LP Protection 101 with Ryan Duff

Paul Shannon sits down with lender-turned-operator Ryan Duff to unpack how lenders really size risk and how LPs can use the same lens. Ryan financed ~$4B+ across cycles before launching Seaport, and he explains why trailing 3–6 month economic occupancy (physical vacancy + concessions + loss-to-lease) tells you more than any glossy OM. Join us to dive into debt yield, DSCR reality vs. pitch decks, the broker-driven “falsified inputs” fiasco and subsequent lender cleanup, and why he prioritizes local, vertically integrated operators with disciplined leverage and cash buffers.

Key Takeaways:

• Underwrite like a lender: focus on economic occupancy (vacancy, concessions, loss-to-lease), not just IRR/EM multiples
• Expenses are mostly knowable; deals are won/lost on the top-line and honest reporting of rent integrity
• Debt terms follow the inputs: DSCR, debt yield, and recent trailing performance drive survivability
• Protect yourself: vet the GP first (local, cycled deals, vertical ops, conservative leverage, transparency)
• Industry shift: tighter lender verification post-froth (less room for “massaged” rent rolls), more equity skin-in-the-game
• Bridge debt isn’t evil, operator fit + execution speed must match the capital structure

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.