Operator-level Q&A from the people running Chase Calhoun Real Estate. Direct answers to questions Central Arkansas owners and investors actually ask us, without the marketing gloss.
Chase Calhoun, Owner / Principal
How did you get to 150+ doors?
Started with one duplex. Bought, rehabbed, refinanced, repeated. The integrated construction and management operation is the leverage point, we don’t pay vendor margins on our own portfolio. Read the long version in our first deals autopsy.
What’s the biggest mistake new Arkansas investors make?
Under-screening tenants and over-paying for the deal. Both are correctable on Year 1; both compound badly if you don’t fix them.
How do you decide whether to build or buy?
Build when land basis allows for sub-ARV all-in cost and rents pencil. Buy when an existing property is mispriced or distressed. We run both tracks. Build-to-rent in Central AR.
What does a “good” Central Arkansas rental deal look like in 2026?
Cap rate at or above 7% stabilized, going-in rent within 5% of market, condition that requires turn cost under 5% of purchase, and a clear exit (DSCR refi or 1031 candidate). Anything outside that range needs a specific reason to be in your portfolio.
Direct line: 501-650-5137
Alice King, Property Management
How do you keep occupancy above 95%?
Pre-marketing 60 days before move-out, tight screening, fast turn (10 days target), pricing to current market on every relist. The standard isn’t aspirational, it’s operational.
How do you handle late rent?
Day 1 automated reminder. Day 5 personal call. Day 7 written notice. Day 10 legal process initiated. We don’t drift past 10 days.
How do you respond to maintenance emergencies?
Same-day for life safety (gas, water, no heat, no AC in extreme conditions). 24–48 hours for non-emergency. In-house crew means no vendor scheduling delays.
What’s the biggest reason tenants stay long-term?
Maintenance response time. Followed by clear communication. Rent rate matters less than people assume, fair pricing with great service wins renewals.
Direct line (property management): 501-850-6874
Tori Ricks, Real Estate Sales
How is buying a rental different from buying a personal home?
Personal homes are about lifestyle and emotion. Rentals are about NOI, cap rate, condition, and exit. Different inspection scope, different lender path, different negotiation posture.
What should sellers do to prep a rental for sale?
Tighten operations: tenants current, leases documented, maintenance current, P&L clean. Cosmetic refresh second. A clean operating story sells faster and at higher prices than a paint job.
Direct line: 501-902-8242
Operations Team, Aaron, Ben, Clifton
Our operations team handles maintenance coordination, leasing showings, and tenant communication. Full bios on our team page.
How to Reach Us
Chase (Owner): 501-650-5137
Alice (Property Management): 501-850-6874
Tori (Real Estate Sales): 501-902-8242
Open 8 AM Monday–Friday.
Contact form: Contact Us.
