Capital Square REIT Specialist and Real Estate Services CIO urges property owners and investors to protect both assets and credibility
Virginia, US, 10th October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Real estate professional Ben Roper is raising awareness about an often-overlooked risk in today’s market: reputation. As REIT Specialist at Capital Square and Chief Investment Officer at Real Estate Services, Roper has seen firsthand how trust and public perception can shape the outcome of multimillion-dollar deals.
“Relationships take years. Search results take seconds,” Roper said. “I recently lost an UPREIT transaction worth $11Million because of a single article online. That experience taught me reputation can be as valuable as equity. This transaction would have been a game-changer for the owners of a single family housing portfolio, allowing them to accomplish their goals for their families without triggering a taxable event that would cripple the value of the investment for their heirs.”
Roper’s work centers on Section 721 UPREIT exchanges, a tax-efficient structure that allows property owners to contribute assets to a REIT in exchange for operating partnership units. “The 721 UPREIT exchange gives owners a way to diversify without a taxable event,” he explained. “But at the end of the day, people say yes because they trust the structure and the person presenting it.”
The call for greater attention to reputation comes at a time when 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations and two-thirds of investors say reputation impacts their decision-making. “It’s not just about what you make. It’s about what you keep,” Roper added. “Protecting your name is part of protecting your assets.”
He encourages property owners and professionals to take proactive steps: review their digital footprint, strengthen personal relationships, and seek clarity in every deal. “Success is financial freedom and peace at the same time,” Roper said. “Money is a byproduct. Peace is the goal.”
Roper urges investors and developers to regularly audit their online presence, stay transparent in communications, and treat trust as a core investment. “You can’t just manage numbers,” he said. “You have to manage perception too.”
About Ben Roper
Ben Roper is a real estate professional based in Richmond, Virginia. He serves as the REIT Specialist at Capital Square, where he focuses on growing the REIT portfolio through Section 721 UPREIT exchanges. In September 2025, he was also appointed Chief Investment Officer at Real Estate Services Co., a firm founded by his father, developer Phil Roper.
Roper began his career in property management with RangeWater Real Estate before moving into business development.
Outside of work, Roper is an avid watersports enthusiast who enjoys waterskiing and boating.
