Lightstone Value Plus REIT I, Inc. - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For The Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015

or

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission file number 333-117367

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  732-367-0129

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No  ¨ 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes  x      No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

There is no established market for the Registrant’s common shares. As of June 30, 2015, the last business day of the most recently completed second quarter, there were 25.8 million shares of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant. On March 22, 2016 the board of directors of the Registrant approved an estimated value per share of the Registrant’s common stock of $11.80 per share (after allocations to the holder of subordinated profits interests in our operating partnership) derived from the estimated value of the Registrant’s assets less the estimated value of the Registrant’s liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding, all as of September 30, 2015. For a full description of the methodologies used to value the Registrant’s assets and liabilities in connection with the calculation of the estimated value per share, see Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities - Market Information.” As of March 15, 2016, there were 25.5 million shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

LIGHTSTONE VALUE PLUS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST, INC.

Table of Contents

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  

This annual report on Form 10-K, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (the “Lightstone REIT”) contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Lightstone REIT intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Lightstone REIT ’s future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. You should not rely on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the Lightstone REIT’s control and which could materially affect actual results, performances or achievements. Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, (i) general economic and local real estate conditions, (ii) the inability of major tenants to continue paying their rent obligations due to bankruptcy, insolvency or general downturn in their business, (iii) financing risks, such as the inability to obtain equity, debt, or other sources of financing on favorable terms, (iv) changes in governmental laws and regulations, (v) the level and volatility of interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (vi) the availability of suitable acquisition opportunities and (vii) increases in operating costs. Accordingly, there is no assurance that the Lightstone REIT’s expectations will be realized.

All forward-looking statements should be read in light of the factors identified herein at Part 1, Item 1A as well as in the “Risk Factors” section of the Registration Statement on Form S-11 (File No. 333-117367) of the Lightstone REIT filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as the same may be amended and supplemented from time to time.

PART I.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS:

General Description of Business

Structure

The Lightstone REIT is a Maryland corporation, formed on June 8, 2004 and subsequently qualified as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) during year ending December 31, 2006. The Lightstone REIT was formed primarily for the purpose of engaging in the business of investing in and owning commercial and residential real estate properties located throughout the United States.

The Lightstone REIT is structured as an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust, (“UPREIT”), and substantially all of its current and future business is and will be conducted through Lightstone Value Plus REIT, L.P. (the “Operating Partnership”), a Delaware limited partnership formed on July 12, 2004. The Lightstone REIT as the general partner, held a 98% interest in the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2015 (See Noncontrolling Interests below for discussion of other owners of the Operating Partnership).

The Lightstone REIT and the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the “Company” and the use of “we,” “our,” “us” or similar pronouns in this annual report refers to the Lightstone REIT, its Operating Partnership or the Company as required by the context in which such pronoun is used. 

The Lightstone REIT is managed by Lightstone Value Plus REIT, LLC (the “Advisor”), an affiliate of The Lightstone Group (the “Sponsor”), under the terms and conditions of an advisory agreement. The Sponsor and Advisor are majority owned and controlled by David Lichtenstein, the Chairman of our Board of Directors and its Chief Executive Officer.

We own and manage a diversified (by geographical location and by type and size of property) portfolio of commercial and residential properties located throughout the United States. We have acquired fee interests in multi-tenant, community, power and lifestyle shopping centers, and in malls located in highly trafficked retail corridors, high-barrier to entry markets, and sub-markets with constraints on the amount of additional property supply. Additionally, we have acquired fee interests in lodging properties located near major transportation arteries in urban and suburban areas; multi-tenant industrial properties located near major transportation arteries and distribution corridors; and market-rate, middle market multi-family residential properties at a discount to replacement cost.

We operate within four operating segments which are our Retail Segment, Multi-Family Residential Segment, Industrial Segment and Hospitality Segment. The Unallocated amounts include our investments in real estate companies which are not wholly owned as well as our corporate operations. As of December 31, 2015, on a collective basis, we (i) wholly or majority owned and consolidated the operating results and financial condition of 3 retail properties containing a total of approximately 0.7 million square feet of gross leasable area (“GLA”), 14 industrial properties containing a total of approximately 1.0 million square feet of GLA, 5 multi-family residential properties containing a total of 1,216 units, and 1 hotel hospitality property containing 363 rooms. All of our properties are located within the United States. As of December 31, 2015, the retail properties, the industrial properties and the multi-family residential properties were 90%, 62% and 96% occupied based on a weighted-average basis, respectively. The hospitality property’s average revenue per available room was $79 and occupancy was 62% for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Disposition of limited service hotels

On January 19, 2015, our board of directors provided us with the approval to form a joint venture (the “Joint Venture”) with Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a related party REIT also sponsored by our Sponsor and for the Joint Venture to acquire our membership interests in a portfolio of 11 of our hotel hospitality properties (the “LVP REIT Hotels”) for an aggregate of approximately $122.4 million, plus closing and other third party transaction costs. 

The 11 limited service hotels consist of the following:

During 2015, we, through our Operating Partnership, completed the disposition of the LVP REIT Hotels in a series of transactions. The operating results of the LVP REIT Hotels are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations through their respective dates of disposition for all periods presented. Additionally, the associated assets and liabilities of the LVP REIT Hotels are classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented through their respective dates of disposition. We recognized an aggregate gain on disposition of approximately $17.3 million, which is included in discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations, during the year ended December 31, 2015.   Additionally, we account for our 2.5% membership interest in the Joint Venture under the cost method and as of December 31, 2015, its carrying value of $1.5 million is included in investment in related parties on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Other Transactions

During the year ended December 31, 2013, we disposed of two Extended Stay Hotels located in Houston, Texas (the “Houston Extended Stay Hotels”) and a retail shopping center (“Everson Pointe”) located in Snellville, Georgia. The operating results of the Houston Extended Stay Hotels and Everson Pointe have been classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations through their respective dates of disposition for all periods presented. Additionally, the associated assets and liabilities of the Houston Extended Stay Hotels and Everson Pointe are classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented through their respective dates of disposition. These transactions resulted in a fourth quarter gain on disposition of $2.0 million, which is included in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we disposed of Crowe’s Crossing Shopping Center (“Crowe’s Crossing”), a retail shopping center located in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The operating results of Crowe’s Crossing are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented through its date of disposition. Additionally, the associated assets and liabilities of the Crowe’s Crossing are classified as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented through its date of disposition. We recognized a gain on disposition of approximately $1.7 million, which is included in discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2014. 

Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2014 we disposed of an industrial property located in Sarasota, Florida (“Sarasota”) for approximately $5.3 million and recorded a loss on the disposition of real estate of approximately $2.4 million related to this disposition. Also, during the year ended December 31, 2014, we disposed of 2 multi-family apartment buildings located in Greensboro/Charlotte, North Carolina (the “Camden Multi-Family Properties”) for approximately $32.4 million and recorded a gain on the disposition of real estate of approximately $11.5 million related to this disposition. The dispositions of Sarasota and the Camden Multi-Family Properties did not qualify to be reported as discontinued operations and therefore, their operating results are reflected in our results from operations for all periods presented through their respective dates of disposition.

Noncontrolling Interest – Partners of Operating Partnership

On July 6, 2004, the Advisor contributed $2,000 to the Operating Partnership in exchange for 200 limited partner units in the Operating Partnership. The limited partner has the right to convert operating partnership units into cash or, at our option, an equal number of our common shares, as allowed by the limited partnership agreement.

Through March 31, 2009, Lightstone SLP, LLC, an affiliate of the Advisor, purchased an aggregate of $30.0 million of special general partner interests (“SLP Units”) in the Operating Partnership at a cost of $100,000 per unit and none thereafter.

In addition, during years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009, the Operating Partnership issued at total of (i) 497,209 units of common limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership (“Common Units”) and (ii) 93,616 Series A preferred limited partnership units in the Operating Partnership (the “Series A Preferred Units”) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $93.6 million collectively to Arbor Mill Run JRM, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Arbor National CJ, LLC, a New York limited liability company, Prime Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, TRAC Central Jersey LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Central Jersey Holdings II, LLC, a New York limited liability company and JT Prime LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, in exchange for an aggregate 36.80% membership interest in Mill Run LLC (“Mill Run”) and an aggregate 40.00% membership interest in Prime Outlets Acquisition Company (“POAC”). The membership interests in Mill Run and POAC were subsequently disposed of during the third quarter of 2010. Additionally, the Operating Partnership redeemed an aggregate 43,516 Series A Preferred Units, with a liquidation preference of approximately $43.5 million, during the third quarter of 2013. On January 2, 2014, the Operating Partnership redeemed all of the then remaining outstanding 50,100 Series A Preferred Units, at their liquidation preference of approximately $50.1 million.

Operating Partnership Activity

Through our Operating Partnership, we have and will continue to acquire and operate commercial, residential, and hospitality properties and make real estate-related investments, principally in the United States. Our commercial holdings currently consist of retail (primarily multi-tenant shopping centers), lodging and industrial properties. All such properties have been and will continue to be acquired and operated by us alone or jointly with others. Since inception, we have completed the following significant property and investments transactions:

Property and Investments Transactions

Related Party

Our business is managed by the Advisor, an affiliate of our Sponsor, under the terms and conditions of an advisory agreement. Our Sponsor and Advisor are owned and controlled by David Lichtenstein, the Chairman of our Board of Directors.  Our Sponsor is one of the largest private residential and commercial real estate owners and operators in the United States today, with a diversified portfolio of over 100 properties containing approximately 10,285 multifamily units, approximately 257,000 square feet of office space, 1.5 million square feet of industrial space, 25 hotels and 3.3 million square feet of retail space. The residential, office, industrial, hotel and retail properties are located in 21 states.  Based in New York, and supported by regional offices in New Jersey and Maryland, our Sponsor employs approximately 383 staff and professionals including a senior management team with approximately 24 years on average of industry experience. Our Sponsor has extensive experience in the areas of investment selection, underwriting, due diligence, portfolio management, asset management, property management, leasing, disposition, finance, accounting and investor relations. Our Sponsor is also the Sponsor of (i) Hamilton National Income Trust, Inc. (“HNIT”), (ii) Lightstone II, (iii) Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust III, Inc. (“Lightstone III”) and (iv) Lightstone Real Estate Income Trust Inc. (“Lightstone IV” and collectively, “Sponsor’s Other Public Programs”), all programs with similar investment objectives as ours.

Acquired properties and development activities may be managed by affiliates of Lightstone Value Plus REIT Management LLC (the “Property Manager”).

Our Advisor and Property Manager are each related parties. Each of these entities receives compensation and fees for services for the investment and management of our assets. These entities receive fees during our offering (which was completed on October 10, 2008), acquisition, operational and liquidation stages. The compensation levels during the acquisition and operational stages are based on the cost of acquired properties and the annual revenue earned from such properties, and other such fees outlined in each of the respective agreements.

Primary Investment Objectives  

Our primary investment objectives are:

Acquisition and Investment Policies 

We have, to date, acquired residential and commercial properties principally, all of which are located in the continental United States and made real estate-related investments. Our acquisitions include both portfolios and individual properties. Our current commercial holdings consist of retail (primarily multi-tenant shopping centers), lodging and industrial properties and our residential properties are principally comprised of ’‘Class B’’ multi-family complexes. Additionally, we have made certain preferred equity investments in related parties.

We may acquire the following types of real estate interests:

All of the properties are owned by subsidiary limited partnerships or limited liability companies. These subsidiaries are single-purpose entities that we created to own a single property, and each have no assets other than the property it owns. These entities represent a useful means of shielding our Operating Partnership from liability under state laws and will make the underlying properties easier to transfer. However, tax law disregards single-member LLCs and so it will be as if the Operating Partnership owns the underlying properties for tax purposes. Use of single-purpose entities in this manner is customary for REITs. Our independent directors are not required to approve all transactions involving the creation of subsidiary limited liability companies and limited partnerships that we use for investment in properties on our behalf. These subsidiary arrangements are intended to ensure that no environmental or other liabilities associated with any particular property can be attributed against other properties that the Operating Partnership or we will own. The limited liability aspect of a subsidiary’s form will shield parent and affiliated (but not subsidiary) companies, including the Operating Partnership and us, from liability assessed against it. No additional fees are imposed upon the REIT by the subsidiary companies’ managers and these subsidiaries are not affected our stockholders’ voting rights.

We have not and do not intend to make significant investments in single family residential properties; leisure home sites; farms; ranches; timberlands; unimproved properties not intended to be developed; or mining properties.

Not more than 10% of our total assets may be invested in unimproved real property. For purposes of this paragraph, “unimproved real properties” does not include properties acquired for the purpose of producing rental or other operating income, properties under construction and properties for which development or construction is planned within one year. Additionally, we do not invest in contracts for the sale of real estate unless in recordable form and appropriately recorded.

Although we are not limited as to the geographic area where we may conduct our operations, we have invested and will continue to invest in properties located near the existing operations of our Sponsor, in order to achieve economies of scale where possible.

Financing Strategy and Policies

We utilize leverage when acquiring our properties. The number of different properties we acquire are affected by numerous factors, including, the amount of funds available to us. When interest rates on mortgage loans are high or financing is otherwise unavailable on terms that are satisfactory to us, we may purchase certain properties for cash with the intention of obtaining a mortgage loan for a portion of the purchase price at a later time. We intend to limit our aggregate long-term permanent borrowings to 75% of the aggregate fair market value of all properties unless any excess borrowing is approved by a majority of the independent directors and is disclosed to our stockholders.

Our charter provides that the aggregate amount of borrowing, both secured and unsecured, may not exceed 300% of net assets in the absence of a satisfactory showing that a higher level is appropriate, the approval of our Board of Directors and disclosure to stockholders. Net assets means our total assets, other than intangibles, at cost before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves less our total liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied. Any excess in borrowing over such 300% of net assets level must be approved by a majority of our independent directors and disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report to stockholders, along with justification for such excess. As of December 31, 2015, our total borrowings represented 66% of net assets.

We have financed our property acquisitions through a variety of means, including but not limited to individual non-recourse mortgages and through the exchange of an interest in the property for limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership. Generally, though not exclusively, we intend to seek to finance our investments with debt which will be on a non-recourse basis. However, we may, secure recourse financing or provide a guarantee to lenders, if we believe this may result in more favorable terms. We had $247.3 million in outstanding debt obligations as of December 31, 2015.

Distribution Objectives  

U.S. federal income tax law requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. In order to continue to qualify for REIT status, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available.

Distributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. We commenced quarterly distributions beginning February 1, 2006. We have generally paid such distributions through a combination of cash proceeds from sale our common stock, as well as cash from operations and through issuance of common shares from our distribution reinvestment program (“DRIP”). We may continue to pay such distributions from borrowings if we have not generated sufficient cash flow from our operations to fund such distributions. Our ability to pay regular distributions and the size of these distributions will depend upon a variety of factors. For example, our borrowing policy permits us to incur short-term indebtedness, having a maturity of two years or less, and we may have to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the distribution requirements that are necessary to achieve the tax benefits associated with qualifying as a REIT. We cannot assure that regular distributions will continue to be made or that we will maintain any particular level of distribution that we have established or may establish.

We are an accrual basis taxpayer, and as such our REIT taxable income could be higher than the cash available to us. We may therefore borrow to make distributions, which could reduce the cash available to us, in order to distribute 90% of REIT taxable income as a condition to our election to be taxed as a REIT. These distributions made with borrowed funds may constitute a return of capital to stockholders. “Return of capital” refers to distributions to investors in excess of net income. To the extent that distributions to stockholders exceed earnings and profits, such amounts constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although such distributions might not reduce stockholders’ aggregate invested capital. Because our earnings and profits are reduced for deprecation and other non-cash items, it is likely that a portion of each distribution will constitute a tax deferred return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Beginning February 1, 2006, our Board of Directors declared quarterly distributions in the amount of $0.0019178 per share per day payable to stockholders of record at the close of business each day during the applicable period. The annualized rate declared was equal to 7%, which represents the annualized rate of return on an investment of $10.00 per share attributable to these daily amounts, if paid for each day for a 365 day period (the “Annualized Rate”). Subsequently, our Board of Directors has declared regular quarterly distributions at the Annualized Rate, with the exception of the three-month period ended June 30, 2010. The distributions for the three-month period ended June 30, 2010 were at an aggregate annualized rate of 8% based upon a share price of $10.00. Through December 31, 2015, we have paid aggregate distributions in the amount of $163.2 million, which includes cash distributions paid to stockholders and common stock issued under our DRIP.

Total distributions declared during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $18.1 million, $18.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

On March 22, 2016, our Board of Directors declared the quarterly distribution for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 in the amount of $0.0019178 per share per day payable to stockholders of record on the close of business on the last day of the quarter, which is payable on April 15, 2016.

DRIP, Share Repurchase Program and Tender Offers

Our DRIP provided our stockholders with an opportunity to purchase additional shares of our common stock at a discount by reinvesting distributions. On January 19, 2015, the Board of Directors suspended the Company’s DRIP effective April 15, 2015. For so long as the DRIP remains suspended, all future distributions will be in the form of cash.

Our share repurchase program may provide our stockholders with limited, interim liquidity by enabling them to sell their shares back to us, subject to restrictions. From our inception through December 31, 2014 we redeemed approximately 2.8 million common shares at an average price per share of $9.29 per share. During 2015, we redeemed approximately 0.3 million common shares or 100% of redemption requests received during the period, at an average price per share of $10.00 per share.

On February 14, 2013, our Board of Directors approved an increase to the price for all purchases under our share repurchase program from $9.00 to $10.00 per share. Previously the purchase price was $9.00 per share, except in the case of the death of the stockholder, whereby the purchase price per common share was the lesser of the actual amount paid by the stockholder to acquire the shares or $10.00 per share.

Our Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, has the power to terminate the share repurchase program after the end of the offering period, change the price per share under the share repurchase program or reduce the number of shares purchased under the program, if it determines that the funds allocated to the share repurchase program are needed for other purposes, such as the acquisition, maintenance or repair of properties, or for use in making a declared distribution. A determination by our Board of Directors to eliminate or reduce the share repurchase program requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the independent directors.

Tender Offer

2013 Offer

We commenced a tender offer on May 1, 2013, pursuant to which we offered to acquire up to 4.7 million shares of our common stock (the “Shares”) from the holders (“Holders”) of the shares at a purchase price equal to $10.60 per share, in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in an offer to purchase and in the related letter of transmittal, (which together, as amended, constitute the “2013 Offer”). 

