SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Healthcare real estate has become a more widely recognized asset class by both the domestic and international investment community. And despite uncertainty over the future of healthcare reform such as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, value-based reimbursement and changes to healthcare delivery setting, demographics will dictate increasing for healthcare services for years to come.

A panel titled: “The “Real Deals” of 2017: Lessons Learned and Implications for What's Next” at RealShare Healthcare, held here on Thursday, dove deeper into that discussion, noting that the increasing demand for modern, well-located space and a corresponding expansion of investor interest in the asset class and the pressures on operational efficiency and the rise in potential investors have lead many health systems and physician groups to monetize their real estate assets.

When moderator Gino Lollio, senior director of IPA, a division of Marcus & Millichap, asked panelists about how they source their opportunities—whether it be a buy, sell or equity placement—Jason L. Signor, CEO and partner at Caddis, said that senior housing aside, while they will always pay a broker, they prefer to go direct on acquisitions. For developments, while Caddis has won its share of RFPs, they prefer to go to relationships. “It may not be from the client, it may come from a former partner, and we try to reciprocate that.”