors (earn +$200k/yr. or personal worth of +$1 million); up to 35 unaccredited investors (earn under $200k/yr.)
  • Surround yourself with credible investors; find a mentor
  • Have pitch deck to educate potential investors on deal specifics
  • Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) – after sourcing investors, a PPM is needed
    • Drafted by syndication attorney
    • Outlines how deal is being syndicated under a regulation (e.g. Rule 506)
    • Tailored to individual investments
  • Syndication Contracts
    • Typically, 30 days for due diligence; 45 for larger properties
    • 15 days for financing and 15 days for closing
  • Preferred Returns
    • Limited investors get “x” percent of 1st earnings, decided in contract
    • Future returns split between limited partners and general partners (syndicators)

Resources

Reed and RSN Property Group are always on the lookout for value-add investment deals. If you think you have a potential deal, contact Reed at reed@rsnpropertygroup.com.

Reed also hosts a podcast that educates foreign investors on U.S. investment real estate markets- Investing in the U.S.: An Aussie’s Guide to U.S. Real Estate

Like many beginner investors, Reed learned about creating financial independence and the power of passive cash-flow through Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad.

Sandra Adomatis: Energy and Sustainability Initiatives to Increase Your Bottom Line

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sustainabilityCommercial real estate investors and developers know the term: “Green”. In Florida, it seems that “green” is the phantom criteria for real estate: many have heard of it, few have seen it. The term brings to mind vague notions of sustainability and energy efficiency, but what exactly is it? What is the merit in “going green”? As an effort to shift toward sustainability becomes a rising trend in the nation, Florida continues to lag behind as commercial developers and investors grapple with the nebulous nature of sustainability and green construction.

Sandra Adomatis, SRA, and LEED green associate is an appraiser with a focus on green initiatives and sustainability in real estate. Based out of Punta Gorda, Florida, Sandra has over 25 years of experience in real estate appraisal in the state of Florida. Sandra is a green valuation expert for the Appraisal Institute. Through course development, seminars and literature, Sandra has been helping commercial real estate investors integrate sustainability and energy efficiency into their investments.

  • 6 Elements of a True Green Building
    • Site orientation
    • Water efficiency
      • Low-flow plumbing, greywater recycling, rain barrels/cisterns, energy star rated washing appliances
    • Energy efficiency
    • Environmentally-friendly materials
    • Clean air circulation
    • Operations & maintenance
  • Adapting Existing Structures
    • Lighting
    • Heating/cooling
    • Insulation
  • Energy Modeler/building scientist
    • Assess what existing structures can handle for energy and sustainability adaptations
    • Calcs-Plus (Florida)
  • Green building investment appeal
    • Low-interest, flexible financing exclusive to green buildings
    • Cost-saving on appliances and utilities
    • 2-10% sale premiums vs. traditional structures
  • Resources and Info

To find out more about sustainability options or for appraisal services, visit Susan’s website or email her at adomatis@hotmail.com

Ep. 94 Shawn Yesner: 10 Important Items You Will Want to Know About Commercial Deals and Contracts

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commercial real estate deals and contractsCommercial real estate investing is not the same thing as residential real estate investing. Just because both property types have four walls and a roof does not mean they have the same investment strategy. Commercial deals and contracts are subject to different regulations than residential properties. Residential real estate investors looking to invest in commercial real estate should be aware of the different facets of commercial deals and contracts.

Shawn Yesner, of Yesner Law Firm of Tampa, specializes in real estate law. After getting his start in real estate law representing lenders, Shawn began his own law firm in 2004 representing homeowners. Shawn has since expanded his firm to encompass all aspects of real estate law, representing property owners in a variety of legal processes. Shawn discusses some important points for investors to consider when completing commercial deals and contracts.

  • Contracts
    • Residential real estate uses one contract template – FARBAR (FL Assos. of Realtors + FL Bar Assos.)
    • Attorneys specialized in commercial real estate should draft commercial contracts
    • Only clauses that meet buyer/seller agreement should be introduced
  • Tenant Leases
    • Make sure tenants are current on lease payments
    • Track lease deposits
    • Keep leasing contracts in same format
  • Tax-Deferred Opportunities (1031 Exchange) 
    • Strict timelines and regulations to be aware of
    • Seek assistance from CPA or certified agent
    • Be able to prove constructive receipt of funds; don’t get stuck with tax liability
  • “As Is” Contracts
    • Seller should always disclose state of property
    • in FL, Johnson v Davis sets “as is” precedence: Seller must disclose anything material to purchase of property and/or anything that might not be found after a reasonable inspection
  • Assignments
    • Buyers may choose to assign ownership of property to LLC or other business name
    • Contracts should hold original buyers liable
  • Buy/Sell Authority
    • FL recently changed LLC laws
    • Sellers should be aware of who holds legal authority to make buying or selling descisions
    • Title companies can do bulk of research on this
  • Incomplete Agreements
    • A detailed contract should outline purchase agreements
    • Sellers should not leave any gray areas to argue incomplete agreements
  • Zoning
    • Make sure you know your property’s zoning authorizations
    • Zoning can be changed, but make sure your property can accommodate changes
  • Environmental Issues
    • May pose big concern for environmental properties
    • Owners may be responsible for environmental factors that occurred prior to purchase
    • Buyers should complete phase I assessments of properties for any red flags during due diligence process

To contact Shawn for any real estate law needs, visit his website!

Shawn also hosts a podcast covering many legal topics in real estate investing and ownership. Check out Yesner Law Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite major podcast platform!

Ep. 91 – Talking the Jacksonville Real Estate Market

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Jacksonville Real Estate MarketMany of our past guests on the show have referenced the Jacksonville real estate market in their lists of rising, hot Florida markets. The area has been making a steady recovery since the economic recession and investors are taking notice. With a stable economic base and opportunity in a variety of asset classes, the Jacksonville real estate market has a lot to like for investors.

Maxwell Lee and Kelly Lei, of Glocal Network, know firsthand the appeal of the Jacksonville real estate market. Two years ago, Kelly and Maxwell both left traditional, W-2 income careers for a life in real estate investment and started Glocal Network, a real estate investment firm based out of Jacksonville. Though the company is young, they have a combined portfolio of individually owned and partnered investments of over 20 properties in a diverse collection of asset classes. Kelly’s brokerage and agent’s license combined with Maxwell’s hometown knowledge of the Jacksonville real estate market have established Glocal Network as a leading investor in the Jacksonville real estate market.

  • Jacksonville Real Estate Market
    • Large amounts of single family foreclosure properties still being released
    • 40th largest metro in U.S., with strong growth potential
    • Strong single family markets: Riverside; Avondale; Springfield; San Marco
      • Murray Hill: Up-and-coming secondary market
    • Rent hikes in prime markets (Riverside, Avondale)
    • Ep. 84 – Daren Blomquist: Which Florida Markets are Hot?
  • Glocal Network
    • “Opportunity Investors” – invest in variety of asset classes
    • +20 properties in portfolio
      • Mainly single family, but also retail and multi family
    • Deals financed privately, no institutional loans
      • Glocal invests 25%, investor(s) contribute remaining
      • Preferred percentage deal on returns
      • Average single family turnkey property costs: $90k, all in
  • Investment Tips
    • Want to invest? Buy a property, start small
    • Take advantage of the current low interest rates
    • Learn from experience
    • Know your market
    • Find a mentor or network
  • Inspiration/Support
    • Kelly’s family instilled a determined and practical mindset regarding real estate investing
    • Maxwell and Kelly found BiggerPockets instrumental in investing advice and establishing a strong local investment network

Kelly and Maxwell can be contacted with an opportunity to work with Glocal Network in the Jacksonville real estate market or for investing advice by email at glocaljax@gmail.com

Ep 87 Tom Blazejack: Miami Real Estate Market Overview

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business-portraits-009Things are happening in the Miami real estate market… Well things are always happening in the Miami real estate market, but BIG things are happening right now. Miami has long been the focal point for real estate investors due to the density and scale of development and the investment opportunity for a variety of asset classes. Real estate investors all over Florida have looked towards the Miami real estate market as a forecast for current and future conditions throughout the state.

Tom Blazejack, of Blazejack & Company knows all of the ins and outs of the Miami real estate market. In addition to nearly 40 years’ experience as a real estate appraiser and analyst, Tom is also a native of Miami. Tom’s extensive appraisal knowledge of commercial and residential properties and intimate knowledge of the Miami real estate market make his consultation highly sought after by investors. This episode, Tom gives us an overview of the Miami real estate market, including development highlights and what investors should expect.

Miami Real Estate Market

  • 2011 purchase of Miami Herald building for $236 million marks return of market
  • Foreign investment and cash-heavy market
    • Foreign investors seeking stable properties to invest cash
  • Development spikes
    • New deposit requirements for investors and developers insures accountability
    • Lenders alleviating construction loan costs for developers
    • Projects moving quicker
  • Land price increases
    • Miami seeing $200-300/sqf on new commercial developments but even as high as $3000 in some prime locations
    • Residential continues to increase… up to $3/sqf in best projects
  • Emerging Markets
    • Development spreading into surrounding Miami
      • Little Havana, Wynwood, Coral Gables all seeing new projects
  • Major Projects

To contact Tom with for an appraisal consultation or for further analysis of the Miami real estate market visit his website. He can also be emailed at tom@blazejack.com

Ep. 82 Mark Nathwani: Just Do It! Real Estate Investing

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AAEAAQAAAAAAAAAmAAAAJGU2ZDRjNTU3LTY0N2YtNDRlMC1iMjFmLTI3ZTZkZDJiMzc4OQNobody said real estate investing was an easy business. Aside from the hard numbers and financial side, commercial and residential real estate investing requires dedication and perseverance from investors and a certain ability to thrive under pressure. For many, these pressures prove too great of obstacles to find success as real estate investors. Invest Florida Show aims to provide its listeners of all investment levels with the tools and resources necessary to make actionable investment decisions. In addition to providing educational resources to our listeners, we also want to inspire would-be investors to make the first big step and invest!

