Built for Busy Professionals
We help busy professionals grow their wealth through proven, income-producing real estate investments — without the hassles of active management.
Our Track Record
Exited Investments
%
Average Annual Return on
Exited Investments*
Average Equity Multiple on
Exited Investments*
Year Track Record
Active Investments
Multiple
Asset Classes
*Any prior investment results and returns are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of any of our investments’ potential results. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon as an indicator of any of our investments’ future performance or success.
About First Empire
First Empire is a privately held real estate investment firm that has been acquiring and investing in multifamily and commercial properties across the United States since 2005.
We help investors build lasting wealth and generate passive income through carefully selected, cash-flowing, and value-add opportunities in high-growth markets.
Our mission is to deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns through rigorous due diligence, disciplined acquisitions, and proactive asset management. We focus on preserving capital while generating steady income, long-term appreciation, and meaningful tax benefits.
As true partners in every investment, we invest our own capital alongside our investors — ensuring full alignment and shared success. Whether through direct ownership, Co-GP participation, or LP positions, we maintain a hands-on commitment to each asset we invest in.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Our Current Asset Classes
MULTIFAMILY
REAL ESTATE DEBT FUND
MOBILE HOME PARKS & MANUFACTURED HOUSING
RV PARKS, RESORTS, AND STORAGE
Leadership
Ravi Kathuria
Founder and Managing Partner
Ravi Kathuria is the Founder and Managing Partner of First Empire — a privately held real estate investment firm dedicated to building lasting wealth for investors and partners through high-performing multifamily and commercial properties.
Since founding First Empire in 2005, Ravi has led the firm’s direct acquisitions as a General Partner and invested in dozens of real estate partnerships alongside established sponsors as a Limited Partner across the United States.
With more than 25 years of combined experience spanning multifamily investments, high-growth private company investments, portfolio management, and business consulting, Ravi brings a disciplined, analytical approach to identifying and executing opportunities that maximize investor returns.
Earlier in his career, he served as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Analyst at investment management firms and as a Hedge Fund Analyst at a New York City boutique hedge fund overseeing more than $100 million in assets under management. He also served as a Consultant providing solutions to investment managers.
Ravi earned his MBA in Finance with a specialization in Investment Management from Boston College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He is married with two children.
Team
First Empire is supported by a highly experienced network of professionals, each bringing specialized expertise that enhances every investment we pursue.
Our extended team includes:
- Partners
- Real Estate Sponsors
- Property Managers
- Advisors
- Brokers
- Real Estate Attorneys
- Lenders
- CPAs & Tax Advisors
- Contractors
- Consultants and Analysts
Together, we combine decades of experience, deep market knowledge, resources, and trusted relationships to identify, acquire, and actively manage select real estate assets across the country.
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Passive Real Estate Investing:
Your Path to Financial Freedom
Imagine earning income and long-term appreciation without the hassles of being a landlord. That’s the power of passive real estate investing — a proven way to build lasting wealth and take back control of your time.
It’s a strategy that helps you break free from the daily grind, spend more meaningful time with family and friends, enjoy new experiences, secure your retirement, and live life on your terms.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, our offerings provide access to professionally managed real estate opportunities designed to diversify your portfolio and generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns.
Every investment we offer undergoes a rigorous due diligence process designed to mitigate risk and maximize returns.
Let us help you capitalize on these opportunities and achieve your financial goals.
What Our Investors Are Saying
Discover the positive experiences of First Empire investors as they share testimonials about investing with us. Gain valuable insights into what it’s like to invest with our company.
Sachin A.
Healthcare CEO
Washington, DC
If you’re a current investor with us and wish to contribute your own investor perspective, please contact us to begin sharing your feedback.
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Frequently asked questions
How does investing with First Empire work?
When you invest with First Empire as a passive investor (Limited Partner), your capital is pooled with funds from other investors to acquire a real estate asset — such as an apartment community or commercial property.
First Empire also invests a substantial amount of our own capital alongside yours. We always have “skin in the game” and are fully aligned with our investors’ success.
Once the investment is made, you enjoy the benefits of ownership without the day-to-day responsibilities. First Empire and its team of experienced operators and professionals handle all aspects of management and performance — from property operations and financing to reporting and investor distributions.
What are the projected returns?
Projected returns vary by investment, market conditions, and business plan — and, as with any investment, results cannot be guaranteed.
That said, First Empire typically targets opportunities with an average annual return (AAR) in the range of 15–20%, including annual cash flow distributions of approximately 7–8% during the hold period.
What’s the minimum investment?
Most of our offerings have a minimum investment of $50,000, while some opportunities may allow a minimum as low as $25,000, depending on the deal structure.
Do I need to be an accredited investor?
Yes. At this time, our offerings are available only to accredited investors as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
You qualify as an accredited investor if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Net Worth: You have a net worth of at least $1 million, excluding the value of your primary residence.
- Income: You have earned $200,000 or more in annual income individually (or $300,000 jointly with your spouse) for the past two years, and reasonably expect to maintain that income level for the current year.
How long are the hold times?
The average projected hold period for our investments is approximately 5 years, with most opportunities ranging between 3 and 7 years, depending on the business plan and market conditions.
Which types of real estate assets does First Empire pursue?
First Empire focuses on diversified real estate opportunities that combine income generation with long-term appreciation potential. Our primary investment categories include:
- Multifamily (apartment communities)
- Real Estate Lending (Debt Funds)
- Manufactured Housing & Mobile Home Parks
- RV Parks, Resorts, and Storage
What markets does First Empire invest in?
We focus on high-growth markets across the United States that demonstrate strong fundamentals and long-term potential.
When evaluating a market, we look for key indicators such as job growth, population growth, diverse industries, and stable economic drivers — all of which contribute to sustainable demand and asset performance.
How safe is my investment?
At First Empire, capital preservation is our highest priority. We work diligently to protect your hard-earned capital through disciplined underwriting and proactive risk management.
While no investment is ever guaranteed, every asset we offer is conservatively underwritten, supported by adequate reserves, and structured with multiple exit strategies — all designed to help protect and grow your investment over time.
What are the tax advantages of investing in real estate offerings?
Real estate investments offer valuable pass-through tax benefits that can help reduce your taxable income. These typically include:
- Depreciation and accelerated depreciation
- Cost segregation studies, which can increase early-year deductions
These benefits can help offset the passive income and capital gains you receive from your investments.
Each year, investors receive a Schedule K-1 summarizing their share of income, deductions, and credits — this is the document your tax professional will use to prepare your return.
For the most accurate guidance, we recommend consulting your CPA or tax advisor to understand how these benefits apply to your individual situation.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Join our Passive Real Estate Investor Club to gain early access to upcoming investment opportunities and stay informed about new offerings.
Membership in the Passive Real Estate Investor Club is free, and there’s no obligation to invest — it’s simply the best way to stay connected and explore opportunities with First Empire.
“Wealth is about freedom, and freedom is truly a blessing in life.”
– Ravi Kathuria (Founder and Managing Partner of First Empire)