Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever With Joe Fairless

Today, we’re going to start counting down to the new year by looking back at some of the best episodes from the Best Ever Show in 2023. So what we’ve done — and what we’ll do over the next five days heading into 2024 — is pull some of our favorite Best Ever segments from shows throughout the year so you can get educated and inspired as we move into the new year. In this episode, we’ll focus on multifamily, pulling clips from episodes with Vikram Raya, Patrick Grimes, Jay Balekar, and the king of creative finance, Pace Morby. Vikram discusses how he went from Zero to $700M AUM in about eight years, including acquiring his first property, a 118-unit deal on a C-class property outside of Atlanta that he and his partners only got the inside track on because the lead buyer backed out after there was a murder on the property. Meanwhile, Patrick explains some of the biggest lessons he learned from the recent economic downturn, Jay provides his tips on working with third-party property management companies, and Pac

Wil Glafenhein, Owner of Honors Real Estate Services, dives into his strategies for success in building an $85 million portfolio. He shares tips for bringing in direct to seller leads and stresses the need for consistency and patience in today’s market where most deals just aren’t penciling. Key Takeaways: Lead Generation Strategies: Wil discusses various lead generation strategies, including targeting properties based on ownership type (individual vs. LLC) and understanding the importance of allocating sufficient resources to marketing campaigns. He emphasizes the need for patience and consistency in generating leads, especially in competitive markets. Mindset and Purpose: Beyond profit, Wil emphasizes the importance of mindset and purpose in the commercial real estate business. He recommends maintaining clarity on your goals and values while fostering a positive mindset. Effective Communication and Planning: Wil stresses the significance of clear communication and strategic planning when partnering wit

Jason Yarusi, Owner of Yarusi Holdings, shares the investing wisdom he’s earned from building a portfolio of over 2,300 multifamily units. He discusses the value in developing a long-term strategy and sticking to it despite economic conditions, investing in tertiary markets outside the ebbs and flows of major metros, and why the Fed’s recent announcement about potential interest rate cuts was so surprising. Key Takeaways: Adapting to Market Uncertainty: Jason emphasizes the importance of having a flexible business plan that can adapt to market fluctuations. He discusses how Yarusi Holdings strategically navigates through changing economic conditions and maintains a focus on long-term investment goals. Investor Education and Strategy Alignment: Jason suggests educating investors about the market and helping them understand how specific opportunities fit into their portfolios. Having a clear strategy and a diversified approach can mitigate risks in uncertain times. The Impact of Interest Rates and Market S

Mauricio Rauld, SEC Attorney with over 25 years of experience in real estate syndication law, shares what syndicators need to know to avoid SEC violations. He highlights some of those most common mistakes he sees syndicators making, why capital raisers need to speak with an SEC attorney, and the impact the Corporate Transparency Act will have on investors. Key Takeaways: Building Investor Relationships: Mauricio emphasizes the importance of quality interactions over time in order to protect yourself against relationship-based SEC violations. He clarifies that the SEC doesn't have a specific timeframe but looks for the depth of the relationship. A three-day field trip with meaningful conversations can be more effective in establishing a substantial relationship than a year of one-sided communication through newsletters or social media. Corporate Transparency Act (CTA): Mauricio highlights the upcoming CTA, set to take effect in 2024. This act requires individuals with ownership or control of entities to pr

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Drouin, the managing partner at Oak Grove Companies. With 17 years of experience and a portfolio spanning 176 units and over 500,000 square feet of commercial real estate space, Matt's journey from residential sales to multifamily investments and ultimately, to thriving in the evolving office space sector, offers valuable lessons for both seasoned and aspiring real estate investors. Key Takeaways: Redefining Office Space: Matt's success in downtown office spaces challenges conventional wisdom. He emphasizes that smaller, sub-3,000 square feet, well-located office units geared toward mom-and-pop businesses can be the secret to thriving in this sector. Understanding the specific needs of your market and potential conversion opportunities are crucial. Adaptability is Key: The discussion underscores the importance of adaptability in real estate investing. Matt's strategy revolves around finding deals that offer a plan B if the initial thesis doesn't pan out. Whether repo

