Investing in single-tenant, triple net (NNN) properties backed by franchisee guarantees presents both opportunity and nuance. While there is abundant data on NNN leases with corporate tenants, the franchisee-guaranteed subset brings additional layers of risk and reward. In this article we’ll explore: What a “franchisee-guaranteed NNN lease” means How cap rates are behaving generally in […]

If you’re looking to expand your network, sell a product or service, partner, or invest at scale, connecting with multi-unit franchise owners is a smart move. Let’s walk through how to locate multi-unit franchise owners, how to reach out to them effectively, and provide a list of tools/services to help you build that contact list. […]

When most investors analyze net lease deals, they focus on the landlord’s perspective — cap rate, lease term, credit strength, and passive income. But few stop to ask:What does the tenant care about? In this special interview series, we spoke directly with multi-unit franchisees across QSR, automotive, and convenience sectors to uncover what really matters […]

One of the most overlooked — and costly — mistakes net lease investors make is ignoring the warning signs of franchisee default risk. Just because a tenant is operating under a major brand like Dunkin’, Arby’s, or Burger King doesn’t mean they’re financially stable. Many of these stores are run by independent operators, and their […]

In a world where market volatility, inflation, and rising interest rates are becoming increasingly noticeable, investors need instruments that generate stable income with minimal risk. One such instrument is net lease investments (NNN), especially when combined with a robust tax mechanism — a 1031 exchange. These two approaches create a unique combination: passive income, protected […]

In net lease real estate, one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — elements of a deal is how lenders view franchisee credit. While many investors focus on brand recognition (“It’s a Dunkin’, we’re good!”), lenders take a more rigorous approach. Their priority? Who’s actually on the hook for the lease, and whether […]

In the world of net lease investing, the strength of the franchisee behind the lease is often just as important as the brand itself. With major QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chains like Dunkin’, Wendy’s, and Taco Bell, the majority of locations are operated by franchisees — not the corporations themselves. Knowing who the top operators […]

In recent years, a powerful trend has reshaped the landscape of net lease real estate: the rapid consolidation of franchisees across key retail and restaurant sectors. Once dominated by “mom-and-pop” owner-operators, many franchise systems are now controlled by sophisticated multi-unit, multi-brand operators — often backed by private equity or family offices. For NNN investors, this […]

In the world of net lease investing, the name on the storefront is often not the name on the lease. From fast-food drive-thrus to auto service centers, many national brands operate under franchise models — and it’s the franchisee, not the brand, who holds the lease obligation. For investors, this presents a critical question: Who’s […]

In the world of net lease investing, the name on the sign isn’t always the name on the lease. You may be buying a Taco Bell, Wendy’s, or Burger King, but the lease is often backed by a franchisee, not the corporate parent. This distinction matters—a lot. Understanding the credit risk between franchisee-owned NNN deals […]

In the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector, size matters—especially when you’re evaluating the strength of a NNN lease investment. While many investors focus on corporate-backed leases, some of the most stable and profitable QSR properties on the market today are operated by multi-unit franchisees with deep operational experience, professional management, and strong financial backing. These […]

As net lease investing continues to attract passive income seekers, a growing number of properties on the market are leased not to corporate parent companies—but to franchisees or franchise-backed entities. Franchisee NNN deals can offer attractive yields and brand-name tenants, but they also come with nuanced risk profiles that smart investors need to understand. Here’s […]

When it comes to building a strong, low-management portfolio of commercial real estate, investors often gravitate toward net lease assets. But not all NNN leases are created equal. Two of the most hands-off, long-term strategies—Absolute Triple Net (NNN) Leases and Ground Leases—both promise passive income and stable returns. The question is: Which one is the […]

In the fast-paced world of net lease investing, many retail and service brands that appear stable on the surface are actually owned — or heavily influenced — by private equity (PE) firms behind the scenes. For NNN investors, that can mean opportunity—but also hidden risk. Private equity-backed tenants can offer: High cap rates Aggressive expansion […]

One of the most powerful advantages of NNN (Triple Net) investments is predictable income. But if you’re holding a property for 10 years, you’re not just buying today’s cash flow — you’re buying a decade of future income. That means understanding how your Net Operating Income (NOI) will grow over time is essential to evaluating […]

When most investors think about NNN (Triple Net) investments, they envision nationally branded tenants like Starbucks, Walgreens, or 7-Eleven—corporate-backed, credit-rated, and virtually hands-off. But there’s another category of net lease tenants that offers higher yields and more opportunities, if you know how to underwrite the risk correctly: Franchisee Tenants. In today’s market, a growing number […]

In triple net (NNN) investing, one of the most important — and misunderstood — trade-offs is between lease term and yield. It’s a classic balancing act: Longer lease = lower yield, more security Shorter lease = higher yield, more risk Most investors want both — but in a competitive net lease market, getting the right […]

In the world of net lease investments, the Cap Rate is often the headline number. It’s front and center on every Crexi listing, flyer, and broker pitch. But here’s what seasoned investors know: The Asking Cap Rate only tells you what the seller wants to earn — not what you’ll actually earn. To make smart […]

In net lease investing, the tenant’s credit quality is arguably the single most important risk factor to evaluate. You’re not just buying the four walls and land — you’re buying a contractual income stream backed by that tenant’s ability and willingness to pay rent. For investors in NNN (Triple Net) or Absolute NNN assets, tenant […]

Investing in NNN (Triple Net) properties has become one of the most sought-after strategies for real estate investors looking for predictable, passive income with minimal operational risk. From corporate-leased retail to single-tenant QSRs, these assets can offer long-term stability, inflation protection, and hands-off ownership. But while NNN properties seem simple on the surface, even seasoned […]

If you’re selling a rental property, legacy asset, or highly appreciated real estate, you’ve likely heard of the 1031 exchange — one of the most powerful tools in the IRS tax code to build wealth and defer capital gains. But what many investors don’t realize is that the net lease (NNN) sector offers an ideal […]

As real estate investors search for passive, predictable income, net lease investments have emerged as a leading strategy — offering long-term stability, minimal management, and tenant-aligned lease structures. But for many new investors, the terminology can be confusing. What exactly is a net lease? And what are the differences between NNN, NN, and Absolute NNN […]

In today’s increasingly volatile financial markets, the need for reliable, stable income streams has never been more critical. As traditional investments like stocks and mutual funds face headwinds from inflation, interest rate hikes, and market uncertainty, many investors are turning their focus to real estate — specifically Net Lease (NNN) properties — as a dependable […]

Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) blend the best of two worlds: like-kind investment exposure for 1031 exchanges and a fully passive ownership experience. ✅ Fully 1031-Compatible, Completely Passive Because DST shares are treated by the IRS as “like-kind” property, they qualify for 1031 tax deferral—but with no landlord headaches. Ownership responsibilities—including leasing, maintenance, and financing—are handled […]

1. Turnkey Investing DSTs let you participate in large-scale commercial properties (e.g., multifamily, industrial, healthcare) with relatively small capital—often starting at $100K–$200K. Instead of managing leases, maintenance, and upkeep, you collect reliable passive income. 2. Strict “Yes/No” Structure Under IRS rules, DST sponsors must follow a passive structure—no renegotiation of loans, no property reinvestment, no […]