February 2025 – REI INK

The National Real Estate Investors Association

Getting Involved for the Good of Investors by Carole VanSickle Ellis The National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA or NREIA) was born in late 1985, when leaders from roughly a dozen real estate investor organizations met in New Orleans to exchange ideas and, before leaving the event, established a framework for a national association. The group’s first national event, held just a few months later, attracted more than five times the number of participants in the original summit. National REIA and its mission to educate members to become better real estate investors as well as empower leaders to execute this education and empowerment was born. “Real estate investors are so important to the national economy, local communities, and the people that we serve,” said Rebecca McLean, executive director of National REIA. “I want investors to know that I am passionate about my job with National REIA because of how important real estate investors are to the American dream.” McLean, who has been with the organization since 2001, describes the role of National REIA as one in which the organization promotes, protects, and educates the real estate investor population. As executive director, she said, her role revolves around “crafting a vision and carrying it out,” from “drilling down to the local member to provide value to them as an association” to providing programs and resources and guiding groups in implementation and use of those elements. “We are always thinking in terms of the needs of the industry and the individual investor,” McLean explained. “The question is always, ‘How can we best serve them?’” Charles Tassell, who has served as COO of National REIA since 2014, added, “One of the most important parts of being a real estate investor is making sure you are ready to adapt to the communities in which you are involved. As a real estate investor, you need to understand them. Being part of National REIA [at the local level] helps you keep your finger on the pulse of the community.” Bringing Protection, Education & Advocacy Together McLean cited the global COVID-19 pandemic as a recent example of how NREIA helped investors deal with unprecedented events in their local communities. “One of our biggest successes took place when local and national policymakers were extending eviction prevention during COVID,” she said. Starting in March 2020 with the initial CARES Act, moratoriums were placed on evictions with the intent to protect residents experiencing economic hardship and enable them to avoid environments in which social distancing and other protective measures might be difficult or impossible. At this time, many states were enacting their own shelter-in-place mandates and eviction-extension responses as well. Every area of the country had overlapping and varied programs revolving around delaying evictions or prohibiting them entirely. Whether intentional or otherwise, these programs had the potential to inflict massive harm on rental asset owners who were, in many cases, placed in an impossible situation wherein they still owed money to lenders but were unable to enforce any type of rent collection strategies. “We ran a huge campaign asking people to reach out to their legislators to stop some of the most onerous legislation from moving forward,” McLean recalled. “We were so proud that we could rally our people to protect themselves and the industry by influencing decisions legislators were making during that time period.” McLean and Tassell both emphasized the importance not just of being aware of potential issues facing real estate investors, but also of knowing how to effectively communicate about these issues with other investors and policymakers who may not be familiar with the details of the industry. While real estate investors may be sympathetic to an issue intuitively because they understand the nature of property investing, those outside the industry may feel attacked if confronted with issues without the right context and background information. “When your business feels attacked, as many investors’ businesses were during the pandemic, it is hard not to be angry and show your frustration,” McLean said. “That is not usually going to be helpful when communicating about the problem with politicians and lawmakers.” She continued, “We teach our members how to build relationships far ahead of the time when you have to have these conversations and how speak in a calm, informative manner that shows you understand both sides of the equation but believe the unintended fallout or consequences of a proposed policy or legislation is going to cause greater harm to the community overall.” Part of National REIA’s educational efforts involve making training and timely news available to investors who want to start the process of becoming an effective advocate in the real estate space. “We have resource pages, advocacy pages, and our news site, Real Estate Investing Today, to help anyone who is in the real estate industry pull everything together,” Tassell said. National REIA’s resource pages include instructional videos on how to effectively communicate with policymakers, how to prepare for a conversation about a piece of legislation, and how to meet productively with different stakeholders in the legislative process. “The worst thing you can do is show up at the third reading of a bill and say, ‘We were not involved in this, and we want you to make changes,’” Tassell explained. “No elected official responds well to that, and communities do not like it either. You want to be in a position where you have been involved from the beginning, you can answer questions, and you are helping improve understanding of how the real estate investing process works.” He continued, “If an investor is going to be in this industry for the long haul, they need to be involved in raising issues, raising questions, and participating in a solution-oriented process.” Powerful Advocacy at a National Level Nearly all real estate investors share a deeply ingrained creative drive to find solutions to problems — both their own and those of others. As a result, the real estate investing industry is filled with niche strategies, some of which

Fulton County, Georgia

Georgia’s Most Populous County Offers Vast Opportunities by Carole VanSickle Ellis The state of Georgia boasts more counties than every other state in the United States except for Texas, and of all Georgia’s 159 counties, none are more populous than Fulton County. Containing roughly 90% of the state capital, Atlanta, and housing roughly one in every 10 Georgians in the state, Fulton County has long been an area of prime interest for real estate investors of all types. The county’s Development Authority is well-equipped to help investors and businesses make the most of Fulton’s prime location and thriving local economy. Twenty-four companies are headquartered in Fulton, and its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest global passenger airport in the world, continues to attract new investment and new employers to the area. “We have worked hard to build a world-class and pro-business community,” said Robb Pitts, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, in response to Fulton’s ranking fourth on Site Selection Magazine’s “Top 20 Best Counties in America” list in July 2024. Pitts credited the award to Fulton’s “partners at the State of Georgia, the region, and our 15 cities.” Something for Everyone Not surprisingly, those 15 cities and their economies bring some of the wealthiest residents in the state into Fulton Country. At present, Milton, Georgia, is ranked as the “richest city in Georgia” with a median household income of $151,300 and a median home price hovering around $928,000. Milton is home to many unique luxury properties, including a $9 million mega-mansion that houses a “wild west town” set in one wing and Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington’s former $12 million home. However, luxury homes are just one facet of Fulton real estate. Due in large part to its size, Fulton offers a vast array of asset classes for investors to consider. For example, Chattahoochee Hills, located in Southern Fulton, encompasses roughly 60,000 acres and is dedicated, in large part, to conservation of the area as rural “forest and farm” land. Billing itself as a “place of intention,” Chattahoochee Hills has dedicated much of its land to outdoor recreation, “sustainable development, and environmental conservation, with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the area while promoting responsible growth and development.” The city is home to new urbanism village Serenbe, a community of three exclusive hamlets developed to “protecting the beautiful rural land just outside of Atlanta.” Serenbe has won awards from the Urban Land Institute, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and EarthCraft. Serenbe’s developer is currently working on another community in Chattahoochee Hills centered around a four-acre park and has been a driving force in the expansion of Fulton County via annexation of land around Chattahoochee Hills since the mid-2000s. College Park, by comparison, boasts an array of multifamily residential developments with more on the way. Due to its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the Georgia International Convention Center, and downtown Atlanta, the city is home to more than 5,000 hotel rooms as well as residential housing developments. Its rail station, which is serviced by two of Atlanta’s MARTA rail lines, is the third busiest in the city. College Park is also home to several innovative housing developments, including Ion College Park, a public-private partnership between the city and a local Methodist church dedicated to “activating surplus land around the church for community development,” and South Park Cottages, a 29-unit tiny-home community promising an annual cost of living below $300,000 and a “higher chance of [home] ownership.” The developer of South Park Cottages announced in October 2024 that he would debut a second micro-community, also in Fulton County, dubbed “Union Park Cottages.” Complicated Tax Policies May Affect Long-Term Investments Investors should note that most of Fulton County is incorporated, and the municipalization of the county in the early and mid-2000s created a series of independent, municipal governments that control their respective areas, provide services independently from the rest of the county, and, periodically, advocate for secession from Fulton County as a whole. Should these efforts succeed at some point, investors should be aware that they could dramatically affect the tax base of the remaining areas of the county. Because Fulton County contains a cross section of both the wealthiest and poorest