A good way to take over a compound is to kill everyone from afar then work your way in. The enemies will not respawn as long as you do not leave the area (about one city block). Just hide behind things by crouching, then shoot around corners to get kills. It is also recommended that you upgrade at least two of the pistols (preferably the pistol or sawn off magnum, for quicker shooting).

To take over a compound, equip all of your guns with ammunition, or use a powerful gun to kill other gangsters and take their gun. You should have cover at all times. Note: When behind the bushes to the left of the entrance they can shoot you through the bushes. Once inside, do the same thing and always have cover. Then, run downstairs. In the back house there are two men. One is behind a box and there is another behind a pillar. After those two are dead, set the time bomb (not dynamite). If needed, stay in the basement and die, then drive back and repeat on the other house.

When you are ready to take over a compound, the Tattaglias in northeast Brooklyn is recommended because they may be the weakest family in New York, but that does not mean they are going to be very simple to defeat either. Bring some bombs along and blow up the support pillars in the basements. You may start a mob war, but if you are successful you will have a new safe house with a group of guards.

When trying to take over a compound, use your car to run people over. Then, get out and use it as a shield. Once you are in the yard, kill any enemies. Then if you have a lot of ammunition, take one step into the house and shoot at the floor or person. The enemies should step out as you hide. Shoot them, then continue into the room with the couches. Someone could be hiding behind the couch. Run to the basement and clear it, then plant a bomb. Do the same in the other house.

Stay far away form the gang members guarding the business or compound, enough so that you cannot lock on to them. If you pick them off from a far range, they will not shoot back. You can clear the area without getting shot.