Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Jimmy Atkinson, founder of OpportunityZones.com and host of the Opportunity Zones Podcast. Jimmy breaks down how Opportunity Zones work—from their 2017 creation in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the powerful tax incentives they offer investors. He shares how these zones have catalyzed billions in investment across the country, not just in multifamily but also in startups, industrial real estate, and community-focused developments. They also explore the future of the program, including what Opportunity Zones 2.0 might look like, and Jimmy offers tips for LPs considering OZ investments for the first time. Jimmy Atkinson Current role: Founder of OpportunityZones.com and host of the Opportunity Zones Podcast Based in: Dallas, Texas Say hi to them at: https://opportunityzones.com Get 60% off the Magic Mind offer with our link and code https://magicmind.com/bestevermf & BESTEVER60 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Matt Drouin, managing partner at Oak Grove Development. Matt shares how his asset-agnostic, opportunistic approach has led to a $18 million portfolio across 25 commercial properties in Rochester, NY. He dives into the strategy behind acquiring underperforming office buildings—like a 55,000-square-foot historic skyscraper bought for $1.5 million—and converting them into workforce housing. Matt also discusses the pros and cons of joint ventures versus syndications, the value of local market dominance, and how he's leveraged content creation to expand his investor network and broker relationships. Matt Drouin Current Role: Managing Partner, Oak Grove Development Based in: Rochester, New York Say hi to them at: LinkedIn, YouTube Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Andy Wyman, a Florida-based attorney and founder of Wyman Legal Solutions, who specializes in construction and real estate law. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience and a background in a family of contractors, Andy shares the most common legal pitfalls property owners and investors face when hiring contractors. He emphasizes the importance of vetting, clear communication, permits, and using contracts that protect both parties. The conversation covers red flags in hiring, the hidden risks of litigation, and practical guidance for both investors and contractors navigating construction disputes and project planning. Andy Wyman Current role: Founder & Construction Attorney, Wyman Legal Solutions Based in: Boca Raton, Florida Say hi to them at: www.wymanlegalsolutions.com Phone: 561-361-8700 Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Chris Parrinello, Vice President of Investor Relations at Viking Capital. Chris shares how Viking scaled their investor relations team from just two people to a five-person department supporting over 1,000 LPs, including their unique intern-to-associate pipeline. He dives deep into investor sentiment in today's challenging multifamily market, explaining how Viking is rebuilding trust through transparency, new incentive structures, and proactive communication. Chris also reveals the tech stack and strategies they use for investor education, capital raising, and operational efficiency, emphasizing the value of organic growth and long-term relationships over quick wins. Chris Parrinello Current role: Vice President of Investor Relations at Viking Capital Based in: United States (exact city not mentioned) Say hi to them at: https://www.vikingcapllc.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses his personal ranking of commercial real estate property types, grading them from F to S based on current performance, long-term potential, and economic headwinds. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Multifamily Mastery, John Casmon interviews George Otel, a commercial real estate finance expert and founder of US Business Funding. George shares his journey from the transportation industry into real estate, detailing his pivot into multifamily and ultimately commercial lending. He explains how his team works with over 1,000 lending sources, including private lenders, family offices, and funds, to help investors navigate complex financing scenarios—especially when traditional banks fall short. They discuss the importance of structuring deals creatively, moving fast on off-market opportunities, and the emerging landscape of business acquisitions as a wealth transfer looms. George Otel Current role: Founder, US Business Funding Say hi to them at: https://usbizfunding.net Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Mike Bonadies, founder of TerraVestra Property Management. Mike shares his unique journey of scaling a profitable property management company while owning rental properties himself—something he says is rare but critical for alignment. He discusses the importance of hiring investor-minded staff, leveraging offshore talent from the Philippines, and creating systems grounded in landlord-tenant law and municipal code knowledge. The episode also dives deep into controversial topics like the future of Section 8 housing, vetting property managers with the right questions, and handling maintenance and pest issues responsibly—without falling into the trap of "scumbag landlord" behavior. Finally, Mike reveals how a trusted VA's idea led to launching a telecom company bringing internet to remote areas of the Philippines. Mike Bonadies Current Role: Owner, TerraVestra Property Management and co-founder of a Philippine-based telecom company Based in: South Jersey Say hi to them at: mbonadies@tvpm.info or www.terravestrapropertymanagement.