Would you invest in any of these six syndication deals? In today’s episode, we’re trying something new, a “Delete or Dig In” segment, where we pull real deals from our inboxes and break them down on the show. We’ll review their returns, minimum investments, value-add strategies, and timelines—then choose to either “dig in” or “delete” and move on to the next opportunity. We’ve been sent a stream of syndication and fund deals, so we’re reviewing a spectrum of investments in today’s show—from apar...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min
The multifamily market is shifting—again. Construction is slowing down after a historic wave of new delivery, and uncertainty surrounding the new administration, tariffs, and inflation is causing consumers to lose faith in the economy as a recession looms. Passive investors must recalibrate, but how? Stay tuned as we share our multifamily outlook for 2025! Things are changing rapidly, and to help unpack it all, we’re interviewing Greg Willett, a real estate economist turned tech-side strategist ...
Apr 22, 2025•37 min
The financial landscape is shifting, with rumblings of a global currency reset threatening to take down the US dollar. What does this mean for limited partners (LPs), syndicators, and other passive investors? How “safe” are your investments in the event of a collapse? We’ll discuss all of this and more in today’s episode. Financial strategist, investor, and founder of The Raising Capitalists Foundation Russell Gray returns to the show to talk about the future of fiat currency and what investors ...
Apr 15, 2025•52 min
Sweeping new tariffs are causing sharp economic ripple effects, with stock valuations dropping last week and Americans bracing for renewed inflation. This shift creates both new risks and opportunities for real estate investors—especially passive LPs evaluating upcoming deals. Amid this uncertainty, bond yields and mortgage rates are falling fast—a welcome shift for GPs grappling with bridge loans or variable-rate debt. The question LP investors must ask themselves now is: how do I protect my po...
Apr 08, 2025•42 min
In the latest episode of our Deal Review Series, Drew Wahlgren from MAG Capital Investments presents the MAG Capital Industrial Fund III Deal to our LP panel: Paul Shannon, Chris Lopez, and Mauricio Rauld. The LP Panel asks questions like: - How many industrial deals have you done, and what’s the performance to date? - Who handles acquisitions, asset management, and communications with investors? - How soon is the fund putting money to work, and how much has been raised so far? - How do current ...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon chat with James Eng of Old Capital Lending to unpack today’s multifamily financing landscape. A 20-year commercial lending veteran in both institutional and private markets, James explains how surging interest rates, higher scrutiny on sponsors, and renewed competition in bridge loans are reshaping apartment deals. He also shares why LPs should treat debt as a top priority – from understanding agency vs. bridge terms to watching out for “race-to-the-bottom” lending a...
Mar 25, 2025•40 min
Host Jim Pfeifer chats with real estate advisor Aleksey Chernobelskiy, who spent years on an institutional investment team overseeing billions of dollars in properties before shifting his focus to helping limited partners. Aleksey discusses the key lessons he’s learned under “big REIT” systems and how they apply to everyday passive investors navigating the often “Wild West” of syndications. You’ll hear why standardized metrics (like address, fees, and exit cap assumptions!) are so critical yet f...
Mar 18, 2025•49 min
Paul Shannon sits down with Logan Freeman (a.k.a. “Mr. Kansas City”) for a deep dive into the 18-year real estate cycle and how it shapes today’s market. Drawing on the works of economists like Fred Harrison and Phil Anderson, Logan explains why land scarcity and speculative credit often drive real estate booms and busts. He also highlights how investors can prepare for what he calls a “winter’s curse,” using historical cycles to spot new opportunities and avoid pitfalls. If you’re looking to na...
Mar 11, 2025•45 min
Paul Shannon hosts an in-depth chat with Chris Carsley of Kirkland Capital Group to explore the growing world of private real estate debt. Chris explains how private lending is filling financing gaps left by traditional banks, why short-term “bridge” loans for smaller commercial deals can yield competitive returns, and what operational due diligence steps every LP should take before investing. From the basics of senior debt to navigating leverage, liquidity, and redemptions, Chris shares real-wo...
Mar 04, 2025•40 min
Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon sit down with John Bowens of Equity Trust to break down the power of self-directed retirement plans for real estate investors. From the basics of what “self-directed” really means to the nuances of IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s, John explains how you can unlock more flexibility and control in building your portfolio. Whether you’re investing in syndications, private lending, or direct ownership, learn the steps for opening a self-directed account, how to navigate leve...
Feb 25, 2025•45 min
We dive into the “battle of the PPM” (Private Placement Memorandum) with two special guests from opposite sides of the table. On the GP side, securities attorney Mauricio Rauld (Platinum Legal) explains how these legal documents protect operators and outline deal structures. Representing the LP perspective, experienced investor Jeremy Roll highlights how to spot red flags, interpret complex provisions, and ensure you’re comfortable with all the “fine print” before signing on the dotted line. Lea...
Feb 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 208
We explore the world of asset class conversions with special guest Clint Harris, who specializes in turning empty big-box buildings (think old Kmarts and abandoned textile mills) into profitable self-storage facilities. Clint shares why changing consumer needs (especially among younger renters) is sparking new demand for creative reuse, and how savvy operators can use “cap rate arbitrage” to transform distressed properties at half the cost (and in a fraction of the time) compared to ground-up de...
Feb 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 207
We sit down with John “Dr. Doom” Drachman for a revealing look at how the multifamily market has evolved since the turbulence of 2022 and what passive investors can do now. John unpacks the factors that led to trouble (“overheated” markets, aggressive loan structures, and short-term flips), why true distress hasn’t fully materialized, and how today’s environment calls for more “boring,” long-term investing strategies. Tune in to learn why survival in 2022 doesn’t necessarily mean smooth sailing ...
Feb 04, 2025•51 min•Ep. 205
We welcome rental housing economist Jay Parsons to dissect the current multifamily landscape and offer insights on what 2025 might bring. Jay unpacks why record new deliveries haven’t led to severe distress (yet), how interest rate surprises are reshaping capital markets, and whether policy risks could outweigh simple supply-and-demand fundamentals. Learn why he believes “steady eddy” Midwest markets are surging, why the Sunbelt could soon make a comeback, and what these trends mean for passive ...
Jan 28, 2025•38 min•Ep. 205
Investment expert Spencer Hilligoss of Madison Investing joins host Paul Shannon to discuss the essentials of vetting real estate sponsors. From building your network to identifying financial red flags, Spencer shares his five-part framework for evaluating a sponsor’s track record, team, communication style, and more. Discover why the sponsor’s personal balance sheet matters, how to tell if they truly care about tenant experience, and when it’s time to walk away- no matter how good the deal appe...
Jan 21, 2025•39 min•Ep. 204
We sit down with special guest Litan Yahav: the CEO and founder of Vyzer, an innovative virtual wealth management tool designed for passive investors. In this episode, Litan takes us behind the scenes of building a platform that helps you stay organized across multiple deals, GPs, and asset classes—while also giving us a sneak peek at how Vyzer uses aggregated (yet anonymous) data to identify top-performing operators. Get ready for game-changing insights on optimizing your time and improving you...
Jan 14, 2025•38 min•Ep. 202
Join seasoned real estate experts Jim Pfeifer and Brian Burke as they unpack the landscape of multifamily investing in 2025. In this insightful discussion, they navigate the complexities of today's market, from construction delays to debt challenges, offering their seasoned perspectives on where opportunities lie. The conversation dives deep into why multifamily properties continue to attract investors, while honestly addressing the headwinds facing the industry - from operational challenges to ...
Jan 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 204
We dive deep into everything you need to know about the essentials of analyzing a deal with our guest, Tyson Miller. the must-know strategies for mastering real estate investments. Discover Paul’s top tips for identifying red flags that could save your next deal and learn the secret strategy to uncovering the critical details that make or break your investments. Explore game-changing methods for deal analysis, and get a clear breakdown of how cap rates can impact your profitability. We also unco...
Dec 31, 2024•40 min•Ep. 201
🌟 Deal Review with Passive Investors | PIC Debt Fund Breakdown Featuring Whitney Elkins-Hutten 🌟 In this episode of our Deal Review Series, we’re joined by Whitney Elkins-Hutten from Passive Investing.com, who’ll present the highlights of their PIC Debt Fund. Together with an expert panel of seasoned Limited Partners, including Paul Shannon (Co-Host of the PassivePockets podcast) and Litan Yahav (Founder of Vyzer), we’ll: ✅ Analyze the Deal – What makes this fund worth considering? ✅ Spot Red ...
Dec 24, 2024•49 min•Ep. 200
Every good syndication investment starts with investing in a good operator! Today we're breaking down how to vet an operator in Passive Investing featuring host Jim Pfeifer and co-host Paul Shannon with guest Chris Lopez. We’re back with an episode you can’t afford to miss! Our new co-host (and longtime friend!) Paul Shannon joins us to dig into the details, and we’re bringing in special guest Chris Lopez to share his insider experience vetting operators. In this episode, we’re covering: Why an ...
Dec 17, 2024•39 min•Ep. 199
In our latest Deal Review episode, Paul Bennett from AAA Storage presents the AAA Storage Growth Fund I to our LP panel: Jim Pfeifer, Paul Shannon, Chris Lopez. You can expect a breakdown of the fund’s strategy, projected returns, and structure — and tough questions and candid insights from our LP Panel.The LP panel asks questions like: Are we catching a falling knife by investing now, or is the market bottoming out? How will cash flow be handled post-stabilization? How do Delaware Statutory Tru...
Dec 10, 2024•49 min•Ep. 198
Learn more about PassivePockets: https://passivepockets.com/pricing Money Ripples Show Notes link: https://bit.ly/48UqUl3 In this episode, Jim Pfeifer and Chris Miles dive into the power of passive income as the cornerstone of financial independence. They challenge traditional financial strategies like the 4% rule, exposing their flaws and risks—such as sequence of return risk—and champion the benefits of investing in real assets over paper assets. Chris shares personal stories that illustrate t...
Dec 03, 2024•47 min•Ep. 197
🎙 Discover how preferred equity can help you maximize returns and minimize risk in real estate investing! In this video, host Jim Pfeifer, and guests Paul Moore, and Troy Zsofka break down the basics of preferred equity, how it works, and why it's a game-changer for savvy investors. Whether you're a seasoned real estate pro or just starting out, you'll learn actionable tips to make smarter investment decisions.. 👉 What you'll learn: What is preferred equity in real estate? How it reduces risk ...
Nov 26, 2024•41 min•Ep. 196
🎙Welcome to Passive Pockets! In this episode, Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon share 9 crucial mistakes to avoid when it comes to passive investing. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your strategy, these insights will help you make smarter investment decisions. ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 1:00 - #1: Not Asking The Right Questions 4:05 - #2: Thinking Passive Investing is 100% Passive 12:46 - #3: Thinking Preferred Return = Steady Cash Flow 12:46 - #4: Thinking Preferred Return...
Nov 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 195
In this episode, we dive into the world of passive investing with industry experts Jim Pfeifer and Mark Kelley. They discuss how they transitioned from traditional financial advisory roles to successful passive investors, sharing their top strategies for creating sustainable income and building wealth with less hands-on management. Listen in to learn: Why passive investing is on the rise among financial professionals The advantages and potential challenges of a passive investment approach Proven...
Nov 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 194
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of passive income through real estate investing? In this episode of Passive Pockets, Jim Pfeifer and guest Devon Kennard dives into the basics of real estate syndication—the ultimate strategy for building wealth without the day-to-day management headaches. Whether you're new to real estate or an experienced investor, syndication offers a powerful way to earn passive income, diversify your portfolio, and invest in larger properties like apartment buildings and ...
Nov 05, 2024•47 min•Ep. 193
Are you thinking about investing in real estate syndication as a limited partner? In this episode, Jim Pfeifer and guest Stacey Stegenga dive deep into the red flags you need to watch for before committing to any syndication deal. From hidden fees and lack of transparency to syndicator track records, we’ll give you the tools to protect your investment and spot the warning signs early. Whether you're new to syndications or a seasoned investor, this episode will guide you through the key aspects t...
Oct 29, 2024•35 min•Ep. 192
In this episode, Jim Pfeifer interviews Travis Henry, who shares his journey from active residential investing to becoming a successful passive commercial investor. Travis discusses how he leveraged his underwriting expertise to make smarter investment decisions and strategically transitioned from active management to a passive income-generating portfolio. He provides actionable tips on when to stay active and when it’s time to go passive, helping investors determine which path best suits their ...
Oct 22, 2024•47 min•Ep. 191
In this episode, we're joined by passive investing expert Jim Pfeifer and Guest Peter Linneman explore the evolving landscape of passive income strategies in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, Jim provides valuable insights on the current trends, opportunities, and challenges in today’s market. We dive into the rise of real estate syndications, alternative assets, and strategies for building a diversified portfolio without the need for constant oversight. Jim also ...
Oct 15, 2024•43 min•Ep. 190
In this podcast, Jim Pfeifer, J Scott, and Paul Shannon walk you through the essential steps to analyze a syndication deal. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your investment skills, this guide provides key insights into evaluating syndication opportunities. Jim, J and Paul break down the process, explain critical metrics, and share their expert tips to help you make informed decisions. Key Topics Covered: What is a syndication deal? How to evaluate real estate syndications Key metr...
Oct 08, 2024•50 min•Ep. 189
