Kevin Kawaoka, CCIM

Brief Profile

Kevin Kawaoka, CCIM | EVP at NAI Capital | Blue Chip Investment Group Lead | 17+ years | Specialist in LA & South Bay Multifamily Investment Sales.

Full Profile

Kevin Kawaoka, CCIM | Executive Vice President
Blue Chip Investment Group in partnership with NAI Capital | Los Angeles & South Bay

The Challenge Multifamily Investors Face
Investors in the Los Angeles and South Bay markets navigate a high-barrier-to-entry environment characterized by complex rent control regulations, fluctuating cap rates, and intense competition for value-add assets. Many owners struggle to find off-market opportunities or lack the specialized data needed to make informed "hold vs. sell" decisions. The challenge is securing a partner who possesses both the hyper-local grit to source quiet deals and the institutional resources to execute them with precision.

My Approach
Kevin Kawaoka leads the Blue Chip Investment Group with a "client-focused, solution-driven" methodology. By combining the boutique, high-touch service of Blue Chip Investment Group with the global reach of NAI Capital, Kevin ensures that every client benefits from senior-level attention. His approach is rooted in advanced AI-driven analytics and the CCIM "owner’s lens," allowing him to uncover hidden value in multifamily assets and navigate intricate 1031 exchanges or LLC-structured transactions that others might find too complex.

Core Services
Kevin specializes exclusively in multifamily investment sales and advisory throughout Southern California.

• Multifamily Seller & Buyer Representation
• 1031 Exchange Strategic Advisory
• Asset Valuation & Financial Modeling
• Value-Add Strategy Identification
• Portfolio Planning for Generational Owners
• Debt & Equity Capital Market Introductions

 

Proven Results
With nearly 20 years of experience, Kevin has closed hundreds of millions in transaction volume. Notable recent successes include the $15.9M sale of a multifamily property on Inglewood Boulevard and the $6.75M sale of assets in Van Nuys, often achieving prices $100,000+ over list through aggressive marketing strategies. As a past President of the Greater Los Angeles CCIM Chapter, Kevin has mentored top-performing teams and successfully closed transactions ranging from 5-unit value-add plays to large institutional Class A portfolios.

Why Clients Choose Kevin
Clients choose Kevin for his "tenacious and creative" execution. Known for not being a "paper pusher," he is praised for his ability to solve "impossible" title issues, secure property insurance in tight markets, and maintain responsiveness long after the check is cut. By leveraging the NAI Capital infrastructure, he provides local apartment owners with global exposure, ensuring that every listing reaches a massive pool of qualified 1031 exchange buyers and private equity groups.

Core Competencies
Kevin is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), a designation held by less than 10% of CRE professionals. His competencies include advanced investment analysis, high-stakes negotiation, and deep submarket knowledge of Koreatown, Venice, Palms, and the South Bay. His leadership of the Japan Desk for NAI Global further enhances his ability to bridge international capital with local Los Angeles opportunities.

About Kevin
Kevin Kawaoka graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business with a degree in Real Estate Finance and Entrepreneurship. After starting his career as a research analyst at Grubb & Ellis, he refined his multifamily expertise at Sperry Van Ness before joining NAI Capital in 2010. Today, he operates Blue Chip Investment Group as a premier boutique brand within the NAI platform, dedicated to stewardship, integrity, and excellence in the Los Angeles apartment marketplace.

Philosophy
Kevin’s philosophy is "Realizing Potential | Delivering Results." He believes that real estate is a relationship-driven business where transparency and data must coexist. His goal is to act as a long-term "teammate" for his clients, providing the strategic roadmap necessary to grow and preserve generational wealth through disciplined multifamily investment.

FAQ

How do I determine if a Los Angeles multifamily property is subject to local rent stabilization (RSO)?
In the City of Los Angeles, the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) typically applies to multi-unit residential properties with a Certificate of Occupancy issued on or before October 1, 1978. However, it is a common misconception that "newer" buildings are unregulated; most properties not covered by local RSO are still subject to the California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), which imposes its own caps on rent increases and "just cause" eviction protections. We perform a thorough regulatory audit on every asset to identify the specific governing laws, ensuring you understand the true ceiling for rental growth and operational flexibility before you commit to a purchase.

What are the most effective strategies for increasing the Net Operating Income (NOI) of an apartment building in a rent-controlled market?
While annual rent increases are capped for existing tenants, the "owner's path" to value creation lies in professionalized management and strategic capital improvements. The primary driver of NOI growth in Los Angeles is "vacancy decontrol," which allows landlords to reset rents to full market value once a tenant voluntarily vacates. Additionally, we focus on implementing "Ratio Utility Billing Systems" (RUBS) to pass through a portion of utility costs to tenants and identifying "non-rent" revenue streams such as high-efficiency laundry, dedicated parking fees, or storage rentals. These adjustments improve the bottom line without violating rent increase restrictions.

Why should I consider a 1031 Exchange when selling my Southern California multifamily assets?
A 1031 Exchange is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available to CRE investors, allowing you to defer 100% of federal and state capital gains taxes, as well as depreciation recapture. This effectively provides you with an "interest-free loan" from the government to reinvest in a larger, higher-performing property. Many of our clients use this strategy to trade up from older "management-intensive" buildings into newer Class A assets or to diversify their portfolio across different submarkets. By deferring taxes that can exceed 30% of your gain, you maintain significantly more purchasing power for your next acquisition, accelerating the compounding of your generational wealth.

Ready to Talk Strategy?
Whether you are looking for a complimentary broker opinion of value or need to execute a time-sensitive 1031 exchange, our team is ready to help. Reach out today to discover the true potential of your multifamily portfolio and leverage the combined power of Blue Chip Investment Group and NAI Capital.

Contact:
Kevin Kawaoka, CCIM | Executive Vice President
Blue Chip Investment Group in partnership with NAI Capital
Cal DRE Lic # 01733613
Direct: 310-806-6119 | Mobile: 310-560-7184
Office: 310-806-6100 x1431 | Fax: 310-806-6101
Email: kkawaoka@naicapital.com
Website: www.bluechipinvestmentgroup.com
Locations: Los Angeles (11150 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1550, 90025) & Torrance, CA (970 W. 190th St., Suite #100, 90502)