The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations and cash flows are included. The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date its financial statements were issued. No significant recognized or non-recognized subsequent events were noted other than those described in the footnotes.

The consolidated financial statements reflect our accounts and the accounts of IROP and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 810, “Consolidation”, IROP is considered a variable interest entity of which we are the primary beneficiary. As our significant asset is our investment in IROP, substantially all of our assets and liabilities represent the assets and liabilities of IROP.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Cash, including amounts restricted, may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance limit of $250 per institution. We mitigate credit risk by placing cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions. To date, we have not experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents.

Investments in real estate are classified as held for sale in the period in which certain criteria are met including when the sale of the asset is probable, and actions required to complete the plan of sale indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan of sale will be made or the plan of sale will be withdrawn.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805 (“ASC 805”), we evaluate our real estate acquisitions to determine if they should be accounted for as a business or a group of assets. The evaluation includes an initial screen to determine if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets. If the screen is met, the acquisition is not a business. The properties we have acquired met the screen test and are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Under asset acquisition accounting, the costs to acquire real estate, including transaction costs related to the acquisition, are accumulated and then allocated to the individual assets and liabilities acquired based upon their relative fair value. Transaction costs and fees incurred related to the financing of an acquisition are capitalized and amortized over the life of the related financing.

The aggregate value of in-place leases is determined by evaluating various factors, including the terms of the leases that are in place and assumed lease-up periods. The value assigned to these intangible assets is amortized over the assumed lease up period, typically six months. During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we acquired in-place leases with a value of $1,136 and $58,806, respectively, related to our acquisitions that are discussed further in Note 3: IRT and STAR Merger and Note 4: Investments in Real Estate. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $54,006, $5,125, and $631 of amortization expense for intangible assets, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we wrote-off fully amortized intangible assets of $58,085, $1,549, and $1,171, respectively.

For properties we acquire or transactions we enter into that are accounted for as business combinations, we apply the acquisition method of accounting under ASC 805, which requires the identification of the acquiror, the determination of the acquisition date, and the recognition and measurement, at fair value, of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. To the extent that the fair value of net assets acquired differs from the fair value of consideration paid, ASC 805 requires the recognition of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase, if any.

Management evaluates the recoverability of our investment in real estate assets, including related identifiable intangible assets, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”. This statement requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of the assets is not assured.

Management reviews our long-lived assets on an ongoing basis and evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value when there is an indicator of impairment. An impairment charge is recorded when it is determined that the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value. The estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis and the determination of estimated fair value are based on our plans for the respective assets (e.g., hold period) and our views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider matters such as current and historical rental rates, occupancies for the respective and/or comparable properties, and recent sales data for comparable properties. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in our plans or views of market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, could be substantial. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recorded impairment charges of $3,529, $0, and $1,840, respectively.

Depreciation expense for real estate assets is computed using a straight-line method based on a life of 40 years for buildings and improvements and five to ten years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recorded $197,539, $70,578 and $60,056 of depreciation expense, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we wrote-off fully depreciated fixed assets of $7,482, $4,607, and $3,921, respectively.

Occasionally, we incur losses at our communities from wind storms, floods, fires and similar hazards. Sometimes, a portion of these losses are not fully covered by our insurance policies due to deductibles. In these cases, we estimate the carrying value of the damaged property and record a casualty loss for the difference between the estimated carrying value and the insurance proceeds. Any amount of insurance recovery in excess of the amount of the losses incurred is considered a gain contingency and is recorded in casualty (gains) losses, net when the proceeds are received. During the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we recognized/incurred $(8,866), $359, and $711 of casualty (gains) losses, net.

We capitalize direct and indirect project costs incurred during the development period such as construction, insurance, architectural, legal, interest costs, and real estate taxes. At such time as the development is considered substantially complete, the capitalization of certain indirect costs such as real estate taxes, interest costs, and all project-related costs in real estate under development are reclassified to investments in real estate. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recorded $2,291, $1,336, and $0, respectively, of capitalized interest expense, on our investments in real estate under development.

We have entered into joint ventures with unrelated third parties to acquire, develop, own, operate, and manage real estate assets. Our joint ventures are funded with a combination of debt and equity. We will consolidate entities that we control as well as any variable interest entity where we are the primary beneficiary. Under the VIE model, we will consolidate an entity when we have the ability to direct the activities of the VIE and the obligations to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Under the voting model, we consolidate an entity when we control the entity through ownership of a majority voting interest. We separately analyzed the initial accounting for each investment in unconsolidated entity and concluded that each are a voting interest entity. Our equity interest varies for each joint venture between 50% to 90% but, in each case, we share control of the major decisions that most significantly impact the joint ventures with our partners. Since we do not control the joint venture through our ownership interest, they are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and are included in investments in unconsolidated real estate entities on the consolidated balance sheets. Under the equity method of accounting, the investments are carried at cost plus our share of net earnings or losses. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, we recorded

We apply FASB ASC Topic 842, “Leases” (“ASC 842”) with respect to our accounting for rental income. We primarily lease apartment units under operating leases generally with terms of one year or less. Rental payments are generally due monthly and rental revenues are recognized on an accrual basis when earned. We have elected to account for lease (i.e. fixed payments including base rent) and non-lease components (i.e. tenant reimbursements and certain other service fees) as a single combined operating lease component since (1) the timing and pattern of transfer of the lease and non-lease components is the same, (2) the lease component is the predominant element, and (3) the combined single lease component would be classified as an operating lease.


			(2)			Amounts include revenue related to activities that are not considered components of a lease, including application fees and administrative fees, as well as revenue not related to leasing activities, including vendor revenue sharing. All amounts are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”).

Our portfolio of properties consists primarily of apartment communities geographically concentrated in the Southeastern United States. North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky comprised 9.02%, 15.36%, 20.46%, 4.92%, 8.91%, 7.43%, and 5.38%, respectively, of our rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022.

We make ongoing estimates of the collectability of our base rents, tenant reimbursements, and other service fees included within rental and other property revenue. If collectability is not probable for revenue streams accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 842, we adjust rental and other property income for the amount of uncollectible revenue. For revenue streams accounted for under ASC 606, we apply FASB ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses” to establish an allowance for estimated expected credit losses.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity for disclosure purposes. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value. Hierarchical levels, as defined in FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” and directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuations of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:

•Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The types of assets carried at Level 1 fair value generally are equity securities listed in active markets. As such, valuations of these investments do not entail a significant degree of judgment.

•Level 3: Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The availability of observable inputs can vary depending on the financial asset or liability and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of investment, whether the investment is new, whether the investment is traded on an active exchange or in the secondary market, and the current market condition. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by us in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the asset or owes the liability rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, our own assumptions are set to reflect those that management believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use prices and inputs that management believes are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3.

Fair value for certain of our Level 3 financial instruments is derived using internal valuation models. These internal valuation models include discounted cash flow analyses developed by management using current interest rates, estimates of the term of the particular instrument, specific issuer information and other market data for securities without an active market. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, the impact of our own credit spreads is also considered when measuring the fair value of financial assets or liabilities. Where appropriate, valuation adjustments are made to account for various factors, including bid-ask spreads, credit quality and market liquidity. These adjustments are applied on a consistent basis and are based on observable inputs where available. Management’s estimate of fair value requires significant management judgment and is subject to a high degree of variability based upon market conditions, the availability of specific issuer information and management’s assumptions.

nature with limited fair value volatility, the carrying amount is deemed to be a reasonable approximation of fair value and the fair value input is classified as a Level 1 fair value measurement. The fair value input for derivatives is classified as a Level 2 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our unsecured credit facility, term loans, and mortgage indebtedness is based on a discounted cash flows valuation technique. As this technique utilizes current credit spreads, which are generally unobservable, this is classified as a Level 3 fair value measurement within the fair value hierarchy. We determine appropriate credit spreads based on the type of debt and its maturity. There were no transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2022, and 2021. The following table summarizes the carrying amount and the fair value of our financial instruments as of the periods indicated:


	As of December 31, 2022				As of December 31, 2021
Financial Instrument	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,084	$	16,084	$	35,972	$	35,972
Restricted cash	27,933		27,933		29,699		29,699
Derivative assets	41,109		41,109		2,488		2,488

Liabilities
Debt:
Unsecured Revolver	164,283		169,842		274,109		274,109
Unsecured Term loans	596,612		611,265		497,951		497,951
Secured credit facilities	660,542		580,332		664,618		668,352
Mortgages	1,210,208		1,088,579		1,268,658		1,282,495
Derivative liabilities	—		—		11,896		11,896

