Real Estate

Real Estate Investing

I'm a mostly passive real estate investor. I got my start in the business by making private loans for property renovation and resale, but as I encountered deals that were more risky than my underwriting standards would allow, I decided to switch to investing in real estate syndicates that specialize in short-term rental, self storage and mobile home parks.

Over the last decade, the most profitable real estate investments in the WV, MD, and PA region have been short-term rentals, mobile home parks, and storage facilities. This may come as a surprise to some, as traditional single-family homes and commercial properties have historically been popular investment choices. However, our analysis has shown that these newer asset classes have consistently provided strong returns, even in a volatile market.

Short-term rentals, in particular, have exploded in popularity due to the rise of platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These properties offer the opportunity for investors to generate consistent income through rentals to vacationers and business travelers.

Mobile home parks and storage facilities have also proven to be profitable investments, thanks to the growing demand for affordable housing and the increasing need for self storage solutions.

Overall, these asset classes have demonstrated their resilience and ability to generate steady income for investors. While it's always important to do thorough research and analysis before making any investment decisions, these asset classes are definitely worth considering if you're looking to diversify your portfolio.

Nestle Bluff Property

Attention: Falling Waters, WV home site! I am excited to announce the sale of a rare property on the Potomac River, located on the WV side just across the state line from MD.

This property is truly one-of-a-kind, with over five acres of land and direct river frontage. The property boasts high elevation, providing stunning views of three states. Plus, it sits across from the C&O Canal Trail Park, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.

This property represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of riverfront property in a highly sought-after location. With its natural beauty and convenient location, it is the perfect place to build your dream home.

If you or someone you know is interested in this property, please don't hesitate to reach out to me for more information. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you secure this amazing investment opportunity.

Find the details here.

Real Estate Syndicates

The best way for busy business people to invest in real estate is joining a real estate syndicate. A real estate syndicate is a group of investors who pool their money together to purchase and manage a real estate investment. This can be a commercial property, a multifamily residential building, or even a development project.

Real Estate Syndication Overview

One of the major benefits of investing in a real estate syndicate is that it allows busy business people to invest passively in real estate. As a member of the syndicate, you can contribute your capital and let the syndicate's management team handle the day-to-day operations and decision-making. This allows you to continue focusing on your business while still participating in the potential profits of the real estate investment.

Another advantage of real estate syndicates is that they offer the opportunity to invest in a variety of property types, including those that you might not have the expertise or resources to invest in on your own. For example, if you're interested in investing in a large commercial property but don't have the necessary experience or capital to do so individually, joining a real estate syndicate could be a great solution.

Overall, real estate syndicates are a convenient and flexible way for busy business people to invest in real estate without taking on all of the responsibilities and risk themselves. If you're interested in this type of investment, I recommend doing your due diligence and finding a reputable syndicate to join.


If you're considering starting a real estate syndicate and are looking for additional investors, I'm always open to discussing the opportunity further. Real estate syndicates can be a great way to pool resources and expertise in order to pursue larger or more complex investment opportunities.

As a seasoned real estate investor, I have experience working with syndicates and am familiar with the various considerations and challenges that come with this type of investment. I'm happy to share my insights and expertise with you as you consider starting a real estate syndicate.

If you have a specific investment opportunity in mind or are just looking for guidance on how to get started, I'm happy to schedule a call or meet in person to discuss further. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you'd like to discuss investing in your real estate syndicate.

Benefits of Real Estate Syndicates

Real estate syndicate deals involve a group of investors pooling their money to finance a real estate project, such as the purchase or development of a property. Here are some potential advantages of investing in real estate syndicate deals:

  1. Diversification: Real estate syndicate deals allow investors to diversify their portfolio by investing in a variety of real estate assets, rather than owning just one property.

  2. Professional management: Syndicate deals are often managed by professional real estate companies or developers, which can provide investors with the expertise and resources to identify and pursue lucrative opportunities.

  3. Passive income: Investing in a real estate syndicate can provide a passive income stream, as the syndicate manager is responsible for managing the property and generating revenue.

