Guide to Real Estate Investment Firms

Work with a commercial real estate investment firm

For commercial investment properties, such as strip centers, office buildings, hospitality, industrial and mixed-use properties, partner with a commercial real estate investment firm.

I recommend: Sperry Van Ness, a leading commercial real estate investment firm, locates all sorts of commercial investment opportunities on behalf of clients and allows clients to search properties online.  NAI Hiffman represents buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants and helps structure industrial, office and retail investment property acquisitions. Sourcenet Financial Corporation offers “tenant in common” options to allow investors to invest in commercial properties in a higher asset class than they could otherwise afford.

Choose investment property firms that specialize in the residential market

Residential real estate investment firms help clients buy and sell investment properties, such as multi-family properties, single-family homes, condominiums and cooperatives.

I recommend: Visit Archstone Communities Trust, a real estate investment firm that owns and operates apartment properties. Find multi-family investment opportunities at Ragovin and Associates.

Opt for foreclosure investment firms

If you're interested in investing in a foreclosure, real estate investment firms can provide listings to help you find the right property and may also offer investment strategies and advice.

I recommend: Foreclosure investment firms that provide foreclosure property listings include RealtyTrac, which lists pre-foreclosures, bank foreclosures and foreclosed homes being sold via auction. At Foreclosure.com, which lists more than 1 million foreclosure properties, you can also find tips about investing in foreclosures.

Find a realty investing company that specializes in 1031 exchanges

Named after the IRS Code Section 1031, a 1031 exchange allows a real estate investor to defer any taxes due on a sold property by quickly reinvesting the proceeds into a "like-kind" investment property. Firms that specialize in 1031 exchanges can assist you with these popular transactions.

I recommend: Investment property firms that specialize in structuring 1031 exchanges include 1031 Exchange Options and 1031 Equity Advisors.

Hire a real estate investment management firm to manage your property

Leasing administration, maintenance, bookkeeping and tenant relations require a major time commitment. If you don't have the time or the desire to oversee your investment property, consider hiring a real estate investment management firm.

I recommend: Find a real estate management firm that has been certified by the Accredited Management Organization using the site’s search function. At All Property Management, you can search for property managers by type of property and by location.