================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q
         (Mark one)
            
            |X|      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
                         15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                     FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

                                       OR

            | |      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
                         15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         Commission File Number 0-21670

                      ------------------------------------


                         Cardinal Realty Services, Inc.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

              Ohio                                                31-4427382
(State or other Jurisdiction of                                (I.R.S. Employer
 Incorporation or Organization)                              Identification No.)

                             6954 Americana Parkway
                            Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
           (Address of Principal Executive Offices including Zip Code)

                                 (614) 759-1566
              (Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)

                      ------------------------------------


Indicate by check X whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  Registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No   
                                       ---    ---
Indicate by check X whether  the registrant  has filed all documents and reports
required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a
court. Yes X  No    
          ---    ---

As of November 8, 1996 there were  4,550,145  shares of common stock issued,  of
which 210,321 shares were treasury shares.



                    Page 1 of 30 sequentially numbered pages

                            Exhibit Index on page 28.


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2


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                      INDEX



                                                                                                                     
Part I   -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                                                   Page No.

Item 1.     Financial Statements:
              Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996
                  (Unaudited) and December 31, 1995 (Audited).............................................................3

              Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months
                  Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (Unaudited)...........................................................4

              Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
                  for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 (Unaudited)................................................5

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
                  Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 (Unaudited).............................................6-7

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...............................................................8-17

Item 2.       Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations...........................................................................18-27


Part II  -    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.       Legal Proceedings..........................................................................................28

Item 2.       Changes in Securities......................................................................................28

Item 3.       Defaults upon Senior Securities............................................................................28

Item 4.       Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders........................................................28

Item 5.       Other Information..........................................................................................28

Item 6.       Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...........................................................................28


Signatures...............................................................................................................29


                                       2

3


                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements:

                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
         SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED) AND DECEMBER 31, 1995 (AUDITED)


                                                                                  September 30,         December 31,
                                                                                       1996                 1995
                                                                               ==================   ==================
                                                                                                               
                                   ASSETS
Operating Real Estate (Note 2):
   Land.....................................................................    $       23,756,532   $       24,082,635
   Building and Improvements................................................           141,378,026          143,193,921
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                       165,134,558          167,276,556

   Accumulated Depreciation.................................................            (3,411,798)                   0
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                       161,722,760          167,276,556
Interests in and Receivables from Syndicated Partnerships (Notes 1 and 4)...            50,326,958           52,591,444
Cash (Note 1)...............................................................             3,718,712            2,751,986
Accounts Receivable, Affiliates (less an allowance
   of $2,315,672 at September 30, 1996 and $2,468,845 at
   December 31, 1995), Residents and Officers (Note 4)......................             3,897,965            5,088,478
Furniture, Fixtures and Other, Net..........................................             1,477,276            1,312,228
Funds Held in Escrow (Note 1)...............................................            11,240,443            9,390,610
Prepaids and Other (Note 1).................................................             9,272,600            3,930,099
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                $      241,656,714   $      242,341,401
                                                                                ==================   ==================
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'  EQUITY  
Mortgages, Term Debt and Other Notes Payable:
   Non-Recourse Mortgages on Operating Real Estate (Notes 2 and 3)..........    $      146,607,459   $      151,130,612
   Corporate Term Debt......................................................            18,044,220           20,470,205
   Other Notes Payable......................................................               172,251            1,453,553
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                       164,823,930          173,054,370
Accounts Payable............................................................             1,734,914            1,350,641
Accrued Interest, Real Estate and Other Taxes (Notes 2 and 3)...............             5,249,535            4,532,148
Other Accrued Expenses .....................................................             6,949,878            9,716,866
Other Liabilities...........................................................             2,418,155            2,441,282
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
   Total Liabilities                                                                   181,176,412          191,095,307
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
Shareholders' Equity (Note 1):
   Preferred Stock, 1,500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued ..........                     0                    0
   Common Stock 13,500,000 shares authorized with no stated value,
       4,334,668 and 3,603,160 shares issued and outstanding
       at September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively............            29,122,547           29,122,547
   Additional Paid-in Capital (Note 1)......................................            14,959,756            8,461,216
   Retained Earnings........................................................            16,397,999           13,662,331
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                        60,480,302           51,246,094
                                                                                ------------------   ------------------
                                                                                $      241,656,714   $      242,341,401
                                                                                ==================   ==================




                 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                       3



4


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                          FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS
                        ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                                                                        Three Months Ended                Nine Months Ended
                                                                --------------------------------   --------------------------------
                                                                 September 30,   September 30,     September 30,   September 30,
                                                                     1996            1995              1996             1995
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- -----------------
                                                                                  (Restated -                         (Restated -
                                                                                Notes 1 and 5)                       Notes 1 and 5)
                                                                                                                   
Revenues:
  Rental and Other Operating Real Estate Revenues............   $    10,311,403                   $    30,755,215                 
  Fee Based..................................................         3,688,833 $     3,826,131         9,272,256 $     11,376,523
  Interest, Principally from Syndicated Partnerships.........         1,680,081       1,075,307         4,626,766        3,038,013
  Income from Disposal of Non-Core Assets-Net................             7,181         610,758           281,873        2,425,945
  Other......................................................            21,543         235,827           173,198          596,305
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------
                                                                     15,709,041       5,748,023        45,109,308       17,436,786
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------

Expenses:
  Rental Operating...........................................         5,281,275                        15,719,226
  Fee Based..................................................         2,627,882       2,078,650         5,723,834        6,330,588
  Administration.............................................         1,151,715       1,044,007         3,273,449        3,195,286
  Restructure Costs..........................................                 0               0           300,000                0
  Interest - Wholly Owned Property Debt......................         3,500,425               0        10,700,604                0
  Interest - Corporate Debt..................................           278,714         356,350           840,180        1,142,398
  Depreciation and Amortization..............................         1,418,696         141,489         4,071,047          388,898
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------
                                                                     14,258,707       3,620,496        40,628,340       11,057,170
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------

Income Before Income Taxes...................................         1,450,334       2,127,527         4,480,968        6,379,616
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 1)..........................           563,300         825,000         1,745,300        2,474,000
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------
Income before Extraordinary Gain.............................           887,034       1,302,527         2,735,668        3,905,616
Extraordinary Gain, net of Income Taxes of
  $510,000  (Note 3).........................................                 0               0                 0          804,021
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------
Net Income                                                      $       887,034 $     1,302,527   $     2,735,668 $      4,709,637
                                                                =============== ===============   =============== ================

Net Income per Common Share:
  Income Before Extraordinary Item...........................             $0.22           $0.34             $0.69            $1.02
  Extraordinary Gain.........................................              0.00            0.00              0.00             0.21
                                                                --------------- ---------------   --------------- ----------------
  Net Income                                                              $0.22           $0.34             $0.69            $1.23
                                                                =============== ===============   =============== ================

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding...................         4,093,000       3,850,000         3,953,000        3,850,000
                                                                =============== ===============   =============== ================



                 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                        4



5


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                  FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                                                           
                                                                                    
                                                            Common Stock           
                                                   ------------------------------     Additional        Retained       
                                                      Shares          Amount       Paid-in Capital      Earnings         Total 
                                                   -------------  ---------------  ----------------  --------------  -----------

                                                                                                              
Balance,  January 1, 1996.......................       3,603,160  $    29,122,547  $      8,461,216  $   13,662,331  $   51,246,094

Shares issued in connection with the
  Lexford Acquisition (Note 1)..................         250,000                          5,000,000                       5,000,000

Contingent shares issued in connection with
  Lexford Acquisition (Note 1)..................         450,000

Shares issued, in connection with
  the claims resolution process ................           6,621

Exercise of options under non-qualified stock
  option plan...................................          26,722                             47,050                          47,050

Vesting Restricted Stock
  Compensation Awards...........................                                            174,220                         174,220

Less:  Treasury shares primarily from the
       redemption of stock held by                        
       Syndicated Partnerships..................          (1,835)                           (31,330)                        (31,330)

Credit from utilization of
  pre-confirmation tax benefits (Note 1)........                                          1,308,600                       1,308,600

Net Income for the period ......................                                                          2,735,668       2,735,668

                                                   -------------  ---------------  ----------------  --------------  --------------
Balance, September 30, 1996 (Note 1)............       4,334,668  $    29,122,547  $     14,959,756  $   16,397,999  $   60,480,302
                                                   =============  ===============  ================  ==============  ==============



                 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                        5



6


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996, AND 1995
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                                                                                       Nine Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                                                                                       September 30, 1996      September 30, 1995
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
                                                                                                                         
Cash Flows provided by Operating activities:
  Management and Advisory Service activities:
   Cash received from Fee Based activities.......................................    $           16,989,544    $        15,940,367
   Cash received from Interests in and Receivables from Syndicated Partnerships..                 6,042,883              2,577,096
   Cash Receipts -- other........................................................                 1,276,105              2,804,725
   Cash paid to Vendors, Suppliers and Employees.................................               (17,374,022)           (15,805,350)
   Interest paid on Term Debt and Other Notes Payable............................                  (881,886)            (1,408,508)
   Income Taxes paid - City and State............................................                  (189,919)              (132,601)
   Taxes paid, other than Income Taxes...........................................                   (55,186)              (419,913)
   Payments related to non-recurring items.......................................                (1,891,525)              (628,066)
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
                                                                                                  3,915,994              2,927,750
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
  Real Estate Asset activities:
   Cash received from Rental activities..........................................                30,923,763                      0
   Payments on Rental activities.................................................               (17,105,705)                     0
   Interest paid on Mortgages....................................................               (10,178,201)                     0
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
                                                                                                  3,639,857                      0
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
Net Cash provided by Operating activities........................................                 7,555,851              2,927,750
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------

Cash Flow (used in) Investing activities:
  Management and Advisory Service activities:
   Proceeds from sale of Non-Core Assets and Other...............................                   701,492              2,065,945
   Capital Expenditures..........................................................                  (528,748)              (368,272)
   Repayment from/(Advances to) Syndicated Partnerships..........................                   396,369             (6,846,810)
   Acquisition of Real Estate Assets.............................................                         0               (425,812)
  Real Estate Asset activities:
   Net cash flow provided by Rental activities during period
       Held for Sale (net of Interest paid of $10,322,143 in 1995)...............                         0              1,836,656
   Funding of Escrows............................................................                  (310,759)                     0
   Capital Expenditures .........................................................                  (370,453)                     0
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
Net Cash (used in) Investing activities..........................................                  (112,099)            (3,738,293)
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------

