Why is Common Equity Considered the Most Attractive Position for Investors?

If you’re serious about building long term wealth in multifamily real estate, common equity is where the real magic happens. It’s the highest risk position in the capital stack, but it also comes with the greatest rewards. Unlike debt financing or preferred equity, which lock investors into fixed returns, common equity investors are in the driver’s seat when it comes to upside potential.

Here’s why savvy investors focus on common equity:

• True Ownership and Long Term Wealth – Common equity investors own a piece of the property, which means they benefit directly from both monthly cash flow and property appreciation. As the property value increases over time, so do their returns.

• No Cap on Returns – While debt and preferred equity offer fixed returns, common equity has unlimited earning potential. If a deal performs well, common equity investors take the lion’s share of the profits. That’s how some investors double, triple, or even 10x their initial capital over time.

• Passive Cash Flow That Grows Over Time – Multifamily real estate is all about consistent rental income. Once debt and expenses are covered, common equity investors get paid. And as rents rise and expenses are optimized, that cash flow increases, creating a steady stream of passive income.

• Tax Benefits That Supercharge Returns – One of the biggest advantages of investing in real estate is the tax benefits. Common equity investors can take advantage of depreciation, cost segregation, and 1031 exchanges. All of which help reduce taxable income and keep more money in your pocket.

• A Natural Hedge Against Inflation – Inflation eats away at cash sitting in the bank, but real estate moves in the opposite direction. As the cost of living rises, so do rents—directly benefiting common equity investors. That means your income and asset value increase over time, keeping you ahead of inflation.

• Massive Upside on Exit – When a property sells, common equity investors stand to make the biggest profits. If the deal was structured correctly, it’s not uncommon for investors to walk away with 2x, 3x, or even more of their original investment.

The Key to Success: Investing in the Right Deals

Common equity is where the big money is made, but only if you’re investing in the right deals with the right operators. The best deals are structured by experienced sponsors who:

• Know how to find value-add opportunities
• Optimize operations and increase cash flow
• Position the property for a profitable exit

If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, you want to be investing in well structured deals where risk is managed and returns are maximized.

Rod Khleif’s Take on Common Equity

I’ve been in this business a long time, and I can tell you this, if you want to create true financial freedom, you need to own assets. Period. Common equity is how you build generational wealth. It’s where you get cash flow, appreciation, and tax advantages all working together.

But here’s the thing, you can’t just invest in any deal. You have to be strategic. I’ve seen investors chase big returns without doing their homework, and they got burned. You need to partner with the right people, analyze the right deals, and play the long game.

The investors who build real wealth in multifamily? They’re the ones who focus on strong fundamentals, invest in value-add opportunities, and let time do the heavy lifting. If you want to get in the game, start learning, start networking, and when the right opportunity comes, pull the trigger. Because in real estate, the biggest risk is sitting on the sidelines.

Want to Learn from the Best in Multifamily Investing?

Join Rod Khleif, one of the top real estate investing coaches, as he interviews industry giants, breaks down powerful strategies, and shares the mindset secrets of top real estate investors.

Listen Now: Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing Podcast