Understanding Syndicated Investments

We frequently discuss syndicated investments and are massive advocates for investing in syndications. The inception of Arete Investing was rooted in our desire to grant more people access to syndicated deals that they might not have previously encountered.

What is a Syndicated Investment?

Let's delve into what syndicated investment actually means. We'll first tackle why you should even bother with this knowledge, recognizing there's a possibility it might not resonate with everyone.

If you:

• Adore the stock market

• Trust the long-term returns from the stock market

• Cherish the idea of accumulating funds in mutual funds, index funds, IRAs, and 401ks

• Advocate the 4% retirement rule, which involves building a retirement fund and drawing 4% annually

• Feel content with others having significant control over your financial future

• Are comfortable with the tax implications of investing now and paying later

Then, syndicated investments might not be your cup of tea.

However, if you feel there's a more efficient way, if you're vexed with traditional investment methods, and genuinely believe in seeking an alternative to the conventional IRA or 401k investment avenue, then this conversation is for you.

My Journey into Syndicated Investments

Around seven years ago, my financial journey was primarily tethered to the stock market, as is the case for many. Yet, I was apprehensive about pouring a substantial chunk of my finances into it. This unease set me on a quest for a better investment path. I was intrigued by real estate for its promise of:

• Consistent cash flow

• Asset appreciation

• Tax benefits, though I wasn't entirely versed in them.

Together with my wife, we began exploring single-family rental homes in our vicinity in Norman, Oklahoma. However, the prospects didn't seem lucrative, and the thought of being landlords wasn't appealing. Then, Scotty Bryan, the co-owner of Arete Investing, introduced me to the world of syndicated deals. Although my initial foray was a bit haphazard due to the lack of guidance, I grew to appreciate them.

Unfortunately, the initial lack of mentorship led to a few missteps in evaluating these deals. However, over the past seven years, we've been hard at work refining our understanding and building a trusted network within the syndication community.

Defining Syndicated Deals

At its essence, a syndicated deal involves pooling funds from numerous investors to purchase an asset. A business plan is then executed, and profits are distributed accordingly. For simplicity's sake, think of multifamily real estate, such as apartment complexes.

Dynamics of a Syndicated Deal

Key Players

In a syndicated deal, two primary entities exist:

1. Investors: Often referred to as Limited Partners (LPs).

2. Sponsors: Alternatively known as General Partners (GPs).

The sponsors shoulder the brunt of the responsibilities, from identifying deals to managing logistics. As an investor, your task is to meticulously vet the sponsor and the deal.

Investment Nuances

1. Minimum Investment: Sponsors have the autonomy to set the minimum investment bar, which can range from $10,000 to $500,000.

2. Preferred Return (Pref): This is the profit percentage allocated solely to investors before any distribution to the GPs.

3. Waterfall Mechanism: After achieving the preferred return, a predetermined split determines how profits are shared between investors and sponsors.

Closing Thoughts

To evaluate syndicated deals, it's crucial to understand these dynamics and execute due diligence. These investments can span a range of assets, from apartment complexes to mobile home parks. However, our focus today has been on multifamily real estate. We'll further dissect the intricacies of syndicated investments in the next episode.