George Roberts, data scientist and principal at Roberts Capital, shares his insights on how to get your foot in the door with a GP team, steps to becoming a thought leader, and why he thinks interest rates may fall sooner rather than later. Key Takeaways: Economic Insights and Challenges: George discusses the challenges posed by the ever-increasing national debt and its potential impact on interest rates and the economy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding historical data and market sentiment when making investment decisions. George highlights that success in commercial real estate requires a deep dive into market specifics, as real estate is hyper-local, and what works in one area may not work in another. Multifamily Investment Strategies: George's journey from single-family to multifamily investments underscores the value of partnerships and networking in the real estate industry. He explains the importance of driving for deals, being patient, and playing the long game in finding lucrative opp

Passive Investor Tips is a weekly series hosted by full-time passive investor and Best Ever Show host, Travis Watts. In each bite-sized episode, Travis breaks down passive investor topics, simplifying the philosophy and mindset while providing tactical, valuable information on how to be a passive investor. Value-add strategies are everywhere. You just have to know how and where to find them. In this episode, Travis shares his own personal stories of embracing a value-add mindset outside of real estate to negotiate great terms and turn a profit.   Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome the the Best Ever midweek news brief, a new series where we will highlight the top headlines CRE investors should be paying attention to this week, followed by a deep dive on a larger news topic or trend alongside a CRE expert.   Today’s Headlines: $4.5B Portfolio for Sale: Lennar has put a massive 11,000-unit multifamily portfolio up for sale. The portfolio is spread across 38 properties in 15 states and is valued at a staggering $4.5 billion. JLL has been tapped to manage the sale. Bye Bye, Boom: Warehouse construction starts have plunged 48%, the steepest drop since 2009, all while industrial real estate sales at large fell by 45% in Q3, prompting the Wall Street Journal to declare that the Great American Warehouse Building Boom is over. Retail’s Heating Up: Office real estate posted a third consecutive month of pricing gains while retail thrived, posting a fourth straight month of pricing gains and an average occupancy rate of nearly 86%, its highest since October 2022, according to Crexi

In this episode, we chat with Martin Grizzanti of Suplex Properties. Martin has over $20 million in AUM in the Rochester, New York area. Martin and Slocomb discuss their unique approaches to finding off-market deals, the power of partnerships, and the valuable lessons they've learned along the way in their investing journeys. Key Takeaways: Off-Market Opportunities: Marty and Slocomb emphasize the importance of creating your own market by actively seeking off-market deals. Their successful strategy involves cold calling, direct mail, and targeted marketing campaigns, which have proven to be effective in finding hidden opportunities. The Value of Partnerships: The podcast highlights the significance of choosing the right partners in commercial real estate ventures. Marty shares a valuable lesson about the importance of having candid conversations about roles and expectations within a partnership before diving into a deal, ensuring a smoother and more equitable collaboration. Continuous Learning: Whether i

Victor Leite, Partner at Twenty-Five Eight Capital, delivers his take on how to strategically scale a portfolio and the operations to go along with it in today’s market. He shares tips on going direct-to-seller on deals, how syndicators can minimize damage on distressed deals, and advice to new investors looking to dip their toe into the CRE world. Key Takeaways Preserve Your Reputation Above All: Victor emphasizes the significance of reputation and trust in the world of commercial real estate investing. He believes that safeguarding your reputation and maintaining the trust of your partners and investors is more valuable than any capital in your bank accounts. Flexibility and Long-Term Thinking: Real estate is a long-term game, and Victor advises investors to adopt a forward-thinking approach. Instead of seeking perfection in every deal, focus on progress and flexibility, adjusting your strategies to changing market conditions. Prepare for Market Cycles: Victor acknowledges the uncertainty in today's ma