communities in the state, secession of any one city (and subsequent conversion to an independent county) could dramatically affect property values. To date, however, secession attempts have been largely thwarted by county residents and the state legislature. Fulton County has also struggled with a variety of tax issues related to property values, which skyrocketed across the Atlanta metro area in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2020, Redfin reported median home sales prices were hovering around $278,000 in the Atlanta area, most of which is located in Fulton County. By the end of 2024, median home prices had leapt to $400,000. Fulton County has reacted with a series of controversial millage rate increases, including a recent increase adopted this past August that would raise property taxes by 3.74% and a proposal to exempt Fulton County from statewide property tax caps that ostensibly “provides long-term relief for homeowners and protects them from sharp spikes in property taxes.” Advocates for the exemption say Fulton County already has other protections in place for homeowners, while critics argue an exemption will lead to higher property taxes over time. The Atlanta area as a whole has experienced a 66% increase in property taxes since 2019 according to reporting by the New York Times. On the bright side for developers, however, Fulton County has a long history of dedicated advocacy for tax incentives and breaks for companies that bring jobs into the area. Recently, the county development authority snagged a $75 million tax break for Microsoft, which, in return, has invested $1.8 million in a national data center estimated to bring in 50 full-time, permanent jobs and create as many as 600 temporary construction jobs during the development of the site. That project alone has a 10-year estimated economic

Flipping Into 2025

by Andy Bates
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2025 Can be a Successful Year for Fix-and-Flip Investors by Andy Bates Interest rates remain high at the onset of 2025, and any changes to rates will likely occur over time and at a measured pace. This means investors may need to adjust strategy to make the most of the current yet evolving environment. Investors may have to develop teams if they are not already using them, find new markets to investigate, and more heavily scrutinize not only which investments to pursue, but the best path to profit. Team Players For the fix-and-flip investor in 2025, success can be reliant upon having a strong team of industry professionals, and an integral part of any investor’s real estate team is the broker. Having a trusted broker who can be leveraged for repeat business can make sourcing deals and securing funding measurably easier. When a successful broker specializes in residential investments it means they have dialed in on that asset class and constructed their business and workflows to help investors acquire residential investments efficiently and consistently. Beyond brokers, general contractors are key to managing the execution of a project and can be leveraged to undertake multiple projects simultaneously. Contractors not only have a knowledge of their craft, but also of the asset class in which they specialize. Discussing scope of work with contractors in advance of major projects enables the contractor to provide practical insights into best practices, timelines, cost, and expected difficulties. Such insights are especially valuable in area markets that are new to the investor or distant from their headquarters as permit and approval processes may differ in a given state or municipality. Where to Play The first step to identifying viable markets is recognizing that a market’s potential will be, in part, determined by an investor’s access to starter capital for their next project. This consists of ascertaining the average property values market to market. An investor who cannot participate in markets commanding average values of half a million dollars, may be better suited where the average is only $300,000. Alongside property values, another imperative for fix-and-flip investors is time: time for approvals, completion of work, and time to sell. More expensive markets can provide greater returns, but the downside is that investor hold-times, or time on market, may be longer and this can affect annualized returns. Growth is a key indicator for investors when determining where to flip. Trends in population growth, tech growth, and job growth are all valuable metrics to consider. Where there has been consistent growth, there is likely to be greater stability which can make for sound investing. Useful Flipping After selecting markets to work in, the next target for investors is assessing which projects to pursue. Choosing a property is all about identifying the best use case for return on investment. When it comes to residential flipping, use-case is often associated with three levels of scale for the renovation. There is light rehab, which costs the least and should require the least time to complete. These are cosmetic updates targeting things like trim and paint to quickly up a property’s value. There is an intermediate approach that is more involved than light rehab. These updates targeting elements like flooring, roofing, and windows, all things that carry a higher cost than lighter cosmetics. These projects take marginally more time and money but can produce higher values. The last degree of work focuses on attaining the highest value the property could possibly sell for in its market area. These renovations are often structural, such as area expansions or new, dividing walls, and focus on adding amenities such as a new bathroom. The cost for projects like these are markedly higher than the previous examples and may take more time. Choosing the best-use case for an investment is all about creating margins. Investors should look to sell for the most profit, not just selling for the highest cost. Since flips for properties with low unit counts are best handled in a year or less, there is an emphasis on calculating annualized returns when considering investment strategy. With an understanding of the overall cost of an investment compared to potential profits on an annualized basis, investors can make informed decisions about which investments are most likely to not only succeed but meet or exceed necessary thresholds for their business. It is worth mentioning that investors can work with their broker not only to source deals, but also to indicate the best-use case for the asset. Brokers can help by leveraging data largely in the form of recent comparables. Once determined, the preferred use case can then inform the renovation strategy by defining the overall goal. Flipping Budgets In order to see a comprehensive view of the scope of work involved in a flip, investors must have a keen understanding of renovation budgets. Inexperienced investors may have particular difficulty in this area due to a lack of exposure to the costs of materials and labor, especially in differing markets. Overcoming such deficiencies can come down to an effective use of data. Investors can gain an understanding of scope of work by looking at market data on what investors have paid for comparable properties and how much they were then able to sell them for in a given span of time. This data can be obtained through research with websites and services that track investor activity. Brokers and even title representatives can furnish lists of properties by area that were purchased within the last 12 months by an LLC and sold within the same timeframe. Combining purchase and sale data, often via tax records, with process photos and listed amenities creates a broader understanding of what to expect from a given investment. When it comes to a more precise understanding of materials and labor, relying on experienced general contractors can make all the difference. Even retailers can be leveraged to determine estimated cost for scope of work. Many purveyors of construction goods and supplies will provide quotes for

Residential Real Estate Investing

A Strategic Approach to Flipping by Brittney Fairweather Investing in real estate offers incredible opportunities for wealth creation. Residential real estate investing stands as a particularly attractive option due to its accessibility, manageable complexity, and potential for substantial returns. As someone who has been in the world of real estate investments and finance for nearly half of my life, I often take for granted the knowledge that has come with that tenure. Obstacles, failures and successes that I have experienced first-hand and witnessed from others have shaped my perspective on the best strategies to utilize and pit-falls to avoid. For those looking to start their first investment or for those looking to scale to the next level, it can be daunting to take that leap. The data-centric world in which we now live in provides a plethora of information on the “how-to” at one’s fingertips, but who is to say that all this readily available information has merit? Anyone can be an expert from behind a screen. However, the most invaluable lessons are learned through our failures and subsequent ability to pivot, reinvent and reprioritize. I have had the benefit of working through the entire life cycle of a transaction from acquisition, through diligence and exit. Whether the strategy be Fix-and-Flip or Fix-to-Rent, two areas of strength stand out as commonplace among the investors I have had the privilege to work with for decades. Access to the appropriate capital for their business coupled with the proper due diligence have been paramount to their success. These relationships and partnerships ensure that investors are able to maximize their returns and are not restricted by a single exit strategy in the event that they need to make a shift. Access to Capital Savvy investors are constantly looking for ways to increase their capital stack and leverage real estate financing to do so. It is incredibly important to find the right lenders who not only understand the markets and asset classes in which their clients are investing, but also have the flexibility and insight to look at their transactions with their client’s success in mind. An excellent lender will analyze the profitability of a project and help determine the right type of loan product for each particular scenario. Bridge loans are designed to help real estate investors purchase and renovate properties or build new homes quickly. Structuring these loans with an understanding of the exit timeline is crucial. Having a skilled team of construction professionals to help keep projects on track, ensures that loans do not need to go into costly extensions. Projects intended for long-term holds must be underwritten to ensure all holding costs, including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses, etc., be accounted for as monthly cash flow is the target as opposed to quick cash-on-cash returns. These short-term loans are a powerful financial tool that can help investors capitalize on real estate investment opportunities that may be otherwise unavailable. With quick access to funds, flexible loan structures, and the potential for high returns, these loans make it easier for investors to transform undervalued properties into profitable assets and achieve their investment goals. Due Diligence and Market Analysis However, this business does not come without risks. Market downturns, tenant vacancies, and unexpected renovation issues can erode profits swiftly. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence before making a purchase. This includes property inspections to determine realistic costs for renovation, analyzing comparable market sales, and projecting potential rental income against mortgage and operational costs. A strong understanding of occupant demographics can also inform investment decisions—properties situated in highly desirable school districts, growing job markets or those offering community amenities often attract responsible, long-term tenants and prospective buyers. Utilizing knowledgeable, local experts for these services is crucial. General contractors with the proper licensing, track record and insurance are an absolute necessity. Understanding the local building codes and permitting requirements upfront will help avoid costly mistakes when it comes to inspections and resale later. Realtors who are heavily involved in each market have extensive data and firsthand experience with accurate resale values and rental income. Working with property management services can alleviate the burden of day-to-day operational issues, allowing investors to focus on strategic growth while leveraging their databases of repair and maintenance professionals which helps to keep costs down and provide a positive tenant experience. Strong local partners are motivated to help investors succeed. They recognize that they are creating long term, repeat clients of their own, all of whom want to improve their communities for the families and individuals who will end up living there. Diversification Diversification is an underestimated element of a strong investment strategy. By investing in multiple properties across various locations, investors can shield themselves from the adverse effects of localized market downturns. For investors to succeed outside of their core markets, utilizing experts with local expertise is critically important. Working with partners, lenders and vendors who have these resources available will strengthen an operator’s ability to scale safely and effectively while protecting the capital they have invested. Presenting and executing on a comprehensive and risk tolerant strategy fosters trust with equity partners and lending providers encouraging long term relationships based on proven returns. There will always be a demand for housing in the United States. Investing in residential real estate serves as a robust option for both novice and seasoned investors alike to expand their portfolios while positively impacting the housing shortage. However, successful investing in this sphere requires a comprehensive understanding of the market-specific economic landscape in combination with diligent risk management solutions supported by localized experts, and a strategic mindset.

Maximizing Success in SFR/BTR

Leveraging Trade Partners to Navigate Portfolios and Asset Lifecycles by Yovonne Kenny Selecting the right trade partner is something most professionals in real estate and construction think they have mastered. After all, it is a straightforward concept: find someone reliable, cost-effective, and capable of delivering quality work on time. But if you have spent any time working in the Build-to-Rent (BTR), Single-Family Rental (SFR), or Multifamily sectors, you already know it is not that simple. These asset classes demand a level of understanding and service that goes far beyond the basics. What you need is a trade partner who not only gets it but lives and breathes it. Their expertise must be in their DNA, because in these sectors, there is no room for mediocrity. The Basics of Selecting a Trade Partner Let’s start with the obvious — the basics. It is what we all look for in a trade partner, and it is worth reiterating because it is the foundation of everything else: Reputation // You want someone with a proven track record and experience. Talk to their current clients, and dive into their portfolio. What have they done, and, more importantly, how do others talk about them? Cost // Sure, competitive pricing matters. But as we all know, the cheapest option often comes with change orders. Find a trade partner who is experienced servicing SFR/BTR who provides real options when trying to make budget on a challenging home. Capabilities // Do they have the skills, tools, and labor force to handle your specific needs at the scale you need it handled? Not every trade partner is equipped to handle large-volume at scale while meeting timelines and quality. Communication // Miscommunication is a killer. Your trade partner must be transparent, proactive, and easy to work with through challenges and view these moments as opportunities. These are the non-negotiables. But in specialized real