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All Forum Posts by: Ian McDonald

Ian McDonald has started 15 posts and replied 43 times.

Post: What's your most unusual way you've been paid?

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

@Paul Sandhu

Cryptocurrency

Post: 720 Arthur Apartments - Kennewick WA

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Thanks Doug! They are going well but man are they tough turns. Some of these units needed a complete gut job. Having said that, we planned for something like this in our underwriting so we are still providing returns to our investors as we stated in our offering. So greatful!

Post: 720 Arthur Apartments - Kennewick WA

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) commercial investment investment in Kennewick.

Purchase price: $3,475,000
Cash invested: $1,290,000

40 Unit apartment complex in Kennewick, WA. Value add opportunity with great location.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

The value add components and location.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

This was listed through a local broker. We went under contract at $150k less than asking. After inspections we gained another $125k credit at closing due to condition.

How did you finance this deal?

Standard Freddie Mac loan.

How did you add value to the deal?

We are currently in the middle of complete interior renovations. This will continue until complete at the end of 2020.

What was the outcome?

We are on target and providing distributions quarterly to investors.

Post: Ellensburg, Washington Multifamily Investment

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) commercial investment investment.

Purchase price: $1,800,000
Cash invested: $650,000

Contributors:
Tyler Moyer

Perfectly located 32 unit apartment complex right across the street from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. This was an off market value add opportunity that we were very excited to undertake.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

This value add deal was perfect for our first acquisition. The size and location were absolutely perfect for our company.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Direct mail marketing campaign. We have been a bit surprised how successful our mailers have been for us. The deal was negotiated over a three month period sitting down with the seller all along the way at a local coffee shop.

How did you finance this deal?

Owner finance at 16% down with 4.5% interest

How did you add value to the deal?

100% complete total unit renovation inside and out. Rents were extremely low and after renovations have been brought up to market rates increasing the NOI and value of the property.

What was the outcome?

Beautiful, fully stabilized property a stones throw away from local university. We plan to hold until we reach our target of COC and IRR.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Never underestimate your abilities. Focus your efforts on networking and building a great team so you are absolutely prepared when a great deal comes across your desk.

Post: Ellensburg, Washington Multifamily Investment

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Investment Info:

Large multi-family (5+ units) commercial investment investment.

Purchase price: $1,800,000
Cash invested: $650,000

Contributors:
Tyler Moyer

We found this deal off market through a direct mail marketing campaign. The seller had owned this property since he was in his early 20's and was now at retirement age. We really caught him at the perfect time when he wanted to realize the years of hard work and go into full retirement. During negotiations while under contract, we sold the upside of owner finance to reduce the taxable hit upon sale and he agreed to $300k down on $1.8M sales price. This 32 unit building was heavily under valued and rents were grossly low for the area. We went in knowing it needed fully remodeled which we completed mid summer 2019 just before Central Washington University was back in session.

We are now fully leased at market rents and cash flowing very well. The plan is to hold for 5 - 7 years to benefit from the cash flow and later on the appreciation from our value add and market growth.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Value add multifamily property. That is what we love to do.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Direct mail marketing campaign. We have been a bit surprised how successful our mailers have been for us.

How did you finance this deal?

Owner finance at 16% down with 4.5% interest

How did you add value to the deal?

100% complete total unit renovation inside and out.

What was the outcome?

Beautiful, fully stabilized property a stones throw away from local university. We plan to hold until we reach our target of COC and IRR.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Never underestimate your abilities. Focus your efforts on networking and building a great team so you are absolutely prepared when a great deal comes across your desk.

Post: Degree/Certification in Commercial Real Estate

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

@Jessica Zolotorofe

I agree that the cert is most likely not necessary. My goal is to underwrite exactly the same way a lender would, essentially getting into the mind of a Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae underwriting specialist.  We recently closed on a 40 unit apartment syndication deal in WA state and the road to loan approval was rocky at best.  We learned A TON about the requirements, but I want to be prepared to the point where we hand over a loan package and they have little to nothing to come back to us about. 

Secondly, its good to know I have those credentials in my back pocket when it comes to multifamily syndicate resumes that are considered by lenders and investors alike. 

Thank you for your feedback!

Post: Degree/Certification in Commercial Real Estate

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Hello,

I am looking to see if anyone has an experience or insight into online schooling/educational programs that offer certifications in commercial real estate. Areas of focus would be project management, asset management, underwriting, financing, and deal structure. I already have a foundation in this field but would like to have that additional background moving forward.

Here is an example I have found that seems to fit the bill:

https://www.ecornell.com/certificates/real-estate/commercial-real-estate/

Anything along these lines that would or could be recommended is greatly appreciated. 

Regards,

Ian McDonald

Post: Looking for CPA contact in Washington State

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

Hello BP,

I am looking for some recommendations for Real Estate CPA professionals that deal in Multifamily apartment investing, syndication, LLC tax, etc.

Thanks in advance,

Ian McDonald

Northern Star Real Estate Investment LLC.

www.nsreinvestment.com

Post: Syndicated Deal Analyzer?

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

@Ricky R.

We use Michael's analyzer currently (along with other tools) and find it very useful. If you aren't an excel expert I wouldn't bother trying to make your own or scour the internet for an analyzer tool that may or may not meet your needs.  What is your time worth to you? For me, if I wasted even half a day trying to find one rather than buying this one it just would not have made sense. 

Post: Market Identification and Analysis

Ian McDonaldPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Posts 43
  • Votes 15

@Omar Khan

That article is great, much appreciated!