Opportunity Zones Podcast

The Opportunity Zones tax policy can be utilized as a tool to help revitalize urban neighborhoods. But getting the local communities involved can often be a challenge. Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Urban Design Center, and Delores Brown, CEO of Community Economic Development Corporation, join the show to discuss how they are working with investors and local residents to catalyze revitalization of urban communities in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/11/sherri-franklin-delores-brown-225/

Opportunity Zones have raised over $100 billion of capital. But what good is it doing? Blake Christian, CPA and tax partner at HCVT, joins the show to discuss the importance of advocacy on behalf of the Opportunity Zones policy. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/10/blake-christian-224/

Four years into the Opportunity Zone program, success stories are abundant. Today's podcast episode is the first in a series of episodes that will highlight stories of true impact that the OZ program has helped to create. Roi Maufas, co-founder and lead designer at MIT Modular, joins the show to share the job creation success story of MIT Modular, a builder of affordable, sustainable housing. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/10/roi-maufas-223/

Ashley Tison and I have been to nearly every Opportunity Zone Expo since the group began organizing conferences in early 2019. While the early Expos were focused on navigating the new legislation and regulations, this most recent Expo in Phoenix earlier this month served to highlight the need for the more mature industry -- now four years into the program -- to tell more Opportunity Zone success stories, in the hopes that the policy eventually gets reformed and extended. On today's episode, OZ Pros founder Ashley Tison joins to discuss this topic and recap some of the other big themes at the OZ Expo. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/10/ashley-tison-222/

Opportunity Zones are helping drive capital into the revitalization of mobile home park communities in some of the country's poorest areas. Sam Hales, founder and CEO of Saratoga Group, joins the show to discuss how he has used Opportunity Zones over the past few years to revitalize poorly run mobile home communities, and why MHCs can be a good inflation-resistant asset class for investors. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/10/sam-hales-221/

The stock market is down, inflation is at 40-year highs, and interest rates are on the rise. How are rising debt costs impacting the operations of Qualified Opportunity Fund operators? James Brunger, chief sales officer at Capital Square, joins the show to discuss Capital Square’s DST and Opportunity Zone programs, and how recent moves by the Fed are impacting where investors can still find value. Show notes and transcript: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/09/james-brunger-220/

The true potential of the Opportunity Zone program has largely been left unlocked. On today's episode, seven OZ insights that every investor should know. Today's episode is a re-post of an earlier episode of The Alternative Investment Podcast. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/09/7-insights-219/

Which cities have the largest number of Opportunity Zones? The top three cities -- New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago -- are to be expected. But numbers 4 through 10 may be somewhat surprising. On today's episode, we review the top 25 cities with the highest amount of Opportunity Zones, and take a deep dive into the top 10 cities, walking through geographic maps and income data. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/09/cities-218/

Is there a ticking time bomb that may disqualify more than $1.3 billion of funds raised by Qualified Opportunity Funds? Kirk Walton, co-founder and managing partner of GPWM Funds, joins the show to discuss potential solutions to QOF filing errors and his approach to Opportunity Zone investing. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/09/kirk-walton-217/

Cost segregation to achieve accelerated depreciation and can greatly improve after-tax returns for real estate investors. But it can be a an even more powerful tool for Opportunity Zone deals. Valerie Grunduski, partner and real estate tax specialist at Plante Moran, and Jeremy Sompels, principal and cost segregation senior manager at Plante Moran, join the show to discuss how the effect of cost segregation is particularly powerful for investors in Qualified Opportunity Funds. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/plante-moran-216/

Passive real estate investing can bring cash flow and appreciation to investors who don't necessarily want to be actively hands-on. John Rubino, founder and COO of JID Investments, joins the show to discuss how High Net Worth investors should think about passive real estate investing with Qualified Opportunity Funds. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/john-rubino-215/

The inefficient real estate marketplace in Puerto Rico can create compelling opportunities for investors seeking value. Local tax incentives layered in with Opportunity Zone benefits can drive highly attractive return projections. But investing on the island does not come without risk. Ari Kresch, strategic advisor for Island Paradise QOF, joins the show to discuss how he finds value in Puerto Rican real estate, the vast majority of which is located within an Opportunity Zone. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/ari-kresh-214/

Ashley Tison of OZ Pros joined OZ Pitch Day last month to field live questions from our attendees. Over the past three years, Ashley has helped form well over 1,000 Opportunity Zone entities. On today's show, Ashley answers questions about rental properties, trusts, raw land, grants, and more. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/ashley-tison-213/

In April, members of Congress in the House and Senate introduced bipartisan Opportunity Zone legislation that would extend and improve the four-year-old tax policy. In this panel from OZ Pitch Day Summer 2022, Blake Christian, partner at HCVT, and Reid Thomas, executive vice president at JTC Americas, discuss the new legislation and how it may impact investors and the OZ marketplace if enacted. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/oz-reform-legislation-212/

Investing in Opportunity Zones can be an effective tax mitigation strategy for High Net Worth investors. But when are OZs the right investment structure to use when considering taxation and overall portfolio construction strategy? In this panel from OZ Pitch Day Summer 2022, Louis Reynolds, CEO of Synergistic Exchange Solutions, and Nick Rosenthal, managing director at Griffin Capital, discuss how Opportunity Zones compare to other tax mitigation strategies, including Section 1031 exchanges, Delaware statutory trusts (DSTs), and Section 721 UPREITs. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/tax-mitigation-panel-211/

Debt is commonly used to amplify returns on real estate investments, and Opportunity Zone deals are no exception. But what is the proper amount of debt to appropriately leverage any given investment, and why might that target change for an OZ deal? Louis Dubin, principal and managing partner at Redbrick LMD, joins the show to discuss how he determines the optimal amount of debt to use in Opportunity Zone deals. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/louis-dubin-210/

Inflation recently hit a four-decade high of 9.1%. The stock market is down double digits year to date. The U.S. economy is likely in a recession. What do investors need to know right now about Opportunity Zones and macroeconomic turbulence? Chris Loeffler, CEO and co-founder of Caliber, joins the show to discuss how investors should consider these issues, and whether there may be opportunities to take advantage of. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/08/chris-loeffler-209/

While other major U.S. cities experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, Detroit got left behind for several years. But now, the ongoing resurgence of Detroit may be creating a compelling investment opportunity for Opportunity Zone investors. Jed Howbert, partner at Greatwater Opportunity Capital, joins the show to discuss Detroit's bankruptcy and ensuing economic transformation, and the opportunity for real estate investors to capitalize. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/07/jed-howbert-208/

The stock market is down more than 20% year to date. Interest rates are on the rise to tackle the highest inflation rate in 40 years, but this may inevitably lead to a recession. How are Opportunity Zones potentially being impacted by these turbulent macroeconomic conditions? Erik Hayden, founder and CEO of Urban Catalyst, joins the show to discuss inflation, the market downturn, cap rate compression, and rising interest rates, and what effect these trends are having on Opportunity Zone fundraising and capital deployment. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/07/erik-hayden-207/

The Section 1031 exchange has been around for over 100 years. Much like Opportunity Zones, chaining together a series of 1031 exchanges can offer an incredible tax incentive for real estate investors. But when might an OZ investment be a better option? Lawrence Jatsek, managing partner at CRE Development Capital, joins the show to discuss how Opportunity Zones compare to 1031 exchanges, and when to make use of one or the other as a real estate investor. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/07/lawrence-jatsek-206/

A housing affordability crisis currently plagues our nation. Can Opportunity Zones be utilized to effect real change that would bring more high density housing stock online? Brad Padden, founder and CEO of Housing Diversity Corporation, joins the show to discuss how Opportunity Zones can help fulfill housing abundance and job creation in economically distressed communities. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/07/brad-padden-205/

Ultra High Net Worth investors and family offices are ideally suited for real estate investments in Opportunity Zones. The long holding period and strategic differences between OZs and other tax-advantaged investments can be complimentary in a large investment portfolio. Alex Bhathal, founder and executive chairman at Revitate, joins the show to discuss the evolution of Opportunity Zones and how family offices have come to better understand the incentive. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/07/alex-bhathal-204/

Oregon has been scrutinized for some of the state's Opportunity Zone selections, particularly those in downtown Portland. Vanessa Sturgeon, founder of Sturgeon Development Partners, joins the show to discuss how the Opportunity Zone nominating process unfolded in Oregon, why it was so controversial, and where her firm is developing in the state. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/vanessa-sturgeon-203/

When a High Net Worth investor triggers a capital gain, there are a few different tax mitigation options available, including the 1031 Exchange, a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) investment, and Opportunity Zones. But when is each of these options appropriate? And how can advisors place their clients into the appropriate tax mitigating investment products? Louis Reynolds, CEO of Synergistic Exchange Solutions, joins the show to discuss real estate as an asset class, and when Opportunity Zones or other tax mitigation strategies are right for High Net Worth investors. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/louis-reynolds-202/

Real estate securities laws that apply to Qualified Opportunity Funds can have a huge (and often times ignored) impact on OZ developers and project sponsors. Coni Rathbone, real estate and securities attorney at Dunn Carney, joins the show to discuss what real estate developers and fund operators need to be aware of before raising Opportunity Zone capital from investors. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/coni-rathbone-2 01/

Community activation may be the key to long-term success of Opportunity Zones. Chris Cooley, CEO of OZworks Group, joins episode #200 of the Opportunity Zones Podcast to discuss OZ advocacy, why community-led OZ projects are crucial to the long-term success of the initiative, and updates on the progress of OZworks Group's online community. Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/chris-cooley-200/

It's incredibly easy for Qualified Opportunity Fund managers and limited partners who invest in such funds to get tripped up by many of the novel complexities that arise from the statute and regulations dictating Opportunity Zone investing. Andrew Gradman, a tax attorney who specializes in Opportunity Zone transactions, joins the show to discuss his recent article for California Tax Lawyer, titled "QOZ Planning When Penalties Are A Certainty." Show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/andrew-gradman-199/

Multifamily is the most popular asset class for Opportunity Zone investors. According to the latest Qualified Opportunity Fund survey data from Novogradac, approximately 80% of all QOFs have exposure to residential real estate. Scott Hawksworth, co-founder of MultifamilyInvestor.com, joins the show to discuss multifamily real estate investing trends that are unfolding in 2022, how current macroeconomic conditions are affecting investors, and how Opportunity Zone investors are reacting to the asset class. Transcript and show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/scott-hawksworth-198/

With stocks and bonds trending downward as of late, record amounts of money are pouring into alternative investments, including Qualified Opportunity Funds. Andy Hagans, co-founder of AltsDb, joins the show to discuss where Opportunity Zones fit into the broader alternative investments asset class and how financial repression is creating an opportunity for OZ investors. Transcript and show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/06/andy-hagans-197/

Opportunity Zone reform legislation, social impact, and fundraising trends were hot topics at last month's Novogradac OZ Conference in Long Beach, California. Ashley Tison, co-founder of OZ Pros, joins the show live on-site to discuss where the Opportunity Zone program currently stands and what the future holds for OZ investments. Transcript and show notes: https://opportunitydb.com/2022/05/ashley-tison-196/

In today’s “man-on-the-street” style episode, Jimmy Atkinson conducts five rapid-fire live interviews at the ADISA 2022 Spring Conference, featuring OZ investing insights from Erik Hayden (Urban Catalyst), James Brunger (Capital Square), Jamie Nahon (Eagle OZ), Matt Iak (U.S. Energy Development Corporation), and Rob Johnson (Realized). ADISA’s Spring Conference is designed for all industry professionals who sponsor, analyze, market, distribute or sell alternative investments with several educational sessions offered, many of which qualify for Continuing Education credit. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com