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Paul Moore, founder of Wellings Capital, to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in real estate investing: the capital stack. They dive deep into the distinctions between common equity, preferred equity, and mezzanine debt—breaking down how each affects risk, return, and control. Paul shares why his firm has shifted from common to preferred equity over the last five years and explains how LPs can benefit from this approach—especially in today's volatile lending environment. He also introduces a new hybrid strategy that balances preferred protections with common equity upside, and closes with key tips on how LPs can avoid fraud and conduct meaningful due diligence. Paul Moore Current role: Founder & Managing Partner, Wellings Capital Based in: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Say hi to them at: https://wellingscapital.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Roger Becker, founder of Street Smart Success. Roger shares his candid journey from running a successful advertising business to becoming a seasoned passive investor in over 30 deals, the majority of which he's done in the past five years. He opens up about the mistakes he's made in both active and passive real estate—ranging from ill-fated Section 8 rentals to trusting the wrong sponsor early on. Despite the setbacks, Roger explains how he's honed his strategy, now focusing on experienced sponsors, resilient asset classes like mobile home parks, and building a strong vetting network through investor groups. Roger Becker Current Role: Founder of Street Smart Success Based in: Alameda, California Say hi to them at: https://streetsmartsuccess.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Aaron Yassin, founder of Hive Developers, to explore the intricacies of ground-up condo development in Brooklyn. Aaron shares a detailed breakdown of his latest 10-unit project in Bushwick, including how he sourced and assembled the property, navigated estate complexities, and leveraged zoning laws to maximize buildable square footage. He also highlights design-driven strategies that helped him presell 8 of the 10 units, emphasizing how thoughtful architectural and financial planning drove value and efficiency. The conversation dives deep into New York City zoning, due diligence pitfalls, and the creative ways developers can add value—like duplexing into below-grade space and avoiding costly elevator installs. Aaron Yassin Current role: Founder & Principal, Hive Developers Based in: Brooklyn, New York Say hi to them at: DesignDrivesValue.com (free eBook) TheJosephine.nyc (project showcase) LinkedIn – Aaron Yassin Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Vince Gethings, a multifamily investor and founder of Tri-City Equity Group. Vince shares how he's scaled a portfolio of 10 apartment communities totaling 800 units and over $100M in assets under management. He discusses his integration of small business ownership—including a flooring company and home installation franchise—to support his real estate operations and cash flow strategy. Vince also dives into the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework that he uses to manage his six companies, how he structures L10 meetings across them, and his evolving investment thesis—shifting from C-class value-add to newer, higher-quality multifamily assets in DFW. A candid story about a painful loan retrade underscores the importance of holding firm at the closing table. Vince Gethings Current role: Founder of Tri-City Equity Group; Owner of multiple businesses including flooring and installation companies; Successor to Jake & Gino's Vivo Profits Academy Based in: Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas Say hi to them at: vince@wheelbarrowprofits.com or visit vincegethings.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses the recent court ruling striking down President Trump's tariffs and its broader economic and real estate implications. He explains how the legal back-and-forth introduces uncertainty, raising recession risks and inflationary pressures, which in turn could stall business investment and construction. John then examines how various commercial real estate sectors—apartments, retail, office, and industrial—are likely to be impacted by the economic turbulence, highlighting apartments as a relative safe haven. He closes with a deep dive on the timing of buying and selling real estate in light of potential tax code changes, especially the return of 100% bonus depreciation, and why he believes long-term fundamentals still support strategic acquisitions. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Multifamily Mastery, John Casmon interviews Matt Faircloth to celebrate the launch of the new "Multifamily Mastery" segment on the Best Ever CRE Show. They dive into the concept of mastery—not as a destination but as a lifelong journey—and explore how multifamily investing embodies that evolving path. John shares his personal investing journey, from discovering multifamily through books like The ABCs of Real Estate Investing to building a career around scaling operations, acquisitions, and asset management. Together, they debunk myths around off-market deals, broker tactics, and the true responsibilities of asset managers, emphasizing current market strategies over outdated playbooks. Matt Faircloth Current Role: Founder & CEO of DeRosa Group, multifamily investor, author of Raising Private Capital Based in: New Hope, Pennsylvania Say hi to them at: derosagroup.com or on Instagram @themattfaircloth Go to https://zbiotics.com/BESTEVER  and use BESTEVER at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Veena Jetti, powerhouse real estate investor and founder of Vive Funds. They discuss market headwinds facing multifamily operators, including softening rents and homebuyer incentive programs eating into tenant demand. Veena shares how she uses creative concessions, AI-driven insights, and debt assumption strategies to stay ahead. The conversation also dives deep into mindset—why scarcity thinking holds investors back, and how gratitude, vulnerability, and community have helped Veena scale her business with resilience and clarity. Veena Jetti Current role: Founder, Vive Funds Based in: Dallas, Texas Say hi to them at: @veenajetti on Instagramor visit multi mastermind for her toolkit Go to https://zbiotics.com/BESTEVER  and use BESTEVER at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Joel Friedland, a veteran industrial real estate investor and founder of Brit Properties. Joel shares his journey from cold-calling tenant leads in the 1980s to building a 100+ property portfolio—all purchased without using debt. He explains the appeal and stability of Class B industrial buildings in the Chicago market, his strategy of selling to users rather than investors for premium pricing, and the importance of investing with operators who prioritize safety and long-term thinking. Joel also offers a grounded take on reshoring trends, cautioning that labor shortages—not tariffs—will be the limiting factor for a U.S. manufacturing boom. Joel Friedland Current role: Founder of Brit Properties Based in: Chicago, Illinois Say hi to them at: www.britproperties.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Isaac Weinberger, Director at Madison Specs, to unpack the strategic benefits of cost segregation (cost seg) in commercial real estate. Isaac breaks down the mechanics of depreciation, how asset class characteristics impact bonus depreciation, and why cost seg studies remain valuable even as bonus depreciation rates decline. He also shares actionable insights on maximizing depreciation through timing, structuring partnerships, and reducing land allocation. The trio explores nuanced tax strategies, audit risks, and common investor mistakes—highlighting opportunities often missed, especially in hotel and RV park sectors. Isaac Weinberger Current role: Director at Madison Specs Based in: New Jersey Say hi to them at: Isaac Weinberger on LinkedIn or via Madison Specs Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Chris Parrinello, VP of Investor Relations at Viking Capital, live from the Best Ever Conference 2025 in Salt Lake City. Chris shares insights into Viking's strategic pivot toward development, highlighting their latest JV project in Peoria, AZ—a 220-unit garden-style and townhome multifamily deal. They discuss why Viking is still bullish on multifamily, how they're mitigating risk through conservative underwriting and experienced partners, and the importance of reframing investor expectations when chasing long-term equity multiples over short-term yield. Chris also breaks down the project's economics, deal structure, and why 2025 might be the perfect setup year for outsized gains in 2026. Chris Parrinello Current role: VP of Investor Relations, Viking Capital Based in: South Florida Say hi to them at: https://vikingcapllc.com or listen to his podcast Wealth Unfiltered Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Todd Dexheimer, a multifamily syndicator and co-founder of Endurus Capital. Todd shares his insights on the steady performance of Midwest markets, emphasizing consistent rent growth and limited new construction compared to Sun Belt markets. He discusses the decision to bring property management in-house due to inefficiencies with third-party managers, and explains how his team structures roles for maximum efficiency. Todd also walks through a recent heavy value-add project featuring trendy amenities and breaks down how his team strategically negotiated with lenders to navigate challenges tied to floating rate debt. Todd Dexheimer Current Role: Co-founder, Endurus Capital Based in: St. Paul, Minnesota Say hi to them at: todd@enduruscapital.com or enduruscapital.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John Chang interviews Marcelo Margain, managing partner at Eagle Property Capital (EPC), to explore how Mexican capital is fueling U.S. multifamily investments. Marcelo shares how EPC sources 85% of its capital from Mexico, leveraging investor interest in dollar-denominated assets and U.S. economic stability. He emphasizes the value of EPC's conservative investment strategy, fixed-rate financing, and their in-house management platform, which drives tenant satisfaction and high retention rates. Marcelo also highlights the firm's unique community-focused value-add approach and discusses their upcoming $300M Fund VI, targeting Sunbelt markets like Dallas, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa. Marcelo Margain Current role: Managing Partner at Eagle Property Capital Based in: Mexico Say hi to them at: LinkedIn profile or eaglepropertycapital.