  4. Lower investment threshold: Real estate syndicate deals often have a lower investment threshold than buying a property outright, which can make them more accessible to smaller investors.

  5. Potential for higher returns: Real estate syndicate deals may offer the potential for higher returns on investment compared to other types of real estate investments.

Overall, investing in real estate syndicate deals can offer the potential for diversification, professional management, passive income, lower investment thresholds, and higher returns. However, it's important to carefully consider the risks and potential drawbacks of this type of investment before making any decisions.

Disadvantages of Real Estate Syndicates

Real estate syndicate deals involve a group of investors pooling their money to finance a real estate project, such as the purchase or development of a property. Here are some potential disadvantages of investing in real estate syndicate deals:

  1. Risk: Like any investment, real estate syndicate deals carry a level of risk. There is no guarantee that the project will be successful, and the value of the property could decline.

  2. Lack of control: As an investor in a real estate syndicate, you may have limited control over the project and how your money is used. The syndicate manager is typically responsible for managing the project and making decisions on behalf of the investors.

  3. Fees: Real estate syndicate deals often come with fees, such as management fees and closing costs, which can eat into the potential returns on investment.

  4. Lack of liquidity: Real estate syndicate deals can be less liquid than other types of investments, as it may be difficult to sell your share of the project if you need to access your money.

  5. Complexity: Real estate syndicate deals can be complex and may require a significant amount of research and due diligence to understand the risks and potential returns.

Overall, investing in real estate syndicate deals can offer the potential for diversification, professional management, passive income, lower investment thresholds, and higher returns. However, it's important to carefully consider the risks and potential drawbacks of this type of investment before making any decisions.

Exit Strategies

Exit strategies are the plans that real estate syndicates have in place for how and when to sell their properties or investments. It's important for real estate syndicates to have a clear exit strategy in place, as it can help them to maximize their profits and minimize their risk when it comes time to sell the property or investment.

Selling the property

This is likely the most straightforward exit strategy, where the syndicate sells the property to a third party for a profit. This can be done through a traditional sale or through a sale-leaseback arrangement, where the syndicate sells the property but continues to lease it from the new owner.

Refinancing

If the property has appreciated in value or the syndicate has improved the property through renovations or other investments, the syndicate may be able to refinance the property and take out a new loan at a lower interest rate or with more favorable terms. This can be a way to generate cash while still retaining ownership of the property.

Partner Buyout

If one or more members of the syndicate wish to exit the investment, they may be able to arrange a buyout with the other members. This could involve the departing members selling their share of the property to the remaining members or finding a new partner to replace them.

1031 exchange

A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange, allows real estate investors to sell a property and defer the capital gains taxes on the sale by reinvesting the proceeds into a similar property. This can be a useful exit strategy for real estate syndicates looking to sell a property and roll the profits into a new investment without incurring significant tax consequences.

Private Loans

A private loan is a loan that is provided by an individual or group of individuals, rather than a traditional lender like a bank or mortgage company. Private loans are often used as an alternative financing option when borrowers are unable to qualify for a traditional mortgage or need funds quickly.

Private loans can be used for a variety of real estate purposes, including the purchase of a property, refinancing an existing mortgage, or funding renovations or other improvements. They are often used by real estate investors to finance the acquisition and renovation of properties that will be resold for a profit.

Private loans may have higher interest rates and more stringent terms than traditional mortgages, as the lender is taking on more risk without the backing of a financial institution. It's important for borrowers to carefully consider the terms and conditions of a private loan before agreeing to one.

I no longer make private loans for real estate projects, but here is some information in case you are interested in making private loans or using private loans to facilitate your project.

Why Use a Private Lender

There are a few potential reasons why someone fixing up a house to sell might want to borrow money from an individual rather than a bank:

  1. Speed: Borrowing from an individual may be faster than going through the process of applying for a loan at a bank. This could be especially important if the borrower needs the money quickly to make necessary repairs or upgrades to the house.

  2. Flexibility: Borrowing from an individual may offer more flexibility in terms of repayment and interest rates. The borrower and the lender may be able to negotiate terms that work better for both parties, rather than being bound by the terms of a loan from a bank.

  3. Credit score: If the borrower has a low credit score or other issues that would make it difficult to qualify for a loan from a bank, borrowing from an individual may be an attractive alternative.

  4. Personal relationship: The borrower and the lender may have a personal relationship, which could make borrowing from an individual more appealing. This could be especially true if the borrower is confident that the lender will be understanding and flexible in the event of any difficulties with repayment.

Overall, there are a few potential reasons why someone fixing up a house to sell might prefer to borrow money from an individual rather than a bank. However, it's important to carefully consider all of the options and the potential risks and benefits before making a decision.

Why Banks Pass on Projects

There are a few potential reasons why a bank might be hesitant to loan money to someone who plans to buy a house, fix it up, and sell it for a profit:

  1. Risk: Banks are in the business of lending money, but they also need to minimize their risk of losing that money. Fixing up and flipping a house can be a risky venture, and there is no guarantee that the borrower will be able to sell the house for a profit.

  2. Collateral: Banks typically require collateral for loans, which is something of value that can be seized if the borrower fails to repay the loan. In the case of a fix and flip loan, the house being purchased may not yet have enough value to serve as collateral, especially if it is in disrepair.

  3. Lack of experience: If the borrower has little or no experience in fixing up and flipping houses, a bank may be hesitant to lend money for this purpose. Banks often prefer to lend to borrowers with a track record of success in real estate investing.

  4. High interest rates: Fix and flip loans often come with higher interest rates than other types of loans, which may make them less appealing to borrowers. Banks may be hesitant to offer these loans because they may not be as profitable as other types of loans.

Overall, there are a few potential reasons why a bank might be hesitant to loan money to someone who plans to buy a house, fix it up, and sell it for a profit. However, every situation is unique, and a borrower may be able to find a lender willing to provide the necessary financing with the right approach and negotiation.


Benefits of Being a Private Lender

There are a few potential reasons why someone might want to become a private lender for real estate projects:

  1. High returns: Private lending can be a lucrative investment, with the potential for high returns on investment. Private lenders often charge higher interest rates than banks, which can increase the profitability of the investment.

  2. Control: As a private lender, you have control over which projects you choose to fund and the terms of the loans you provide. This can give you more control over your investment portfolio and allow you to tailor your investments to your personal goals and risk tolerance.

  3. Passive income: Private lending can provide a passive income stream, as the borrower is responsible for repaying the loan and managing the property. This can be a convenient way to generate income without actively managing a property.

  4. Diversification: Private lending can be a way to diversify your investment portfolio and reduce your reliance on traditional investment vehicles such as stocks and bonds.

Overall, becoming a private lender for real estate projects can be a good way to generate high returns, have control over your investments, generate passive income, and diversify your portfolio. However, it's important to carefully consider the risks and potential drawbacks of private lending before making any investment decisions.


Reasons to not be a Private Lender

There are a few potential reasons why someone might not want to become a private lender for real estate projects:

  1. Risk: Private lending carries a level of risk, as the borrower is responsible for repaying the loan and managing the property. If the borrower defaults on the loan or the property value declines, the lender could lose their investment.

  2. Lack of liquidity: Private lending can be a less liquid investment than other options, as it can be difficult to sell a private loan or the property it is tied to. This can make it harder to access the money invested in a private loan if it is needed for other purposes.

  3. Time and effort: Being a private lender can require a significant amount of time and effort to research potential borrowers, negotiate loan terms, and monitor the progress of the project. This may not be a suitable option for those who want a more passive investment.

  4. Limited potential: Private lending may not offer the same potential for returns as other investment options, such as stocks or real estate ownership. This may make it less appealing for those who are looking for higher potential returns on their investments.

Overall, there are a few potential reasons why someone might not want to become a private lender for real estate projects. It's important to carefully consider the risks and potential drawbacks of private lending before making any investment decisions.