Attracting Investors: How To Find Commercial Real Estate Backers

Written By Corey Philip  |  Commercial

Attracting investors is the pivotal bridge that connects your vision of thriving in the commercial real estate world with the tangible reality of breaking ground on your projects. The strategic alchemy of how to find commercial real estate backers willing to invest the crucial capital, trust, and resources necessary to turn your real estate dreams into triumphant ventures.

Attracting investors is the lynchpin in the world of commercial real estate. Using strategies like leveraging online platforms, finding real estate investment clubs, joining seminars and conferences, collaborating with brokers, and joining online forums can help you secure investments.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect financial partner, looking to refine your persuasive prowess, or eager to expand your existing toolkit. This guide delves into helpful strategies, offers practical insights, and empowers you with the knowledge and techniques required to succeed in this competitive landscape.

How To Find Commercial Real Estate Investors

If you’re venturing into the world of commercial real estate (CRE) and are wondering how to find commercial real estate investors to back your projects, you’re not alone. Attracting investors is a crucial step in realizing your CRE ambitions. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for finding CRE investors and provide ideas on where you can connect with them.

Leveraging Online Platforms Through Digital Avenues

a. Crowdfunding Websites: Crowdfunding platforms, such as RealtyMogul, Equity Multiple, and Crowd Street, have gained substantial popularity in recent years. These platforms allow real estate developers to showcase their projects to a diverse pool of potential investors.

By presenting your CRE opportunities on these websites, you can access a broad network of individuals seeking to invest in real estate. These platforms often enable you to provide detailed information about your projects, your investment goals, and the expected returns.

As an added bonus, crowdfunding websites are well-optimized for investor searches, making your projects more discoverable.

b. LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool for professionals in the CRE industry. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your expertise and experience in the field. Join relevant groups and communities related to real estate investment, where you can connect with potential investors.

Sharing industry insights, engaging in discussions, and posting articles about your projects can help you catch the eye of potential backers. It’s a platform where your professional image can greatly influence your ability to attract investors.

Join Real Estate Investment Clubs

Leveraging real estate investment clubs is a strategic approach to attracting CRE investors who share your enthusiasm for the real estate market. By actively participating in these clubs, networking, and presenting your investment opportunities, you can create valuable connections that may lead to successful partnerships and investments in your commercial real estate projects.

  • Join the right clubs that cater to your niche.
  • Attend regular meetings, seminars, and networking events.
  • Prepare a compelling elevator pitch to present to potential investors.
  • Enhance your credibility by participating in the club’s discussions.
  • Be a problem solver for investors looking for a solution to real estate challenges.
  • Stay committed and consistent, and build relationships by attending meetings regularly.

Create Opportunities With Seminars And Conferences

Seminars and conferences are dynamic platforms for attracting investors in the world of CRE. These events provide you with the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of potential backers, network with industry professionals, and showcase your projects. Be sure to have an engaging pitch ready to make a lasting impression.

  • Selecting the right seminars and conferences is crucial.
  • Look for events that align with your niche within the CRE sector.
  • Specialized conferences that focus on your area of expertise will bring you in contact with investors who are already interested in your field.
  • Engage in conversations, exchange business cards, and actively seek out connections.
  • Share your knowledge and insights about the CRE market to build credibility among potential investors.
  • If there’s an option to set up a booth or exhibit at the conference, take advantage of it.
  • Promptly follow up with the connections you’ve made.

Collaborate With Real Estate Brokers

In the competitive landscape of CRE, collaboration can be a powerful tool for attracting investors. By forming partnerships and working closely with other brokers, you can harness their network, knowledge, and resources to expand your reach and attract investors for your CRE projects.

Here are 6 reasons why collaborating with other brokers is potentially beneficial for attacking investors:

  1. Pooling resources together
  2. Leveraging each other’s expertise
  3. Expanding your geographical reach
  4. Enhancing your credibility
  5. Giving you more negotiating power
  6. Giving you an introduction to potential investors from their existing network

Advance Your CRE With Online Real Estate Forums

Online real estate forums serve as a dynamic and cost-effective platform to attract investors for your CRE projects. It’s a strategy that leverages the power of the online community to advance your CRE ambitions.

Websites like BiggerPockets and CREOnline are great places to share your expertise, connect with investors, and showcase your projects.

By actively participating, showcasing your expertise, and networking with potential backers, you can effectively utilize these digital hubs to connect with investors who are actively seeking opportunities in the commercial real estate sector.

Pitch To Angel Investors

Pitching to angel investors is a strategic and effective means when you need to know how to find investors for commercial real estate. These investors bring capital, expertise, and valuable networks to the table, accelerating the growth of your ventures and mitigating risks, along with mentorship.

Successfully securing investments from angel investors can open doors to additional opportunities and resources, propelling your CRE projects toward success in the competitive real estate market.

Approaching Financial Institutions Is A Strategic Move

Approaching financial institutions is a strategic move to attract investors for your CRE projects. These institutions can provide debt financing, competitive loan terms, and credibility enhancement that can make your projects more appealing to equity investors.

The potential for joint ventures, co-investments, and access to distressed assets through financial institution relationships can open doors to unique and value-driven investment opportunities.

Collaborating with financial institutions strategically positions your CRE projects for success in the competitive real estate market.

Leverage Your Website And Blog To Attract Investors

These digital platforms offer credibility, search engine visibility, lead generation, and the ability to present investment opportunities effectively. With a well-structured online presence and consistent content, you can position yourself as a trusted authority in the CRE field, making it more likely that potential investors will choose to invest in your projects.

Create Diversification With Real Estate Investment Trusts

Integrating your CRE project with a real estate investment trust (REIT) can be a strategic move to attract investors.

The benefits include diversification, liquidity, professional management, income generation, and access to capital. REITs are regulated and tax-efficient and provide exit strategies, making them an appealing option for a broad range of investors.

By collaborating with a REIT, you can make your CRE project accessible to a broader audience and increase its overall appeal as an investment opportunity.

Local Networking Events

Don’t underestimate the power of local networking events. Attend chamber of commerce meetings, business mixers, or other local gatherings to connect with potential investors who are interested in supporting projects within the community.

Conclusion

Attracting commercial real estate investors is a multifaceted process that requires a strategic approach. Using a combination of digital and non-digital platforms, you can leverage your industry expertise and be prepared to showcase the value of your projects. By casting a wide net and persistently seeking out potential backers, you can increase your chances of finding the right investors to help you realize your commercial real estate ambitions.

About the Author

I am a small business owner and real estate investor. I have primarily acquired industrial buildings that are partially occupied by my businesses using SBA 504 loans (and leasing the other space). I am currently increasing my exposure to industrial and commercial real estate while exiting small businesses as the income is simply 'easier'. As someone who has been self employed for more than 10 years I do not use Linkedin but you can connect with me on my Instagram or Youtube both of which are primarily focused on my mountain bike travels.