Tag Archives: real estate investing

Ep. 110 Andrew Cohan: Investing in Vacation Properties through Branded Hotels

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investing in vacation propertiesFlorida, the dream destination. A vacationer’s paradise; the land of perennial sun and fun.

Florida has long been a favorite of vacationers. It has also been a favorite of those investing in vacation properties. Investing in vacation properties is a major market for Florida real estate investors.

We have discussed investing in vacation properties before. In ep. 39, we discussed investing in vacation properties using Airbnb, with Greg Bugay. This episode, however, focuses on the hotel market in Florida.

 

Who better to discuss that than Andrew Cohan?

Andrew Cohan is Managing Director for Horwath HTL, serving mainly Florida and the Caribbean. He is an expert on health and wellness resort properties and lends his expertise to determining optimum market demand for these types of properties.

This episode, Andrew discusses investing in vacation properties through branded hotels.

Miami Hotel Market

Investing in Vacation Properties through Branded Hotels

  • REITs
  • Condo-hotel units

Investing in Condo-hotel Units

  • Not a conventional, cap rate-type of investment
  • Unit investors typically earn about 40 percent back on investment
  • Owner, manager and developer of resort may be 3 separate entities
    • Investors need to know that circumstances may change over the investment’s life-time

Condo-hotel Draw for Developers

  • Quick exit, high return opportunity
  • Don’t have to worry about property management
    • Brand managers or non-brand managers

If you are looking to find out more about investing in vacation properties through branded hotels, you have more questions about acquiring a condo-hotel unit or you are a developer looking to transition to hotel/hospitality, you can contact Andrew directly by phone or email:

(305) 606-2898

acohan@horwathhtl.com

Ep. 109 Dennis Cisterna: A Tool for Rent Research

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rent researchRent research can be tough. Rent research can be a pain

Rent research may not be most’s idea of a good time, but it is necessary for single and small multifamily real estate investors. In order to determine investment value and potential for rental income, comprehensive rent research must be done on a property. Usually, this requires an extensive effort on an investor’s part in due diligence and market research.

Dennis Cisterna may have the answer to many investors’ prayers. In addition to his veteran experience in real estate investing and lending, Dennis serves as Chief Revenue Officer RentRange Data Services and Investability Real Estate, Inc. Each of these services serve as a helpful tool for investors conducting rent research on potential properties.

This episode, Dennis discusses these tools for rent research and lends his expert knowledge to Florida market overviews. Find out why there isn’t a better time to become a real estate investor in Florida!

Tools for Rent Research

  • RentRange
    • Analytical tool help investors understand SFR market points
    • Automated rent estimates on +10,000,000 properties
    • Premier SFR analytics tool
    • Business oriented – geared toward property managers, lenders, banks, etc.
  • Investability
    • Online search and acquisition platform (operates as brokerage firm)
    • Totally free to use
    • Offers 3rd party investment services
    • One-stop-shop for SFR and small multifamily investors

Florida Markets

  • Hot markets: Miami, Ft. Myers/Cape Coral, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville
  • Strong rental markets statewide
  • Miami: 15% rent increase and 5% vacancy
  • Tampa/St. Pete: 10% rent increase and 8% vacancy

Dennis has been kind enough to draw up a Florida-centric market analysis for our listeners. Check it out here! Invest Florida Show – Florida Market Analysis

Investors can visit RentRange and Investability to find out the full extent of services each platform offers. Each platform has an excellent sales and support staff to assist clients with any questions/concerns.

Ep. 108 Elysia Stobbe: Post Election Update & 3 Changes w/ SFR Investor Mortgages

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investor mortgagesElection years always have the potential to inject uncertainty into investment and securities markets… this year has been particularly interesting and it should be fair to say that the result of this election ties an enormous “?” to the end of 2016. Market uncertainty has been reflected in recent rate rises for investor mortgages.

Elysia Stobbe, NMLS# 146751 is not deterred by uncertainty. Elysia is not only a mortgage expert with NFM Lending, but with over 30 properties in her personal portfolio, she is also an experienced investor. She has shared her expert advice on numerous radio and television broadcasts and has authored a book on getting the best investor mortgages. She has been following changes to investor mortgages closely and is finding flexibility and continued promise for real estate investing.

