UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Form 10-QSB

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

Commission File Number:

0-25074

PARAGON REAL ESTATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT TRUST

Issuer’s telephone number: 216-430-2700

Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange
Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

As of May 10, 2004, 32,740,615 shares of the issuer’s common shares were outstanding, including
2,859,765 common shares held in treasury.

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes o No x

PARAGON REAL ESTATE EQUITY AND INVESTMENT TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-QSB
INDEX

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Organization

Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a real estate company which primarily acquires, owns and operates multi-family residential real estate properties. As of March 31, 2004, we owned a 1.0% interest in Paragon Real Estate, LP, the operating partnership that owns Richton Trail Apartments (“Richton Trail”), an apartment complex containing 72 units.

Note 2—Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the consolidated financial statements without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, we believe that the included disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items, except for discontinued operations of our technology segment and the discontinued operations of our commercial properties) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as March 31, 2004, the results of our operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, and of our cash flows for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 have been included. The results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Note 3—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

In order to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, management, in preparation of our consolidated financial statements, is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2004, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the valuation of investments in real estate, marketable securities and deferred taxes, and these significant estimates, as well as other estimates and assumptions, which may change in the near term.

Investments in Real Estate

Our investments in real estate assets are reported at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.

We periodically review our properties for impairment and provide for a provision if impairments are determined. First, to determine if impairment may exist, we review our properties and identify those, if any, which have had either an event of change or event of circumstances warranting further assessment of recoverability. Then, we estimate the fair value of those properties on an individual basis based on an independent appraisal, capitalizing the expected net operating income, or applying various other valuation factors. Such amounts are then compared to the property’s depreciated cost to determine whether an impairment exists.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”), impairment of investments in real estate exists when the carrying amount of the investments exceeds its fair value and is non-recoverable. Fair value of these

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assets is the amount an asset could be bought or sold in a current transaction between willing parties. Further, FAS 144 defines a component of a company to be the operations that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the company, and then requires elimination from its continuing operations for those assets held for sale or disposed of. Accordingly, one of the impacts of our adoption of this standard is that revenues and expenses associated with our properties sold on October 1, 2003, are classified as discontinued operations on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003.

Depreciation expense is computed using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives:

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred and significant renovations and improvements that improve or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.

When a property is sold or retired, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, together with the related historical operating results, are included in discontinued operations.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all cash and liquid investments that mature three months or less from when they are purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed federally insured limits at times. We also maintained cash of approximately $19,000 at March 31, 2004 in a money market account that was not federally insured. Cash of approximately $81,000 is classified as restricted at March 31, 2004 because it is held in an escrow account of the mortgage lender for the payment of property taxes and insurance and security deposits held on behalf of our residential tenants.

Accounts Receivable

Our accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for bad debts of $4,000 at March 31, 2004 for Richton Trail.

Other Assets

As of March 31, 2004, other assets include deferred financing costs incurred to obtain and secure mortgage debt financing. Other assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization.

The deferred financing costs of approximately $55,000 are being amortized over the life of the mortgage loan payable on a straight-line basis. Accumulated amortization related to deferred financing costs as of March 31, 2004 was approximately $2,000.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues from rental property are recognized when due from tenants. Leases are generally for terms of one year or less.

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Stock Based Compensation

At March 31, 2004, we had one stock-based employee compensation plan. During the three month period ended March 31, 2004, we issued 450,000 common share options and further issued 900,000 restricted share grants. In connection with the resignation of an employee we cancelled 50,000 restricted share grants under this plan. During the three month period ended March 31, 2003, no options or restricted share grants were issued under this plan. We account for the plan under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, no stock-based employee compensation cost would be reflected in net loss, as all options granted under the plan would have an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common shares on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended, to stock-based employee compensation.

Income Taxes

Because the Company is no longer a Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) for federal income tax purposes, we now account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We will be eligible to re-elect REIT status on January 1, 2005.

At March 31, 2004, we have net operating losses and at December 31, 2003, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $11.0 million and capital losses of approximately $0.8 million. While these losses created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carry forwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2023.

