All Forum Posts by: Shawn Benteti

 Thanks, 

Would I need to first generate buyer leads prior to looking for wholesale deals? Where do you suggest I start my education. 

 Thanks Robert! That is helpful advice. 

I have syndication experience (3+ years) and want to start my own syndication firm - it is in progress. I have lots of dedicated time towards finding deals and increasing my network. 

Syndication at least starting out may take a while to get some cash flow. I had thoughts of leveraging wholesaling to get more frequent cash flow at the same time as I work on sponsoring multifamily investments. Eventually each arm may even work hand in hand for money purposes.

Disclaimer: On the grand scale of things, I am not super well versed with wholesaling but know people who do and are moderately successful at it. Am I underestimating the time and energy it will take to earn money cash flowing from wholesaling? If I wanted a clear cut wholesaling guide, what resources would you recommend that are concise and applicable? I am aware of the adage to stick to what I'm good at, I'm just trying to brainstorm how I can develop my entrepreneurial senses and grow financially. 

Thanks!

I am an in-progress syndicator. I have 3+ years of acquisition and asset management experience through a syndication firm that deals with value-add 3-5 year holds. 

I am eager to create a company and have completed many of the steps on the path to having my own business. I have underwritten lots and lots of deals and brought them to various mentors and potential investors. Here on BP, many people have given advice that I should focus the early stages on where my competitive advantage is. 

Though I am eager and excited to acquire and build my brand, I realize I don't stand out in any one aspect. I don't come from money or have lots of connections but I am active in networking and attending events - the capital sourcing aspect of the business is not yet one of my strengths. I enjoy and am good at financial modeling, but is it a big enough advantage to other competitors, probably marginal. Asset management, for the majority of my employment I interact with them at an arms length away and have not been designated to interview or hire the property management in my current job. 

Is there any advice on how I can improve my competitive advantage prior to my first deal? Are there niche areas that I maybe overlook that will help me gain the trust of investors and mentors? 

I appreciate your help here on BP! 

 I second this sentiment. Early on in this thought experiment whether or not I wanted to pursue an entrepreneurial stake in real estate, it was easy to get lost in the sauce and focus on the cosmetic aspects of owning a business rather than the foundation. I would say I am still finding my competitive advantage. There is more learning to be had and at some point I just need to get started and jump in. I am active in my underwriting and I am hopeful that my experience and growing education help provide me lucrative opportunities. 

 Is this partnership agreement on a deal to deal basis? Yes so my experience is tied mostly to the acquisitions - my degree and internships were all in real estate financial investments. I have asset management experience from my current job where I interact and lead PM and regionals into caring for our properties. I don't have experience shopping or interviewing candidates for management. I have a growing pool of connections but definitely the bucket I feel is the most in need of attention and potentially limiting to my business. 

I like the tips to focus first on my capabilities and make sure that my mentor relationship is beneficial for my business. 

 This is a good point. Engaging potential investors with deals to invest in is a great leading point into my credibility for being a sponsor. 

I have had experience working for a syndication firm (3 years) and this summer was originally going to move into a 4-plex utilizing an FHA loan. Ended up in a house but still want to start investing by starting my own company - don't want to pursue deals in personal name - and follow the syndication model but at a smaller scale with help and balance sheet of a mentor. Target is to pursue off market deals 8-20 units in Texas Class B-C pushing seller financing.

Any advice on starting a LLC / should my mentor be a partner in the formation of the LLC or should he serve more as an advisory role? How early should I consult with an attorney? Any mistakes that you have made that I may be able to avoid by planning early?

I have limited connections to investors but off-market deals / experience with negotiating seller finance may help to lever the deal. 

Appreciate any insights,

Shawn

Thanks for the advice! 

I have a track record in the sense that I have 3 years of financial analysis experience at a syndication firm. I have had the opportunity of finding and being part of acquisition and asset management for multiple properties. I have had chats with several contacts and one of the operators will serve as my balance sheet in essence. 

One of the pillars I am trying to maintain as I am going out and searching is finding off market deals and inquiring about seller financing options. 

Thanks for the help. 

Looking to secure my first deal in 2025. Searching for deals in Texas with 8-20 units (B- to C class assets). I'm interested in joining more email lists and gaining new connections in the area. Appreciate any help!