Ashley Wilson, CEO of Bar Down Investments, covers a wide variety of topics and challenges facing today’s real estate investors. She discusses the current market conditions and the challenges her team is facing in evaluating property values. Ashley shares the types of value-add deals they are looking for, including distressed properties and unfinished projects with insights into the losses experienced by developers in the current market. She also shares her insights on preparing for the impact of COVID-19 and gives recommendations for giving back and learning from investment mistakes. Key Takeaways: Operations is Everything: In a downturn, when interest rates and costs are rising fast, the only thing you can fall back on is solid operations. Ashley shares the strategies and safeguards her team has in place to protect their deals and their investors when times get tough. Relationships Are Key in Commercial Real Estate: Ashley emphasizes that commercial real estate is a highly relationship-based industry. Building strong rapport with brokers, investors, and other stakeholders is paramount to gain a competitive edge. Adaptability and Forward Thinking: Ashley's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the significance of adaptability and forward thinking in real estate. She outlines the steps her team took before the pandemic hit, which allowed them to thrive when others struggled. Planning for multiple scenarios and being prepared for unexpected market shifts is crucial. Value-Add Strategies and Community Building: Ashley discusses her approach to value-add investments, focusing on existing properties. Her strategy extends beyond cosmetic enhancements, encompassing operational improvements, safety measures, and community engagement. By making investments that benefit both tenants and the local community, investors can create long-term value and goodwill. Ashley Wilson | Real Estate Background CEO of Bar Down Investments Portfolio:  Multifamily properties Based in: Newtown Square, PA Say hi to her at:  BarDownInvestments.com ApartmentAddicts.com Instagram Best Ever Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Greatest Lesson: Not everyone analyzes deals the same way, and that’s okay. Not every deal has to fit in your perfect little box.   Check out Ashley’s previous episode: 2377 - Raising Occupancy and Avoiding Skips during Covid with Ashley Wilson   Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital