Best Real Estate Investment Strategies

Which Sectors in Real Estate Are Family Offices Likely to Invest in Now? As family offices consider where to allocate their capital, real estate remains a primary focus. Its tangible nature, potential for steady income, and ability to hedge against inflation make it an attractive asset class. However, the specific sectors within real estate that capture family office interest are shifting based on evolving market dynamics, long-term goals, and generational priorities. Family offices are increasingly focused on specific real estate sectors that align with their long-term goals and investment strategies: 1. Multifamily Housing: A preferred sector due to stable cash flows and growing demand in both urban and suburban areas. There's also rising interest in affordable housing, driven by both impact investing and market needs. 2. Industrial and Logistics: The e-commerce boom continues to drive demand for warehouses and distribution centers. Family offices are particularly interested in last-mile delivery properties. 3. Medical and Life Sciences: Healthcare-related properties offer stability and long-term leases, making them attractive. The aging population also drives demand for senior living facilities. 4. Hospitality: With the rebound in travel, there’s renewed interest in hotels, resorts, and unique experiential properties. 5. Office Space: Investments focus on flexible office solutions and properties with strong sustainability credentials, adapting to hybrid work trends. 6. Student Housing: Consistent demand, resilience during economic fluctuations, and long-term leases make student housing appealing. It also offers opportunities for global diversification. Investment Strategies - Family offices leverage their significant capital and long-term perspective through: 1. Direct Investments and Partnerships: Direct control and flexibility in niche markets are key benefits, often complemented by strategic partnerships. 2. Value-Add and Opportunistic Strategies: Higher returns are sought through investments in properties needing redevelopment, with a focus on market timing. 3. Long-Term Holdings and Legacy Projects: Real estate is used to preserve wealth across generations, with a focus on long-term capital appreciation and legacy-building. 4. Geographic Diversification: Family offices are increasingly investing globally, partnering with local experts to mitigate risks and tap into emerging markets. Family offices remain committed to real estate, leveraging their unique advantages to navigate and capitalize on market opportunities. #familyoffice #familyoffices

It's 2025. If you're an unproven real estate operator, you're toast. Capital markets are frozen, LPs won't return calls, and your apartment deal won't get funded. Here are the 5 strategies I see that ARE working - when everything else fails: 1. Team up with pros Don't go alone. Find someone who has done this before. New operators who can't raise $5M alone can get $50M+ with the right partner. What each side brings: • Pro partner: Past wins, investor friends, trust • You: Hard work, new deals, fresh ideas 2. Pick weird niches Don't do apartments like everyone else. Go narrow and deep. Focus on things like: • Storage parks • RV parks   • Surf parks When you're the "RV guy," investors call you first. 3. JV with big money Big investors still have cash. They want to work with new people. But you give up control. They put up 80-90% of money. You give them: • Big chunk of the fees • Big decisions Not great, but better than nothing. 4. Stay local Two ways this works: Build: Small, local projects in neighborhoods work best. Even small offices do well when they serve the community. Money: Raise from locals. Tell them you're making their city better. This works when big money says no. 5. Tell good stories Look at Radical Play Concepts. They turn old offices into family clubs in Dallas. It's not just real estate. It's about community and families. Investors don't just look at numbers now. They buy stories. Connect your project to something bigger than money. TAKEAWAY: Real estate fundraising has always been relationship-driven. But in 2025, traditional relationships aren't enough. Most operators are going to fail this year because they're running playbooks that worked in 2021. But if you focus on these five strategies, you might have a shot. I just have one question for YOU LinkedIn... What fundraising strategies are you seeing work in today's market?

How are family offices looking at real estate in this shifting market? Real estate still plays a critical role in wealth preservation for Family Offices, yet headlines are filled with uncertainty: higher interest rates, tighter credit, and major institutional retrenchment. But that’s not the whole picture. Beneath the surface, real opportunities are opening up for those that know where to look. This month, Blackstone walked away from another multifamily deal due to pressure on cap rates. At the same time, large institutional players like CalPERS and Harvard’s endowment are pulling back on new real estate commitments. The reason is that the old strategy of relying on cheap debt and compressed cap rates to drive returns is no longer working. For Family Offices holding patient capital, this shift presents a strategic opening rather than a setback. As institutions retreat, we’re seeing Family Offices move toward more direct investments and niche sectors. Self-storage, workforce housing, and medical office are seeing increased attention. These are not trendy plays. They are durable, income-producing assets tied to essential needs. Recent data from the Family Office Real Estate Institute confirms a steady reallocation toward these areas. Cap rates remain favorable, and with less institutional competition, Family Offices are stepping in. Another clear shift is the growing preference for long-term holds. More than half of Family Offices now aim for investment horizons of 10 to 15 years. At the same time, value-add remains one of the most popular strategies. This might seem contradictory, but it reflects a more nuanced approach: entering value-add deals with a plan to stabilize, refinance, and hold. That requires alignment with sponsors willing to think beyond the typical three-to-five-year timeline. Family Offices are especially well positioned at this moment. They are not tied to quarterly earnings. They can weather illiquidity. Most importantly, they understand that protecting capital over time is more valuable than chasing short-term gains. So, here’s the takeaway. Real estate remains a powerful tool for wealth preservation and generational growth. But success today requires a shift in mindset. The best opportunities are direct deals, longer holds, and asset types that serve basic economic needs. It is not just about what to buy. Family offices need to understand how to structure ownership in a way that supports their family's goals for decades to come. I’m curious to know what type of real estate you think Family Offices should be looking at in the current climate? As one patriarch once said to me, “We’re not in a hurry. We’re in a legacy.”

I just listened to a podcast where the CEO of AvalonBay (Benjamin Schall) was discussing their strategies for 2025. Here's what he shared: 1) Sunbelt expansion - Avalon's portfolio is currently 90% coastal and 10% "expansion markets", but they're working to change this to 75/25. - They're going to increase their exposure in the Sunbelt via 3 methods: acquisitions, new development, and their "Developer Funding Program". - They started building in Austin two months ago, and purchased an existing asset there one month ago. - "Developer Funding Program" is where they provide the full capital stack to third-party developers. Avalon buys the land and funds the entire project while still letting the developer participate in the value creation and earn a promote. 2) Coastal Suburbs - They believe their coastal suburban portfolio will capture more rental demand over the next 10 years than it did over the prior 10 years due to aging Millennials. - Due to the large home price appreciation in the coastal markets, it’s now $2,000 to $2,500 more expensive per month to buy a home than to rent. - In the past, 15-17% of tenants leave to buy a home, but that has now dropped to 8-10%. Their customer base is staying longer, which is why retention is higher. 3) Property design - Instead of having distinct leasing office and common area space, they’re now focused on flexible space where their associates are out interacting with existing residents or prospects. - People want quiet amenity space where they can work and take calls, so Avalon is moving away from large communal tables and building 50 SF glass enclosed areas for people to have a space to work. - Building units that are 100 SF larger than they were 4 to 5 years ago. Building space with lofts, dens, etc. for people to have work-from-home space. 4) New technology - Using EliseAI to handle 95% of tenant prospect interactions. - Focused on having a centralized service center. This used to be back office oriented, but now it’s the front of the house as well. 5) Clustering assets - For onsite teams, they’re moving to “neighborhooding” where there’s a team handling four or five assets in a neighborhood. - For future properties that they’ll either build or buy, they’re focused on locations where they already have other assets because they can generate 30 to 40 bps of incremental yield due to the combination of technology, centralization, and neighborhooding. 6) BTR - They announced that they're formally moving in to the BTR space. - Over the next 12-18 months, they're going to buy existing BTR product and fund other developers with their Developer Funding Program so they can learn more about this space before developing on their own. --- If you found this intel helpful, please Like or Repost to share with others in the real estate community. Thank you!