3 Changes to Investor Mortgages

  • .5% hike in mortgage rates driven 10 year treasury bonds post-election
    • e.g. $300k loan sees monthly increase of $90
  • Fannie Mae (FNMA) loan-to-value down-payment requirement 25% up from 20%
  • Multi-property SFR (up to 4 units) investors can hold up to 10 mortgages if purpose is to purchase investment properties

Other News

  • Cash-out options have been increased for investment properties
    • Shows improved confidence in property equities
  • Return of bank statement programs to bank portfolio loans
  • Recent rise of investor rehab loans
    • Investors can save cash while making properties rent-ready

Finding Financing

  • Lot loans
  • Mortgage brokers/bankers
  • Community banks
    • While they may not be offer as much community banks generally offer better terms than national banks
  • Big banks
  • Alt. options: seller-financing; hard-money

Contacts & Resources

Ep. 107 Reed Goossens: Advancing Your Career With a Mentor

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advancing your career with a mentorAdvancing your career as a real estate investor takes time… and learning from experience. As many investors have figured out, mentors provide key resources that could you, as an investor, in advancing your career. By tapping into a mentor’s experience and knowledge, you can take that next vital step in advancing your career.

Listeners will remember Reed Goossens from ep. 103 when he talked syndication on multifamily deals.

This episode, Reed talks to us about what pushed him to setting his sights on greater investment goals and how finding a mentor inspired him to take on larger deals and ultimately advance his career. His company, RSN Property Group, has been successfully investing in commercial multifamily since 2011. His mentor has also since become his business partner.

Advancing Your Career With a Mentor

  • Mentors provide guidance and access to experienced resources
  • Reed was fortunate to find Joe Fairless as his mentor. Joe has been on the show before and he offers educational resources, including a podcast, to investors of all levels of experience

Finding a Mentor

  • Network in niche markets
  • Find an experienced, hands-on investor willing to provide mentorship
  • Don’t fall prey to “gurus” make sure prospective mentors have a proven investment track record

Talk to Reed

As not only a new investor, but also new to the country, Reed knew how fortunate he was to have the guidance of a mentor while he established his career in real estate investing. Currently, Reed hosts Investing in the U.S. – An Aussie’s Guide to U.S. Real Estate, a podcast focused on providing foreign investors with necessary advice and knowledge to make it in U.S. real estate investing.

Check out the podcast by going to RSN Property Group’s website or any major streaming platform

 

 

 

 

 

Ep. 106 Larry Goins: Finding Ways to Make Money in a Rapidly Rising Market

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ways to make money in a rising marketReal estate investors have heard the news, they’ve seen the figures: by all accounts, real estate markets are tightening up.

In all the major asset classes, investors are reporting rapidly rising markets, which translates to increased competition for deals. Some investors are starting to wonder how far until they hit the ceiling and would-be investors are wondering how to make money in real estate if opportunity isn’t knocking.

Larry Goins stopped waiting for opportunity to come knocking a long time ago.

As a 30-year veteran of real estate investing, Larry has tried his hand at just about every asset class. Over the years, he has learned that opportunity may not always present itself, but it is always there waiting.

Larry has become a master of finding ways to make money in real estate through his many years of investing experience and he is helping others find the same.

Based out of South Carolina, Larry currently wholesales, buy-and-holds properties and offers seller financing in 12 different states, including Florida. In addition to his active investing lifestyle, Larry provides a remarkable resource for investors to learn the ins-and-outs of real estate investing. Through numerous books, seminars and his radio show, Larry gives investors the tools they need so that they can make money in a rapidly rising market.

Ways to Make Money in Real Estate

  • Seller Financing under Dodd Frank
    • Dodd Frank affects seller financing for consumers only – read Larry’s report here (past Invest Florida Episode on Dodd-Frank Seller Financing)
    • Residential Mortgage Loan Officers specialized in seller financing should review loan applications – view Larry’s RMLO Directory
  • Marketing & Finding Deals
    • HUD houses - HUDHomestore.com
    • Secondary markets
    • Craigslist
    • Direct-mailing
    • Agent/Broker networking
  • Resources & Links

To find out more about working with Larry on future deals or for other investment questions, visit larrygoins.com or call his office at (877) LARRYGO (527-7946)

Ep. 105 Kurt Westfield: A Journey from Single Family to Multifamily Investing

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multifamily investingMost real estate investors starting out will try their hand at single family investing first. Single family properties are familiar, small-scale and generally easy to tackle for first-time investors.

