The SFR playbook for turning challenges into opportunities

The single family rental market is facing unprecedented challenges in 2026, from regulatory uncertainty to affordability gaps. But industry leaders aren't just surviving, they're finding innovative ways to thrive. At our recent Single Family Rental East Forum, we sat down with some of the brightest minds in the business to uncover the strategies they're using to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Building sustainability into every decision

Larry Baum doesn't just talk about sustainability—he builds it into the DNA of every Stellar Communities project. His strategic approach to site selection focuses on creating 15-minute cities where residents can live, work, and play without excessive drive times, reducing environmental impact while enhancing quality of life. When it comes to regulatory challenges like the proposed institutional investor restrictions, Larry's message is clear: stay vocal, stay engaged, and keep advocating for policies that support housing creation rather than restrict it. Watch Larry's full interview to learn how he balances sustainability with profitability and why he believes the housing industry must continue pushing for sensible legislation.

Navigating regulatory uncertainty with strategic foresight

As a partner at the nation's largest law firm dedicated to private lending, Kevin Kim has a front-row seat to the regulatory challenges reshaping the SFR landscape. While headlines about the proposed policy changes are alarming, Kevin doesn't believe the legislation will pass in its current form. His advice for investors is straightforward: focus on solid underwriting and consider vertical integration as liquidity concerns and market instability make accurate risk assessment the key differentiator between successful investors and those who struggle. Don't miss Kevin's insights on how to prepare for regulatory changes and why vertical integration might be the smartest move for SFR operators in 2025.

The art of strategic refinancing

George Despotopoulos and his team at MoFin Lending have built their reputation on one impressive metric: 86% of their borrowers return for their next transaction, a result of having difficult but honest conversations about options, including the reality that not every property is meant to be a rental. Discover George's framework for evaluating refinancing versus selling decisions and why he believes putting more skin in the game upfront creates better outcomes on the back end.

Buying right from day one

Dean Myerow brings 25 years of Wall Street underwriting experience to his role as a ground-up developer of build-to-rent, multifamily, and other asset classes, with an investment philosophy built on two unchangeable factors: basis and location. He's particularly excited about the supply cliff coming in 2027/2028 and focuses on attainable housing targeting working-class families, addressing a critical need while maintaining economic viability. Watch Dean's interview to learn how he underwrites to yield-on-cost in today's environment and why he's optimistic about the housing sector's future.

The challenges facing the single family rental industry are real, but so are the opportunities for those who approach them strategically. These leaders demonstrate that success in today's market requires adaptability, discipline, and a willingness to make tough decisions. Want to learn more strategies from industry leaders who are successfully navigating today's SFR landscape? Join us at our upcoming Single Family Rental West Forum where you'll gain actionable insights, build valuable connections, and discover the playbook for turning challenges into opportunities.