Investing across different asset classes provides not only diversification benefits but alternative sources of growth and revenue. Opportunity zones can offer strong investment returns with an added social impact component in the United States and in Puerto Rico. Kira Golden is the CEO of Direct Source Wealth, a real estate development company out of Denver that does direct deals and serves as a platform for new and experienced investors. By the time she was 18, Kira had holdings in both the real estate and stock market. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Learn how you can voice your support for the Opportunity Zones Improvement, Transparency, and Extension Act (H.R.7467 / S.4065). The panel was moderated by OpportunityDb founder Jimmy Atkinson. Panelists: Chris Cooley, Catherine Lyons, and Rachel Reilly. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

The hospitality industry has been one of the most watched trends in recent years, with boutique hotels at the forefront of the ever-evolving hospitality business. Smaller, less commercial hotels offer the safety and personalized service travelers seek in a post-pandemic world. Coupled with an Opportunity Zone incentive, investors are taking notice - and the result is as exciting as it is unique. David Kessler, founder and CEO of Sandstone Partners, shares his experiences in the boutique hotel industry, specific to projects in OZ communities. David has over 19 years of real estate investment and development experience. Sandstone Partners targets underperforming mixed-use, hospitality, and multifamily properties executing business plans ranging from value-add to ground-up development. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Bipartisan and bicameral legislation was recently introduced that would improve Opportunity Zones and push back the tax incentive’s deferral date by two years, from 2026 to 2028. The extension will allow OZ investors to continue attracting capital for a program that both supports the local tax base and boosts job growth in these communities. Senator Tim Scott's former tax adviser, Shay Hawkins is founder and CEO of the Opportunity Funds Association (OFA) -- a Washington, DC-based advocacy, education, and communications group for the Qualified Opportunity Fund industry. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

When combined with the opportunity zone incentive, can orchard farming be a compelling asset class for investors? What are the risks and benefits? Farming offers unique features compared to traditional real estate, but it's imperative to understanding these variables before diving in. Listen in to learn more from our guest Josh Guggenheim, the Director of Acquisitions at Gold Leaf Farming, a hybrid farming company and investment firm located in San Francisco, California.

In this panel from OZ Pitch Day Spring 2022, a trio of experts discuss the various strategies that investors can use to optimize the tax efficiency of their portfolios. This episode is the audio version of an OZ Pitch Day Spring 2022 panel titled, “Opportunity Zone Strategies for High Net Worth Investors.” The panel was moderated by OpportunityDb founder Jimmy Atkinson. Panelists: Jay Frank, Rob Johnson, and Scott Hawksworth. Recorded live on March 29, 2022. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

What are the differences between Opportunity Zones and 1031 Exchanges? And why might one be a good choice for your own investments? Listen as we discuss this topic and more with Jay Frank, the President of Cantor Fitzgerald Capital and Chief Operating Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Management. Cantor Fitzgerald is a global financial services and real estate investment management firm. Jay is involved in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business, providing direction and implementing strategic initiatives. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Find out how you can invest in distressed areas around the country while connecting with some of the brightest professionals in the opportunity zones (OZ) arena during this two-day conference sponsored by Novogradac, a national professional services organization that consists of affiliates and divisions in certified public accounting, valuation, and consulting. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Erik Hayden, founder and CEO of Urban Catalyst, returns to the show to provide updates on Silicon Valley Opportunity Zones and what funds are currently proving attractive investment opportunities. Urban Catalyst is the largest developer of Opportunity Zone real estate in Silicon Valley. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

What does it mean to be vertically integrated in the opportunity zones investment process? And how might vertical integration increase profits and shareholder returns? Chris Loeffler is the CEO of Caliber and serves as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. As CEO, Chris directs and executes global strategy, oversees investments and fund management, and contributes to private and public capital formation. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Since its inception, opportunity funds have captured the attention of investors, asset managers, policymakers, community leaders, and financial institutions, with no sign of the trend abating. In fact, interest has been staggering due to the tax benefits, ranging from tax-free appreciation to capital gains deferral. But approach and fit are key components to scale and sustain an OZ investment strategy. And selecting the right fund and fund manager is critical to long-term success. Greg Genovese, CEO of USG Realty Capital and Investors Choice OZ Fund, shares his view on investor advocacy and how to ensure alignment among stakeholders within OZ. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Misconceptions often cause investors to opt out of potentially profitable and viable investment opportunities. The Federal Opportunity Zone tax incentive program has had its fair share of uncertainties due to miseducation and confusion around alternative investments. But with the right fund manager and scheme in place, investors can feel good about helping underserved communities while experiencing significant tax breaks. Michael Episcope unpacks opportunity zone investing misconceptions and explores the potential benefits of adding alternative assets to a portfolio. Michael is co-founder and principal of Origin Investments, a private equity real estate firm founded in 2007. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Taxpayers can defer taxes by reinvesting capital gains from an asset sale into a QOF. To do so, IRS Form 8996 must be filed by all taxpayers holding a QOF investment. Guidance on how to fill out this form will eliminate inconsistencies prior to submission. Ashley Tison is an Opportunity Zone consultant and attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Along with Jimmy Atkinson, he is co-founder of OZ Pros, an Opportunity Zone advisory firm. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Under the opportunity zones (OZ) incentive, taxpayers can defer taxes by reinvesting capital gains from an asset sale into a qualified opportunity fund. To do so, IRS Form 8997 must be filed by all taxpayers holding a QOF investment. Guidance on how to fill out this form will eliminate confusion and inconsistencies prior to submission. Ashley Tison is an Opportunity Zone consultant and attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Along with Jimmy Atkinson, he is co-founder of OZ Pros, an Opportunity Zone advisory firm. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

How can the Ultra High Net Worths and family offices use Opportunity Zones as a strategy for social impact investing with great and tax savings? Bob Hutchins is the Managing Director of the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund and President & CEO of Ellavoz Impact Capital. The company sponsors and manages the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund and the Ellavoz Impact Angel Network. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

A diversified investment portfolio has the ability to weather volatility and improve profitability. Coupled with alternative investment opportunities (namely real estate acquisition), diversified portfolios can maximize investor chances of achieving their financial objectives. But to achieve true diversification, it's important to first understand the challenges and complexities of these real estate opportunities. Chad Debolt, Managing Director and Principal at Saxum Real Estate is an experienced investment professional with broad financial expertise from over a decade of experience in both the private equity real estate and fixed income trading markets. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

Opportunity Zones provide many benefits, including federal capital gains tax advantages for investments made in these areas. Socially conscious investors are also turning their attention to opportunity zones, as QOFs offer local communities housing and supportive services for residents. Kim Kuhle is the CEO of the Veterans Victory Opportunity Fund (VVOF), a private-equity real estate Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) designed as a vehicle for investors with capital gains equity. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.

There are many Qualified Opportunity Funds that encompass multifamily real estate and are well worth any investor’s consideration. Investing in multifamily property offers a wide variety of advantages for investors, such as leverage, cash flow, equity growth, and, tax savings are all financial features of a sound multifamily real estate investment. Scott Hawksworth is a co-founder of MultifamilyInvestor.com and an entrepreneur based in Chicago. MultifamilyInvestor.com covers trends and opportunities in multifamily real estate investing and helps High Net Worth investors, family offices, RIAs & financial advisors, and industry service providers navigate the ins and outs of the multifamily landscape. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com. .

ADUs (accessory dwelling units) have become more more prevalent in recent years. Also referred to as mother-in-law suites, multigenerational units, and in-law units, ADUs offer both environmental and financial benefits for investors and tenants alike. Paired with a Qualified Opportunity Zone project, the advantages of ADUs are even greater. Adam Stone is a licensed Real Estate Broker and member of the California Bar. He has expertise in various aspects of both residential and commercial real estate including acquisition, management, entitlements, litigation, joint ventures, municipal codes, and San Diego zoning and ordinances. Transcript and show notes at OpportunityDb.com.