Ben Roper grew up in Richmond, Virginia, in a family where real estate was more than a profession — it was a legacy. His grandfather, once the mayor of Petersburg, ran a thriving lumber company, and his father, Phil Roper, became one of Richmond’s best-known apartment developers. Those early experiences shaped Ben’s path from a young age, teaching him that great communities start with great properties — and great relationships.
After attending St. Christopher’s and Christchurch School, Roper went on to study politics at Sewanee: The University of the South. There, he developed a sharp understanding of how systems work — political, social, and financial — lessons that would later influence his career in real estate investment. His time interning for Senator Marsha Blackburn’s campaign and The Heritage Foundation also gave him firsthand insight into messaging, communication, and persuasion — skills that now serve him daily when structuring complex deals.
Ben began his professional journey leasing apartments at RangeWater Real Estate (then Matrix Residential) in Richmond. He climbed quickly, taking on leadership roles that expanded his scope from on-site management to innovation and technology in Atlanta. After leaving RangeWater, he joined Bonaventure, where he specialized in sourcing real estate deals through 721 UPREIT transactions — a sophisticated structure allowing property owners to swap real estate equity for ownership in larger REITs.
Today, as REIT Specialist at Capital Square and Chief Investment Officer at Real Estate Services, Ben focuses on strategic growth, sourcing partnerships, and helping developers unlock long-term value through UPREIT exchanges. His work connects people and properties in meaningful ways, all while honoring the family tradition he grew up with. Outside the office, Ben finds balance on the water — skiing, boating, or just taking time to breathe and reflect on the next big idea.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a REIT specialist at Capital Square in Richmond, Virginia, and recently took on the role of Chief Investment Officer at Real Estate Services, my family’s company. I focus on sourcing and structuring real estate deals through something called a 721 UPREIT exchange — it’s a tax-deferred way for property owners to exchange their real estate for shares in a REIT. My day is a mix of meeting developers, running numbers, and explaining how these transactions can create long-term value. It’s business, but it’s also about building trust.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
I’d say driven, genuine, and steady. Driven because I’m always chasing growth both personally and professionally. Genuine because I believe relationships are everything in real estate, and being authentic builds trust faster than any pitch. And steady because no matter what happens — in markets or in life — I try to stay grounded and calm.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that I’m an Eagle Scout. I grew up spending weekends camping, boating, and learning how to fix just about anything with duct tape and rope. Those lessons still come in handy — especially in real estate, where problem-solving and patience go a long way.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
Right now, I’m hooked on Succession. The family dynamics, the power plays, and the business decisions — it’s all fascinating. It’s obviously dramatized, but it captures how leadership, ego, and legacy collide, which is something I think about a lot in my own career.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
Definitely LinkedIn. I use it every day to stay connected with other professionals, track what’s happening in the REIT and real estate markets, and share insights when I can. I’ve also found that a lot of deals start with a simple message or connection request.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Facebook back when it was still mostly college students. I remember signing up during my freshman year and using it to keep in touch with people from high school. It’s funny to think how it went from photo albums to a full-on marketplace for everything.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I follow Graham Stephan and Ryan Pineda for their insights on real estate and investment strategies. They break things down in a way that’s easy to digest and practical. I don’t agree with everything they say, but they’re both great at simplifying complex topics.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
I’d say The Real Deal and Bisnow are essential if you’re in real estate. They post news, trends, and case studies that help you understand where the market’s moving. I also follow Capital Square’s own updates because they often highlight real projects and investor stories that inspire me.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
Yes, I’m a big fan of BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast. It’s a great mix of education and real-world examples, from people just starting out to seasoned investors. It keeps me sharp and gives me different perspectives on how others are structuring deals.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
One line stuck with me: “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” It reminds me that success isn’t just about hard work — it’s about communication, timing, and understanding what people value. That idea shapes how I approach every deal.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
Probably someone like Ryan Serhant. He’s got that mix of business savvy and creative branding that I really respect. I think we’d have a great time breaking down the business side of real estate in a way that’s fun but also educational.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
I make a point to read at least one article a day about something outside of real estate — it keeps my thinking broad. I also keep a running note in my phone with ideas and lessons I pick up from conversations or podcasts. And when I really need to reset, I head to the lake — nothing clears my mind like being behind a boat.
Follow Ben Roper online at: LinkedIn.