Cash Flows (used in)/provided by Financing activities:
  Management and Advisory Service activities:
   Proceeds from the exercise of Stock Options...................................                    47,050                      0
   Redemption of Stock held by Syndicated Partnerships...........................                   (31,330)                     0
   Net Proceeds from/(Principal Payments) on Term Debt and Other.................                (3,996,623)             2,438,514
  Real Estate Asset activities:
   Proceeds from Mortgage Debt...................................................                13,365,000                      0
   Payments on Mortgages - principal amortization................................                (1,415,176)            (1,618,009)
   Payments on Mortgages - lump sum..............................................               (14,445,947)              (392,070)
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
Net Cash (used in)/provided by Financing activities..............................                (6,477,026)               428,435
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash .....................................................                   966,726               (382,108)
Cash at Beginning of Year........................................................                 2,751,986              4,639,643
                                                                                     ----------------------    -------------------
Cash at End of Period............................................................    $            3,718,712    $         4,257,535
                                                                                     ======================    ===================



                 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                       6

7


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
              FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
                                   (UNAUDITED)



                                                                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                                   ---------------    ---------------
                                                                                                       
Reconciliation of Net Income to
     Net Cash provided by Operating activities:
     Net Income...............................................................     $     2,735,668    $     4,709,637
     Adjustments to reconcile Net Income to Net Cash
         provided by Operating activities:
         Depreciation and Amortization........................................           4,071,047            388,898
         Provision for losses on Accounts Receivable..........................              74,069            525,326
         Income from Disposal or Recovery of Non-Core Assets .................            (281,873)        (2,425,945)
         Gain on Debt Restructuring...........................................                   0         (1,314,021)
         Provision for Income Taxes Credited to Paid-In Capital...............           1,308,600          2,984,000
     Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
         Interests in and Receivables from Syndicated Partnerships............           1,617,714           (335,505)
         Accounts Receivable and Other Assets.................................          (6,183,344)         3,003,545
         Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities...............................           4,213,970         (4,608,185)
                                                                                   ---------------    ---------------
Net Cash provided by Operating activities.....................................     $     7,555,851    $     2,927,750
                                                                                   ===============    ===============


SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

During the first  nine  months of 1995,  the  Company  (as  defined in Note 1 to
Consolidated  Financial Statements) acquired four apartment properties primarily
financed with $4,770,000 of first mortgages on the properties.

In June 1995,  the Company  purchased  from a mortgage  lender  $8.8  million of
non-recourse  mortgages on one Syndicated  Partnership  (as defined in Note 1 to
Consolidated  Financial Statements) and four Wholly Owned Properties (as defined
in Note 1 to Consolidated  Financial  Statements) for $7.8 million.  The Company
financed  the  acquisition  with a $7.8  million  note  payable to the  mortgage
lender. The note was repaid in June 1996.

In the  first  nine  months  of  1996,  the  Company  granted  deeds  in lieu of
foreclosure for three Wholly Owned  Properties to the mortgagee.  The properties
had an aggregate carrying value of $3.9 million. During the first nine months of
1995 the  Company  granted a deed in lieu of  foreclosure  for one Wholly  Owned
Property to the mortgagee.  The property had an aggregate carrying value of $2.1
million.  No  significant  gain or loss was  recognized  on  these  transactions
because the assets and the  non-recourse  mortgages on each of these  Properties
(as defined in Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements) had been recorded in
equal amounts.

Effective August 1, 1996, the Company acquired Lexford Properties,  Inc. through
a merger with a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of the  Company.  The Company  issued
700,000 shares of its Common Stock (valued at $14,000,000) in  consideration  of
the acquisition, however 450,000 of the shares issued (valued at $9,000,000) are
subject to forfeiture,  in whole or in part, if the Company's  combined property
management  operations  fail to achieve  certain  profitability  criteria  on or
before the end of the Company's 1999 fiscal year.

                 SEE NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                        7


8


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


NOTE 1  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

         The consolidated  financial statements include the accounts of Cardinal
Realty  Services,  Inc.  and its wholly  owned  subsidiaries  (collectively  the
"Company").  For consolidated  financial statement purposes,  the "Company" also
includes limited  partnerships and other legal entities which own Operating Real
Estate Assets and in which the Company,  in turn,  owns a 100% equity  interest.
All significant  intercompany  balances and transactions have been eliminated in
this consolidation.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements,  except
for the Consolidated  Balance Sheet at December 31, 1995, are unaudited and have
been prepared in accordance with generally  accepted  accounting  principles for
interim  financial  information and in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, they do not include all
of the  information  and  footnotes  required by generally  accepted  accounting
principles  for  complete  financial  statements.   The  consolidated  financial
statements, the notes hereto and the capitalized terms included herein should be
read in conjunction with the Company's Form 10-K.

         The interim  consolidated  financial  statements  have been prepared in
accordance with the Company's customary accounting practices.  In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the
results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1996.

Business Overview
- -----------------

         The Company  engages in two core  business  activities:  1)  management
of  multifamily  residential  real property,  including  provision of management
services to owners of property in which the Company  does not have an  ownership
interest; and 2) activities related to the ownership of  multifamily residential
real property  (including  provision  of  asset  management  services to passive
co-owners). In January 1996 the Company restructured along these business  lines
by creating two business divisions: Advisory Services  and  Management Services.
The  restructuring  was  implemented,  in part,  to  cause  the  Company and its
management to  focus  attention  on  these  two  distinct,   yet  complementary,
business activities.

         Management Services
         -------------------

         The Company's  Management Services division is charged with the conduct
of the Company's property management business. The Company's property management
business  involves all traditional  elements of third party property  management
including:  day-to-day  management and maintenance of  multi-family  residential
apartment properties,  attracting and retaining qualified residents,  collecting
rents and other receivables from residents,  providing cash management  services
for  rental  revenues,  security  deposits,  taxes and  insurance  and  deferred
maintenance  escrows,  and  compiling  and  furnishing  information  to property
owners.

         Effective August 1, 1996, the Company acquired Lexford Properties, Inc.
("Lexford") by merger of a wholly owned  subsidiary of the Company with and into
Lexford.  On that date, Lexford became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
Lexford has been  engaged in the  business of third  party  property  management
services to the owners of multifamily residential real property since commencing
business  operations  in June 1988.  At the time the Company  acquired  Lexford,
Lexford managed approximately 22,000 apartment units for third party owners. The
Company  currently  intends that Lexford will continue to provide and expand its
third party property  management services as well as to succeed to the operation


                                        8


9


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


of the  Company's  Management  Services  division.  Accordingly,  the  Company's
property  management  business  will  be  conducted  through  its  wholly  owned
subsidiary, Lexford Properties, Inc. Management believes that the acquisition of
Lexford  has  enhanced  the Company's property management  capabilities and will
facilitate  the  Company's  ability to acquire,  as well as service,  additional
multifamily residential properties in the future including properties not built
by the Company. (SEE "LEXFORD ACQUISITION").

         The  Company's  Management  Services  division also operates an adjunct
business  which the Company  refers to as  "Ancillary  Services".  The Company's
Ancillary  Services  include  the sale of parts and  supplies to both the Wholly
Owned  Properties and Syndicated  Partnerships and also the leasing of furniture
and sale of renters insurance to residents at the Properties.  In June 1996, the
Company  announced  that it  anticipated  certain  realignments  in its  current
organization.  As part of this  restructure,  the Company has  contracted to out
source  the parts and  supply  inventory  currently  handled  internally  by the
Company's  Ancillary Services function.  The Company expects that the transition
to the out  sourcing  will be  completed  by the end of  1996.  Thereafter,  the
Company's  Ancillary Services  department will continue to provide assistance to
the  Properties,  in the  acquisition  of  needed  parts  and  supplies  and the
management of a coordinated buying group enjoying  substantial volume discounts.
In  consideration  of these  services,  the  Company  will  generate  income  by
retaining some portion of discounts earned.

         Advisory Services
         -----------------

         The  objective  of  the  Company's  Advisory  Services  division  is to
maximize  the value of its real estate  holdings  and its returns on real estate
investments.  The Company  performs  these  functions both with respect to those
Properties  in which it maintains  the entire  ownership  interest  (its "Wholly
Owned  Properties") as well as those properties in which the Company maintains a
partial ownership  interest (the "Syndicated  Partnerships";  and, together with
the Wholly Owned Properties,  the  "Properties").  The Company strives to obtain
and maintain the best available financing for the Properties and to maximize the
Properties' operating performance.  The Company evaluates the performance of all
real  estate  holdings  to  identify  investment  requirements  under-performing
Properties  or those that can be sold at an attractive  price  relative to their
performance.  The Company maintains at least 1% partnership  interest in each of
the  Syndicated  Partnerships;  though  usually 9% or 10%  interest.  Beyond its
equity  investment  in the  Properties,  the Company  holds  receivables  from a
majority of the Syndicated  Partnerships  (SEE  "RECORDED  VALUES OF RECEIVABLES
FROM SYNDICATED  PARTNERSHIPS" AND NOTE 4). The remaining  partnership interests
are substantially all owned by unrelated third party limited partner investors.

         The  Company's  Advisory  Services  division  acting  in the  Company's
capacity  as  general  partner of the  Syndicated  Partnerships  provides  asset
management services to the Syndicated  Partnerships.  In addition, the Company's
Advisory Services  division performs the following  services for the accounts of
the co-owners (limited partners) of the Syndicated  Partnerships:  informational
and  financial  reporting  Services,   (including  tax  return  preparation  and
provision of tax return  information  to the limited  partners;) and capital and
financial  planning,  (including  determination of reserves,  funding of capital
requirements and administration of capital distributions to partners.)


Fresh Start Accounting
- ----------------------

         The Company  adopted a method of accounting  referred to as fresh start
("Fresh Start") reporting as of September 11, 1992 (the "Effective  Date"),  the
effective  date  of  the  Company's  Third  Amended  Plan of Reorganization (the

                                        9


10


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


"Plan of Reorganization") filed  on  June  22,  1992 with, and confirmed by, the
United States  Bankruptcy  Court for  the  Southern  District of Ohio,  Eastern 
Division.  The Company applied Fresh Start  accounting as of the Effective  Date
to  prepare  its   balance  sheet and  establish  the values of its  assets and 
liabilities (SEE "RECORDED VALUES OF RECEIVABLES FROM SYNDICATED PARTNERSHIPS").
From and after  the  Effective  Date the  Company  has  applied historical  cost
account  values of  new assets in  establishing  book values in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles.

