By asking these questions, you can better evaluate the competence, reliability, and alignment of the sponsorship group with your investment goals, reducing risks and increasing the likelihood of a successful investment.
How has the team developed? The team has developed organically over the course of the last couple years. Initially, it was Gabe by himself handling all of the necessary hats. Overtime he began to bring on a team of individuals with specific core competencies to expedite success and be more efficient. Shawn became the first member of the team, Shawn's previous experience working with Southwest airlines along with his personality allowed him to assist Gabe with operations, investor relations, strategy and anything else that could be of help. Many of the competitive companies in our industry are vertically aligned, which means they have members of their team that are connected directly to 1) property management and 2) construction. To that end Misha Kaufman joined the team as a property management expert, his background in operations along with his MBA also allowed him to assist Craft Capital with operations/systems. Gabe also brought on a Contractor Ken who works directly on most of the capex budgets for our current projects. We are continuing to find ways to specialize including bringing on Ahsaki (a marketing and branding extraordinaire to assist with our brand presence), virtual assistants and analysts to assist with daily tasks and analyzing deals and this is just the beginning. As we grow, our company is built to evolve and morph to handle those needs.
-- Find out if the team is balanced in terms of skills and responsibilities, ensuring no single point of failure.
If a key team member were unavailable, what happens next? We have a next person up approach, and although we have specialists there is enough overlap currently in place to handle the day to day operations at the current time. If Gabe is out of town for the week for example, Shawn and Misha are able to handle operations, phone calls etc. At this time the three of us are able to handle overlapping skill sets so that two can handle the responsibilities of any one person out. In the case of our contractor we always have multiple bids so that just in case we need to make a change we are prepared. We do our best to plan ahead of time where people will be and what the needs are so that we can properly adapt. The one person we could not replace is Gabe for new acquisitions but we would be able to handle the day to day operations of our existing assets if needed.
-- Assess the team's resilience and contingency plans in case something happens to a key member.
What is the proximity of the team to the property? At this time all of the team live within 40 minutes of our assets which means we have a boots on the ground presence to handle any emergencies that come up as efficiently as possible.
-- Determine who will be available on-site to handle emergencies and manage the property effectively.
Who else do they work with (e.g., property management companies, banks)? We have a vast network of individuals we work with to find the right deals, fund the right deals, and operate them.
1) We have connections with brokers throughout DFW that we have done business with and have 1st name relationships with: this provides us access to the best deals on and off market and confidence that we can close giving us a great opportunity to win the deals. We work with industry experts, coaches and mentors to make sure our numbers and thought processes in analyzing the deal are accurate.
2) To fund the deals we work with various banks, lawyers, General Partners, Investors, potentially small family offices, and accountants to provide structure and acquire the capital to fund the deals.
3) We work with experts that handle all aspects of due diligence, professional plumbers, electricians, the city and their code compliance department and our property management company to achieve and execute our business plan with accurate numbers and a robust strategy.
-- Understanding their professional network can give insight into the quality and reliability of their operations.
How many years has the sponsorship group been involved in multifamily real estate? This question helps you understand their experience and longevity in the business, which is crucial for navigating the complexities of real estate investing.
What is the group’s track record with similar deals? Investigate their history with deals that are similar in type, location, and scale to the one you're considering. Experience with similar deals can reduce risk.
Has the sponsorship group worked together before? Determine if the team members have a history of working together successfully. Cohesion and previous collaboration can be indicators of a smooth operation.
What do the sponsors love about the deal? This question should light their fire and provide insight into their enthusiasm and detailed understanding of the deal. Look for genuine, well-thought-out responses.
What is their overall philosophy and investment strategy in real estate? Understand their approach to investing and whether it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
How does the group handle communications and reporting to investors? Good communication is critical. Consistent, transparent updates build trust and help you stay informed about your investment.
How is the sponsorship group's alignment of interest with investors on the deal? Look for alignment in terms of financial structures and commitments. Ensure they have skin in the game and their success is tied to the deal's performance.