Bill Ham, founder of Real Estate Raw and previous owner of over 1,000 multifamily units, shares his wisdom on gauging market cycles, the importance of cash flow and net worth, and why he chose to sell his entire real estate portfolio.  Key Takeaways: Cash Flow vs. Equity: Bill emphasizes the importance of balancing cash flow and equity in your commercial real estate investments. He aptly states, "Cash flow gets you out of a job, but equity keeps you there." This insightful perspective highlights the need to consider both short-term profitability and long-term wealth-building when making investment decisions. Legacy Wealth and Business: Bill challenges the notion of leaving behind individual assets as a legacy. Instead, he suggests focusing on leaving a legacy of education, business models, and systems, emphasizing that individual assets may not always be the best gift to pass on to the next generation. Getting Started: Bill's best advice for aspiring commercial real estate investors is simple: get starte

On this episode, Joe Cornwell interviews Jordan Moorhead, a real estate investor who has transitioned from multifamily properties to mobile home parks for better scalability and lower maintenance. Morehead also runs a real estate business with a focus on house hacking, emphasizing adaptability and strategic partnerships in real estate investing. Key Takeaways - Investment Strategy Evolution: Jordan Morehead transitioned from focusing on small multifamily deals to investing in single-family homes, and most recently, to mobile home parks. Scalability and Maintenance: He emphasizes the scalability and reduced maintenance of mobile home parks compared to single-family homes. Real Estate Agent Business: Morehead operates a real estate agent business, specializing in assisting clients with house hacking strategies. Importance of Adaptability: The episode highlights the need for adaptability in real estate investing, adapting strategies to market conditions and personal growth. Jordan Moorhead | Real Estate

Ashley Wilson, CEO of Bar Down Investments, covers a wide variety of topics and challenges facing today’s real estate investors. She discusses the current market conditions and the challenges her team is facing in evaluating property values. Ashley shares the types of value-add deals they are looking for, including distressed properties and unfinished projects with insights into the losses experienced by developers in the current market. She also shares her insights on preparing for the impact of COVID-19 and gives recommendations for giving back and learning from investment mistakes. Key Takeaways: Operations is Everything: In a downturn, when interest rates and costs are rising fast, the only thing you can fall back on is solid operations. Ashley shares the strategies and safeguards her team has in place to protect their deals and their investors when times get tough. Relationships Are Key in Commercial Real Estate: Ashley emphasizes that commercial real estate is a highly relationship-based industry.

Passive Investor Tips is a weekly series hosted by full-time passive investor and Best Ever Show host, Travis Watts. In each bite-sized episode, Travis breaks down passive investor topics, simplifying the philosophy and mindset while providing tactical, valuable information on how to be a passive investor. In this episode, Travis shares the story of one investor who is sharing his wisdom about passive investing with his friends and family by teaching them the milk bucket strategy - a reliable and approachable way to learn about and automate passive investing to create financial freedom.   Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome the the Best Ever midweek news brief, a new series where we will highlight the top headlines CRE investors should be paying attention to this week, followed by a deep dive on a larger news topic or trend alongside a CRE expert.   Today’s Headlines Six Interest Rate Cuts in 2024? A recent report from ING Economics predicts that federal interest rates will likely be cut six times in 2024. That’s a bold prediction based on what we’ve seen in 2023. The report cites three key factors: a labor market that it intentionally describes as “cooling, not collapsing,” a gradual easing of inflationary pressures, and — even though spending is still strong — the outlook points to financial pressure hitting millions of households, and soon, which should curb spending and slow overall economic activity.   Midwest Corners Market on Apartment Competition: In RentCafe’s 2023 Year-End Report, the company broke down the U.S. rental markets based on competition. And while Miami was the nation’s hottest rental market,

Iven Vian, the Apartment Ninja Warrior with an 800+ unit portfolio, shares his wisdom about the importance of proactive asset management, being in alignment with your property management company, and facing the realities of real estate investment. Key Takeaways: Shift from Reactive to Proactive Management: Ivan highlights the critical importance of understanding how today's decisions impact the property's future, focusing on mitigating risks, and maximizing long-term profitability. The Business Mindset in Real Estate: Iven stresses that owning commercial real estate is not just about property ownership; it's about running a business. He dispels the myth that investing in real estate is a passive endeavor, highlighting the necessity of aligning ownership goals and involving property management companies as integral parts of the business strategy. Closing the Gap Between Expectations and Reality: Iven calls for transparency and realism in the industry, advocating for a more seamless transition from underwr

Matt Picheny, a real estate investor and coach with a portfolio of over 4,500 multifamily units, shares his strategies for navigating around increasing expenses, including evaluating your budget for potential savings, creating additional income where possible, and contesting property taxes when appropriate. Key Takeaways: Expense Reduction Strategies: Matt emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing every line item in the financials, questioning vendor relationships, and seeking opportunities to reduce expenses. He highlights negotiating insurance and taxes, renegotiating contracts, and in-house hiring for specific trades as effective methods to cut costs. Property Tax Contesting: Matt shares his experience with contesting property tax increases, emphasizing that it's an ongoing process. He discusses the alignment of interest with consulting firms that work on a contingency basis, ensuring that they only take on projects where savings are achievable. Acquisitions in the Current Market: Matt outlines his ac

Mike Deaton, founder of Flipping Dirt and Deaton Equity Partners, sheds light on the world of land flipping. His simple buy low, sell high strategy requires very little time and energy, and results in major profits. Key Takeaways The Formula for Simple Land Flipping: There are a variety of business models when it comes to land flipping. Mike’s strategy consists of buying properties significantly under market value, doing nothing to them, remarketing them, and selling them within 4 weeks for a hefty profit. There are very few outside parties and logistics involved. Marketing Tips for Land Deals: Mike shares his techniques for marketing and selling land properties quickly. He talks about the websites and platforms he uses to list properties, how and when he works with realtors, and how he approaches conversations with buyers. The Tax Advantages of Multifamily: After seeing such success with land flipping, Mike’s tax bill was less than ideal. He decided to diversify his portfolio by investing in multifamily

Ross McArthur, co-founder of Follow the Deal Investments, shares his journey in CRE investing, from being terrified to invest in a four-unit property in 2020 to closing 15 deals in 15 months to establish a 600 unit portfolio today. Key Takeaways Treating Real Estate Like a Business: Even if investing is just a side hustle for you, treat it like a business, not a hobby. This means organizing your operations, setting up dedicated email accounts, and implementing proper accounting and tracking software from day one. Strategic Team Building: The key to building a great team is hiring where you’re weak. You don’t have to hire a full team at 40 hours a week right away. Ross shares the transformative impact that hiring a part-time CFO and partnering with a real estate-focused CPA has had on his business and overall bottom line. The Power of Cash Out Refinancing and Local Banks: Ross increased his portfolio by 100 units in 12 months by utilizing the cash out refinance method and building relationships with local

Commercial real estate expert Corey Peterson shares his journey of becoming a master of scaling in the multifamily industry. He reveals valuable insights and strategies for success, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and learning from others. Corey discusses various aspects of commercial real estate investing, from engaging with investors to navigating challenges like rising interest rates.  Key Takeaways The Power of Curiosity and Learning: Corey emphasizes the significance of asking questions and seeking advice from experienced individuals in the field. Being a master copier, he advocates for continuous learning and staying humble, as it's crucial for growth and success in commercial real estate. Effective Investor Engagement: Corey shares his approach to working with investors, highlighting that many are more interested in the operator's track record than chasing high returns. He stresses the importance of quantifying your pitch deck and demonstrating clear value to potential investors. Navigatin