Primior Team

How to Get Into Real Estate Syndication: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know real estate syndications aim for an average internal rate of return of 15-25%+ over a multi-year hold period? This investment strategy allows you to pool your money with other investors to purchase larger properties that would otherwise be financially out of reach.

Real estate syndication happens when multiple investors combine resources to buy more expensive properties like apartment buildings with 100+ units, storage facilities, and medical offices. With minimum investments typically ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, syndication offers a significantly more accessible entry point than purchasing commercial properties outright. Additionally, the risk is spread across multiple investors while you benefit from the expertise of experienced sponsors who handle everything from identifying promising deals to managing operations.

If you’re wondering how to get into real estate syndication, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. Whether you’re interested in joining existing opportunities or starting a real estate syndication company yourself, you’ll learn the essential requirements, legal considerations, and practical steps to begin your journey into this lucrative investment approach.

Step 1: Understand What Real Estate Syndication Is

Real estate syndication represents a sophisticated investment strategy where multiple investors pool their capital to purchase properties that would be unattainable for most individuals acting alone. This collaborative approach transforms otherwise inaccessible real estate opportunities into viable investment options for accredited investors seeking portfolio diversification.

What is real estate syndication?

Real estate syndication is essentially a partnership structure where a group of investors combines financial resources to jointly acquire and manage larger real estate assets. Rather than purchasing a single-family rental property independently, you can join forces with other investors to buy substantial commercial properties like apartment complexes, mobile home parks, self-storage facilities, or medical offices.

This investment model operates through a specific structure: an investor or company identifies a promising property, then pools equity with several co-investors to purchase it. The property generates income throughout the holding period before eventually selling to produce additional returns. Minimum investments typically range from $5,000 to $50,000, making commercial real estate accessible to a broader range of investors compared to the substantial capital requirements of direct ownership.

Why syndication is growing in popularity

Syndication has gained significant traction primarily because it solves several common challenges faced by individual real estate investors. First, it offers portfolio diversification without requiring complicated legal agreements or extensive expertise. Furthermore, it provides enhanced liquidity compared to direct property ownership while generating consistent cash flow.

Another key factor driving syndication’s popularity is accessibility. According to recent survey data, 23% of adults cite real estate as their preferred method for building personal wealth, surpassing stocks at 16%. Consequently, demand has grown for investment vehicles that provide entry into real estate markets without the barriers of traditional ownership.

The JOBS Act of 2012 further accelerated this trend by easing regulations around raising capital, especially from accredited investors. This legislative change opened the door for modern real estate crowdfunding platforms, essentially transforming how syndications operate and making them more accessible than ever before.

Key players: syndicator vs. investor

In every real estate syndication, two primary parties work together with distinct roles and responsibilities:

The syndicator (also called the sponsor or general partner) serves as the quarterback of the operation. These individuals or companies handle all aspects of the investment, including:

  • Finding and analyzing potential properties
  • Negotiating purchase terms
  • Arranging financing
  • Overseeing renovations and business plans
  • Managing day-to-day operations
  • Communicating with investors

In contrast, passive investors (limited partners) provide the capital necessary to fund the acquisition. As a passive investor, your role is straightforward—you contribute money in exchange for ownership shares in the property. This position comes with limited liability and zero day-to-day responsibilities, making it ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking passive income without management headaches.

This structure creates a mutually beneficial relationship: syndicators contribute expertise, time, and effort, while investors supply necessary capital. Both parties share in the returns generated through ongoing property income and eventual appreciation upon sale.

Ready to explore syndication opportunities that align with your investment goals? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to discuss how to get started with real estate syndication.

Step 2: Know the Legal and Financial Requirements

Navigating the legal landscape of real estate syndication requires understanding specific financial thresholds and regulatory frameworks established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These requirements determine who can participate in various types of syndication deals and under what conditions.

Who qualifies to invest in syndications

The qualification criteria for real estate syndication primarily revolve around investor classification. Although many syndications welcome only accredited investors, certain opportunities exist for non-accredited investors, depending on the offering’s structure.

For most syndication opportunities, particularly those using Rule 506(c) exemptions, you must qualify as an accredited investor. This classification exists because the SEC assumes individuals meeting these criteria have sufficient financial sophistication to evaluate investment risks without extensive regulatory protection.

Minimum investments for syndications typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, making this investment approach better suited for individuals with established portfolios. Indeed, some financial experts recommend having at least $1.25 million in total investments before considering syndication.

Understanding accredited vs. non-accredited investors

Accredited investors must meet at least one of these financial thresholds:

  • Individual annual income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 combined with a spouse) for the past two years, with reasonable expectation of maintaining this income
  • Net worth over $1 million, excluding your primary residence
  • Holding certain professional certifications like Series 7, 65, or 82 licenses

As of 2022, only about 18% of U.S. households qualified as accredited investors, highlighting the exclusivity of many syndication opportunities.

Non-accredited investors (sometimes called retail investors) are individuals who don’t meet these financial thresholds. Nevertheless, they still have options to participate in real estate syndication through specific exemptions. These investors face investment limits designed to protect them from excessive financial risk.

Common SEC exemptions to be aware of

The Securities and Exchange Commission provides several exemptions that allow real estate syndications to raise capital without completing full SEC registration. The most relevant include:

Regulation D, Rule 506(b): This exemption permits raising unlimited capital from an unlimited number of accredited investors plus up to 35 non-accredited sophisticated investors. However, general solicitation or advertising is prohibited, meaning sponsors must have pre-existing relationships with potential investors.

Regulation D, Rule 506(c): Introduced through the JOBS Act of 2012, this exemption allows general solicitation and advertising but restricts participation exclusively to accredited investors whose status must be verified by a third party. This opened the door for modern real estate crowdfunding platforms.

Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF): Enables raising up to $5 million in a 12-month period from both accredited and non-accredited investors. All offerings must go through a registered portal, with investment limits for non-accredited investors based on their income and net worth.

Regulation A: Offers two tiers – Tier 1 for raising up to $20 million and Tier 2 for up to $50 million in a 12-month period. Both accredited and non-accredited investors can participate, and advertising is permitted.

Ready to explore which syndication approach aligns with your investor status and financial goals? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to navigate these complex requirements.

Step 3: Learn How to Find and Evaluate Deals

Finding quality real estate syndication deals requires strategic networking and thorough due diligence. Once you understand what syndication is and the legal requirements, your next crucial step is learning where to find opportunities and how to evaluate them effectively.

Where to find syndication opportunities

Networking remains the cornerstone of discovering premium syndication deals. Many top opportunities never reach public platforms, instead circulating within established investor networks. To tap into these exclusive deals:

  • Attend real estate conferences, meetups, and workshops to connect with brokers, property managers, and fellow investors
  • Join local real estate investment clubs that host speakers and share market insights
  • Build relationships with experienced syndication sponsors who may offer early access to new deals
  • Participate in online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to real estate investing

Beyond networking, online platforms have revolutionized access to syndication deals since the 2012 JOBS Act. These platforms evaluate thousands of potential investments, with only about 1% making it through their screening process. You can also join private investor lists maintained by established syndicators to receive direct deal notifications.

How to assess the sponsor’s track record

The sponsor’s experience and historical performance often determine investment success more than the property itself. When evaluating a sponsor:

First, analyze their experience across various market conditions. A seasoned sponsor with several years in business will likely possess the practical knowledge to navigate future uncertainties.

Subsequently, examine their portfolio diversity. Look for sponsors who have managed properties similar to your target investment. A strong sponsor should demonstrate a robust history of completed full-cycle deals (acquisition through disposition).

Moreover, verify how they measure and report returns. Key metrics include cash-on-cash return, average annual return (ARR), internal rate of return (IRR), and equity multiple. Compare their historical projections against actual results – consistently meeting or exceeding projections signals reliability.

Evaluating the property and market

The property’s location and market conditions substantially impact potential returns. Focus on:

  • Economic indicators including population growth, employment trends, and vacancy rates
  • Property condition and improvement opportunities
  • Competitive analysis of similar properties in the area
  • Projected cash flow and return scenarios under different market conditions

Be wary of unrealistic projections. Conservative underwriting with realistic assumptions about rent growth, vacancy rates, and expenses indicates a trustworthy opportunity.

Reviewing the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM)

The Private Placement Memorandum serves as your primary due diligence resource. This legal document outlines the investment opportunity, risks, and investor rights. A comprehensive PPM typically spans 50-100 pages – a suspiciously short document may indicate inexperience or intentional omission of crucial details.

Pay particular attention to these critical sections:

  • Project Description: Details about location, condition, improvements needed, and appraised value
  • Risk Factors: Comprehensive explanation of potential investment risks
  • Financing Terms: Loan-to-value ratio, interest rates, terms, and potential default scenarios
  • Market Overview: Analysis of the property’s location, supported by third-party data
  • Business Plan: Strategy for achieving projected returns
  • Distribution Plan: How and when profits will be distributed
  • Potential Tax Consequences: How the investment might affect your tax situation

Ready to put these evaluation techniques into practice with promising real estate syndication opportunities? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to discuss how to identify and assess deals aligned with your investment goals.

Step 4: Join or Start a Real Estate Syndicate

After finding promising opportunities, you face a pivotal decision: joining existing syndications as a passive investor or creating your own syndication company. Both paths offer distinct advantages depending on your experience, capital, and time commitment.

