Alan Stalcup, CEO of GVA Real Estate Investments, has been a transformative force in the real estate industry since 2015. Based in Austin, Texas, he has grown GVA from managing a modest 312 units to an expansive portfolio of over 29,500 units across nine states. With a career spanning more than two decades, Alan Stalcup’s expertise in investment real estate is evident in his commitment to creating value-add opportunities, optimizing operational efficiencies, and fostering community growth.
How did you get started in real estate?
I've always had a fascination with the idea of transforming properties and creating value. Growing up, I had the opportunity to do home renovations, and I loved seeing how strategic improvements could change the look and feel of a property. Real estate was a natural progression for me when I decided to build my own business.
I began by investing in a small rental property, which I managed while running a tech company. That first property taught me a lot about the ins and outs of real estate investment. Over time, as I gained experience, I started acquiring more properties and eventually founded my own real estate investment company, GVA.
Prior to my start in real estate, I was working in the tech industry and had an amazing ride. After successfully growing and selling an online marketing software company, I decided that my side real estate business could become a full-time pursuit. I liked the idea of using my skills to build something tangible. After some thorough research and planning, I made the leap into real estate.
Why did you decide to start GVA Real Estate Investments?
I saw a gap in the market for an investment company that focused on value-oriented properties in markets growing faster than the national average. I wanted to create a company that paired successful investing with community impact.
Our brand is focused on sustainable growth, giving back to the community, and vertical integration. It is designed to help investors get access to excellent returns in multi-family real estate and capitalize on our unique value-add model.
A major issue in real estate is the lack of quality affordable housing. Many investors overlook lower-income communities due to the perceived risks, but we see this as an opportunity to provide quality housing options while still generating a return. By responsibly investing in these areas, and improving the quality of properties, we hope to address the housing shortage and contribute to community revitalization. Our nonprofit organization called Way Forward delivers on the community revitalization value proposition by living onsite and working at our properties to build community.
What has been a highlight of your career, and what lessons have you learned?One of the highlights of my time in real estate has been growing to be one of the largest real estate syndicators in the country. But, more importantly, I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on the quality of our residents’ lives and the jobs we’ve created for many hard-working property management and investing professionals.
Along the way we’ve learned some vital lessons, the first being the importance of patience. Real estate is a long game, and results take time. Another important lesson is understanding the value of relationships. Building a strong network of investors, employees, and contractors is essential for scaling. Lastly, always be prepared for unexpected challenges, as flexibility is critical in this industry.
What does a typical day look like and what invaluable skills get you through your day?
A typical day starts with reviewing our property success metrics and meeting with the team to discuss progress and any challenges. I usually spend a few hours analyzing market trends and potential investment opportunities. Afternoons are often reserved for meeting with investors and assessing new investment opportunities.
Risk assessment and negotiation are two critical skills I’ve developed over time. Knowing how to evaluate potential risks and negotiate deals has enabled me to secure favorable terms and mitigate potential issues before they arise.
How do you think your background and experiences have impacted the success of your business?
My background in engineering helped me break down real estate investing into its essential elements. That, plus my tech experience, helps GVA take a unique approach to real estate investing. Combining these skills has allowed me to make smarter investments and build a reputable brand known for both profitability and integrity.
Early on, I invested in a property without doing thorough due diligence, and the costs far exceeded my estimates. It was a painful learning experience, but it taught me the importance of detailed research and contingency planning. Now, I’m meticulous with due diligence to avoid similar setbacks. But, as we’ve seen over the past couple of years with the rapid rise in interest rates, it is impossible to control all of the variables that determine success in real estate.
I’ve learned not to view things as “failures” but rather “learning opportunities”. Every time something doesn’t go my way, I do an honest evaluation of what happened and what I will do differently in the future.
How do you incorporate new strategies in your business?
I dedicate time each month to studying market trends and emerging real estate technologies. We also hold brainstorming sessions with the team to discuss new strategies we could implement. This collaborative approach has helped us stay agile and responsive to market changes.
Our commitment to sustainable and community-focused investing sets us apart. We’re not just about returns; we aim to improve the communities we invest in as mentioned above. We’ve also developed a unique approach to selecting properties we invest in, a proprietary system or secret sauce.
Integrity, transparency, and community focus are the cornerstones of our brand. These qualities have helped us build strong relationships with investors, partners, and local communities, which is essential for long-term success. One of our achievements as a company is the many properties we bought, refinanced, and sold to return substantial returns to our investing partners.
What is your advice to those looking to build a successful career in real estate investment?
Adaptability is key to this industry. Real estate is constantly changing, and being able to pivot based on new information or unexpected challenges is key to long-term success. I recommend setting aside time each week to review current investments and assess market trends. Regular analysis helps you stay proactive rather than reactive, which is especially valuable in real estate where the market can shift quickly.
Stay persistent and remember that every challenge is a learning opportunity. Real estate can be tough, and setbacks are inevitable, but if you stay focused and continue to improve your skills, the rewards will follow.
Educate yourself thoroughly—knowledge is power in this field. Don’t try to do it alone. Build a strong network of mentors, investors, contractors, and advisors. Finally, start small. Test the waters with a manageable investment, and as you gain experience, you can gradually expand.
In real estate investing, there is the potential for significant financial growth and the ability to work on something tangible. You also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on communities. Challenges in this business include the financial risks and the demands of managing multiple properties and numerous investors. It’s a rewarding field, but not without its challenges.
What accomplishments are you most proud of and what do you envision for the future of your business?
I’m proud of reaching a point where we can sustainably grow our portfolio while giving back to the communities we invest in. I’m also proud of building a loyal employee base and of the mentoring programs we’ve implemented at our properties. I envision the next season of our business focused on managing a smaller but stronger set of assets to produce excellent returns for our investors, provide a great work environment for our team, and create better communities for our residents.
I’m motivated by the tangible impact we’re able to make. Each project represents a chance to improve communities, create opportunities for others, and build something lasting. Seeing those results keeps me energized and focused. We are currently optimizing our portfolio to focus on the properties that have the best long-term opportunities. This is a multi-year initiative that will transform GVA and prepare us for the next upcycle in the market.
Personally, I’m beginning to explore the possibility of developing a program designed to help business leaders in the first half of their career to help them learn from the experience of successful leaders who are further down the road.
