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All Forum Posts by: Kristi Kandel

Kristi Kandel has started 48 posts and replied 347 times.

Post: Webinar Replay! Build What Matters: Mindset Shifts for Aspiring Local Developers

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187

I thought I was pretty dialed but I walked away from today’s webinar with a handful of new technics to implement and I’m stoked to see the results!

Watch the full recording: https://localdeveloper.kartra.com/videopage/mindsetshifts



Summary

Kristi Kandel from Local Real Estate Development hosted Christine Knapp, a mindset coach, who discussed the importance of mindset, positive focus, and clear vision for aspiring real estate developers. Christine Knapp detailed brain priming techniques, embodying successful developer traits, goal setting strategies, the value of celebration, and the role of accountability in achieving success. Participants learned practical methods to cultivate a success-oriented mindset and overcome obstacles in their development journeys.

Details

  • Webinar Introduction Kristi Kandel, founder of Local Real Estate Development, welcomed attendees to a webinar focused on mindset shifts for aspiring developers. Kristi introduced Christine Knapp, a transformational mindset coach, as the guest speaker for the session.
  • Christine Knapp's Background Christine Knapp shared their background, explaining how their experience developing franchise owners for a magazine led them to focus on mindset coaching. Christine discovered that having the necessary tools for success wasn't enough; a proper mindset was crucial for taking action. This realization prompted them to obtain coaching certifications and utilize a neuroscience-based approach to help people overcome obstacles and act on their goals.
  • Mindset and Focus Christine Knapp emphasized that success in real estate development starts with one's mindset, illustrating this with the example of noticing a specific car model everywhere after considering purchasing it. This highlights the reticular activating system in the brain, which focuses on what we consciously pay attention to. Christine cautioned against the brain's negative bias, which can lead to focusing on past failures and hinder future action.
  • The Power of Positive Focus Christine Knapp stressed the importance of pausing negative thoughts and intentionally imagining positive outcomes. They asserted that individuals have the power to influence their success by controlling their thoughts. Christine normalized the experience of getting stuck and encouraged attendees to consciously shut down automatic negative thoughts.
  • Creating a Clear Vision Christine Knapp underscored the necessity of having a clear vision, comparing it to a map for the brain. Just as a map guides a driver, a clear vision activates the reticular activating system to find the necessary pathways to achieve goals. Christine announced a handout would be shared to help attendees craft their "why," their core motivation.
  • Understanding Your "Why" Christine Knapp explained that people are often motivated by purpose beyond just money. They encouraged attendees to consider what money will create for their family and the positive impact their projects will have on the community. Getting clear on these "whys" is the first step in overcoming negative self-talk. Kristi Kandel agreed, noting the resilience a strong "why" provides during challenging long-term development projects.
  • Brain Priming Techniques Christine Knapp introduced the concept of a "brain prime," a way to wire neural pathways to support one's vision. This involves writing out the vision like a movie script, engaging all five senses and describing it in the present tense. Recording and listening to this vision in the morning and at night can help the brain believe the desired outcome is a reality.
  • Embodying Developer Traits Christine Knapp discussed the importance of embodying the traits of a successful local developer, such as being vision-driven, resourceful, and persistent. She recommended creating "I am" statements that describe both existing strengths and areas for development to reinforce a success-oriented mindset. Christine explained the "be, do, have" philosophy, encouraging individuals to first adopt the mindset of a successful developer.
  • Overcoming Obstacles with Brain Priming Christine Knapp addressed common obstacles like lack of experience or fear of failure. She advised creating positive "I am" statements to counter these negative thoughts and build confidence. Kristi Kandel highlighted the transformative power of these simple yet effective techniques. Christine noted that the field of neuroscience, which supports these methods, is relatively new.
  • Goal Setting and Action Planning Christine Knapp emphasized the need for goal setting, breaking down annual goals into quarterly, monthly, and ultimately weekly and daily actions. She shared a "sticky note method" for tracking weekly actions, providing a visual representation of progress and creating a sense of accomplishment. This method helps shift focus from the tasks yet to be done to the progress already made.
  • The Importance of Celebration Christine Knapp stressed the significance of celebrating every win, no matter how small. Celebration reinforces to the brain that stepping outside the comfort zone is positive. Kristi Kandel related this to the common fear of looking stupid, and Christine suggested using brain priming to build confidence in such situations. Kristi shared a personal anecdote about using a smile to reframe feelings of nervousness into excitement for growth. Christine explained the neurological connection between smiling and feelings of happiness.
  • Accountability and Community Support Christine Knapp highlighted the crucial role of accountability in achieving goals. She suggested finding accountability partners or groups to share goals and progress. Kristi Kandel emphasized the value of the Local Real Estate Development community for sharing challenges and successes, normalizing the learning process, and providing mutual support. Kristi also mentioned their podcast as another resource for learning from others' journeys.
  • Motivational Quotes and Next Steps Christine Knapp shared several inspiring quotes about success. Kristi Kandel affirmed the power of belief and consistent action in creating one's future. Christine then briefly discussed their coaching programs and offered a free 30-minute session to webinar attendees. Kristi Kandel encouraged attendees to ask questions and thanked Christine for their insightful presentation .

Post: 5/15 @ 3pm EST - Build What Matters: Mindset Shifts for Aspiring Local Developers

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187

🚨 New Webinar: Build What Matters 🚨

Got an idea that could transform your town, but not sure how to make it happen?

Join us for 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 with special guest Christine Knapp, Transformational Mindset Coach.

🧠 This isn’t your typical real estate training. It’s about shifting how you think, what you believe is possible, and how you show up to build what your community truly needs.

✨ In just 45 minutes, you’ll learn:
✅ Why your 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘺 is the key to lasting impact
✅ How to think like a developer (even if you’re just starting out)
✅ Simple steps to move from idea to real momentum

This is for the builders, visionaries, and changemakers ready to take that first bold step without drowning in overwhelm.

📅 May 15, 2025 | 3:00 PM EST
🔗 Save your spot and start building what matters! https://www.linkedin.com/events/buildwhatmatters-mindsetshif...

Post: How Would You Recommend Securing Funding to Purchase Land & Build a Small Apartment

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Lee Johnson:

I’m in the early planning phase of a real estate development project and would love your insight and guidance.

I’m looking to purchase land and build a small apartment complex consisting of 1 to 10 units, with a mix of layouts:

  • 1-bedroom, 1-bath lofts with in-unit washer/dryer
  • 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartments with in-unit washer/dryer
  • 3-bedroom, 2-bath units with washer/dryer hookups

The vision is a modern, efficient design targeting working professionals and small families, ideally in a growing urban/suburban area with strong rental demand.

As a first-time developer, I’m trying to figure out the best path to secure funding for:

  1. Land acquisition
  2. Construction costs
  3. Soft costs and contingencies

I’m open to various financing options, including hard money, private lenders, construction loans, JV partnerships, or even syndication if that makes sense at this scale.

So my main questions are:

  • How would you recommend structuring financing for a project like this?
  • Would lenders be more willing to work with me if I had a general contractor lined up?
  • Are there programs or lenders that cater to small-scale multifamily new construction for first-timers?
  • Any creative strategies you’ve seen work well in similar situations?

I appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or experiences you’re willing to share especially from those who’ve built from the ground up.

Thanks in advance!

—Lee J.

 @Lee Johnson Hey Lee! I've been a developer for nearly 20 years. Happy to connect if you'd like and discuss your project idea! 

Post: Multi family and single family units

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Scott Blake:

Looking to JV with someone for both Multi Family and Single-Family units. I am a GC, Developer and real estate broker. I am ramping up builds in the Western NC mountains. A portion of the Single-family homes can be used for investment short term or long-term rentals. We have a lot of people relocating to the area. They need rentals while I build the homes. I have a couple rentals myself but most of my capital is used for the new construction of homes and future phase infrastructure. The multifamily development is new, and we are scheduling for the horizontal work for phase 1. It will be a mix of multi and single. Information available for serious principals. Feel free to check out our website.

 @Scott Blake hey fellow developer here. Happy to connect and see if anything is a fit! 

