Acquisitions and Development Assoicate

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Type: Full-Time, Contract

Reports To: President

Company Overview

Guardian Management and Property Investment is a full-service, vertically integrated residential real estate investment company dedicated to "Improving Communities One Property at a Time." We transform distressed properties into quality homes through strategic acquisitions, renovations, and professional management. Our portfolio includes single-family homes, two-to-four-unit properties, and 5+ commercial assets.

Position Summary

We seek a dynamic Real Estate Acquisitions and Development Associate to identify, analyze, execute, and oversee real estate investment opportunities across our vertically integrated platform. This versatile role combines financial analysis, deal execution, fieldwork, project coordination, and property development oversight. The position requires frequent visits to distressed or partially completed properties and offers significant growth potential with exposure to all facets of real estate investment operations.

Key Responsibilities

Opportunity Sourcing and Market Analysis

•       
Develop and maintain robust pipeline of investment opportunities through broker, wholesaler, and property owner relationships

•       
Conduct on-site inspections of distressed, vacant, or in-progress properties to assess condition for potential purchase

•       
Document property conditions with photos, videos, and detailed notes

•       
Identify potential environmental concerns (e.g., mold, debris, structural deficiencies) and communicate findings promptly

•       
Assist in evaluating property feasibility and preparing acquisition summaries

•       
Conduct comprehensive market research to identify emerging neighborhoods aligned with investment strategy

•       
Monitor market trends, comparable sales data, and rental market conditions

•       
Maintain competitive intelligence and market analysis reports

Financial Analysis and Underwriting

•       
Perform detailed financial analysis and underwriting for potential acquisitions

•       
Develop comprehensive investment models including acquisition costs, renovation expenses, financing terms, and projected returns

•       
Conduct stress testing and sensitivity analyses on key assumptions

•       
Prepare clear investment summaries communicating risk factors and return projections

Due Diligence and Transaction Management

•       
Manage complete due diligence process for prospective acquisitions

•       
Coordinate property inspections, environmental assessments, title reviews, and zoning compliance verification

•       
Work with contractors, engineers, and attorneys to ensure thorough property evaluation

•       
Identify potential issues and develop mitigation strategies

•       
Oversee transaction process from contract execution through closing

•       
Ensure all contingencies are satisfied within specified timeframes

•       
Coordinate with title companies, attorneys, and closing participants

•       
Manage purchase contract negotiations and modifications

Debt Strategy and Financing

•       
Research financing options and prepare comprehensive loan packages

•       
Maintain relationships with lenders and mortgage brokers

•       
Analyze different debt structures and compare terms across multiple lenders

•       
Assist with refinancing existing properties to optimize returns

Construction Project Coordination

•       
Assist in developing renovation scopes and budgets for value-add opportunities

•       
Support Project Manager and General Contractor (GC) with 
GMPI
 project activities

•       
Prepare, submit, and track change orders 
for approval

•       
Create and maintain punch lists to ensure projects meet quality standards

•       
Assist in tracking project schedules, deadlines, and documentation

•       
Communicate with vendors, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure timely completion of tasks

•       
Obtain contractor bids and review construction timelines

•       
Monitor project costs to ensure adherence to underwritten assumptions

Permits and Regulatory Support

•       
Assist with pulling permits, submitting applications, and tracking approvals

•       
Coordinate with city or municipal agencies as needed to ensure compliance

•       
Coordinate permit applications and ensure building code compliance

Property Layout and Planning Support

•       
Assist with property layouts, including space planning, room configuration, and preliminary construction or renovation designs to ensure 
maximum value creation

•       
Support leadership in conceptualizing project layouts for renovation or redevelopment projects

Post-Construction Coordination

•       Ensure punch list completion

•       Coordinate handoff to leasing

•       Work with leasing agent to ensure property is ready for final cleaning and listing

•       
Monitor 
initial 
property maintenance and repair activities

•       
Report issues promptly and recommend solutions to leadership

Portfolio Analysis and Administrative Support

•       
Maintain detailed records of all acquisition activities

•       
Prepare regular reports on pipeline status, market conditions, and investment performance

•       
Develop presentations for internal stakeholders

•       
Track key performance metrics across portfolio

•       
Support project billing, including invoice preparation, tracking payments, and maintaining billing logs

•       Coordinate with bookkeeper for 
expense tracking, and reconciliation assistance

•       
Organize project files, contracts, and correspondence

•       
Prepare reports and updates for leadership and team meetings as needed

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

•       
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Economics, Business Administration, or related field preferred

•       
2-4 years' experience in real estate, finance, asset 
management, 
construction, or related analytical roles

•       
Previous experience in real estate acquisitions, financial services, commercial lending, construction coordination, or property development preferred

Technical Skills

•       
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling and analysis

•       
Strong quantitative analysis skills with ability to evaluate complex investment scenarios

•       
Understanding of real estate valuation methodologies, cash flow analysis, and return metrics (IRR, NPV, cap rates)

•       
Familiarity with real estate analysis software and programs (Prop Stream, Pro-Bidder, AppFolio) beneficial

•       
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management platforms

•       
Ability to safely navigate distressed or active construction sites

•       
Valid driver's license, insurance, and reliable transportation required

Communication and Professional Skills

•       
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

•       
Ability to prepare clear investment summaries, presentations, and reports

•       
Comfortable presenting findings to senior management and external stakeholders

•       
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures

•       
Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively

Preferred Qualifications

•       
Comprehensive understanding of local real estate markets and zoning regulations

•       
Basic knowledge of construction and renovation processes

•       
Experience with property research platforms (CoStar, LoopNet, MLS systems)

•       
Familiarity with property management software and CRM systems (AppFolio, Monday)

•       Basic knowledge of using AI / GPT tools and automations to increase productivity

Compensation

Annual Base Salary: $48,000 to $50,000

Target Bonus Range: 25% - 50% of base salary ($12,500 - $25,000)

Bonus Payout Schedule

25% Bonus ($12,500):

•       
Company meets minimum $1,500,000 deal threshold

•       
Individual meets 75% of performance metrics

37.5% Bonus ($18,750):

•       
Company achieves target $1,750,000 in deals

•       
Individual meets 90% of performance metrics

50% Bonus ($25,000):

•       
Company exceeds $2,000,000 in deals

•       
Individual exceeds all performance metrics

Total Compensation Potenial

Year 1 Range: $62,500 - $75,000

Growth Trajectory: Base salary and bonus targets subject to annual review based on performance and company growth

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Must be comfortable inspecting distressed properties in blighted neighborhoods that may have sustained fire, water, vandalism, pest, or other types of damage

• In certain situations, wearing a mask or other protective equipment may be required

• Safety is our highest priority and will always take precedence over property entry

• Frequent travel to job sites and distressed properties within the Chicagoland area

• Exposure to environmental conditions such as dust, debris, mold, uneven surfaces, and unfinished structures

• Ability to walk, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods while conducting property assessments

• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 lbs

• While working in the office, must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations