Scaling Your Real Estate Business: Insights from the REsimpli Mastermind with Ian Horowitz and Sharad Mehta
Sharad Mehta welcomes former firefighter turned real estate investor Ian Horowitz for this REsimpli Mastermind episode. Ian recounts his story of managing a $70 million portfolio of self-storage and varied real estate from purchasing a $25,000 house in 2012.
Starting with single-family houses, Ian stresses the need to learn basic skills before entering the commercial real estate market. Fortune favours not only the brave but also those who work hard and arrive ready. Based on experience, he counsels readers on their own degree of preparedness as well as on little gestures.
Emphasizing openness and clear expectations for equity investors, the conversation also examines the variations between debt and equity investments. The useful ability to observe little details and keenly notice changes can go a long way in this business. Clarity is power, because it helps save time by avoiding miscommunications and conflicts.
The discussion also covers how political circumstances and municipal rules affect property investments; as self-storage facilities provide greater operational freedom than residential buildings. Ian considers his 12-year route and wonders whether early engagement with commercial banking and real estate might have hastened his development.
The program ends with an offer to network with colleagues from the real estate sector, therefore underlining the need for cooperation in this sector.
For real estate investors striving to grow their company and change their strategy, this episode offers a lot of smart advise. Discover the complete podcast to learn and interact with the most recent breakthroughs in real estate management with fresh ideas from REsimpli!
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Key Takeaways:
- Start of Something Great:
Ian describes a tough time with overtime and company closures, prompting him to seek financial security through real estate. His first purchase was a $25,000 house, with $25,000 to $35,000 in improvements. It generated $1,250 in Section 8 rent and $600 monthly cash flow. This success hooked him, and now he owns and operates nearly $70 million in real estate nationwide.(00:03:57) - Big Deals, Less Efforts:
Ian explains that he prefers fewer but, larger deals now. Previously, he did 30 to 40 deals a year, flipping or adding houses to his rental portfolio. This year, doing five deals would be significant. He mentions closing a million-dollar deal quickly and working on a $13 million deal projected to be worth $20 million. This approach allows for a more methodical and less rushed process.(00:06:10) - Do What Makes You Happy:
He acknowledges that many people get discouraged because they’re not yet where they want to be in their real estate journey. He advises focusing on the present and making the best of current opportunities, aiming to reach desired goals in a few years. Ian highlights that different people have different aspirations; some may start with one flip a year and scale up, while others might aim for commercial deals. The key is to pursue what makes you happy. (00:11:54) - Success Factor:
Ian reflects on the fear and risk involved when first entering real estate, emphasizing that growth requires taking risks and getting uncomfortable. He notes that people often get too comfortable, but advancing from single-family to commercial real estate required him to rebuild the underwriting process and learn to communicate with banks. He highlights that success in real estate isn’t about the properties themselves but the willingness to push beyond comfort zones to achieve the next level. (00:20:18) - What It’s Like Being An Equity Investor:
Ian discusses the importance of setting transparent expectations when raising capital. Using the movie “The Big Short” as an analogy, he illustrates how equity investors are in it for the long haul, experiencing ups and downs. He emphasizes that success relies on the ability to navigate challenges, making sure they understand it will be a wild, bumpy ride, but they are along for the journey. (00:23:31) - Difference In Transaction Cost:
Ian explains the differences in eviction timelines across various states. In Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, he can evict tenants within 30 days if rent is unpaid. However, in Arkansas, the process takes 75 days, which he finds lengthy. He contrasts this with even longer timelines in states like Illinois and California, highlighting the varying challenges landlords face depending on the state. (00:31:28) - Eviction Timelines: Comparing States:
Ian advises identifying states that are easier to operate in based on property taxes, transfer and recordation taxes, and whether they are pro-tenant or pro-landlord. He highlights Louisiana as an example, describing it as a blue state with favorable tenant laws. He shares an experience where, after filing an eviction on a Thursday for a special needs tenant, he had a court date the following Wednesday and the sheriff was involved by Friday, completing the process in just eight days.(00:15:43) - Lead Communication Order:
Ian explains that commercial real estate offers more opportunities to create and scale a true company. He notes that unlike some investments, you don’t always see the inner workings or need to broadcast every deal.(00:43:00) - Investment Sizes and Accreditation Requirements:
Their average investment size is around $50,000, but they accept amounts as small as $10,000 and as large as investors wish to contribute. For non-accredited investors, a pre-existing relationship must be established before proceeding, highlighting the need for ongoing interactions rather than a one-time meeting. (00:44:20) - No Hesitation:
Previously, he lacked the maturity to enter commercial real estate sooner, regretting his eight-year delay. Fear of financing held him back despite opportunities. He now wishes he had trusted their capabilities earlier but remains optimistic about making up for lost time. The host commends Ian for his openness and approachability in sharing his business experiences. (00:19:24)