However, many investors will find they have a limited ceiling for growth with single family properties. Juggling dozens of single family properties while actively marketing for new investments no longer becomes practical. Apart from wholesaling, flipping and other similar single family markets, the next logical step for many investors is to make the move to multifamily investing.

Multifamily investing may be intimidating to some, but while it is a different ball-game than single family, the two do share a few commonalities and the overall benefit of multifamily investing outweighs the risk.

Just ask Kurt Westfield.

Kurt moved to Florida from New York and, in 2008, co-founded an investment partnership, WC Equity Group. They then entered into Tampa’s single family investment market.

After doing 102 single family deals in his first two years, Kurt new it was time to make a change if he wanted to scale his investment growth.

Kurt turned to multifamily investing and has since expanded to also offer lending, management and syndication services under his umbrella firm, WC Companies. In addition to Tampa, WC Equity Group also has properties in Jacksonville, FL and Cleveland, OH.

Check out Kurt’s story going from single family to multifamily investing and what he learned along the way!

Tools for Multifamily Investing

  • Market Timing
    • Understand where market could go, not where it is.
  • Fringe Markets
    • Areas on edge of of hot market’s outward growth, i.e. markets around South Tampa
    • Similar tenant quality to class-a markets, better price points
    • Gentrification/community redevelopment occurring
    • Value-add opportunity
  • Network
    • Working relationships with brokers
    • Like-minded investor base
    • Reliable team of contractors/sub-contractors
  • Responsiveness
    • Be prompt and responsive for potential investment deals. Assure potential investors of trust-worthiness.
  • Mentors/Inspiration

Kurt is always interested in working with bright, like-minded investors and brokers to expand his network in multifamily investing.

To contact Kurt with potential deals or to find out about the services his companies offer, visit www.wccompanies.com, click on any company tab and find the contact section.

Check out their Facebook Page!

 

 

Ep. 104 Landlord Tales – Tax Credits on Green or Sustainable Property Endeavors

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cost segregation; tax creditsTax Credits

They sound nice, but real estate investors may think that they are not so easy to come by. Those investors who do happen upon them find usually find themselves bogged down by the IRS’ strict stipulations surrounding them.

Tax credits are, in fact, tools set in place to help investors grow their portfolios and while they may seem complex, they are accessible to any investor willing to do a little extra leg work.

While nobody should be expected to know the entire IRS tax code, real estate investors should be aware of some very helpful tax credits that can be applied to their assets.

Michele Pasquale, of Meridian Financial Solutions spoke with us previously about increasing your bottom line through cost segregation.

This week she discusses some more tax credits that real estate investors can apply to green or sustainable property endeavors.

179D

  • Instated in 2005 Energy Policy Act and renewed annually
  • Potentially set to expire end of 2016
  • Tax deduction for energy efficient additions to commercial buildings +30,000 s/f
  • 3 common components
    • Building envelope
    • HVAC
    • Lighting
  • $0.30-$1.80/SF in tax credits
  • Calculated on energy efficiency of entire building set to ASHRAE requirements

45(l)

  • Residential tax credit for developers of energy efficient buildings
  • Potentially set to expire end of 2016
  • dollar-per-dollar deduction
  • $2000/unit or dwelling
  • Qualifying factors
    • Apartments, Condos, Town homes
    • New construction or rehab up to 4yrs
    • 3 stories tall or less

Disposition

  • Tax credit for removal and retiring of building fixtures or components
  • Book value of components can be written off as business deduction
  • Components can not be purchased within same year as tax year filing with deduction and must be no longer in service

Have more questions on these or other possible tax credits? Call Meridian Financial Solutions for a free quote at 561-252-7282

 

 

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.

