Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever With Joe Fairless

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews David Iglewicz (known as "Iggy"), co-founder of Lake City Equity. David shares his journey from pediatric dentist to multifamily investor with a current portfolio of 2,800 units across 15-20 properties primarily in the Southeast. He discusses the challenges of navigating floating rate debt in a high interest rate environment, their success in refinancing into fixed-rate debt through operational improvements, and his approach to addressing rising tenant delinquencies through buy-now-pay-later programs. David also provides valuable insights on property management, including why they started their own management company and how it's become central to their value creation strategy. He emphasizes that despite market headwinds, now is an opportune time to buy multifamily properties when others are retreating from the sector. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Slocomb Reed interviews Stan Remling, co-founder of Follow the Deal Investing. Stan shares his journey from W-2 employee to multifamily investor, focusing on value-add properties in Indiana and Michigan. He explains their strategy of targeting cash-flowing properties from day one, discusses their transition from small multifamily to larger complexes in the 30-70 unit range, and reveals how they've grown to over 700 units since 2020. Stan candidly shares lessons learned from unexpected renovation challenges, including water intrusion and termite damage discovered after purchase, and how they're adjusting their acquisition criteria based on these experiences. He also discusses their financing approach, including returning investor capital through refinancing, their property management company structure, and why they sometimes choose to sell rather than refinance challenging properties. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choi

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Slocomb Reed interviews JP Newman, CEO and founder of ThriveFP. JP shares his perspective on the current real estate market, describing it as being in simultaneous contraction and expansion phases. He explains how his team strategically reduced their portfolio from 10,000 to 1,500 units to prepare for new opportunities, discusses indicators to watch for market recovery, and outlines his approach to finding distressed assets in the coming 24 months. JP also provides insights on how multifamily fundamentals remain strong despite current challenges, advises investors to be patient while keeping capital ready for opportunities, and shares how institutional capital has changed the landscape of finding value in the multifamily space. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Bruce Fraser, co-founder of Elkhorn Partners. Bruce shares his strategy of focusing on underperforming C-Class multi-family properties in markets with strong affordability metrics rather than chasing trendy investment hotspots. He explains how his team identifies distressed assets with significant upside potential, handles property security and crime issues, navigates specialized financing options, and creates value through strategic improvements. Bruce also provides his macroeconomic outlook, discussing inflation trends, interest rates, and why he believes hard assets like multi-family real estate provide protection against dollar devaluation. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the The Passive Income Playbook, host Pascal Wagner interviews Aleksey Chernobelskiy, former executive at Store Capital and founder of GPLP Match, about navigating the complex relationship between limited partners and general partners in commercial real estate investing. Chernobelskiy draws from his experience at Store Capital, where he helped deploy 1-2 billion dollars annually, to explain how LPs should approach due diligence differently when evaluating smaller versus institutional-sized deals. He provides valuable insights on distinguishing between "red flags" and "yellow flags" in investment opportunities, dissects why LPs often miss aggressive rent growth assumptions in multifamily deals, and offers his golden rule for investors: if you can't identify at least three ways your investment could go to zero, you're not ready to invest. The conversation provides critical guidance for passive investors seeking to evaluate deals more effectively in today's challenging market environment. Spo

On this episode of the Beyond Multifamily, hosts Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Ryan Wittig, principal of Kinvara Capital, about his journey from residential development to acquiring a diverse portfolio of commercial assets. Wittig shares how he pivoted from building single-family homes and townhouses to strategically acquiring a 28,000 sq ft warehouse through an Opportunity Zone structure, a boutique lodging house near Harvard, short-term rentals, and an office condo. The conversation offers valuable insights on finding deals through unexpected channels (like residential MLSs), identifying value-add opportunities in multi-tenant retail centers, and navigating condo association challenges. Wittig also reveals his current focus on acquiring flex industrial and retail properties to create sustainable cash flow streams beyond development projects. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, host John Chang shares key insights from his recent workshop at the Best Ever Conference about critical market trends impacting real estate investment in 2025. Chang analyzes how the new Trump administration's potential policies on tariffs and immigration could impact economic growth, construction costs, and labor markets. He explains why multifamily fundamentals are strengthening as construction pipelines drop dramatically (with starts down 75% from peak) while demographic demand drivers remain strong. Drawing parallels to previous market cycles, Chang notes that the current cap rate expansion represents only the fourth significant instance since 1992, and historically, investments made during these periods have delivered superior returns. The episode provides a comprehensive outlook for commercial real estate investors navigating political uncertainty while positioning for long-term growth. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choice