Operating Real Estate Assets (previously Held for Sale)
- -------------------------------------------------------

         During 1995 and prior  years,  the Company had  attempted to market and
sell the Wholly Owned  Properties  on terms that were  beneficial to the Company
and its  shareholders.  However,  based upon  mortgage  debt that has since been
restructured  with  favorable  amortization  terms,  combined  with improved net
operating  income and cash flow  performance,  management  decided to retain the
Wholly Owned  Properties  for  investment  (SEE NOTE 2).  Therefore,  commencing
January 1, 1996, the operations,  including a provision for depreciation, of the
Wholly Owned Properties have been fully consolidated in the Company's Statements
of Income.  Further,  the cash flows of the Wholly  Owned  Properties  have been
reclassified  as Cash Flows Provided by Operating  Activities.  While the Wholly
Owned  Properties  were held for sale, the results of operations from the Wholly
Owned  Properties  were credited to the carrying value of the real estate and no
revenues,  operating  expenses or depreciation were included in the Consolidated
Statements of Income.  Cash flows from the Wholly Owned Properties prior to 1996
were classified as Cash Flow Provided by Investing  Activities (SEE NOTE 5). The
Company  will  continue to monitor  and  evaluate  any changes in  circumstances
and/or  economic  conditions  affecting  its  investment  in  the  Wholly  Owned
Properties.  The Company is currently  analyzing  alternatives  for its majority
interest in the Wholly  Owned  Properties,  which may include a  disposition  to
third parties resulting in deconsolidation of the entities.

Cash and Other Assets
- ---------------------

         Cash at September 30, 1996 of  approximately  $3.7 million is comprised
of approximately  $3.4 million related to Wholly Owned Properties (which is held
in separate  property  bank  accounts) and  approximately  $300,000 in corporate
funds.

         As of  September  30,  1996,  Funds Held in Escrow of $11.2  million is
comprised  of $7.4  million of  restricted  cash  related  to the  Wholly  Owned
Properties and $3.8 million in corporate  funds.  Wholly Owned  Properties Funds
Held in Escrow relate to security deposit  escrows,  real estate tax escrows and
maintenance  and replacement  escrows  required by mortgage  lenders.  Corporate
Funds Held in Escrow are primarily  amounts set aside to pay insurance  premiums
for the Properties.

         Prepaids  and Other  assets of $9.3  million as of  September  30, 1996
include  $4.7  million of  goodwill  related  to the  Lexford  acquisition  (SEE
"LEXFORD  ACQUISITION"  AND ITEM 2,  MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS  OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -- LEXFORD  ACQUISITION),  $1.5 million of  capitalized  costs  associated  with
refinancing  mortgages  on Wholly  Owned  Properties  and  $382,000  of  prepaid
expenses  and loan  costs  associated  with  the  refinancing  of the  Company's
corporate  lines of credit which are  amortized  based upon the maturity date of
the new loan.  In addition,  Prepaids  and Other assets  consists of a leasehold
interest in land of approximately  $636,000,  approximately  $774,000 of prepaid
insurance and real estate taxes,  $131,000 of inventory of replacement parts and
supplies for sale to Properties  and  approximately  $1.0 million of advances to
Properties to cover costs  incurred in litigation  with  the Properties'  former

                                       10


11


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


insurance  carrier   involving   a   claim  for  termite  damage  at  certain of
the Properties, which was settled in the third quarter 1996. These advances were
recovered from settlement proceeds in the fourth quarter 1996.

Recorded Values of Receivables from Syndicated Partnerships
- -----------------------------------------------------------

         The Company owns general partner and/or limited  partner  interests in,
and  holds  second  mortgage  loans  and  other  receivables  from,   Syndicated
Partnerships.  The majority of these  receivables  arose prior to the  Effective
Date as a result of  agreements  related to the  syndication  of the  Syndicated
Partnerships.  Advances made to Syndicated Partnerships since the Effective Date
primarily were for supplemental  financing for debt restructuring or refinancing
transactions  as described in Notes 3 and 4. Interests in and  Receivables  from
Syndicated  Partnerships  were recorded at their  estimated fair value as of the
Effective Date based upon Fresh Start  accounting.  The  contractual  amounts of
receivables are significantly greater than the recorded values. At September 30,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the contractual value of the Company's  Interests in
and  Receivables  from  Syndicated  Partnerships  amounted to $238.0 million and
$237.1  million,  respectively.  There can be no assurance that the Company will
collect any amounts above the recorded Fresh Start value of these receivables.

         The Fresh  Start  values  were  established  as of the  Effective  Date
utilizing  an  estimation  of value  based upon a  capitalization  rate of 10.5%
applied to the net operating  income of the respective  Syndicated  Partnership.
The estimated value was then adjusted by the Syndicated  Partnership's  mortgage
debt and the Syndicated  Partnership's other assets and liabilities to determine
an  estimated  net fair value.  The  Company  then  calculated  its share of the
estimated net fair value for each Syndicated Partnership,  without regard to the
possibility  that  payments  to limited  partners  might be required in order to
effectuate sales of the real estate by certain of the Syndicated Partnerships.

         Interest  is  accrued  on the  recorded  Fresh  Start  values of second
mortgages and certain other receivables  based upon contractual  interest rates.
Allowances  are provided for  estimated  uncollectible  interest  based upon the
underlying  Syndicated   Partnerships'  abilities  to  generate  net  cash  flow
sufficient to pay accrued interest.  In certain instances,  payments made to the
Company by individual  Syndicated  Partnerships in excess of carrying amounts of
accrued  interest  on the  recorded  values of second  mortgages  is recorded as
interest  income.  Any such  payments  in excess of amounts  recorded as accrued
interest  normally  still  represent   contractual  interest  payable  from  the
Syndicated  Partnerships to the Company and is  representative of interest which
accrues on the excess of the contractual balance of the second mortgage or other
receivable above that of the recorded Fresh Start value on the Company's balance
sheet.  The Company is also entitled to receive  incentive  management  fees and
supplemental second mortgage interest from certain of the underlying  Syndicated
Partnerships if certain  specified amounts of net operating income are achieved.
Also, in the event the underlying Properties are sold or refinanced, the Company
is  generally  entitled  to a  participation  interest in the net  proceeds,  if
available,  as a  second  mortgage  holder  and on  account  of its  partnership
interest(s).

         The  Company  accounts  for its  partnership  interests  in  Syndicated
Partnerships by the cost method; no significant recorded value has been ascribed
to these  interests.  The realization of the Interests in and  Receivables  from
Syndicated  Partnerships is dependent on the future operating performance of the
Syndicated  Partnerships  generating  sufficient  net  operating  income and net
proceeds upon ultimate disposition.


                                       11


12


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


Non-Core Assets
- ---------------

         The Company also has  interests  in motel  properties,  investor  notes
receivable and certain other assets  (collectively the "Non-Core  Assets").  The
Company valued these Non-Core  Assets as of the Effective Date based on previous
and current purchase offers, previous sales activity and independent appraisals.
In 1994, the Company  recovered the remaining  recorded value of Non-Core Assets
from the collection of receivables and  proceeds from  disposals of such assets.
The Company began  recognizing  income from sale proceeds and collections,  net 
of collection and closing costs,  after the carrying value was fully  recovered.
By September 30, 1996 the Company had successfully  disposed  of  a  substantial
portion  of  its  Non-Core  Assets.  Those  Non-Core  Assets  remaining  are not
significant.

Lexford Acquisition
- -------------------

         Effective  August  1, 1996 the  Company  acquired  Lexford  by way of a
merger (the "Lexford  Merger") of a wholly owned  subsidiary of the Company with
and into  Lexford.  The terms of the Lexford  Merger  provided  that the Company
would  succeed to the  ownership of all of the issued and  outstanding  stock of
Lexford  and the  shareholders  of  Lexford  would  receive  700,000  shares  of
restricted,  newly issued Common Stock. For purposes of the Lexford Merger,  the
Common Stock was valued at $20 per share. Approximately $9.0 million, or 450,000
shares,  of the purchase  price is subject to  forfeiture in whole or in part in
the event Lexford does not achieve certain  profitability  criteria within three
fiscal years. The Lexford  shareholders  received 250,000 shares of Common Stock
free of contingencies.

Net Income Per Share
- --------------------

         Net income per share for a specified  period is  computed  based on the
total weighted average number of shares of the Company's  Common Stock,  without
par value  ("Common  Stock"),  outstanding  during the subject  period and those
contingent shares estimated to be issued to officers, employees and directors in
accordance  with the  Company's  1992  Incentive  Equity  Plan,  as amended (the
"Incentive  Equity Plan").  In August 1996, the Company issued 700,000 shares of
Common Stock in  connection  with the Lexford  merger,  450,000  shares of which
remain  subject to forfeiture in whole or in part. The 450,000 shares subject to
forfeiture are excluded from the weighted average shares outstanding because the
shares are not  dilutive.  For the three months ended  September  30, 1996,  the
total weighted average shares outstanding was approximately 4,093,000, including
the  weighted  average of  approximately  273,000  estimated to be issued in the
future  pursuant  to the  Incentive  Equity  Plan.  For the  nine  months  ended
September  30,  1996,  the  total  weighted   average  shares   outstanding  was
approximately  3,953,000 including the weighted average of approximately 245,000
shares  estimated  to be  issued  pursuant  to the  Incentive  Equity  Plan.  At
September 30, 1996, there were approximately 210,000 treasury shares.

