New Member Introduction: Chris Campanaro

[Chris C.]

My name is Chris Campanaro. My wife, Samantha and I moved to Bethel, CT 06801 3 years ago. It is here that we decided to get into real estate investing. We both work a 9-5 and run several side businesses and a non for profit (alongside our 8 month old - Ava).

I currently work as a Director of Global Procurement for a mid-size company in Stamford, CT. My direct reports are spread throughout North America, Europe and Asia making my 9-5, a 24/7 job. I made a career change one year ago from being an accountant (non CPA, but worked in various roles over 10 years) to supply chain. I have two college bachelor’s degrees, one in Business Management & the other in General Accounting. My wife is a special education teacher in Ridgefield, CT and holds a bachelor and master’s degree. She also tutors privately weekends and some weeknights. We both own and operate a successful antique business on the side (which helps to pay some of the real estate costs). We also created a non-for-profit charity in Bethel named, Neighbors Help Neighbors which has helped several family so far maintain safe and sound homes while improving their property values.

After a friend of ours turned us on to the BiggerPockets Podcasts, we decided that we need to readjust our life goals and align our decision making to get into real estate investing. Over the last 3 years, we have educated ourselves, adjusted our spending habits and knocked down our debt. I moved through several jobs to achieve an 81% increase in gross salary, knowing that we need to keep increasing our cash flow. In May of 2018, we landed our first deal - a two story, 8,000 sqft building located in Bethel, CT. The purchase price came to $300,000 and includes a 1,500 sqft barn. Additionally, since the seller owns the multifamily next door we built a (2) two year first right to buy/offer clause since we need the lot for parking. Finally, we were able to achieve seller financiering (3 points over prime) which came to a monthly mortgage of $1,714. We are currently working with a construction company to help put together a total budget, a local bank to help finance the construction loan needed and the town for zoning permits. Once all this is solidified, we need to work on finding cash investors to help seal the deal (this is only for information purposes – not soliciting cash investors)

To top this all off, the property is noted to be the first Smirnoff distillery in the United States during the 1920's. The rich history of the building continues as several woodworking shops and a famous Halloween mask making company (Top Stone) once occupied the facility.

We had no intent of having our first deal be so large (mixed use commercial) but an opportunity presented itself and we ran with it. Since this is a new venture for us, we posted a question on one of the commercial property forums.

We are excited to be part of this amazing community and look forward to all the resources it provides.