Are Your Real Estate Partners In The Game? The One Question We Always Ask
Real estate development is not for the faint of heart. It’s a world defined by high-stakes, high-stress, and high-risk. If you’re investing, you’ve probably learned quickly that your greatest asset isn’t a property or a pile of capital - it’s your team.
At the end of the day, we’ve found that the best hedge against risk is having a strong, experienced team. And, over the years, we’ve boiled down our vetting process to one tried-and-true question we always aska. prospective partner:
“Do you invest in real estate, yourself?”
The Player-Coach Principle
Think about it. Would you hire an archery instructor who's never shot a bow? A soccer coach who never played the game (unless they're named Ted Lasso)? A doctor whose only training was the board game Operation?
Probably not. We trust the people who are actively doing the thing they teach.
The same principle applies to real estate. The best partners are those who not only offer their specific professional expertise—whether they are a lawyer, a contractor, a broker, or a lender—but who actively invest, own, and operate real estate themselves.
Why is this so critical?
When you partner with a fellow investor, you get more than just their job-specific knowledge. You get their perspective as a real estate investor. They understand the lifecycle of a deal, the anxieties of a cash call, the importance of a tight timeline, and how every decision impacts the bottom line and long-term asset value. They look at a deal through the same lens you do.
That shared experience translates to better advice, a stronger alignment of interests, and a true partnership where everyone is working toward the same goal.
It’s an edge we rely on, and it’s the exact same advice we always recommend to our clients.
What do you think? Do you have a vetting question that's indispensable when building your real estate development team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Have more questions? Let’s chat! Contact us at info@atelier-clem.com to see how we can help you.
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Prior to undertaking any sort of project, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional in your market.