Making lending Connections

[Shawn Benteti]

Hi there, 

I just founded a syndication firm (Tradewind Investments Group) with a buy box for small commercial properties (5-30) units. Coming from the large commercial space in my professional career 200+ units, I know that debt sizing and terms is not the same to what I am used to. 

I am open to connections and tips for meeting lenders who can help service my firm as I try to takedown deals. What banks and agencies have you had experience with that have provided the most favorable terms and ease of use?

Thanks so much for helping in my entrepreneurial journey. 

Shawn

[Renard Brown]

Hey Shawn — saw your post from a few weeks back about lining up lenders for Tradewind. Not sure if you've got that dialed in yet, but the 5–30 unit small-balance space you're targeting is exactly what I do day to day, so I figured I'd reach out.

Coming down from the institutional side, the thing that trips most people up is how DSCR-constrained your proceeds get at this size — the in-place rents drive your leverage way more than the cap-rate story does, which matters a lot when you're sizing what to promise LPs. Happy to be a resource on that as you're taking down deals.

Full disclosure, I'm a commercial broker — but no pitch here, just glad to connect and help where I can. Congrats on the launch.