Not every property that comes to us gets presented to investors. In fact, the majority don’t. Here’s an honest account of what we look for — and what causes us to walk away.
What makes us say no
- Unsupported yield projections: If a projected yield can only be achieved through optimistic assumptions about vacancy, rent growth or management costs, we don’t present it.
- Poor location fundamentals: No amount of property quality compensates for a location with declining population, limited employment or structural oversupply.
- Developer pressure tactics: If we sense “limited time” or “last one available” pressure, we step back and verify the claim. Artificial urgency is a red flag.
- Undisclosed risks: Properties with significant known risks (infrastructure changes, zoning issues, planned oversupply) that aren’t being clearly disclosed to investors.
- Strategy mismatch: A property that doesn’t fit the strategy of the investor we’re working with — regardless of how strong it looks in isolation.
Why we’re willing to say no to good-looking numbers
It can be tempting to present a property with impressive projected returns. But impressive projections aren’t the same as sound investments. Our long-term reputation is built on the quality of our recommendations — not the volume.
Our standard: If we wouldn’t be comfortable recommending this property to a family member in the same financial position as the investor we’re working with, we don’t present it.