Approaches to Development Acquisitions: Site Research, Feasibility, and Co-GP Capital Structuring

Hello Everyone,

It’s a pleasure to join this forum and connect with a talented group of CRE professionals. My background is in real estate development, with a focus on identifying opportunities, conducting feasibility analysis, structuring deals, and executing the transaction through the full project lifecycle. The early stages of development acquisitions - site research, development program feasibility, underwriting, and capital raising - are where I believe creativity and expertise truly shine in real estate development.

I’d like to open up a broader discussion around how you approach these critical steps. While each deal has its unique challenges, the strategies we apply in these early phases often define a project’s success.

Site Research

What tools, techniques, or processes do you find most effective when evaluating and conducting due diligence on a potential development site?

Development Program Feasibility

How do you approach development program iteration based on site/project constraints and market demand while balancing financial feasibility? Are there specific specific strategies you rely on to determine the best use(s) and density?

Underwriting and Initial Capital Raising

When engaging Co-GP partners, how do you structure the conversation and deal terms to align interests? What approaches have you found successful for communicating the overall vision, projected returns, and addressing risk-sharing?

Unique Insights

What unique approaches or lessons learned have you developed through your experience in tackling these early stages of a project?