Real estate is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools for many investors. But in commercial real estate, the magic happens when you can leverage multiple ways to win.
The strategy? Purchase, Improve, Refinance, and Cash Flow—a formula that can create long-term passive income while maximizing returns.
Turning Opportunity into Profit
One of Jeff Herman’s first commercial real estate deals was a perfect case study of how strategic investing can generate incredible returns.
In the summer of 2019, a group of investors, including Jeff, partnered to acquire a building just outside Greenville. A national firm already occupied the property, making it a stable investment from the start.
But there was an overlooked opportunity: The tenant was leasing an additional vacant space at a below-market rate—essentially paying for space they weren’t using.
Recognizing the potential, Jeff’s group negotiated with the tenant to relinquish that extra space, allowing it to lease at a much higher market rate. Around the same time, the tenant’s lease renewal came up, giving his group even more leverage to renegotiate.
The result? A 2X success.
- The national tenant renewed their lease at a higher price per square foot.
- The investor group regained additional rentable space, increasing the building’s overall value and income potential.
How the Numbers Played Out
Here’s where commercial real estate shines:
- Initial Investment: Each investor contributed $45,000 in mid-2019.
- Cash Flow & Returns: By December 31, 2024, each investor had received more than $115,000 in distributions
- IRR (Internal Rate of Return): Currently sits at 32.6% [the group still owns the property]. This is a strong return for a real estate deal.
- Cash-Out Refinance: Due to increased rents, the investment group’s net operating income (NOI) increased, so they refinanced, withdrawing their initial investment while keeping the property.
- Ongoing Passive Income: Even after recouping capital, the group still owns the property and receives quarterly cash distributions.
The Takeaway: The Jeffrey Group Wants to Help You Find Your Own “Multiple Wins”
Commercial real estate offers more than just appreciation. The key is finding multiple ways to profit:
- Increase rents by improving lease structures or renegotiating contracts.
- Boost property value by optimizing tenant occupancy.
- Use smart financing to pull out equity while keeping the asset.
- Enjoy ongoing cash flow—the ultimate goal of long-term real estate investing.
This approach isn’t just theory—it’s a proven model for building sustainable wealth.
Are you exploring commercial real estate? Let’s talk about opportunities and strategies that could work for you.