Making lending Connections
Member since 2024 · 35 posts · 7 votes
Making lending Connections
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Renard BrownPro Member
Austin, TX · Member since 2026 · 39 posts · 5 votesHey 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.
8 Replies
- 3moVijay FriedmanBusiness MemberMiami, FL · Member since 2026 · 766 posts · 123 votes
Quote from @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
@Shawn Benteti
Congrats on launching your syndication firm. Since you're targeting 5–30 unit properties, I'd recommend building relationships with a mix of local banks, regional lenders, and debt brokers early. Different lenders tend to shine depending on whether the deal is stabilized, value-add, or lease-up, so having multiple options can make a big difference as you grow. - Member since 2024 · 35 posts · 7 votes3mo
Thanks for the response Vijay!
As I mentioned, the company I work for specializes in deals sized 200+ units, would some traditional lenders offer competitive rates? I know that Fannie & Freddie offer small balance loans - Would you say these would be inflated costing debt compared to if I were to shop local banks and not go agency?
Are there bridge-like loans for this size loan? And would you recommend them or advise against due to the default risk with not having economies of scale to protect against sudden occupancy jumps to cover debt service?
Again, thanks for your help! Happy to grow my connections in the lending space.
- 3moVijay FriedmanBusiness MemberMiami, FL · Member since 2026 · 766 posts · 123 votes
Quote from @Shawn Benteti:
Thanks for the response Vijay!
As I mentioned, the company I work for specializes in deals sized 200+ units, would some traditional lenders offer competitive rates? I know that Fannie & Freddie offer small balance loans - Would you say these would be inflated costing debt compared to if I were to shop local banks and not go agency?
Are there bridge-like loans for this size loan? And would you recommend them or advise against due to the default risk with not having economies of scale to protect against sudden occupancy jumps to cover debt service?
Again, thanks for your help! Happy to grow my connections in the lending space.
@Shawn Benteti
I wouldn't rule out either option. For stabilized acquisitions, local and regional banks can be very competitive on pricing and flexibility. If you're pursuing value-add or lease-up opportunities, bridge financing can make sense with a well-defined exit into permanent debt. Since you're just getting started with the syndication, building relationships with both banks and debt funds will give you more options as your pipeline grows.
- 3moAndrew PostellPro MemberLender · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 6k+ votes
@Shawn Benteti thanks for the post. Most of these forums are designed for residential properties. There might be someone who can comment in this forum (so leave it here) but I would absolutely recommend posting this in the commercial forum. Significantly more people who are in your space hang out there. Hope that makes sense.
- 3moSimmy AhluwaliaPro MemberLender · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 200 votes
@Shawn Benteti - 5-30 is very easy to finance. Private banks, which we represent, love these types of projects, both value add and stabilized.
- 1moRenard BrownPro MemberAustin, TX · Member since 2026 · 39 posts · 5 votes
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.
- Member since 2024 · 35 posts · 7 votes1mo
Quote from @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.
Thanks for the reply and tips!
Happy to connect, Especially since I see you are a fellow Austinite!
Shawn
- 1moRenard BrownPro MemberAustin, TX · Member since 2026 · 39 posts · 5 votes
Quote from @Shawn Benteti:
Quote from @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.
Thanks for the reply and tips!
Happy to connect, Especially since I see you are a fellow Austinite!
Shawn
Hey Shawn, awesome to connect with a fellow Austinite! Always great building relationships with local investors right here in our backyard.
I'd love to hear more about the deals your wholesaler network is sending over and get you completely squared away so you can lock them down fast without underwriters getting in the way.
Whenever you have a moment, send over those quick pre-qualification details (credit score, available liquidity, past deal experience, and target price range), or feel free to give me a direct message.
Looking forward to working together!
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