The Real Estate Rule You Need to Break to Grow Your Portfolio

At DeRosa Group, we often emphasize the importance of discipline, consistency, and clear investment criteria. But there is another side to growth that does not get enough attention: the courage to challenge your own rules.

Take one of our early lessons at The Lofts at Savoy, a 49-unit apartment complex in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. When we acquired it, everything we owned was within 30 minutes of our headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey. We believed in focusing on our backyard, in our own words, “acres of diamonds.” The logic was sound: proximity meant easier management, tighter control, and operational efficiency.

But growth doesn’t always live inside comfort zones.

When the numbers made sense for this property, with strong cash flow, a stable economy, and solid returns, the only thing stopping us was our own rule. It was two hours away, which was enough to make us hesitate.

Instead of walking away, we asked a simple but powerful question: why does this rule exist?

That moment of self-examination changed everything.

Initially, the plan was to start another property management company closer to the asset. But instead, we partnered with a local property management firm that already understood the area and resident base. That one decision did not just free up time; it redefined our focus.

By letting go of day-to-day management, we were able to double down on what we do best: raising capital, building investor relationships, and scaling to new markets. That shift led us from regional investments to large multifamily acquisitions across North Carolina and Kentucky.

The lesson is simple but transformational: Challenge your own terms. Question your “always” and “never.”

Growth often starts where your comfort zone ends.

If you are serious about expanding your multifamily portfolio, it might be time to revisit the rules that once served you and decide whether they are still helping you move forward.

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“How To Buy Your First Apartment Building,” and learn how to get your first multifamily deal under contract. Enroll here for free: derosagroup.com/first-apt