What Happens When Locals Start Building Their Own Communities?

Most real estate investors spend years chasing deals that are already on the market, competing for limited returns and little control. But a different model is emerging. One where locals don’t just invest in their communities… they help build them. In this webinar, Kristi Kandel, real estate developer with nearly 20 years of experience across $450M+ in projects, shares how everyday investors are transitioning into local developers and participating in real community-based projects. Using a real-world example, Elevate SWFL, a sports, wellness, and social “third space” concept launching in Bonita Springs, this session will break down how a project goes from idea to execution and where capital partners fit into the process. This session will cover: • Why traditional investing is becoming more competitive and less predictable • The difference between investing in deals vs helping create them • How community-based development projects actually come together • Where investors can participate in real projects from the ground up • How new models are opening access to development opportunities This is an educational session designed to give investors a clearer understanding of how development works and where new opportunities are emerging.