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All Forum Posts by: Jennifer Kim

Jennifer Kim has started 5 posts and replied 7 times.

Post: Looking for Mentorship & Capital for Ground-Up Development in LA

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

Hi everyone,

I’m an architect by training with over a decade of experience, and I hold a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. Alongside my design background, I’ve also gained solid property management experience—managing both long- and short-term rentals. I’ve handled everything from maintenance and tenant turnover to more challenging situations like full eviction processes for tenants who refused to vacate or pay. That hands-on experience has really sharpened my understanding of real estate operations beyond just design and development.

For as long as I can remember, my dream has been to become a real estate developer. One of my professors once told me, “If you want to be a developer, just start investing—it’s the fastest way to learn.” So, I took that advice to heart.

I acquired a property in North Hollywood—just over 27,000 sqft—with an old house on it. After renovating the home to make it livable for my family, I began planning the next phase: subdividing the lot into four parcels and building three new single-family homes from the ground up.

I’ve assembled a solid team, including a trusted land use consultant, civil engineer, and general contractor. I’ll be serving as the architect for the new builds. The vision and groundwork are in place—but, as many of you know, raising capital is the biggest challenge.

I've developed a pitch deck outlining projected expenses, revenue, profit, and a proposed profit-sharing structure (not quite a full pro forma, but a comprehensive profit analysis). The IRR is around 20%, with a 1.7x equity multiple over a 4-year term. I've presented the opportunity to a few brokers and individual investors, but the timeline has proven to be a hurdle—many are focused on shorter-term plays.

This deal feels a bit too large for most individual investors but too small for institutional capital. Some developer firms have shown interest in purchasing the land outright, but their offers don’t reflect what I believe the property is truly worth based on its potential.

I’m hoping to connect with an experienced advisor who can review the deal structure and provide feedback. I’d also love some direction on where I might find investors who are open to mid-sized, longer-term development opportunities like this.

I’m fully committed to doing the heavy lifting—I just need to find the capital. Would it make sense to explore lending options at this point? I have excellent credit, though I’m carrying a sizable student loan that’s limiting my personal leverage.

I’m happy to share the deck with serious parties upon request, but I’d prefer to keep things as confidential as possible at this stage.

Any thoughts, advice, or connections would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Post: Looking for Mentorship & Capital for Ground-Up Development in LA

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

Hi everyone,

I’m an architect by training with over a decade of experience, and I hold a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. Alongside my design background, I’ve also gained solid property management experience—managing both long- and short-term rentals. I’ve handled everything from maintenance and tenant turnover to more challenging situations like full eviction processes for tenants who refused to vacate or pay. That hands-on experience has really sharpened my understanding of real estate operations beyond just design and development.

For as long as I can remember, my dream has been to become a real estate developer. One of my professors once told me, “If you want to be a developer, just start investing—it’s the fastest way to learn.” So, I took that advice to heart.

I acquired a property in North Hollywood—just over 27,000 sqft—with an old house on it. After renovating the home to make it livable for my family, I began planning the next phase: subdividing the lot into four parcels and building three new single-family homes from the ground up.

I’ve assembled a solid team, including a trusted land use consultant, civil engineer, and general contractor. I’ll be serving as the architect for the new builds. The vision and groundwork are in place—but, as many of you know, raising capital is the biggest challenge.

I've developed a pitch deck outlining projected expenses, revenue, profit, and a proposed profit-sharing structure (not quite a full pro forma, but a comprehensive profit analysis). The IRR is around 20%, with a 1.7x equity multiple over a 4-year term. I've presented the opportunity to a few brokers and individual investors, but the timeline has proven to be a hurdle—many are focused on shorter-term plays.

This deal feels a bit too large for most individual investors but too small for institutional capital. Some developer firms have shown interest in purchasing the land outright, but their offers don’t reflect what I believe the property is truly worth based on its potential.

I’m hoping to connect with an experienced advisor who can review the deal structure and provide feedback. I’d also love some direction on where I might find investors who are open to mid-sized, longer-term development opportunities like this.

I’m fully committed to doing the heavy lifting—I just need to find the capital. Would it make sense to explore lending options at this point? I have excellent credit, though I’m carrying a sizable student loan that’s limiting my personal leverage. 

I’m happy to share the deck with serious parties upon request, but I’d prefer to keep things as confidential as possible at this stage.

Any thoughts, advice, or connections would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Post: SB9 expert recommendation?

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

Daniel,

Thank you for the comprehensive information.

I've thoroughly researched SB9 and have had a meeting with the city planner, resulting in a list of requirements. To move forward, I'm in need of recommendations for a reliable surveyor, civil engineer, and architect.

Regrettably, I've had a challenging experience in the past, losing both time and money while renovating the old house on the lot due to issues with the contractor. I encountered significant challenges with worker attendance and site management. I'm hopeful that I can now assemble a more effective team to advance my plans for this property.

If you know anyone, please send me DM. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you! 

Post: SB9 expert recommendation?

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

Thank you Daniel for sharing your experience. Would you recommend any consultant for me in LA area? Since I am new to RE development, I need help finding trustworthy consultants in the area…

Post: SB9 expert recommendation?

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

I have a huge lot in North Hollywood (about 27k sqft) and would like to explore my investment options with SB 9 land split. Can you please refer any SB9 experts, land use consultants, or developer who can share experience going thru SB 9? 

Thank you! 

Post: Getting an off market deal under contract

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

I ran into an off market deal that I would like to get under contract. I do not have a real estate agent involved. How do I proceed? What kind of paperwork should I prepare?

Sorry, I am a very new in real estate investing and never bought a house without an agent. But the deal is amazing and I know the owner personally so need help from you guys!

Thank you so much in advance.

Best, JK

Post: Agent needed in north west san fernando valley area in LA

Jennifer KimPosted
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Posts 7
  • Votes 0

Im looking to buy a multiplex in san fernando valley, simi valley, sylmar, sun valley, north hollywood, woodland hills, etc (mainly north west valley). Please make a recommendation for a great agent. Thank you!!