Flipping LLCs Having Hard Times

Time for another update on the four LLCs I am invested in that flip foreclosures in the San Fransisco area.

Times are indeed hard in the California real estate market. I received a letter from the LLC manager stating what everyone already knows - the market sucks. Prices are depressed due to a flood of inventory, especially REOs and short sales. The LLCs have not been able to sell any properties. Since the companies are paid by taking 25% of the sales profits, no sales means no profits which means no income for the companies.

They have now exhausted their working capital. They are laying off about 60% of their workforce and those that remain will be taking a pay cut. They will also be moving to smaller, less expensive offices. They are asking the members to vote to change the operating agreement of the LLCs to allow the collection of a 4% annual maintenance fee to fund their ongoing operations. In return, they will forego their 25% stake in the profits. This will allow them to continue servicing the properties and give them additional time to seek alternative sources of income.

Personally, I'd like to refuse this request. One of the LLCs I am invested in was supposed to have closed a year ago and the investor's principle have been returned. That LLC is still operating because the properties left in inventory have not yet sold. I know they market is bad, but I have a hard time believing it can take a year to liquidate their inventory. I suspect they are still holding out for top dollar or close to top dollar. These properties were all bought at big discounts, so they should have some room to drop the prices for a quick sale. Of course, that's easy for me to say when I am not in the area and don't know all the details...

So despite my feelings, the reality is I have to approve this request. They currently have about 70 properties in their inventory, spread over 5 counties. It is in my best interests to allow them to continue to use their knowledge of the properties to get them sold.