On August 6, 2013, we completed the 2013 Offer repurchasing from the Holders approximately 4.7 million Shares for approximately $50.0 million. The 2013 Offer expired on July 15, 2013 and all payments for the shares repurchased were subsequently distributed to the Holders. A total of approximately 5.0 million shares of our common stock were properly tendered and not withdrawn, of which we purchased approximately 4.7 million shares , in accordance with the proration provisions of the 2013 Offer, from tendering stockholders at a price of $10.60 per share, or an aggregate amount of approximately $50.0 million.

Tax Status

We elected to be taxed as a REIT in conjunction with the filing of our 2005 U.S. federal income tax return. If we remain qualified as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. To maintain our REIT qualification under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we annually distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. If we fail to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, our income for that year will be taxed at regular corporate rates, and we may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following our failure to qualify as a REIT. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to our stockholders. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no material uncertain income tax positions and our net operating loss carry forward was $12.7 million, for which we have recorded a full valuation allowance. Additionally, even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we engage in certain activities such as providing real estate-related services through wholly-owned taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). As such, we are subject to U.S. federal and state income and franchise taxes from these activities.

Competition  

The retail, lodging, office, industrial and residential real estate markets are highly competitive. We compete in all of our markets with other owners and operators of retail, lodging, office, industrial and residential real estate. The continued development of new retail, lodging, office, industrial and residential properties has intensified the competition among owners and operators of these types of real estate in many market areas in which we intend to operate. We compete based on a number of factors that include location, rental rates, security, suitability of the property’s design to prospective tenants’ needs and the manner in which the property is operated and marketed. The number of competing properties in a particular market could have a material effect on our occupancy levels, rental rates and on the operating expenses of certain of our properties.

In addition, we compete with other entities engaged in real estate investment activities to locate suitable properties to acquire and to locate tenants and purchasers for our properties. These competitors include other REITs, specialty finance companies, savings and loan associations, banks, mortgage bankers, insurance companies, mutual funds, institutional investors, investment banking firms, lenders, governmental bodies and other entities. There are other REITs with asset acquisition objectives similar to ours that may be organized in the future. Some of these competitors, including larger REITs, have substantially greater marketing and financial resources than we have and generally may be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of tenants. In addition, these same entities seek financing through similar channels to those sought by us. Therefore, we compete for institutional investors in a market where funds for real estate investment may decrease.

Competition from these and other third party real estate investors may limit the number of suitable investment opportunities available to us. It may also result in higher prices, lower yields and a narrower spread of yields over our borrowing costs, making it more difficult for us to acquire new investments on attractive terms.

We believe that our Sponsor’s experience, coupled with our financing, professionalism, diversity of properties and reputation in the industry enable us to compete with the other real estate investment companies.

Because we are organized as an UPREIT, we are well positioned within the industries in which we intend to operate to offer existing property owners the opportunity to contribute their properties to us in tax-deferred transactions using our operating partnership units as transactional currency. As a result, we have a competitive advantage over most of our competitors that are structured as traditional REITs and non-REITs in pursuing acquisitions with tax-sensitive sellers.

Environmental  

As an owner of real estate, we are subject to various environmental laws of federal, state and local governments. Compliance with existing laws has not had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, and management does not believe it will have such an impact in the future. However, we cannot predict the impact of unforeseen environmental contingencies or new or changed laws or regulations on properties in which we hold an interest, or on properties that may be acquired directly or indirectly in the future.

Employees  

We do not have employees. We entered into an advisory agreement with our Advisor on April 22, 2005, pursuant to which our Advisor supervises and manages our day-to-day operations and selects our real estate and real estate related investments, subject to oversight by our Board of Directors. We pay our Advisor fees for services related to the investment and management of our assets, and we reimburse our Advisor for certain expenses incurred on our behalf.

Available Information  

We electronically file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, and proxy statements, with the SEC. Stockholders may obtain copies of our filings with the SEC, free of charge, from the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our office is located at 1985 Cedar Bridge Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Our telephone number is (732) 367-0129. Our website is www.lightstonecapitalmarkets.com.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS:

Set forth below are the risk factors that we believe are material to our investors.  This section contains forward-looking statements.  You should refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements on page 3. If any of the risk events described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. 

Risks Related to the Common Stock

Distributions to stockholders may be reduced or not made at all.   

Distributions are based principally on cash available from our properties. The amount of cash available for distributions is affected by many factors, such as the operating performance of the properties we acquire, our ability to buy properties with proceeds from the disposition of our retail outlet assets, and many other variables. We may not be able to pay or maintain distributions or increase distributions over time. Therefore, we cannot determine what amount of cash will be available for distributions. Some of the following factors, which we believe are the material factors that can affect our ability to make distributions, are beyond our control, and a change in any one factor could adversely affect our ability to pay future distributions:

Distributions paid from sources other than our cash flow from operations will cause us to have fewer funds available for the acquisition of properties and real estate-related investments and may dilute your interest in us, which may adversely affect your overall return.

We have in the past, and may in the future, pay distributions, both to stockholders and to Lightstone SLP, LLC, from sources other than from our cash flow from operations. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our cash flow from operations of approximately $21.1 million was in excess of our distributions of approximately $20.2 million declared during such period (consisting of $18.1 million to stockholders and $2.1 million to Lightstone SLP, LLC) and for the year ended December 31, 2014, our cash flow from operations of approximately $27.9 million was in excess of our distributions of approximately $20.2 million declared during such period (consisting of $18.1 million to stockholders and $2.1 million to Lightstone SLP, LLC) and for the year ended December 31, 2013, our cash flow from operations of approximately $17.1 million was a shortfall of approximately $4.8 million, or 22%, of our distributions of approximately $21.9 million declared during such period (consisting of $19.8 million to stockholders and $2.1 million to Lightstone SLP, LLC). If we fund distributions from sources other than cash flow from operations, we will have less funds available for acquiring properties or real estate-related investments. Our inability to acquire additional properties or real estate-related investments may have a negative effect on our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay distributions. As a result, the return you realize on your investment may be reduced. Additionally, we may fund our distributions from borrowings, the sale of assets, or the sale of additional securities if we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay distributions. Funding distributions from borrowings could restrict the amount we can borrow for investments, which may affect our profitability. Funding distributions with the sale of assets may affect our ability to generate cash flows. Funding distributions from the sale of additional securities could dilute your interest in us if we sold shares of our preferred or common stock to third-party investors. Payment of distributions from these sources would restrict our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or would affect the distributions payable to you upon a liquidity event, which may have an adverse effect on your investment.

Our operations could be restricted if we become subject to the Investment Company Act of 1940.  

We are not registered, and do not intend to register ourselves or any of our subsidiaries, as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If we or any of our subsidiaries become obligated to register as an investment company, the registered entity would have to comply with a variety of substantive requirements under the Investment Company Act imposing, among other things:

We intend to conduct our operations, directly and through wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries, so that we and each of our subsidiaries are exempt from registration as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. Under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act, a company is deemed to be an “investment company” if it is, or holds itself out as being, engaged primarily, or proposes to engage primarily, in the business of investing, reinvesting or trading in securities. Under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act, a Company is deemed to be an “investment company” if it is engaged, or proposes to engage, in the business of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities and owns or propose to acquire “investment securities” having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets on an unconsolidated basis, which we refer to as the “40% test.”

Since we will be primarily engaged in the business of acquiring real estate, we believe that we and most, if not all, of our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries will not be considered investment companies under either Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act. If we or any of our wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries would ever inadvertently fall within one of the definitions of “investment company,” we intend to rely on the exception provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act.

Under Section 3(c)(5)(C), the SEC staff generally requires us to maintain at least 55% of its assets directly in qualifying assets and at least 80% of the entity’s assets in qualifying assets and in a broader category of real estate related assets to qualify for this exception. Mortgage-related securities may or may not constitute such qualifying assets, depending on the characteristics of the mortgage-related securities, including the rights that we have with respect to the underlying loans. Our ownership of mortgage-related securities, therefore, is limited by provisions of the Investment Company Act and SEC staff interpretations.

The method we use to classify our assets for purposes of the Investment Company Act will be based in large measure upon no-action positions taken by the SEC staff in the past. These no-action positions were issued in accordance with factual situations that may be substantially different from the factual situations we may face, and a number of these no-action positions were issued more than ten years ago. No assurance can be given that the SEC staff will concur with our classification of our assets. In addition, the SEC staff may, in the future, issue further guidance that may require us to re-classify our assets for purposes of qualifying for an exclusion from regulation under the Investment Company Act. If we are required to re-classify our assets, we may no longer be in compliance with the exclusion from the definition of an “investment company” provided by Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act.

A change in the value of any of our assets could cause us or one or more of our wholly or majority-owned subsidiaries to fall within the definition of “investment company” and negatively affect our ability to maintain our exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act. To avoid being required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, we may be unable to sell assets we would otherwise want to sell and may need to sell assets we would otherwise wish to retain. In addition, we may have to acquire additional income- or loss-generating assets that we might not otherwise have acquired or may have to forgo opportunities to acquire interests in companies that we would otherwise want to acquire and would be important to our investment strategy.

If we were required to register as an investment company but fail to do so, we would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against us. In addition, our contracts would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of us and liquidate our business.

The price of our common stock is subjective and may not bear any relationship to what a stockholder could receive if it was sold.   

Our Board of Directors determined the current net asset value of the common stock at $11.80 per share after allocations to the holder of SLPs as of September 30, 2015. This value is based upon an estimated amount, which reflects, among other things, the impact of the recent trends in the economy and the real estate industry, we determined would be received if our properties and other assets were sold as of the close of our fiscal year. Because this is only an estimate, we may subsequently revise any annual valuation that is provided. It is possible that:

Our common stock is not currently listed on an exchange or trading market and is illiquid.   

There is currently no public trading market for the shares. Subsequent to the close of our initial public offering in October 2008, our common stock has not been listed on a stock exchange. Accordingly, we do not expect a public trading market for our shares to develop. We may never list the shares for trading on a national stock exchange or include the shares for quotation on a national market system. The absence of an active public market for our shares could impair your ability to sell our stock at a profit or at all. Therefore, our shares should be purchased as a long term investment only.

Your percentage of ownership may become diluted if we issue new shares of stock.   

Stockholders have no rights to buy additional shares of stock in the event we issue new shares of stock. We may issue common stock, convertible debt or preferred stock pursuant to a subsequent public offering or a private placement, upon exercise of options, pursuant to our DRIP or to sellers of properties we directly or indirectly acquire instead of, or in addition to, cash consideration. We may also issue common stock upon the exercise of the warrants issued and to be issued to participating broker-dealers. Stockholders who do not participate in any future stock issues will experience dilution in the percentage of the issued and outstanding stock they own.

The special general partner interests entitle Lightstone SLP, LLC, which is directly owned and controlled by our Sponsor, to certain payments and distributions that will significantly reduce the distributions available to stockholders after a 7% return.   

Lightstone SLP, LLC receives returns on its special general partner interests that are subordinated to stockholders’ 7% return on their net investment. Distributions to stockholders will be reduced after they have received this 7% return because of the payments and distributions to Lightstone SLP, LLC in connection with its special general partner interests. In addition, we may eventually repay Lightstone SLP, LLC up to $30.0 million for its investment in the special general partner interests, which will result in a smaller pool of assets available for distribution to stockholders.

Conflicts of Interest

There are conflicts of interest between the Advisor, our property managers and their affiliates and us.   

David Lichtenstein, our Sponsor, is the founder of The Lightstone Group, LLC, which he majority owns and does business in his individual capacity under that name. Through The Lightstone Group, Mr. Lichtenstein controls and indirectly owns our Advisor, our property managers, and their affiliates, except for us. Our Advisor does not advise any entity other than us. However, employees of our Advisor are also employed by the advisors to our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs. Mr. Lichtenstein is one of our directors and The Lightstone Group or an affiliated entity controlled by Mr. Lichtenstein employs each of our officers. As a result, our operation and management may be influenced or affected by conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our affiliates.

There is competition for the time and services of the personnel of our Advisor and its affiliates.   

Our Sponsor and its affiliates may compete with us for the time and services of the personnel of our Advisor and its other affiliates in connection with our operation and the management of our assets. Specifically, employees of our Sponsor, the Advisor and our property managers will face conflicts of interest relating to time management and the allocation of resources and investment opportunities.

We do not have employees.   

Likewise, our Advisor will rely on the employees of the Sponsor and its affiliates to manage and operate our business. The Sponsor is not restricted from acquiring, developing, operating, managing, leasing or selling real estate through entities other than us and will continue to be actively involved in operations and activities other than our operations and activities. The Sponsor currently controls and/or operates other entities that own properties in many of the markets in which we may seek to invest. The Sponsor spends a material amount of time managing these properties and other assets unrelated to our business. Our business may suffer as a result because we lack the ability to manage it without the time and attention of our Sponsor’s employees.

Our Sponsor and its affiliates are general partners and Sponsors of other real estate programs having investment objectives and legal and financial obligations similar to ours. Because the Sponsor and its affiliates have interests in other real estate programs and also engage in other business activities, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time and resources among our business and these other activities. Our officers and directors, as well as those of the Advisor, may own equity interests in entities affiliated with our Sponsor from which we may buy properties. These individuals may make substantial profits in connection with such transactions, which could result in conflicts of interest. Likewise, such individuals could make substantial profits as the result of investment opportunities allocated to entities affiliated with the Sponsor other than us. As a result of these interests, they could pursue transactions that may not be in our best interest. Also, if our Sponsor suffers financial or operational problems as the result of any of its activities, whether or not related to our business, the ability of our Sponsor and its affiliates, our Advisor and property manager to operate our business could be adversely impacted.

Certain related parties who provide services to us may be engaged in competitive activities.   

Our Advisor, property managers and their respective affiliates may, in the future, be engaged in other activities that could result in potential conflicts of interest with the services that they will provide to us. In addition, the Sponsor may compete with us for both the acquisition and/or refinancing of properties of a type suitable for our investment after 75% of the total gross proceeds from our initial public offering have been invested or committed for investment in real properties, which occurred during the year ended December 31, 2009.

Our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs may be engaged in competitive activities.   

Our Advisor, property managers and their respective affiliates through activities of our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs may be engaged in other activities that could result in potential conflicts of interest with the services that they will provide to us, including our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs may compete with us for both the acquisition and/or refinancing of properties of a type suitable for our investment.

If we invest in joint ventures, the objectives of our partners may conflict with our objectives.   

In accordance with one of our acquisition strategies, we may make investments in joint ventures or other partnership arrangements between us and affiliates of our Sponsor or with unaffiliated third parties. Investments in joint ventures which own real properties may involve risks otherwise not present when we purchase real properties directly. For example, our co-venturer may file for bankruptcy protection, may have economic or business interests or goals which are inconsistent with our interests or goals, or may take actions contrary to our instructions, requests, policies or objectives. Among other things, actions by a co-venturer might subject real properties owned by the joint venture to liabilities greater than those contemplated by the terms of the joint venture or other adverse consequences.

These diverging interests could result in, among other things, exposing us to liabilities of the joint venture in excess of our proportionate share of these liabilities. The partition rights of each owner in a jointly owned property could reduce the value of each portion of the divided property. Moreover, there is an additional risk that the co-venturers may not be able to agree on matters relating to the property they jointly own. In addition, the fiduciary obligation that our Sponsor or our Board of Directors may owe to our partner in an affiliated transaction may make it more difficult for us to enforce our rights.

We may purchase real properties from persons with whom affiliates of our Advisor have prior business relationships.   

If we purchase properties from third parties who have sold, or may sell, properties to our Advisor or its affiliates, our Advisor will experience a conflict between our current interests and its interest in preserving any ongoing business relationship with these sellers.

Property management services are being provided by related parties.   

Our property managers are owned by our Sponsor, and are thus subject to an inherent conflict of interest. In addition, our Advisor may face a conflict of interest when determining whether we should dispose of any property we own that is managed by one of our property managers because the property manager may lose fees associated with the management of the property. Specifically, because the property managers will receive significant fees for managing our properties, our Advisor may face a conflict of interest when determining whether we should sell properties under circumstances where the property managers would no longer manage the property after the transaction. As a result of this conflict of interest, we may not dispose of properties when it would be in our best interests to do so.

Our Advisor and its affiliates receive commissions, fees and other compensation based upon our investments.   

Some compensation is payable to our Advisor whether or not there is cash available to make distributions to our stockholders. To the extent this occurs, our Advisor and its affiliates benefit from us retaining ownership of our assets and leveraging our assets, while our stockholders may be better served by sale or disposition or not leveraging the assets. In addition, the Advisor’s ability to receive fees and reimbursements depends on our continued investment in real properties. Therefore, the interest of the Advisor and its affiliates in receiving fees may conflict with the interest of our stockholders in earning income on their investment in our common stock. Because asset management fees payable to our Advisor are based on total assets under management, including assets purchased using debt; our Advisor may have an incentive to incur a high level of leverage in order to increase the total amount of assets under management.

Our Sponsor may face conflicts of interest in connection with the management of our day-to-day operations and in the enforcement of agreements between our Sponsor and its affiliates.   

The property managers and the Advisor will manage our day-to-day operations and properties pursuant to management agreements and an advisory agreement. These agreements were not negotiated at arm’s length and certain fees payable by us under such agreements are paid regardless of our performance. Our Sponsor and its affiliates may be in a conflict of interest position as to matters relating to these agreements. Examples include the computation of fees and reimbursements under such agreements, the enforcement and/or termination of the agreements and the priority of payments to third parties as opposed to amounts paid to our Sponsor’s affiliates. These fees may be higher than fees charged by third parties in an arm’s length transaction as a result of these conflicts.

Title insurance services are being provided by a related party. From time to time, The Lightstone Group purchases title insurance from an agent in which our Sponsor owns a fifty percent limited partnership interest. Because this title insurance agent receives significant fees for providing title insurance, our Advisor may face a conflict of interest when considering the terms of purchasing title insurance from this agent. However, prior to the purchase by The Lightstone Group of any title insurance, an independent title consultant with more than 25 years of experience in the title insurance industry reviews the transaction, and performs market research and competitive analysis on our behalf. This process results in terms similar to those that would be negotiated at an arm’s-length basis.

We may compete with other entities affiliated with our Sponsor for tenants.   

Our Sponsor and its affiliates, as well as our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs are not prohibited from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any other business or from possessing interests in any other business venture or ventures, including businesses and ventures involved in the acquisition, development, ownership, management, leasing or sale of real estate projects. Our Sponsor, its affiliates or our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs may own and/or manage properties in most if not all geographical areas in which we expect to acquire real estate assets. Therefore, our properties may compete for tenants with other properties owned and/or managed by our Sponsor and its affiliates. Our Sponsor may face conflicts of interest when evaluating tenant opportunities for our properties and other properties owned and/or managed by the Sponsor, its affiliates and our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs and these conflicts of interest may have a negative impact on our ability to attract and retain tenants.

Members of our Board of Directors are also on the Board of Directors of our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs 

Certain of our directors are also directors of our Sponsor’s Other Public Programs. Accordingly, these directors owe fiduciary duties to those entities and their stockholders. The duties of our directors to those entities may influence the judgment of our Board of Directors when considering issues that may affect us. For example, we are permitted to enter into a joint venture or preferred equity investment with those entities for the acquisition of property or real estate-related investments. Decisions of our Board of Directors regarding the terms of those transactions may be influenced by our directors’ duties to those entities and their stockholders. In addition, decisions of our Board of Directors regarding the timing of our property sales could be influenced by concerns that the sales would compete with those of those entities.

Risks Related to our Organization, Structure and Management

Limitations on Changes in Control (Anti-Takeover Provisions).   

Our organizational structure makes us a difficult takeover target. Certain provisions in our charter, bylaws, operating partnership agreement, advisory agreement and Maryland law may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal and could thereby depress the price of our stock and inhibit a management change. Provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect and inhibit a change in our management include the following listed below.

There are ownership limits and restrictions on transferability and ownership in our charter.   

In order for us to qualify as a REIT, no more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our stock may be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of each taxable year. To make sure that we will not fail to qualify as a REIT under this “closely held” test, among other purposes, our charter provides that, subject to some exceptions, no person may beneficially or constructively own, or be deemed to beneficially or constructively own by virtue of attribution provisions of the Code, (i) more than 9.8% in value of our aggregate outstanding shares of capital stock or (ii) capital stock to the extent that such ownership would result in us being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year). Our Board of Directors may exempt a person from the 9.8% ownership limit upon such conditions as the Board of Directors may direct. However, our Board of Directors may not grant an exemption from the 9.8% ownership limit to any proposed transferee if it would result in the termination of our status as a REIT.

This restriction may:

Our charter permits our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with terms that may discourage a third party from acquiring us. Our charter authorizes us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock. In addition, our Board of Directors may classify or reclassify any unissued shares of common stock or preferred stock and may set the preferences, rights and other terms of the classified or reclassified shares. Our Board of Directors could establish a series of Preferred Stock that could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

If our Advisor loses or is unable to obtain key personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be hindered, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions and the value of your investment.   

Our success depends to a significant degree upon the contributions of certain of our executive officers and other key personnel of our Advisor. In particular, we depend on the skills and expertise of David Lichtenstein, the architect of our investment strategies. Neither we nor our Advisor has employment agreements with any of our key personnel, including Mr. Lichtenstein and we cannot guarantee that all, or any particular one, of our employees will remain affiliated with us or our Advisor. If any of our key personnel were to cease their affiliation with our Advisor, our operating results could suffer.

Further, we do not intend to separately maintain key person life insurance that would provide us with proceeds in the event of death or disability of Mr. Lichtenstein or any of our key personnel. We believe our future success depends upon our Advisor’s ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, operational and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that our Advisor will be successful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. If our Advisor loses or is unable to obtain the services of key personnel, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, and the value of your investment may decline.

The operating partnership agreement contains provisions that may discourage a third party from acquiring us.   

A limited partner in the Operating Partnership has the option to exchange his or her limited partnership units for cash or, at our option, shares of our common stock. Those exchange rights are generally not exercisable until the limited partner has held those limited partnership units for more than one year. However, if we or the Operating Partnership propose to engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another person or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or a liquidation, or any reclassification, recapitalization or change of common and preferred stock into which a limited partnership common unit may be exchanged, each holder of a limited partnership unit will have the right to exchange the partnership unit into cash or, at our option, shares of common stock, prior to the stockholder vote on the transaction. As a result, limited partnership unit holders who timely exchange their units prior to the record date for the stockholder vote on any transaction will be entitled to vote their shares of common stock with respect to the transaction. The additional shares that might be outstanding as a result of these exchanges of limited partnership units may deter an acquisition proposal.

Maryland law may discourage a third party from acquiring us.   

Certain provisions of Maryland law restrict mergers and other business combinations and provide that holders of control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have limited voting rights. The business combination statute could have the effect of discouraging offers from third parties to acquire us, and increasing the difficulty of successfully completing this type of offer. The control share statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer. Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock; however, this provision may be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.

Management and Policy Changes

Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against the directors and our Advisor are limited.   

Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. Subject to the restrictions discussed below, our charter, in the case of our directors, officers, employees and agents, and the advisory agreement, in the case of our Advisor, require us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents and our Advisor for actions taken on our behalf, in good faith and in our best interest and without negligence or misconduct or, in the case of independent directors, without gross negligence or willful misconduct. As a result, the stockholders and we may have more limited rights against our directors, officers, employees and agents, and our Advisor than might otherwise exist under common law. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors, officers, employees and agents or our Advisor in some cases.

Stockholders have limited control over changes in our policies.   

Our Board of Directors determines our major policies, including our investment objectives, financing, growth, debt capitalization, REIT qualification and distributions. Subject to the investment objectives and limitations set forth in our charter, our Board of Directors may amend or revise these and other policies. Although stockholders will have limited control over changes in our policies, our charter requires the concurrence of a majority of our outstanding stock in order for the Board of Directors to amend our charter (except for amendments that do not adversely affect stockholders’ rights, preferences and privileges), sell all or substantially all of our assets other than in the ordinary course of business or in connection with our liquidation or dissolution, cause our merger or other reorganization, or dissolve or liquidate us, other than before our initial investment in property.

Certain related parties will receive substantial fees prior to the payment of distributions to our stockholders.   

We have paid and will continue to pay substantial compensation to our Advisor, Property Manager, management and their affiliates and their employees. We have paid and will continue to pay various types of compensation to affiliates of our Sponsor and such affiliates’ employees, including salaries, and other cash compensation. In addition, our Advisor and Property Manager receive compensation for acting, respectively, as our Advisor and Property Manager. In general, this compensation is dependent on our success or profitability. These payments are payable before the payment of dividends to the stockholders and none of these payments are subordinated to a specified return to the stockholders. Also, our Property Manager receives compensation under the Management Agreement though, in general, this compensation would be dependent on our gross revenues. In addition, other related parties may from time to time provide services to us if and as approved by the disinterested directors. It is possible that we could obtain such goods and services from unrelated persons at a lesser price.

We may not be reimbursed by our Advisor for certain operational stage expenses.   

Our Advisor may be required to reimburse us for certain operational stage expenses. In the event our Advisor’s net worth or cash flow is not sufficient to cover these expenses, we will not be reimbursed. This may adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to pay distributions.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification

The liability of directors and officers is limited.   

Our directors and officers will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages unless the director or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, or is adjudged to be liable to us or our stockholders based on a finding that his or her action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.

Our directors are also required to act in good faith in a manner believed by them to be in our best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. A director who performs his or her duties in accordance with the foregoing standards should not be liable to us or any other person for failure to discharge his obligations as a director. We are permitted to purchase and maintain insurance or provide similar protection on behalf of any directors, officers, employees and agents, including our Advisor and its affiliates, against any liability asserted which was incurred in any such capacity with us or arising out of such status, except as limited by our charter. This may result in us having to expend significant funds, which will reduce the available cash for distribution to our stockholders.

We may indemnify our directors, officers and agents against loss.   

Under our charter, we will, under specified conditions, indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses to our directors, officers, employees and other agents, including our Advisor and its affiliates, against all liabilities incurred in connection with their serving in such capacities, subject to the limitations set forth in our charter. We may also enter into any contract for indemnity and advancement of expenses in this regard. This may result in us having to expend significant funds, which will reduce the available cash for distribution to our stockholders.

Risks Associated with our Properties and the Market

Real Estate Investment Risks

Operating risks.

Our cash flows from real estate investments may become insufficient to pay our operating expenses and to cover the distributions we have paid and/or declared.   

We intend to rely primarily on our cash flow from our investments to pay our operating expenses and to make distributions to our stockholders. The cash flow from equity investments in commercial and residential properties depends on the amount of revenue generated and expenses incurred in operating the properties. If the properties we invest in fail to generate revenue that is sufficient to meet operating expenses, debt service, and capital expenditures, our income and ability to make distributions to stockholders will be adversely affected. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain sufficient cash flows to fund operating expenses and debt service payments and dividend at any particular level, if at all. The sufficiency of cash flow to fund future dividend payments will depend on the performance of our real property investments.

Economic conditions may adversely affect our income.   

A commercial or residential property’s income and value may be adversely affected by national and regional economic conditions, local real estate conditions such as an oversupply of properties or a reduction in demand for properties, availability of “for sale” properties, competition from other similar properties, our ability to provide adequate maintenance, insurance and management services, increased operating costs (including real estate taxes), the attractiveness and location of the property and changes in market rental rates. A rise in energy costs could result in higher operating costs, which may affect our results from operations. Our income will be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants are unable to pay rent or if our properties cannot be rented on favorable terms. Additionally, if tenants of properties that we lease on a triple-net basis fail to pay required tax, utility and other impositions, we could be required to pay those costs, which would adversely affect funds available for future acquisitions or cash available for distributions. Our performance is linked to economic conditions in the regions where our properties will be located and in the market for residential, office, retail and industrial space generally. Therefore, to the extent that there are adverse economic conditions in those regions, and in these markets generally, that impact the applicable market rents, such conditions could result in a reduction of our income and cash available for distributions and thus affect the amount of distributions we can make to you.

The profitability of our acquisitions is uncertain.   

We have acquired properties selectively. Acquisition of properties entails risks that investments will fail to perform in accordance with expectations. In undertaking these acquisitions, we will incur certain risks, including the expenditure of funds on, and the devotion of management’s time to, transactions that may not come to fruition. Additional risks inherent in acquisitions include risks that the properties will not achieve anticipated occupancy levels and that estimates of the costs of improvements to bring an acquired property up to standards established for the market position intended for that property may prove inaccurate.

Real estate investments are illiquid.   

Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions will be limited. In addition, certain significant expenditures, such as debt service, real estate taxes, and operating and maintenance costs generally are not reduced in circumstances resulting in a reduction in income from the investment. The foregoing and any other factor or event that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our investments could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Rising expenses could reduce cash flow and funds available for future acquisitions.   

Properties we invest in are subject to increases in tax rates, utility costs, operating expenses, insurance costs, repairs and maintenance, administrative and other expenses. While some of our properties are leased on a triple-net basis or require the tenants to pay a portion of the expenses, renewals of leases or future leases may not be negotiated on that basis, in which event we will have to pay those costs. If we are unable to lease properties on a triple-net basis or on a basis requiring the tenants to pay all or some of the expenses, we would be required to pay those costs, which could adversely affect funds available for future acquisitions or cash available for distributions.

We will depend on tenants who lease from us on a triple-net basis to pay the appropriate portion of expenses.   

If the tenants that lease on a triple-net basis fail to pay required tax, utility and other impositions, we could be required to pay those costs for properties we invest in, which would adversely affect funds available for future acquisitions or cash available for distributions. If we lease properties on a triple-net basis, we run the risk of tenant default or downgrade in the tenant’s credit, which could lead to default and foreclosure on the underlying property.

If we purchase assets at a time when the commercial and residential real estate market is experiencing substantial influxes of capital investment and competition for properties, the real estate we purchase may not appreciate or may decrease in value.   

The commercial and residential real estate markets from time to time experience a substantial influx of capital from investors. This substantial flow of capital, combined with significant competition for real estate, may result in inflated purchase prices for such assets. To the extent we purchase real estate in such an environment, we are subject to the risk that if the real estate market ceases to attract the same level of capital investment in the future as it is currently attracting, or if the number of companies seeking to acquire such assets decreases, our returns will be lower and the value of our assets may not appreciate or may decrease significantly below the amount we paid for such assets.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major commercial tenant would adversely impact us.   

Any or all of the commercial tenants in a property we invest in, or a guarantor of a commercial tenant’s lease obligations, could be subject to a bankruptcy proceeding. The bankruptcy or insolvency of a significant commercial tenant or a number of smaller commercial tenants would have an adverse impact on our income and our ability to pay dividends because a tenant or lease guarantor bankruptcy could delay efforts to collect past due balances under the relevant leases, and could ultimately preclude full collection of these sums. Such an event could cause a decrease or cessation of rental payments that would mean a reduction in our cash flow and the amount available for distributions to stockholders.

Generally, under bankruptcy law, a tenant has the option of continuing or terminating any un-expired lease. In the event of a bankruptcy, there is no assurance that the tenant or its trustee will continue our lease. If a given lease, or guaranty of a lease, is not assumed, our cash flow and the amounts available for distributions to stockholders may be adversely affected. If the tenant continues its current lease, the tenant must cure all defaults under the lease and provide adequate assurance of its future performance under the lease. If the tenant terminates the lease, we will lose future rent under the lease and our claim for past due amounts owing under the lease will be treated as a general unsecured claim and may be subject to certain limitations. General unsecured claims are the last claims paid in a bankruptcy and therefore this claim could be paid only in the event funds were available, and then only in the same percentage as that realized on other unsecured claims. While the bankruptcy of any tenant and the rejection of its lease may provide us with an opportunity to lease the vacant space to another more desirable tenant on better terms, there can be no assurance that we would be able to do so.

The terms of new leases may adversely impact our income.   

Even if the tenants of the properties we invest in do renew their leases, or we relet the units to new tenants, the terms of renewal or reletting may be less favorable than current lease terms. If the lease rates upon renewal or reletting are significantly lower than expected rates, then our results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. As noted above, certain significant expenditures associated with each equity investment in real estate (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) are generally not reduced when circumstances result in a reduction in rental income.

We may depend on commercial tenants for our revenue and therefore our revenue may depend on the success and economic viability of our commercial tenants. Our reliance on single or significant commercial tenants in certain buildings may decrease our ability to lease vacated space.   

Our financial results will depend in part on leasing space in the properties we acquire to tenants on economically favorable terms. A default by a commercial tenant, the failure of a guarantor to fulfill its obligations or other premature termination of a lease, or a commercial tenant’s election not to extend a lease upon its expiration could have an adverse effect on our income, general financial condition and ability to pay distributions. Therefore, our financial success is indirectly dependent on the success of the businesses operated by the commercial tenants of our properties.

Lease payment defaults by commercial tenants would most likely cause us to reduce the amount of distributions to stockholders. In the event of a tenant default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting our property. A default by a significant commercial tenant or a substantial number of commercial tenants at any one time on lease payments to us would cause us to lose the revenue associated with such lease(s) and cause us to have to find an alternative source of revenue to meet mortgage payments and prevent a foreclosure if the property is subject to a mortgage. As a result, lease payment defaults by tenants could reduce our profitability and may cause us to reduce the amount of distributions to stockholders.

Even if the tenants of our properties do renew their leases or we relet the units to new tenants, the terms of renewal or reletting may be less favorable than current lease terms. If the lease rates upon renewal or reletting are significantly lower than expected rates, then our results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. Commercial tenants may have the right to terminate their leases upon the occurrence of certain customary events of default and, in other circumstances, may not renew their leases or, because of market conditions, may be able to renew their leases on terms that are less favorable to us than the terms of the current leases. If a lease is terminated, there is no assurance that we will be able to lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss. Therefore, the weakening of the financial condition of a significant commercial tenant or a number of smaller commercial tenants and vacancies caused by defaults of tenants or the expiration of leases may adversely affect our operations.

A property that incurs a vacancy could be difficult to re-lease.   

A property may incur a vacancy either by the continued default of a tenant under its lease or the expiration of one of our leases. If we terminate any lease following a default by a lessee, we will have to re-lease the affected property in order to maintain our qualification as a REIT. If a tenant vacates a property, we may be unable either to re-lease the property for the rent due under the prior lease or to re-lease the property without incurring additional expenditures relating to the property. In addition, we could experience delays in enforcing our rights against, and collecting rents (and, in some cases, real estate taxes and insurance costs) due from a defaulting tenant. Any delay we experience in re-leasing a property or difficulty in re-leasing at acceptable rates may reduce cash available to make distributions to our stockholders.

In many cases, tenant leases contain provisions giving the tenant the exclusive right to sell particular types of merchandise or provide specific types of services within the particular retail center, or limit the ability of other tenants to sell such merchandise or provide such services. When re-leasing space after a vacancy is necessary, these provisions may limit the number and types of prospective tenants for the vacant space.

We also may have to incur substantial expenditures in connection with any re-leasing. A number of the properties we invest in may be specifically suited to the particular needs of our tenants. Therefore, we may have difficulty obtaining a new tenant for any vacant space we have in our properties, particularly if the floor plan of the vacant space limits the types of businesses that can use the space without major renovation. If the vacancy continues for a long period of time, we may suffer reduced revenues resulting in less cash dividends to be distributed to stockholders. As noted above, certain significant expenditures associated with each equity investment (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment. The failure to re-lease or to re-lease on satisfactory terms could result in a reduction of our income, funds from operations and cash available for distributions and thus affect the amount of distributions to stockholders. In addition, the resale value of the property could be diminished because the market value of a particular property will depend principally upon the value of the leases of such property.

We may be unable to sell a property if or when we decide to do so.   

We may give some commercial tenants the right, but not the obligation, to purchase their properties from us beginning a specified number of years after the date of the lease. Some of our leases also generally provide the tenant with a right of first refusal on any proposed sale provisions. These policies may lessen the ability of our Advisor and our Board of Directors to freely control the sale of the property.

Although we may grant a lessee a right of first offer or option to purchase a property, there is no assurance that the lessee will exercise that right or that the price offered by the lessee in the case of a right of first offer will be adequate. In connection with the acquisition of a property, we may agree on restrictions that prohibit the sale of that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. Even absent such restrictions, the real estate market is affected by many factors, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. We may not be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us, and prices or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser may not be acceptable to us. We cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. We may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We may not have funds unavailable to correct such defect or to make such improvements.

We may not make a profit if we sell a property.   

The prices that we can obtain when we determine to sell a property will depend on many factors that are presently unknown, including the operating history, tax treatment of real estate investments, demographic trends in the area and available financing. There is a risk that we will not realize any significant appreciation on our investment in a property. Accordingly, stockholders’ ability to recover all or any portion of stockholders’ investment under such circumstances will depend on the amount of funds so realized and claims to be satisfied there from.

We may incur liabilities in connection with properties we acquire.   

Our anticipated acquisition activities are subject to many risks. We may acquire properties or entities that are subject to liabilities or that have problems relating to environmental condition, state of title, physical condition or compliance with zoning laws, building codes, or other legal requirements. In each case, our acquisition may be without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities or conditions. As a result, if any liability were asserted against us relating to those properties or entities, or if any adverse condition existed with respect to the properties or entities, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle or cure it, which could adversely affect our cash flow and operating results. However, some of these liabilities may be covered by insurance. In addition, we intend to perform customary due diligence regarding each property or entity we acquire. We also will attempt to obtain appropriate representations and indemnities from the sellers of the properties or entities we acquire, although it is possible that the sellers may not have the resources to satisfy their indemnification obligations if a liability arises. Unknown liabilities to third parties with respect to properties or entities acquired might include:

Competition with third parties in acquiring and operating properties may reduce our profitability and the return on stockholders’ investment.   

We compete with many other entities engaged in real estate investment activities, many of which have greater resources than we do. Specifically, there are numerous commercial developers, real estate companies, real estate investment trusts and U.S. institutional and foreign investors that operate in the markets in which we may operate, that will compete with us in acquiring residential, office, retail, industrial and other properties that will be seeking investments and tenants for these properties. Many of these entities have significant financial and other resources, including operating experience, allowing them to compete effectively with us.

Competitors with substantially greater financial resources than us may generally be able to accept more risk than we can prudently manage, including risks with respect to the creditworthiness of entities in which investments may be made or risks attendant to a geographic concentration of investments. In addition, those competitors that are not REITs may be at an advantage to the extent they can utilize working capital to finance projects, while we (and our competitors that are REITs) will be required by the annual distribution provisions under the Internal Revenue Code to distribute significant amounts of cash from operations to our stockholders.

Demand from third parties for properties that meet our investment objectives could result in an increase of the price of such properties. If we pay higher prices for properties, our profitability may be reduced and stockholders may experience a lower return on stockholders’ investment. In addition, our properties may be located in close proximity to other properties that will compete against our properties for tenants. Many of these competing properties may be better located and/or appointed than the properties that we will acquire, giving these properties a competitive advantage over our properties, and we may, in the future, face additional competition from properties not yet constructed or even planned. This competition could adversely affect our business. The number of competitive properties could have a material effect on our ability to rent space at our properties and the amount of rents charged.

We could be adversely affected if additional competitive properties are built in locations competitive with our properties, causing increased competition for residential renters, retail customer traffic and creditworthy commercial tenants. In addition, our ability to charge premium rental rates to tenants may be negatively impacted. This increased competition may increase our costs of acquisitions or lower the occupancies and the rent we may charge tenants. This could result in decreased cash flow from tenants and may require us to make capital improvements to properties, which we would not have otherwise made, thus affecting cash available for distributions to stockholders.

We may not have control over costs arising from rehabilitation of properties.   

We may elect to acquire properties, which may require rehabilitation. In particular, we may acquire affordable properties that we will rehabilitate and convert to market rate properties. Consequently, we intend to retain independent general contractors to perform the actual physical rehabilitation work and will be subject to risks in connection with a contractor’s ability to control rehabilitation costs, the timing of completion of rehabilitation, and a contractor’s ability to build in conformity with plans and specifications.

We will be subject to the general market risks associated with real estate construction and development.

Our financial performance will depend on the successful development and redevelopment of properties that are owned by entities in which we make preferred equity investments. As a result, we will be subject to the general market risks of real estate development and redevelopment, including weather conditions, the price and availability of materials used, environmental liabilities and zoning laws, and numerous other factors that may materially and adversely affect the success of the projects. If the market softens, the developer may require additional funding and such funding may not be available. In addition, if the market softens, the amount of capital required to be advanced and the required marketing time for such development or redevelopment may both increase, and the developer’s incentive to complete a particular real estate development or redevelopment may decrease. Furthermore, the downside risks of development and redevelopment property investments may be greater than the downside risks of other property investments, and may be more severely impacted by downturns in the economy. Such circumstances may reduce our profitability and the return on your investment.

Our operating results may be negatively affected by potential development and construction delays and resultant increased costs and risks.

We may provide financing or make preferred equity investments to entities that will develop and construct improvements to land or existing buildings at a fixed contract price. We will be subject to risks relating to uncertainties associated with rezoning for development and environmental concerns of governmental entities or community groups and our borrower’s or investee’s ability to control land development costs or to build infrastructure in conformity with plans, specifications and timetables deemed necessary by builders. In cases where we have extended debt financing, a developer’s failure to perform may necessitate legal action by us to compel performance. Performance also may be affected or delayed by conditions beyond such developer’s control. These and other such factors can result in increased costs to the developer that may make it difficult for the developer to make interest payments or to pay preferred dividends to us. Furthermore, we must rely upon projections of the fair market value of property post-development or post-redevelopment, as applicable, when evaluating whether to make loans or preferred equity investments. If our projections are inaccurate, our return on investment could suffer.

We may incur losses as result of defaults by the purchasers of properties we sell in certain circumstances.   

If we decide to sell any of our properties, we will use our best efforts to sell them for cash. However, we may sell our properties by providing financing to purchasers. When we provide financing to purchasers, we will bear the risk of default by the purchaser and will be subject to remedies provided by law. There are no limitations or restrictions on our ability to take purchase money obligations. We may incur losses as a result of such defaults, which may adversely affect our available cash and our ability to make distributions to stockholders.

We may experience energy shortages and allocations.   

There may be shortages or increased costs of fuel, natural gas, water, electric power or allocations thereof by suppliers or governmental regulatory bodies in the areas where we purchase properties, in which event the operation of our properties may be adversely affected. Increased costs of fuel may reduce discretionary spending on luxury retail items, which may adversely affect our retail tenants if we purchase retail properties. Our revenues will be dependent upon payment of rent by retailers, which may be particularly vulnerable to uncertainty in the local economy and rising costs of energy for their customers. Such adverse economic conditions could affect the ability of our tenants to pay rent, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition, as well as our ability to pay distributions to you.

We may acquire properties with lockout provisions, which may prohibit us from selling a property, or may require us to maintain specified debt levels for a period of years on some properties.   

We may acquire properties in exchange for operating partnership units and agree to restrictions on sales or refinancing, called “lock-out” provisions that are intended to preserve favorable tax treatment for the owners of such properties who sell them to us. Lockout provisions may restrict sales or refinancings for a certain period in order to comply with the applicable government regulations. Lockout provisions could materially restrict us from selling or otherwise disposing of or refinancing properties. This would affect our ability to turn our investments into cash and thus affect cash available to return capital to stockholders. Lockout provisions could impair our ability to take actions during the lockout period that would otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders and, therefore, might have an adverse impact on the value of the shares, relative to the value that would result if the lockout provisions did not exist. In particular, lockout provisions could preclude us from participating in major transactions that could result in a disposition of our assets or a change in control even though that disposition or change in control might be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Changes in applicable laws may adversely affect the income and value of our properties.   

The income and value of a property may be affected by such factors as environmental, rent control and other laws and regulations, changes in applicable general and real estate tax laws (including the possibility of changes in the federal income tax laws or the lengthening of the depreciation period for real estate) and interest rates, the availability of financing, acts of nature (such as hurricanes and floods) and other factors beyond our control.

Retail Industry Risks

Our retail properties are subject to the various risks discussed above. In addition, they are subject to the risks discussed below.

Retail conditions may adversely affect our income.   

A retail property’s revenues and value may be adversely affected by a number of factors, many of which apply to real estate investment generally, but which also include trends in the retail industry and perceptions by retailers or shoppers of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the retail property. In addition, to the extent that the investing public has a negative perception of the retail sector, the value of our common stock may be negatively impacted.

Some of our leases provide for base rent plus contractual base rent increases. A number of our retail leases also include a percentage rent clause for additional rent above the base amount based upon a specified percentage of the sales our tenants generate. Under those leases that contain percentage rent clauses, our revenue from tenants may increase as the sales of our tenants increase. Generally, retailers face declining revenues during downturns in the economy. As a result, the portion of our revenue that we may derive from percentage rent leases could decline upon a general economic downturn.

Our revenue may be impacted by the success and economic viability of our anchor retail tenants. Our reliance on single or significant tenants in certain buildings may decrease our ability to lease vacated space.   

In the retail sector, any tenant occupying a large portion of the GLA of a retail center, a tenant of any of the triple-net single-user retail properties outside the primary geographical area of investment, commonly referred to as an anchor tenant, or a tenant that is our anchor tenant at more than one retail center, may become insolvent, may suffer a downturn in business, or may decide not to renew its lease. Any of these events would result in a reduction or cessation in rental payments to us and would adversely affect our financial condition.

A lease termination by an anchor tenant could result in lease terminations or reductions in rent by other tenants whose leases permit cancellation or rent reduction if another tenant’s lease is terminated. We may own properties where the tenants may have rights to terminate their leases if certain other tenants are no longer open for business. These “co-tenancy” provisions may also exist in some leases where we own a portion of a retail property and one or more of the anchor tenants leases space in that portion of the center not owned or controlled by us. If such tenants were to vacate their space, tenants with co-tenancy provisions would have the right to terminate their leases with us or seek a rent reduction from us. In such event, we may be unable to re-lease the vacated space.

Similarly, the leases of some anchor tenants may permit the anchor tenant to transfer its lease to another retailer. The transfer to a new anchor tenant could cause customer traffic in the retail center to decrease and thereby reduce the income generated by that retail center. A lease transfer to a new anchor tenant could also allow other tenants to make reduced rental payments or to terminate their leases at the retail center. In the event that we are unable to re-lease the vacated space to a new anchor tenant, we may incur additional expenses in order to re-model the space to be able to re-lease the space to more than one tenant.

Competition with other retail channels may reduce our profitability and the return on stockholders’ investment.   

Retail tenants will face potentially changing consumer preferences and increasing competition from other forms of retailing, such as discount shopping centers, outlet centers, upscale neighborhood strip centers, catalogues, discount shopping clubs, internet and telemarketing. Other retail centers within the market area of properties we invest in will compete with our properties for customers, affecting their tenants’ cash flows and thus affecting their ability to pay rent. In addition, tenants’ rent payments may be based on the amount of sales revenue that they generate. If these tenants experience competition, the amount of their rent may decrease and our cash flow will decrease.

Residential Industry Risks

Our residential properties are subject to the various risks discussed above. In addition, they are subject to the risks discussed below.

The short-term nature of our residential leases may adversely impact our income.   

If residents of properties we invest in decide not to renew their leases upon expiration, we may not be able to relet their units. Because substantially all of our residential leases are for apartments, they generally are for terms of no more than one or two years. If we are unable to promptly renew the leases or relet the units then our results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected. Certain significant expenditures associated with each equity investment in real estate (such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs) are generally not reduced when circumstances result in a reduction in rental income.

An economic downturn could adversely affect the residential industry and may affect operations for the residential properties that we acquire.   

As a result of the effects of the current economic downturn, including increased unemployment rates, the residential industry may experience a significant decline in business caused by a reduction in overall renters. The current economic downturn and increase in unemployment rates may have an adverse effect on our operations if the tenants occupying the residential and office properties we acquire cease making rent payments to us or if there a change in spending patterns resulting in reduced traffic at the retail properties we acquire. Moreover, low residential mortgage interest rates could accompany an economic downturn and encourage potential renters to purchase residences rather than lease them. The residential properties we acquire may experience declines in occupancy rate due to any such decline in residential mortgage interest rates.

Lodging Industry Risks

We may be subject to the risks common to the lodging industry.   

Our hotels are subject to all of the risks common to the hotel industry and subject to market conditions that affect all hotel properties. These risks could adversely affect hotel occupancy and the rates that can be charged for hotel rooms as well as hotel operating expenses, and generally include:

We do not have control over the market and business conditions that affect the value of our lodging properties, and adverse changes with respect to such conditions could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Hotel properties, including extended stay hotels, are subject to varying degrees of risk generally common to the ownership of hotels, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

Adverse changes in any or all of these factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, thereby adversely impacting our ability to service debt and to make distributions to our stockholders.

Third-Party management of lodging properties can adversely affect our properties.   

Our lodging properties will be operated by a third-party management company and could be adversely affected if that third-party management company, or its affiliated brands, experiences negative publicity or other adverse developments, such as financial disagreements between the third-party manager and the owner, disagreements about marketing between the third-party manager and the owner and the third-party manager’s brand falls out of favor.

As a REIT, we cannot directly operate our lodging properties.   

We cannot and will not directly operate our lodging properties and, as a result, our results of operations, financial position, and ability to service debt and our ability to make distributions to stockholders are dependent on the ability of our third-party management companies and our tenants to operate our hotel properties successfully. In order for us to satisfy certain REIT qualification rules, we cannot directly operate any lodging properties we may acquire or actively participate in the decisions affecting their daily operations. Instead, through a taxable REIT subsidiary, or taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) lessee, we must enter into management agreements with a third-party management company, or we must lease our lodging properties to third-party tenants on a triple-net lease basis. We cannot and will not control this third-party management company or the tenants who operate and are responsible for maintenance and other day-to-day management of our lodging properties, including, but not limited to, the implementation of significant operating decisions. Thus, even if we believe our lodging properties are being operated inefficiently or in a manner that does not result in satisfactory operating results, we may not be able to require the third-party management company or the tenants to change their method of operation of our lodging properties. Our results of operations, financial position, cash flows and our ability to service debt and to make distributions to stockholders are, therefore, dependent on the ability of our third-party management company and tenants to operate our lodging properties successfully.

We will rely on a third-party hotel management company to establish and maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting at our lodging properties. In doing this, the property manager should have policies and procedures in place which allows them to effectively monitor and report to us the operating results of our lodging properties which ultimately are included in our consolidated financial statements. Because the operations of our lodging properties ultimately become a component of our consolidated financial statements, we evaluate the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting at all of our properties, including our lodging properties, in connection with the certifications we provide in our quarterly and annual reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, respectively, pursuant to the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. However, we will not control the design or implementation of or changes to internal controls at any of our lodging properties. Thus, even if we believe that our lodging properties are being operated without effective internal controls, we may not be able to require the third-party management company to change its internal control structure. This could require us to implement extensive and possibly inefficient controls at a parent level in an attempt to mitigate such deficiencies. If such controls are not effective, the accuracy of the results of our operations that we report could be affected. Accordingly, our ability to conclude that, as a company, our internal controls are effective is significantly dependent upon the effectiveness of internal controls that our third-party management company will implement at our lodging properties. While we do not consider it likely, it is possible that we could have a significant deficiency or material weakness as a result of the ineffectiveness of the internal controls at one or more of our lodging properties.

If we replace a third-party management company or tenant, we may be required by the terms of the relevant management agreement or lease to pay substantial termination fees, and we may experience significant disruptions at the affected lodging properties. While it is our intent to enter into management agreements with a third-party management company or tenants with substantial prior lodging experience, we may not be able to make such arrangements in the future. If we experience such disruptions, it may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and our cash flows, including our ability to service debt and to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our use of the taxable REIT subsidiary structure will increase our expenses.   

A TRS structure subjects us to the risk of increased lodging operating expenses. The performance of our TRS lessees is based on the operations of our lodging properties. Our operating risks include not only changes in hotel revenues and changes to our TRS lessees’ ability to pay the rent due to us under the leases, but also increased hotel operating expenses, including, but not limited to, the following cost elements:

Any increases in one or more these operating expenses could have a significant adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Failure to properly structure our TRS leases could cause us to incur tax penalties.   

A TRS structure subjects us to the risk that the leases with our TRS lessees do not qualify for tax purposes as arms-length which would expose us to potentially significant tax penalties. Our TRS lessees will incur taxes or accrue tax benefits consistent with a “C” corporation. If the leases between us and our TRS lessees were deemed by the Internal Revenue Service to not reflect an arms-length transaction as that term is defined by tax law, we may be subject to tax penalties as the lessor that would adversely impact our profitability and our cash flows.

Failure to maintain franchise licenses could decrease our revenues.   

Our inability or that of our third-party management company or our third-party tenants to maintain franchise licenses could decrease our revenues. Maintenance of franchise licenses for our lodging properties is subject to maintaining our franchisor’s operating standards and other terms and conditions. Franchisors periodically inspect lodging properties to ensure that we, our third-party tenants or our third-party management company maintain their standards. Failure by us or one of our third-party tenants or our third-party management company to maintain these standards or comply with other terms and conditions of the applicable franchise agreement could result in a franchise license being canceled. If a franchise license terminates due to our failure to make required improvements or to otherwise comply with its terms, we may also be liable to the franchisor for a termination fee. As a condition to the maintenance of a franchise license, our franchisor could also require us to make capital expenditures, even if we do not believe the capital improvements are necessary, desirable, or likely to result in an acceptable return on our investment. We may risk losing a franchise license if we do not make franchisor-required capital expenditures.

If our franchisor terminates the franchise license, we may try either to obtain a suitable replacement franchise or to operate the lodging property without a franchise license. The loss of a franchise license could materially and adversely affect the operations or the underlying value of the lodging property because of the loss associated with the brand recognition and/or the marketing support and centralized reservation systems provided by the franchisor. A loss of a franchise license for any of our lodging properties could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and our cash flows, including our ability to service debt and make distributions to our stockholders.

Risks associated with employing hotel employees.   

We will generally be subject to risks associated with the employment of hotel employees. Any lodging properties we acquire will be leased to a wholly-owned TRS entity and be subject to management agreements with a third-party manager to operate the properties that we do not lease to a third party under a net lease. Hotel operating revenues and expenses for these properties will be included in our consolidated results of operations. As a result, although we do not directly employ or manage the labor force at our lodging properties, we are subject to many of the costs and risks generally associated with the hotel labor force. Our third-party manager will be responsible for hiring and maintaining the labor force at each of our lodging properties and for establishing and maintaining the appropriate processes and controls over such activities. From time to time, the operations of our lodging properties may be disrupted through strikes, public demonstrations or other labor actions and related publicity. We may also incur increased legal costs and indirect labor costs as a result of the aforementioned disruptions, or contract disputes or other events. Our third-party manager may be targeted by union actions or adversely impacted by the disruption caused by organizing activities. Significant adverse disruptions caused by union activities and/or increased costs affiliated with such activities could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and our cash flows, including our ability to service debt and make distributions to our stockholders.

Travel and hotel industries have been affected by economic slowdowns, terrorist attacks and other world events.   

We cannot presently determine the impact that future events such as military or police activities in the U.S. or foreign countries, future terrorist activities or threats of such activities, natural disasters or health epidemics could have on our business. Our business and lodging properties may continue to be affected by such events, including our hotel occupancy levels and average daily rates, and, as a result, our revenues may decrease or not increase to levels we expect. In addition, other terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health epidemics, acts of war or other significant military activity could have additional adverse effects on the economy in general, and the travel and lodging industry in particular. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows, thereby impacting our ability to service debt and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Hotel industry is very competitive.   

The hotel industry is intensely competitive, and, as a result, if our third-party management company and our third-party tenants are unable to compete successfully or if our competitors’ marketing strategies are more effective, our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows including our ability to service debt and to make distributions to our stockholders, may be adversely affected. The hotel industry is intensely competitive. Our lodging properties compete with other existing and new hotels in their geographic markets. Since we do not operate our lodging properties, our revenues depend on the ability of our third-party management company and our-third party tenants to compete successfully with other hotels in their respective markets. Some of our competitors have substantially greater marketing and financial resources than we do. If our third-party management company and our third-party tenants are unable to compete successfully or if our competitors’ marketing strategies are effective, our results of operations, financial condition, ability to service debt and ability to make distributions to our stockholders may be adversely affected.

Hotel industry is seasonal which can adversely affect our hotel properties.   

The hotel industry is seasonal in nature, and, as a result, our lodging properties may be adversely affected. The seasonality of the hotel industry can be expected to cause quarterly fluctuations in our revenues. In addition, our quarterly earnings may be adversely affected by factors outside our control, such as extreme or unexpectedly mild weather conditions or natural disasters, terrorist attacks or alerts, outbreaks of contagious diseases, airline strikes, economic factors and other considerations affecting travel. To the extent that cash flows from operations are insufficient during any quarter, due to temporary or seasonal fluctuations in revenues, we may attempt to borrow in order to make distributions to our stockholders or be required to reduce other expenditures or distributions to stockholders.

Expanding use of internet travel websites by customers can adversely affect our profitability.   

The increasing use of internet travel intermediaries by consumers may cause fluctuations in operating performance during the year and otherwise adversely affect our profitability and cash flows. Our third party hotel management company will rely upon Internet travel intermediaries such as Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Hotels.com and Priceline.com to generate demand for our lodging properties. As Internet bookings increase, these intermediaries may be able to obtain higher commissions, reduced room rates or other significant contract concessions from our third-party management company. Moreover, some of these Internet travel intermediaries are attempting to offer hotel rooms as a commodity, by increasing the importance of price and general indicators of quality (such as “three-star downtown hotel”) at the expense of brand identification. Consumers may eventually develop brand loyalties to their reservations system rather than to our third-party management company and/or our brands, which could have an adverse effect on our business because we will rely heavily on brand identification. If the amount of sales made through Internet intermediaries increases significantly and our third-party management company and our third-party tenants fail to appropriately price room inventory in a manner that maximizes the opportunity for enhanced profit margins, room revenues may flatten or decrease and our profitability may be adversely affected.

Industrial Industry Risks

Potential liability as the result of and the cost of compliance with, environmental matters is greater if we invest in industrial properties or lease our properties to tenants that engage in industrial activities.   

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be liable for the cost of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on such property. Such laws often impose liability whether or not the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances.

We may invest in properties historically used for industrial, manufacturing and commercial purposes. Some of these properties are more likely to contain, or may have contained, underground storage tanks for the storage of petroleum products and other hazardous or toxic substances. All of these operations create a potential for the release of petroleum products or other hazardous or toxic substances.

Leasing properties to tenants that engage in industrial, manufacturing, and commercial activities will cause us to be subject to increased risk of liabilities under environmental laws and regulations. The presence of hazardous or toxic substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings.

Our industrial properties are subject to fluctuations in manufacturing activity in the United States.   

Our industrial properties may be adversely affected if manufacturing activity decreases in the United States. Trade agreements with foreign countries have given employers the option to utilize less expensive non-US manufacturing workers. The outsourcing of manufacturing functions could lower the demand for our industrial properties. Moreover, an increase in the cost of raw materials or decrease in the demand of housing could cause a slowdown in manufacturing activity, such as furniture, textiles, machinery and chemical products, and our profitability may be adversely affected.

Office Industry Risks

The loss of anchor tenants for our office properties could adversely affect our profitability.   

We may acquire office properties and, as with our retail properties, we are subject to the risk that tenants may be unable to make their lease payments or may decline to extend a lease upon its expiration. A lease termination by a tenant that occupies a large area of space in one of our office properties (commonly referred to as an anchor tenant) could impact leases of other tenants. Other tenants may be entitled to modify the terms of their existing leases in the event of a lease termination by an anchor tenant or the closure of the business of an anchor tenant that leaves its space vacant, even if the anchor tenant continues to pay rent. Any such modifications or conditions could be unfavorable to us as the property owner and could decrease rents or expense recoveries. In the event of default by an anchor tenant, we may experience delays and costs in enforcing our rights as landlord to recover amounts due to us under the terms of our agreements with those parties.

Declines in overall activity in our markets may adversely affect the performance of our office properties.   

Rental income from office properties fluctuates with general market and economic conditions. Our office properties may be adversely affected during periods of diminished economic growth and a decline in white-collar employment. We may experience a decrease in occupancy and rental rates accompanied by increases in the cost of re-leasing space (including for tenant improvements) and in uncollectible receivables. Early lease terminations may significantly contribute to a decline in occupancy of our office properties and may adversely affect our profitability. While lease termination fees increase current period income, future rental income may be diminished because, during periods in which market rents decline, it is unlikely that we will collect from replacement tenants the full contracted amount which had been payable under the terminated leases.

Risks Related to Real Estate-Related Investments

Risks Associated with Investments in Mezzanine and Mortgage Loans

Our Advisor does not have substantial experience investing in mezzanine and mortgage loans, which could result in losses to us.

Neither our Advisor nor any of its affiliates have substantial experience investing in mezzanine or mortgage loans. If we make or acquire such loans, or participations in them, we may not have the necessary expertise to maximize the return on our investment in these types of loans.

The risk of default on mezzanine and mortgage loans is caused by many factors beyond our control, and our ability to recover our investment in foreclosure may be limited.

The default risk on mezzanine and mortgage loans is caused by factors beyond our control, including local and other economic conditions affecting real estate values, interest rate changes, rezoning and failure by the borrower to maintain the property. We do not know whether the values of the property securing the loans will remain at the levels existing on the dates of origination of the loans. If the values of the underlying properties drop, our risk will increase because of the lower value of the security associated with such loans.

In the event that there are defaults under these loans, we may not be able to quickly repossess and sell the properties securing such loans. An action to foreclose on a property securing a loan is regulated by state statutes and regulations and is subject to many delays and expenses typical of any foreclosure action. In the event of default by a mortgagor, these restrictions, among other things, may impede our ability to foreclose on or sell the mortgaged property or to obtain proceeds sufficient to repay all amounts due to us on the loan, which could reduce the value of our investment in the defaulted loan.

The mezzanine loans in which we may invest involve greater risks of loss than senior loans secured by income-producing real properties.

We may invest in mezzanine loans that take the form of subordinated loans secured by second mortgages on the underlying real property or loans secured by a pledge of the ownership interests of either the entity owning the real property or the entity that owns the interest in the entity owning the real property. These types of investments involve a higher degree of risk than long-term senior mortgage lending secured by income producing real property because the investment may become unsecured as a result of foreclosure by the senior lender. In the event of a bankruptcy of the entity providing the pledge of its ownership interests as security, we may not have full recourse to the assets of the entity, or the assets of the entity may not be sufficient to satisfy our mezzanine loan. If a borrower defaults on our mezzanine loan or debt senior to our loan, or in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, our mezzanine loan will be satisfied only after the senior debt. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment.

Our mortgage or mezzanine loans will be subject to interest rate fluctuations, which could reduce our returns as compared to market interest rates and reduce the value of the loans in the event we sell them.

If we invest in fixed-rate, long-term mortgage or mezzanine loans and interest rates rise, the loans could yield a return lower than then-current market rates. If interest rates decrease, we will be adversely affected to the extent that mortgage or mezzanine loans are prepaid, because we may not be able to make new loans at the previously higher interest rate. If we invest in variable-rate loans and interest rates decrease, our revenues will also decrease. Fluctuations in interest rates adverse to our loans could adversely affect our returns on such loans.

The liquidation of our assets may be delayed as a result of our investment in mortgage or mezzanine loans, which could delay distributions to our stockholders.

The mezzanine and mortgage loans we may purchase will be illiquid investments due to their short life, their unsuitability for securitization and the greater difficulty of recoupment in the event of a borrower’s default. If we enter into mortgage or mezzanine loans with terms that expire after the date we intend to have sold all of our properties, any intended liquidation of us may be delayed beyond the time of the sale of all of our properties until all mortgage or mezzanine loans expire or are sold.

Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate-Related Securities

We may invest in various types of real estate-related securities.

We may invest in real estate-related securities, including securities issued by other real estate companies, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) or collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). We may also invest in real estate-related securities of both publicly traded and private real estate companies. Neither we nor our Advisor may have the expertise necessary to maximize the return on our investment in real estate-related securities. If our Advisor determines that it is advantageous to us to make the types of investments in which our Advisor or its affiliates do not have experience, our Advisor intends to employ persons, engage consultants or partner with third parties that have, in our Advisor’s opinion, the relevant expertise necessary to assist our Advisor in evaluating, making and administering such investments.

Investments in real estate-related securities will be subject to specific risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities and may be subject to the general risks of investing in subordinated real estate securities, which may result in losses to us.

Our investments in real estate-related securities will involve special risks relating to the particular issuer of the securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer. Issuers of real estate-related securities generally invest in real estate or real estate-related assets and are subject to the inherent risks associated with real estate-related investments including risks relating to rising interest rates.

Real estate-related securities are often unsecured and also may be subordinated to other obligations of the issuer. As a result, investments in real estate-related securities are subject to risks of (1) limited liquidity in the secondary trading market in the case of unlisted or thinly traded securities, (2) substantial market price volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates in the case of traded equity securities, (3) subordination to the prior claims of banks and other senior lenders to the issuer, (4) the operation of mandatory sinking fund or call/redemption provisions during periods of declining interest rates that could cause the issuer to reinvest redemption proceeds in lower yielding assets, (5) the possibility that earnings of the issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service and distribution obligations and (6) the declining creditworthiness and potential for insolvency of the issuer during periods of rising interest rates and economic slowdown or downturn. These risks may adversely affect the value of outstanding real estate-related securities and the ability of the issuers thereof to repay principal and interest or make distribution payments.

The mortgage loans in which we may invest and the mortgage loans underlying the mortgage backed securities in which we may investment will be subject to delinquency, foreclosure and loss, which could result in losses to us.

Commercial mortgage loans are secured by multifamily or other types of commercial property, and are subject to risks of delinquency and foreclosure and risks of loss that are greater than similar risks associated with loans made on the security of single family residential property. The ability of a borrower to repay a loan secured by a property typically is dependent primarily upon the successful operation of such property rather than upon the existence of independent income or assets of the borrower. If the net operating income of the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Net operating income of an income producing property can be affected by, among other things: tenant mix, success of tenant businesses, property management decisions, property location and condition, competition from comparable types of properties, changes in laws that increase operating expense or limit rents that may be charged, any need to address environmental contamination at the property, the occurrence of any uninsured casualty at the property, changes in national, regional or local economic conditions and/or specific industry segments, declines in regional or local real estate values, declines in regional or local rental or occupancy rates, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, changes in governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, including environmental legislation, acts of God, terrorism, social unrest and civil disturbances.

In the event of any default under a mortgage loan held directly by us, we will bear a risk of loss of principal to the extent of any deficiency between the value of the collateral and the principal and accrued interest of the mortgage loan, which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow from operations and limit amounts available for distribution to our stockholders. In the event of the bankruptcy of a mortgage loan borrower, the mortgage loan to such borrower will be deemed to be secured only to the extent of the value of the underlying collateral at the time of bankruptcy (as determined by the bankruptcy court), and the lien securing the mortgage loan will be subject to the avoidance powers of the bankruptcy trustee or debtor-in-possession to the extent the lien is unenforceable under state law. Foreclosure of a mortgage loan can be an expensive and lengthy process which could have a substantial negative effect on our anticipated return on the foreclosed mortgage loan.

The MBS and CDOs in which we may invest are subject to several types of risks.

MBS are bonds which evidence interests in, or are secured by, a single mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans. CDOs are a type of collateralized debt obligation that is backed by commercial real estate assets, such as MBS, mortgage loans, B-notes, or mezzanine paper. Accordingly, the MBS and CDOs we invest in are subject to all the risks of the underlying mortgage loans.

In a rising interest rate environment, the value of MBS and CDOs may be adversely affected when payments on underlying mortgages do not occur as anticipated, resulting in the extension of the security’s effective maturity and the related increase in interest rate sensitivity of a longer-term instrument. The value of MBS and CDOs may also change due to shifts in the market’s perception of issuers and regulatory or tax changes adversely affecting the mortgage securities markets as a whole. In addition, MBS and CDOs are subject to the credit risk associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties. In certain instances, third party guarantees or other forms of credit support can reduce the credit risk.

MBS and CDOs are also subject to several risks created through the securitization process. Subordinate MBS and CDOs are paid interest only to the extent that there are funds available to make payments. To the extent the collateral pool includes a large percentage of delinquent loans, there is a risk that interest payment on subordinate MBS and CDOs will not be fully paid. Subordinate securities of MBS and CDOs are also subject to greater credit risk than those MBS and CDOs that are more highly rated.

If we use leverage in connection with our investment in MBS or CDOs, the risk of loss associated with this type of investment will increase.

We may use leverage in connection with our investment in MBS or CDOs. Although the use of leverage may enhance returns and increase the number of investments that can be made, it may also substantially increase the risk of loss. There can be no assurance that leveraged financing will be available to us on favorable terms or that, among other factors, the terms of such financing will parallel the maturities of the underlying securities acquired. Therefore, such financing may mature prior to the maturity of the MBS or CDOs acquired by us. If alternative financing is not available, we may have to liquidate assets at unfavorable prices to pay off such financing. We may utilize repurchase agreements as a component of our financing strategy. Repurchase agreements economically resemble short-term, variable-rate financing and usually require the maintenance of specific loan-to-collateral value ratios. If the market value of the MBS or CDOs subject to a repurchase agreement decline, we may be required to provide additional collateral or make cash payments to maintain the loan to collateral value ratio. If we are unable to provide such collateral or cash repayments, we may lose our economic interest in the underlying securities.

Investments in real estate-related preferred equity securities involve a greater risk of loss than traditional debt financing.

We may invest in real estate-related preferred equity securities, which may involve a higher degree of risk than traditional debt financing due to several factors, including that such investments are subordinate to traditional loans and are not secured by property underlying the investment. If the issuer defaults on our investment, we would only be able to take action against the entity in which we have an interest, not the property owned by such entity underlying our investment. As a result, we may not recover some or all of our investment, which could result in losses to us.

Market conditions and the risk of further market deterioration may cause a decrease in the value of our real estate securities.

The U.S. credit markets and the sub-prime residential mortgage market have previously experienced and could in the future experience severe dislocations and liquidity disruptions. Sub-prime mortgage loans have previously experienced and could in the future experience increased rates of delinquency, foreclosure and loss. These and other related events have a significant impact on the capital markets associated not only with sub-prime mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities and CDOs, but also with the U.S. credit and financial markets as a whole.

We may invest in any real estate securities, including MBS and CDOs, that contain assets that could be classified as sub-prime residential mortgages. The values of many of these securities are sensitive to the volatility of the credit markets, and many of these securities may be adversely affected by future developments. In addition, to the extent there is turmoil in the credit markets, it has the potential to materially affect both the value of our real estate related securities investments and/or the availability or the terms of financing that we may anticipate utilizing in order to leverage our real estate related securities investments.

Market volatility may make the valuation of these securities more difficult, particularly the MBS and CDO assets. Management’s estimate of the value of these investments incorporates a combination of independent pricing of agency and third-party dealer valuations, as well as comparable sales transactions. However, the methodologies that we will use in valuing individual investments are generally based on a variety of estimates and assumptions specific to the particular investments, and actual results related to the investments therefore often vary materially from such assumptions or estimates.

Because there is significant uncertainty in the valuation of, or in the stability of the value of, certain of these securities holdings, the fair values of such investments as reflected in our results of operations may not reflect the prices that we would obtain if such investments were actually sold. Furthermore, due to market events, many of these investments are subject to rapid changes in value caused by sudden developments which could have a material adverse effect on the value of these investments.

A portion of our real estate securities investments may be illiquid and we may not be able to adjust our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions.

Certain of the real estate securities that we may purchase in the future in connection with privately negotiated transactions may not be registered under the relevant securities laws, resulting in a prohibition against their sale, transfer pledge or other disposition except in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of those laws. As a result, our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be relatively limited.

Interest rate and related risks may cause the value of our real estate securities investments to be reduced.

Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. Generally, when market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities will decline, and vice versa. Our investment in such securities means that the net asset value and market price of the common shares may tend to decline if market interest rates rise.

During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower than expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, which is generally known as call or prepayment risk. If this occurs, we may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as reinvestment risk. An issuer may redeem an obligation if the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. These risks may reduce the value of our real estate securities investments.

Real Estate Financing Risks

General Financing Risks

We have incurred mortgage indebtedness and other borrowings, which may increase our business risks.   

We acquired and intend to continue to acquire properties subject to existing financing or by borrowing new funds. In addition, we incur or increase our mortgage debt by obtaining loans secured by selected or all of the real properties to obtain funds to acquire additional real properties. We may also borrow funds if necessary to satisfy the requirement that we distribute to stockholders as dividends at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain, or otherwise as is necessary or advisable to assure that we maintain our qualification as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We incur mortgage debt on a particular real property if we believe the property’s projected cash flow is sufficient to service the mortgage debt. However, if there is a shortfall in cash flow, requiring us to use cash from other sources to make the mortgage payments on the property, then the amount available for distributions to stockholders may be affected. In addition, incurring mortgage debt increases the risk of loss since defaults on indebtedness secured by properties may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders and our loss of the property securing the loan, which is in default.

For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds. We may, in some circumstances, give a guaranty on behalf of an entity that owns one of our properties. In these cases, we will be responsible to the lender for satisfaction of the debt if it is not paid by such entity. If any mortgages contain cross-collateralization or cross-default provisions, there is a risk that more than one real property may be affected by a default.

Our mortgage debt contains clauses providing for prepayment penalties. If a lender invokes these penalties upon the sale of a property or the prepayment of a mortgage on a property, the cost to us to sell the property could increase substantially, and may even be prohibitive. This could lead to a reduction in our income, which would reduce cash available for distribution to stockholders and may prevent us from borrowing more money. Moreover, our financing arrangements involving balloon payment obligations involve greater risks than financing arrangements whose principal amount is amortized over the term of the loan. At the time the balloon payment is due, we may or may not be able to refinance the balloon payment on terms as favorable as the original loan or sell the property at a price sufficient to make the balloon payment.

If we have insufficient working capital reserves, we will have to obtain financing from other sources.   

We have established working capital reserves that we believe are adequate to cover our cash needs. However, if these reserves are insufficient to meet our cash needs, we may have to obtain financing to fund our cash requirements. Sufficient financing may not be available or, if available, may not be available on economically feasible terms or on terms acceptable to us. If mortgage debt is unavailable at reasonable rates, we will not be able to place financing on the properties, which could reduce the number of properties we can acquire and the amount of distributions per share.

If we place mortgage debt on the properties, we run the risk of being unable to refinance the properties when the loans come due, or of being unable to refinance on favorable terms. If interest rates are higher when the properties are refinanced, our income could be reduced, which would reduce cash available for distribution to stockholders and may prevent us from borrowing more money. Additional borrowing for working capital purposes will increase our interest expense, and therefore our financial condition and our ability to pay distributions may be adversely affected.

We may not have funding or capital resources for future improvements.   

When a commercial tenant at a property we invest in does not renew its lease or otherwise vacates its space in such properties, it is likely that, in order to attract one or more new tenants, we will be required to expend substantial funds for leasing costs, tenant improvements and tenant refurbishments to the vacated space. We will incur certain fixed operating costs during the time the space is vacant as well as leasing commissions and related costs to re-lease the vacated space. We may also have similar future capital needs in order to renovate or refurbish any of our properties for other reasons.

Also, in the event we need to secure funding sources in the future but are unable to secure such sources or are unable to secure funding on terms we feel are acceptable, we may be required to defer capital improvements or refurbishment to a property. This may cause such property to suffer from a greater risk of obsolescence or a decline in value and/or produce decreased cash flow as the result of our inability to attract tenants to the property. If this happens, we may not be able to maintain projected rental rates for affected properties, and our results of operations may be negatively impacted. Or, we may be required to secure funding on unfavorable terms.

We may be adversely affected by limitations in our charter on the aggregate amount we may borrow.   

Our charter provides that the aggregate amount of borrowing, both secured and unsecured, may not exceed 300% of net assets in the absence of a satisfactory showing that a higher level is appropriate, the approval of our Board of Directors and disclosure to stockholders. Net assets means our total assets, other than intangibles, at cost before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves less our total liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied. Any excess in borrowing over such 300% of net assets level must be approved by a majority of our independent directors and disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report to stockholders, along with justification for such excess.

That limitation could have adverse business consequences such as:

Our debt financing for acquisitions is frequently determined from appraised values in lieu of acquisition cost. As appraisal values are typically greater than acquisition cost for the type of value assets we seek to acquire, our debt can be expected to exceed certain leverage limitations defined in our charter. Our Board, including all of its independent directors, has approved and will continue to approve any leverage exceptions as required by our Articles of Incorporation.

Any excess borrowing over the 300% level will be disclosed to stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with justification for such excess. As of December 31, 2015, our total borrowings represented 66% of net assets.

Lenders may require us to enter into restrictive covenants relating to our operations.   

In connection with obtaining financing, a bank or other lender could impose restrictions on us affecting our ability to incur additional debt and our distribution and operating policies. Loan documents we enter into may contain negative covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, further mortgage our properties, discontinue insurance coverage or replace Lightstone Value Plus REIT, LLC as our Advisor. In addition, prepayment penalties imposed by banks or other lenders could affect our ability to sell properties when we want.

If lenders are not willing to make loans to our Sponsor because of previous defaults on some of the Sponsor’s properties, lenders may be less inclined to make loans to us and we may not be able to obtain financing for any future acquisitions.   

Certain of our Sponsor’s program and non-program properties were adversely affected by market conditions and their impact on the real estate market. For example, increased unemployment and the resulting decrease in business travel has adversely affected the occupancy rates and revenues per room at our Sponsor’s lodging properties. After an analysis of these factors and other factors, taking into account increased costs of borrowing, dislocations in the credit markets and that certain properties were not generating sufficient cash flow to cover their fixed costs, the Sponsor elected to stop paying payments on the non-recourse debt obligations for certain program and non-program properties. As a result, lenders may be less willing to make loans to our Sponsor or its affiliates. If lenders are unwilling to make loans to us, we may be unable to purchase certain properties or may be required to defer capital improvements or refurbishments to our properties. Additionally, sellers of real property may be less inclined to enter into negotiations with us if they believe that we may be unable to obtain financing. The inability to purchase certain properties may negatively affect our ability to generate funds from operations. Additionally, the inability to improve our properties may cause such property to suffer from a greater risk of obsolescence or a decline in value, which could result in a decrease in our cash flow from the inability to attract tenants.

Financing Risks on the Property Level

Some of our mortgage loans may have “due on sale” provisions.   

In purchasing properties subject to financing, we may obtain financing with “due-on-sale” and/or “due-on-encumbrance” clauses. Due-on-sale clauses in mortgages allow a mortgage lender to demand full repayment of the mortgage loan if the borrower sells the mortgaged property. Similarly, due-on-encumbrance clauses allow a mortgage lender to demand full repayment if the borrower uses the real estate securing the mortgage loan as security for another loan.

These clauses may cause the maturity date of such mortgage loans to be accelerated and such financing to become due. In such event, we may be required to sell our properties on an all-cash basis, to acquire new financing in connection with the sale, or to provide seller financing. It is not our intent to provide seller financing, although it may be necessary or advisable for us to do so in order to facilitate the sale of a property. It is unknown whether the holders of mortgages encumbering our properties will require such acceleration or whether other mortgage financing will be available. Such factors will depend on the mortgage market and on financial and economic conditions existing at the time of such sale or refinancing.

Lenders may be able to recover against our other properties under our mortgage loans.   

We will seek secured loans (which are nonrecourse) to acquire properties. However, only recourse financing may be available, in which event, in addition to the property securing the loan, the lender may look to our other assets for satisfaction of the debt. Thus, should we be unable to repay a recourse loan with the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the property securing the loan, the lender could look to one or more of our other properties for repayment. Also, in order to facilitate the sale of a property, we may allow the buyer to purchase the property subject to an existing loan whereby we remain responsible for the debt.

Our mortgage loans may charge variable interest.   

Some of our mortgage loans may be subject to fluctuating interest rates based on certain index rates, such as the prime rate. Future increases in the index rates would result in increases in debt service on variable rate loans and thus reduce funds available for acquisitions of properties and dividends to the stockholders.

Insurance Risks

We may suffer losses that are not covered by insurance.   

If we suffer losses that are not covered by insurance or that are in excess of insurance coverage, we could lose invested capital and anticipated profits. We intend to cause comprehensive insurance to be obtained for our properties, including casualty, liability, fire, extended coverage and rental loss customarily obtained for similar properties in amounts which our Advisor determines are sufficient to cover reasonably foreseeable losses, with policy specifications and insured limits that we believe are adequate and appropriate under the circumstances. Some of our commercial tenants may be responsible for insuring their goods and premises and, in some circumstances, may be required to reimburse us for a share of the cost of acquiring comprehensive insurance for the property, including casualty, liability, fire and extended coverage customarily obtained for similar properties in amounts which our Advisor determines are sufficient to cover reasonably foreseeable losses. Material losses may occur in excess of insurance proceeds with respect to any property as insurance proceeds may not provide sufficient resources to fund the losses. However, there are types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as losses due to wars, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution, environmental matters, mold or, in the future, terrorism which are either uninsurable or not economically insurable, or may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments.

Material losses may occur in excess of insurance proceeds with respect to any property, as insurance proceeds may not provide sufficient resources to fund the losses. However, there are types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as losses due to wars, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution, environmental matters, mold or, in the future, terrorism which are either uninsurable or not economically insurable, or may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments.

Insurance companies have recently begun to exclude acts of terrorism from standard coverage. Terrorism insurance is currently available at an increased premium, and it is possible that the premium will increase in the future or that terrorism coverage will become unavailable. However, mortgage lenders in some cases have begun to insist that commercial owners purchase specific coverage against terrorism as a condition for providing loans. We intend to obtain terrorism insurance if required by our lenders, but the terrorism insurance that we obtain may not be sufficient to cover loss for damages to our properties as a result of terrorist attacks. In addition, we may not be able to obtain insurance against the risk of terrorism because it may not be available or may not be available on terms that are economically feasible. In such instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses.

There is no assurance that we will have adequate coverage for such losses. If such an event occurred to, or caused the destruction of, one or more of our properties, we could lose both our invested capital and anticipated profits from such property. In addition, certain losses resulting from these types of events are uninsurable and others may not be covered by our terrorism insurance. Terrorism insurance may not be available at a reasonable price or at all.

In December 2007, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007 (“TRIPRA”) was enacted into law and as a result of subsequent amendments, TRIPRA currently extends the federal terrorism insurance backstop through 2020. The government backstop the extension provides, contributes to the continued stabilization of the terrorism insurance market place allowing us the opportunity to secure coverage at commercially reasonable rates, and thus mitigate certain of the risks described above.

In addition, many insurance carriers are excluding asbestos-related claims from standard policies, pricing asbestos endorsements at prohibitively high rates or adding significant restrictions to this coverage. Because of our inability to obtain specialized coverage at rates that correspond to the perceived level of risk, we may not obtain insurance for acts of terrorism or asbestos-related claims. We will continue to evaluate the availability and cost of additional insurance coverage from the insurance market. If we decide in the future to purchase insurance for terrorism or asbestos, the cost could have a negative impact on our results of operations. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs on a property, we could lose our capital invested in the property, as well as the anticipated future revenues from the property and, in the case of debt that is recourse to us, would remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. Any loss of this nature would adversely affect us. Although we intend to adequately insure our properties, there is no assurance that we will successfully do so.

Compliance with Laws

The costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations may adversely affect our income and the cash available for any distributions.   

All real property and the operations conducted on real property are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. These laws and regulations generally govern wastewater discharges, air emissions, the operation and removal of underground and aboveground storage tanks, the use, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination associated with disposals. Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners or operators for the costs of investigation or remediation of contaminated properties, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal.

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner, developer or operator of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances at, on, under or in its property. The costs of removal or remediation could be substantial. In addition, the presence of these substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell or rent such property or to use the property as collateral for future borrowing.

Environmental laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous or toxic materials. Even if more than one person may have been responsible for the contamination, each person covered by the environmental laws may be held responsible for all of the clean-up costs incurred. In addition, third parties may sue the owner or operator of a site for damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination arising from that site. The presence of hazardous or toxic materials, or the failure to address conditions relating to their presence properly, may adversely affect the ability to rent or sell the property or to borrow using the property as collateral.

Persons who dispose of or arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic materials may also be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such materials, or for related natural resource damages, at or from an off-site disposal or treatment facility, whether or not the facility is or ever was owned or operated by those persons. In addition, environmental laws today can impose liability on a previous owner or operator of a property that owned or operated the property at a time when hazardous or toxic substances were disposed on, or released from, the property. A conveyance of the property, therefore, does not relieve the owner or operator from liability.

There may be potential liability associated with lead-based paint arising from lawsuits alleging personal injury and related claims. Typically, the existence of lead paint is more of a concern in residential units than in commercial properties. Although a structure built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint and may present a potential for exposure to lead, structures built after 1978 are not likely to contain lead-based paint.

Property values may also be affected by the proximity of such properties to electric transmission lines. Electric transmission lines are one of many sources of electro-magnetic fields (“EMFs”) to which people may be exposed. Research completed regarding potential health concerns associated with exposure to EMFs has produced inconclusive results. Notwithstanding the lack of conclusive scientific evidence, some states now regulate the strength of electric and magnetic fields emanating from electric transmission lines and other states have required transmission facilities to measure for levels of EMFs.

On occasion, lawsuits have been filed (primarily against electric utilities) that allege personal injuries from exposure to transmission lines and EMFs, as well as from fear of adverse health effects due to such exposure. This fear of adverse health effects from transmission lines has been considered both when property values have been determined to obtain financing and in condemnation proceedings. We may not, in certain circumstances, search for electric transmission lines near our properties, but are aware of the potential exposure to damage claims by persons exposed to EMFs.

Recently, indoor air quality issues, including mold, have been highlighted in the media and the industry is seeing mold claims from lessees rising. To date, we have not incurred any material costs or liabilities relating to claims of mold exposure or abating mold conditions. However, due to the recent increase in mold claims and given that the law relating to mold is unsettled and subject to change, we could incur losses from claims relating to the presence of, or exposure to, mold or other microbial organisms, particularly if we are unable to maintain adequate insurance to cover such losses. We may also incur unexpected expenses relating to the abatement of mold on properties that we may acquire.

Limited quantities of asbestos-containing materials are present in various building materials such as floor coverings, ceiling texture material, acoustical tiles and decorative treatments. Environmental laws govern the presence, maintenance and removal of asbestos. These laws could be used to impose liability for release of, and exposure to, hazardous substances, including asbestos-containing materials, into the air. Such laws require that owners or operators of buildings containing asbestos (1) properly manage and maintain the asbestos, (2) notify and train those who may come into contact with asbestos and (3) undertake special precautions, including removal or other abatement, if asbestos would be disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building. Such laws may impose fines and penalties on building owners or operators who fail to comply with these requirements. These laws may allow third parties to seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. As the owner of our properties, we may be potentially liable for any such costs.

There is no assurance that properties, which we acquire in the future, will not have any material environmental conditions, liabilities or compliance concerns. Accordingly, we have no way of determining at this time the magnitude of any potential liability to which we may be subject arising out of environmental conditions or violations with respect to the properties we own.

The costs of compliance with laws and regulations relating to our residential properties may adversely affect our income and the cash available for any distributions.  

Various laws, ordinances, and regulations affect multi-family residential properties, including regulations relating to recreational facilities, such as activity centers and other common areas. We intend for our properties to have all material permits and approvals to operate. In addition, rent control laws may also be applicable to any of the properties.

Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards as of future dates. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations, stricter interpretation of existing laws or the future discovery of environmental contamination may require material expenditures by us. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material environmental liabilities, and the current environmental condition of our properties might be affected by the operations of the tenants, by the existing condition of the land, by operations in the vicinity of the properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks, or by the activities of unrelated third parties.

These laws typically allow liens to be placed on the affected property. In addition, there are various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations which we may be required to comply with, and which may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance.

Any newly acquired or developed multi-family residential properties must comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) to the extent that such properties are “public accommodations” and/or “commercial facilities” as defined by the ADA. Compliance with the ADA requires removal of structural barriers to handicapped access in certain public areas of the properties where such removal is “readily achievable.” We intend for our properties to comply in all material respects with all present requirements under the ADA and applicable state laws.

We will attempt to acquire properties, which comply with the ADA or place the burden on the seller to ensure compliance with the ADA. We may not be able to acquire properties or allocate responsibilities in this manner. Noncompliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, monetary penalties or, in some cases, an award of damages to private litigants. The cost of defending against any claims of liability under the ADA or the payment of any fines or damages could adversely affect our financial condition and affect cash available to return capital and the amount of distributions to stockholders.

The Fair Housing Act (the FHA) requires, as part of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, apartment communities first occupied after March 13, 1990 to be accessible to the handicapped. Noncompliance with the FHA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. We intend for any of our properties that are subject to the FHA to be in compliance with such law. The cost of defending against any claims of liability under the FHA or the payment of any fines or damages could adversely affect our financial condition.

Changes in applicable laws and regulations may adversely affect the income and value of our properties.   

The income and value of a property may be affected by such factors as environmental, rent control and other laws and regulations and changes in applicable general and real estate tax laws (including the possibility of changes in the federal income tax laws or the lengthening of the depreciation period for real estate). For example, the properties we will acquire will be subject to real and personal property taxes that may increase as property tax rates change and as the properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. We anticipate that most of our leases will generally provide that the property taxes or increases therein, are charged to the lessees as an expense related to the properties that they occupy. As the owner of the properties, however, we are ultimately responsible for payment of the taxes to the government. If property taxes increase, our tenants may be unable to make the required tax payments, ultimately requiring us to pay the taxes. In addition, we will generally be responsible for property taxes related to any vacant space. If we purchase residential properties, the leases for such properties typically will not allow us to pass through real estate taxes and other taxes to residents of such properties. Consequently, any tax increases may adversely affect our results of operations at such properties.

Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations where we invest could result in fines, suspension of personnel of our Advisor, or other sanctions. Compliance with new laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws may require us to incur material expenditures, which could reduce the available cash flow for distributions to our stockholders. Additionally, future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material environmental liability, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Risks Related to General Economic Conditions and Terrorism

If we invest our capital in marketable securities of real estate-related companies pending an acquisition of real estate, our profits may be adversely affected by the performance of the specific investments we make.   

A resolution passed by our Board of Directors allows us from time to time to invest up to 30% of our available cash in marketable securities of real estate related companies. Issuers of real estate securities generally invest in real estate or real estate related assets and are subject to the inherent risks associated with real estate related investments discussed below, including risks relating to rising interest rates or volatility in the credit markets. Our investments in marketable securities of real estate related companies will involve special risks relating to the particular issuer of securities, including the financial condition and business outlook of the issuer. Substantial market price volatility caused by general economic or market conditions, including disruptions in the credit markets, may require us to mark down the value of these investments, and our profits and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Adverse economic conditions have negatively affected our returns and profitability.   

The timing, length and severity of any economic slowdown that the nation experiences cannot be predicted with certainty. Since we may liquidate within ten years after August 2009, when the proceeds from our initial public offering were fully invested, there is a risk that depressed economic conditions at that time could cause cash flow and appreciation upon the sale of our properties, if any, to be insufficient to allow sufficient cash remaining after payment of our expenses for a significant return on stockholders’ investment.

It is possible that the economic impact of terrorist attacks may have an adverse effect on the ability of the tenants of our properties to pay rent. In addition, insurance on our real estate may become more costly and coverage may be more limited due to such events. The instability of the U.S. economy may also reduce the number of suitable investment opportunities available to us and may slow the pace at which those investments are made. In addition, armed hostilities and further acts of terrorism may directly impact our properties.

These developments may subject us to increased risks and, depending on their magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our business and stockholders’ investment.

Current state of debt markets could limit our ability to obtain financing which may have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition.   

The commercial real estate debt markets have experienced volatility as a result of certain factors including the tightening of underwriting standards by lenders and credit rating agencies and the significant inventory of unsold Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities in the market. Credit spreads for major sources of capital have widened significantly as investors have demanded a higher risk premium. This results in lenders increasing the cost for debt financing. Should the overall cost of borrowings increase, either by increases in the index rates or by increases in lender spreads, we will need to factor such increases into the economics of our acquisitions. This may result in our acquisitions generating lower overall economic returns and potentially reducing cash flow available for distribution.

Dislocations in the debt markets may reduce the amount of capital that is available to finance real estate, which, in turn, (a) will no longer allow real estate investors to rely on capitalization rate compression to generate returns and (b) may slow real estate transaction activity, all of which may reasonably be expected to have a material impact, favorable or unfavorable, on revenues or income from the acquisition and operations of real properties and mortgage loans. Investors will need to focus on market-specific growth dynamics, operating performance, asset management and the long-term quality of the underlying real estate.

In addition, the state of the debt markets could have an impact on the overall amount of capital investing in real estate which may result in price or value decreases of real estate assets.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Risks

Stockholders’ investment has various U.S. federal income tax risks.   

Stockholders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the effects of U.S. federal, state and local income tax law on an investment and on stockholders’ individual tax situation.

If we fail to maintain our qualification as a REIT, our dividends will not be deductible to us, and our income will be subject to taxation. We intend to maintain our qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, which will afford us significant tax advantages. The requirements to maintain this qualification, however, are complex. If we fail to meet these requirements, our dividends will not be deductible to us and we will have to pay a corporate level tax on our income. This would substantially reduce our cash available to pay distributions and stockholders’ yield on stockholders’ investment. In addition, tax liability might cause us to borrow funds, liquidate some of our investments or take other steps, which could negatively affect our operating results.

Moreover, if our REIT status is terminated because of our failure to meet a technical REIT test or if we voluntarily revoke our election, we would be disqualified from electing treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which REIT status is lost. This could materially and negatively affect stockholders’ investment by causing a loss of common stock value.

Stockholders may have tax liability on distributions that they elect to reinvest in common stock but would not receive the cash from such distributions to pay such tax liability.   

If stockholders participate in our DRIP, such stockholders will be deemed to have received, and for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be taxed on, the amount reinvested in common stock to the extent the amount reinvested was not a tax-free return of capital. As a result, unless a stockholder is a tax-exempt entity, it may have to use funds from other sources to pay its tax liability on the value of the common stock received.

The opinion of Proskauer Rose LLP regarding our status as a REIT does not guarantee our ability to remain a REIT.   

We believe that we have qualified as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2006. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, through investments, actual operating results, distributions and satisfaction of specific stockholder rules, the various tests imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. Our legal counsel, Proskauer Rose LLP will not review these operating results or compliance with the qualification standards. We may not satisfy the REIT requirements in the future. Also, this opinion represents Proskauer Rose LLP’s legal judgment based on the law in effect as of the date of our prospectus and is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts, and could be subject to modification or withdrawal based on future legislative, judicial or administrative changes to the federal income tax laws, any of which could be applied retroactively, which could result in our disqualification as a REIT.

Failure to qualify as a REIT or to maintain such qualification could materially and negatively impact stockholders’ investment and its yield to stockholders by causing a loss of common share value and by substantially reducing our cash available to pay distributions.

If the Operating Partnership fails to maintain its status as a partnership, its income may be subject to taxation.   

We intend to maintain the status of the Operating Partnership as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, if the Internal Revenue Service were to successfully challenge the status of the Operating Partnership as a partnership for such purposes, it would be taxable as a corporation. In such event, this would reduce the amount of distributions that the Operating Partnership could make to us. This would also result in our failing to qualify as a REIT, and becoming subject to a corporate level tax on our own income. This would substantially reduce our cash available to pay distributions and the yield on stockholders’ investment. In addition, if any of the partnerships or limited liability companies through which the Operating Partnership owns its properties, in whole or in part, loses its characterization as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would be subject to taxation as a corporation, thereby reducing distributions to the Operating Partnership. Such a recharacterization of an underlying property owner could also threaten our ability to maintain our REIT qualification.

Even REITS may be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes.   

Even if we qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, we may become subject to U.S. federal income taxes and related state and local taxes. For example, if we have net income from a “prohibited transaction,” such income will be subject to a 100% tax. We may not be able to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. We may also decide to retain net capital gain we earn from the sale or other disposition of our property and pay income tax directly on such income. This will result in our stockholders being treated for tax purposes as though they had received their proportionate shares of such retained income and paid the tax on it directly.

However, to the extent we have already paid income taxes directly on such income; our stockholders will also be credited with their proportionate share of such taxes already paid by us. Stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability unless they file U.S. federal income tax returns and thereon seek a refund of such tax. We may also be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of the Operating Partnership or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own our assets such as our TRSs, which are subject to full U.S. federal, state and local corporate-level income taxes. Any taxes we pay directly or indirectly will reduce our cash available for distribution to our stockholders.

As a result, we may not be able to continue to satisfy the REIT requirements, and it may cease to be in our best interests to continue to do so in the future.

Certain of our business activities are potentially subject to the prohibited transaction tax, which could reduce the return on your investment.   

For so long as we qualify as a REIT, our ability to dispose of property during the first few years following acquisition may be restricted to a substantial extent as a result of our REIT qualification. Under applicable provisions of the Code regarding prohibited transactions by REITs, while we qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on any gain recognized on the sale or other disposition of any property (other than foreclosure property) that we own, directly or through any subsidiary entity, including our Operating Partnership, but generally excluding our TRSs, that is deemed to be inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of trade or business. Whether property is inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each property. While we qualify as a REIT, we avoid the 100% prohibited transaction tax by (1) conducting activities that may otherwise be considered prohibited transactions through a TRS (but such TRS will incur income taxes), (2) conducting our operations in such a manner so that no sale or other disposition of an asset we own, directly or through any subsidiary, will be treated as a prohibited transaction or (3) structuring certain dispositions of our properties to comply with a prohibited transaction safe harbor available under the Code for properties held for at least two years. However, no assurance can be given that any particular property we own, directly or through any subsidiary entity, including our Operating Partnership, but generally excluding our TRSs, will not be treated as inventory or property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

We may choose to make distributions in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay income taxes in excess of the cash dividends you receive.   

In connection with our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our taxable income (excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders. In order to satisfy this requirement, we may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in cash and shares of our common stock at the election of each stockholder. Generally, under IRS Revenue Procedure 2010-12, up to 90% of any such taxable dividend with respect to the taxable years 2010 and 2011 could be payable in our common stock. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. stockholders may be required to pay income taxes with respect to such dividends in excess of the cash dividends received. Accordingly, U.S. stockholders receiving a distribution of our shares may be required to sell shares received in such distribution or may be required to sell other stock or assets owned by them, at a time that may be disadvantageous, in order to satisfy any tax imposed on such distribution. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock that it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to certain non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock, by withholding or disposing of part of the shares in such distribution and using the proceeds of such disposition to satisfy the withholding tax imposed. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our common stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, such sale may put downward pressure on the price of our common stock.

Further, while Revenue Procedure 2010-12 generally applies only to taxable dividends payable in a combination of cash and stock with respect to the taxable years 2010 and 2011, it is unclear whether and to what extent we will be able to pay taxable dividends in cash and stock in later years. Moreover, various tax aspects of such a taxable cash/stock dividend are uncertain and have not yet been addressed by the IRS. No assurance can be given that the IRS will not impose additional requirements in the future with respect to taxable cash/stock dividends, including on a retroactive basis, or assert that the requirements for such taxable cash/stock dividends have not been met.

Future changes in the income tax laws could adversely affect our profitability.   

In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in shares of our common stock. Additional changes to the tax laws are likely to continue to occur, and we cannot assure you that any such changes will not adversely affect the taxation of our stockholders. Any such changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in our shares or on the market value or the resale potential of our assets. You are urged to consult with your tax advisor with respect to the impact of recent legislation on your investment in our shares and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our shares. You also should note that our counsel’s tax opinion is based upon existing law, applicable as of the date of its opinion, all of which will be subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively.

Although REITs generally receive better tax treatment than entities taxed as regular corporations, it is possible that future legislation would result in a REIT having fewer tax advantages, and it could become more advantageous for a company that invests in real estate to elect to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a corporation. As a result, our charter provides our Board of Directors with the power, under certain circumstances, to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election and cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, without the vote of our stockholders. Our Board of Directors has fiduciary duties to us and our stockholders and could only cause such changes in our tax treatment if it determines in good faith that such changes are in the best interest of our stockholders.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS:

None applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES:

Annualized revenue is defined as the minimum monthly payments due as of December 31, 2015 annualized, excluding periodic contractual fixed increases and rents calculated based on a percentage of tenants’ sales. The annualized base rent disclosed in the table above includes all concessions, abatements and reimbursements of rent to tenants.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:  

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we may become subject to legal proceedings, claims or disputes.

In connection with the sale of our indirectly-owned sub-leasehold interest in the office building located at 1407 Broadway, New York, New York, we resolved our previously disclosed litigation with Abraham Kamber Company as sublessor under the sublease, who had served the two notices of default on our predecessor in interest that gave rise to the litigation. Effective March 30, 2015, the litigation was dismissed in its entirety with prejudice. This matter has now been fully disposed of.

On July 13, 2011, JF Capital Advisors, filed a lawsuit against The Lightstone Group, LLC, us, and Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. in the Supreme Court of the State of New York seeking payment for services alleged to have been rendered, and to be rendered prospectively, under theories of unjust enrichment and breach of contract. The plaintiff had a limited business arrangement with The Lightstone Group, LLC; that arrangement has been terminated. We filed a motion to dismiss the action and, on January 31, 2012, the Supreme Court dismissed the complaint in its entirety, but granted the plaintiff leave to replead two limited causes of action.

The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on May 18, 2012, bringing limited claims under theories of unjust enrichment and quantum meruit. On November 21, 2012, the court dismissed this second complaint in part, leaving only $164 (plus interest) in potential damages.

The plaintiff appealed this decision and Lightstone cross-appealed arguing that the case should have been dismissed in full. The appeals court denied plaintiff’s motion and granted defendants’ motion, as a result of which all claims were dismissed on March 25, 2014. The plaintiff filed a motion requesting the right to re-appeal to the Court of Appeals, which was granted on August 1, 2014.

Plaintiff has appealed to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed in part and denied in part, leaving a smaller number of claims available to the Plaintiff. Plaintiff has indicated that it intends to continue to pursue these claims in the trial court.

While any proceeding or litigation has an element of uncertainty, management currently believes that the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome with respect to any of the aforementioned legal proceedings is remote. No provision for loss has been recorded in connection therewith.

As of the date hereof, we are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings of which the outcome is probable or reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial condition, which would require accrual or disclosure of the contingency and possible range of loss.

ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES:

Shareholder Information

As of March 15, 2016, we had approximately 25.5 million common shares outstanding, held by a total of 7,094 stockholders. The number of stockholders is based on the records of DST Systems Inc., which serves as our registrar and transfer agent.

Market Information 

The Company’s shares of common stock are not currently listed on a national securities exchange. The Company may seek to list its shares of common stock for trading on a national securities exchange only if a majority of its independent directors believe listing would be in the best interest of its stockholders. The Company does not intend to list its shares of common stock at this time. The Company does not anticipate that there would be any market for its shares of common stock until they are listed for trading. In the event the Company does not obtain listing prior to the tenth anniversary of the completion or termination of its initial public offering, its charter requires that the Board of Directors must either (i) seek stockholder approval of an extension or amendment of this listing deadline; or (ii) seek stockholder approval to adopt a plan of liquidation of the Company.

Tender Offer

August 6, 2013 we completed a tender offer repurchasing from our shareholders approximately 4.7 million shares of our common stock at a price of $10.60 per share, or an aggregate amount of approximately $50 million. Approximately 5.0 million shares of common stock were properly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the tender offer’s expiration on July 31, 2013 and, in accordance with the proration provisions applicable to the tender offer, approximately 4.7 million shares were repurchased.

Net Asset Value

On March 22, 2016, our Board of Directors determined and approved our estimated net asset value of approximately $360.0 million and resulting estimated net asset values per share of our common stock of (i) $13.71 before allocations to an affiliate of our sponsor, The Lightstone Group, LLC (the “Sponsor”), as holder of subordinated profits interests in our Operating Partnership (“SLPs”) and (ii) $11.80 after allocations to the holder of SLPs, both as of September 30, 2015. As of the date of this filing, although our Board of Directors has not approved and we have not sought stockholder approval to adopt a formal plan of liquidation of the Company, certain distributions may be payable to the holder of the SLPs in connection with a liquidation event. Accordingly, we are presenting our estimated net asset value per common share on both a “before” and “after” hypothetical liquidation event basis. The “after” hypothetical liquidation event basis reflects an estimate of the distributions which would be payable upon our liquidation to the holder of the SLPs. Additionally, we believe there have been no material changes between September 30, 2015 and the date of this filing to the net values of our assets and liabilities that existed as of September 30, 2015, other than those already reflected in the valuation and disclosed herein. We are providing these estimated net asset values per share of common stock to assist broker-dealers that participated in our initial public offering in meeting their customer account statement reporting obligation under the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”) Conduct Rule 2340 as required by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and to assist plan fiduciaries in their requirement to determine the fair market value of plan assets.

Process and Methodology

The estimated net asset values per share of our common stock were determined after consultation with Lightstone Value Plus REIT, LLC, our advisor (the “Advisor”) and Robert A. Stanger & Co, Inc. (“Stanger”), an independent third-party valuation firm. The engagement of Stanger was approved by our Board of Directors. Stanger prepared appraisal reports (the “Stanger Appraisal Reports”), summarizing key inputs and assumptions, on 19 of the 35 properties (collectively, the “Stanger Appraised Properties”) in which we held ownership interests as of September 30, 2015. The Stanger Appraised Properties consist of (i) two properties in our Retail Segment - the St. Augustine Outlet Center and DePaul Plaza; (ii) four properties in our Multi-Family Residential Segment - the Southeastern Michigan Multi-Family Properties; (iii) a parcel of land located next to Oakview Plaza; and (iv)12 hospitality properties – the DoubleTree – Danvers property (our Hospitality Segment) and our ownership interest in 11 select services hotels, or hospitality properties, owned by an unconsolidated joint venture (the “Joint Venture”). The Joint Venture was formed between us and the operating partnership of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust II, Inc. (“Lightstone II”), a real estate investment trust also sponsored by our Sponsor, in which we and Lightstone II have 2.5% and 97.5% ownership interests. Stanger also prepared a net asset value report (the “NAV Report”) which estimates the net asset values per share of our common stock as of September 30, 2015. The NAV Report relied upon the Stanger Appraisal Reports for the Stanger Appraised Properties, an appraisal report prepared by another independent third-party valuation firm for Gantry Park Landing, one of our multi-family residential properties (the “Gantry Park Appraisal”), the outstanding principal balance of the non-recourse mortgage indebtedness on both the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio (14 industrial properties) and Oakview Plaza (a retail property), Stanger’s estimated value of our mortgage notes payable and other debt both receivable and payable, Stanger’s value opinion with respect to our ownership interest in the Joint Venture and our other investments in related parties, Stanger’s estimate of the distributions which would be due to the holder of the SLPs assuming our hypothetical liquidation, and the Advisor’s estimate of the value of our other assets and liabilities, to calculate estimated net asset values per share of our common stock, all as of September 30, 2015.

The table below sets forth the calculation of our estimated net asset value and resulting estimated net asset values per share of common stock both “before” and “after” estimated distributions which would be payable to the holder of SLPs assuming a hypothetical liquidation event as of September 30, 2015, as well as the comparable calculations as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Certain amounts are reflected net of noncontrolling interests, as applicable. Dollar and share amounts are presented in thousands, except per share data.

Notes:

Independent Valuation Firm:

Stanger was selected by our Board of Directors to appraise the Stanger Appraised Properties and prepare the NAV Report. Stanger is engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties and is not affiliated with us or the Advisor. The compensation we paid to Stanger was based on the scope of work and not on the appraised values of our real estate properties. The appraisals were performed in accordance with the Code of Ethics and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP, the real estate appraisal industry standards created by The Appraisal Foundation. The Stanger Appraisal Reports were reviewed, approved, and signed by an individual with the professional designation of MAI licensed in the state where each real property is located. The use of the reports is subject to the requirements of the Appraisal Institute relating to review by its duly authorized representatives. In preparing its reports, Stanger did not, and was not requested to, solicit third-party indications of interest for our common stock in connection with possible purchases thereof or the acquisition of all or any part of us.

Stanger collected reasonably available material information that it deemed relevant in appraising our real estate properties. Stanger relied in part on property-level information provided by the Advisor, including (i) property historical and projected operating revenues and expenses; (ii) property lease agreements and/or lease abstracts; and (iii) information regarding recent or planned capital expenditures.

In conducting their investigation and analyses, Stanger took into account customary and accepted financial and commercial procedures and considerations as they deemed relevant. Although Stanger reviewed information supplied or otherwise made available by us or the Advisor for reasonableness, they assumed and relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all such information and of all information supplied or otherwise made available to them by any other party and did not independently verify any such information. Stanger has assumed that any operating or financial forecasts and other information and data provided to or otherwise reviewed by or discussed with Stanger were reasonably prepared in good faith on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of our management, our Board of Directors, and/or the Advisor. Stanger relied on us to advise them promptly if any information previously provided became inaccurate or was required to be updated during the period of their review.

In performing its analyses, Stanger made numerous other assumptions as of various points in time with respect to industry performance, general business, economic, and regulatory conditions, and other matters, many of which are beyond their control and our control. Stanger also made assumptions with respect to certain factual matters. For example, unless specifically informed to the contrary, Stanger assumed that we have clear and marketable title to each real estate property appraised, that no title defects exist, that any improvements were made in accordance with law, that no hazardous materials are present or were present previously, that no significant deed restrictions exist, and that no changes to zoning ordinances or regulations governing use, density, or shape are pending or being considered. Furthermore, Stanger’s analyses, opinions, and conclusions were necessarily based upon market, economic, financial, and other circumstances and conditions existing as of or prior to the date of the Stanger Appraisal Reports, and any material change in such circumstances and conditions may affect Stanger’s analyses and conclusions. The Stanger Appraisal Reports contain other assumptions, qualifications, and limitations that qualify the analyses, opinions, and conclusions set forth therein. Furthermore, the prices at which our real estate properties may actually be sold could differ from Stanger’s analyses.

Stanger is actively engaged in the business of appraising commercial real estate properties similar to those owned by us in connection with public security offerings, private placements, business combinations, and similar transactions. We do not believe that there are any material conflicts of interest between Stanger, on the one hand, and us, the Sponsor, the Advisor, and our affiliates, on the other hand. Our Advisor engaged Stanger on behalf of our Board of Directors to deliver their reports to assist in the net asset value calculation and Stanger received compensation for those efforts. In addition, we agreed to indemnify Stanger against certain liabilities arising out of this engagement. In the two years prior to the date of this filing, Stanger was previously engaged by us for appraisal and valuation services in connection with our financial reporting requirements. Stanger has received usual and customary fees in connection with those services. Stanger may from time to time in the future perform other services for us and our Sponsor or other affiliates of the Sponsor, so long as such other services do not adversely affect the independence of Stanger as certified in the applicable Appraisal Reports.