estate sectors, the bar must be set higher. Beyond the Basics: What Sets Experienced Trade Partners Apart in BTR, SFR, and Multifamily If you are working in the BTR, SFR, or Multifamily spaces, you are dealing with more than just buildings. You are managing an ecosystem where every decision impacts the long-term value and operational efficiency of your assets. That is why your trade partner needs to bring more to the table. Here is what truly sets the best apart: Lifecycle Awareness An exceptional trade partner goes beyond focusing solely on the immediate task. They see the big picture recognizing that every property follows a lifecycle—from acquisition or development and leasing to stabilization and eventual sale. Moreover, they have the expertise to tailor their services to align with each phase. Acquisition & Development // Can they hit deadlines without cutting corners? Are they scalable enough to handle your growth? Turn // Quick turns are non-negotiable here. A home or unit not resident occupied is a liability, not an asset. Most understand this concept, but can they wrap a profitable model around delivering the result? Clean-Safe-Functional // This is where long-term maintenance strategies come into play. How do they help you protect your asset’s value? Dispo // When it is time to sell, their work should enhance the curb appeal and marketability of your property. Trade partners with this level of awareness don’t just complete installs or projects; they help you maximize the potential of your investments over time from acquisition to disposition. Portfolio Insight Let’s face it: No two portfolios are the same. Whether you are managing a collection of scattered site properties spread across multiple markets or your portfolio is currently land with trees, your trade partner needs to understand the nuances. With regard to BTR Communities, these developments thrive on standardization. Your trade partner needs to excel at delivering consistent quality across dozens or even hundreds of homes or units. With properties varying in style, age, and location, flexibility is key for SFR Portfolios. Can your trade partner adapt to the quirks of each home? Can they service the home in each lifecycle such as occupied maintenance? In Multifamily Properties, the focus shifts to shared spaces, resident experience, and managing complex building systems. The best trade partners make it their mission to understand your portfolio inside and out, tailoring their approach to meet your unique goals on timelines and budget without sacrificing quality. A trees-to-keys provider is what you need. This will minimize work orders that are truly warranted. Speed and Responsiveness In this business, time really is money. An empty home, unit or unresolved maintenance issue can snowball into bigger problems. Experienced trade partners know how to minimize vacancies by quickly handling turns, repairs and CapX investments; respond to emergencies when something goes wrong; and scale their operations, whether it is a single property or a portfolio-wide project, they can handle the workload without breaking a sweat. Their ability to move quickly and effectively is not just a nice bonus—it is a core purpose. Advanced Technology Integration Technology is changing the game in real estate, and your trade partner should be at the forefront. The best trade partners leverage tools that minimize clicks to accomplish tasks and make your life easier: Portal Ninjas // Real-time updates, transparency, and accountability. No more chasing down information such as completion pictures, layouts, and detailed billing. Data-Driven Insights // They use analytics to help you predict maintenance needs and optimize costs. Operational Effectiveness // When supplying tangibles, they use just in time ordering practices ramping up when tariffs and other importing issues become possible supply chain challenges. Resident-Focused Apps // Tools that streamline service requests and improve resident satisfaction. Conducting surveys and soliciting feedbackto improve. A tech-savvy trade partner does not just keep up with the times—they help you stay ahead of the curve and drive down cost. Compliance and Risk Management Navigating regulations can feel like a full-time job, but the right trade partner makes it seamless. They are proactive about staying up-to-date on local building codes and safety standards, carrying the necessary insurance and certifications,

Breaking Barriers

Empowerment, Authenticity, and Mindful Leadership in Private Lending by Janine Cascio When I reflect on my journey in the world of real estate finance, one theme consistently stands out: breaking barriers. For me, these barriers have ranged from navigating systemic challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry to redefining how people think about financing their real estate dreams. At Simplending Financial, I have made it my mission to not only overcome obstacles but to empower others to do the same. The work we do at Simplending Financial is deeply personal. I have walked the path of resilience, struggled to find resources, and learned to navigate spaces that were not always welcoming. That is why I am so passionate about creating innovative solutions, fostering inclusivity, and delivering tools that help our clients thrive. Real estate has always been a space of opportunity, but accessing that opportunity is often anything but straightforward. Breaking Down the Walls The barriers to entry in real estate investing can feel insurmountable for many aspiring investors. Securing capital is often the first and most significant hurdle. Traditional financing systems, like banks, prioritize borrowers with near-perfect credit scores and extensive experience, leaving new or unconventional investors locked out. This rigidity often prevents highly capable individuals from breaking into the real estate market, no matter how viable their projects may be. Another challenge is understanding the complexities of the process. Real estate demands a solid understanding of zoning laws, construction timelines, permitting, and cost management. Without the right guidance, even the most ambitious investors may find themselves overwhelmed by delays, budget overruns, or compliance issues that threaten to derail their projects. Then there are systemic inequities baked into the traditional lending system. Banks and institutional lenders often favor borrowers with established networks, significant resources, or existing connections in the industry. This leaves individuals without these advantages at a distinct disadvantage, creating a system that perpetuates inequality and excludes many would-be investors from building wealth through real estate. Private lending offers a powerful solution to these challenges. Unlike traditional lenders, private lenders focus on flexibility and expertise. They work closely with borrowers to assess the potential of a project rather than just the borrower’s financial history. With a deep understanding of real estate investing, private lenders can guide borrowers through complex processes, ensuring compliance with zoning laws, navigating construction timelines, and offering funding solutions tailored to each unique project. At Simplending Financial, we are reimagining what real estate lending can look like. We focus on the potential of your project, not just your credit score, and provide personalized support to guide you through every step of your real estate investment. From understanding zoning laws to planning construction timelines, our team brings the expertise and flexibility you need to turn your vision into reality. With Simplending Financial as your partner, you can move past the roadblocks and build a brighter, more inclusive future in real estate. Resilience as a Core Value Breaking barriers requires more than just resources; it takes resilience, vision, and an unwavering belief in possibility. This is a value I have carried with me since the beginning. Building Simplending Financial was not easy—it came with its own share of challenges, late nights, and moments of doubt — but it was worth every effort. I have always believed that resilience is not just about surviving setbacks but about thriving because of them, using those challenges as stepping stones toward something greater. Every day, I see that same resilience reflected in our clients. I think of the first-time investors who came to us terrified to take the plunge into real estate. Through Simplending Financial, they gained not only access to capital but also the knowledge and tools they needed to succeed. Stories like these fuel my passion and remind me of the purpose behind Simplending Financial. It is more than just a lending company — it is a platform to create opportunities, break down barriers, and empower people to rewrite their stories. Our mission is to help others see the possibilities they might not have believed were within their reach and to provide the support and expertise they need to achieve them. What Makes Simplending Financial Different When I founded Simplending Financial, I wanted to do more than offer loans — I wanted to create a community. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, from our leadership team to the way we approach each client’s unique situation. » Diverse Leadership // With Sydney, our COO, Juliet, our CGO, and Lauryn, our Marketing Director, leading operations and ensuring seamless execution, we bring diverse perspectives that drive results. » Flexible Products // Whether you are working on a flip, a new build, or a buy-and-hold strategy, we offer solutions that grow with you. » Empowerment Through Education // Our Lunch & Learn events and podcasts are designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to tackle your next big move. It is not just about the numbers—it is about building lasting relationships and creating a foundation of trust. The Wins We Celebrate Every time I hear about another client’s success story, it feels like a personal win. At Simplending Financial, we do not just provide loans; we help build futures. Watching them grow and succeed was a powerful reminder of why Simplending Financial exists—to empower real estate investors to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. In December alone, our team fought tooth and nail and hit an incredible milestone of $5 million in funded loans. This achievement was not just about the dollar amount; it was about the hard work, dedication, and commitment we put into helping our clients achieve their goals. We understand that in real estate, timing is critical, and we work relentlessly to ensure that our clients have the resources they need to capitalize on opportunities. But it is not just about the numbers for us; it is about the relationships we build along the way. We take pride in being a trusted partner,