How do I vet a Syndication Investment Company?

Question

I attended a webinar last night in the fundamentals for investing in multi-family, where I learned a bit more about syndication.  I'm comfortable with the idea of being an investor this way, and I understand I'd be less in control than if I chose a different route.

However, the presenter of the seminar works for a company I never heard of, and I can't find any reviews online or much discussion on syndication companies through BP.

So how would I go about vetting such a company, before I sit down with them?  What are some questions you'd want to ask a syndication investment company?

I don't know if it's kosher to post websites, so if you want to know what I'm talking about, please send me a PM.

Thanks for reading.

Brian Burke · Answer

@Roy N. is right, @Ricardo Meza, I did recently post about that.  In fact, I post about it a lot on BP and if you go into my profile you can find links to my forum posts and probably find a lot of posts I've made on the topic.

I think that the post Roy was thinking of was a response I posted in this thread a couple of days ago:

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/272718-multifamily-passive-investing

Hope that helps!

Roy N. · Answer

@Brian Burke had posted a very good synopsis to this very question not than long ago.  Perhaps he can easily find the link and paste it here.

Sterling White · Answer

You could start off by asking how many deals they have done. Or how long they have been in business?

If you are digging and not finding much information then that sounds like a concern.

Hope that helps and I wish you the best of luck Ricardo

Matt McCourry · Answer

@Ricardo Meza I would get ahold of the presenter and ask for a copy of an executive summery on some of his or her previous deals.  When it comes to taking investor money, investors want and deserve to know everything about the company and about the project so don't be afraid to ask!

Then once you get your hands on one analyze it and if you get stumped ask questions here on BP!

Good Luck!

Leslie Pappas · Answer

Hi again, Ricardo- I also wrote a book on the topic that you can pick up at Amazon, Cashing In Tax Free.  It goes over everything you need to know about evaluating syndicators, real estate offerings and advisors.  Best of luck!

Ricardo Meza · Answer

Thank you @Roy N. for summoning @Brian Burke!

Thanks to Roy I've already started reading your posts Brian.  It does help explain a lot, and I appreciate your time.  I'm sure to have more questions after more learning.

Leslie Pappas · Answer

hi- you can take a look at my website, www.ArcherInvestors.com.  Please let me know if you need any help. Best- Leslie

Jeff B. · Answer

Google search the company name, then the names of those that spoke for, own or made presentation.  Another effective search is "review $companyName$" or "review $personalName$".

Then follow wherever that leads...

How do I vet a Syndication Investment Company?

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