The Investors Still Winning in 2026 All Have This in Common

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The Investors Still Winning in 2026 All Have This in Common

Frankie VozziBusiness Member
Member since 2025 · 392 posts · 98 votes

The market has definitely changed.

But deals are still getting done every day.

The investors I see succeeding consistently right now tend to:

  • Underwrite conservatively
  • Keep liquidity available
  • Build multiple exit strategies
  • Move quickly when opportunities appear

It’s less about finding the “perfect” deal now and more about structuring deals properly from the start.

What’s been your biggest adjustment this year?

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Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
5mo
Quote from @Frankie Vozzi:

The market has definitely changed.

But deals are still getting done every day.

The investors I see succeeding consistently right now tend to:

  • Underwrite conservatively
  • Keep liquidity available
  • Build multiple exit strategies
  • Move quickly when opportunities appear

It’s less about finding the “perfect” deal now and more about structuring deals properly from the start.

What’s been your biggest adjustment this year?

Hey, Frankie! I’d say my biggest adjustment has been becoming way more disciplined on my buy criteria and not forcing deals just to stay active. A couple years ago you could get away with thinner margins because rates were low and appreciation was doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Now I’m spending way more time stress testing numbers, planning for maintenance and vacancy, and making sure the property still works even if rents soften a bit. I also think relationships matter even more now because a lot of the better deals never really hit the open market. Totally agree with your point about multiple exit strategies too. In this environment, flexibility is huge.
[email protected]614-300-7535
Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9122 Reviews
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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Frankie Vozzi:

    The market has definitely changed.

    But deals are still getting done every day.

    The investors I see succeeding consistently right now tend to:

    • Underwrite conservatively
    • Keep liquidity available
    • Build multiple exit strategies
    • Move quickly when opportunities appear

    It’s less about finding the “perfect” deal now and more about structuring deals properly from the start.

    What’s been your biggest adjustment this year?

    Hey, Frankie! I’d say my biggest adjustment has been becoming way more disciplined on my buy criteria and not forcing deals just to stay active. A couple years ago you could get away with thinner margins because rates were low and appreciation was doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Now I’m spending way more time stress testing numbers, planning for maintenance and vacancy, and making sure the property still works even if rents soften a bit. I also think relationships matter even more now because a lot of the better deals never really hit the open market. Totally agree with your point about multiple exit strategies too. In this environment, flexibility is huge.
    [email protected]614-300-7535
    Jimmy Lieu, Red 1 Realty4.9122 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • Christopher M. Wiley
    Investor · Tacoma Washington · Member since 2026 · 15 posts · 8 votes
    5mo

    Great points — conservative underwriting has basically become table stakes at this point. My biggest adjustment has been stress-testing deals at two cap rate expansions before I even run the full numbers. If it doesn't pencil there, I move on fast.

    The speed piece you mentioned is real. Hesitation has cost me more than bad deals this year. How are you handling the liquidity piece — keeping dry powder in money markets, or something else?

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  • James JonesPro Member
    Investor · Collierville, TN 38017 · Member since 2017 · 891 posts · 624 votes
    5mo

    Solid take.

    My biggest adjustment this year:

    Margin over momentum.

    A few shifts specifically:

    • Raising minimum deal standards

    If it doesn’t have real downside protection, I pass. No stretching on rent comps or appreciation assumptions.

    • Building in heavier reserves

    Liquidity isn’t optional right now. It’s leverage.

    • Shorter feedback loops

    Faster underwriting. Faster no’s. Quicker pivots.

    • Structuring first, negotiating second

    Before I get excited about price, I’m thinking:

    – What are my exits?

    – What happens if rents soften?

    – What happens if refi terms tighten?

    2026 isn’t about chasing yield.

    It’s about durability.

    The investors winning right now aren’t necessarily doing more deals.

    They’re surviving every deal.

    That compounds.

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