All Forum Posts by: Andrew Kubik

Tennessee probably works a little different than New York. I started my company in my name or more accurately my firms name, but it is affiliated with a broker. In most states, you'll have to be a licensed realtor for at least 2-3 years until you can become your own broker. 

Marketing - I'm using an all of the above approach. Everything from pay per click, to networking (I've found BNI groups to be a great resource), to cold calling. There's always a trade off of time and dollars. 

Ownership Structure - I found the LLC to be the best way to go for me.

Operating - It's just me, but I did decide to go the franchise route. I'm able to do this with the support from their corporate office and systems they have to ensure smooth operations. 

Congrats on all your success so far! Just a few tips on the short term rental scene in Nashville. There are pretty strict rules around where a short term rental can be located. It must either be an owner occupied property (something like a duplex would qualify where you live in one side and rent out the other) or it must be in a commercial/office zone. Durations of 31+ days aren't subject to those rules, so that might be worth considering. There is also significant seasonality in the STR market here in Nashville. If you're planning on living in the unit during the winter and renting it out over the summer, you could have the best of both worlds. If you're planning on renting it out in the winter, then it probably would be worth all the hassle.

Awesome job! Looking forward to seeing what else is in store.

First off, congrats on your upcoming marriage and already having 3 properties free and clear! I echo every Jaron said. Moving your properties into one LLC will protect them, and I would put the LLC in a trust. I would look into an umbrella policy to increase your insurance coverage on both the LLC and yourself. I suggest finding a good insurance agent and a good attorney/CPA to help you get everything organized. Looking forward to seeing what's instore for you :)

Welcome to BiggerPockets, Tyran!

Hi Tyran, great to have you here! I’m also in Nashville and run a property management company, so definitely happy to connect. It sounds like you’re exploring a lot of great strategies—house hacking and live-in flips can be great entry points while building equity.

Looking forward to seeing how your investing journey unfolds—welcome aboard! 🚀

Hey David,

Congrats on launching your real estate company! Sounds like you’ve got a strong foundation in acquisitions and deal sourcing, which will definitely help as you transition into raising capital and structuring deals as a general partner. Here are a few thoughts based on my experience:

1. Raising Capital & Building Trust

• Start with Your Network – Investors are more likely to trust someone they already know. Start with friends, family, and professional contacts who understand your work ethic and track record. Even if they don’t invest, they may introduce you to someone who will.
• Show Proof of Concept – If you haven't already, consider doing a smaller deal with your own capital or a close investor to establish credibility. Investors want to see a successful project before committing.
• Develop a Strong Pitch – Be clear on your investment thesis: Why multifamily, industrial, and retail? What markets are you focusing on? What returns can investors expect? A compelling and data-driven pitch makes a huge difference.
• Leverage Thought Leadership – Writing articles, hosting webinars, or even just posting consistent market insights on LinkedIn or BiggerPockets can help position you as an expert.

2. Acquiring Clients & Building Relationships

• Go Where Investors Are – Real estate networking events, commercial real estate conferences, and private investor meetups are great places to build relationships.
• Offer Value First – Instead of pitching deals right away, focus on educating potential investors. A simple conversation about market trends or investment strategies can open doors.
• Follow Up & Stay Consistent – Raising capital is all about trust, which takes time to build. Regularly check in with potential investors, update them on market insights, and keep them engaged.

3. Growing Your Business & Standing Out

• Differentiate Through Specialization – The best way to stand out is to be the expert in a specific niche—whether that’s value-add multifamily in a certain region, small-bay industrial, or mixed-use retail redevelopment. Investors want to know why you’re the best person to execute a strategy.
• Strategic Partnerships – Aligning with experienced operators, property managers, or development partners can accelerate growth and boost credibility.
• Build a Strong Online Presence – Having a professional website, investor portal, and well-documented case studies can go a long way in attracting both investors and deals.

Raising capital and scaling a real estate business takes time, but with your background and passion, you’re already ahead of the game. Keep pushing forward, and best of luck!

Would love to hear more about your current deals and how you’re structuring them.

Scott, you make some solid points about the potential downward pressure on rents and prices due to a mix of policy-driven demand shifts, cost inflation, and interest rate uncertainty. While I agree that these factors could create headwinds for investors, I also think there are some counterpoints worth considering:

1. Interest Rate Volatility – While tariffs and inflation concerns could push rates higher, there’s also political pressure to keep them low, especially with an election cycle ahead. If economic conditions soften, the Fed may actually be forced to cut rates, which could stimulate demand again.
2. Supply Constraints Still Matter – Even if demand slows due to reduced immigration, we’re still facing a housing shortage in many markets. Limited new construction, zoning restrictions, and high development costs could keep supply constrained, helping stabilize prices.
3. Regional Variations – The effects of policy shifts will likely be uneven. High-growth, landlord-friendly states may be less affected, while expensive, high-regulation markets could see more pronounced shifts.
4. Investor Opportunities – If 2025 turns into more of a buyer’s market, well-capitalized investors may find better deals, especially if overleveraged owners struggle with higher rates or cost pressures.

I think your take is spot on in terms of tempering expectations for rapid rent or price growth, but I also see this as a market shift that presents new opportunities for investors who adapt. Would love to hear how others are adjusting their strategies in response to these trends.

Hey Dan,

I recently launched my own property management company in Nashville, TN, and my biggest hurdle was finding a broker. You’ll want to focus on either finding a broker who’s okay with you doing property management or getting your own broker license. I'm not sure what the state specific rules are in New York. Are you going the franchise or independent route? 

It sounds like your current property manager may not be marketing the rental effectively, and the fact that it's listed incorrectly as an apartment instead of a duplex could be turning off potential renters. Many renters search by property type, so misclassification can definitely impact visibility.

FMLS (First Multiple Listing Service) is typically more relevant for home sales than rentals, though some PMs use it for extra exposure. That said, Zillow, Redfin, and other major rental platforms should be generating interest if the listing is well-optimized. If you’re only getting 7 inquiries in 15 days with no applicants, that’s a red flag. Here are a few things to check:

1. Listing Quality – Are the photos high quality? Is the description detailed and appealing? Does it highlight unique features and amenities?
2. Rental Price – Even with a $100 reduction, is your price still competitive with similar properties in the area? Sometimes Zestimate rent isn’t the most accurate.
3. Availability & Responsiveness – Is your PM quickly responding to inquiries and scheduling showings? Delays can turn potential renters away.
4. Marketing Reach – Besides Zillow and Redfin, is the listing syndicated to Apartments.com, HotPads, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist? More exposure means more interest.

Regarding your contract, you’ll need to check the agreement terms. Many PM contracts have an early termination clause, which could include a fee or require a notice period. If your experience has gone downhill since the merger, it may be worth switching to a more proactive manager—even if there's a cost involved.

Before making the move, ask the new PM how they plan to improve visibility and fill your vacancy quickly. If they have a stronger marketing plan and better local expertise, it could be a smart switch.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Congrats on renting out your property!