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Slocomb Reed interviews fellow host and Midwestern investor Joe Cornwell live from the Best Ever Conference 2025. They dive into the often-overlooked strengths of investing in the Midwest, especially in the multifamily space, contrasting its consistency and risk-adjusted returns with the volatility of Sunbelt and high-growth markets. Joe and Slocomb discuss how operator control, supply-demand dynamics, and avoiding negatively-levered deals have allowed Midwest investors to weather recent market shifts more successfully. They also highlight the importance of long-term thinking, revisiting portfolio performance, and the unique networking value of attending conferences like Best Ever. Joe Cornwell Current Role: Host of the Best Ever Podcast and vertically integrated real estate investor Based in: Cincinnati, OH Say hi to them at: BestEverCRE.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews John Carlson, President of Mark-Taylor Residential, about scaling a property management company to 33,000+ units while staying committed to quality and culture. John shares how Mark-Taylor evolved from building and managing their own Class A assets in Phoenix to offering third-party management—always maintaining a luxury brand identity. The conversation dives into the operational impacts of geographic concentration, tech-driven centralization, and the role of AI in leasing and prospect engagement. John also emphasizes the importance of building vibrant resident communities and cultivating a purpose-driven internal culture to support long-term success. John Carlson Current role: President, Mark-Taylor Residential Based in: Phoenix, Arizona Say hi to them at: www.mark-taylor.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-carlson-18327a33/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Jim Pfeifer, founding member of Left Field Investors (now rebranded as Passive Pockets) and long-time limited partner (LP) investor. Jim shares his journey from high school teacher to financial advisor to full-time LP, highlighting the transition from stock market speculation to real estate investing for cash flow. They discuss the pitfalls of early passive investments, the importance of vetting operators (especially in volatile markets), and why community is the most valuable due diligence tool an LP can have. Jim also shares his philosophy of not being anyone's “guinea pig” and why this current market environment offers LPs unprecedented clarity in identifying quality operators. Jim Pfeifer Current role: Host of the Passive Pockets Podcast Based in: Columbus, Ohio Say hi to them at: PassivePockets.com or connect on LinkedIn Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise interviews Brian Ker, President of Snowball Developments, about his value-add industrial investment strategy in the tri-state area. Brian shares his journey from institutional brokerage in Canada to running a 2 million square foot industrial portfolio in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. He explains why buying “ugly buildings on great dirt” in dense, urban infill markets creates the best long-term opportunities, and dives into the importance of underwriting downside risk, particularly in volatile interest rate environments. The conversation also explores how strategic recapitalization, operator creativity, and smart broker relationships help maximize value—even in challenging market cycles. Brian Ker Current Role: President, Snowball Developments Based in: New York City, NY Say hi to them at: bker@snowball-dev.com or snowball-dev.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Zasha Smith, a former engineer turned real estate investor based in Hawaii. Zasha shares how a Google search on “how to get rich” led her from burnout in a 70-hour workweek to flipping houses, raising over $9 million through Instagram, and eventually launching a debt and equity fund. She dives into her latest affordable housing development on the Big Island, where she's building 32 kit homes on $4K lots to support local families. Zasha also breaks down her social media strategy, her reasons for attending the Best Ever Conference, and her long-term mission to invest while making a positive impact in her home community. Zasha Smith Current role: Real estate investor, developer, and fund manager Based in: Maui, Hawaii Say hi to them at: Instagram @investwithzasha and https://www.linkedin.com/in/zashasmith/ Go to https://zbiotics.com/BESTEVER  and use BESTEVER at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Dusty Eddy, founder of Eddie Capital Group. Dusty shares insights from his 20+ year real estate career, which began in institutional retail and development before shifting to multifamily. He discusses the founding of his own firm after a decade at 29th Street Capital, his nuanced understanding of markets like Phoenix and Las Vegas, and the importance of boots-on-the-ground intel. Dusty also details the challenges and strategies behind value-add repositioning in rough Class C neighborhoods and reflects on lessons learned from his one underperforming deal. Dusty Eddy Current Role: Founder & Managing Principal, Eddie Capital Group Based in: Scottsdale, Arizona Say hi to them at:  https://eddycapgrp.com/  Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses the rising risk of higher interest rates and their impact on commercial real estate. He breaks down recent shifts in FedWatch predictions, explains why inflation fears are growing despite current readings, and explores how political uncertainty—especially around tariffs and the stalled federal budget—is pushing markets into volatility. John also examines cap rate trends and evaluates whether investors and sellers should act now or wait, with a strong argument for deploying capital soon if there's a path to positive leverage. He wraps up by highlighting the CRE sectors he believes are best positioned for growth, including multifamily housing, well-located retail, infill industrial, and medical office. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at⁠ ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Slocomb Reed interviews Kyle McGee, a Pensacola-based real estate developer and investor, about how he's built a vertically integrated real estate company spanning construction, residential sales, multifamily investing, and property management. Kyle shares his journey from starting as a realtor to running a $22M business and highlights how implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) has helped him scale while maintaining focus and culture. He discusses the challenges of managing rapid growth—especially cash flow—and how strategic coaching and masterminds have helped him lead more intentionally. Kyle McGee Current Role: Founder of a vertically integrated real estate company specializing in multifamily, development, and construction in the Florida Panhandle Based in: Pensacola, Florida Say hi to them at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcgee/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Eddie Wilson, a third-generation real estate investor and prolific entrepreneur who has started and exited over 120 businesses. Eddie shares how growing up in a family of entrepreneurs laid the groundwork for his success, and how painful early business lessons taught him to manage fear and practice gratitude. He unpacks the structure behind his billion-dollar exits, explains why he prefers service-based businesses over e-commerce, and reveals how he uses an “empire operating system” to scale businesses and real estate simultaneously. Eddie also discusses his not-for-profit, Impact Others, which builds self-sustaining ecosystems for children in over 100 countries. Eddie Wilson Current role: Founder of the Empire Operating System and CEO of Collective Influence Based in: Florida Say hi to them at: @eddiewilsonofficial or empireom.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Michael O'Shea, Head of Private Wealth at Origin Investments. Michael shares how his firm has built a $3.3B portfolio offering institutional-quality investments to high-net-worth individuals, particularly through tax-advantaged vehicles like DSTs and Opportunity Zone funds. The episode dives deep into the mechanics, benefits, and misconceptions around both strategies—highlighting when each is appropriate, how they support estate planning, and their roles in diversifying and deferring or eliminating taxes. Michael also addresses regulatory expectations and why Origin's vertically integrated model gives investors access to highly curated, risk-managed real estate opportunities. Michael O'Shea Current Role: Head of Private Wealth, Origin Investments Based in: Chicago, IL Say hi to them at: origininvestments.com → Book a call via team page Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Drew Dolan, fund manager at DXD Capital, a self-storage-focused CRE firm based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Drew shares how his background in engineering and technical sales led to a pivot into development, and why he now prefers building over buying due to the greater margin for error and control over entitlements. He breaks down DXD's national development strategy, current projects in 20 states, and why fully entitled land is one of the most overlooked opportunities. Drew also shares insights on supply chain risks, market elasticity in self-storage, and how rising rates and housing stagnation impact demand. Drew Dolan Current role: Fund Manager at DXD Capital Based in: Albuquerque, New Mexico Say hi to them at: drew@dxd.capital or dxd.capital Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Greg Farricielli, a multifaceted investor and broker with a deep background in land development, hard money lending, and multifamily properties across Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Greg shares his journey from starting as an agent in Nashville to partnering on high-profit entitlement deals, including a $1M acquisition flipped for over $5M. He breaks down the mechanics of land development and entitlement, emphasizing patience, proper structuring, and transparent communication in JV partnerships. Greg also discusses his “Dirt to Millions” strategy, including passive land flipping and seller-financed deals for recurring income. Greg Farricielli Current Role: Land Developer, Broker, and Author of Dirt to Millions Based in: St. Petersburg, Florida Say hi to them at: Facebook or Instagram (search @GregFarricielli) Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Vanessa Alfaro, Bonny Wayman, and Rebecca Themelis in part three of a three-part series on AI in multifamily real estate. This installment focuses on how operators are implementing AI in property operations such as leasing, maintenance, asset management, and investor reporting. Vanessa discusses creating AI agents and chatbots for asset analysis and KPI tracking, Rebecca explains how tools like MeetElise and Claude AI have accelerated leasing and quality checks, and Bonny shares how custom GPT bots are transforming her management of 50-unit properties. The panel emphasizes the accessibility of AI across portfolio sizes, the importance of training both humans and bots, and how embracing these tools early provides a major operational edge. Vanessa Alfaro Current role: Founder of Venus Capital & Lunax.ai Based in: Texas Say hi to them at: https://lunax.ai, https://venuspartners.com Bonny Wayman Current role: Asset Manager at Wild Oak Capital Based in: Colorado Say hi to them at: https://www.wildoakcapital.com/ or bonny@wildoakcapital.com Rebecca Themelis Current role: Real Estate Investor, Broker, and Contractor at Spot Properties Based in: California Say hi to them at: rebecca@spotproperties.net Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses the complex forces influencing interest rates, inflation, and investment strategy in today's real estate market. He breaks down Wall Street's predictions for Fed rate cuts, explains why the Federal Reserve is likely to hold steady due to policy uncertainty—especially around tariffs, immigration, and supply chains—and challenges the idea that waiting to buy or sell will yield better opportunities. John also explores how cap rates, treasury yields, and government deficits intersect with real estate performance, ultimately advising investors to seek deals with built-in value or value-add potential rather than attempting to time the market. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Slocomb Reed interviews Lee Yoder, a multifamily owner-operator based in Cincinnati, about the transformative impact of bringing property management operations in-house. Lee shares how managing his own 283-unit portfolio led to lower vacancy and delinquency rates, a drop in turnover expenses, and significantly improved cash flow. He also details how internalizing operations enabled him to build a reliable team and scale his business more confidently—culminating in a recent acquisition that nearly doubled his portfolio. The conversation emphasizes the long-term strategic and financial benefits of aligning management incentives with ownership goals. Lee Yoder Current role: Founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing Based in: Cincinnati, Ohio Say hi to them at: threefoldrei.com or on LinkedIn Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Michael Episcope, co-founder of Origin Investments, about his journey from trading commodities to building a real estate firm with over 10,000 multifamily units transacted. Michael shares how his grandfather's scrappy approach to West Side Chicago buildings shaped his foundational real estate mindset, and how he applied those principles to launch Origin during the 2008 financial crisis. The conversation dives deep into why Origin focuses exclusively on Class A multifamily in high-growth markets, avoiding overleveraged deals and emphasizing risk management and rent-growth forecasting. Michael also discusses the current opportunity for savvy operators in the wake of the capital slowdown, highlighting the contrarian advantage in development today and the power of specialization in long-term success. Michael Episcope Current role: Co-Founder, Origin Investments Based in: Chicago, IL Say hi to them at: origininvestments.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Pascal Wagner interviews Christian Busch, a seasoned real estate investor and managing partner at Glass Cube Investments. Christian shares insights from his 12-year journey navigating both active and passive commercial real estate investments, starting with crowdfunding platforms like Fundrise and eventually building direct relationships with sponsors. He breaks down his thesis on market selection, the risks of single-tenant assets, and his preference for multifamily and diversified debt investments over volatile or luxury assets. The conversation also covers portfolio construction, GP/LP dynamics, and the long-term migration trends shaping Miami's appeal. Christian Busch Current Role: Managing Partner at Glass Cube Investments Based in: Miami, Florida Say hi to them at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbusch/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Suja Shyam, Managing Partner of Lux Capital Investment Group. Suja shares how her firm has expanded beyond multifamily real estate into alternative assets, including private equity and small business acquisitions. She explains the appeal of cash-flowing businesses amid rising interest rates, the underwriting and due diligence involved in these deals, and her preference for durable, low-volatility industries. Suja also discusses a recent healthcare brokerage investment targeting a 5X equity multiple and emphasizes risk-bucket thinking for investors seeking higher growth. Suja Shyam Current Role: Managing Partner, Lux Capital Investment Group Based in: Portland, Oregon Best Way to Reach Her: Website: https://www.luxe-cap.com Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Michael Kramer, founder of Freed by Real Estate. Michael shares his deeply personal journey from losing his father and building businesses to ultimately discovering a more balanced, family-centered life through real estate. He discusses how a life-altering accident and a failed first marriage reshaped his priorities, leading him and his family to scale a vertically integrated multifamily investment and lending firm. Michael also explains how his leadership philosophy—rooted in empathy and influenced by Chris Voss's negotiation tactics—drives both his family business and investment strategies. Michael Kramer - Founder - Based in: Omaha, Nebraska - Say hi to them at linkedin.com/in/michaelkramerfbrefreedbyrealestate.com  Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Dr. Adam Gower, Tim Mai, and Irwin Boris to explore how AI is transforming capital raising in commercial real estate. The panel shares their most effective AI tools and how they use them for investor outreach, appointment setting, and content creation. Tim explains how he automates prospecting via Facebook and LinkedIn, while Irwin details his lead generation workflows through LinkedIn scraping and email campaigns. Adam emphasizes building inbound investor interest through consistent LinkedIn content and engagement, powered by AI for scalability and authenticity. Adam Gower - Founder - Based in: Beverly Hills, California - Say hi to them at gowercrowd.com ⁠linkedin.com/in/gowercrowd Tim Mai - Fund Manager - Based in: Sugar Land, Texas - Say hi to them at linkedin.com/in/timmai HEROWealthFund.com  Irwin Boris - Senior Managing Director - Based in: New York City, New York - Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/irwinboris/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses key insights from a high-level meeting with ten of the nation's top commercial real estate investors. Topics included the rising threat of stagflation driven by tariffs and shifting trade policies, and the broader implications for inflation, interest rates, and apartment demand. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, John notes that investor sentiment remains bullish, with many planning to be net buyers in 2025. He emphasizes that this is a cycle where strong operations matter most, and experienced operators will likely thrive as weaker investors exit the market. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/BRE⁠. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Slocomb Reed interviews Gary Holloway Jr., CEO of GMH Communities, to discuss how his second-generation company evolved from local syndications to large-scale institutional student housing developments. Gary shares insights on identifying top-tier markets for student housing, the economics behind $100K+ per bed projects, and the importance of partnering with experienced operators for success. He also introduces GMH's “Innovative Living” model—a flexible blend of student and conventional housing designed to serve emerging life science hubs. Gary emphasizes the continued resilience of student housing as an investment class, even through market downturns. Gary Holloway Jr. - CEO & President - Based in: Newtown Square, Pennsylvania - Say hi to them at www.gmhcommunities.com/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Neal Bawa, known as the “mad scientist of multifamily,” live from Best Ever Conference. They dive into Neal's preparation for the BEC real estate debate on whether the Fed has stuck a soft landing, highlighting key data points like wage growth outpacing rent growth and the Fed's dual tools for market intervention. Neal also shares his actual market outlook—separating his debate stance from his real views—stating he is bullish on rent growth but cautious on cap rates and interest rates due to fiscal pressures. He ends with a tactical nugget: target markets like Indianapolis with strong rent growth, low property taxes, and limited new supply. Neal Bawa -CEO - Based in: San Francisco, California - Say hi to them at multifamilyu.com/ Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Pascal Wagner interviews Jeremy Roll, a full-time passive investor since 2002 with active investments in over 60 deals. They discuss how to strategically read market cycles, why Jeremy prioritizes predictability and cash flow over chasing high returns, and how his portfolio has evolved to favor asset classes like multifamily, mobile home parks, and senior living. Jeremy also shares his approach to cycle timing, his cautious stance since 2016, and specific tips for LPs to better vet sponsors and opportunities. This is a deep dive into patient, conservative investing and avoiding common LP pitfalls. Jeremy Roll -President - Based in: Newport Beach, California - Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-roll-655107 Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Jaimee Keene, founder of Peaks Commercial Real Estate. Jaimee shares her journey from commercial real estate appraiser to top-performing broker and now investor, focusing on Colorado's resort markets. She discusses building a specialized commercial brokerage, navigating the nuances of resort town investments, and lessons learned from the appraisal world that shaped her cautious investing philosophy. Jaimee also highlights the opportunities in value-add retail and strategies for building presence and credibility as a broker. Jaimee Keene - Founder & Commercial Real Estate Broker - Based in: Breckenridge, Colorado - Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeekeene/ https://www.peakscre.com vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Phillips Wagner of Mill Street Partners. They dive into how Phillips is making ground-up multifamily and industrial development deals work in today's challenging market, including creative land entitlement, vertical integration to control construction costs, and the use of steel framing to save on insurance and build times. They also discuss the importance of municipal incentives, the long-term outlook for DFW development, and advice for new developers looking to avoid common pitfalls. Phillips Wagner COO and Partner Say hi to them at https://millstreetpartnersllc.com/ vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews AI-savvy investors Paul Hopkins, Perry Zheng, Lance Pederson, and Bo Barron to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping commercial real estate acquisitions. The panel shares practical tools—like Google's Notebook LM, ChatGPT, AI21, and Claude—and strategies for deal analysis, underwriting, parsing PDFs, and even creating custom GPTs to automate offering memorandum reviews. They discuss how AI streamlines market research, transforms spreadsheets into semantic data, and helps underwrite deals more accurately and efficiently, while also acknowledging its limits in replacing human decision-making and deal sourcing relationships. Paul Hopkins COO and Partner https://cpicapital.ca/ Perry Zheng Founder and CEO https://www.cashflowportal.com/ Lance Pederson CEO and Co-Founder https://www.passiveadvantage.com/ Bo Barron CEO https://barroncommercial.com/ vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses his takeaways from the conference he just attended, emphasizing the resilience of commercial real estate amidst economic uncertainty. He highlights positive investor sentiment, particularly around multifamily, medical office, and necessity-based retail assets, while noting caution about tariffs, stagflation risks, and global trade impacts. John also dives into demographic trends favoring long-term rental demand, especially among millennials, and stresses the Midwest's emerging strength in rent growth and limited new supply compared to oversaturated Sunbelt markets. vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Slocomb Reed interviews Stephen Predmore, an engineer-turned-investor and owner of Talbot Investments. Stephen shares his journey from small single-family rentals in Baltimore to JV, LP, and co-GP multifamily positions across the U.S. He highlights key lessons from a challenging 33-unit JV in Alaska and contrasts it with a more successful, nearby JV in West Virginia. Stephen also explains why he chose to syndicate a 54-unit North Carolina deal and discusses his current focus on capital raising, targeting senior engineers for investor relations as he continues scaling with trusted operators in red states. Stephen Predmore Owner Based in: Baltimore, Maryland Say hi to them at https://talbottinvestments.com vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Lon Welsh, founder of Ironton Capital and seasoned real estate investor managing over $80 million in other people's money. Lon shares how his journey began with house hacking and fix-and-flips before scaling into brokerage, syndication, and ultimately launching multiple real estate funds. They dive deep into market segmentation, the risk-reward spectrum of different neighborhoods, and why investor matchmaking is key. Lon also unpacks the future of office space, opportunities in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) conversions, and the rising potential of extended stay hospitality and new multifamily construction. Lon Welsh Founder Based in: Denver, Colorado Say hi to them at irontoncapital.com/ www.facebook.com/irontoncapital www.linkedin.com/company/ironton-capital/ vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Pascal Wagner interviews Russell Gray, the long-time co-host of the Real Estate Guys Radio Show and a seasoned LP investor. Russell dives deep into the critical role macroeconomics plays in investment success, sharing his personal crash-and-burn story from the 2008 mortgage crisis and the economic warning signs he missed. He breaks down the shift from Wall Street to Main Street capitalism, the flaws of financialized markets, and the need to value investments based on real income. He also outlines practical strategies LPs can use to evaluate deals through macro, demographic, and geographic lenses, and advocates for a return to real asset investing and productive capitalism. Russell Gray Founder and Host Based in: Phoenix, Arizona Say hi to them at www.RussellGray.com www.linkedin.com/in/russellwgray/ x.com/RussWGray vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Tom Rauen, the self-branded "Fast Food Landlord" and owner of Rauen Capital. Tom shares his strategy behind acquiring Triple Net lease assets—primarily dollar stores and fast food locations—in underserved Iowa markets. He dives into the nuances of lease structures, investor returns, and risk mitigation, emphasizing why lease review and local knowledge are key. Tom also discusses the pitfalls of trendy business acquisitions, warning real estate investors about the operational complexity behind buying small businesses. Tom Rauen Owner Based in: Dubuque, Iowa Say hi to them at www.rauencapital.com www.linkedin.com/in/tomrauen/ vikingcapllc.com Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at www.bestevercommunity.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices