From Investor to Developer: How to Build What Your Community Actually Needs with Kristi Kandel

Most investors stop at buying and renting—but what if your next move was developing the places your community actually needs?

In this episode, real estate developer and consultant Kristi Kandel shares how everyday investors can become local developers without millions in the bank or a background in construction. With $450M+ in completed projects across retail, housing, clean energy, and adaptive reuse, Kristi breaks down what it really takes to turn vacant buildings or underutilized lots into thriving local assets.

You’ll learn:

• What development actually means (hint: it’s not always ground-up construction)

• How to get started with adaptive reuse and infill projects

• Who to talk to first — from city managers to regional lenders to neighbors

• How to access local grants, incentives, and funding opportunities

• The step-by-step process Kristi uses to help investors become developers in their own towns

• Why small towns (under 10,000 people) are filled with overlooked development potential

Kristi also shares her experience developing clean energy projects like hydrogen fueling stations, and how tech and AI are transforming how developers evaluate deals and make decisions faster than ever.

Find out more:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/

linkedin.com/company/local-real-estate-developers

https://www.instagram.com/localrealestatedevelopers

https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/

Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area.

https://www.livegreenlocal.com

And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits.

https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com