Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever With Joe Fairless

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Derek Petersen, a former civil engineer turned real estate developer focused on adding value through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in San Diego. Derek shares how he transforms garages, carports, and storage spaces into high-demand micro-apartments near SDSU, maximizing returns by building for under $100K and renting for $1,500–$2,000/month. He dives into the nuances of California's ministerial approval process, lending strategies, and how compounding capital—even through operational cash flow—drives his long-term wealth strategy. The episode also explores Derek's candid lessons from a challenging Lexington multifamily deal and his views on financial freedom and the psychological barriers many face in pursuing it. Derek Petersen Current Role: Founder of Aviara Capital Investments, real estate investor and developer specializing in ADU conversions Based in: San Diego, California Say hi to them at: derek@AviaraCap