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All Forum Posts by: Steven Libman

Steven Libman has started 25 posts and replied 44 times.

Post: Creating Change Through Impact Investing

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

Explore investments that can create profits that benefit communities and learn valuable tips for finding the right real estate partner.

Advantage of understanding taxes and tips to have better real estate equity

Real estate is a popular investment choice for many individuals seeking to build wealth and create financial stability. However, to maximize the benefits of investing in real estate, it's essential to understand the impact of taxes on your investment and implement strategies to improve your real estate equity.

Understanding taxes can help real estate investors maximize their returns by identifying deductions, credits, and incentives that reduce tax liability. This, in turn, can free up more cash flow to reinvest in the property, making it more valuable over time. For example, there were tax benefits in multifamily investing that did not exist in the single-family space, which allow you to mitigate a significant tax burden. Reading books like Tax-Free Wealth by Tom Wheelwright, talking to CPAs or tax professionals, and grabbing a copy of the tax code may help you understand the tax benefits.

In conclusion, understanding taxes is a critical component of building real estate equity. Real estate investors who take time to learn about tax laws and regulations can maximize returns, avoid penalties, and plan for the future. By keeping accurate records and staying up-to-date with tax laws, investors can make informed decisions that help them achieve their real estate investment goals.

Importance of core values in business and investing

Investing in a business may be lucrative, but it has risks. Many investors look for companies that have a track record of success and are financially stable. However, there is more to investing than just numbers and statistics. Core values, such as integrity and grit, are essential when investing.

Steven emphasizes the importance of core values in a family-owned and operated business. They look for companies that align with their investment ethos and familial moral value compass. According to them, it is crucial to invest in people with a plan of attack and remain level-headed and calm during stressful situations. The importance of core values is further exemplified by the fact that the investor has had deals with people they wouldn't do business with again. Stress reveals these individuals' true character, which may not align with the investor's core values.

While the numbers are significant, investing in people who align with your core values is equally crucial. Grit and perseverance are essential qualities, especially in the real estate industry, where one must be willing to get their hands dirty. The investor shared a story about how they had been scraping windows at 11 o'clock at night with razor blades after painting them. Today, that same person runs the business's underwriting and asset management side, managing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate.

Another essential core value is growth orientation. It is crucial to surround oneself with continually learning and growing individuals. This is especially important because growth only happens sometimes after college. It is necessary to have a passion for learning and the desire to pursue something to continue growing.

Therefore, investing in businesses that align with your core values is essential. It is not enough to look at the numbers and statistics; one must also consider the people behind the business. A shared value system and mindset might be the difference between success and failure in investing. Investing in individuals who align with your core values might create a business partnership built to last.

Helpful advice in choosing a partner and finding the right places to invest

Multifamily real estate is a popular investment opportunity for many people. However, it's essential to be cautious when selecting partners in this industry. While partnering with someone who shares your values and has the necessary skills and experience might lead to success, a bad partnership may be costly.

One of the most essential lessons in multifamily real estate is picking the right partners. Some people may seem like a good fit initially. Still, they may need more operational expertise for the job. Additionally, they may try to hide issues with the property rather than address them, which may lead to problems down the line. To avoid this, finding partners who share your core values is essential. Before partnering with anyone, discussing what values you both hold dear is vital. Ultimately, if your values do not align, looking for someone else to work with may be best.

Once you've identified potential partners, it's important to vet them thoroughly. Meet them in person, ideally over dinner or on a video call. Bringing along your spouse might also be helpful, as they may have a good intuition about people. This may seem like a lot of effort, but it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

When evaluating potential partners, ask them for references from people who have invested with them. It's essential to ask for references from people who have gone through the entire investment cycle, from the initial investment to the final payout. Additionally, ask about their reinvestment rate, as this may provide insight into their performance.

In the world of real estate investing, location is key. Successful investors often seek areas with growing populations and economies that tend to follow the people. It is also vital to highlight the importance of identifying trends and making wise investment decisions.

The key takeaway is that picking the right partners is critical to success in multifamily real estate. A bad partnership might be costly, both financially and emotionally. Taking the time to vet potential partners and ensuring that your values align might save you a lot of trouble. For those interested in real estate investing, it's vital to research and carefully consider location and trends before making any investments. By doing so, you may increase your chances of success and achieve windfall profits.

Updates on today's market and ways to mitigate risk

In real estate investment, the primary objective is to generate profit while mitigating the risk of financial loss. Underwriting today's metrics is crucial in ensuring that the investment is sound. It is essential to ensure that today's numbers work and that the deal carries itself today. Warren Buffett says the number one rule of making money is not to lose it. So how does one mitigate the risk of losing money in real estate investments?

The first step is to check the deal. Since long-term debt is based on today's income, the income can cover the debt. The next step is to consider how expenses can be decreased. This may be achieved by examining the operator's expense ratio and looking for ways to narrow the NOI gap. If the market rate is higher than what is currently being charged, the rent can be increased to increase the NOI.

Fear is a familiar feeling in real estate investment, and it may prevent investors from taking the necessary risks. To mitigate fear, investors should get around people who have helped them before and talk about their fears. Naming and claiming fear might help investors move past it and focus on making sound investment decisions.

While there are risks in real estate investment, good underwriting trumps waiting. Investors should never stop buying and should capitalize on opportunities that arise. Recessions make more millionaires than they break. Investors who recognize and capitalize on opportunities might thrive even in uncertain times.

Real estate investments might be a great way to generate passive income and build long-term wealth. However, it is essential to approach real estate investing cautiously and clearly understand the risks and rewards. By focusing on cash flow, reducing expenses, partnering with experienced investors, and being prepared to make adjustments as needed, you might minimize risk and increase your chances of success. Remember, the key to not losing money in real estate investing is to focus on the metrics that matter and to be patient and flexible in your approach.

Post: Investing with Purpose: Making a Positive Impact

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

What makes commercial real estate a better investment than the stock market

Investing in the stock market can be a great way to build wealth over time, but it also comes with risk. Losing money in the stock market is like a game of musical chairs. You never know when the music will stop, and if you're not able to exit the market quickly, you could lose a lot of your wealth.

On the other hand, commercial real estate may offer the best returns with the least amount of volatility. Unlike residential real estate, commercial real estate is not based on the value of neighboring properties. Instead, the value is tied to the net operating income, which could make it more predictable and stable.

During the 2007-2009 financial crisis, the mortgage default rate for houses was 5-6%, contributing to a massive meltdown. In contrast, the mortgage default rate for multifamily apartment complexes was only 3.5%. Commercial real estate is based on a business model rather than just the property's value.

When most people think of commercial real estate, they tend to think of retail or office spaces, but in reality, commercial real estate space may include any property with four or more units. This can consist of apartment complexes, self-storage facilities, and more.

In conclusion, investing in commercial real estate may achieve better returns with lower volatility, making it a great option for retirement savings, legacy wealth, and responsible stewardship.

Investment platforms for investors with limited funds

Creating a fund catering to micro-investors can be lengthy and costly, which could take up to $500,000. The process is rigorous, requiring approval from the SEC. However, existing funds, such as Fundrise, are already available for micro-investors, allowing investors to invest as little as $500 in real estate-backed investments.

Aside from Fundrise, crowdfunding sites are available for everyday investors. A quick search on Google could yield results for crowdfunding sites catering to investors with as little as $1,000 to invest. These sites allow investors to invest in various properties, including single-family homes, mortgages, and apartment complexes.

Another option for investors looking to invest in real estate with limited funds is to invest through a self-directed IRA or 401k. A self-directed IRA allows investors to invest retirement funds in non-traditional assets such as real estate. By doing so, investors may enjoy the same tax advantages and continue to grow their retirement funds through real estate investments.

While creating a fund that caters to micro-investors can be costly and time-consuming, alternative investment options are available for investors with limited funds. By exploring crowdfunding sites and self-directed IRAs, investors can still invest in real estate and enjoy the potential returns that come with it. In conclusion, investing in real estate could be viable for investors looking to diversify portfolios and generate passive income.

The feasibility and demand of investing in storage units

Do you feel like you need more space to store all your stuff? Well, you're not alone. In fact, according to recent statistics, around 11.2% of American households have a storage unit means that for every 10 houses, you're likely to see atleast one that’s renting a storage unit.

So what does this mean for the self-storage industry? It means there could be a growing demand for these facilities. This has led many investors and developers to jump on the bandwagon and build storage facilities.

In fact, before commencing construction, feasibility studies are carried out to evaluate the potential for success and demand in a particular area. For instance, a company invested $14 million to construct three storage facilities in Orlando, Florida, which offered 400,000 square feet of storage space. Despite the high cost, the company identified a demand for such facilities. It outsourced the management to a third-party property management company.

In conclusion, as populations grow and people accumulate more belongings, the demand for storage units will likely keep increasing. The self-storage industry appears to be a growing trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With the rising demand for storage units, more investors and developers will likely jump on board and build new facilities.

Investing with Purpose: Understanding its Meaning and Impact on the World

For entrepreneurs seeking to make a positive change in the world, investing with purpose is at the core of their investments. For example, they might create a meaningful global impact by partnering with nonprofit organizations and funding diverse projects through donor-advised funds.

Your entrepreneurial journey is driven by a higher purpose beyond material wealth. Through collaborations with the right business partners and nonprofit organizations, you may actively serve local communities, provide housing for numerous families, and operate on-site nonprofits to support individuals in need. Additionally, you may extend your support to those affected by war by donating bulletproof vests and blankets to protect children in war zones, providing daily meals to children, and rescuing hundreds of individuals daily behind enemy lines in Ukraine.

So, remember that to invest with purpose, it’s imperative to invest with the right people who may help you touch the lives of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

The significance of aligning your values with your investments

Investing is a complex decision to make. It's about choosing where to put your money and what values and principles you align yourself with. For some investors, supporting specific charities or religious organizations may not align with their beliefs. They may prefer to invest in companies or funds that don't have any ties to a particular cause.

Steven Libman shared his experience with investors who were hesitant to invest because of the nonprofits his company supported. Instead of changing its values to cater to these potential investors, he explained that he would rather stay true to his mission and values.

For purpose-driven entrepreneurs, prioritizing social impact alongside financial returns is more important. They believe that their investments should generate gains that benefit society as a whole and should reflect in the nonprofits they support.

Steven also emphasizes the importance of education and transparency in investing. Some investors may find it worthwhile to join groups or platforms where they can access information about a company's portfolio, returns, and team. The platforms they join might also be an educational tool for those new to real estate investing, providing resources and frequent Q&A sessions to help investors make informed decisions by allowing investors to ask questions, connect with other investors, and better understand a company's values and investment strategies.

Overall, an investment company's approach highlights the importance of aligning one's values with their investments. For investors looking to invest in real estate while also supporting social impact, finding the right people and company to invest with could make or break their career. So for those new to investing, educational events, groups, and platforms may provide a useful starting point for making informed investment decisions.

Post: 2.7mm in depreciation on a 2.5mm investment= happy investors

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

This is one of many buildings we own!  Learn how to pay less in taxes legally.

Post: Making impact with Multifamily - investing with purpose

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

Think about how much more impact you can make for causes near to you when limiting your tax liability : Here's a glimpse of what Investing With Purpose at Integrity Holdings Group looked like in 2022...

~ 27 Non-Profit Partners

~ Over 100,000 lives were impacted through IHG's Donor Advised Fund

~ Cargo van purchased to rescue up to 100 Ukrainians behind enemy lines everyday Heroes International

~ 946 babies were saved through @Love Life

~ 1400 families and 28 school districts received access to the largest special needs playground in the country

RWJBarnabas Field of Dreams

~ 15,200 children received a meal every single day in Nicaragua

World Missions Outreach

~ 28 NJ teens have found hope through weekly support groups and mentoring program

TreeHouse MidAtlantic

~ 4 women have left prostitution

~ 150 people received a monthly supply of food in the Philippines

~ 2300+ Thais have professed faith and so much more!

Glory to God! 💛

Post: 2021: bought 70mm in properties and paid no tax

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

We have sold about 50mm, but banked depreciation offset the gains (without having to use a 1031), so its important to note that blanket statements in real estate businesses hardly hold water, as structure is very important.  Great feedback here.  happy hunting

Post: I hit plateau in REI - how to scale up?

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

@Joe S. The team got up to 11 at one point, but not really that big. I own the business with 1 partner. Now we own about 150mm in Multifamily

Post: 2021: bought 70mm in properties and paid no tax

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

After flipping 1k houses over the last ten years and getting KILLED in taxes, we pivoted to large scale Multifamily after reading “tax free wealth”. Last year we bought 70mm in apartments and had a negative tax return while making double digit returns 🤪. With we did this earlier, but amazing what using the tax code as a tool can do! Happy investing!

Post: I hit plateau in REI - how to scale up?

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

@Sachin Amin, after flipping about 1k properties we saw the issue with single family and got into large scale Multifamily syndications (100 units plus). It became much more profitable, hands off, and tax advantaged

Post: Global Real Estate Conference Scam?

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

did anyone end up attending this conference?

Post: 66 unit acquisition and turn

Steven LibmanPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Bluffton, SC
  • Posts 54
  • Votes 45

@Remington Lyman, we like the long term outlook. If you have any 75+ units in the area, let us know!  were buying 220 units there are well, and just closed 84 more