February is off to a strong start, and if you’re paying attention, you know big shifts are happening in real estate right now—from Washington’s latest policy moves to where the best real estate investment opportunities are in 2025. This month, I’m breaking down:

✅ My Takeaways from D.C. After Meeting with Key Legislators
✅ Updated Rhode Island’s Rental Registry Raises Concerns
✅ What’s Happening with Multifamily Investments in Rhode Island
✅ How Affordable Housing Incentives Are Shaping the Market
✅ Why Vertical Integration Is the Future of Property Management

Let’s get into it.

I spent 3 days in D.C. and met with federal legislators…

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with key legislators and real estate industry leaders in Washington, D.C on behalf of NARPM(National Association of Residential Property Managers) of which Stonelink is a member. The discussions focused on four key areas; The CARES Act Notice to Vacate, Taxation, Strengthening the Housing Choice Voucher Program and Reverse EPA Overreach on Property Managers.

Key Discussion Points When We Were On the Hill:

During our meetings on the Hill, we pushed for critical policy changes that impact property owners, landlords, and investors. Here’s what’ was on the table:

✔️ Ending the CARES Act 30-Day Notice to Vacate – This temporary pandemic rule still applies to federally backed and assisted housing due to a drafting error. We’re urging lawmakers to support H.R. 802 and S. 3755 to restore pre-pandemic eviction procedures.

✔️ Protecting Pro-Housing Tax Policies – We support 1031 like-kind exchanges to encourage real estate investment and oppose any proposal to tax unrealized capital gains—these "paper gains" don’t reflect real liquidity. We also back tax incentives for converting vacant commercial properties into residential units to help meet housing demand.

✔️ Fixing the Housing Choice Voucher Program – This program is vital for rental assistance, but structural reforms are needed to incentivize—not force—landlord participation. We’re advocating for streamlined inspections and keeping landlord-tenant relationships governed by existing state laws.

✔️ Reversing EPA Overreach on Property Managers – Recent EPA regulatory changes have increased compliance burdens without clear guidance. We’re calling on Congress to push the EPA to reinstate key policies or provide regulatory clarity that reduces the strain on landlords and property managers.

The message is clear: Real estate investors and property owners need policies that promote investment, not hinder it. We’re staying engaged to ensure your voice is heard.

Bottom line: Stonelink is advocating for common sense policies at both the state and the federal level to help shape an environment that benefits all parties and ensures we thrive together for the future.

Rhode Island Rental Registry: Concerns & Compliance

With Rhode Island’s rental registry officially launched, landlords and property owners are raising some serious concerns about the latest update. Recently a landlord shared their concern with WPRI.

What Landlords Need to Know & Why Concerns Are Rising

🔹 Privacy Issues – Some landlords worry about personal information becoming publicly accessible. Read
🔹 AI-Driven Property Identification – The Rhode Island Coalition of Housing Providers is questioning the use of AI technology to flag suspected rental properties.
🔹 Potential Market Impact – Added regulations could discourage property owners from renting, making the housing shortage even worse.

Despite these concerns, compliance is not optional. RIDOH has stated that education will come first, but enforcement is coming. If you own rental property in Rhode Island, you need to be ahead of this, not reacting when penalties hit.

Multifamily Investments: Opportunities & Challenges in 2025

Rhode Island’s multifamily market remains strong, but smart investors will need to adapt their strategies to navigate rising property prices and economic shifts.

Market Snapshot: Key Trends for Investors

✔️ Home Prices in the Northeast Continue to Climb – In Q4 2024, the median sales price of existing single-family homes rose 10.6% year-over-year, increasing from $441,000 in Q4 2023 to $487,900 in Q4 2024, according to NAR.

✔️ Occupancy Rates in New England Remain Strong – National vacancy rates hover at 6.9%, while New England sits lower at 5.7%, reinforcing steady demand for rental housing.

✔️ Buying Opportunities in Distressed Properties – Poorly managed and undercapitalized properties are entering the market, creating prime acquisition opportunities for experienced investors.

Action Plan: How to Navigate 2025

🔹 Target High-Demand Areas – Providence rents range from $1,900 to $2,600 per unit. Location is key when selecting investment properties.
🔹 Pay Attention to Supply – Rhode Island issued just 323 new private housing units in Q4 2024, one of the lowest per capita rates in the U.S.. In 2023, Rhode Island had the fewest building permits per capita of any state, reinforcing the ongoing housing shortage.
🔹 Use Creative Tactics – In low-supply, high-demand markets, MLS alone won’t cut it. Investors should expand deal flow using direct-to-seller marketing, networking events, and targeting distressed properties to improve lead flow.
🔹 Control Operating Costs – Rising expenses erode cash flow if not properly managed. Investors must optimize property management strategies to maintain profitability

My Advice: If you own or are looking to buy in Rhode Island, stay informed, tighten your operations, and be strategic about financing. Stonelink is tracking these changes to help investors make moves that keep cash flow strong and avoid unnecessary capital expenditures.

Affordable Housing: Addressing Rhode Island’s Housing Crisis

Rhode Island is making significant moves in affordable housing, with new funding and incentives for developers and investors.

Recent Developments:

🏡 $2.88 Million Allocated – Rhode Island funded five affordable housing projects focused on infrastructure and green development. Read More

🏡 First-Ever State LIHTC Program – A $30 million tax credit program was launched to incentivize developers to build more affordable units. Read More

🏡 Major Investments in New Projects – The RISE Pawtucket Apartments secured $1.2 million for 177 units, addressing both affordable housing shortages and infrastructure improvements. Read More

Opportunities for Investors & Developers:

✔️ Streamlined Funding Applications – RIHousing offers consolidated RFPs, simplifying the process of securing multiple funding sources.

✔️ Tax Credits & Grants – Investors who participate in affordable housing projects can access substantial financial incentives while supporting critical housing needs.

✔️ A Balanced Approach – Affordable housing can generate strong ROI while addressing a growing market demand.

Looking for investment opportunities in this space? Stonelink has the expertise to guide you through financing, property management, and tax credit optimization.

Why Vertical Integration is the Future of Property Management

Owning rental property isn’t just about collecting rent—it’s about managing the entire operation efficiently. That’s why vertical integration is reshaping the future of property management.

At Stonelink, we built our model for investors, by investors, eliminating inefficiencies, lowering costs, and increasing control over every aspect of property operations.

Here’s a fact: The old way of managing rental properties doesn’t work anymore.
High repair costs, slow service, and unreliable vendors are cutting into investor profits. That’s why Stonelink does it differently—we control the entire process in-house to keep costs low, improve efficiency, and boost returns.

How We Do It:

✔️ Stonelink Property Management – Maximizing NOI with investor-focused management.
✔️ Stonelink Plumbing – No more overpriced plumbing calls. We handle it in-house.
✔️ Traprock Landscaping – Seasonal maintenance, snow removal, and yard care done right.
✔️ Stonelink Maintenance Services – Quick repairs, unit turnovers, and small jobs handled fast.
✔️ Cleaning Services – Keeping properties clean and move-in ready to attract top tenants.

Why It Matters for Investors

✔️ Lower Costs – No third-party markups, meaning investors keep more rental income.
✔️ Faster Turnarounds – Repairs and turnovers happen quickly, reducing vacancy time.
✔️ Quality Control – Reliability and accountability with everything handled in-house.
✔️ Higher Property Value – Well-maintained properties command higher rents and long-term appreciation.

Final Thoughts: Make Smart Moves in 2025

The real estate game is an ever-changing landscape, but opportunities are out there if you know where to look and equally important know who to ask when help is needed. Stay ahead of policy changes, cut unnecessary costs, and run your properties like a business—that’s how you win.

 📩 Let’s Talk – If you want to strategize your next move, call us at 401-223-2838 or talk to our team.

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