Category Archives: Marketing & Finding Deals

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. 80 Cuban Immigrants – Coming to America & Discovering Real Estate Part 2 of 2

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AR-150819374“Inventar”: last episode, we were introduced to this phrase by our guests, Josue Romero and Juan Nunez. The hardships faced in Cuba as young men and as immigrants to Florida instilled in them an invaluable determination to thrive and to make the best out of any situation given – to invent success out of nothing through hard work. This episode, we learn how Juan and Josue applied these principles to Florida real estate as we trace their success stories from their introduction into the real estate industry to where they are today.

Josue was introduced to the financial side of real estate in 2009, at the peak of the financial crisis that crippled Florida’s real estate markets. We learn how he was able to find success as a mortgage broker despite the dire state of real estate financing. Juan, with Josue as his mentor, entered the investment side in 2011 and quickly found success in the single-family residential markets fixing and flipping. Together, Juan and Josue formed a dynamic, cooperative relationship founded on principles of hard work and perseverance and are now leaders in Florida’s single-family markets. Josue is the owner of MyLendingHub.com, a mortgage calculator website and Juan is owner of Zenun Enterprises, a real estate investment firm. This episode, they discuss their approach to lending and investing as well as the current state of Florida and Hillsborough’s real estate markets.

  • Focused on Single-Family Markets
    • Majority fix-and-flip deals
    • Emerging in development and construction
  • Hot Hillsborough SFR Markets
    • Carrollwood
    • Citrus Park
    • Town ‘n’ Country
    • Northdale
  • Appreciations not really a problem for next couple years, but investor pool diminishing
  • Lending markets moving from FHA to conventional institutions (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac)
    • 3% down for qualified investors and lower premiums than FHA
  • Tips for Investors
    • Focus on single market and expand only after well-established
    • Large portfolios are difficult to manage alone
    • Have a team; network with agents and brokers
    • Due diligence is key
    • Stay in budget

For lending inquiries or solutions, contact Josue by phone – (813) 802-6970 or visit www.mylendinghub.com

For any investment inquiries or potential investment opportunities, contact Juan by phone – (813) 766-2959

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. 75 Garrett Kenny: Irish Builder Talks Foreign Investment in Florida & Hot Orlando Real Estate Sub-Markets

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Gary_editedIn a recent episode, we spoke with an investor who managed a Florida real estate portfolio from outside the country. This week’s episode features an investor who runs a foreign investment firm out of his home-base in Davenport, Florida.

Garrett Kenny started building his investment portfolio in Florida after being introduced to Orlando’s vacation markets in 1996. Since then, he has built his investment firm, Feltrim, into an international name for foreign investment in Florida real estate, handling all aspects of the investment process. This episode, Garrett discusses foreign investment in Florida and hot real estate sub-markets in Orlando.

Foreign Investing in Florida

  • Most foreign investors can expect to average 6% annual ROI
  • Easy to find financing options, but many do cash deals
    • Usually require more up-front from investor for financing
    • 4-4.5% interest rates
    • Some foreign investors use local banks and mortgage brokers
    • Some financing may be available through institutions in home countries
  • Brazil and China emerging as dominant foreign investors in Florida markets
  • Foreign investors expanding portfolios in Florida real estate

Orlando

  • 62 million visitors to Orlando area in 2014
  • Diverse investment opportunity
    • Vacation rentals, commercial and industrial markets
    • Top 3 vacation rental areas – Championsgate, Davenport, and Kissimmee
    • Medical + Technology – Lake Nona
    • Long-term investing in 30 mi. radius of Disney
  • Other hot sub-markets
    • Distressed and repossessed homes
    • “Class A” properties – Windermere, Winter Park

Tips on Foreign Investment

  • Having a local knowledge of your desired market is key
    • Find out about the area before investing
  • Location, Location, Location
    • Finding the right location for your investment is important

To find out more about Garrett and Feltrim’s services or about investing in Orlando real estate, visit the firm’s website

Garrett recently published a book, Buying and Owning Property in Central Florida available on Author House and Amazon

 

Ep. 74 Jillian Bandes: 6 Hot Topics to Consider About Building Structure When Buying Multifamily

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AAEAAQAAAAAAAATxAAAAJDczYWFhMzZhLWRkOWUtNDAwMi1hNmM2LTYwZmMzNDdkMjk5ZQWhether investing in a multifamily property with value-add intentions or simply as a stable addition to your portfolio, it is important to consider the building structure and the costs associated with structure maintenance.

Jillian Bandes, of Bandes Construction Company knows just what to look for in building structure when valuating a potential multifamily investment. This episode, Jillian shares six hot topics for investors to consider about building structure when buying multifamily properties.

  1. Electric
    1. Costly repair and improvement item
    2. Determine property’s inside and outside amperage
    3. Enlist licensed electrician for any repairs or improvements
  2. Roofing
    1. Unwise to cut costs on roofing materials and construction
      1. Find dependable roofing companies, use quality materials
    2. Roofing Warranties: 1-2 yr Workmanship Warranty; 10-20 yr Manufacturer Warranty
  3. HVAC
    1. Air-conditioning represents a huge aspect to determine in Florida properties
    2. Requires secure maintenance schedule
    3. Replacement costs can be substantial
  4. Doors & Windows
    1. Many things to take into account with doors and windows
    2. Observe building jurisdiction’s code requirements
    3. Buying replacements in bulk may be more cost-effective than as-needed replacements
  5. Interior
    1. Interior trends fluctuate. Stay current with trends that tenants want
    2. Value-add investors may want to put more into interior costs up front for greater tenant appeal and longevity: energy star appliances, natural stone counter-tops, removing partitions, adjusting ceiling heights
  6. Frame vs. Masonry
    1. Wood frame structures usually require much more extensive evaluations than masonry structures: water-proofing report, site level, landscaping, water table, drainage, etc.
    2. Repairs and rehabs can be costly on frame structures
    3. Masonry offers more stability and investment assurance

For more information from Jillian about important items to consider about building structure she can be contacted through Twitter @jillybee or by visiting Bandes Construction Company’s website.

 

Ep. 73 Colin Murphy – This Investor Manages a Large Florida SFR Portfolio from Madrid, Spain!

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Colin Headshot Jan2013 croppedFlorida has long been known as a great real estate market for foreign investors. Commercial and residential markets both represent favorable investment markets for foreign capital. While investing in real estate outside of a county or state may seem a daunting task, this week we talk with an investor who grew and a successful SFR portfolio out of another country!

Colin Murphy is Director and Co-founder of Torcana, Ltd. an investment firm specializing in single-family properties in Florida. With over ten years’ experience behind him, Colin has grown Torcana into a leading name in Florida SFR markets and he was able to do it all based out of Madrid, Spain. This episode, Colin shares with us some tips for building a successful foreign real estate investment portfolio.

5 Must-Haves for Foreign Investors:

  1. Standard Contracts
    1. Avoid unnecessary and overly complex contracts
    2. Standard Realtor’s Assn. contracts offer foreign investors easy-to-understand terms
  2. Title Companies
    1. Foreign investors new to U.S. and FL markets may be unfamiliar with title companies
    2. Title companies ensure a clean title transfer in a real estate transaction. They run a property’s title against any outstanding liens and unpaid fees.
  3. Closing Costs
    1. Closing costs on U.S. and FL real estate is comparatively less than that of markets outside of the U.S.
    2. Despite the relatively low closing costs, foreign investors still need to be aware of what they are paying for
  4. Post-Closing
    1. Follow-up is needed after purchasing a property
    2. Find the right insurance coverage for your investment as well as establishing a property management plan
  5. Taxes
    1. All U.S. real estate is subject to taxes and returns must be filed on them
    2. County tax collector searches can be an easy way for foreign investors to keep track of their portfolios’ taxes

For a more comprehensive approach for foreign investors, check out Colin’s list of 20 things to know for real estate investing:

20 Things to know

Screen Shot 2016-02-17 at 22.30.51

Colin also suggests Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki and Millionaire Real Estate Investor, by Gary Keller, Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan for beginning investors

For more information from on Torcana‘s services or for investing opportunities, contact Colin: Torcana’s website, LinkedIn, or Bigger Pockets

 

Ep. 72 Santosh Govindaraju – Florida Developer Applies Wall Street Lessons to the Tampa Market

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5xa5OmeFor the average Florida real estate investor, Wall Street banking and investing practices may seem worlds away. However, one investor and developer in the state has managed to successfully fuse his expertise in Wall Street investing with the Florida real estate market.

Santosh Govindaraju is a Florida developer with an interesting history. Prior to finding success in Florida real estate markets, Santosh was immersed in the world of high-strategy investment banking on Wall Street. After moving to Florida, Santosh applied his investment banking expertise to Florida real estate with a focus on the Tampa market. Santosh and his firm, Convergent Capital Partners, have been providing equity and debt investment options in a variety of Florida commercial real estate for over 17 years. This episode, he discusses his transition to real estate investing and what’s next for the Tampa market.

