EconProf, sorry to hear about your woes, but thanks for taking the time to be upfront about them. I’m sure there’s a lesson for us all in there. I had assumed that since they were popular for CGT deferment, leverage wouldn’t be their undoing, so much as poor management, poor investment choices, and a disconnect between securities brokers and real estate.
Clearfund, timing seems to be a feature for all real estate losses (or gains), as is over-leverage. Your point about securities firms playing real estate is one I raised, and was wondering if there were any brokerage firms with strong real estate ties. Looking to the real estate manager/developer makes sense, and I would be interested to know where to start my search. Since commercial real estate has seen significant declines, with possibly a bit more downside to continue into 2011, I’d have thought investment in a TIC with triple net Class A properties, would be a safer route?
