The foundation of the Investment Properties portfolio is suburban garden apartments, designed, built and managed by Van Metre. The Company has supplemented the collection by judiciously buying existing projects. Those in need of renovation provide the Company with an opportunity to add value and enhance an investment. Even the Company's own projects benefit from ongoing upgrade programs, often funded with Van Metre's own equity. Debt is used prudently, not in a way that may jeopardize holdings in a slow market.