Student Research: Investors’ Experiences Competing With Private Equity Buying Single-

[Rachel Bangham]

Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I’m a finance and property management student at Cleveland State University currently writing a research paper about private equity firms purchasing single-family homes and converting them into rental investment properties.

I’m interested in hearing from investors who have direct experience competing with, selling to, or operating alongside institutional buyers or private equity funds in the single-family rental market.

If anyone is willing to share their perspective or experiences, I would really appreciate your insight.

Market Experience

1. Have you personally seen private equity firms or large institutional investors buying single-family homes in your local market? If so, how common is it?
2. In your experience, how do institutional buyers compete with smaller investors when acquiring properties (pricing, speed, cash offers, etc.)?

Impact on Investors

1. Has the presence of private equity investors made it harder or easier for individual investors to acquire rental properties?
2. Have you ever sold a property to a private equity buyer or institutional landlord? If so, what was that process like?

Investment Strategy

1. From what you’ve seen, what types of properties do institutional investors usually target (price range, condition, location, etc.)?
2. Do you think the single-family rental model used by private equity firms is sustainable long-term? Why or why not?

Housing Market Impact

1. In your opinion, how does institutional ownership of single-family homes affect housing affordability and supply in your area?
2. Do you think institutional investors are improving or harming the rental market, based on your experience as an investor?