Partnering strategies w/ individuals having no financial risk

Partnering strategies w/ individuals having no financial risk

Real Estate Investor · Maplewood, NJ · Member since 2013 · 33 posts · 18 votes

Hi all,  

I' do about three flips a year, have a portfolio of rental properties and have purchased another 2 (soon to be 3) hold properties this year.  I GC all rehab work myself while also doing much of the in house carpentry.  On top of this I manage several properties while trying to lead  a meaningful family life.  Although it's been working out very well financially, I've come to the realization that I can't continue this way  something has got to give and it's becoming apparent what's giving is my sanity.  I've learned here that developing better systems, delegation of work/ responsibilities and building a team is the only way to maintain or increase project flow with the goal of achieving a better quality of life.  I've gained a bit of a reputation locally as a quality rehabber.  With this a number of friends and acquaintances have approached me with interest in partnering or money lending on projects. And recently I'm being fed leads on a number of good properties.  I'm reluctant to take advantage of these opportunities as I fee I just don't have the capacity to handle more than two to three at a time (even that's a stretch at times).   

My team consists of myself and a lead carpenter. He's very skilled and capable of everything from roofing to finish carpentry. I've also got a realtor friend who's fed me deals and gaining inroads with Bank REO's and has out right asked to partner with me on deals. Both of these guys are good at what they do and have expressed interest in "getting involved" in the REI business. Both have little or no money to invest. I'm at a point where I need to build this thing into a more productive, streamlined operation and may have two individuals in my midst to help me do it. The realtor can feed me deals and he's got a genuine interest in learning the ropes and help out in a some of the leg work (scheduling, inspections, oversight, etc.). The carpenter has run his own company and managed many projects. He would be an ideal project manager while still being able to put the tool belt on.

My question is, how can I go about incorporating them into my REI operation to everyone's benefit? They would each like some equity, but I'm taking all the financial risk. I've discussed with some REI's who wouldn't give up anything without a financial input. How have others partnered with such individuals in their own business? Thanks for any insight you may have.

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  • Contractor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2008 · 978 posts · 985 votes
    9y

    They cannot be partners. Period. Partners must be equally yoked financially. A partner without financial heartburn isn't a partner, it's an employee with way too much controlling interest.

    They cannot be straight up shareholders without a buy-in.

    They can be employees. Maybe employees that get stock options as part of their compensation, but I'd caution against that.

    As you gain success in life, you will find a long line of people ready to take your money, your success, or your fame without giving back or contributing. They will want to be your 'partner'... do not even consider the offer.

    If someone has a skill or talent to offer, and that YOU ACTUALLY NEED, make an assessment of what it is worth to you and then offer to hire them for that amount of money. If they aren't interested, keep looking until you find someone willing to trade time for dollars.

    The ONLY reason to bring in a partner is -

    1) They are truly exceptional AND are willing to buy-in to the company at a similar financial level to your own AND they do something you can't do on your own.

    2) There is no #2.

  • Investor · Richmond, BC · Member since 2013 · 316 posts · 133 votes
    9y

    I can't comment on the partnership angle from experience but I have heard of partnerships built on one person contributing the money and the other the work. If for example, you asked the question the other way around - "I have a good reputation as a flipper - should I allow people to invest money with me in a partnership where I do all the work but put in no capital?" - you'll probably find lots of businesses that build on that concept. That being said, I think it's a whole lot easier to pay your lead carpenter to do the GCing (and if he can't do that, why would you even consider him for more?), and for a realtor to have a reliable buyer seems reward enough.  As for the realtor scheduling, etc, in exchange for partnership status, forget it. For one, he's not qualified - I'm sure you've learned it's not as easy as it sounds, and two, thats for either a GC or a project manager to do when you are too busy, but remember NOBODY will care about your money as much as you do. 

    A real project manager would be able to oversee multiple rehabs simultaneously and do what many GCs can't and might be a good 'next step' to start considering if multiple rehabs is your goal (and which seems to be the growth you're headed for whether they're for flip or hold).

    My real answer right now though would be to look at investing in a good property manager so you can focus on being your own project manager. It seems you need more time and less stress and it's (often but not always) easier to keep on top of one property manager than multiple tenants. That would free you up somewhat to look after your high stakes activities.

  • Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y
    Dave Anstatt I agree with Aaron McGinnis , no money means no share. You can however, do a per project profit sharing but in NO WAY you need or even WANT to partner with them. If they don't perform as they should, it's...their last, that's it. However, if it were me, I won't expose my books to anyone except my accountant, it just simply that, my business is MY business, I don't have to answer to ANYONE. What you could do is, if everyone meet deadlines, meet man-hour limits, then if ever it's better, structure a pay bonus.
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