Restatement -- Provision for Income Taxes
- -----------------------------------------

         The  net  income   previously   reported  in  the  September  30,  1995
Consolidated  Statement  of Income  has been  adjusted  in order to comply  with
Statement of Position  90-7  "Reorganization  Under the  Bankruptcy  Code" ("SOP
90-7")  pertaining to accounting  for deferred  income taxes.  SOP 90-7 requires
that benefits realized from pre-confirmation net operating loss carryforwards be
reported as an increase to  Additional  Paid-in  Capital.  For the period ending
September 30, 1995 the Company reported net income,  but was not required to pay
taxes on such income,  as the result of having the benefit of net operating loss
carryforwards  to offset the  income.  The  financial  statements  as  adjusted,
reflect a non-cash charge in the form of an increase in the provision for income

                                       12


13


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


taxes in the Consolidated  Statements of Income.  Net deferred tax assets (which
have  been  fully  reserved  against  and  therefore  are not  reflected  on the
Company's September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 Consolidated  Balance Sheets)
have  been  reduced  by an  amount  equivalent  to the  non-cash  charge  with a
corresponding  increase being made to Additional Paid-in Capital. The adjustment
does not affect the  Company's  cash flows or total  Shareholders'  Equity.  The
effect of the adjustment is as follows:



                                                           As Previously          Adjustment for               As
                                                             Reported             Tax Provision             Adjusted
                                                         -----------------      ------------------      ----------------
                                                                                                            
Three Months Ended September 30, 1995
Income before Extraordinary Gain....................     $       2,127,527      $        (825,000)      $      1,302,527
Extraordinary Gain..................................                     0                      0                      0
                                                         -----------------      ------------------      ----------------
Net Income..........................................     $       2,127,527      $        (825,000)      $      1,302,527
                                                         =================      ==================      ================


Per Share of Common Stock:
    Income before Extraordinary Gain................                 $0.55                 ($0.21)                 $0.34
    Extraordinary Gain..............................                  0.00                   0.00                   0.00
                                                         -----------------      ------------------      ----------------
    Net Income......................................                 $0.55                 ($0.21)                 $0.34
                                                         =================      ==================      ================


Nine Months Ended September 30, 1995
Income before Extraordinary Gain...................       $      6,379,616      $      (2,474,000)      $      3,905,616
Extraordinary Gain.................................              1,314,021               (510,000)               804,021
                                                          ----------------      ------------------      ----------------
Net Income.........................................       $      7,693,637      $      (2,984,000)      $      4,709,637
                                                          ================      ==================      ================


Per Share of Common Stock:
    Income before Extraordinary Gain...............                  $1.66                 ($0.64)                 $1.02
    Extraordinary Gain.............................                    .34                  (0.13)                  0.21
                                                          ----------------      ------------------      ----------------
    Net Income.....................................                  $2.00                 ($0.77)                 $1.23
                                                          ================      ==================      ================


Reclassification
- ----------------

           The  Statements of Income,  the  Statements of Cash Flows and certain
financial  information  in the notes to the financial  statements for the period
ended  September  30,  1995  have  been  reclassified  to  conform  to the  1996
presentation.

Corporate Restructuring
- -----------------------

         In June 1996, as a result of management's  continued  evaluation of the
Company's  Ancillary   Services,   corporate  finance  and  Management  Services
operations,  the Company announced a staff restructuring  totaling 13 employees.
The June 1996  restructuring  has  resulted in a one time  $300,000  restructure
expense  for  the  nine  months  ended   September  30,  1996.   The  June  1996
restructuring  is expected to result in annual expense savings of  approximately
$400,000  and,  along with the  corporate  restructuring  recorded in the fourth


                                       13


14


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


quarter of 1995, are expected to result in combined  annual  expense  savings of
approximately $1,400,000 (SEE "BUSINESS OVERVIEW").  The June 1996 restructuring
reduced the number of corporate  employees  dedicated to financial reporting and
management duties and also resulted in the outsourcing of the parts and supplies
inventory component of the Company's Ancillary Services operations.

           The foregoing  forward  looking  statements of potential cost savings
are  estimates  and actual  results may  differ.  Differences  could  develop if
perceived efficiencies are not obtained.

NOTE 2  OPERATING REAL ESTATE ASSETS

           Operating Real Estate Assets consist of the Wholly Owned  Properties.
During  the  first  nine  months  of  1996,  lenders  accepted  deeds in lieu of
foreclosure on three Wholly Owned Properties. The principal and accrued interest
on  the  mortgage  loans  secured  by the  Wholly  Owned  Properties  aggregated
approximately  $3.1 million.  The deeds on two of these  Properties were granted
pursuant  to an  overall  agreement  with  the  lender  to  restructure  certain
mortgages  in 1995.  In the third  quarter of 1996,  the Company  purchased  the
entire limited  partnership  interest in a Syndicated  Partnership  for $17,500.
This purchase  caused the  reclassification  of the Syndicated  Partnership to a
Wholly Owned Property.  In the fourth quarter of 1995 the Company granted a deed
in lieu of foreclosure on one Wholly Owned Property. No significant gain or loss
was  recognized on this  transaction.  The Company  acquired  three Wholly Owned
Properties  in the fourth  quarter of 1995 and also  effected a  combination  of
three Wholly Owned Properties into one Wholly Owned Property during such period.
As a result of these  transactions,  at September 30, 1996 there were 114 Wholly
Owned Properties as compared to 116 at September 30, 1995.

           Condensed  combined balance sheets,  with  intercompany  payables and
receivables eliminated, of the Company's Wholly Owned Properties as of September
30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 are as follows:




                                                           September 30, 1996         December 31, 1995
                                                        ------------------------   ------------------------
                       Assets
                                                                                                  
Net Operating Real Estate Assets.....................   $            161,722,760   $            167,276,556
Cash.................................................                  3,446,790                  2,699,924
Accounts Receivable..................................                  1,071,889                  1,043,069
Funds Held in Escrow.................................                  7,407,920                  7,097,162
Prepaids and Other...................................                  2,270,837                  2,487,494
                                                        ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                        $            175,920,196   $            180,604,205
                                                        ========================   ========================
               Liabilities and Equity
Mortgage Payable.....................................   $            146,607,459   $            151,130,612
Accounts Payable.....................................                    882,792                    953,076
Accrued Interest and Real Estate Taxes...............                  3,836,147                  3,577,547
Other Accrued Expenses...............................                  1,322,332                  1,315,132
Other Liabilities....................................                  1,206,922                  1,094,800
                                                        ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                                     153,855,652                158,071,167
Equity...............................................                 22,064,544                 22,533,038
                                                        ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                        $            175,920,196   $            180,604,205
                                                        ========================   ========================



                                       14


15


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

         As of the Effective Date, in accordance with Fresh Start reporting, the
mortgages on the Wholly Owned  Properties  were  restated to estimate fair value
(the "Carrying  Value") if the Fresh Start value of the assets was less than the
outstanding principal amount of the mortgages.  Although the value of the assets
may have increased since the Effective Date, the Carrying Value of the mortgages
and the  assets  has not  been  adjusted.  The  mortgages  on the  Wholly  Owned
Properties had contractual  principal  balances of approximately  $155.7 million
and $163.8  million at September  30, 1996 and December 31, 1995,  respectively,
compared to Carrying  Values of $146.6 million and $151.1 million at such dates.
Interest  expense is recorded based on the Carrying Value unless the contractual
balance is being paid,  in which case,  the amount paid is expensed.  During the
period  from the  Effective  Date  through  September  30,  1996 the Company has
refinanced  102 mortgage  loans secured by the Wholly Owned  Properties  and has
acquired  five Wholly Owned  Properties.  Mortgages  which have been  originated
following the Effective  Date,  as a result of an  acquisition,  are recorded as
liabilities on the Consolidated  Balance Sheets in their full principal  amount.
Typically,  each Wholly Owned  Property is secured by a separate  mortgage loan.
The mortgage loans secured by the Wholly Owned  Properties are  non-recourse  in
nature, except for one mortgage loan of approximately $900,000.

           With respect to those  Properties  and other assets which the Company
has acquired,  and will acquire,  after the Effective  Date, the recorded values
are  established on the basis of acquisition  cost, in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.

NOTE 3 MORTGAGE REFINANCINGS

           During the first  nine  months of 1996,  the  Company  completed  the
refinancing  of  mortgages  on nine Wholly Owned  Properties  and 23  Syndicated
Partnerships.  Mortgage  indebtedness  on the Wholly  Owned  Properties,  with a
contractual  value of $15.1 million and a Carrying Value of $14.7  million,  was
refinanced with mortgages  bearing interest ranging from  approximately  8.0% to
9.1%, with 25 year  amortization and seven to ten year  maturities.  Annual debt
service on the affected Wholly Owned  Properties  decreased from $1.3 million to
$1.1 million in the aggregate as a result of the refinancing. These transactions
funded improvement and deferred maintenance,  tax and working capital escrows of
approximately $570,000.

           The  refinancing  of  the  mortgages  on  11  of  the  23  Syndicated
Partnerships generated excess cash proceeds of $1.5 million in the third quarter
of 1996. Such proceeds were utilized by the respective  Syndicated  Partnerships
to pay down obligations owed by such Syndicated Partnerships to the Company. The
refinancing  of these 11 Syndicated  Partnerships  was the initial  closing of a
portfolio of approximately 80 Syndicated  Partnerships expected to be refinanced
by the end of 1996. In the third quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a reserve
for the estimated expenditures associated with refinancing that portfolio. Since
the  reserve  is  not  material   and  results  from  the  overall   refinancing
transaction,  it is recorded  against the loan fee and interest income generated
from the excess proceeds  received by the Company from the initial closing.  The
remaining Syndicated Partnerships included in this portfolio are not expected to
generate   excess   proceeds  as   significant  as  the  initial  11  Syndicated
Partnerships.

           Through  September 30, 1995, the Company  completed  modification  or
refinancing  transactions involving 111 Properties.  These transactions resulted
in the  modification  of mortgage  loans on 27 Wholly Owned  Properties  and the
modification  or refinancing  of mortgage  loans on 84 Syndicated  Partnerships.
These   transactions   resulted  in  an  extraordinary   gain  on  discharge  of
indebtedness on the Wholly Owned Properties,  net of closing costs, reserves and
taxes, of approximately $804,000.


                                       15


16


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


           While there can be no assurance,  the Company  expects to refinance a
significant  number of mortgages on the Properties  during the fourth quarter of
1996.

NOTE 4  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

         The Company  manages 112 of the 114 Wholly Owned  Properties and 409 of
the 413 Syndicated  Partnerships.  The Company also provides  various  Ancillary
Services,  including the sale of maintenance  supplies and replacement  parts to
the Properties,  and furniture  rentals and insurance to residents (SEE NOTE 1 -
BUSINESS OVERVIEW - MANAGEMENT SERVICES).  The Company earned fee based revenues
from the Syndicated  Partnerships of approximately $2.9 million and $3.1 million
for the three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,  and $8.4
million and $8.9 million for the nine months ended  September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.  The Company also earned a majority of its interest  income on its
receivables  (including  second  mortgages)  from the  Syndicated  Partnerships.
Approximately $2.3 million and $3.9 million of the Accounts  Receivable were due
from the Syndicated Partnerships as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively.  The decline in the accounts  receivable is cyclical in nature due
to the timing of the billing and  collection  of the annual  insurance  premiums
collected and paid by the Company on behalf of the Syndicated Partnerships.  Fee
Based Revenues and Accounts  Receivable  related to the Wholly Owned  Properties
are eliminated in consolidation.

