ANNOUNCING....SJREIA'S Upcoming Elections for 2026 Board of Directors
Voting is online and in-person
Online : Monday 11/17/25 thru Tuesday 11/18//25 (2pm)
In-person : Tuesday 11/18/25 at our November main meeting (Cherry Hill Holiday Inn)
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES!
(Executive Board) PRESIDENT - Vote for 1
Mark Vandzura (current President)
Mark is the current President of SJREIA, seeking another term to continue fostering a vibrant, educational, and supportive community for all investors. A South Jersey-based real estate investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, Mark owns and manages several successful businesses in real estate and capital investing, building extensive property portfolios both in-state and out-of-state.
A member since 2017, Mark has been deeply involved in the organization long before joining the board, attending meetings, contributing ideas, and mentoring fellow investors. He is passionate about helping both newcomers and seasoned investors grow their businesses and achieve financial freedom. He is also knowledgeable in Whole Life Insurance strategies, teaching members how to “Become Your Own Bank.”
For the past two years as President, Mark has prioritized networking, education, and mentorship, leading SJREIA Focus Group – Online Networking (Zoom) and creating meaningful opportunities for members to learn, connect, and thrive. Approachable and dedicated, he actively listens to member feedback and works tirelessly to make SJREIA the premier resource for real estate investors in South Jersey.
Marcus Williams (current Board Member)
A results-driven Real Estate Investor and Licensed Contractor with a proven track record of identifying and capitalizing on value-add opportunities. Over the last four years, I have successfully managed a full-cycle investment process, from acquisition to disposition, generating over $2.5 million in fix-and-flip sales. My expertise in creative financing and capital acquisition has been instrumental in securing over $3.7 million in private funding, enabling the rapid scaling of a robust rental portfolio to 40 properties with over $4 million in assets under management (AUM). As a dedicated community leader and mentor, I am passionate about leveraging my experience to empower the next generation of real estate investors.
- South Jersey Real Estate Investors Association Board Member (SJREIA) | 2023 – Present
- Contribute to the strategic direction and governance of one of New Jersey's premier real state investor associations.
- Actively participate in event planning, member engagement, and educational initiatives to foster a knowledgeable and ethical investing community.
- Created and Operated a SubGroup/Mastermind, Dinner & Deals, created to provide value to new and experienced investors with real experiences and data in current market data.
- Co-Founder - The Black Investors Group (B.I.G.) | 2022 – Present
- Co-founded a dynamic organization focused on closing the wealth gap by providing accessible education, resources, and networking opportunities for Black real estate investors.
- Lead workshops and mastermind sessions on deal analysis, financing, and scaling a real estate business.
(Executive Board) SECRETARY - Vote for 1
Rocco Esposito (current Secretary)
I want to continue to be a member of the SJREIA board because I care about its long-term direction and viability. I have made hundreds of friends during my time as a member, and I believe that this is a well-run group that makes a difference for landlords. I have sincerely enjoyed opening and running several subgroups for SJREIA and want to contribute to its growth and success.
- I own investment properties in Nutley and in Hackettstown.
- Presently I am the owner and operator of Esposito Insurance Group, where I manage a team of 10 staff members. I have been running this company for over 20 years.
- Prior to working in insurance, I was the Chief Technology Officer at HunterDouglas where I managed a staff of 60, and before that I was the Information Technology Director at Maidenform where I managed a team of 10.
- I also have experience as a Mathematics, Business and Science instructor at Rutgers University and Upsala College.
- My insurance agency and I have been members of SJREIA since January of 2015. Since then, I have initiated and run 3 subgroups: Central, Landlording and the West Jersey subgroup in Hackettstown from 2016-2017.
Joe Martella (current Board Member)
Dynamic and accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in high-stakes federal law enforcement and real estate investment. Proven expertise in operational oversight, policy development, team management, and strategic communication. As a dedicated SJREIA member since 2019 and elected board member since November 2023, I have demonstrated strong organizational skills through co-creating innovative events like Dinner N Deals, managing multifaceted real estate portfolios, and fostering collaborative environments. Eager to leverage administrative acumen, attention to detail, and commitment to community-driven initiatives as Secretary of the SJREIA Executive Board, where I can ensure efficient record-keeping, transparent communication, and seamless coordination to advance the association's goals.
- Active SJREIA member since 2019; elected to the board in November 2023, contributing to strategic planning and member engagement initiatives.
- Co-created and launched Dinner N Deals mastermind event in August 2023, an innovative, non-traditional networking format that has driven proven success in member participation and idea-sharing.
- Invested in NJ tax liens since 2013, including successful foreclosure processes.
- Completed multiple BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) strategies,
demonstrating project management and organizational expertise.
- Own and manage a portfolio of 6 single-family homes in NJ, handling tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and financial record-keeping.
- Partner in a property investment in Cleveland, OH, involving collaborative decision-making and partnership agreements.
- Serve as a private money lender, providing gap funding for rehabs and purchases, with a focus on contract management, due diligence, and transaction documentation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Vote for 2
Bud Evans
I'm a retired police officer and U.S. Air Force veteran with over 35 years of service. I've also served as Mayor of Cinnaminson, where I worked diligently to attract new businesses to the town and stimulate local development. Today, I'm a full-time real estate investor and agent focused on helping others grow wealth through rental property investing.
I currently own over 50 rental units across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and manage an additional 40. My portfolio includes single-family homes and small multi-family buildings. I've also been part of larger deals, such as a 14-unit property in Denver, where I served as a general partner. I started a property management company to help fellow investors keep more of their income by keeping costs low.
I've coached over 300 people—many of them military members and first responders—on how to get started in real estate. I teach topics such as the BRRRR method, property management, and how to build long-term wealth through thoughtful financial planning. My personal real estate holdings are worth over $10 million, and I've underwritten more than $100 million in deals.
I'm running for the SJREIA board to help strengthen our community, support member growth, and ensure SJREIA continues to deliver value and education to all. My focus is on expanding educational programs that meet members where they are, whether they're just starting or scaling up. I want to expand our networking opportunities so that people can build genuine, lasting connections. I will also work to make sure investors' voices are heard and their interests are protected. This group has been a game-changer for so many, and I want to help lead it forward.
Real estate changed my life, and I want to help more people experience that same success. With your support, I'll work to make sure SJREIA stays a powerful resource for every investor.
David Kaytes
I am a dedicated Real Estate Investor with over 25 years of experience, initially entering the industry to generate passive income while working in the Information Technology sector. My journey began with the acquisition of three properties with some private money then participating in Section 8 Housing Voucher Program in Philadelphia, and over time, I steadily expanded my portfolio.
A goal-oriented investor, I took a hands-on approach by performing cosmetic renovations—installing bathrooms and kitchens—to transform distressed homes into safe, quality rental properties. This experience provided me with valuable expertise in adhering to HUD Housing Quality Standards, ensuring properties are free from health and safety hazards and providing tenants with a secure, decent living environment.
In the early 2000s, I transitioned to full-time real estate, earning credentials as a Certified Residential Appraiser and dedicating myself entirely to investing. In recent years obtaining my NJ Realtor's License to help me acquire more properties and networking with other Realtors in the area for off market opportunities. Attending Sheriff Sales in Camden County, NJ, focusing on a "Buy & Hold" strategy while also executing select flips. My investment approach involves carefully defining my "Buy Box" to identify optimal properties for long-term growth.
As a member of SJREIA, I have greatly benefited from networking with fellow investors and connecting with lenders to explore creative financing options. This community has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and portfolio. Today, my holdings consist primarily of single-family homes, including properties with Section 8 tenants and luxury beach resort homes along the Jersey Shore. I have completed numerous rehab projects utilizing the BRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance) methodology to accelerate growth.
Throughout my career, I have learned that real estate remains a resilient, asset-based investment that provides reliable monthly income through rental dividends. I am passionate about sharing my experiences as both an appraiser and investor, and I enjoy mentoring others in employing diverse strategies to acquire assets and fund future endeavors.
How the SJREIA would benefit having Mr. Kaytes as a Board member:
Mr. Kaytes actively collaborates with fellow investors through SJREIA who are of like minded investors. At every event attended (focus groups and main meetings alike) I’m constantly learning from others and hopefully others are learning something from my experiences. I have even taken other SJREIA members with me to the Camden County Sheriff Sale while trying to purchase ore properties. I tried to explain the process while the accompanying SJREIA members got to see the auction process. The purpose I had invited them was to help educate others on the way Sheriff Sales work. I often work with many investors in the SJREIA as an Appraiser in various assignments. ARV Valuations, Estate Valuations and Pre-Listing Valuations. An important lesson to all investors to learn is – that we are always learning from each other gathering bits of information to incorporate into our own practices as Real Estate Investors. His practical knowledge and industry expertise would be a valuable asset to the SJREIA Board.
Sal Felicia
I have been a landlord since 2008. I started in NJ doing high end rentals main targeting divorced dads in coveted school districts. NJ taxes kept cutting into my profits so I sold, then partnered with a guy and started rehabbing rowhomes and renting them out in Philly. When Philly became a nightmare for property owners I sold and moved to Delaware. At the time I rented rooms to all my co-workers. Then I rehabbed the house to make it 4 separate units. I started getting into investor groups. I currently am in 5. These groups are where I started mentoring other landlords. Landlords that couldn't make their properties work or didn't want to put in the work of being a landlord would often ask me to take over their properties for a year and have me turn it around and show them what they were doing wrong. Sometimes renting by the room was the answer other times it was because the owner was just too cheap to make the place pop for the rent they wanted. I'm currently partnering with another SJREIA member on buying a 7 unit portfolio.
I believe I have been an SJREIA member since 2023. I often volunteer to work the desk at subgroups as I'm normally the 1st person there. However most of time someone has emailed before me.
I love SJREIA. I think it has a strong core, lots of potential, and I enjoy helping people. It seems like I'm at half the events already. Normally first there and last out. Having no wife, kids, pets, or any obligations I feel I have the time to help out with whatever. I'm not looking to become president or anything flashy. If I can support SJREIA I'm down to help.
Sincerely, Nominations Committee Chairperson, Tom Dagney - 609-605-5748