What Qualifies as Like Kind Property? Your 1031 Checklist

An office building next to an apartment building next to a shopping center next to vacant land, with properties all in a row or across from one another

Like-kind property exchanges offer real estate investors a powerful strategy for deferring capital gains taxes while building their investment portfolios. When conducting a 1031 exchange, properties must be of the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality. Nearly all types of real estate investments can qualify as like-kind property, allowing…

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Are Private Credit Loans for Real Estate Right for You?

A sunny suburban neighborhood with rows of houses and a bank building, with a "For Sale" sign in front of one of the houses

Private credit has emerged as a powerful financing option for real estate investors seeking alternatives to traditional bank loans. Private credit loans for real estate are privately negotiated loans between non-bank lenders and borrowers, specifically designed for real estate transactions, offering flexible terms and potentially higher returns. These specialized loans have gained significant traction as…

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REO Buying 101: Turn Bank Losses into Investor Profits

A female real estate agent handing over keys to a happy investor who just purchased his first REO home.

Looking to expand your real estate investment portfolio? REO properties – properties owned by banks after failed foreclosure auctions – can offer unique opportunities for savvy investors seeking potentially profitable deals. When you invest in bank-owned properties, you can often purchase them below market value while dealing directly with motivated institutional sellers who want to…

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Pre-Foreclosure Negotiation Strategies for Real Estate Investors

A homeowner and a bank representative sit at a table, discussing options. Documents and financial papers are spread out, indicating a negotiation process

Negotiating pre-foreclosure properties requires a unique approach compared to standard real estate transactions. When dealing with homeowners facing foreclosure, investors need specialized strategies to create win-win situations that benefit all parties involved. The most effective way to negotiate pre-foreclosure deals is to approach homeowners directly with clear solutions while avoiding the competitive auction environment. Successful…

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How To Master Financing REO Acquisitions for Investors

A real estate investor signing paperwork to secure financing for purchasing a foreclosed property

Real estate owned properties represent valuable opportunities for investors seeking discounted properties. These bank-owned properties often become available after failing to sell at foreclosure auctions, creating potential investment opportunities at below-market prices. Successful REO investing requires understanding specialized financing strategies beyond traditional mortgages, including cash purchases, hard money loans, and portfolio financing options. As an…

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Bridge Financing for Real Estate: Risks Worth Taking?

A real estate property under construction with a temporary bridge connecting two sections, surrounded by construction materials and workers

Securing real estate deals often requires quick access to capital, especially when traditional financing options move too slowly. Bridge loans provide temporary financing that helps investors seize opportunities without waiting for long-term funding to come through. A bridge loan enables you to leverage the equity in your current properties to fund new real estate investments…

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CMBS Special Servicing Rate Hits 5-Year High: Office and Retail Risks

A graph showing a sharp increase in CMBS special servicing rate

The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market continues to face mounting pressure as distressed assets flood special servicing. The special servicing rate reached 9.87% in January 2025, marking a significant shift in the commercial real estate landscape. Your investment strategy may need adjustment as CMBS special servicing rates have surged by approximately 275 basis points since…

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Hard Money Loans for Real Estate: Breaking Down the Basics

A real estate investor receiving a stack of cash from a lender in exchange for a property deed

Hard money loans are an alternative to reverse mortgages and provide real estate investors with quick access to capital for property acquisitions and development projects. These specialized loans focus on the property’s value rather than traditional lending criteria, making them an attractive option for investors seeking alternative financing solutions. Hard money loans typically have interest…

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How Real Estate Bridge Loans Work: Investor’s Quick Guide

A modern office building with a bridge connecting two sides, surrounded by real estate properties and construction sites

Bridge loans for real estate investors provide quick access to capital when timing and speed are crucial for property acquisitions. These specialized financing tools help investors seize opportunities in competitive markets without waiting for traditional lending processes. A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution that enables real estate investors to secure funding for a…

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How to Calculate Debt Service Coverage Ratio Like a Pro

A stack of money with a measuring tape wrapped around it, symbolizing the debt service coverage ratio

The debt service coverage ratio serves as a critical metric for real estate investors evaluating potential property investments. The DSCR compares a property’s net operating income to its debt obligations, with a ratio of 1.25 or higher typically indicating strong financial health and loan repayment capability. When analyzing commercial properties, the DSCR calculation helps you…

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Office Property Conversion: Solution to CRE Bond Distress?

An empty office space with large windows, a mix of cubicles and private offices, and modern decor

With office vacancy rates climbing in major cities, transforming underutilized commercial spaces into residential units offers a compelling solution for property owners and investors. Converting office buildings to residential housing costs approximately $685 per square foot and can revitalize struggling downtown areas while generating new revenue streams. Many cities are actively encouraging these transformations by…

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