Ep. 99 Phillip Smith and Jason Schaller: What You Need to Know About Multifamily Design and Amenities

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Apartment investing is undergoing a profound transformation in regards to multifamily design and amenities. The age of the shoe-box apartment is over. Changing climates in construction, social trends, economic growth and consumer demand have forced apartment investors and developers to re-examine what apartments could and should provide tenants. Apartment investors, whether they are refurbishing existing buildings or developing new complexes, are taking a drastically different approach to multifamily design and amenity provisions. This episode, we are fortunate to have two guests lending their insight and experience to the changing perceptions of what tenants want out of an apartment space.

multifamily design and amenitiesPhillip Smith is CEO of Framework Group, LLC, a multifamily development and construction group based out of Tampa, FL. Phillip oversees acquisition, design and development of multifamily communities. Currently, Framework Group has projects under construction in Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota, with projects under contract in Jacksonville. Framework Group’s goal is to provide multifamily communities with location and amenities that highlight and promote the urban lifestyle. By pushing the envelope of what makes a sensible investment to what meets with consumer demands, Framework Group has become a major figure in and development, offering full-service, high end apartments in Tampa and along the I-4 Corridor.

multifamily design and amenitiesJason Schaller is Managing Director of Property Management for McKinley. McKinley owns and operates a $4.6 billion real estate portfolio, 35,398 apt. units and 21 million SF of shopping centers and office centers around the country. The Michigan-based firm has a special interest in Florida’s I-4 Corridor with much of their Florida portfolio focused on it. Jason currently oversees Mckinley’s line of boutique apartment projects in Tampa, Mckinley | Hyde Park. Jason brings over 20 years of design and construction experience to multifamily design, refurbishing older and historic buildings and adapting them to suit the growing urban lifestyle.

Amenities

  • Reinforce and promote urban lifestyle
    • bike-share programs
    • Canoe, kayak, bike storage
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Functioning communal spaces
    • Technological integration
  • Health and Wellness Focus
    • Hot/cold plunge pools and resistance pools vs. traditional pools
    • High-end exercise equipment
    • Classes, training courses: yoga, exercise, massages
  • Pet amenities
    • Green spaces
    • Grooming

Multifamily Design and Development

  • High-end finishing/fixtures
    • Quartz counter-tops
    • Rain-style shower-heads
    • Upgraded moldings
    • Wine glass racks
    • Kitchen storage
    • Stainless steel appliances
  • Individual feel
    • Corridor entrances
    • Lighted unit numbers
  • Space
    • High ceilings
    • Larger rooms
  • Décor
    • Natural finishes
    • Authentic colors and textures

If you are a building owner in the Tampa area and you think it might make a great addition to the McKinley | Hyde Park portfolio, visit the Principal to Principal contact page on their website. To find out more about becoming a resident at a McKinley | Hyde Park project, visit the Apartments page on their website for more information.

Framework Group, LLC provides general contracting services and selective development consulting in addition to project development and construction. To find out more about current and upcoming projects along with services offered, visit their website.

 

Ep. 95 Bijan Gorji: Making Money with Residential Condos

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investing in residential condosWho is this man and why is he smiling?

This man is Bijan Gorji, a real estate investor based in Sarasota, FL. Bijan is a special kind of investor though. Bijan invests solely in one asset class–one often overlooked by other real estate investors–residential condos.

Bijan believes that residential condos as an investment asset class have been an unfairly neglected market for too long. Where others see problems, Bijan sees potential… and it is paying off well for him. Since moving to Sarasota from California in 2012, Bijan and his wife have acquired a portfolio of over 35 residential condos with plans to continue investing in more residential condos. This episode, Bijan will discuss why he settled on residential condos as his chosen asset class and why it should appeal to investors from a financial standpoint along with providing a brief overview of Sarasota’s real estate investment market.

  • Pros of Investing in Residential Condos
    • Easy property-management compared with single-family
      • Low upkeep costs
      • Ability to self manage properties
    • Tenant profile allows fluid leasing
      • 1-2 bedroom units to working professionals or grad students; no families
      • Tenant turnaround quicker
    • Buy-and-hold investment w/ monthly cashflow
    • Hands-on investing allows oversight over all facets of investment
  • Investing Tips
    • Check HOA regulations for condo before investing
    • Find properties within driving distance if self-managing
    • Finding tenants is biggest issue with residential condos: list on Craigslist, Zillow, Hotpads, etc.
  • Sarasota Market
    • Huge amounts of construction (Multi-family and Single-family)
    • Rents steadily increasing across all sub-markets
  • Inspiration

If you think you have an investment deal or if you have more questions about how to make money investing in residential condos, contact Bijan directly by email at bgorji@gorjillc.com