Post: What's the Highest and Best use of this property?

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Account Closed:

There is a property which is an old single family home that needs major renovations.(it's just outerwalls, roof, windows and doors) The property is within 1/4 mile from a major intersection, it borders the city limit(it's just outside) and commercial real-estate, which are fast food chains and a small local shopping center. The land can be connected to the Commercial Plaza or kept private with the native greenery and size of the lot. I'm faced with doing an analysis to determine the highest and best use and what the financial demands of all my options would be. What factors, calculations, and analysis should I do to determine this?

 @Account Closed I'd recommend a combination of connecting with a commercial broker to get their insights, talking with the city officials (planning + economic development), and maybe an architect to see what could actually fit on the property (aka what size building with setbacks and height). It's a lot of discovery phase right now. 

Post: New Investor and Aspiring Developer in Miami, FL

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Ian Motta:

Hi all, my name is Ian Motta and I am a 22 year old recent college graduate looking to begin my real estate journey in Miami, FL.

I have been interested in real estate investment and development for a long time and would love to pursue this now and in the long term. I am looking forward to meeting people on this site as they share a similar passion for real estate and wealth building. 

Right now I want to equip myself with as much knowledge about Miami real estate specifically but also larger real estate investment and development topics since I am young and have a lot of ambition. If there is anyone who can help point me in the right direction as far as the best place to start, educate myself, and how to get involved in real estate circles please let me know and reach out to connect at any time! 

Currently I am reading as much as I can on this blog and researching everything I can find on the internet. I have a solid foundation of knowledge that I intend to build upon and utilize as I move forward and take on my first investment project. 

I am looking forward to hearing from the community here!

Thanks

 @Ian Motta Hey! A fellow developer here over in Fort Myers Beach. Happy to connect as well! 

Post: Orange County Developer Seeking Investor Partner for ADUs & Luxury Flip

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Rafael Hoefel Pozas:

I'm a licensed CA contractor with 20+ years in real estate and ADU development. I specialize in identifying high-potential properties, handling design/engineering, and managing full-cycle construction. Seeking an investor partner for ADU builds and upscale flips in Orange County. Strong local knowledge, hands-on experience, and full-service execution. Let's connect if you're looking for smart, scalable opportunities.

 @Rafael Hoefel Pozas Have you connected with Ehab Elias?  He's a friend and used to work for the city and started his own company focusing only on ADUs and likely a potential collaborator. 

Post: Excited to Connect — Multifamily and Commercial Developer Focused on Strategic Growth

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Secoya Jenkins:

Hi everyone,

My name is Secoya, and I’m a real estate developer and designer focused on multifamily and commercial projects in Bergen and Passaic County, New Jersey and other strategic growth markets.

I’m here to learn from experienced investors, share insights from the development side, and connect with people passionate about creating value through smart design and strong market fundamentals.

I’m particularly interested in building relationships with investors, brokers, and fellow developers who see opportunity in well-located, underutilized properties and emerging submarkets.

Looking forward to connecting with like-minded folks here! Feel free to reach out if you’re working on similar projects or are interested in collaborating.

SJ

 @Secoya Jenkins Hey!! Another fellow developer here. Happy to connect too. 

Post: Looking for Mentorship & Capital for Ground-Up Development in LA

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @Jennifer Kim:

Hi everyone,

I’m an architect by training with over a decade of experience, and I hold a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. Alongside my design background, I’ve also gained solid property management experience—managing both long- and short-term rentals. I’ve handled everything from maintenance and tenant turnover to more challenging situations like full eviction processes for tenants who refused to vacate or pay. That hands-on experience has really sharpened my understanding of real estate operations beyond just design and development.

For as long as I can remember, my dream has been to become a real estate developer. One of my professors once told me, “If you want to be a developer, just start investing—it’s the fastest way to learn.” So, I took that advice to heart.

I acquired a property in North Hollywood—just over 27,000 sqft—with an old house on it. After renovating the home to make it livable for my family, I began planning the next phase: subdividing the lot into four parcels and building three new single-family homes from the ground up.

I’ve assembled a solid team, including a trusted land use consultant, civil engineer, and general contractor. I’ll be serving as the architect for the new builds. The vision and groundwork are in place—but, as many of you know, raising capital is the biggest challenge.

I've developed a pitch deck outlining projected expenses, revenue, profit, and a proposed profit-sharing structure (not quite a full pro forma, but a comprehensive profit analysis). The IRR is around 20%, with a 1.7x equity multiple over a 4-year term. I've presented the opportunity to a few brokers and individual investors, but the timeline has proven to be a hurdle—many are focused on shorter-term plays.

This deal feels a bit too large for most individual investors but too small for institutional capital. Some developer firms have shown interest in purchasing the land outright, but their offers don’t reflect what I believe the property is truly worth based on its potential.

I’m hoping to connect with an experienced advisor who can review the deal structure and provide feedback. I’d also love some direction on where I might find investors who are open to mid-sized, longer-term development opportunities like this.

I’m fully committed to doing the heavy lifting—I just need to find the capital. Would it make sense to explore lending options at this point? I have excellent credit, though I’m carrying a sizable student loan that’s limiting my personal leverage. 

I’m happy to share the deck with serious parties upon request, but I’d prefer to keep things as confidential as possible at this stage.

Any thoughts, advice, or connections would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

 @Jennifer Kim this is AWESOME!! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I've developed in California since 2010 and happy to share. 

Post: Build-to-Rent with Civil Engineering Degree

Kristi Kandel
Posted
  • Developer
  • Fort Myers Beach, FL
  • Posts 369
  • Votes 187
Quote from @David Bohn:
Quote from @Jamie Hora:

I'm a civil engineer and I agree with the good insight from Robert. 

If you're wanting to save on a cost, then yes, you can be the one to stamp the plans. However, it should be something you're competent in. For example, I've been licensed for 7 years but I've never worked on houses, so I personally would not draw up plans for a house or "stamp" plans that someone else provided. 

I have lots of experience on projects that involve rezoning, platting, understanding City approvals/permitting, but that aspect you will not learn in any college courses, and nor does a Civil Engineering degree help with. Navigating these processes can be learned through experience and just by digging into the details.  There is a part of the entitlement process that will include review by lawyers also. 

Civil engineering becomes larger part of the project as the projects grow in size. With a engineering license, yes you can be the one be the developer and civil engineer if you wish to wear both hats. Alternatively, the education & experience can give you better footing to manage/understand the civil engineers if you choose to hire out that work. 


 Agreed.  I've been fortunate to wear both hats as a civil engineer and developer as well.  My experience and network has helped me formulate and hone in my expertise in the development process, while at the same time giving me insight to where future developments are heading and areas that could be most developmentally advantageous.   This gives me a significant headstart over other developers / builders in my market areas.

While it's true, you won't typically learn much about zoning code, permitting processes, etc. through your degree, however you should gain this experience through your career.  The only aspect that I may contradict what's being said in this thread is that I strongly believe a civil engineer being involved in the entitlement / zoning procedures is imperative.  Although much of the decision making is based on concepts and attractive sketches / exhibits, the engineer is who makes it all work.  Nothing worse than getting a conceptual site plan re-approved because it doesn't function.

As far as cost control, unfortunately the civil typically only controls the cost of his/her fee, but you will have other consultants that will be part of the process - surveyor, geotech, environmental engineer, architect, landscape architect, planner, attorney, etc.  You could work on your network to see if these consultants would work on sweat equity with you to save you on cost.

The real worth is what you bring to the table - experience in the process, expertise in the market, and potentially a network that can make you successful.  Hope that helps.

 @David Bohn depending on the market and project the elevations aren't the most important component and we use civil engineers to lead our zoning process in conjunction with our team. Parts of FL the civil is much more important to site layouts and designs based on horizontal constraints. But predominantly the architect has been the lead across most of the country. 

Since we are also entitlement experts we lead the process with our team and include architects, engineers, contractors, and sometimes other consultants in the zoning process to make sure that we know the full ramifications (time, cost, etc.) of any site layout / design requirements of the AHJ during entitlements so that we don't agree to aspects that are prohibitive to the overall project feasibility.