This episode our guest is all about inspiration. Mark Nathwani is a real estate investing specialist and international entrepreneur. Mark has assisted in the growth and development of many businesses and currently serves as CEO of RAMS Real Estate Holdings, a U.S./U.K. based firm focusing on foreclosure properties and other sensible Florida real estate markets. Above all else, Mark believes the first step is the biggest one: want to get into real estate investing? Just do it!

Mark’s Tips for Beginning Investors:

  • Single-Family Residential
    • SFR properties are relatively stable, secure markets for those looking to begin real estate investing
    • Florida has many strong SFR markets:
      • Tampa, St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Orlando
  • Investment Strategies
    • Tailor strategy to investment type:
      • Fix-and-flip, wholesales, holds
    • Invest based on yield as opposed to price and valuation
      • Yield is generally higher in complicated markets i.e. low-income housing
    • Choose a market and apply strategies that suit that market, don’t cherry-pick strategies from other real estate markets
    • Cast a wide net to find deals
      • Brokers, letters, bandit signs, banks, etc.
    • Never lose confidence in your deal!

To contact Mark with any potential investment opportunities or to find out more about his real estate investing services, visit his website!

Ep. 81 David Campbell: Buying Notes Can Be a Great Way to Invest in Real Estate

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david-campbell-blog-photo-200x300Normally, our episodes focus on making strong, equitable real estate investments but as investors feel the restraints of a tightening lending market, they are looking for alternative financing options. Mortgage notes represent a secure and a stable income market. Buying and selling mortgage papers can yield sizable returns that can supplement an investor’s income-base.

David Campbell is a jack-of-all-trades in real estate investing. He is an experienced real estate investor and developer, he handles property management, and he buys and sells mortgage notes and offers private financing options. David, who made the transition from high school band director to real estate investor in 2001, began buying and selling mortgage papers in 2012 and has manged an increasingly profitable debt portfolio since. This episode, David discusses his multi-transitional career in real estate and how buying mortgage notes can be a great way to invest in real estate.

  • Market demands alternative financing options
  • Private lenders + Seller financing
    • Self-Directed IRAs – about 60% of alt. lending market
    • Used for non tax-efficient assets like mortgage notes
  • A significant mortgage/debt portfolio can be stable and lucrative income-base
    1. Happy to make $ on deal by end term?
    2. Deal still profitable w/ out loan payment?
    3. Predatory loan claims risks?
  • Mortgage notes and Dodd-Frank
    • Work with Registered Loan Mortgage Originator – creates ‘Qualified Mortgage’ papers
    • Loan can be guaranteed against inconsistencies with Dodd-Frank regulations
  • Ensure notes are good before buying
    • Borrowers – debt-to income ratio 45% or lower; no higher than 6.5% above average prime offer rate; 15 + 30 year terms (9.5% rates)

David’s website www.hasslefreecashflowinvesting.com is loaded with materials and resources for real estate investing, development and financing. Visitors can find out more about David’s enterprises as well as check out his blog for even more information! For other inquiries, David can be reached directly by email: david@hasslefreecashflowinvesting.com

Ep. 76 Richard Wilson: Family Offices Can Be An Important Source for Deals and Financial Partners. Find Out HOW!

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AAEAAQAAAAAAAAl8AAAAJDY2NGU0MmU2LTI2NTctNGViYi1hMWY1LWMzZTUyOGVlY2EzNAFamily offices are becoming a burgeoning industry in terms of real estate investment and financing. Wealthy families are increasingly looking towards commercial real estate as a stable, generating market to channel and secure funds. Florida real estate markets are poised to receive family office investments and financing, but there is one problem: how can an investor find family offices?

Richard Wilson is founder and CEO of Miami Family Office, a $500 million AUM single family office. Through his company, Wilson Holding Company, Richard also oversees and advises on several other family office business enterprises including Billionaire Family Office and the membership-driven Family Office Club. Through his companies, Richard owns, manages, markets and facilitates family offices. This episode Richard discusses how commercial real estate investors can access family offices as a source for deals and financing.

