The Best Ever CRE Show

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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] Rebecca Themelis Current role: Real Estate Investor, Broker, and Contractor at Spot Properties Based in: California Say hi to them at: [email protected] 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

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Jesse Sells, co-founder and COO of Impact Growth Capital. Jesse shares how he transitioned from the Air Force into real estate by diving headfirst into mobile home park syndications, using his background in flipping and rentals to raise capital from personal connections. He discusses the challenges of managing mid-sized multifamily properties and how that experience led his team to shift toward larger deals and capital partnerships. Jesse also outlines their latest venture: a $300M public-private development project to redevelop public housing into 600 new units, backed by government incentives. Jesse Sells Co-Founder Based in: Texas Say hi to them at www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-sells/ www.instagram.com/thejessesells/ 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 John Casmon of Casmon Capital and Kent Ritter of Hudson Investing to explore the current state of multifamily investing and development. John shares insights on exiting value-add multifamily assets in the Midwest, strategic refinancing, and how he doubled NOI on a key property by identifying hidden upside. Kent dives into public-private partnerships as the secret to making development deals pencil in today’s environment and highlights a mixed-use project in Westfield, Indiana, backed by city support and creative financing. They also discuss investor sentiment, capital raising challenges, and how to identify stalled listings that can be repositioned into winning deals. John Casmon Managing Partner Based in: Cincinnati, Ohio Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/multifamily-apartments-john-casmon/ Kent Ritter CEO Based in: Carmel, Indiana Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentritter/ 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 Chang interviews Gregg Katz to unpack the ripple effects of tariffs, the paralysis caused by economic uncertainty, and shifts in consumer behavior. The two dive into how fluctuating tariffs on Chinese goods are impacting retailers differently—especially discount chains like Five Below and Dollar General—and explore how supply chain volatility is reshaping strategic decisions in real estate and retail. They also discuss the experiential shift in retail environments, highlighted by a tour of One Wall Street and its luxury French department store, and forecast a potential "back to basics" retail resurgence driven by Gen Z’s unexpected preference for in-person shopping. Ultimately, both agree that despite short-term turbulence, retail real estate remains resilient and ripe with long-term opportunity. Greg Katz Director, Business Industry Solutions Based in: Atlanta, Georgia Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-katz/ 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 Josh Goodwin, co-founder of SimCap Holdings, a Cincinnati-based multifamily syndication firm with 212 units across nine properties. Josh shares how SimCap transitioned from third-party management to full vertical integration, detailing the impact on investor returns, internal operations, and cash flow. He also discusses their strategic expansion into the Columbus market, emphasizing how they plan to replicate their operational model with in-house property management and local contractor networks. Additionally, Josh explains how SimCap is leveraging technology, including large language models, for predictive maintenance and improved asset management. Josh Goodwin Principal/General Partner Based in: Cincinnati, Ohio Say hi to them at www.linkedin.com/in/josh-goodwin-b973b949/ www.simcapholdings.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 Ryan Pineda, a former pro baseball player turned powerhouse real estate entrepreneur. Ryan shares how he scaled from flipping couches to flipping houses, eventually launching multiple seven-figure businesses. He emphasizes the importance of mastering one thing at a time, reflects on past wins and failures—and breaks down how he’s pivoting toward building sellable businesses in today’s uncertain market. Ryan also highlights how his “business-in-a-box” model is reshaping real estate education and supporting aspiring wholesalers nationwide. Ryan Pineda CEO Based in: Las Vegas, Nevada Say hi to them at https://www.ryanpineda.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@RyanPineda 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 Mike Arndorfer, a full-time passive investor with decades of LP experience and over 19 deals under his belt. Mike shares his approach to investing in asset classes like mobile home parks (his “stay-rich” money), debt funds, and his curiosity about marinas. He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with operators, attending conferences to meet other LPs and GPs, and constructing a diversified portfolio across cash flow, appreciation, and depreciation. Mike Arndorfer Founder Based in: Bellingham, WA Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-arndorfer-915074117/ 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 Aaron Fragnito, co-founder of People’s Capital Group, about his multifamily and mixed-use investing strategy in New Jersey. Aaron shares how he's thriving in a competitive market through off-market deals, aggressive repositioning, and capitalizing on low cap rates. He discusses his move into Class A assets, insights on managing older mixed-use properties, and his pivot from house flipping to scaling syndications with institutional capital. Aaron also reveals the structure of his capital-raising team and the operational challenges behind the scenes. Aaron Fragnito Co-founder Based in: Somerville, NJ Say hi to them at www.peoplescapitalgroup.com www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-fragnito-620b93173/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCCeJh5UgrdBDOabr2YLbAHg 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 Mustafa Ladha, Senior VP of Investor Relations at Veloce Capital. Mustafa shares how he transitioned from the pharmaceutical industry to real estate by leveraging WhatsApp to raise over $40 million through authentic, education-based investor relationships. He discusses the firm’s strategic focus on ground-up development in suburban New Jersey, including their use of tax abatements, opportunity zones, and a Reg A Tier 2 fund to make institutional-quality investments accessible to retail investors. The conversation also dives into aligning with the right investor personalities, long-term value creation, and avoiding transactional mindsets in capital raising. Mustafa Ladha Senior Vice President of Investor Relations Based in: Hackensack, NJ Say hi to them at www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-ladha/ 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 Joe Root, co-founder of East Superior Real Estate Partners. Joe shares insights into how his family’s 40-year legacy in Chicago real estate evolved into a vertically integrated firm managing and owning hundreds of multifamily units. He dives into the strategic advantage of analyzing receivership reports to uncover distressed property opportunities and recounts lessons learned from a 2006 acquisition that nearly collapsed during the financial crisis. Joe also discusses the firm’s pivot to lighter value-add deals, assumptions of favorable debt, and plans to scale into other Midwest markets by leveraging internal culture and KPIs through regional asset managers. Joseph Root Co-founder Based in: Chicago, IL Say hi to them at www.linkedin.com/in/rootjoseph/ www.esrepartners.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 the volatile intersection of trade policy, economic sentiment, and commercial real estate performance. He unpacks the steep drop in consumer sentiment, largely driven by aggressive tariff measures and global trade uncertainty—highlighting their ripple effects on tech, construction, and imports. John explores the implications for apartment absorption, commercial real estate sectors, and broader economic indicators like GDP composition and inflation risks. Despite the turbulence, he argues that commercial real estate may offer a relatively safer investment alternative compared to increasingly erratic stock and bond markets. Capital Gains Tax Solutions 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 Nhan Nguyen Le, CEO of Valiant Capital. Nhan shares his journey from growing up in federally assisted housing to leading a $300M student housing portfolio focused exclusively on UC Berkeley. He explains why his firm targets high-demand, location-driven assets and executes a vertically integrated, value-add strategy that includes both renovations and ground-up developments. Nhan also addresses potential risks like university housing policies and political shifts, arguing that UC Berkeley's global brand and housing constraints create long-term demand resilience. Nhan Nguyen Le CEO Based in: Berkley, CA Say hi to them at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhannguyenle Capital Gains Tax Solutions 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 Chris Lopez, a real estate entrepreneur who transitioned from a tech-savvy internet marketer to a successful real estate broker and investor. Chris shares how he built a modern real estate brokerage by leveraging digital marketing and BiggerPockets forums to attract clients in Denver. He discusses his evolution from active investing into passive syndication opportunities, including educating clients on return on equity and “lazy 1031” strategies. Chris emphasizes the importance of agents becoming real estate wealth consultants, helping clients optimize and redeploy their capital into higher-yield opportunities. Chris Lopez Chief Marketing officer Based in: Colorado Say hi to them at propertyllama.com/ vikingcapllc.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions 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 The Real Estate God, a private equity investor with $30–40 million in assets under management. Known for his sharp insights and anonymous presence online, Michael shares how LPs can think like GPs by breaking down deal evaluation, spotting hidden risks, and understanding the importance of stabilized yield versus market cap rates. He dives deep into evaluating market rents, verifying assumptions, and managing debt risk—especially the dangers of bridge loans. Michael also emphasizes how understanding GP incentives and being diligent about due diligence are critical for LPs to reduce risk and maximize returns. The Real Estate God Real Estate Private Equity Firm Founder Based in: South Carolina Say hi to them at calendly.com/realestategod/introcall youtube.com/@therealestategod vikingcapllc.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions 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 Victor Menasce, senior partner at Y Street Capital. Victor shares his transition from electrical engineering to full-time real estate development, focusing on why he pivoted from value-add deals to ground-up development across multifamily, industrial, and land projects. He dives into challenges with rising construction costs due to tariffs, converting historic buildings, and the complexities of repurposing office space into residential units. Victor also discusses the long-term strategy of build-and-hold investing, small-bay flex industrial demand, and insights on markets like Salt Lake City and New York. Victor Menasce Senior Partner Based in: Ottawa, Canada Say hi to them at ystreetcapital.com vikingcapllc.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Ben Simon, CEO of Archer Acquisitions. Ben shares his unique path from wholesaling in Boston to scaling a 500+ unit multifamily and 12 RV park portfolio. He breaks down his transition from small deals to $20M+ projects, the strategic value of partnerships, and how RV parks became a major focus after accidentally discovering the asset class. Ben also unpacks one of his toughest deals and a massive win from a 200-unit portfolio refinance, highlighting the importance of being well-capitalized and the power of creative financing. Ben Simon CEO Based in: Boston, MA Say hi to them at archeracq.com/ www.linkedin.com/in/benjsimon/ [email protected] vikingcapllc.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Judd Standage, founder of Aztex Management Group, who shares his journey from an IT career to owning and managing a 1,000-door multifamily portfolio. Judd discusses lessons from his first heavy value-add deal, why he shifted toward stabilized Class A and B+ properties in tertiary markets, and how his partnership with a longtime friend allows them to efficiently manage their entire operation. He also shares creative strategies to boost NOI, such as fenced yard upgrades and joint ventures on renters insurance. Judd opens up about current capital-raising challenges and how their team is navigating a more cautious investor landscape. Judd Standage Founder Based in: Austin, Texas Say hi to them at www.aztexmgmt.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses the sweeping impact of the new U.S. tariff hikes—dubbed "Liberation Day"—and their cascading effects on inflation, unemployment, and commercial real estate. He breaks down the economic fallout from increased tariffs on China, Vietnam, and other major trade partners, highlighting the resulting stock market plunge, potential recession, and shifts in investor sentiment. John explores how real estate might weather the turbulence better than equities, offering insights into asset classes like apartments, retail, office, and industrial properties. vikingcapllc.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless flies solo and dives into the latest Best Ever newsletter with updates and insights on the commercial real estate market. Joe breaks down the impact of new tariffs, treasury rate movements, and the state of multifamily trends across markets like DFW, Florida, and the Sunbelt. He highlights affordable housing challenges, national vacancy trends, and a standout case study of a 2X value-add deal in South Carolina generating 110% annual cash-on-cash returns. Joe also touches on where renters are currently searching most and encourages community engagement through the Best Ever CRE app. Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Ben Lapidus, a seasoned real estate investor and innovator behind a unique new concept called Playground. They dive into Ben’s journey from self-storage investments to pioneering the emerging asset class of garage condos—flexible, purpose-built spaces that can serve as luxury storage, personal gyms, hobby studios, or workspaces. Ben explains how Playground caters to affluent buyers looking to own, not rent, and discusses why selling individual units instead of leasing offers better returns and faster capital recycling. They also unpack zoning challenges, community-building strategies, and the massive untapped market potential across the U.S. Ben Lapidus CEO/Partner Based in: Littleton, CO Say hi to them at playground.properties besteverconference.com playground.investnext.com linkedin.com/blapidus benlapidus.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Pascal Wagner interviews Andrew Cushman, founder of Vantage Point Acquisitions. Andrew shares his journey from chemical engineer to successful multifamily investor, highlighting how he transitioned from flipping homes to acquiring nearly 3,000 multifamily units across the Southeast. He breaks down his firm's buy box strategy, emphasizing the importance of management value-add, demographic targeting, and property size for operational efficiency. The conversation also explores how LPs can vet operators more effectively, the significance of operator SOPs, and a deep dive into the current trend of preferred equity raises and their implications for passive investors. Andrew Cushman Founder/Principal Based in: Southern California Say hi to them at www.vpacq.com www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcushmanvpa Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.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 Christopher Long, CEO of Long Yards. Christopher shares how he scaled Long Yards from a contractor’s solution to a $12 million industrial outdoor storage (IOS) business serving contractors and service-based businesses. He explains the evolution from a franchise model to flexible joint ventures, offering a unique blend of land ownership and lease strategies backed by SBA financing. The conversation dives deep into ideal land characteristics, scaling logistics, and why partnering with Long Yards reduces risks and accelerates success in this niche real estate space. Christopher Long CEO Based in Florida Say hi to them at longyards.com Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Brent Barcus, Managing Partner at I-65 Capital. Brent shares how he transitioned from the entertainment industry into real estate, focusing on capital raising and strategic partnerships with experienced operators. He breaks down his process for vetting sponsors, discusses lessons learned from a challenging early deal in Georgia, and highlights a promising new 232-unit acquisition in a Nashville suburb. Brent also explores market trends in downtown Nashville and future opportunities tied to absorption rates and supply dynamics. Brent Barcus Managing Partner, Private Equity Based in Nashville, TN Say hi to them at: https://i65capitalinvestments.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentbarcus/ Capital Gains Tax Solutions vikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices