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Industry Perspective

Income volatility, retirement insecurity, and commission dependency are well-documented challenges in both real estate and entrepreneurial sectors. The Beyond Commissions Model™ was developed in response to structural weaknesses acknowledged across industry research.

The Beyond Commissions Model™ addresses these structural risks by integrating asset ownership, recurring revenue, and capital participation into a unified income architecture.

“Real estate agents operate in one of the most volatile income environments in the U.S. labor market.”
— Bureau of Labor Statistics

“Median retirement savings in the U.S. remain far below ideal targets, with typical balances significantly under recommended levels across age groups.”
— NerdWallet summary of Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances

“The median gross income reported by REALTORS® in 2024 was $58,100, illustrating the real-world income context for many agents.”
— National Association of Realtors 2025 Member Profile Highlights

Frameworks Developed

The Beyond Commissions Model™

The Beyond Commissions Model™ is a structured income diversification framework designed to address one of the most significant vulnerabilities in residential real estate: commission dependency. Developed by Laura Navaquin, the model provides a systematic approach for agents and brokerage leaders to build layered income, long-term equity, and recurring revenue outside of transactional volatility.

Rather than relying solely on splits, production volume, or market cycles, the Beyond Commissions Model™ introduces strategic income architecture, aligning asset ownership, revenue participation, and capital leverage into a sustainable wealth-building system.

The Framework Structure

The Beyond Commissions Model™ consists of five interconnected pillars:
  • Income Layering™ – Building multiple parallel revenue streams beyond commission checks
  • Asset Accumulation – Converting active income into cash-flowing assets
  • Equity Participation – Structuring deals to create ownership, not just income
  • Recurring Revenue Vehicles – Establishing predictable, compounding income channels
  • Ownership Over Transactions – Transitioning from transaction facilitator to asset holder

The Creative Financing & OPM Structuring Approach

The OPM (Other People’s Money) Structuring Approach is a capital alignment methodology designed to enable real estate acquisition and portfolio scaling without reliance on traditional bank qualification. This approach is integrated into the Beyond Commissions Model™ as a capital access framework for agents and investors seeking to reduce liquidity constraints while maintaining ethical and compliant transaction structures.

Unlike informal capital partnerships, the OPM Structuring Approach emphasizes structured agreements, defined equity participation, transparent risk allocation, and long-term asset-backed outcomes. It is not a fundraising tactic; it is a disciplined capital architecture system.

1. Capital Stack Design
• Identification of primary acquisition structure (subject-to, seller financing, hybrid structure)
• Determination of cash requirement gaps (closing costs, reserves, stabilization capital)
• Strategic layering of private capital without overleveraging the asset
This ensures the capital stack aligns with projected cash flow and long-term equity objectives.

2.  Risk Allocation Framework
• Defined return expectations for capital partners
• Clear documentation of repayment hierarchy
• Conservative underwriting assumptions
• Reserve allocation for vacancy and maintenance
This reduces ambiguity and protects both the operator and capital partner.

3. Equity Participation Modeling
• Structured equity splits tied to performance benchmarks
• Time-based or refinance-based exit planning
• Transparent appreciation projections using conservative market assumptions
Equity participation is designed to incentivize alignment rather than speculative upside.

4.  Cash Flow Stabilization Planning
• Targeted debt-to-income ratio for rental coverage
• Minimum 1.2–1.35 DSCR modeling (where applicable)
• Conservative rent assumptions below peak market comps
This prioritizes durability over aggressive growth.

5. Communication & Reporting Standards
• Defined reporting cadence for capital partners
• Quarterly performance summaries
• Clear performance metrics: NOI, cash flow, reserves, equity position

This elevates the relationship to institutional standards rather than informal agreements.

Case Studies & Deal Analysis

The following examples illustrate the application of creative financing structures and income-layering strategies within real market conditions.

From September 2019 to March 2024, we strategically built a 21-property real estate portfolio across six states (NY, NJ, PA, FL, GA, TN) leveraging a combination of traditional financing, creative financing, and Other People’s Money (OPM) structuring. The portfolio includes 10 short-term rentals (STR), 9 long-term rentals (LTR), and 2 personally owned properties.

Structure Used
  • Subject-to acquisition
  • Seller financing
  • Private capital partnerships

Read Full Case Study →

Capital Stack
  • Existing mortgage retention
  • OPM for closing costs
  • Equity participation agreements

CASE STUDIES

21-Door Portfolio Expansion Using Creative Financing


This white paper addresses the retirement vulnerability of self-employed agents and high-income professionals. It outlines asset-backed strategies, cash-flow planning, and creative capital deployment to create inflation-resistant and long-term retirement income.

Key Highlights:
• Comparison of commission-only retirement models versus asset-backed portfolios
• Step-by-step guidance on cash-flowing property acquisition
• OPM structuring to scale real estate portfolios efficiently
• Scenario modeling to forecast retirement resilience
• Insights on reducing dependence on traditional 401(k) or brokerage retirement plans

Read the Full White Paper →

Alternative Retirement Strategies for High-Income Professionals: A Creative Financing Approach

Understanding the challenges of commission-dependent compensation models, this white paper provides a comprehensive roadmap for brokerages and agents to stabilize income, retain top talent, and create replicable revenue layers. Includes real-world case studies, actionable frameworks, and capital structuring insights.

Key Highlights:
• Analysis of income volatility and agent attrition trends
• Five pillars of the Beyond Commissions Model™
• Practical OPM structuring and creative financing strategies
• Portfolio case study analysis with realistic financial modeling
• Strategic implementation framework for brokerages

Read the Full White Paper →

The Agent Retention Crisis: A Framework for Sustainable Income Beyond Commissions


Laura Navaquin’s research-driven insights provide actionable frameworks for real estate agents, brokerages, and investors seeking to reduce income volatility, scale portfolios using creative financing, and build sustainable wealth beyond traditional commissions. These white papers are designed for professionals pursuing financial independence, alternative retirement strategies, and structured asset-backed growth.

PUBLISED WHITE PAPERS

Speaking Engagements

Laura Navaquin speaks on creative financing, agent income diversification, entrepreneurship resilience, and alternative wealth-building strategies. Her keynotes and workshops are structured around data-backed insights, real-world portfolio execution, and sustainable financial frameworks

  • The Beyond Commissions Model™: Agent Income Diversification & Recurring Revenue Strategy
  • Creative Financing in High-Interest Rate Markets
  • Using OPM (Other People’s Money) to Scale Cash-Flowing Real Estate Portfolios
  • The Agent Retention Crisis: Sustainable Brokerage Models Beyond Commission Splits
  • From People-Pleasing to Purpose-Driven Leadership: Resilience, Identity, and High-Performance Decision-Making

Article Features

Redefining Success

How one women left the corporate America world to pursue passion and purpose. 

Talented Ladies Club

Interview with Laura Navaquin, Founder of Navaquin Properties, Nava Consulting and Inspire Her Foundation 

The POssible Women Magazine

Laura Navaquin, a former corporate professional of nearly 20 years, transitioned to real estate investment alongside her husband, Joseph. As the founder of the Inspire Her Foundation, she dedicates herself to empowering youth through education, skill workshops, and mentorships, inspiring them to pursue their dreams. A sought-after speaker, Laura passionately promotes confidence-building and encourages individuals to fearlessly chase their aspirations, regardless of size or distance.

For tips and updates follow me on Insta @lauranavaquin

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