Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate including impairment and depreciable lives. Application of these assumptions requires the exercise of judgment as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of other subsidiaries over which we have control. All inter-company transactions, balances, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition, interests in entities acquired are evaluated based on applicable GAAP, and entities deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary are also consolidated. If the interest in the entity is determined not to be a VIE, then the entity is evaluated for consolidation based on legal form, economic substance, and the extent to which we have control, substantive participating rights or both under the respective ownership agreement. For entities in which we have less than a controlling interest but have significant influence, we account for the investment using the equity method of accounting. There are judgments and estimates involved in determining if an entity in which we have made an investment is a VIE and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. The entity is evaluated to determine if it is a VIE by, among other things, calculating the percentage of equity being risked compared to the total equity of the entity. Determining expected future losses involves assumptions of various possibilities of the results of future operations of the entity, assigning a probability to each possibility, and using a discount rate to determine the net present value of those future losses. A change in the judgments, assumptions, and estimates outlined above could result in consolidating an entity that should not be consolidated or accounting for an investment using the equity method that should in fact be consolidated, the effects of which could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Accounting for Acquisitions of Investment Property The cost of the real estate assets acquired in an asset acquisition is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases for acquired in-place leases and the value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their relative fair values. Fees incurred related to asset acquisitions are capitalized as part of the cost of the investment. Upon the acquisition of real estate properties that meet the definition of a business, we recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest as of the acquisition date, measured at their fair values. The acquisition date is the date on which we obtain control of the real estate property. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed may consist of land, inclusive of associated rights, buildings, assumed debt, identified intangible assets and liabilities, and asset retirement obligations. Identified intangible assets generally consist of above-market leases, in-place leases, in-place tenant improvements, in-place leasing commissions, and tenant relationships. Identified intangible liabilities generally consist of below-market leases. Goodwill is recognized as of the acquisition date and measured as the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Likewise, a bargain purchase gain is recognized in current earnings when the aggregate fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree is less than the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the period incurred. Initial valuations are subject to change until our information is finalized, which is no later than 12 months from the acquisition date. The fair value of the tangible assets acquired, consisting of land and buildings, is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and buildings. Land values are derived from appraisals, and building values are calculated as replacement cost less depreciation or management’s estimates of the fair value of these assets using discounted cash flow analyses or similar methods believed to be used by market participants. The value of hotels and all other buildings is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of 39 years and 25 years, respectively, using the straight-line method. We determine the fair value of assumed debt by calculating the net present value of the scheduled mortgage payments using interest rates for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities that management believes we could obtain at the date of the debt assumption. Any difference between the fair value and stated value of the assumed debt is recorded as a discount or premium and amortized over the remaining life of the loan using the effective interest method. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider investments in highly liquid money market funds or investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents reported on the balance sheet approximates fair value. Restricted Cash As required by our lenders, restricted cash is held in escrow accounts for anticipated capital expenditures, real estate taxes, and other reserves for certain of our consolidated properties. Capital reserves are typically utilized for non-operating expenses such as tenant improvements, leasing commissions, and major capital expenditures. Alternatively, a lender may require its own formula for an escrow of capital reserves. Restricted cash may also include certain funds temporarily placed in escrow with qualified intermediaries to facilitate potential like-kind exchange transactions in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). We adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance which changed the presentation of our statements of cash flows and related disclosures for all periods presented and accordingly, the following is a summary of our cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in our consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented: December 31, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 29,607 $ 52,147 Restricted cash 3,045 5,213 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 32,652 $ 57,360 Marketable Securities Marketable securities currently consist of debt securities that are designated as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains or losses for debt securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Realized gains or losses resulting from the sale of these securities are determined based on the specific identification of the securities sold. An impairment charge is recognized when the decline in the fair value of a security below the amortized cost basis is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the duration and severity of any decline in fair value below our amortized cost basis, any adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers’ and its intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Investment Impairment For all of our real estate and real estate related investments, we monitor events and changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amounts of the real estate assets may not be recoverable. Examples of the types of events and circumstances that would cause management to assess our assets for potential impairment include, but are not limited to: a significant decrease in the market price of an asset; a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is being used; an accumulation of costs in excess of the acquisition basis plus construction of the property; major vacancies and the resulting loss of revenues; natural disasters; a change in the projected holding period; legitimate purchase offers; and changes in the global and local markets or economic conditions. To the extent that our portfolio is concentrated in limited geographic locations, downturns specifically related to such regions may result in tenants defaulting on their lease obligations at those properties within a short time period, which may result in asset impairments. When such events or changes in circumstances are present, we assess potential impairment by comparing estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows expected to be generated over the life of the asset and from its eventual disposition to the carrying amount of the asset. These projected cash flows are prepared internally by the Advisor and reflect in-place and projected leasing activity, market revenue and expense growth rates, market capitalization rates, discount rates, and changes in economic and other relevant conditions. Our management reviews these projected cash flows to assure that the valuation is prepared using reasonable inputs and assumptions that are consistent with market data or with assumptions that would be used by a third-party market participant and assume the highest and best use of the investment. We consider trends, strategic decisions regarding future development plans, and other factors in our assessment of whether impairment conditions exist. In the event that the carrying amount exceeds the estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss to adjust the carrying amount of the asset to estimated fair value. While we believe our estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding factors such as market rents, economic conditions, and occupancy rates could significantly affect these estimates. In evaluating our investments for impairment, management may use appraisals and make estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the projected date of disposition of the properties, the estimated future cash flows of the properties during our ownership, and the projected sales price of each of the properties. A future change in these estimates and assumptions could result in understating or overstating the carrying value of our investments, which could be material to our financial statements. In addition, we may incur impairment charges on assets classified as held for sale in the future if the carrying amount of the asset upon classification as held for sale exceeds the estimated fair value, less costs to sell. We also evaluate our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures at each reporting date. If we believe there is an other than temporary decline in market value, we will record an impairment charge based on these evaluations. We assess potential impairment by comparing our portion of estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows expected to be generated by the joint venture over the life of the joint venture’s assets to the carrying amount of the joint venture. In the event that the carrying amount exceeds our portion of estimated future undiscounted operating cash flows, we recognize an impairment loss to adjust the carrying amount of the joint venture to its estimated fair value. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we did not record any impairment charges. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $4.1 million to reduce the carrying value of our investment in 22 Exchange, a student housing property with a retail component located in Akron, Ohio, to its estimated fair value. This charge was attributable to certain events; including the loss of our anchor retail tenant during the fourth quarter of 2017 and the lender’s notice to us that it would begin sweeping the cash from operations for this property effective January 2018. In estimating the fair value of 22 Exchange, we used management’s internal discounted cash flow analyses prepared with consideration of the local market. We believe the carrying value of our operating real estate assets and our investment in an unconsolidated joint venture is currently recoverable. However, if market conditions worsen unexpectedly or if changes in our strategy significantly affect any key assumptions used in our fair value calculations, we may need to take charges in future periods for impairments related to our existing investments. Any such non-cash charges would have an adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture We have and may continue to provide funding to third-party developers for the acquisition, development, and construction of real estate (“ADC Arrangement”). Under an ADC Arrangement, we may participate in the residual profits of the project through the sale or refinancing of the property. We evaluate such arrangements to determine if they have characteristics similar to a loan or if the characteristics are more similar to a joint venture or partnership such as participating in the risks and rewards of the project as an owner or an investment partner. When we determine that the characteristics are more similar to a jointly-owned investment or partnership, we account for the arrangement as an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture under the equity method of accounting or a direct investment (consolidated basis of accounting) instead of applying loan accounting. ADC Arrangements are reassessed at each reporting period. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Revenue Recognition We recognize rental income generated from leases of our operating properties on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases, including the effect of rent holidays, if any. Leases associated with our multifamily and student housing are generally short-term in nature, and thus have no straight-line rent. Hotel revenues consisted primarily of guest room, food and beverage, and other ancillary revenues such as laundry and parking at hotel properties. Hotel revenues were recognized as the services were rendered. During the periods presented, our hotel revenues were derived from the operations of the Courtyard Kauai Coconut Beach Hotel, which was sold on August 15, 2017. Other Assets Other assets primarily consist of deposits, receivables and intangible assets related to our consolidated properties. Deferred Financing Fees The Company will capitalize initial direct costs associated with financing activities. The costs will be capitalized upon the execution of the loan, presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the corresponding loan and amortized over the initial term of the corresponding loan. Amortization of deferred loan costs will begin in the period during which the loan is originated using the effective interest method over the term of the loan. The Company capitalizes initial direct costs associated with leasing activities. The costs are capitalized upon the execution of the lease and amortized over the initial term of the corresponding lease. Deferred financing fees are recorded at cost, accounted for as a reduction to notes payable and amortized to interest expense using a straight-line method that approximates the effective interest method over the life of the related debt. Deferred financing fees, net were $2.4 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Accumulated amortization of deferred financing fees was $0.6 million and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code and have qualified as a REIT since the year ended December 31, 2008. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that we distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income to our stockholders. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level. We are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that we will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. Taxable income from non-REIT activities managed through a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) is subject to applicable federal, state, and local income and margin taxes. We currently have no taxable income associated with a TRS. Our operating partnerships are flow-through entities and are not subject to federal income taxes at the entity level. During the third quarter of 2017, we recorded an aggregate income tax benefit of approximately $1.6 million consisting of (i) a refund of foreign income tax of approximately $0.8 million and (ii) the reversal of our previously estimated taxes payable on the 2015 sale of two foreign investments of $0.8 million. We have reviewed our tax positions under GAAP guidance that clarify the relevant criteria and approach for the recognition and measurement of uncertain tax positions. The guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. A tax position may only be recognized in the financial statements if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. We believe it is more likely than not that the tax positions taken relative to our federal tax status as a REIT will be sustained in any tax examination. Foreign Currency Translation For our international investments where the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated using period-end exchange rates, while the statement of operations amounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the respective period. Gains and losses resulting from the change in exchange rates from period to period are reported separately as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The Euro was the functional currency for the operations of Alte Jakobstraße (“AJS”) and Holstenplatz, which were two foreign investments we sold in 2015. As a result of the sale of AJS and Holstenplatz, we no longer have foreign operations. However, subsequent to their sale, we still maintained a Euro-denominated bank account that was comprised primarily of the remaining undistributed proceeds from the sale of these properties, which we translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate at each reporting period. As of December 31, 2017, we maintained approximately $0.4 million in Euro-denominated accounts, which were included in cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2018, we had no remaining amounts in Euro-denominated accounts. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the foreign currency translation adjustment was a loss of less than $0.1 million and a gain of $0.5 million, respectively. Concentration of Credit Risk At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents deposited in certain financial institutions in excess of federally insured levels. We have diversified our cash and cash equivalents among several banking institutions in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. We regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash and cash equivalents or restricted cash. Geographic and Asset Type Concentration Our investments may at times be concentrated in certain asset types that are subject to higher risk of foreclosure, or secured by assets concentrated in a limited number of geographic locations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, excluding 22 Exchange, the investment we disposed of in 2018, approximately 27.4%, 13.1%, 20.7%, 2.1%, 22.3% and 14.4% of our total revenues were derived from our properties located in Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia and Indiana, respectively. Additionally, excluding the investment we disposed of in 2018, approximately 68.5 22.3 Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling interest represents the noncontrolling ownership interest’s proportionate share of the equity in our consolidated real estate investments. Income and losses are allocated to noncontrolling interest holders based generally on their ownership percentage. In certain instances, our joint venture agreement provides for liquidating distributions based on achieving certain return metrics (“promoted interest”). If a property reaches a defined return threshold, then it will result in distributions to noncontrolling interest which is different from the standard pro-rata allocation percentage. During 2018, the Company paid $1.9 million for the 6.0% membership interest held by a minority owner in Arbors Harbor Town and as a result, now owns 100.0% of this property. Earnings per Share The Company had no potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the periods presented. Reportable Segments GAAP establishes standards for reporting financial and descriptive information about an enterprise’s reportable segments. We have determined that we have one reportable segment, with activities related to the ownership, development, and management of real estate assets. Our chief operating decision maker evaluates operating performance on an individual property level. Therefore, our properties are aggregated into one reportable segment. Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts may have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. |