We are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and a mortgage loan. The fair values of the financial instruments were not materially different from their carrying or contract values at March 31, 2004.

Segment Disclosure

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” requires that a public company report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. Generally, financial information is required to be reported on the basis that it is used internally for evaluating segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources to segments. Management views the Company as a single segment, which acquires, owns and operates rental real estate. During 2003 we sold our commercial real estate resulting in the revenues and expenses of these properties being classified as discontinued operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2003.

Reclassification

As a result of the sale of our commercial properties on October 1, 2003, certain amounts in the March 31, 2003 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2004 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net loss or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.

Note 4—Marketable Securities

Our investments in marketable securities are available-for-sale, as of March 31, 2004, and represent 10,000 common shares of Stellent, Inc. (“Stellent”). The shares were acquired in connection with the sale of certain assets of Stonehaven Technologies on July 10, 2001.

As of March 31, 2004, the 10,000 shares of Stellent had a fair market value of approximately $75,000 (based upon the NASDAQ closing quote of $7.47 per share on March 31, 2004). We recorded an unrealized loss on marketable securities during 2003 of $24,500, resulting in a balance of $37,200 in shareholders’ equity for unrealized gain on marketable securities.

The NASDAQ closing quote on May 6, 2004 was $6.98 per common share of Stellent.

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Note 5 – Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following pro forma condensed consolidated financial information presented below is as if the disposition of our 92.9% general partnership interest in our commercial properties (closed October 1, 2003) and the acquisition of the Richton Trail Apartments (closed July 1, 2003) had occurred on January 1, 2003. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results, which actually would have occurred if the disposition and acquisition had been consummated on January 1, 2003, nor does the pro forma information purport to represent the results of operations for future periods. As of March 31, 2003, all revenues and expenses associated with the commercial properties have been recorded as discontinued operations.

Note 6—Mortgage Loan Payable

The mortgage loan payable secured by our residential real estate property has a balance at March 31, 2004 of approximately $2.8 million at a fixed interest rate of 5.87% for a term of 10 years with monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $18,000 based on a 25-year amortization schedule.

Note 7—Equity

During the first quarter of 2004, 935 preferred shares were converted to 3,224 common shares, at a conversion rate of 3.448 common shares for each preferred share.

Effective January 2, 2004, we issued a total of 900,000 restricted common shares to three of our officers and 450,000 common share options at a price of $0.27 per share to three of our officers. The market value of the restricted common shares on the date of grant was $198,000. The options vest ratably over three years after issuance and expire after five years from the date of issuance.

Effective February 16, 2004, 50,000 restricted common shares (issued during 2003) were cancelled in connection with one employee’s resignation.

Effective March 4, 2004, we issued 250,000 restricted common shares to our landlord in connection with office space and related services for the twelve months ended March 4, 2004.

Note 8 – Discontinued Operations

On October 1, 2003 we sold our 92.9% general partnership interest in our commercial properties. The results of operations for these properties are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations as “Income/Loss from discontinued operations.”

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The following is a summary of the income from discontinued operations of our commercial properties.

Note 9—Loss Per Share

The Company has adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (“EPS”) for all periods presented herein. Net loss per weighted average Common Share outstanding—basic and net loss per weighted average Common Share outstanding—diluted are computed based on the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003 were 32,580,976 and 4,517,524, respectively. Common share equivalents of approximately 23.6 million and 3.1 million as of March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003, respectively, include outstanding convertible preferred shares, warrants, stock options and limited partnership units, and are not included in net loss per weighted average common share outstanding—diluted as they would be anti-dilutive.

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Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies

Liquidity

As of March 31, 2004, our unrestricted cash resources were approximately $2,312,000 and our marketable securities available for sale were approximately $75,000. Our marketable securities represented 10,000 shares of common stock of Stellent. The NASDAQ closing quote on May 6, 2004 was $6.98 per common share of Stellent.

During the first half of 2003, we put into place a new management team and shareholders elected five new Trustees. Paragon has developed a value-added business plan that is primarily focused on acquiring well located, under-performing multi-family residential properties and repositioning them through renovation, leasing, improved management, and branding. This strategy, while unique to public companies, is common among private companies on both a local and limited regional basis. Paragon’s investments will be in properties, portfolios and companies with value-added programs. Paragon intends to raise equity through joint venture structures to be used for property and portfolio acquisitions, and use tax-deferred operating partnership units, convertible into a separate class of common shares, for acquisitions of companies. Failure to obtain external sources of capital or to find sellers willing to exchange their properties for tax-deferred partnership units will materially and adversely affect our strategy and will materially and adversely affect our operations, liquidity and financial results.

We are dependent on our existing cash and Stellent shares to meet our liquidity needs because cash from operations is not sufficient to meet our operating requirements. Because the cash flow from our properties is not expected to fully fund our future liquidity requirements, we have reduced our material future obligations, which include a mortgage on the apartment complex and the employment contracts for our three executive officers. The debt service payment is being funded from the cash flow of the property secured by the mortgage, and the current salary requirements of the employment contracts is only $5,000 per month for each executive officer.

We historically have financed our long-term capital needs, including acquisitions, as follows:

There can be no assurance that any of the alternatives will be adopted, or if adopted, will be successful.

Legal Proceedings

On April 1, 2004, Steven B. Hoyt, our former chairman, his wife Michelle L. Hoyt, and Duane H. Lund, our former chief executive officer (the “Plaintiffs”), filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, Fourth Division, against Paragon and our stock transfer agent. Plaintiffs allege that we have breached the terms of the voting and stock restriction agreement that Messrs. Hoyt and Lund signed in March 2003 by hindering the sale of the Plaintiffs’ Paragon shares. Plaintiffs seek a ruling entitling them to sell their shares in the open market and more than $75,000 in damages. Although we cannot predict the outcome of the suit, we believe that the Plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves.

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Note 11—Related Party Transactions

Management Fees of Commercial Properties

We maintained a property management agreement with Hoyt Properties, Inc. (“Hoyt Properties”), an entity controlled by Steven B. Hoyt, our former Chairman of the Board, which served as property manager of the commercial properties previously owned by us. In connection with the agreement, Hoyt Properties managed the day-to-day operations of properties owned by us and received a management fee for this service. Management fees paid to Hoyt Properties were approximately $16,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. On October 1, 2003 we sold our four commercial properties managed by Hoyt Properties. As a result, these management fees are included in discontinued operations.

Richton Trail Acquisition and Management Fees

Effective July 1, 2003, we closed the acquisition of our residential apartment complex, Richton Trail, following approval by our shareholders of the transaction on June 30, 2003. Our operating partnership, Paragon Real Estate, LP, acquired the residential complex along with the associated mortgage from Hampton Court Associates, LP (“Hampton”), a partnership controlled by James C. Mastandrea, its general partner and our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. In consideration for transferring Richton Trail, Hampton received 813,938 restricted limited partnership units of Paragon Real Estate, LP. Each unit is redeemable after four years for cash, or, at our option, 22.881 of our common shares.

Mr. Mastandrea also owns two companies that provide services to Richton Trail. Mid Illinois Realty Corp. manages Richton Trail and MDC Realty Corp. is reimbursed, at cost, for Richton Trail’s payroll related costs. The related management fees included in three month period ended March 31, 2004 were approximately $7,000. Reimbursement, at cost, for the payroll related costs paid and accrued for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 was approximately $15,000. As Paragon acquires more properties, we intend to use local third party management companies until we are able to provide management services internally for our properties.

Rental Expense

During the three month period ended March 31, 2003, we recognized rental expense of approximately $4,900 related to office space leased from Hoyt Properties.

Medical Reimbursement

Paragon reimburses MDC Realty Corp. for medical insurance, at cost, for one of its executive officers. The amount paid or accrued for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 was approximately $1,400.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION

Overview

Paragon Real Estate Equity and Investment Trust (the “Company,” “Paragon,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a real estate company that primarily acquires, owns and operates multi-family residential properties. As of March 31, 2004, we owned a 1.0% interest in Paragon Real Estate, LP, the operating partnership that owns Richton Trail Apartments (“Richton Trail”), an apartment complex containing 72 units. Hampton Court Associates (“Hampton Court”) owns the remaining 99.0% interest in Paragon Real Estate, LP. We are the sole general partner of Paragon Real Estate, LP and Hampton Court is the limited partner. Hampton Court’s ownership interest in Paragon Real Estate, LP is 813,938 restricted limited partnership units, each unit redeemable after July 1, 2007 for cash, or, at our option, 22.881 of our common shares.

Our current management has developed a value-added business plan that is primarily focused on acquiring well located, under-performing multi-family residential properties, and then repositioning them through renovation, leasing, improved management and branding. Besides identifying acquisitions, it is equally important to locate sources of capital to fund the acquisitions, or find sellers interested in exchanging their properties for tax deferred partnership units.

Brief History

Paragon was formed on March 15, 1994 as a Maryland real estate investment trust (“REIT”). We operated as a traditional REIT by buying, selling, owning and operating commercial and residential properties through December 31, 1999.

In February 2000, former management of Paragon purchased a software technology company. As a result of the operations of the technology company commencing in 2000, Paragon did not meet the Internal Revenue Code qualifications to be a REIT for federal tax purposes. In July 2001, former management sold the software technology company, but continued marketing the software product. In 2002, we discontinued the operations of our technology segment. Although Paragon is no longer a REIT for federal tax purposes, we can elect REIT status effective for 2005.

Forward-Looking Information

The following is a discussion of our results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 and financial condition, including

This report on Form 10-QSB contains “forward-looking” statements for the purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, and achievements of the Company to be materially different from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that these expectations will be realized. The Company assumes no obligation to update or

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supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in general economic conditions, changes in local real estate conditions (including rental rates and competing properties), changes in the economic conditions affecting industries which employ tenants residing in our property, our failure to lease unoccupied units or to re-lease occupied units upon expiration of leases in accordance with the our projections, changes in prevailing interest rates, the cost or general availability of equity and debt financing, unanticipated costs associated with the acquisition and integration of our acquisitions, our ability to obtain adequate insurance for terrorist acts, demand for tenant services beyond those traditionally provided by landlords, and potential liability under environmental or other laws. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Three-Month Period Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

Revenues from Continuing Operations

As a result of the October 1, 2003 sale of our 92.9% general partnership interest in the operating partnership that held our four commercial real estate properties, rental revenues and interest and other revenue related to these properties were reclassified to discontinued operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2003. Richton Trail, which we acquired on July 1, 2003, is included in continuing operations.

Rental revenue of approximately $151,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 was comprised entirely of Richton Trail, acquired on July 1, 2003, compared to $0 the three month period ended March 31, 2003 when it was not part of our portfolio.

Interest and other revenue increased by approximately $16,000 to approximately $18,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 compared to the three month period ended March 31, 2003. The increase is primarily due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents, coupled with the acquisition of the Richton Trail in July 2003. Cash and cash equivalents increased as a result of the sale of our Minnesota properties on October 1, 2003, coupled with the refinance of the Richton Trail on October 30, 2003.

Expenses from Continuing Operations

Total expenses increased from approximately $205,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to $389,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004, a net increase of $184,000 described below.

As a result of the October 1, 2003 sale of our 92.9% general partnership interest in the four commercial Minnesota properties, property taxes and insurance, depreciation and amortization, interest and management fees related to these properties were reclassified to discontinued operations. Richton Trail, which we acquired on July 1, 2003, is included in continuing operations, as follows:

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General and administrative expenses increased from approximately $200,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to approximately $240,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004. The increase was primarily the result of the amortization of unearned compensation and trustee fees in the amount of approximately $32,000 paid through the issuance of restricted shares. The officers and trustees were issued these restricted shares for their services as a means to preserve cash.

Loss from operations before minority interest

As a result of the above, loss from operations before loss allocated to minority interest increased from approximately $203,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to approximately $220,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004.

Loss allocated to minority interest

Loss allocated to minority interests increased from approximately $10,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to approximately $87,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 primarily as a result of the July 2003 acquisition of our partnership interest in Richton Apartments offset, in part, by the October 2003 sale of our partnership interest in our commercial properties.

Loss from continuing operations

Loss from continuing operations decreased from approximately $193,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to approximately $133,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004.

Discontinued operations

Loss from discontinued operations of approximately $0 and $52,000 for the three month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, were a result of the October 2003 sale of our partnership interest in our commercial properties.

Net loss available to Common Shareholders

Based on the above, the net loss available to Common Shareholders decreased from approximately $245,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2003 to $133,000 for the three month period ended March 31, 2004.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require us to make certain estimates and assumptions. A summary of our significant accounting policies is provided in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following section is a summary of certain aspects of those accounting policies that both require our most subjective judgment and are most important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. It is possible that the use of different estimates or assumptions in making these judgments could result in materially different amounts being reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We recognize an impairment loss on a real estate asset if the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value and is non-recoverable. First, to determine if impairment may exist, we review our properties and identify those, if any, which have had either an event of change or event of circumstances warranting further assessment of recoverability. Next, we estimate the fair value of those properties on an individual basis through either independent appraisals or by capitalizing the expected net

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operating income, among various other factors. These amounts are then compared to the property’s depreciated cost to determine whether an impairment exists. We compute the expected net operating income using certain estimates and assumptions for revenues and expenses. As a result, these estimates and assumptions impact the amount of impairment loss that we recognize.

Real Estate Investments

When we acquire real estate properties, we allocate the components of these acquisitions using relative fair values computed using our estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the amount of costs allocated between land and different categories of building improvements. The allocations impact depreciation expense and gain or loss recorded on sale of real estate. When we acquired Richton Trail, we allocated 80% of the acquisition price to building and 20% to land, based on our judgment of the relative values of the two components and as supported by standard industry practice. The acquisition price was from a market appraisal.

Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Asset

We account for income taxes using the liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the period in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As of March 31, 2004, we have net operating losses and at December 31, 2003, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $11.0 million and capital losses of approximately $0.8 million. While these losses created a deferred tax asset of approximately $4.9 million, a valuation allowance of $4.9 million was applied against this asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carryforwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operations, equity transactions, and borrowings from affiliates and lending institutions have generally provided the primary sources of liquidity to Paragon. Historically, we have used these sources to fund operating expenses, satisfy our debt service obligations and fund distributions to shareholders. In 2003, as part of the one-time incentive exchange offer for holders of preferred shares to convert to common shares, our shareholders approved eliminating the preferred dividend, which allows us to use that cash for current operations and future growth of the Company.

Cash Flows

As of March 31, 2004, our unrestricted cash resources were approximately $2,312,000 and our marketable securities available for sale were approximately $75,000, comprised solely of 10,000 common shares of Stellent. The NASDAQ closing quote on May 6, 2004 was $6.98 per common share of Stellent. We are dependent on our existing cash resources and Stellent shares to meet our liquidity needs because cash from operations are not sufficient to meet our operating requirements.

During the three month period ended March 31, 2004, we generated cash of approximately $108,000 from our continuing operations, which included the refund of a deposit of $250,000 on a development site in February 2004. Cash was used primarily for (i) additions to real estate properties of approximately $3,000; and (ii) payments on the mortgage loan payable of approximately $12,000. As a result, our cash balance increased by approximately $93,000 from approximately $2,219,000 at December 31, 2003 to approximately $2,312,000 at March 31, 2004.

Future Obligations

Because the cash flow from our properties is not expected to fully fund our future liquidity requirements, we reduced our material future obligations at March 31, 2004 compared to March 31,

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2003, which include the mortgage on the apartment complex and the employment contracts for our executive officers.

