Building a Diversified RE Portfolio: Real Value Takes Time
At its core, Essentia is about something simple: investing wisely, with integrity, and in partnership with people who share a long-term mindset. I didn’t build this platform because I had all the answers—I built it because, for years, I struggled to find what I was looking for as an investor.
I wanted access to institutional-quality opportunities—investments with the highest probability of success because they were run by operators I could trust. But unless you were writing enormous checks, those opportunities were out of reach.
More than that, I wanted a smarter, more resilient way to invest—not just tied to one asset class, one operator, or one strategy, but spread across different markets, cycles, and management teams. I didn’t want to bet my future on a single approach.
And just as importantly, I wanted full transparency and open communication—even when things weren’t going as planned. Over the years, I’ve learned that investing isn’t just about numbers on a page; it’s about trust. I’ve been on the other side, wondering what was happening with my capital, and I never wanted to build something that left investors in the dark. Good or bad, I believe people deserve honest, straightforward updates—because that’s how real partnerships are built.
Over time, I’ve learned that investing isn’t about trying to control outcomes—it’s about positioning well, being patient, and letting time do its work. There have been moments when markets felt chaotic when it seemed easier to sit on the sidelines. And as much as it would be easier on the investor psyche, asset values just don’t climb in a straight line up and to the right the moment you buy them. I’ve learned this the hard way—markets have their own rhythm, shaped by cycles, sentiment, and forces beyond any one person’s control. Real value takes time. But history rewards those who stay disciplined, who build portfolios that are resilient rather than reactive.
Despite the ups and downs, I’ve seen time and again how the right investments, given time and care, can grow in ways that aren’t always obvious in the short term. And there’s no place I’d rather invest in than here in the United States.
I’m proud of this country—even with all its imperfections—because it has always created extraordinary investment opportunities over time. Through every cycle—booms, recessions, political shifts, technological revolutions—America has remained one of the most resilient and innovative places to build prosperity.
Yes, markets ebb and flow, and yes, the short-term can feel uncertain. But the U.S. has proven time and again that it rewards those who invest with patience and conviction. We’ve seen it after wars, financial crises, and moments of uncertainty that felt insurmountable at the time. This country has a way of reinventing itself, adapting, and coming back stronger.
And I believe that America’s greatest days are still ahead. The pace of innovation, the strength of our entrepreneurial spirit, and the depth of opportunity here continues to set this country apart. Even when the headlines suggest otherwise, beneath the surface, new industries are forming, new efficiencies are emerging, and new opportunities are being created.
As it relates to U.S. real estate, we’re at the front end of a once-in-a-generation supply crunch—particularly in self-storage, and industrial. Significant underdevelopment (and into the foreseeable future), rising demand, and shifting economic forces are creating real constraints on supply. Owning well-chosen, income-producing properties in these sectors should prove valuable over time, and I feel fortunate to be in a position to participate. While no one can predict the future with certainty, the underlying fundamentals suggest that those who stay the course will be well-positioned as the market evolves.
That’s why I remain optimistic—not because I believe the road will always be smooth, but because history has shown that staying invested in the United States through cycles is one of the most rewarding decisions an investor can make. And I intend to keep doing just that.
That’s why Essentia exists—because this is what has worked best for me and my family, and it’s what I want to offer to our investor community. My hope is that you see our work together as a long-term partnership—one built on trust, shared values, and the belief that investing well means thinking beyond today.
Investing is about more than just returns—it’s about alignment, vision, and knowing that your capital is being stewarded with care and conviction. Every day, we work to earn that trust by staying disciplined and focused on securing some of the best opportunities we’ve seen in years.
I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Gino Borges | Co-founder & Managing Partner | Essentia Capital Partners
This is not intended as a solicitation for funds or an investment offering. This is for information purposes only.