About Us
GDL Capital
At GDL Capital, we are a dynamic private equity firm dedicated to creating lasting value through strategic investments in real estate and high-potential businesses. Our focus is on single-family home rentals, where we leverage market insights and operational expertise to build thriving, sustainable communities. We also partner with exceptional businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential and a clear path to market leadership.
With a disciplined investment approach, we seek opportunities that deliver robust returns while prioritizing innovation, scalability, and long-term impact. Our team combines deep industry knowledge, hands-on management, and a commitment to excellence to drive success for our investors, partners, and the communities we serve.
At GDL Capital, we don’t just invest—we build foundations for growth, stability, and prosperity.
Eric Thomas
Managing Partner
With over 30 years of experience in real estate, Eric brings unparalleled expertise to GDL Capital. A seasoned entrepreneur and investor, Eric has navigated multiple asset classes, guiding clients through complex deal structuring and execution. His extensive track record includes over 3,000 residential investment transactions and more than $1 billion in private debt and equity funding. Eric has also held executive roles at three national private lenders, where he was instrumental in building billion-dollar loan origination platforms from the ground up.
As CEO and Co-Founder of Built Lending, a premier direct private lender in the RTL space, Eric and the team at Built Lending serves builders and investors across Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Built Lending specializes in 1-4 unit ground-up construction, fix-and-flip, bridge, and long-term debt solutions for residential investments. Learn more at Built-Lending.com
Kelly Thomas
Partner
Kelly brings a distinctive blend of medical expertise and over a decade of real estate experience to GDL Capital. Known for her client-focused approach, she has guided numerous investors through the onboarding process and document execution for self-directed IRAs, empowering them to achieve their real estate investment goals with GDL Capital. Kelly’s personal investment portfolio includes successfully flipping over 30 properties in downtown Austin and managing real estate assets in Lakeway, Texas.
As CEO of Toast + Brew in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Kelly combines her entrepreneurial vision with a passion for community-driven business. Her diverse background and hands-on experience make her an invaluable asset to the GDL Capital team.
