Dale Wills, owner and founder of Centra Capital Partners, discusses how dentists can invest in real estate without sacrificing time in their practice.

Q: Why should dentists even consider real estate investing with all the economic uncertainty and the time commitment it seems to require?

A: Dentists are no strangers to financial responsibility—running a practice demands significant investment of time, energy, and money. So, it’s understandable that many dentists are hesitant when it comes to investing outside their clinical work, especially in real estate. Common concerns include the volatility of markets, tariffs impacting construction costs, tying up money in illiquid assets for long periods, and the fear that managing properties will become another full-time job.

But here’s the reality: real estate, when structured properly, offers a proven way to build sustainable, diversified wealth with relatively low time involvement. For dentists, whose greatest asset is their time chairside, traditional real estate investment models like fix-and-flips or property management don’t make sense. That’s where syndication—a group investment structure—steps in.

Q: What exactly is a real estate syndication, and how does it work?

A: A real estate syndication is a way for multiple investors to pool their capital to invest in larger-scale projects—developments that would typically be out of reach for an individual investor. In a syndication, a sponsor (or group) identifies, manages, and oversees the real estate project, while passive investors like dentists contribute capital. In return, investors receive periodic cash flow distributions and a share of the profits when the project is completed or sold—all without lifting a finger to manage tenants, contractors, or city inspectors.

The beauty of syndication is that it leverages the dentist’s financial strength without requiring their time or expertise. You invest once, then let experienced partners handle the heavy lifting.

Q: How is real estate investing through syndications particularly suited to dentists?

A: Dentists are in a unique position: they are typically high-income earners but extremely time constrained. They also often seek financial vehicles that can create passive income streams and long-term security, especially as they think about early retirement, selling their practices, or simply reducing their clinical load.

Real estate syndications meet all these needs. They offer (1) time leverage: no active management or decision-making is required; (2) tax benefits: depreciation and cost segregation can dramatically reduce taxable income; (3) inflation protection: real estate values and rental incomes generally rise with inflation; and (4) stable returns: when investing in essential housing or development projects in growing markets, real estate tends to weather economic cycles better than more volatile assets like stocks.

Q: What is the “Built-to-Sell” model, and why should dentists pay attention to it?

A: Many real estate projects today focus on holding properties long term for rental income. That’s a great strategy, but it can mean locking up your money for a decade or more.

At Centra Capital Partners, we take a “Built-to-Sell” approach. We invest in the development of single-family home communities in high-demand areas, then sell the finished homes to end-buyers. The lifecycle is typically shorter—about 1 to 4 years—which means investors can see returns faster and have their capital available for future opportunities sooner.

This model is particularly beneficial for dentists who may want liquidity within a few years rather than committing to holds for 10-plus years. It balances the desire for passive income with the flexibility to adapt as their careers and life goals evolve.

Q: Real estate investing still carries risks. How can dentists find trusted partners and vet opportunities properly?

A: Every investment carries some risk, but partnering with experienced, transparent operators significantly reduces those risks. A few steps dentists should take when evaluating potential real estate investments include (1) checking track records: look for partners with a history of successfully completing projects similar to the one you’re considering; (2) understanding the business plan: make sure you clearly understand how the investment makes money, the timeline, and the assumptions behind projected returns; (3) demanding transparency: good sponsors will openly share financial models, risks, and regular project updates; (4) reviewing the markets: focus on real estate investments in markets with growing populations, strong economies, and a demand for housing; and (5) understanding the legal structure: review the private placement memorandum  and ensure you understand the rights and obligations it outlines.

Trust your gut as well. If you feel pressured or if something seems too good to be true, walk away. There are plenty of good deals with reputable operators who are willing to earn your trust the right way.

Q: How can dentists get started and learn more about real estate investing?

A: Building passive income and wealth through real estate doesn’t require becoming an expert; it just requires choosing the right partners and understanding the basic principles.

More and more dentists are taking steps to build long-term financial freedom through real estate without stepping away from their clinical careers. Centra Capital Partners helps dental professionals explore passive real estate strategies that align with their time-strapped lifestyles.

Mr. Wills established Centra Companies, a group of land development, real estate, and construction companies based out of the Twin Cities in 2011. He can be reached at [email protected].

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay.