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What to consider when selecting a fund manager

A framework for evaluating experience, alignment, and strategy

When it comes to investing, most investors focus on yield. They compare returns, chase performance, and overlook what actually drives success—the people behind the strategy. The truth is, long-term results aren’t just a matter of luck or market timing but are driven by disciplined execution, sound decision-making, and alignment of purpose.

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Pamela Linden

"True investor protection starts with transparency. From clear audit trails to institutional-grade compliance, we build our funds on a foundation of legal clarity. We want our investors to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their interests are protected by a disciplined legal framework and a team that prioritizes capital preservation above all else."

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Pamela Linden

Chief Operating and Legal Officer | DLP Capital

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Fund Manager Questions

Here are some additional questions you can ask a prospective fund manager.

Most managers lead with their biggest wins. This question tests for transparency and problem-solving.

What to listen for: You aren't looking for a perfect record; you’re looking for accountability. Did they communicate with investors early? Did they step in to protect capital? A manager who claims they’ve never had a "learning experience" is likely hiding something or hasn't been in business long enough.

This moves past "do you have a track record?" to "do you have skin in the game?" 

What to listen for: You want to hear that the principals and the management team are personally invested alongside you. If they don't trust their own strategy with their own net worth, why should you? This ensures their "win" is tied to your "win," not just the fees they collect.

This is an operational question. A vertically integrated manager (like DLP Capital) handles property management, construction, and lending in-house.

What to listen for: Outsource-heavy managers have less control over the "boots on the ground" details. In-house teams usually have better data, faster response times to market shifts, and more "control" over the safety of the asset.

This forces them to move from "pro forma" (ideal) numbers to stress-testing.

What to listen for: A good manager should be able to tell you exactly how much "breakeven occupancy" they need to cover their debts. In a debt fund, they might talk about their LTV cushion. In an equity fund, they might talk about their long-term fixed-rate financing. You want a clear "Plan B."

This is about the investor experience. Many managers are great when raising money, but disappear once the check is cashed.

What to listen for: Do they have an investor portal? Do they send monthly or quarterly reports? Is there a human you can call? Real estate is a long-term play, and you need to know you won't be left in the dark for three years while waiting for a "liquidity event."

A Proven Track Record

With over 20 years of work trying to solve the affordable housing crisis and creating wealth and prosperity for our partners and investors, DLP Capital is creating housing, jobs, and prosperity for families across America—and we’re just getting started.

4,000

Current Investors1

100K+

Current Residents2

$699M+

2025 Total Revenue3

$5.5B+

Assets Under Management4

20 Years of Impact

See how DLP Capital evolved from a small Pennsylvania startup into one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by focusing on a singular problem: the workforce housing crisis.

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