Nicola McCusker, SNC Investment Partners

Name: Nicola McCusker

Title: Attorney at Law / Owner Principal- Law Office/ Managing Partner- SNC Investment Partners

Company Name: Law Office of Nicola McCusker PLLC; SNC Investment Partners LLC

Email: [email protected]

Years in Real Estate: 4

Telephone: 914.258.2712

Year Founded: Law Practice 2014; SNC Investment Partners 2014

How did you get your start in real estate?

Along with my partner we always had an interest in Real Estate and the ability it gives you to generate passive income from investments, diversifying our portfolio. Initially we started through successful personal investments, and then seeing the value in our work we progressed to establish SNC Investment Partners, a Private Commercial Real Estate Investment Company with a focus on acquiring apartment complexes in strategic markets throughout America.

From our first investment in 2012 we have now purchased a total of 90 units with a portfolio value of $2,540,000. At the close of 2016 we are currently set to increase this to 198 units.

From my legal aspect, I was admitted as NYS Attorney in 2010, I had the benefit of also acquiring a NY Brokers License. Prior to starting my firm, I commenced work in the USA as an Associate Attorney with a general practice firm and a large part of what they focused on was Real Estate from a transactional basis. From there I was always drawn to practicing in this field and I now focus a part of my practice in this area also.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

NYS Bar Association; INNYC; IABNY

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

With SNC Investment Partners, we are currently under contract to acquire our biggest acquisition to date, a 108-unit residential property in Atlanta, Georgia. We have been diligently growing our company, building relationships with our investors and real estate professionals in different states across the country. To see that now we have reached a point where we are comfortable aiming for acquisitions of over $2 million is exciting as we continue to grow our company.

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

In April SNC sold our remaining apartment building in New York City. Recognizing that the residential real estate market in New York is really hot at the minute we decided to sell at this opportune time. With our combined sales proceeds and monthly cash-flow since purchase, we have realized a total ROI of 1,260% in just 4 years, an annualized return of 315% a year.

As this was our very first purchase in the real estate market in 2012 its one we will always remember so to achieve this we were extremely pleased with the outcome.

When you launched your business what were some challenges that you experienced? How did you overcome them?

Born and raised in Ireland I came to the USA in 2010, like any other I had the aspirations to succeed.

Initially starting out a new business venture I would say the fear of failure was one of my challenges. I always knew that I wanted to start my own business but it was something that I kept looking for the right time to do. The best step I took was taking the risk and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Another obstacle we found when starting out was raising the initial investment capital for our deals, and getting approved for the financing for them.

The biggest thing we learned about real estate, which we learned quickly, was that this is primarily a relationship business, we work hard to build our investor relationships and maintain their confidence. The same applies to banks and lending institutions, they want to feel comfortable with whom they are lending to. To do so we try to build relationships with both smaller community banks that want to invest in their local areas, as well as with larger financial firms that can offer better terms and interest rates for the larger deals.

What advice would you give someone planning to launch their own business?

Make sure it’s something your passionate about, if not it will be harder to persevere when you face difficulties in your business and to never underestimate yourself and what you can achieve.