MB 138: Syndication vs. Creative Financing for Multifamily Capital

While syndication is the most popular way to raise money to fund a multifamily deal, it is not the only option. A resourceful real estate investor can leverage a number of other creative possibilities. Jake Stenziano and Gino Barbaro have built an impressive portfolio without syndicating a single deal, but now they are adding the strategy to their repertoire. What drove them to add ‘investor relations’ to their skill set? In what situation might a different approach, like owner financing, be appropriate? What are the pros and cons of syndication?

Jake and Gino are the co-founders of Jake & Gino, LLC, an educational platform that leverages their expertise in multifamily real estate to help others attain financial freedom by way of apartment building investing. A few short years ago, Jake and Gino were a pizza guy and a drug rep; today, they own 900-plus multifamily units. They share their creative approach on the Wheelbarrow Profits Podcast, and they are the co-authors of the Amazon bestseller, Wheelbarrow Profits: How to Create Passive Income, Build Wealth, and Take Control of Your Destiny Through Multifamily Real Estate Investing.

Today, Jake and Gino join me to explain how they were able to build a portfolio without syndication, discussing the benefits of using community bankers and partnering with high-net-worth individuals. They share the case study of a 281-unit owner-financing deal and describe how good broker relationships can reveal creative financing opportunities. Jake and Gino also address the differences between community bank and agency debt and the value in understanding the story behind every deal. Listen in for insight around why Jake and Gino are adding syndication to their list of options and learn the advantages—and the drawbacks—of syndicating a multifamily deal!