Partner with Lean Real Estate

At Lean Real Estate, we specialize in acquiring, improving, and operating value-add multifamily properties throughout Vermont. Whether it’s a distressed duplex or a mid-sized apartment complex with deferred maintenance, we thrive in the details of repositioning these assets for long-term value.

We’re not a national fund. We’re your boots-on-the-ground local team—and we don’t bring money to every deal. That’s where our private money lenders and equity partners come in.

Together, we build opportunities that create real impact, backed by careful underwriting, transparent communication, and a long-term mindset. Join us on the journey by filling out our lender survey by clicking the button below.

How Our Process Works

We are value-add investors, not traditional core buyers. That means we’re actively improving the properties we acquire—solving for deferred maintenance, tenant issues, and mismanagement in order to drive value and long-term stability.

When you invest with us, you’re partnering with a local, vertically integrated team that handles:

• Deal sourcing & acquisitions
• Renovations & value-add strategy
• Full-service property management
• Exit or long-term refinance planning

We use PML (Private Money Lending) or equity partnerships, depending on the project.

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This is not a solicitation or offer of securities. Investment in Lean Real Estate is offered only to qualified investors through a written Investment Agreement or Private Placement Memorandum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I’ve wanted to invest in Vermont, is this a good entry point?
A: Absolutely. Vermont’s real estate market has high demand and limited supply—especially in workforce and mid-market multifamily.
Investing with us gives you:

• Access to private deals you won’t find online
• Local expertise that directly improves property performance
• A way to reinvest into the Vermont economy, helping preserve and improve housing stock in towns across the state
  It’s one of the most direct, effective ways to participate in local growth while aiming for meaningful returns.

Q: What’s the difference between a value-add investor and a REIT or traditional real estate fund?
A: Great question.

• REITs and traditional funds typically focus on large-scale, stabilized properties and aim to produce consistent, often modest, returns for shareholders. These vehicles are usually publicly traded or institutionally backed, and the investors have no control, little transparency, and minimal connection to the properties they invest in.
• Lean Capital is a value-add investor, meaning we actively buy underperforming or poorly managed multifamily buildings in Vermont and physically improve them—upgrading units, solving deferred maintenance, stabilizing rents, and often increasing quality of life for tenants.
  This creates forced appreciation, and in doing so, provides opportunities for our investors to participate in both equity growth and cash flow.

Q: Why does being local matter when it comes to multifamily investing?
A: Real estate is hyper-local—what works in Phoenix or Boston doesn’t always work here.
We live and invest in the communities we serve. That means:

• We understand Vermont’s zoning laws, rent trends, permitting delays, tenant behaviors, contractor reliability, and seasonality.
• We have trusted relationships with local lenders, attorneys, and tradespeople.
• We can physically walk properties, oversee projects, and make timely decisions without delay.

In short, being local allows us to move faster, avoid common out-of-town investor pitfalls, and protect your capital with better information and oversight

Q: How risky is investing in real estate like this?
A: All investments carry risk. We mitigate risk through:

• Conservative underwriting and deal analysis
• Local oversight and hands-on management
• Focusing on cash-flowing assets with value-add upside
  That said, this is not a guaranteed return vehicle—it’s important to understand the timelines, risks, and liquidity limitations involved. We’re happy to talk through specifics on any opportunity you’re considering.

Q: How involved do I need to be?
A: Most of our investors are completely passive—we handle the acquisitions, renovations, management, and exits. You’ll receive regular updates and documents, but no hands-on involvement is required.

Q: What types of returns can I expect?
A: On average our investors see a 15% return on their investment. Every project is different and carries its own level of potential. While we do target strong risk-adjusted returns, we are careful to avoid making any guarantees. We’re happy to walk through past deal case studies and projected structures during a one-on-one conversation.

Q: How is Lean Real Estate different from other real estate funds?
A: We’re not a fund. We’re a small team buying and improving properties in Vermont with a hands-on, long-term approach. That means we’re selective, deeply involved in each asset, and highly transparent with our partners.

Q: Do you invest your own money in the deals?
A: Often yes—but not always. We are operators first. That means our value is in finding, improving, and managing the property. We sometimes bring capital, but just as often, we partner with those who want passive exposure to local real estate.

Q: What is the minimum investment?
A: Minimums vary depending on the deal structure. We are happy to talk through what might make sense based on your goals.

Q: How often do you have new deals?
A: We acquire properties opportunistically, which means the frequency varies. To stay in the loop, we recommend joining our email list below!

Interested In Learning More?  Submit Your Info Below or give us a call today at (802) 391-9122.