Your first raise, mapped

1. 1

   Get ready

   Talk with a securities attorney about how you plan to raise, before you talk to anyone about an offering. Build relationships with people who might invest, and keep a dated record of each conversation.

   • Investor map check
   • Conversation record checklist
   • Top 10 investor conferences for 2027
2. 2

   Find the deal

   Look for a property and get it under contract. Run conservative numbers before you commit.

   • Quick underwriting
   • Free market report
3. 3

   Structure the offering

   With your attorney, set up the entity, the offering documents and the exemption, 506(b) or 506(c). Decide this before you promote anything.

4. 4

   Share the deal

   Under 506(b), share it only with people you already have a substantive relationship with. Under 506(c), you may promote it publicly, and every investor must be accredited, with reasonable steps to verify that before you accept their money. Investors can tell you how much they may invest; a soft commit is not a binding commitment.

5. 5

   Close

   Investors sign the subscription documents and send funds. Your attorney typically files Form D with the SEC within 15 days after the first sale, plus any state notice filings.

6. 6

   After closing

   Send investors regular updates, distributions and tax documents as your offering documents require.

This is general information, not legal advice. Speak with your own securities attorney about which exemption fits your offering.