When raising equity capital, what return do you offer to attract capital?

When raising equity capital, what return do you offer to attract capital?

Investor · Reseda, CA · Member since 2019 · 297 posts · 150 votes

Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you.

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Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
10mo

crap I just wrote a long response and the site went down so here is the crib notes.

1. ton of competition for investor dollars so investors look for highest returns and work backwards.

2. sophisticated investors look at returns as a function of risk.

3. less experinced investor tend to be bigger risk takers.

4. to raise money one needs verifiable back ground and a deal that is simple to describe.

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  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    10mo

    crap I just wrote a long response and the site went down so here is the crib notes.

    1. ton of competition for investor dollars so investors look for highest returns and work backwards.

    2. sophisticated investors look at returns as a function of risk.

    3. less experinced investor tend to be bigger risk takers.

    4. to raise money one needs verifiable back ground and a deal that is simple to describe.

    • Investor · Reseda, CA · Member since 2019 · 297 posts · 150 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:

      crap I just wrote a long response and the site went down so here is the crib notes.

      1. ton of competition for investor dollars so investors look for highest returns and work backwards.

      2. sophisticated investors look at returns as a function of risk.

      3. less experinced investor tend to be bigger risk takers.

      4. to raise money one needs verifiable back ground and a deal that is simple to describe.

      Hi Jay,

      Sorry to hear your long response was lost. Thanks for the short one. Would love to get more specific. When you raise capital, what projected return and deal type and structure has worked for you in the past?

      Best, 

      Austin.

  • Benjamin AakerPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Brandon, SD · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    10mo
    You've got to be able to show your potential investor your vision for the project and how you will protect their money. After that is a discussion of the potential returns. Every deal is different, which doesn't really answer your question, I know. Your vision for how you will do the rehab for project A will be different from that of B and C. One might have more risk and will have to show higher projected returns to have interested investors.
  • Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
    Realtor · Willow Grove, PA · Member since 2017 · 974 posts · 641 votes
    10mo

    Hi @Austin Fowler nice to meet you here on BP! My partner and I break down every deal from multiple angles. We look closely at how returns are projected, but also *why* digging into rent growth assumptions, expense ratios, debt terms, and exit strategies to see if they hold up in today's market. We also stress-test deals for vacancy or interest rate changes, evaluate the operator's track record, and compare projected IRR and cash-on-cash returns with similar opportunities. It's not just about the numbers on paper -we want to understand the story behind the deal, the market drivers, and whether the operator's plan aligns with realistic performance.

    Spark Rental Co-Investing Club577 Reviews
  • Stuart UdisPro Member
    Attorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    10mo

    I believe that starts with where in the project life cycle the investment is made. The three most easily defined life cycle milestones/points of entry are: Entitlement;  Development & Stabilization & Stabilized. The risk profile should be reduced as each life cycle milestone is reached with the greatest reduction in risk once the stabilization occurs. Within each point of entry there's varying levels of risk: by-right entitlements vs. zoning relief; kitchen and bath and/or management upgrades to an existing building vs. ground up construction; C/D location real estate vs. A location real estate. Cost of equity capital should be influenced accordingly. 

    Other considerations that should influence cost of equity: GP track record; if there were heavy lift entitlements completed by the GP before capital partner entry; financing terms secured by the GP (often closely associated with imputed equity generated through entitlements); general market or economic conditions are a few to come to mind.

  • Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    10mo

    I don't raise capital but many that do look for a deal IRR (5 year) that exceeds 20% and provide returns in the teens for investors (this excludes 1-4 family stuff or new development).

  • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Austin Fowler:

    Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you.

    Depending on the risk of the investment the return can be anywhere from 7-15% to investors. A zero levered project will have much lower returns (and should have lower risk profile) than a 80% levered project.
    7e investments53 Reviews
    • Investor · Reseda, CA · Member since 2019 · 297 posts · 150 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Chris Seveney:
      Quote from @Austin Fowler:

      Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you.

      Depending on the risk of the investment the return can be anywhere from 7-15% to investors. A zero levered project will have much lower returns (and should have lower risk profile) than a 80% levered project.

      Thanks Chris, do you have examples from your own experience at the low and high end of that range? I'm sure people could learn a lot from real world examples.

  • Rental Property Investor · Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 3 votes
    10mo

    Always go in the order of deal than debt than equity. Different deals will offer different returns. As far as cash flow or future upside, so you're investor profile will look different for each deal. 

    start with a deal, find the appropriate debt product, then you structure what partners are looking for. Common structures are preferred returns of 8 to 10%. If you're using primarily cash flow from the property, or doubling money in less than five years if rewarding investors out of a cash out refinance from a property with lots of upside. 

    anywhere between those two goal post can also work for example of 4% preferred return and a 1.5 X multiple at year three could be appropriate if that's what your deal is tailored to. 

    hope this helps

  • Lender · Miami, FL · Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 34 votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Austin Fowler:

    Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you. 

    @Austin Fowler I recently reviewed a 24-unit multi-family development in Miami with a 2 year hold period. Target returns of 20-49% IRR and 2.1-2.5x equity multiple. GP doesn't charge any fees, 7% preferred return and 35% promote.

    For 5-7 year hold periods, I'm seeing target returns closer to 15-25% IRR and 1.6-2.2x equity multiple.

    It's more common for GPs to charge fees (acquisition, construction, management, etc.) and take a lower promote around 20-30%. This GP is taking a more unconventional approach to help raise capital.

    The preferred rate seems appropriate around 7% for small/medium size investors. Typically 8-9% preferred rates are required by large investors like Blackstone.

    If you're looking for deals to invest in or financing for your deals I'd be happy to help connect you with some opportunities.

    • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Juan Yepes:
      Quote from @Austin Fowler:

      Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you. 

      @Austin Fowler I recently reviewed a 24-unit multi-family development in Miami with a 2 year hold period. Target returns of 20-49% IRR and 2.1-2.5x equity multiple. GP doesn't charge any fees, 7% preferred return and 35% promote.

      For 5-7 year hold periods, I'm seeing target returns closer to 15-25% IRR and 1.6-2.2x equity multiple.

      It's more common for GPs to charge fees (acquisition, construction, management, etc.) and take a lower promote around 20-30%. This GP is taking a more unconventional approach to help raise capital.

      The preferred rate seems appropriate around 7% for small/medium size investors. Typically 8-9% preferred rates are required by large investors like Blackstone.

      If you're looking for deals to invest in or financing for your deals I'd be happy to help connect you with some opportunities.

      A two year deal in miami with target returns of 20-50%. I am curious how this is gonna turn out for people. Would be curious to see that underwriting...

      7e investments53 Reviews
    • Lender · Miami, FL · Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 34 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Chris Seveney:
      Quote from @Juan Yepes:
      Quote from @Austin Fowler:

      Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you. 

      @Austin Fowler I recently reviewed a 24-unit multi-family development in Miami with a 2 year hold period. Target returns of 20-49% IRR and 2.1-2.5x equity multiple. GP doesn't charge any fees, 7% preferred return and 35% promote.

      For 5-7 year hold periods, I'm seeing target returns closer to 15-25% IRR and 1.6-2.2x equity multiple.

      It's more common for GPs to charge fees (acquisition, construction, management, etc.) and take a lower promote around 20-30%. This GP is taking a more unconventional approach to help raise capital.

      The preferred rate seems appropriate around 7% for small/medium size investors. Typically 8-9% preferred rates are required by large investors like Blackstone.

      If you're looking for deals to invest in or financing for your deals I'd be happy to help connect you with some opportunities.

      A two year deal in miami with target returns of 20-50%. I am curious how this is gonna turn out for people. Would be curious to see that underwriting...


      The main driver for the high IRR is the short hold period. If they held for 5-7 years, the IRR would stabilize around 15-25% because the majority of the value is created in the first two years. The equity multiples are better aligned between the 2 year and 5-7 year examples because this metric isn't as impacted by hold period and is why investors like to see both the IRR and the EM.

      I agree there is a considerable risk whether the GP will be able to complete construction, achieve target tenancy/rates and exit in two years. This is why more investors prefer a longer hold period for lower returns.

    • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Juan Yepes:
      Quote from @Chris Seveney:
      Quote from @Juan Yepes:
      Quote from @Austin Fowler:

      Would love to hear from people actively raising equity capital for deals and the kinds of returns you routinely project to attract capital. Would love to discuss the kinds of profit splits and preferred returns that work for you. 

      @Austin Fowler I recently reviewed a 24-unit multi-family development in Miami with a 2 year hold period. Target returns of 20-49% IRR and 2.1-2.5x equity multiple. GP doesn't charge any fees, 7% preferred return and 35% promote.

      For 5-7 year hold periods, I'm seeing target returns closer to 15-25% IRR and 1.6-2.2x equity multiple.

      It's more common for GPs to charge fees (acquisition, construction, management, etc.) and take a lower promote around 20-30%. This GP is taking a more unconventional approach to help raise capital.

      The preferred rate seems appropriate around 7% for small/medium size investors. Typically 8-9% preferred rates are required by large investors like Blackstone.

      If you're looking for deals to invest in or financing for your deals I'd be happy to help connect you with some opportunities.

      A two year deal in miami with target returns of 20-50%. I am curious how this is gonna turn out for people. Would be curious to see that underwriting...


      The main driver for the high IRR is the short hold period. If they held for 5-7 years, the IRR would stabilize around 15-25% because the majority of the value is created in the first two years. The equity multiples are better aligned between the 2 year and 5-7 year examples because this metric isn't as impacted by hold period and is why investors like to see both the IRR and the EM.

      I agree there is a considerable risk whether the GP will be able to complete construction, achieve target tenancy/rates and exit in two years. This is why more investors prefer a longer hold period for lower returns.


      High volatility with an IRR like that can also lead to big swings in the other direction. Did the GP, if there is construction or renovation involved include in the PPM a sensitivity analysis of construction cost overruns, delays and longer absorption, as well as a third party market study to justify revenues?

      7e investments53 Reviews
    • Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
      10mo

      @Juan Yepes  - let me guess, you are affiliated in someway with this offering

      7e investments53 Reviews
  • Lender · Miami, FL · Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 34 votes
    10mo
    That’s right. There’s a sensitivity analysis tied to the 25-49% target range to contemplate various unfavorable scenarios including construction overruns and rental rates. There is market study and most importantly this is the 4th time this GP is completing this 24-unit development project in the same neighborhood so his own experience on the first 3 projects is guiding the assumptions.
  • Lender · Miami, FL · Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 34 votes
    10mo

    I'm not affiliated with this GP. I'm sharing what I am seeing in the market. The last deal I reviewed happened to be a 2 year hold period. I also highlighted the target returns and profit splits for more traditional 5-7 year holds that I have seen this year.

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