Long Term Liquidity and Operating Strategies

We historically have financed our long-term capital needs, including acquisitions, as follows:

During the first half of 2003, we put into place a new management team and shareholders elected five new Trustees. Paragon has developed a value-added business plan that is primarily focused on acquiring well located, under-performing multi-family residential properties and repositioning them through renovation, leasing, improved management, and branding. This strategy, while unique to public companies, is common among private companies on both a local and limited regional basis. Paragon’s investments will be in properties, portfolios and companies with value-added programs. Paragon intends to raise equity through joint venture structures to be used for property and portfolio acquisitions, and use tax-deferred operating partnership units, convertible into a separate class of common shares, for acquisitions of companies. Failure to obtain external sources of capital or to find sellers willing to exchange their properties for tax-deferred partnership units will materially and adversely affect our strategy and will materially and adversely affect our operations, liquidity and financial results. Paragon’s investment advantages, compared to private companies, include our potential ability to access capital and to offer sellers a tax-deferred exit alternative to exchange their properties for partnership units with opportunities for both liquidity and share appreciation. Our cash resources are sufficient to meet our current overhead for approximately two years in order to make acquisitions.

Current Tax Status

At March 31, 2004, we have net operating losses and at December 31, 2003, we had net operating losses totaling approximately $11.0 million and capital losses of approximately $0.8 million. While these losses created a deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance was applied against the asset because of the uncertainty of whether we will be able to use these loss carry forwards, which will expire in varying amounts through the year 2023. We will be eligible to re-elect REIT status on January 1, 2005.

We, and certain of our subsidiaries, are also subject to certain state and local income, excise and franchise taxes. The provision for state and local taxes has been reflected in general and

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administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations and has not been separately stated due to its insignificance.

Interest Rates and Inflation

For the past several years, interest rates have declined, and many financial experts and economists have predicted that interest rates reached bottom in 2003. Lower interest rates have led to higher selling prices for established real estate properties, the type that we intend to buy. Purchasers of properties have been able to place a larger amount of debt on their acquisitions because the lower interest rates have lowered the monthly mortgage payments. Interest rates are expected to increase during 2004, which should lead to slightly lower prices for real estate properties and to higher borrowing rates. The interactions between an increase in interest rates and a decrease in selling prices of properties cannot be measured with any certainty. Paragon will continue to pursue its value-added business plan during 2004. The economics of transactions, including price, current cash flow, existing debt, cost of new funds for acquiring the properties, and potential for increased value, will be reviewed very closely prior to making any acquisitions.

We were not significantly affected by inflation during the periods presented in this report due primarily to the relative low nationwide inflation rates.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are likely to have, a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

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ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of March 31, 2004, the date of this report, James M. Mastandrea, our Chief Executive Officer and John J. Dee, our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon this evaluation, Messrs. Mastandrea and Dee concluded that, as of March 31, 2004, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that material information relating to the Company and our consolidated subsidiaries is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner.

Further, there were no significant changes in the internal controls or, to our knowledge, in other factors that could significantly affect such controls subsequent to March 31, 2004.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On April 1, 2004, Steven B. Hoyt, our former chairman, his wife Michelle L. Hoyt, and Duane H. Lund, our former chief executive officer (the “Plaintiffs”), filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, Fourth Division, against Paragon and our stock transfer agent. Plaintiffs allege that we have breached the terms of the voting and stock restriction agreement that Messrs. Hoyt and Lund signed in March 2003 by hindering the sale of the Plaintiffs’ Paragon shares. Plaintiffs seek a ruling entitling them to sell their shares in the open market and more than $75,000 in damages. Although we cannot predict the outcome of the suit, we believe that the Plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Effective January 2, 2004, we issued a total of 900,000 restricted common shares to three of our officers and a total of 450,000 common share options exercisable at a price of $0.27 per share to three of our officers for services rendered. We believe these issuances of restricted common shares and common share options to be exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

Effective March 4, 2004, we issued 250,000 restricted common shares to our landlord in connection with office space we occupy in Cleveland, Ohio and related services for the twelve months ended March 4, 2004. We believe this issuance of common shares to be exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

During the first quarter of 2004, a shareholder converted 935 preferred shares into 3,224 common shares at a conversion rate of 3.448 common for each preferred share pursuant to the terms of the preferred shares. We believe this issuance of common shares to be exempt from registration under Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits

(b) Reports On Form 8-K

During the three month period ended March 31, 2004 and through May 10, 2004, we filed no current reports on Form 8-K.

SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

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