Although Stanger considered any comments received from us and the Advisor relating to their reports, the final appraised values of the Stanger Appraised Properties were determined by Stanger. The reports are addressed to our Board of Directors to assist our Board of Directors in calculating an estimated value per share of our common stock. The reports are not addressed to the public, may not be relied upon by any other person to establish an estimated value per share of our common stock, and do not constitute a recommendation to any person to purchase or sell any shares of our common stock.

Our goal in calculating our estimated net asset value is to arrive at values that are reasonable and supportable using what we deem to be appropriate valuation methodologies and assumptions. The reports, including the analysis, opinions, and conclusions set forth in such reports, are qualified by the assumptions, qualifications, and limitations set forth in the respective reports. The following is a summary of our valuation methodologies used to value our assets and liabilities by key component:

Real Estate Properties: We have ownership interests in both consolidated and unconsolidated investments in real estate properties (the “Real Estate Properties”). As of September 30, 2015, on a collective basis, we wholly or majority-owned and consolidated the operating results and financial condition of three retail properties containing a total of approximately 0.7 million square feet of retail space (the “Retail Segment”), 14 industrial properties containing a total of approximately 1.0 million square feet of industrial space (the “Industrial Segment”), five multi-family residential properties containing a total of 1,216 units (the “Multi-family Residential Segment”), and one hospitality property containing 363 rooms (the “Hospitality Segment”). Additionally, as of September 30, 2015, we held a 49.0% ownership interest in 1407 Broadway Mezz II, LLC (“1407 Broadway”), an affiliated real estate entity which we account for under the equity method of accounting and which we include in our Real Estate Properties. We also have a 2.5% ownership interest in the Joint Venture, which we account for under the cost method of accounting, which is included in our “Investments in Related Parties” below.

As described above, we engaged Stanger to provide an appraisal of the Stanger Appraised Properties consisting of 19 of the 35 properties in which we held ownership interests as of September 30, 2015. The Stanger Appraised Properties consist of (i) two properties in our Retail Segment – the St. Augustine Outlet Center and DePaul Plaza; (ii) four properties in our Multi-Family Residential Segment – the Southeastern Michigan Multi-Family Properties; (iii) a parcel of land located next to Oakview Plaza; and (iv) 12 hospitality properties – the DoubleTree – Danvers property (our Hospitality Segment) and our ownership interests in 11 select services hotels, or hospitality properties, owned by the Joint Venture. We engaged another independent third-party valuation firm to provide the Gantry Park Appraisal. In preparing the appraisal reports, Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm, among other things:

Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm employed the income approach and the sales comparison approach to estimate the value of the appraised properties. The income approach involves an economic analysis of the property based on its potential to provide future net annual income. As part of the valuation, a discounted cash flow analysis (“DCF Analysis”) and direct capitalization analysis was used in the income approach to determine the value of our interest in the portfolio. The indicated value by the income approach represents the amount an investor may pay for the expectation of receiving the net cash flow from the property.

The direct capitalization analysis is based upon the net operating income of the property capitalized at an appropriate capitalization rate for the property based upon property characteristics and competitive position and market conditions at the date of the appraisal.

In applying the DCF Analysis, pro forma statements of operations for the property including revenues and expenses are analyzed and projected over a multi-year period. The property is assumed to be sold at the end of the multi-year holding period. The reversion value of the property which can be realized upon sale at the end of the holding period is calculated based on the capitalization of the estimated net operating income of the property in the year of sale, utilizing a capitalization rate deemed appropriate in light of the age, anticipated functional and economic obsolescence and competitive position of the property at the time of sale. Net proceeds to owners are determined by deducting appropriate costs of sale. The discount rate selected for the DCF Analysis is based upon estimated target rates of return for buyers of similar properties.

The sales comparison approach utilizes indices of value derived from actual or proposed sales of comparable properties to estimate the value of the subject property. The appraiser analyzed such comparable sale data as was available to develop a market value conclusion for the subject property.

Stanger prepared the Stanger Appraisal Reports and the other independent third-party valuation firm prepared the Gantry Park Appraisal, summarizing key inputs and assumptions, for each of the appraised properties using financial information provided by us and our Advisor. From such review, Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm selected the appropriate cash flow discount rate, residual discount rate, and terminal capitalization rate in the DCF Analysis, the appropriate capitalization rate in the direct capitalization analysis and the appropriate price per unit in the sales comparison analysis. As for those properties consolidated on our financials, and for which we do not own 100% of the ownership interest, the property value was adjusted to reflect our ownership interest in such property after consideration of the distribution priorities associated with such property. Gantry Park Landing was included in the NAV Report at the “as is” value in the Gantry Park Appraisal.

The estimated values for our investments in real estate may or may not represent current market values and do not equal the book values of our real estate investments in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our consolidated investments in real estate are currently carried in our consolidated financial statements at their amortized cost basis, adjusted for any loss impairments and bargain purchase gains recognized to date. Our unconsolidated investments in real estate are accounted for under the equity method of accounting in our consolidated financial statements.

As of September 30, 2015, our ownership interests in our Real Estate Properties were valued at $303.3 million, including among others, (i) the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio, comprised of 14 industrial properties located in New Orleans, Louisiana, San Antonio, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which was valued at $50.8 million and (ii) Oakview Plaza, a retail property located in Omaha, Nebraska, which was valued at $26.1 million and (iii) our 49.0% non-managing membership interest in 1407 Broadway, which was valued at $2.0 million.

With respect to the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio, the loan has been placed in default by the special servicer and we believe the outstanding principal balance of the corresponding mortgage indebtedness of $50.8 million that we do not expect to pay exceeds the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral as of September 30, 2015 and therefore, for valuation purposes its net asset value was deemed to be zero which was accomplished by establishing that the estimated fair value of this portfolio of properties was equal to its associated mortgage debt of $50.8 million. This mortgage loan is nonrecourse to us and we are not required to fund any operating shortfalls and/or refinancing shortfalls.

With respect to Oakview Plaza, we believe the outstanding principal balance of its corresponding mortgage indebtedness of $26.1 million exceeded the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral as of September 30, 2015 and therefore, for valuation purposes its net asset value was deemed to be zero which was accomplished by establishing that the estimated fair value of this property was equal to its associated mortgage debt of $26.1 million. This mortgage loan is nonrecourse to us and we are not required to fund any operating shortfalls and/or refinancing shortfalls.

We have a 49.0% membership interest in 1407 Broadway. On April 30, 2015, 1407 Broadway completed the disposition of its sub-leasehold interest in a ground lease to an office building located at 1407 Broadway Street in New York, New York to an unrelated third party. As of September 30, 2015, the estimated fair value of our membership interest in 1407 Broadway was approximately $2.0 million, which is equivalent to our carrying value and represents our estimated share of its remaining net current assets which were subsequently distributed to us during the first quarter of 2016.

Excluding (i) the Gulf Coast Industrial Portfolio, (ii) Oakview Plaza, (iii) our ownership interest in the Joint Venture (see “Investments in Related Parties” below), and (iv) 1407 Broadway, the following summarizes the key assumptions that were used in the discounted cash flow models to estimate the value of the remaining eight properties included in our Real Estate Properties (by operating segment), as of September 30, 2015:

While we believe that the assumptions made by Stanger and the other independent third-party valuation firm are reasonable, a change in these assumptions would impact the calculations of the estimated value of these eight properties included in our Real Estate Properties. Assuming all other factors remain unchanged, the following table summarizes the estimated change in the values (dollars in thousands) of these eight properties included in our Real Estate Properties (by operating segment) which would result from a 25 basis point increase or decrease in exit capitalization rates and discount rates:

As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate estimated value of our interests in the Real Estate Properties was approximately $303.3 million and the aggregate cost of our Real Estate Properties was approximately $260.0 million, including $26.7 million of capital and tenant improvements invested subsequent to acquisition. The estimated value of our Real Estate Properties compared to the original acquisition price plus subsequent capital improvements through September 30, 2015, results in an estimated overall increase in the real estate value of 16.6%.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The estimated values of our cash and cash equivalents approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities.

Investments in Related Parties: As of September 30, 2015, we had various investments in related parties, which were classified as investments in affiliates in our consolidated balance sheets, as follows:

Marketable Securities: The estimated values of our marketable securities are primarily based on level 2 inputs. Level 2 inputs are inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. All of our marketable securities measured using Level 2 inputs were valued based on a market approach using readily available quoted market prices for similar assets.

Restricted Escrows: The estimated values of our restricted escrows approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities.

Mortgage Loans Receivable: The values of our mortgage loans receivable are estimated by applying a discounted cash flow analysis over the remaining expected lives of the investments, excluding any potential transaction costs. The cash flow estimates used in the analysis during the term of the investments are based on the investments’ contractual cash flows, which we anticipate to receive. The expected cash flows for the loans are discounted at rates that we expect a market participant would require for instruments with similar characteristics, including remaining loan term, loan–to–value ratios, type of collateral, current performance, credit enhancements and other factors.

Other Assets: Our other assets consist of tenant accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other assets. The estimated values of these items approximate their carrying values due to their short maturities. Certain other items, primarily straight-line rent receivable, intangibles and deferred costs, have been eliminated for the purpose of the valuation because those items are already considered in our valuation of the respective investments in real estate properties or financial instruments.

Mortgage Notes Payable: The values for our mortgage loans were estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis, which used inputs based on the remaining loan terms and estimated current market interest rates for mortgage loans with similar characteristics, including remaining loan term and loan-to-value ratios. The current market interest rate was generally determined based on market rates for available comparable debt. The estimated current market interest rates for mortgage loans ranged from 2.99% to 9.97%.

Notes Payable: The estimated value of our notes payable, which consist of our margin loan (no outstanding balance as of September 30, 2015) and revolving line of credit (approximately $18.6 million outstanding as of September 30, 2015), approximates their carrying values because of their short maturities.

Other Liabilities: Our other liabilities consist of our accounts payable and accrued expenses, amounts due to our Sponsor, tenant allowances and deposits payable, distributions payable and deferred rental income. The carrying values of these items were considered to equal their fair value due to their short maturities. Certain other items, primarily intangibles, have been eliminated for the purpose of the valuation because those items are already considered in our valuation of the respective Real Estate Properties or financial instruments.

Other Noncontrolling Interests: Our other noncontrolling interests consist of accrued distributions on common units and SLPs.

Limitations of Estimated Values per Share of Common Stock

As mentioned above, we are providing these estimated net asset values per share of common stock (i) to assist broker-dealers that participated in our initial public offering in meeting their customer account statement reporting obligations which require them to include a valuation per share of common stock in their customer account statements pursuant to NASD Conduct Rule 2340, and (ii) to assist plan fiduciaries in their requirement to determine the fair market value of plan assets. The current fair values of our shares of common stock may be higher or lower than these valuations. There currently is no public market for our shares of common stock and we do not expect one to develop. We currently have no plans to list our shares of common stock on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market, or to include our shares of common stock for quotation on any national securities market. Accordingly, it is not possible to determine the market value of our shares of common stock. Privately negotiated sales and sales through intermediaries currently are the only means available to a stockholder to liquidate an investment in shares of our common stock. During the period January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2015, we purchased shares of our common stock through our share redemption program and pursuant to our issuer tender offers of $9.80 and $10.60 per share of common stock, dated October 3, 2011 and May 1, 2013, respectively. In addition, we previously issued shares of our common stock through our distribution reinvestment program, which was suspended by our Board of Directors effective April 15, 2015.

As with any valuation methodology, our methodology is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Further, different parties with different property-specific and general real estate and capital market assumptions, estimates, judgments and standards could derive different estimated net asset values per share of common stock, which could be significantly different from the estimated net asset values per share of common stock determined by our Board of Directors. The estimated net asset values per share of common stock determined by our Board of Directors do not represent the fair value of our assets less liabilities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and such estimated net values per share of common stock are not a representation, warranty or guarantee that:

Neither FINRA, the Internal Revenue Service nor the Department of Labor provides any guidance on the methodology an issuer must use to determine its estimated net asset value per share. As with any valuation methodology, our methodology is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that may not be accurate or complete. Different parties with different assumptions and estimates could derive different estimated net asset values per share of common stock, and these differences could be significant. The estimated net asset values per share of common stock are not audited and do not represent the fair value of our assets less our liabilities in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), nor do they represent an actual liquidation value of our assets and liabilities or the amount shares of common stock would trade at on a national securities exchange. As of the date of this filing, although we have not sought stockholder approval to adopt a plan of liquidation of the Company, certain distributions may be payable to the holder of SLPs in connection with a liquidation event. Accordingly, we are presenting our estimated net asset value per share of common stock both “before” and “after” estimated allocations to the holder of SLPs assuming a hypothetical liquidation event. Our estimated net asset value per common share “before” allocations to the holder of SLPs is based on the estimated value of our assets less the estimated value of our liabilities divided by the number of our diluted shares of common stock outstanding, all as of the date indicated. Our estimated net asset value per common share “after” allocations to the holder of SLPs is based on the estimated value of our assets less the estimated value of our liabilities less the estimated distributions which would be payable to the holder of SLPs assuming a hypothetical liquidation event divided by the number of our diluted shares of common stock outstanding, all as of the date indicated. Our estimated net asset values per share of common stock do not reflect a discount for the fact we are externally managed, nor do they reflect a real estate portfolio premium/discount versus the sum of the individual property values. Our estimated net asset values per share of common stock do not take into account any estimated penalties that could apply upon the prepayment of certain of our debt obligations or the impact of restrictions on the assumption of certain debt. The net asset value of our shares of common stock will fluctuate over time as a result of, among other things, future acquisitions or dispositions of assets, developments related to individual assets and the management of those assets and changes in the real estate and capital markets. Different parties using different assumptions and estimates could derive a different net asset value and resulting estimated net asset values per share of our common stock, and these differences could be significant. Markets for real estate and real estate-related investments can fluctuate and values are expected to change in the future. We currently plan to continue to update our estimated net asset value and resulting estimated net asset values per share of common stock on at least an annual basis.

Share Repurchase Program

Our share repurchase program may provide eligible stockholders with limited, interim liquidity by enabling them to sell shares back to us, subject to restrictions and applicable law. A selling stockholder must be unaffiliated with us, and must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering the shares for sale to us through the share repurchase program. Subject to the limitations described in the Registration Statement, we will also redeem shares upon the request of the estate, heir or beneficiary of a deceased stockholder.

The prices at which stockholders who have held shares for the required one-year period may sell shares back to us at the lesser of (i) the share price as determined by our Board of Directors or (ii) the purchase price per share if purchased at a reduced price.

On February 14, 2014, our Board of Directors approved an increase to the price for all purchases under our share repurchase program from $9.00 to $10.00 per share. Previously the purchase price was $9.00 per share, except in the case of the death of the stockholder, whereby the purchase price per common share was the lesser of the actual amount paid by the stockholder to acquire the shares or $10.00 per share.

A stockholder must have beneficially held the shares for at least one year prior to offering them for sale to us through the share repurchase program, although if a stockholder redeems all of its shares our Board of Directors has the discretion to exempt shares purchased pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan from this one year requirement. Other affiliates will not be eligible to participate in share repurchase program.

Pursuant to the terms of the share repurchase program, we will make repurchases, if requested, at least once quarterly. Subject to funds being available, we will limit the number of shares repurchased during any calendar year to two (2.0%) of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year. Funding for the share repurchase program will come exclusively from proceeds we receive from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan and other operating funds, if any, as the Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, may reserve for this purpose.

Our share repurchase program may provide our stockholders with limited, interim liquidity by enabling them to sell their shares back to us, subject to restrictions. From our inception through December 31, 2014 we redeemed approximately 2.8 million common shares at an average price per share of $9.29 per share. During 2015, we redeemed approximately 0.3 million common shares or 100% of redemption requests received during the period, at an average price per share of $10.00 per share.

Our Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, has the power to terminate the share repurchase program after the end of the offering period, change the price per share under the share repurchase program or reduce the number of shares purchased under the program, if it determines that the funds allocated to the share repurchase program are needed for other purposes, such as the acquisition, maintenance or repair of properties, or for use in making a declared distribution. A determination by our Board of Directors to eliminate or reduce the share repurchase program requires the unanimous affirmative vote of the independent directors.

Distributions

U.S. federal income tax law requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP) determined without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and excluding any net capital gains. In order to continue to qualify for REIT status, we may be required to make distributions in excess of cash available.

Distributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. We commenced quarterly distributions beginning February 1, 2006. We have generally paid such distributions through a combination of cash proceeds from sale our common stock, as well as cash from operations and through issuance of common shares from our DRIP. We may continue to pay such distributions from borrowings if we have not generated sufficient cash flow from our operations to fund such distributions. Our ability to pay regular distributions and the size of these distributions will depend upon a variety of factors. For example, our borrowing policy permits us to incur short-term indebtedness, having a maturity of two years or less, and we may have to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the distribution requirements that are necessary to achieve the tax benefits associated with qualifying as a REIT. We cannot assure that regular distributions will continue to be made or that we will maintain any particular level of distribution that we have established or may establish.

We are an accrual basis taxpayer, and as such our REIT taxable income could be higher than the cash available to us. We may therefore borrow to make distributions, which could reduce the cash available to us, in order to distribute 90% of REIT taxable income as a condition to our election to be taxed as a REIT. These distributions made with borrowed funds may constitute a return of capital to stockholders. “Return of capital” refers to distributions to investors in excess of net income. To the extent that distributions to stockholders exceed earnings and profits, such amounts constitute a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although such distributions might not reduce stockholders’ aggregate invested capital. Because our earnings and profits are reduced for deprecation and other non-cash items, it is likely that a portion of each distribution will constitute a tax deferred return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Distributions Declared by our Board of Directors and Source of Distributions

Beginning February 1, 2006, our Board of Directors declared quarterly distributions in the amount of $0.0019178 per share per day payable to stockholders of record at the close of business each day during the applicable period. The annualized rate declared was equal to 7%, which represents the annualized rate of return on an investment of $10.00 per share attributable to these daily amounts, if paid for each day for a 365 day period (the “Annualized Rate”). Subsequently, our Board of Directors has declared regular quarterly distributions at the Annualized Rate, with the exception of the three-month period ended June 30, 2010. The distributions for the three-month period ended June 30, 2010 were at an aggregate annualized rate of 8% based on the share price of $10.00. Through December 31, 2015, we have paid aggregate distribution in the amount of $163.2 million, which includes cash distributions paid to stockholders and common stock issued under our DRIP.

Total dividends declared during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $18.1 million, $18.1 million and $19.8 million, respectively.

The following tables (amounts in thousands) provide a summary of the quarterly distributions declared and the source of distributions for the periods indicated: