🧱 The Top 3 Problems in Real Estate Syndication (And How to Overcome Them)

📈 Avoid costly mistakes in passive real estate investing by mastering these three syndication success factors: Time, Trust, and Knowledge. These will help you select the right real estate syndication.

START SMART: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE SYNDICATION

Published by E&S Properties

6/18/20251 min read

investors shaking hands infront of apartment building
investors shaking hands infront of apartment building

⏳ 1. Time & Skills: The "Passive" Myth

The Problem:
Most investors think passive = effortless. In reality, you need time to:

  • Vet sponsors

  • Review market data

  • Analyze underwriting

⛔ Risk: Underestimating effort leads to poorly vetted deals.

✅ Solution:
Prioritize tasks with the highest return:
✔️ Sponsor due diligence
✔️ Deal structure comparison
✔️ High-level underwriting review

🧠 Pro Tip: Partner with operators who provide clear, simple summaries and transparent financials.

🤝 2. Trust: Can You Really Wire $100K with Confidence?

The Problem:
Would you wire a six-figure check to someone after one Zoom call?

Look For:

  • Verified track record

  • Clear fee structure

  • Transparent communication

  • Co-investment with their own capital

🚩 Red Flags:

  • No past investor referrals

  • No personal investment

  • No fee disclosures

✅ Solution:
Ask: “How are your incentives aligned with mine?”
You want operators who profit only when you do.

🎓 3. Knowledge: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

The Problem:
Without basic knowledge, you can’t spot red flags in:

  • Rent growth assumptions

  • Exit cap rate forecasts

  • Operating expense cuts

✅ Solution:
You don’t need a finance degree—just learn to ask:

  • What’s the projected NOI increase?

  • Is the exit cap rate conservative?

  • Are the comps within 2 miles?

🧠 Pro Tip: Use tools like Apartments.com and basic Google Maps research to do your own mini-comp analysis.

🧠 Summary: Time, Trust, and Knowledge Define Syndication Success

Success in real estate syndication depends on three key factors:

  • Time: You don’t need endless hours, but you do need to focus on high-impact research—especially when evaluating sponsors and their deals.

  • Trust: Make sure the sponsor is aligned with your goals. Look for transparency, co-investment, and a clear track record.

  • Knowledge: Equip yourself with just enough insight to ask the right questions and identify red flags before committing your capital.

Mastering these three areas gives you the confidence to invest smartly and avoid common pitfalls.

🔎 Ready to take the next step?

📩 Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly insights on current trends.

📝 Interested in investing? Complete our investor questionnaire and we’ll be in touch with opportunities that match your goals.