         The Company received  repayment of advances of  approximately  $396,000
from the Syndicated Partnerships in the first nine months of 1996 as compared to
making net advances of $6.8 million in the first nine months of 1995 principally
related to refinancing of mortgages. These advances are included in Interests in
and  Receivables  from  Syndicated  Partnerships.  The advances in 1995 provided
supplemental financing to facilitate satisfaction of indebtedness owed to former
lenders  and/or to fund  transaction  costs and  escrows.  These  advances  bear
interest at one percent  over the prime rate of interest of The  Provident  Bank
(the "Bank"), 8.25% at September 30, 1996.

NOTE 5 COMPARATIVE INCOME STATEMENTS

         Prior  to 1996 the  operations  of the  Wholly  Owned  Properties  were
excluded  from the Company's  Statements of Income (SEE NOTE 1 - OPERATING  REAL
ESTATE ASSETS (PREVIOUSLY HELD FOR SALE)). In order to facilitate the comparison
of operations in 1996 to 1995, the following  "proforma"  Income  Statement (the
"Proforma  Income  Statement")  has been  prepared for the three and nine months
ended  September  30, 1995 as if the Wholly  Owned  Properties  were  previously
consolidated.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.  Depreciation
expense for the Operating Real Estate Assets has been estimated for 1995.

         Management  expects that the  discernible  trends which have  developed
from and after  January  1,  1996,  namely  reduction  in the  amounts of income
received attributable to the disposal of Non-Core Assets and increases in income
recognized from Operating Real Estate Assets and the Company's  Interests in and
Receivables from Syndicated  Partnerships will continue.  For these reasons, the
Company has  supplementally  disclosed  earnings before interest,  income taxes,
depreciation, amortization and extraordinary items ("EBITDA"), recurring EBITDA,
recurring  EBITDA reduced for Interest - Wholly Owned  Property Debt  ("Adjusted
EBITDA") and Funds from  Operations of its Wholly Owned  Properties.  Management
believes  that  these  supplemental  disclosures  are  meaningful  measures  for
analysis  of the  Company's  results of  operations  both  taken  alone and when
compared to the Company's  counterparts  in the  multi-family  residential  real
property ownership and management business.


                                       16


17


                         CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)




                                                               Three Months Ended September 30       Nine Months Ended September 30
                                                            -----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                                                  1996               1995              1996              1995
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------
                                                                                   Proforma                            Proforma
                                                                                                               
Revenues:                                                                       
   Rental and Other Operating Real Estate Revenues......... $     10,311,403   $      9,949,673   $    30,755,215  $     29,239,531
   Fee Based...............................................        3,688,833          3,066,242         9,272,256         8,946,860
   Interest, Principally from Syndicated Partnerships......        1,680,081          1,075,306         4,626,766         3,038,013
   Income from Disposal of Non-Core Assets-Net.............            7,181            610,758           281,873         2,425,945
   Other...................................................           21,543            235,828           173,198           596,305
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------
                                                                  15,709,041         14,937,807        45,109,308        44,246,654
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------

Expenses:
   Rental Operating........................................        5,281,275          6,143,713        15,719,226        16,711,718
   Fee Based...............................................        2,627,882          1,578,619         5,723,834         4,775,640
   Administration..........................................        1,151,715          1,036,036         3,273,449         3,168,669
   Restructure Costs.......................................                0                  0           300,000                 0
   Interest - Wholly Owned Property Debt...................        3,500,425          3,601,271        10,700,604        10,747,268
   Interest - Corporate Debt...............................          278,714            356,350           840,180         1,142,398
   Depreciation and Amortization...........................        1,418,696          1,388,838         4,071,047         3,923,897
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------
                                                                  14,258,707         14,104,827        40,628,340        40,469,590
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------

Income Before Income Taxes.................................        1,450,334            832,980         4,480,968         3,777,064
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 1)........................          563,300            329,000         1,745,300         1,465,000
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------
Income before Extraordinary Gain...........................          887,034            503,980         2,735,668         2,312,064
Extraordinary Gain, net of Income Taxes (Note 3)...........                0                  0                 0           804,021
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ----------------
Net Income................................................. $        887,034   $        503,980   $     2,735,668  $      3,116,085
                                                            ================   ================   ===============  ================
   EBITDA.................................................. $      6,648,169   $      6,179,439   $    20,092,799  $     19,590,627
                                                            ================   ================   ===============  ================
   Recurring EBITDA........................................ $      6,462,974   $      5,405,418   $    19,883,785  $     16,571,202
                                                            ================   ================   ===============  ================

   Adjusted EBITDA (Recurring EBITDA reduced by
       Interest - Wholly Owned Property Debt).............. $      2,962,549   $      1,804,147   $     9,183,181  $      5,823,934
                                                            ================   ================   ===============  ================


Net Income per Common Share:
   Income Before Extraordinary Item........................            $0.22              $0.13             $0.69            $0.60
   Extraordinary Gain......................................             0.00               0.00              0.00             0.21
                                                            ----------------   ----------------   ---------------  ---------------
   Net Income..............................................            $0.22              $0.13             $0.69            $0.81
                                                            ================   ================   ===============  ===============


                                       17

18


ITEM 2.              MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


INTRODUCTION

         The following  discussion  explains  material  changes in the Company's
results of operations,  comparing the three and nine months ended  September 30,
1996 and 1995 and  significant  developments  affecting the Company's  financial
condition  since the end of 1995.  The  following  discussion  should be read in
conjunction with the historical financial statements of the Company.

         The financial  statements for the three and nine months ended September
30,  1995 do not  include  the  results of  operations  (revenues,  expenses  or
depreciation)  attributable  to  the  Operating  Real  Estate  Assets,  formerly
classified as Real Estate Assets Held for Sale.  Commencing  January 1, 1996 the
results of  operations,  including  depreciation  of the  Operating  Real Estate
Assets, have been included in the Consolidated  Statements of Income (SEE ITEM 1
- - NOTE 1 - OPERATING REAL ESTATE ASSETS (PREVIOUSLY HELD FOR SALE) AND NOTE 5 OF
NOTES  TO  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS).   Therefore,  the  Consolidated
Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended  September 30, 1996 are
not  comparable  to the same  periods  in  1995.  In  order  to  facilitate  the
comparison  of  operations,  the  notes to the  financial  statements  include a
"proforma"  consolidated  income  statement  for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 1995,  prepared as if the Wholly Owned  Properties were previously
consolidated  (SEE  ITEM  1  -  NOTE  5  OF  NOTES  TO  CONSOLIDATED   FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS). The following discussion of results of operations is based upon the
Proforma Income Statement  included in the Notes to the  Consolidated  Financial
Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         Rental and Other  Operating  Real Estate  Revenues are derived from the
Wholly  Owned  Properties  which  own and  operate  apartment  communities  that
comprise  the  Company's  Operating  Real  Estate  Assets.   Revenues  increased
approximately $362,000 and $1.5 million, or 3.6% and 5.2%, respectively, for the
three and nine months ended  September 30, 1996, as compared to the same periods
in 1995. The increase was primarily due to the 4.9% increase in average rent per
unit from $369 in 1995 to $387 in 1996.  The average  economic  occupancy of the
109 Wholly Owned  Properties  in  operation  at all times during the  comparable
periods was 92.7% for the nine months ended  September  30, 1996, as compared to
91.8% for the nine months  ended  September  30,  1995.  Economic  occupancy  is
defined as the amount of revenue collected from residents as a percentage of the
revenue a property  could  generate if full rents for all units were  collected.
(SEE ITEM 1 - NOTES 1 AND 5 OF NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS).

         Fee Based  Revenues are comprised of  Management  Services and Advisory
Services revenues  generated from services  provided to Syndicated  Partnerships
and residents at the Properties. Management Services revenues principally relate
to property  management  and  accounting  services  provided  to the  Syndicated
Partnerships and, from and after August 1, 1996,  property  management  services
provided to third party property owners (SEE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL  RESOURCES --
LEXFORD  ACQUISITION).  Ancillary Services (a department of Management Services)
revenues consist  principally of revenue  generated from the sale of replacement
and maintenance material to the Syndicated Partnerships.  In addition, Ancillary
Services  revenues include revenue generated from furniture leasing and renter's
insurance  products  provided to residents of the Properties.  Advisory Services
revenues  consist of partnership  administration  fees as well as fees generated
from  loan  refinancing  and  restructuring.  (SEE  ITEM 1 -  NOTE 1 -  BUSINESS
OVERVIEW OF NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS).




                                       18


19


         The following are the major components of Management  Services revenues
and Advisory Services revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1996 as compared to the same periods in 1995:



                                                             Three Months Ended                         Nine Months Ended
                                                                September 30                               September 30
                                                   -----------------------------------      ------------------------------------
                                                        1996               1995                   1996                 1995
                                                   --------------   ------------------      ----------------      --------------
                                                                         Proforma                                    Proforma
                                                                                                                 
Management Services:
  Property Management Services:
      Property Management and
         Accounting Services ...................   $    2,770,949   $        1,838,566      $      6,645,476      $    5,528,348
      Other Management Service
         Fee Revenues...........................          349,571              400,563             1,114,941           1,157,450
  Ancillary Services:
      Furniture Leasing and
         Renters Insurance......................           51,629               65,079               213,063             267,483
      Replacement and Maintenance
         Material Revenues - Net                           71,341              291,681               222,144             521,727
                                                   --------------   ------------------      ----------------      --------------
Total Management Services Revenues..............        3,243,490            2,595,889             8,195,624           7,475,008
                                                   --------------   ------------------      ----------------      --------------
Advisory Services:
  Partnership Administration & Other Fees.......          267,329              307,090               849,491             878,372
  Loan Refinancing and Restructuring Fees.......          178,014              163,263               227,141             593,480
                                                   --------------   ------------------      ----------------      --------------
Total Advisory Services Revenues................          445,343              470,353             1,076,632           1,471,852
                                                   --------------   ------------------      ----------------      --------------
Total Fee Based Revenues........................   $    3,688,833   $        3,066,242      $      9,272,256      $    8,946,860
                                                   ==============   ==================      ================      ==============


         Fee Based  Revenues  increased  approximately  $623,000 and $325,000 or
20.3% and 3.6%, respectively,  for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1996,  respectively,  as compared to the same periods in 1995.  The increase was
primarily due to approximately  $932,000 and $1.1 million  increases in property
management and accounting  services revenues for the three and nine months ended
September  30,  1996,  respectively,  as compared  to the same  periods in 1995.
Increases  were  principally  due to the two  months of  operations  of  Lexford
Properties, acquired effective August 1, 1996. Lexford contributed approximately
$835,000 in property  management and accounting  services  revenues in the third
quarter of 1996. The increase in property  management  and  accounting  services
revenues  was  partially  offset by a decrease  of  approximately  $234,000  and
$354,000 in Ancillary Revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1996,  respectively,  as compared  to the same  periods in 1995.  This  decrease
related  primarily  to  a  decline  in  the  net  revenues  of  replacement  and
maintenance materials sales to Syndicated Partnerships. In addition, replacement
and  material  sales  volumes  may be  impacted  in the future as the Company is
currently  evaluating  product  lines and has decided to out source  warehousing
operations. In addition, loan refinancing and restructuring fees were comparable
for  the  three  months  ended  September  30,  1996  and  1995,  but  decreased
approximately $366,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, as compared
to the same  period in 1995.  Loan  refinancing  and  restructuring  fees ("Loan
Fees") are subject to significant  fluctuation  from period to period based upon
the volume of loans maturing in a given year and the ability to refinance  based
on the  current  interest  rate  environment  and the  Syndicated  Partnerships'
abilities  to pay the fees.  Although  there can be no  assurance,  the  Company
anticipates  additional  loan fees in the fourth quarter  related to refinancing
activity  currently under  negotiation.  (SEE LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES --
FINANCING AND DEBT RESTRUCTURING OF THE PROPERTIES.)

         Interest Income  increased  approximately  $605,000 and $1.6 million or
56.2% and 52.3%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30,
1996 as  compared  to the same  periods in 1995.  Interest  Income is  primarily
derived  from  the  interest  collected  or  accrued  on the  recorded  value of
interests  in,  and  receivables  from,  Syndicated  Partnerships  (SEE NOTE 1 -

                                       19


20


RECORDED VALUES OF RECEIVABLES  FROM  SYNDICATED  PARTNERSHIPS - OF NOTES TO THE
CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS).   The  increase  in  Interest  Income  was
primarily  due to increased  net  operating  income,  lower first  mortgage debt
service requirements and excess proceeds from refinancing of Property mortgages.
Although  there can be no  assurances,  Interest  Income  should  continue to be
favorably  impacted  in the  future as a result of  mortgage  refinancings  and,
possibly,  increasing net operating income as well (SEE "NET OPERATING INCOME OF
SYNDICATED PARTNERSHIPS").

         Income  from  Disposal  of  Non-Core  Assets  decreased   approximately
$604,000  and $2.1  million for the three and nine months  ended  September  30,
1996,  respectively,  as  compared to the same  periods in 1995.  This income is
derived from the net  disposition  proceeds of Non-Core  Assets in excess of the
aggregate recorded value of these assets. Additional income from the disposal of
Non-Core  Assets and recovery of investor notes  receivable may be recognized in
the future,  although at  significantly  lower levels than  recognized  in 1995.
Income from Disposal of Non-Core Assets is not a recurring,  long term source of
revenue.  (SEE NOTE 1 -  NON-CORE  ASSETS - OF NOTES TO  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS).

         Other Revenues  decreased  approximately  $214,000 and $423,000 for the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1996, respectively, as compared to the
same periods in 1995.  The decrease was  principally  due to collection of fully
reserved receivables due from certain Syndicated Partnerships in 1995.

         Rental Operating Expense decreased  approximately $862,000 and $992,000
for the three  and nine  months  ended  September  30,  1996,  respectively,  as
compared to the same periods in 1995.  Improvement and replacement  expenses, in
the aggregate, decreased approximately $534,000 and $621,000, respectively.

         Fee Based Expenses  increased  approximately  $1.0 million for both the
three and nine months ended September 30, 1996, respectively, as compared to the
same periods in 1995. The increase was primarily due to  approximately  $815,000
of Fee Based Expenses related to the third party management operation of Lexford
Properties,   which  was  acquired   effective  August  1,  1996.  In  addition,
approximately,  $100,000  of the  increase  was  related to an  increase  in the
estimated  bonus accrual based upon the improved  property  performance  year to
date.

         Administration  Expenses increased  approximately $116,000 and $105,000
for the three  and nine  months  ended  September  30,  1996,  respectively,  as
compared to the same periods in 1995.  The increase in  administration  expenses
was  primarily  related to  outside  consulting  costs  incurred  for  corporate
strategic planning, technology evaluation, legal and relocation costs.

         Restructure Costs of $300,000 were accrued for in the second quarter of
1996 as a one  time  charge  related  to costs  anticipated  to be  incurred  in
connection   with   realignments   to  its   organization   due  to  overlapping
responsibilities.  Management anticipates that this realignment should result in
annual  savings of  approximately  $400,000  primarily  related to reductions in
payroll and related fringe benefit costs. The realignment was implemented in the
third  quarter  of 1996.  (SEE NOTE 1 -  CORPORATE  RESTRUCTURING  - OF NOTES TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS)

         Interest Expense for mortgages on the Wholly Owned Properties decreased
approximately $101,000 and $47,000 for the three and nine months ended September
30,  1996,  respectively,  as  compared  to the same  periods in 1995.  Interest
Expense  on the  Company's  corporate  lines of credit  decreased  approximately
$78,000 and  $302,000  for the three and nine month  comparative  periods.  This
decrease is due primarily to the Company's  refinancing of its corporate  credit
facility  with The  Provident  Bank (the  "Bank"),  at the Bank's  prime rate of
interest minus 1.0%, as compared to an interest rate of prime plus 0.5% with the
Company's previous lender (SEE "LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES").

         Depreciation and Amortization Expense increased  approximately  $30,000
and  $147,000  for  the  three  and  nine  months  ended   September  30,  1996,
respectively, as compared to the same periods in 1995. The increase is primarily
due to the  amortization  of loan  costs  capitalized  in  connection  with  the
refinancing of corporate debt and real estate  mortgages and the amortization of
goodwill associated with the Lexford acquisition.


                                       20


21


         Income before Extraordinary Gain amounted to approximately $887,000, or
$.22 per share,  for the three months ended  September  30, 1996, as compared to
approximately  $504,000,  or $.13 per share, for the same period in 1995. Income
before Extraordinary Gain amounted to $2.7 million and $2.3 million for the nine
month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively,  or $.69 and $.60
per share,  respectively.  The extraordinary gain of approximately  $804,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995 was due to debt forgiveness  related to
first mortgage refinancings for certain Wholly Owned Properties.  Net Income was
approximately  $887,000 and $2.7  million,  or $.22 and $.69 per share,  for the
three and nine months ended  September  30, 1996,  respectively,  as compared to
approximately  $504,000 and $3.1  million,  or $.13 and $.81 per share,  for the
same periods in 1995.

Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

         The Company  believes  that  earnings  before  interest,  income taxes,
depreciation, amortization and extraordinary items ("EBITDA"), recurring EBITDA,
and adjusted EBITDA are the most  significant  indicators of the strength of its
results.  EBITDA is a measure of a company's ability to generate cash to service
its obligations,  including debt service obligations, and to finance capital and
other  expenditures,  including  expenditures for acquisitions.  EBITDA does not
represent cash flow as defined by generally accepted  accounting  principles and
does not necessarily  represent  amounts of cash available to fund the Company's
cash  requirements.  EBITDA  increased 7.5% for the three months ended September
30,  1996,  as compared  to the same period in 1995.  EBITDA for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996 increased 2.6%, as compared to the same period in 1995.
The Company views  "Recurring  EBITDA" as a more  meaningful  measurement of the
Company's current  performance.  Recurring EBITDA excludes  non-recurring items,
such as income  from  disposal  of  Non-Core  Assets,  Loan  Fees and  corporate
restructuring costs.  Recurring EBITDA increased 19.6% from $5.4 million for the
three  months  ended  September  30, 1995 to $6.5 million for the same period in
1996.  Recurring  EBITDA  increased 20.0% from $16.6 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 1995 to $19.9 million for the same period in 1996.  Adjusted
EBITDA  increased  64.2% and 57.7% for the three and nine months ended September
30, 1996 as compared to the same periods in 1995.

Funds from Operations of Wholly Owned Properties

         Funds from Operations ("FFO") is a financial  statistic used to measure
real estate operating results. FFO, as applied to the Company, represents income
from the Wholly Owned Properties excluding depreciation, extraordinary gains and
funding from escrows for deferred maintenance. FFO for the three and nine months
ended  September  30,  1996,  as  compared to the same  periods in 1995  without
intercompany  eliminations of Fee Based Revenues of  approximately  $914,400 and
$760,000 for the three months ended  September 30, 1996 and 1995,  respectively,
and $2.6 million and $2.4 million for the nine month periods ended September 30,
1996 and 1995, respectively, is as follows:



                                                          Three Months Ended                           Nine Months Ended
                                                             September 30                                September 30
                                                --------------------------------------      ---------------------------------------
                                                     1996                  1995                   1996                   1995
                                                ---------------      -----------------      ----------------       ----------------
                                                                                                                    
Rental Revenues.............................    $    10,311,403      $       9,949,673      $     30,755,215       $     29,239,531
Operating Expenses..........................          4,656,975              4,666,120            13,851,295             13,349,292
                                                ---------------      -----------------      ----------------       ----------------
Net Operating Income........................          5,654,428              5,283,553            16,903,920             15,890,239

Improvement and Replacement Expense.........            668,220              1,202,735             2,163,956              2,785,937
Interest Expense............................          3,500,425              3,601,271            10,700,604             10,747,268
Other.......................................            416,870                526,745               858,070              1,424,587
Depreciation and Amortization...............          1,242,307              1,247,349             3,625,714              3,534,999
                                                ---------------      -----------------      ----------------       ----------------
Loss before Income Taxes....................           (173,394)            (1,294,547)             (444,424)            (2,602,552)
                                                ---------------      -----------------      ----------------       ----------------
Add:   Improvements and Replacements
       funded from Deferred Escrows.........                  0                520,989               523,025              1,345,011
       Depreciation and Amortization........          1,242,307              1,247,349             3,625,714              3,534,999
                                                ---------------      -----------------      ----------------       ----------------
Funds from Operations.......................    $     1,068,913      $         473,791      $      3,704,315       $      2,277,458
                                                ===============      =================      ================       ================

                                       21


22


         The  approximate  $595,000 or 125% and $1.4 million or 63% increases in
FFO for the three and nine months ended  September  30, 1996,  respectively,  as
compared to the same periods in 1995 is reflective of the same factors discussed
in "Results of Operations."

Net Operating Income of Syndicated Partnerships

         The following table summarizes unaudited comparable revenues, operating
expenses and net operating income ("NOI") for the 413 Syndicated Partnerships in
operation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.



                                                 Three Months Ended September 30                 Nine Months Ended September 30
                                            -----------------------------------------       ----------------------------------------
                                                   1996                   1995                    1996                   1995
                                            ------------------      -----------------       ----------------      ------------------

                                                                                                                     
Rental Revenues.......................      $       31,680,581      $      30,070,176       $     93,211,099      $       88,692,824
Operating Expenses....................              14,247,376             14,346,242             42,305,020              41,400,001
                                            ------------------      -----------------       ----------------      ------------------
Net Operating Income..................      $       17,433,205      $      15,723,934       $     50,906,079      $       47,292,823
                                            ==================      =================       ================      ==================
Improvement and
   Replacement Expense................      $        2,620,076      $       2,617,507       $      7,227,885      $       10,714,992
                                            ==================      =================       ================      ==================
Interest Expense......................      $        9,940,331      $      10,257,413       $     29,877,866      $       30,384,859
                                            ==================      =================       ================      ==================

Income and Cash Flow to the Company from the Syndicated Partnerships:

   Cash Received from Interests in
       and Receivables from
       Syndicated Partnerships........      $        3,316,647      $         899,904       $      6,042,883      $        2,577,096
                                            ==================      =================       ================      ==================
   Interest Income....................      $        1,680,081      $       1,058,465       $      4,580,759      $        2,990,307
                                            ==================      =================       ================      ==================


         NOI  increased  approximately  10.9% and  7.6%,  for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 1996,  respectively,  as compared to the same periods
in 1995.  Economic  occupancy for the 413 Syndicated  Partnerships was 92.7% and
92.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996,  respectively,  as
compared  to 91.9%  and  92.1%  for the same  periods  in 1995.  The  Syndicated
Partnership  performance for the first nine months of 1996, as compared to 1995,
is comparable  to the Wholly Owned  Properties,  and was  influenced by the same
factors.  In the third quarter of 1996, the Company  collected $1.5 million from
Syndicated  Partnerships  refinanced  during  the  period.  The  funds for these
repayments  were made  available  to the  Syndicated  Partnerships  from  excess
proceeds derived from the refinancing of the Syndicated  Partnerships'  mortgage
loans. (SEE "LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES -- FINANCING AND DEBT RESTRUCTURING
OF THE PROPERTIES".)

Net Income, Excluding Non-Recurring Items

         The Company  generated  non-recurring  revenues  for the periods  ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995, that obscure the recurring earnings  performance of
the Company.  Recurring  earnings from operations are derived from the Company's
investments of equity in the Properties as well as its Fee Based  Revenues.  Net
Income,  Excluding  Non-Recurring  Items  reflects  net  income as  adjusted  to
eliminate  revenues,  expenses  and  extraordinary  gains  which are  subject to
significant  fluctuation,  occur on a one-time basis or are not forecast as long
term sources of income to the Company,  such as income from disposal of Non-Core
Assets, Loan Fees and extraordinary gains from debt restructurings.

                                       22

23


         Net  Income,  Excluding  Non-Recurring  Items  increased  approximately
$744,000,  or 2,483%,  and $2.1 million,  or 461%, for the three and nine months
ended  September  30, 1996,  respectively,  as compared with the same periods in
1995. The revenue and expenses  eliminated in determining Net Income,  Excluding
Non-Recurring Items and the significant  factors  contributing to this increase,
as adjusted for non-recurring items, are as follows:




                                                                 Three Months Ended                  Nine Months Ended
                                                                    September 30                        September 30
                                                         ---------------------------------   --------------------------------
                                                              1996              1995               1996              1995
                                                         --------------    ---------------   ----------------   -------------
                                                                               Proforma                            Proforma

                                                                                                              
 Net Income........................................      $      887,034    $       503,980   $      2,735,668   $   3,116,085
                                                         --------------    ---------------   ----------------   -------------
  Non-Recurring Items:
     Extraordinary Gain, net of Income Taxes.......                   0                  0                  0        (804,021)
     Income from Disposal of                                                                                 
         Non-Core Assets ..........................              (7,181)          (610,758)          (281,873)     (2,425,945)
     Loan Fees.....................................            (178,014)          (163,263)          (227,141)       (593,480)
     Restructure Costs.............................                   0                  0            300,000               0
     Income Taxes related to Non-Recurring Items...              72,000            300,000             81,000       1,172,000
                                                         --------------    ---------------   ----------------   -------------
Total Non-Recurring Items..........................            (113,195)          (474,021)          (128,014)     (2,651,446)
                                                         --------------    ---------------   ----------------   -------------
Net Income, Excluding Non-Recurring Items..........      $      773,839    $        29,959   $      2,607,654   $     464,639
                                                         ==============    ===============   ================   =============





                                                                                     Increase/Decrease in Net Income--
                                                                                       Excluding Non-Recurring Items
                                                                               ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                   Three Months               Nine Months
                                                                                       Ended                     Ended
                                                                                   September 30,             September 30,
                                                                                       1996                      1996
                                                                               ---------------------      -------------------
                                                                                                                    
Increase in Rental Revenues.............................................       $             361,730      $         1,515,684
Increase in Interest Income.............................................                     604,775                1,588,753
Increase in Fee Based Revenues (Excluding Loan Fees)....................                     607,840                  691,735
(Decrease) in Other Income..............................................                    (214,285)                (423,107)
Decrease in Rental Operating Expenses...................................                     862,438                  992,492
(Increase) in Fee Based and Administration Expenses.....................                  (1,164,942)              (1,052,974)
Decrease in Interest and Depreciation Expense...........................                     148,624                  201,732
Income Tax Effect.......................................................                    (462,300)              (1,371,300)
                                                                               ---------------------      -------------------
                                                                               $             743,880      $         2,143,015
                                                                               =====================      ===================



                                       23


24


        See "RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS"  for specific  discussion of  non-recurring
items as well as the  explanations  for the changes in  recurring  revenues  and
expenses  which  generated  the increase in Net Income,  Excluding  NonRecurring
Items. Although there can be no assurance,  management believes that Net Income,
Excluding  NonRecurring  Items will  continue  to be  favorably  impacted by (i)
continued increases in Interest Income as first mortgage loans on certain of the
Syndicated  Partnerships are refinanced,  (ii) continuing improvement in overall
operating performance at the Properties and (iii) the acquisition of Lexford.

         LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Liquidity

         The following  discussion  regarding  liquidity  and capital  resources
should be read in conjunction with the Company's  Consolidated Balance Sheets as
of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and the  Consolidated  Statements of
Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.

         The  Company  anticipates  that  cash  flow  from  its  operations  and
borrowings  available under the Company's  credit facility should be adequate to
meet the foreseeable  capital and liquidity needs of the Company. If the Company
is successful in implementing potential future growth plans, it may be necessary
to seek alternative sources of debt or equity capital.

         In August  1995,  the Bank and the  Company  entered  into a new credit
facility that retired the Company's credit facility with The Huntington National
Bank  ("HNB")  as well as  provided  additional  borrowing  capacity  with  more
flexible  terms.  The new  credit  facility  has lower  interest  rates than the
previous  facility with HNB and also reduced or eliminated  certain  restrictive
covenants.   On  September  30,  1996,  the  Company  had  unrestricted   credit
availability of approximately  $13.2 million. In July 1996, the Company received
a commitment  letter from the Bank for a new $10.0 million  acquisition  line of
credit,  which will increase total credit availability to $23.2 million. The new
line will bear  interest  at the  Bank's  prime rate of  interest  minus 1% with
interest, only, payable during the first year, and will be due in six years. The
Company  intends  to  borrow  under  the  new  acquisition  line  to  facilitate
refinancing  of mortgages on the  Properties  and/or to acquire new Wholly Owned
Properties.

         The new credit facility originally provided credit up to $32.0 million,
and is comprised of: a $3.0 million revolving line of credit for operating needs
subject to annual  review and  extension  by the Bank;  a $7.0  million  line of
credit for  acquisitions  and to  facilitate  refinancing  of  mortgages  on the
Properties (the "Acquisition Line") due in six years with interest only, payable
in the first year;  and a $22.0  million  reducing  balance  line of credit (the
"Reducing Line") due in six years with interest,  only, payable during the first
year (collectively,  the "Loans").  The Reducing Line was used to retire the HNB
credit  facility.  The credit  facility  provided  that the interest rate on the
Loans would be the Bank's prime rate of interest minus 1%, however,  in February
1996,  the Company  entered into an agreement  with the Bank to fix the interest
rate on the  Acquisition  Line at 7.25% with principal  amortization in 60 equal
monthly  installments  beginning in March 1996. Excess corporate cash is applied
to pay down the Reducing  Line and may be  reborrowed  as needed  subject to the
maximum available credit under the reducing balance terms. The Bank's prime rate
of interest  averaged  8.25% during the first nine months of 1996 as compared to
an average HNB prime rate of interest of 9.0% in the first nine months of 1995.

         The  principal  sources of liquidity for the Company are cash flow from
its operations and borrowing available under the Company's credit facility.  The
Company's Net Cash Provided by Operating  Activities  increased $4.6 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996 as compared to the same period in 1995.
The  increase was due  primarily  to $3.6  million of  operating  cash flow from
Operating Real Estate Assets.  This operating cash flow was formerly  treated as
cash flow from  investing  activity  while the Operating Real Estate Assets were
classified  as Real  Estate  Assets  Held for Sale (SEE NOTE 1-  OPERATING  REAL
ESTATE  ASSETS  (PREVIOUSLY  HELD FOR SALE) AND NOTE 2 OF NOTES TO  CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS).  In  addition,  cash  received  from  interests  in  and
receivables from Syndicated Partnerships increased $3.5 million,  including $1.5
million funded from excess  proceeds  generated from  refinancing  transactions.
(SEE "FINANCING AND DEBT RESTRUCTURING OF THE PROPERTIES.")

                                       24


25


Payments  (uses of cash) related to  non-recurring  items  included in Operating
Activities  reflects  payments related to the Company's Plan of  Reorganization,
the 1996 corporate  restructuring and tender offer costs incurred in 1995. These
costs  increased   approximately  $1.2  million,   primarily  due  to  corporate
restructuring  costs  paid in 1996 (SEE NOTE 1 -  CORPORATE  RESTRUCTURING  - OF
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS).  The expenses associated with $1.5
million of these cash payments was accrued in December 1995.

         The Company's capital  expenditures for the nine months ended September
30,  1996  amounted  to  approximately  $529,000  funded  from cash flow and the
Company's credit facility. The Company anticipates that its capital needs in the
future can be satisfied out of cash flow from operations or the Company's credit
facility.  The  Company is  upgrading  its  software  systems in order to obtain
optimal efficiencies from technology.  In the third quarter of 1996, the Company
upgraded its computer hardware and accounting and financial  reporting  software
for approximately $583,000,  financed with an operating lease. In addition, over
the course of 1997,  the Company  intends to lease  personal  computers  and new
property  management  software  for use at the  Properties.  The  total  cost to
implement  this new system is estimated to be  approximately  $2.0 million.  The
cost will be financed with an operating lease, with each Property  absorbing its
pro  rata  share  of the  rental  costs.  Although  there  can be no  assurance,
management believes this enhanced technology should improve property performance
and provide  operational  efficiencies  which should offset the increased  costs
associated with the new system. The Company currently forecasts normal recurring
capital  expenditures  of  approximately  $400,000 in 1996 (exclusive of capital
expenditures  for  enhanced  software  and  information  systems and the Lexford
merger) as  compared  to actual  annual  expenditures  in 1995 of  approximately
$398,000.

         Capital Expenditures, combined with Improvement and Replacement Expense
for the Operating Real Estate Assets, were approximately $2.5 million during the
nine months ended  September 30, 1996.  These costs are funded from Wholly Owned
Properties cash flow and maintenance  escrow funds.  The 1996 budget for capital
expenditures,  improvement and replacement expense for the Operating Real Estate
Assets  is $4.3  million,  or $489  per  unit,  as  compared  to  annual  actual
expenditures  in 1995 of $4.0  million,  or $454 per  unit.  Approximately  $2.5
million, or $284 per unit, of the $4.3 million relates to non-recurring deferred
maintenance  which  principally  will be  funded  from  escrows  established  in
connection with mortgage refinancing and restructuring transactions completed in
1994 and 1995.

         Lexford Acquisition
         -------------------

         Effective  August 1, 1996, the Company  acquired  Lexford,  a privately
held, third-party multi-family management company headquartered in Dallas, Texas
(SEE NOTE 1 - BUSINESS  OVERVIEW - MANAGEMENT  SERVICES OF NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS). The acquisition adds approximately 22,000 apartment units
to the Company's  management  portfolio  which now totals  approximately  55,000
units. Based on 1996 rankings by the National Multi Housing Council, the Company
has become the nation's sixth largest manager of multi-family  real estate.  The
Company  intends to maintain  Lexford's  Dallas office as  headquarters  for its
combined property management business, which will be conducted under the Lexford
name.

         To acquire  Lexford,  the Company issued 700,000 shares of Common Stock
valued,  for  acquisition  purposes,  at $20 per  share  representing  a maximum
purchase  price of $14 million.  Approximately  $9 million of the purchase price
(450,000  shares) is subject to forfeiture  in the event the Company's  combined
property management  operations do not achieve certain  profitability  criteria.
Lexford shareholders  received 250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock free
of  contingencies.  The  remaining  450,000  contingent  shares will cease to be
subject  to  risk  of  forfeiture  if  and  when  specified   increases  in  the
profitability  of the  Company's  property  management  operations  are achieved
during the three full fiscal years  following  the merger (i.e. on or before the
end of the Company's 1999 fiscal year). If, during the specified period,  profit
from property  management  operations  increases  $1.8 million or more from 1995
levels,  the former  Lexford  shareholders  would own 150,000 of the  contingent
shares free of  contingencies,  and if the increase is $4.0 million or more from
1995 levels, the former Lexford shareholders would own the entire 700,000 shares
free  of  contingencies,   or  approximately   15.4%  of  the  Company's  shares
outstanding as of September 30, 1996.

                                       25



26


         Selected proforma,  unaudited financial information relating to Lexford
third party  management  operations for the nine months ended September 30, 1996
and 1995, is as follows:




                                                                    Lexford Proforma
                                                             Nine Months Ended September 30,
                                                     -----------------------------------------------
                                                             1996                      1995
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------
                                                                                           
Fee Based Revenues.............................      $          4,287,981      $           3,323,049
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------

Fee Based Expenses.............................                 3,717,559                  3,146,380
Amortization and Depreciation..................                    98,501                     97,377
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------
                                                                3,816,060                  3,243,757
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------
Income Before Taxes............................                   471,921                     79,292
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------

Provision for Taxes............................                   184,000                     31,000
                                                     --------------------      ---------------------

Net Income.....................................      $            287,921      $              48,292
                                                     ====================      =====================

EBITDA.........................................      $            570,422      $             176,669
                                                     ====================      =====================


         The  acquisition  of Lexford was  accounted  for as a purchase,  with a
substantial  portion of the  purchase  price ($4.7  million)  being  recorded as
goodwill (to the extent that the purchase price exceeds the fair market value of
Lexford's  net  tangible  assets).  The  portion  of  the  purchase  subject  to
forfeiture  (450,000  shares or $9.0  million)  will not be  recorded  until the
shares become free of contingencies.

         Financing And Debt Restructuring of the Properties
         --------------------------------------------------

         During the first nine  months of 1996,  the  Company  refinanced  first
mortgages  on  nine  Wholly  Owned  Properties  (SEE  NOTE  3 OF  NOTES  TO  THE
CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS)  and 23  Syndicated  Partnerships.  The new
mortgages on five Properties were obtained through Donaldson,  Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities  Corporation,  the mortgages on 15 properties  were financed  through
First Union  Capital  Markets  Group  ("First  Union") and the  mortgages  on 11
Properties were financed through PaineWebber Incorporated ("PaineWebber"). First
Union  was  retained  to  provide  mortgage  loans  for  approximately  15 to 20
properties.  The new First Union mortgages bear a fixed rate of interest ranging
from 8.0% to 9.1% with 25 year  amortization and 10 year maturity.  The Company,
in its capacity as general partner of, and as agent for, certain  Properties has
entered into two  commitment  letters with  PaineWebber  in connection  with the
proposed  refinancing  of  approximately  28 mortgage  loans  outstanding to the
Wholly Owned Properties and  approximately 80 mortgage loans  outstanding to the
Syndicated Partnerships. The Company anticipates that it will continue to effect
mortgage  refinancing  transactions  during  the  fourth  quarter  of 1996  with
PaineWebber  and other  sources,  subject to,  among other  things,  movement in
interest rates and satisfactory completion of due diligence. The new PaineWebber
mortgages  that closed in the third  quarter  1996,  are interest only for three
years,  with a fixed  interest  rate of 9.0%, 25 year  amortization  and 10 year
maturity.

         Aggregate  mortgage debt and related  interest on 23 of the  Syndicated
Partnerships of  approximately  $23.4 million was refinanced with debt discounts
obtained of  approximately  $840,000.  The  refinancing  funded  improvement and
replacement,  tax and working  capital  escrows of  approximately  $1.7 million.
Annual debt  service  requirements  decreased  to  approximately  $678,000  from
approximately $694,000 as a result of these transactions.  Although there can be
no assurance, management expects that these Syndicated Partnerships will


                                       26


27


increase  their  payment of accrued  interest  to the  Company due to lower debt
service  requirements  achieved with the reduction in debt. In addition,  the 11
Syndicated   Partnership  mortgages  refinanced  through  PaineWebber  generated
excess,  net proceeds of $1.5  million.  Such proceeds were utilized to pay down
obligations  owed by such Syndicated  Partnerships  to the Company.  The Company
does not anticipate subsequent  refinancings through PaineWebber to generate net
proceeds as significant as the initial 11 Syndicated Partnership mortgages.

         In June 1995, the Company purchased mortgages amounting to $8.8 million
in the aggregate,  related to one Syndicated  Partnership  and four Wholly Owned
Properties,  financed with a $7.8 million note payable. As of June 30, 1996, the
Company had obtained permanent  non-recourse mortgages on these five Properties.
The proceeds of the refinancing were applied to the Company's note payable.



                                       27


28


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
           -----------------

           The Company  reached a settlement in The Estate of Harold Murphy,  et
           al v. Cardinal Realty  Services,  Inc. et al.,  pending in the United
           States  District  Court for the  Southern  District of  Indiana.  The
           settlement resulted in the judgment entered against the Company being
           vacated,  the  withdrawal of the pending  action and a release of all
           claims against the Company in consideration of the Company's  payment
           of $370,000 to the Plaintiffs.  Pursuant to the terms of the proposed
           settlement,  there was no admission of liability by the Company.  The
           $370,000 settlement amount was paid in the second quarter of 1996.

           The Company  reached a  settlement  in Cardinal  Industries,  Inc. v.
           National  Union  Fire  Insurance  Company of  Pittsburgh,  PA et al.,
           pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District
           of Ohio,  Eastern  Division.  The settlement  provides for payment of
           $7.5  million  to the  Company,  for  the  benefit  of  the  affected
           Properties, and certain other parties to be paid in two installments.
           The first  installment  of $4.0 million was received in October 1996,
           with the balance due in November 1996.  The  settlement  provides for
           the release of all claims between the Company and National Union Fire
           Insurance Company. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, there was
           no admission of liability by either party.

Item 2.    Changes in Securities
           ---------------------

           None.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
           -------------------------------

           None.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
           ---------------------------------------------------

           None

Item 5.    Other Information
           -----------------

           None

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
           --------------------------------

           (a)    Exhibits





  Exhibit                                                                                Sequential
    No.                              Description                                            Page
- -----------     -----------------------------------------------------    ------------------------------------------
                                                                     
   11.1         Statement re:  computation of Per Share Earnings         See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
                                                                         Financial Statements

    27          Financial Data Schedule                                  Filed as an Exhibit to this Form 10-Q on
                                                                         page 30.


                                       28


29


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                              CARDINAL REALTY SERVICES, INC.
                                  (Registrant)


Dated: November 12, 1996    By:   /s/ John B. Bartling, Jr.
                                  ------------------------------------- 
                                  John B. Bartling, Jr.
                                  President and Chief Executive Officer



Dated: November 12, 1996    By:   /s/ Mark D. Thompson
                                  -------------------------------------
                                  Mark D. Thompson
                                  Executive Vice President and
                                  Chief Financial Officer
                                  (Principal Accounting Officer)


Dated: November 12, 1996    By:   /s/ Ronald P. Koegler
                                  -------------------------------------
                                  Ronald P. Koegler
                                  Vice President and Controller


























                                       29