The Power Is in the Land: Understanding Ricardo’s Law and the 18.6-Year Real Estate Cycle 🌎🏗️ If you’ve been paying attention to real estate trends, you know we’re in the late-stage expansion phase of the 18.6-year real estate cycle—a cycle that has repeated for over 200 years. 🔹 Land prices are soaring. 🔹 Speculative investments are rampant. 🔹 Mega-developments are being announced at record highs. But why does this always happen? The answer lies in Ricardo’s Law of Economic Rent—a concept that explains why land, not buildings, is the primary driver of wealth and economic cycles. 📜 David Ricardo’s Core Idea (1817): Land value is determined by its productivity relative to the least productive land in use. As economies expand, the best land becomes more valuable—not because of improvements made by owners, but because of external demand. Investors, developers, and governments bid up land values, creating booms, bubbles, and inevitable busts. 🚨 History repeats itself. The last time we were here? 2007—right before the Great Financial Crisis. And before that? 1989. 1929. 1873. Each time, land speculation peaked, leading to a market correction. The best investors understand this cycle. They know that land price inflation signals the final stretch before a correction, and they position themselves accordingly. 📉 What happens next? As land prices peak, development overshoots demand. Businesses and investors stretch themselves too thin. The inevitable correction resets the market—and those who are prepared capitalize on the next cycle. So, what should you do? 🤔 ✅ Study the cycle. The best opportunities come from understanding when to buy, sell, and hold. ✅ Follow the data. We’re in the Winner’s Curse phase—high prices, speculative deals, and a market near its peak. ✅ Think long-term. The smartest investors don’t chase trends—they anticipate them. The power is in the land. It always has been. What do you think—are we nearing the peak? How are you preparing for the next phase of the cycle? Let’s discuss. ⬇️ #RealEstate #CRE #RicardosLaw #MarketCycle

"We have budget for $199,000," the procurement manager spat at me. I had a $325,000 deal forecasted, and we had 7 days left to close it. That was June, 2020. End of quarter. Egg about to be smeared all over my face. I paced around my house while my family swam at the pool. Cursing under my breath. Back then, I knew every negotiation tactic in the book. But that was the problem: My negotiation "strategy" was actually what I now call "random acts of tactics." A question here. A label there. Throw in a 'give to get.' There was no system. No process. Just grasping. Since then, I now follow a step by step process for every negotiation. Here's the first 4: 1. Summarize and Pass the Torch. Key negotiation mistake. Letting your buyer negotiate with nothing but price on their mind. Instead: Start the negotiation with this: “As we get started, I thought I’d spend the first few minutes summarizing the key elements of our partnership so we’re all on the same page. Fair?” Then spend the next 3-4 min summarizing: - the customer's problem - your (unique) solution - the proposal That cements the business value. Reminds your counterpart what's at stake. They might not admit it: But it's now twice as hard for them to be price sensitive. After summarizing, pass the torch: "How do you think we land this plane from here?" Asking questions puts you in control. Now the onus is on them. But you know what they're going to say next. 2. Get ALL Their Asks On the Table Do this before RESPONDING to any "ask" individually. When you 'summarize and pass the torch,' usually they're going to make an ask. "Discount 20% more and we land this plane!" Some asks, you might want to agree to immediately. Don't. Get EVERY one of their asks on the table: You need to see the forest for the trees. “Let’s say we [found a way to resolve that]. In addition to that, what else is still standing in our way of moving forward?” Repeat until their answer is: "Nothing. We'd sign." Then confirm: “So if we found a way to [agree on X, Y, Z], there is nothing else stopping us from moving forward together?" 3. Stack Rank They probably just threw 3-4 asks at you. Now say: "How would you stack rank these from most important to least important?” Force them to prioritize. Now for the killer: 4. Uncover the Underlying Need(s) Ignore what they're asking for. Uncover WHY they're asking for it. If you don't, you can't NEGOTIATE. You can only BARTER. You might be able to address the UNDERLYING need in a different, better way than what they're asking for. After summarizing all of their 'requests,' say this: “What’s going on in your world that’s driving you to need that?” Do that for each one. Problem-solve from there. P.S. These 7 sales skills will help you add an extra $53K to your income in the next 6 months (or less) without working more hours, more stress, or outdated “high-pressure” tactics. Go here: https://lnkd.in/ggYuTdtf

How to Leverage City-Data.com for Smarter Real Estate Investing In today’s data-driven world, making informed decisions is key to real estate investing success. One often overlooked but incredibly powerful tool in your arsenal is City-Data.com. Here’s how City-Data.com can elevate your investment strategy and an example to show its impact: What is City-Data.com? City-Data.com aggregates public data to provide detailed information about neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the United States. The platform offers insights into: • Demographics (age, income levels, education, population density) • Crime rates • School rankings • Home values and trends • Commuting patterns • Amenities and attractions nearby Why Use City-Data.com for Real Estate Investing? 1. Neighborhood Insights: Understand the character and livability of an area. This is crucial for deciding whether a location matches your target market (e.g., families, professionals, students). 2. Risk Assessment: Analyze crime rates and other data to ensure the property is in a safe, desirable area. 3. Market Trends: Spot opportunities by examining home value trends and economic data. 4. Tenant Attraction: Use demographics to identify what type of tenants you might attract in a specific neighborhood. Real-Life Example: Using City-Data.com to Evaluate a Potential Investment Let’s say you’re considering a duplex in Nashville, Tennessee. 1. Crime Rates: City-Data.com reveals crime rates are significantly lower in a specific ZIP code compared to the city average. This signals safety for potential renters. 2. Demographics: The area shows a high percentage of young professionals (ages 25-34), with an average household income above $75K. 3. Commuting Patterns: Many residents commute downtown in under 20 minutes, indicating demand for rental properties catering to professionals. 4. School Rankings: If your target renters are families, you’ll find data on local schools to assess whether the area appeals to this demographic. 5. Home Value Trends: City-Data.com shows consistent year-over-year growth in home values, signaling potential appreciation. With these insights, you confidently purchase the duplex, market it to young professionals, and enjoy steady occupancy rates while watching the property appreciate. The Bottom Line City-Data.com is a treasure trove for real estate investors. It empowers you to back decisions with data, reducing risk and maximizing ROI. Whether you're investing in a single-family home or a multifamily property, this tool can help you uncover hidden opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. Have you used City-Data.com in your real estate journey? Share your experiences or strategies below! 👇 #RealEstateInvesting #DataDrivenDecisions #CityData #InvestmentStrategy #PropertyAnalysis

I’ve advised dozens of first time investors get into commercial real estate. Here’s the roadmap: DO NOT SKIP STEPS. 1. Figure out what your goal is, then work backwards. Mistake: Blindly going online and finding the first coach who teaches you the strategy that worked for THEM. Everyone has a different skillset, risk profile, and unique advantage. Do not start with a narrow path without context of which other paths are out there. Also, your main goal should NOT be passive income if you’re starting out. 2. Figure out how much you have to invest, and whether you are raising money from investors or doing it yourself. Mistake: Going deal shopping without realizing how much you can afford. Just because you have the cash doesn’t mean you have to risk it all in one deal. 3. Pick an asset class and strategy. Mistake: Some assets (eg hotels) are much harder to operate than others (eg flex). Not all are beginner friendly. Also, the market demand will determine what you GET to build. You shouldn’t build anything just because you like it. 4. Go deal shopping without clear criteria. Mistake: Finding a deal is more like a job search (apply to dozens, hear one yes) rather than a home purchase (get shown 3-5, pick one). Beginner investors tend to fall in love and get overly invested in the wrong deals. 5. Analyze deals before you buy. Mistake: I’ve had so many investors come to me after they’ve already bought the land. If you’ve already bought it, there’s only so much I can help with. You’re stuck with the deal! Anything I missed? Leave them in the comments and I’d love to get the convo going!

The biggest mistake in real estate investing? Ignoring the risks. Every investment comes with risks—real estate is no exception. But when approached thoughtfully, real estate can balance your portfolio, provide passive income, and build wealth over time. Let’s break down some of the more common risks in real estate investing and how you can mitigate them: 1. Market Risk Risk: A downturn in the real estate market could impact property values and returns. Mitigation for Passive Investors: Diversify your portfolio: Invest across various markets to reduce reliance on one location. 2. Sponsor or Operator Risk Risk: The sponsor or operator may lack experience or mismanage the property. Mitigation for Passive Investors: Vet the sponsor thoroughly: Check their track record, reputation, and experience managing similar properties. 3. Property-Specific Risks Risk: Vacancies, unexpected maintenance, or a poorly performing asset can impact returns. Mitigation for Passive Investors: Review the business plan: Ensure the sponsor has a clear strategy to manage and improve the property, including contingency plans. 4. Illiquidity Risk Risk: Syndications often have long holding periods, making it difficult to exit early. Mitigation for Passive Investors: Align with your goals: Only invest capital you won’t need for the duration of the holding period (typically 3-10 years). 5. Economic and Interest Rate Risks Risk: Rising interest rates or economic shifts can impact property performance and debt costs. Mitigation for Passive Investors: Look for fixed-rate financing: Sponsors should use fixed-rate debt to avoid sudden cost increases. Why Passive Real Estate Investing Still Works? Passive investing in syndications offers something that stocks and other investments often cannot: ✅ Tangible, income-producing assets ✅ Potential for long-term appreciation ✅ Tax advantages that improve overall returns When done thoughtfully, syndications can reduce many risks of active real estate investing while providing reliable returns. Remember, all investments come with risks, but with the right approach, real estate can play a pivotal role in helping you achieve financial freedom. Want to learn more about how syndications can balance your portfolio? Let’s connect! Together, we can explore opportunities to invest with confidence and build wealth while managing risks strategically. #PowerOfPassiveRealEstateInvesting #YourLegacyOnMainStreet #BuildingWealth

What makes grocery-anchored real estate a powerhouse for investors? Most only see the surface: → Steady tenants → Strong foot traffic → Recession-resistant income But the real game-changer? It’s hidden in the lease structure and tax code. ⸻ 🔒 Leases matter more than you think. These centers almost always have Triple Net (NNN) leases, meaning tenants cover property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. For owners, that means steady, predictable rent with little to zero operating cost risk. Leases typically span 5 to 20 years and include built-in rent escalations, so income grows over time. Tenants rarely leave they depend on consistent location and foot traffic to survive, making turnover less when you blend the right tenants and lease terms. ⸻ now this next phase this is where passive investing takes on a different level 💸 Taxes are where the real magic happens. Grocery-anchored properties qualify for some of the highest bonus depreciation available in commercial real estate. Thanks to cost segregation studies, investors often see: → 50%–70% paper losses on their K-1 in year one → Without losing a single dollar of real cash This strategy breaks down the property into parts structure, land improvements, equipment, fixtures with separate depreciation schedules. Many of these can be written off immediately, generating massive paper losses to offset income. This can reduce your taxable income substantially, sometimes offsetting even W-2 or capital gains income depending on your tax situation. Our team of specialized CPAs and engineers zeroes in on maximizing these tax advantages, going far beyond basic accounting to unlock every dollar of value the tax code allows. This is why savvy investors quietly funnel capital into these centers not just for reliable cash flow, but for powerful tax efficiency that boosts after-tax returns. ⸻ And it’s not just the big grocery tenants driving success. These centers mix national brands like Dollar Tree, CVS, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Sherwin-Williams, and Verizon with local stalwarts like Tony’s Pizza, Joe’s Dry Cleaners, Sunrise Fitness, La Tienda Latina Market, and Nana’s Nail Spa. These local businesses are sticky tenants, anchored by community loyalty and foot traffic they can’t afford to lose. (real-life multitasking.) ✅ Long-term leases ✅ Minimal landlord responsibilities ✅ Recession-resistant tenants ✅ Huge tax benefits Grocery-anchored real estate isn’t just stable income it’s a smart, tax-efficient wealth engine. Look deeper there’s far more gold in these deals than most investors realize. If you’re looking to learn about the different types of real estate investing and what actually drives returns beyond the hype follow me daily. I break this down in simple terms every week so you can grow your knowledge and make smarter decisions. —Adam Shapiro ♻️ Repost and share if you want