  • Network and market towards family offices
    • Networking through social media
    • Narrow search: source for certain deal-types
    • Compile list of family offices in your area, find out what propoerty-types they are investing in
  • Actionable Investments
    • Family offices look for credible, practical deals as investments
    • Most family offices like to invest locally
    • Good cap rates: properties earning 15-17% IRR
  • Family offices looking for investors
    • Put out property mandate alerts for certain desired investments
    • Will reach out directly to investors

If you think you have an actionable family office investment deal, contact Richard at richard@familyoffices.com

To find out more about Richard’s family office portfolios, visit www.miamifamilyoffices.com or www.detroitfamilyoffices.com and check out Richard’s family office webinars. Richard also hosts a informational podcast about family offices. Visit familyofficepodcast.com for past shows and to stay up-to-date.

Richard’s book, The Single Family Office: Creating Operating and Managing the Investments of a Single Family Office, is a best-seller in the family office industry and the key for investors wanting to find out more about the market. You can find his book on Amazon!

 

Ep. 71 Elise Batsel – 7 Things Landlords Should Know About Commercial Leases

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11058_bioimageWhen transitioning from residential or simply starting your investment portfolio in commercial real estate, it is important to remember one thing: commercial leases are not the same as residential. Commercial leases are subjected to a much higher percentage of risk if not properly structured.

Elise Batsel has made it her business to ensure landlords are protected in any commercial lease issue from the ground up. As counsel with the Tampa firm Phelps Dunbar, LLP, Elise specializes in commercial real estate land-use and zoning. Elise represents developers and institutional lenders in acquisitions, dispositions, financing and transactions as well as all aspects of commercial leases. In this episode, Elise discusses seven hot-topics all landlords and owner/operators should know about commercial leases.

  1. Commercial vs. Residential Leases
    1. Commercial properties have different costs and expenses that can be transferred to tenants: common area maintenance expenses (CAMs)
    2. CAMs may include: utilities, landscaping, management fees and other costs associated with owning and operating commercial properties
  2. CAM and Triple Net Leases
    1. Triple Net Lease – For landlords and tenants who want stability; does not account for unanticipated expenses or for properties without a familiar investment history
    2. CAM lease – Serves as umbrella to protect landlord/owner from future costs and expenses incurred from property management; specifies expenses and tenant liabilities
  3. Tax Implications
    1. Though not frequently addressed in lease, tax implications are a major tenant-landlord discussion that could be beneficial for both parties
    2. Leases can stipulate landlord ownership over tenant-improvements with proper recompense for tenant
  4. Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
    1. Commercial real estate considered public accommodations and subject to more ADA compliance regulations
    2. Represents huge liability for landlords not in compliance
  5. Sub-letting and Tenant-Assigned Leases
    1. Landlords can address sub-leasing and assigning terms in commercial leases
    2. Landlords entitled to portion of income from tenant leases
  6. D-I-Y Leases
    1. Do not attempt to draft generic commercial leases if self-managing property
    2. There are many changing facets to follow when drafting commercial leases
    3. If drafting your own lease, have attorney or specialist review
  7. Protection Against Bad Tenants
    1. Always ensure strong deposit from tenant
    2. Small-Claims Court
    3. Write effective demand letter to tenant

For any commercial lease, zoning or land-use issues and questions, Elise can be contacted by phone at 813-472-7564 or through email at elise.batsel@phelps.com

For even more information on commercial leases as well as landlord and tenant relationships, Elise suggests the following articles: Tenant’s Checklist of Silent Lease Issues  and Model Landlord’s Checklist of Silent Lease Issues – S.H. Spencer Compton, Esq. & Joshua Stein, Esq.

 

 

 

Ep. 69 George Levey: One Investor’s Story on His First Retail Center Purchase

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IShrk51pmu5lyd1000000000Commercial real estate investing is a big decision for many investors to make. For many, the potential benefits of commercial real estate are overshadowed by the increased risk. Ordinarily investors work up to commercial real estate from residential investing or they merely avoid commercial altogether.

George Levey represents an exception to the common approach to commercial real estate investing. In 2012, George made a tremendous leap purchasing a bank-managed retail center as his first foray into commercial real estate investing. Bringing with him little more than a keen business-sense and ambition, George dove head-first into the world of commercial real estate investing. This episode, George discusses his purchase of the now thriving retail center and the various ups-and-downs of a first-time commercial real estate investor.

  • Why Retail Center?
    • As a businessman, George wanted to invest in a relatively stable market where he would have control over his funds
    • Recognized benefits of commercial real estate investing
  • Do’s and Dont’s for First-Time Investors
    • Support your customer: the same philosophy in business applies to commercial real estate; tenants are your customers, treat them with respect
    • Align yourself with like-minded business partners (investors, associates, contractors, brokers/agents)
    • When purchasing a new property be wary of existing tenants; it is difficult to remove bad tenants
    • Good tenants drive business
    • Have specific investing goals; know what you are looking for before you invest
    • Due diligence is critical
    • Evaluate investment risks
    • BE PATIENT