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, “Leases”, lessees are required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet at the lease commencement date for all leases, except those leases with terms of less than a year. We lease corporate office space under leases with terms of up to 10 years and that may include extension options, but that do not include any residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. As of December 31, 2022, we have $3,079 of operating lease right-of-use assets and $3,401 of operating lease liabilities related to our corporate office leases. The operating lease right-of-use assets are presented within other assets and the operating lease liabilities are presented within other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. We recorded $1,320, $706, and $616 of total operating lease expense during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, which is recorded within property management expense and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income to stockholders. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost

unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders; however, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify and maintain treatment as a REIT and intend to operate in such a manner so that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, 99% of dividends were characterized as capital gain distributions and 1% were characterized as ordinary income. For the year ended December 31, 2021, 100% of dividends were characterized as capital gain distributions and 0% were characterized as ordinary income. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 20% of dividends were characterized as capital gain distributions, 37% were characterized as ordinary income and 43% were characterized as return of capital.

We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation”. Any stock-based compensation awards granted are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and compensation expense for the entire award is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, for the entire award. Certain of our stock-based compensation awards provide for accelerated vesting upon retirement. In these cases, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the period from grant date to the date the employee will become retirement eligible. If the grantee is retirement eligible at the time they receive an award, the full amount of compensation expense is recognized immediately on the grant date.

Our noncontrolling interest represents limited partnership units of our operating partnership that were issued in connection with certain property acquisitions. We record limited partnership units issued in an acquisition at their fair value on the closing date of the acquisition. The holders of the limited partnership units have the right to redeem their limited partnership units for either shares of our common stock or for cash at our discretion. As the settlement of a redemption is in our sole discretion, we present noncontrolling interest in our consolidated balance sheet within equity but separate from stockholders’ equity. Any noncontrolling interests that fail to qualify as permanent equity will be presented as temporary equity and be carried at the greater of historical cost or their redemption value.

We may use derivative financial instruments to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with our borrowings. The principal objective of such arrangements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with our operating and financial structure, as well as, to hedge specific anticipated transactions. While these instruments may impact our periodic cash flows, they benefit us by minimizing the risks and/or costs previously described. The counterparties to these contractual arrangements are major financial institutions with which we and our affiliates may also have other financial relationships. In the event of nonperformance by the counterparties, we are potentially exposed to credit loss. However, because of the high credit ratings of the counterparties, we do not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, we measure each derivative instrument (including any derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) at fair value and record such amounts in our consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in the fair value of the effective portions of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income (loss) and changes in the ineffective portions of cash flow hedges, if any, are recognized in earnings. For derivatives not designated as hedges, the changes in fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings. Any derivatives that we designate in hedge relationships are done so at inception. At inception, we determine whether or not the derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in the designated interest rate risk associated with the identified indebtedness using regression analysis. At each reporting period, we update our regression analysis and use the hypothetical derivative method to measure any ineffectiveness.

Under the terms of the March 27, 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), we were eligible and applied for assistance in the form of a refundable employee retention credit. Since applicable GAAP guidance is limited, we adopted an accounting policy by analogizing to International Accounting Standard 20 “Accounting for Government Grants” to recognize employee retention credits as a reimbursement of payroll related expenses within property operating expenses, property management expenses, and general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we received employee retention credit refunds totaling $6,238, and recognized $738 in property operating expenses, $212 in property management expenses and $211 in general and administrative expenses representing a reimbursement of previously paid employer payroll taxes, $1,576 in property operating expenses and $12 in property management expenses representing a reimbursement for retention costs and $257 representing interest within other income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations. The remainder is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets and will be recognized on a systematic basis through December 2023 as a reimbursement of payroll related expenses attributable to off-cycle compensation increases awarded to employees beginning in July 2022 and intended to support employee retention during the pandemic and its ongoing effect on the macroeconomic environment.

In March 2020, the FASB issued an accounting standard classified under FASB ASC Topic 848, “Reference Rate Reform.” The amendments in this update contain practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASC 848 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, we elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We will continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.

In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”) which was issued to defer the sunset date of Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform to December 31, 2024. ASU 2022-06 is effective immediately for all companies. ASU 2022-06 has no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.