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Slocomb Reed interviews James Harhi, CEO of JFH Technologies, about his unique investment approach spanning both multifamily properties and amusement businesses. Harhi shares insights on managing a portfolio that includes 600+ apartments in Indiana alongside water parks and amusement facilities in the Northeast. He discusses the financial advantages of operating water parks (projecting 300% returns over 10 years versus 12-16% annually on apartments), his "follow the deal" investment philosophy, and how he structures management teams that allow him to scale across different business models. The conversation reveals how Harhi raises 100% private capital for his park acquisitions through sale-leaseback arrangements with REITs, avoiding traditional bank financing while providing his investors with consistent cash flow opportunities. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Joe Cornwell interviews Stanley Stoll, CEO and principal engineer of Knott Laboratories, about the critical role of engineering in real estate investment. Stoll, who leads a forensic engineering firm specializing in aging infrastructure assessment, shares valuable insights on evaluating existing buildings before purchase and throughout their lifecycle. He emphasizes that 99% of structural problems stem from water-related issues and explains how early detection can save investors substantial money through the "rule of fives" - where $5 spent now prevents $25-50 in costs later. The conversation covers how building codes have evolved, the challenges of repurposing historical buildings, and why moisture management should be real estate investors' top priority when evaluating potential acquisitions. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Slocomb Reed interviews Marcin Drozdz, managing partner of M1 Real Capital, about navigating today's commercial real estate market. Drozdz, who entered private equity during the 2008 financial crisis, shares insights on his transition from syndications to a fund model approach that allows him to secure significant discounts through ready capital. He explains his current focus on multifamily development in the Southwest, particularly Arizona and Texas, noting how construction costs are becoming more favorable while planned deliveries for 2026-2027 remain limited. The conversation covers investor education strategies in today's more cautious environment, the importance of creating win-win GP/LP structures, and how understanding capital flow patterns provides a competitive advantage in identifying emerging opportunities across market cycles. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Matt Faircloth interviews Arleen Garza, founder of REEP Equity, about her journey growing a multifamily portfolio to over 4,400 units across Texas markets. Garza shares valuable insights on bringing property management in-house, emphasizing how vertical integration provides greater control, financial oversight, and resident satisfaction. She discusses her approach to creating an exceptional company culture that earned REEP recognition as a Top Workplace, including her strategy of hiring experienced leaders from larger organizations to facilitate future growth. The conversation also covers REEP's thoughtful approach to integrating family members into the business and planning for long-term succession through an advisory board structure and family mission statement. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, host Pascal Wagner interviews Michael Blank, founder of Nighthawk Equity, about navigating multifamily investments in today's market. Blank, who manages over $300 million in assets across nearly 2,000 units, provides insights on how the multifamily landscape has evolved since the 2022 market peak, explaining why current opportunities offer better risk-adjusted returns with lower leverage and improved market outlook. He shares lessons from his journey through various investment vehicles before finding multifamily, discusses the importance of geographic concentration for operational excellence, and offers practical advice for passive investors on vetting operators. The conversation provides valuable guidance for LPs seeking to make informed decisions in commercial real estate syndications during this transitional market period. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Slocomb Reed interviews Grant Reigner, founder of Peak Three Properties, about his journey from small residential investments to commercial multifamily deals. Grant shares the story of acquiring a 41-unit apartment building in Kokomo, Indiana, detailing how he structured the deal with creative financing, including seller financing and bank participation in the capital expenditure budget. He discusses the challenges of navigating a nine-month closing process, managing an unexpected boiler failure, and adapting to unusual winter vacancy patterns. The conversation provides valuable insights on secondary market selection, value-add renovation strategies, and the importance of building contingency funds into commercial real estate deals. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Horizon, host John Chang interviews Joe Fairless, co-founder of Ashcroft Capital, about navigating today's complex commercial real estate landscape. Fairless, who manages over $2.8 billion in assets across 14,000 apartment units, shares insights on finding opportunities amid market distress by cultivating relationships with lenders seeking capable operators for distressed properties. They discuss the record-breaking apartment absorption in late 2023, the decreasing construction pipeline, and how these fundamentals create buying opportunities despite challenging capital raising conditions. Fairless also candidly addresses lessons learned from previous deals and emphasizes the importance of "extreme ownership" when communicating with investors during difficult market periods. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, hosts Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel talk with Casey Mericle about his innovative approach to commercial real estate investing through creative financing. Mericle shares his strategy of acquiring properties at higher prices in exchange for favorable seller financing terms, which he then leverages by moving the mortgages to other value-add properties. He explains how he structures deals to solve multiple parties' problems simultaneously, particularly in helping 1031 exchange investors find temporary parking spots for their capital. The conversation provides detailed insights into using options, navigating seller financing, and creating win-win scenarios in today's high-interest-rate environment. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Joe Cornwell and his business partner Anderson Morgan dive into their current redevelopment project - transforming a historic 11,000 sq ft theater in Reading, Ohio's Bridal District into a modern multifamily complex. They discuss navigating complex construction challenges, securing crucial city partnerships for tax abatement and parking solutions, and their market analysis methodology for determining optimal unit mix and pricing. The conversation offers valuable insights into tackling large-scale redevelopment projects in today's high-rate environment, emphasizing the importance of extended due diligence periods, public-private partnerships, and strategic market positioning for success. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Slocomb Reed provides a comprehensive foundation for new passive real estate investors looking to deploy significant capital. Reed breaks down the essential decision-making framework between income-focused investing (targeting monthly or annual returns for current lifestyle needs) versus wealth-building strategies (compounding capital for future milestones). He explains three key methods to accelerate capital growth in real estate: forcing appreciation through value-add improvements, leveraging market trends for natural appreciation, and acquiring properties below market value. This educational episode helps listeners align their personal financial goals with the appropriate real estate investment strategies to maximize their returns. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Next Level CRE, host Matt Faircloth interviews Reed Goossens, head of RSN Property Group and veteran of 27 syndications totaling over $900 million in transactions. Goossens shares insights on navigating the current multifamily downturn, including how his firm closed five deals over the past two challenging years by focusing on positive leverage and agency debt. The conversation explores distressed opportunities emerging in the market, lessons from both successful and challenging deals, and why international investors are drawn to US real estate investments. Goossens also discusses his transition from structural engineering to real estate syndication and offers practical advice for investors entering today's market. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show's Passive Income Playbook, host Pascal Wagner interviews Sanjay Vora, CEO of Vessar and advisor to over 200 fund managers. Vora shares his evolution from tech executive to fund manager, offering deep insights into private fund evaluation, discussing key due diligence strategies, and emphasizing the importance of diversification in passive investing. Drawing from his experience with over 25 syndications and 100+ debt deals, Vora provides actionable advice for investors on analyzing fund managers, understanding capital stacks, and avoiding common investment pitfalls. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Joe Cornwell sits down with his business partner Anderson Morgan to discuss how investors can leverage construction expertise to enhance their real estate investments. Morgan shares his journey from a live-in flip to developing a successful construction company, offering insights on building reliable contractor relationships, managing expectations between GCs and investors, and why controlling the construction aspect of real estate investing has been crucial to his success. This episode is part one of a two-part series, with the second part focusing on a specific redevelopment deal case study. Sponsors: Vintage Capital Capital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices