STR Ownership / Management Structure

STR Ownership / Management Structure

Rental Property Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hi,

My wife and I are relatively new to the RE investment space. I primarily work is as an Asset Manager/Analyst for a Healthcare REIT (3+ years) and have been studying/analyzing single/multi family, STR, MTR and loosely involved in a handful of deals along the way for longer but looking to take action with a couple money partners I have available.

What is a fair and reasonable ownership structure for someone like myself who would orchestrate and operate a STR deal in a market I understand and would source the deal with two equal money partners that would bring most (if not all) the money to the deal in a somewhat passive role for them. At some level one partner would provide some construction consulting and the other some finance/tax consulting in addition to the financing. 

Have not seen much guidance on ownership structures but my back of the napkin thought so far was: 20% me, and 40% to each partner. In addition I would assume a management fee for myself would be appropriate; I've seen 20% for some STR operators but I'd look at maybe 10%. There might be some flexibility in fee/equity, for example I might take a smaller/zero fee for a larger equity position trade off. Not confident on what is usual or fair.

Wondering from the community how others might structure this format and if my head is in the right place or if there is something else I need to think about here, thanks!

0Reply
31 views

Most Popular Reply

John UnderwoodPro Member
Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
3y

If I was providing the cash I would want most or all ownership and just pay someone to manage it.

See this reply in the discussion

11 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y

    If I was providing the cash I would want most or all ownership and just pay someone to manage it.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y

    I've never done exactly what you're talking about, but more of a Contractor/Moneyman partnership where it was 50/50%.

    From what you're describing, I would think 20/40/40 would be fair. And yes, you could expect a small fee for your management, I used to do $1000 a week for a max of ____weeks per project (depends on the project).....

    Just my .02...

  • Ryan MoyerBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Orlando Kissimmee Davenport Salt Lake City, Park City · Member since 2019 · 993 posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    The difference between this and purely management is that he's also sourcing the deal and bringing all the pre-purchase knowledge.

    I've seen quite a few people on this forum and elsewhere do these deals at 50/50 split.  That seems crazy to me to give that much up as the person with the cash but apparently there are investors that are willing to do it.

    Cosmic Vacations4.9174 Reviews
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Shane Archer, the reason you don't see much info here on these sorts of structures is most of us avoid them. In the end it is a good way to end friendships, hurt families and cause nothing but trouble.

    So what are you bringing to the table? Have you managed a bunch of STRs? You have experience in setup and hospitality?

    What about a real estate license which you might need depending on where you buy your place?

    I just want you to look at your skill set. It sounds like you have experience running the numbers to find a place, but it is a very different deal to manage it.

    You might think about approaching another STR owner and see if you can do a co-host with them. Do it for free to get some experience.

  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @Ryan Moyer:

    I've seen quite a few people on this forum and elsewhere do these deals at 50/50 split.  That seems crazy to me to give that much up as the person with the cash but apparently there are investors that are willing to do it.

    Heck yeah they are. It is more than worth it to get a seasoned GC with decades of experience. All the money guy has to do is sit back and collect money at the end.....
  • Investor · Member since 2020 · 49 posts · 23 votes
    3y

    Hey @Shane Archer,

    I recently put something like this together for a new STR construction project. The main difference is that I was bringing the money and the deal, and gave sweat equity to my friend who did all the project management and architectural and interior design. I spent a lot of time worrying about how to split things up, what would be fair, etc. Until I got some great advice that I'll pass on to you: don't worry too much about it, particularly if these are money partners you will want to continue working with. Find a yessable proposition for them, and make sure you don't feel uncomfortable with your take. Then once the deal is done and things are up and running, do an autopsy. See how you feel about it how everything went and how the split feels. Ask your partners how they feel. Then based on this experience, tweak the terms accordingly for the next deal. You can even frame this up front so your partners know these terms are just for the first deal, then you'll debrief and refine your agreement for the next deal.

    Hope this helps!

  • Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    3y

    Each partnership is going to vary based on the deal. But I think that seems fine 

  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    This structure seems like it would work if everyone is happy.  I would also have this reviewed by attorney(s).  Every deal is different and unique.  I have done deals 50/50 and 33.3 x 3 and also lesser percentages.  As long as everyone has something to contribute, the roles and responsibilities of each partner is clearly defined, and contingencies well thought out it can work well.

  • Rental Property Investor · Mukilteo, WA · Member since 2017 · 52 posts · 53 votes
    3y

    @John Underwood this.

  • Rental Property Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    Appreciate all the insight from everyone! 

  • Rental Property Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2023 · 163 posts · 95 votes
    3y

    Operation Company (LLC)
    You 100%

    Partnership (LLC)
    You (GP) x%
    Investor(s) (LP) x%

    Each deal will be variable depending on the amount of cash you put, the value you bring, and there is no one-size-fits-all for these.

    Hope this helps!

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.