  • Wall Street Lessons
    • “Reversion to the Mean” – markets and prices fluctuate, but they will always indicate a trend, or mean
    • Relative-value trading – With two similar asset classes, sell asset class sitting above the mean and buy the asset class sitting below the mean
  • Convergent Capital Partners
    • Santosh paired his understanding of financial side of investing with partner’s physical knowledge of real estate
    • Saw relatively stable markets in FL during late 1990s
    • Opportunistic commercial investing: all commercial asset classes except industrial; looking for properties with mixed-use potential
    • Private Equity Platform Fund-Operation: base of 10 investors; deal offered first to fund as whole, then to individual memebers
  • Tampa Market
    • Strong recent investment/development growth
    • Institutional capital competing for projects
    • New vision for Downtown Tampa
    • Harbor Island Project: “The Point” – Convergent Capital developing 115k sqf. property in Tampa harbor

For more information about Convergent Capital’s current projects or to contact Santosh, visit their website

Ep. 70 Livingston Hessam: You Will Want to Hear What Is Happening With Mortgages!

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Livingston-Hessam_jpgThe coming year is looking to be an eventful period for mortgages and financial lending in real estate. Debt markets are poised to undergo significant changes over the following years amidst regulatory changes and geo-political headwinds. Investors, both seasoned and novice, should be aware of the changes and the effects they could have on current and future mortgages.

Livingston Hessam, Vice President of financial solutions firm Walker & Dunlop and financing expert, discusses these changes in the debt markets and what investors need to know about their impacts on mortgages and other debt-equity options.

  • 2016 Mortgage Bankers Association Conference
    • Annual conference gauges financing market for coming year
    • Mixed outlook for 2016
    • Multi-family holds strongest appetite for lenders
  • Debt Categories
    1. Agency Debt – Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac
      1. Conventional rates, senior housing, student housing, manufactured housing
      2. High-leverage, non-recourse, cap limits
      3. Reached 2015 cap before end of year
      4. Introducing smaller deal offerings ($1-5 million) – lower upfront closing costs, for typically novice borrowers, not included in annual cap limit, do not require same level of eligibility requirements
      5. Only can acquired through authorized servicers/lenders
    2. CMBS Markets (Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities) – Loans sold by banks into secondary markets
      1. Amid current CMBS 10 year maturity loans wave
      2. Several regulations coming into effect causing uncertainty: Risk Retention (Dec. 2016) – Req. CMBS issuers to hold 5% of loan to securitize deal
      3. Investors and lenders advised to close deals in first half of year
    3. Life-Insurance Company Loans
      1. Typical deal – sub-70% leverage, non-recourse, strong exp. sponsor, well stabilized market
      2. Positive lending outlook for 2016
    4. Conventional Lending (Banks)
      1. Regulatory changes: Dodd-Frank Act
    5. Alt. Lending
      1. Walker & Dunlop offers bridge-lending packages
      2. Good for investors with assets not ready for perm. agency lending
      3. Up to 80% of cost for pre-stabilized deal or value-add deal, up to 36 months, help re-sell or re-finance
      4. For multi-family, student housing, manufactured housing, independent & assisted living, and skilled nursing

Livingston kindly provided us with a detailed, corporate overview package for Walker & Dunlop, further describing the financial solutions they offer as well as contact information.

Corporate Overview 2.22.16

 

 

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

Ep. 67 Brad Hubbard: You Can Increase the Value of Your Property With This Flood Insurance Technique

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2015-08-10_16.10.35Florida real estate investors should all be familiar with the flood insurance line-item on their properties’ expenditure lists. Much of Florida real estate is subject to blanket, federal regulations regarding flood insurance requirements and financial institutions require flood insurance as a prerequisite for lending on all residential properties. Many investors may not know that their properties may be eligible for flood insurance exemptions on a case-by-case basis .

Brad Hubbard is an expert in all things related to flood insurance coverage and requirements. As founder of National Flood Experts, Brad has been saving investors thousands of dollars in expenditures by eliminating annual flood insurance costs. Brad discusses what he looks for in a property to determine its status in relation to FEMA’s national flood-zone map. He also discusses what investors and property owners can do to reduce flood insurance costs on properties not eligible for exemption. This is a great method for investors to eliminate a long-standing line-item on a property’s financial portfolio and increase the property’s long-term investment value.

  • Individual properties may be built outside of federal flood-zone parameters
  • Compare construction of building with FEMA flood-guidelines
    • Due Diligence on property
      • Elevation Certification – verifies building’s base flood-line in a 100-year period.
      • Surveys
      • Other info on elevation and structure of building

To contact Brad with questions regarding flood insurance or for an eligibility inspection, call the National Flood Experts at: 1-800-561-0396 or email: brad@nationalfloodexperts.com