What types of investment opportunities does RLI offer?

We structure opportunities across equity, debt, and mezzanine, and we can also discuss 1031 pathways when the timing and project structure line up.

How do I decide between debt, equity, and mezzanine?

Deciding between debt, equity, and mezzanine usually comes down to three things: how you want to get paid, how much variability you’re comfortable with, and how long you want to be in the deal. Debt is typically the better fit when you want more structure and a clearer timeline tied to a defined plan (for example, some opportunities may use first-lien debt with a set term, like the 18-month structure shown in one RLI summary). Equity is typically the better fit when you want to participate in long-term value creation as a project moves through planning, entitlements, and phased execution, which tends to mean a longer hold and aligns with RLI’s family office mindset. Mezzanine is often the middle ground, when you want something that can offer more return potential than senior debt but with more risk than being first in line, and it’s most useful when flexible capital helps keep the project moving without forcing the structure one direction or the other.

What is your typical hold period?

We use conservative capital structures with strong equity positions (typically 60-75% LTV), multiple exit strategies, and sponsor co-investment. Each opportunity includes detailed financial models, clear timelines, and defined investor protections.

What makes RLI’s approach different from a typical sponsor?

RLI operates with a family office mindset and a vertically integrated team across land acquisition, entitlement, construction, and community building, which helps reduce friction and keep execution tight.

How do I get started and stay in the loop?

To get started with RLI, review the Investor page and current investment opportunities, then submit an inquiry through the site so the team can route you to the right next step. From there, you can use the scheduled consultation links to talk through fit, structure, and timeline in a straightforward way. To stay in the loop, RLI’s process is built around ongoing updates as opportunities progress, supported by a secure investor portal once you’re active on a deal. The site can also set clear expectations on communication, including language that RLI typically responds within 24 business hours.

Investment Opportunities | Red Leaf Investments

Red Leaf Investments creates Tier 1 master-planned communities anchored by unique natural assets that can't be replicated. We're the real estate arm of the Johnson Family Office, and we're looking for investors who appreciate disciplined execution, transparent deal structures, and properties that actually make sense from day one. We don't chase every deal. We target large-scale riverfront and premium land opportunities in high-growth Texas markets where the fundamentals work—strong demographics, limited supply, and real demand from builders and buyers.

We've already proven the model at River Ranch on the Brazos, where we've invested over $5M in infrastructure and sold lots ahead of schedule. This acquisition builds on that success with even more riverfrontage and broader market appeal.

Built and sold a vertically integrated water treatment business in the oil and gas industry
Developed 80 acres in Midland's Greenwood area, selling lots ahead of schedule in 2020
Created a 10+ GW renewable energy portfolio with proprietary power trading, successfully exiting in two separate transactions in 2024

RLI follows a clear, repeatable process designed to respect investors’ time while providing the information and access they need

Review opportunity
Access detailed summaries, maps, and key metrics for each active investment to determine initial fit.

Qualification and structure
Discuss goals, timing, and structure directly with our investment team, including equity, debt, mezzanine, and 1031 Exchange options where applicable.

Commitment and closing
Execute offering documents, fund the investment, and receive confirmation of your position, projected timelines, and reporting cadence.

Ongoing updates and exit
Receive periodic progress reports, financial updates, and distribution notices through the life of the investment and through exit.

1. Submit an Inquiry
Start by reaching out through our inquiry form. A member of the RLI team will connect with you directly.

2. Speak With Our Team
We take a personalized approach with every investor. During this conversation, we’ll discuss your goals and walk through the current investment opportunities available.

3. Select the Right Strategy
Based on your objectives, investors may participate in opportunities such as:

Development Capital
Construction Capital
Fund of Funds

Our investment approach is tailored to each investor, ensuring alignment between risk profile, return expectations, and long-term objectives.

We're looking for accredited investors who:

Understand real estate and appreciate conservative capital structures

Want exposure to high-quality Texas land with upside potential

Value transparency and direct communication

Think in years, not quarters

Can commit $250K+ in capital (minimums vary by opportunity)

We're not for everyone. If you need liquidity tomorrow or want passive index-fund simplicity, there are better options. But if you want to partner with a family office that operates like an institution and treats your capital like it's our own—because it is—let's talk.

Red Leaf Investments distinguishes itself through a relentless focus on quality in every project we undertake. Our family office model is solely dedicated to long-term results, free from the quarterly pressures that often compromise development quality. We target Tier 1 projects that emphasize luxury, exclusivity, and strong value, delivering best-in-class systems and operational processes to every development.

Our competitive advantages include vertical integration with in-house teams that enable speed and cost efficiency, family office backing that provides patient capital and institutional rigor, and a proven track record built on the Johnson Family's expertise across $ 200+ million in development and infrastructure platforms. We control unique assets, including rare Brazos River frontage spanning 2.15 miles—among the limited comparable properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

The Structure:

First lien position
32% loan-to-value (conservative)
18-month term
Total loan amount: $7.3M
Strong equity cushion: $1M sponsor capital invested

The Plan:

Multiple exit strategies give us flexibility to maximize value:

Sell in 100-300-acre parcels to institutional land buyers
Subdivide into 15-20-acre premium ranchettes
Develop as a signature master-planned community

Each path delivers strong returns. This isn't a one-trick property—it's a rare riverfront asset with scale, beauty, and multiple ways to win.

What types of investment opportunities does RLI offer?

We structure opportunities across equity, debt, and mezzanine, and we can also discuss 1031 pathways when the timing and project structure line up.
How do I decide between debt, equity, and mezzanine?

Deciding between debt, equity, and mezzanine usually comes down to three things: how you want to get paid, how much variability you’re comfortable with, and how long you want to be in the deal. Debt is typically the better fit when you want more structure and a clearer timeline tied to a defined plan (for example, some opportunities may use first-lien debt with a set term, like the 18-month structure shown in one RLI summary). Equity is typically the better fit when you want to participate in long-term value creation as a project moves through planning, entitlements, and phased execution, which tends to mean a longer hold and aligns with RLI’s family office mindset. Mezzanine is often the middle ground, when you want something that can offer more return potential than senior debt but with more risk than being first in line, and it’s most useful when flexible capital helps keep the project moving without forcing the structure one direction or the other.
What is your typical hold period?

We use conservative capital structures with strong equity positions (typically 60-75% LTV), multiple exit strategies, and sponsor co-investment. Each opportunity includes detailed financial models, clear timelines, and defined investor protections.
What makes RLI’s approach different from a typical sponsor?

RLI operates with a family office mindset and a vertically integrated team across land acquisition, entitlement, construction, and community building, which helps reduce friction and keep execution tight.
How do I get started and stay in the loop?

To get started with RLI, review the Investor page and current investment opportunities, then submit an inquiry through the site so the team can route you to the right next step. From there, you can use the scheduled consultation links to talk through fit, structure, and timeline in a straightforward way. To stay in the loop, RLI’s process is built around ongoing updates as opportunities progress, supported by a secure investor portal once you’re active on a deal. The site can also set clear expectations on communication, including language that RLI typically responds within 24 business hours.

Investment Opportunities in Premium Developments

1031 Exchange Solutions

Debt Opportunities

Equity