How to start a real estate syndication company

The foundation of a successful syndication company begins with specialization in a specific property type. Rather than pursuing diverse opportunities across multiple markets, focus on a particular niche such as apartment complexes or storage facilities. Next, develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your buying strategy, project types, and realistic internal rate of return (IRR) calculations for potential properties.

Building your syndication team

No syndication operates as a one-person venture. At minimum, your core team should include:

  • A real estate contract attorney and SEC attorney for legal compliance
  • Commercial mortgage broker for financing options
  • Insurance broker for risk management
  • Property management company for operational oversight

For larger syndications targeting substantial apartment complexes, consider adding specialists who can manage hundreds of tenants effectively. The quality of your team directly influences investor confidence and operational success.

Structuring the deal and legal setup

Syndications typically utilize one of three legal structures:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most desirable for property investments as owners are only responsible for their invested capital
  • Limited Partnership (LP): Some partners enjoy limited liability while others may bear greater responsibility
  • Corporation: Creates a separate legal entity from its owners

Regardless of structure, your operating agreement must provide voting rights to all partners, outline cash flow distribution methods, and clearly define sponsor compensation and responsibilities.

Raising capital from investors

Effective capital raising requires building investor relationships before having deals under contract. SEC regulations often mandate pre-existing relationships with investors, making networking essential. Begin by creating an investor database through:

  • Attending real estate investment clubs and networking events
  • Joining online forums and Facebook groups
  • Engaging with potential investors through educational content

Transparency builds trust—communicate clearly about preferred returns (typically 6-8%), equity distribution, and your track record in real estate.

Ready to explore syndication opportunities aligned with your investment goals? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to discuss your options.

Step 5: Manage and Monitor Your Investment

Once you’ve committed capital to a real estate syndication, your journey shifts from selection to stewardship. Effective monitoring ensures your investment performs as expected while understanding potential exit pathways.

Understanding your rights as an investor

As a passive investor, you possess specific rights that protect your interests. First and foremost, you’re entitled to a percentage of profits or losses proportional to your investment stake. You also have the right to inspect the property and review financial reports regularly. The syndicator must provide updates about the property’s performance, any significant changes, and maintain clear communication throughout the investment period. Verify these rights are explicitly outlined in your operating agreement and Private Placement Memorandum (PPM).

Tracking performance and financial reports

Proactive investors regularly evaluate financial statements to gage investment health:

  • Review income, expenses, and cash flow reports to assess performance against projections
  • Verify document accuracy and completeness, ensuring preparation by qualified professionals
  • Compare projections with current market trends to identify potential discrepancies
  • Consider external factors that might impact performance

Throughout this phase, the general partner manages day-to-day operations, including maintenance, tenant relations, and financial management. Many syndications provide quarterly financial updates and annual tax documents (Form K-1) necessary for your tax filings.

Exit strategies and timelines

Most real estate syndications operate on a 3-7 year timeline, earning approximately 4-10% in annual rental income. Common exit strategies include:

Property sale – The most straightforward approach where the asset is sold and proceeds distributed according to the predetermined structure.

Refinancing – Acquiring new debt on the property to return some investor capital while maintaining ownership.

Recapitalization – Restructuring the capital stack to distribute funds to investors, potentially improving IRR performance.

1031 Exchange – Deferring capital gains by exchanging the property for a similar investment.

Merger/Acquisition – Combining with another fund or entity, giving investors options to exit or remain invested.

Ready to pursue real estate syndication opportunities? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to discuss your investment plans.

Conclusion

Real estate syndication certainly presents a compelling investment avenue for those seeking to diversify their portfolios while accessing larger, more lucrative commercial properties. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned the essential steps to enter this investment strategy – from understanding the fundamentals to evaluating opportunities and ultimately participating in or creating syndication deals.

Importantly, success in real estate syndication depends on thorough due diligence. Before committing capital, take time to evaluate the sponsor’s track record, scrutinize the property fundamentals, and carefully review the Private Placement Memorandum. Additionally, understanding your rights as an investor and monitoring performance reports will help protect your interests throughout the investment lifecycle.

Whether you choose to participate as a passive investor or take the lead as a syndicator, this collaborative approach offers significant advantages over traditional real estate investing. You benefit from professional management, shared risk, and access to institutional-grade properties while maintaining reasonable entry points starting at $25,000 to $50,000.

Ready to transform your investment strategy with real estate syndication? Schedule a strategy call with Primior to discuss your real estate syndication journey: https://primior.com/book/

Therefore, as you consider diversifying your investment portfolio, remember that real estate syndication bridges the gap between simple rental properties and complex commercial investments. With the right knowledge, connections, and due diligence approach outlined in this guide, you can confidently take your first steps into this potentially lucrative investment space.

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Report by Primior, a Southern California real estate advisory, development, management, and investment firm.

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