As market pressures mount on inexperienced real estate operators, seasoned syndicators are strategically positioning themselves for what could be significant acquisition opportunities in the coming years, according to industry veteran Dave Dubeau, host of the Property Profits Real Estate Podcast.
Strategic Shifts Across Asset Classes
“I’m seeing people switching asset classes and getting out of multifamily altogether,” says Dubeau, owner of Results Enterprises and host of the Property Profits Real Estate Podcast. He notes that while some operators are exploring development opportunities, uncertainty around tariffs and other market factors makes this strategy equally challenging.
According to Dubeau, many experienced syndicators are instead taking a patient approach. “Several of our clients are kind of waiting in the wings for opportunities to come down the pipeline, seeing that a lot of these not so experienced syndicators are getting into some big trouble these days,” he says.
Timing the Market Recovery
While acknowledging the difficulty of precise market timing, Dubeau says industry discussions are focusing on a specific timeline. “Nobody’s got a crystal ball, but people are talking about 2026 potentially being a good year to scoop up some really good deals,” he explains.
This perspective suggests experienced operators see current market pressures potentially leading to forced sales or restructuring opportunities, particularly from less established players who may have overextended during the recent boom period.
Policy Uncertainty Affecting Strategy
Dubeau points to policy uncertainty as a major factor influencing investment decisions. “President Trump and all of his tariffs and everything like that, and immigration policies, I am interested in seeing how that shakes out over the next six to 12 months,” he says.
This uncertainty has many investors “on their heels, wondering what the heck’s going to come down the pipeline next,” according to Dubeau. He suggests this environment requires operators to maintain flexibility in their strategies while remaining prepared for opportunities that may emerge from market volatility.
