How One Property Became Eight Profitable Units

Last month, our Founder, Devin Solow, and COO, Ian Lipman, took Ryan Walsh on-site in Durham to walk through a project that began as a single off-market house and became eight high-end, build-for-sale units.

During this behind-the-scenes walkthrough we talk about:

• How an overlooked property turned into an 8-unit development through smart zoning, entitlement, and density strategy

• Why knowing your city (and working with it, not against it) can dramatically reduce risk and timelines

• The difference between traditional fix-and-flip thinking and by-right development

• How Better underwrites design decisions using a true “dollar-in, dollar-out” philosophy

• Why certain premium features (Bosch appliances, waterfall islands, full tile baths, natural light) make sense in some neighborhoods — and not in others

• Creative layout decisions buyers will actually pay for (including a rare second laundry setup)

• How developers structure debt vs. equity to de-risk projects and attract capital partners

• Why this type of project is not a first-deal strategy — and how newer investors can still get involved the right way

This is a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground look at how experienced operators think about land, design, financing, and execution, and why the Triangle (especially Durham) continues to be a powerful market for thoughtful development.

🎥 Watch the full interview and project walkthrough to see what creative investing really looks like when it’s done right.