The Best Ever CRE Show - podcast cover

The Best Ever CRE Show

Joe Fairlesswww.bestevercre.com
Welcome to the Best Ever CRE Show, the world’s longest-running daily COMMERCIAL real estate podcast. Founded by Joe Fairless, a co-founder of Ashcroft Capital who went from buying $35,000 homes to controlling more than $2.7 billion in real estate assets, the Best Ever CRE Show provides commercial real estate expert insights, education, and timely information to our community of active and passive investors who want to build wealth, build a legacy, and do more good in the world. So if you want the real stories behind the good, the bad, and the worst ever deals — plus, insights into what really goes on in commercial real estate investing — you’re in the right place. Our hosts interview commercial real estate experts every day to uncover secrets and strategies YOU can use to become a better, more informed investor. This is the Best Ever CRE show.
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Episodes

JF3753: Investment Fraud Expert's Warning: 'The Only Thing Wrong With Losing Money is Hiding It' ft. James Brandolino

In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, James Brandolino, former hedge fund manager and founder of Investment Fraud Solutions, joins host Matt Faircloth. Brandolino shares his personal story of running a fraudulent hedge fund for eight years before turning himself in, and now helps investors and companies prevent fraud. He explains how most investment fraud doesn't start intentionally but evolves from fear and pride when investments underperform. Brandolino provides insights on red flags in i...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 20 minSeason 1Ep. 3753

JF3752: Why Floor Plate Size Makes or Breaks Office Conversions (And Other Insider Design Secrets) ft. Duanne Render

In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Duanne Render, design manager at Gensler, joins host Amanda Cruise to discuss office-to-residential conversions. Render explains Gensler's proprietary algorithm for analyzing building conversion suitability, focusing on key factors like floor plate size, mechanical systems, and facade configuration. He shares insights on market conditions that make conversions viable, including construction costs, property values, and rental rates, while highlighting su...

Dec 12, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 3752

JF3751: The Truth About Bridge Debt & Why This Former Pro Golfer Stopped Doing Office Deals ft. Billy Brown

In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Billy Brown, founder of The Investors Capital Group LL/C and active investor, joins host Amanda Cruise. Brown shares his journey from professional golf to commercial lending and discusses his diverse portfolio, including an 82-unit multifamily property in Kentucky and a triple-net office building in Wisconsin. He provides valuable insights on the 2024-2025 lending landscape, discussing higher interest rates, bridge debt challenges, and the growing trend...

Dec 11, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 3751

JF3750: The Wall of Doom, How the U.S. Treasury Has Changed, and What it All Means for CRE ft. Brian Bailey

In this conversation, John Chang interviews Brian Bailey, CRE Subject Matter Expert in the Supervision, Regulation, & Credit Division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. They discuss the implications of recent economic policies, particularly tariffs, on commercial real estate. They explore how these tariffs could lead to inflation, affect labor shortages, and impact construction costs. The discussion also covers investor perspectives in a changing market, the influence of interest rates ...

Dec 10, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 3750

JF3749: Why This Texas Multifamily Owner Started a $3M Debt Fund (And Still Loves Buying Apartments) ft. Jacob Garza

In this episode, Slocomb Reed interviews Jacob Garza, founder of REEP Equity, focusing on the commercial real estate landscape, particularly in Texas. Jacob shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to real estate investor, discussing the operational strategies of REEP Equity, their market focus, and the current acquisition opportunities in Texas. The conversation also delves into the recent launch of a debt fund, its mechanics, and how it fits into the broader investment strategy. Jacob emphasi...

Dec 09, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 3749

JF3748: Why This Office Investor Is Still Seeing 20% Rent Growth Despite Market Fear ft. Josh Sason

In this episode, Amanda Cruise interviews Josh Sason, who shares his journey from launching a hedge fund at 22 to focusing on commercial real estate. Josh discusses his investment strategies in office properties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced in the office market, and the lessons learned from his experiences. He also explores the small bay industrial market, emphasizing the opportunities in secondary and tertiary markets, and concludes with insights on shifts in investment th...

Dec 08, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 3746

JF3747: When The City Engineer Gets Personal: A Multifamily Development Nightmare ft. Eduardo Viesca

Joe Cornwell interviews Eduardo Viesca, managing partner of Manglar Capital, who shares his extensive experience in real estate investment. Eduardo discusses his journey from Mexico to the U.S. real estate market, focusing on multifamily investments and land development strategies. He reflects on both successful and challenging deals, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and finding unique investment opportunities. Eduardo also addresses the current challenges in raising capi...

Dec 07, 202427 minSeason 1Ep. 3747

JF3746: Building Real Estate Influence Through Authentic Social Media Strategy ft. David Pere

Matt Faircloth and David Pere discuss the intersection of social media and real estate investing, particularly focusing on how military veterans transition into real estate. They explore the benefits of the VA loan, the importance of house hacking, and the strategies for building a strong social media presence. David shares insights on monetizing social media followings through affiliate marketing and community building, as well as his experiences with boutique hotel investments. The discussion ...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 3732

JF3745: Smart Tax Strategy: Breaking Free from 1031 Exchange Limitations ft. Brett Swarts

In this episode, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Brett Swarts, founder and CEO of Capital Gains Tax Solutions. Brett shares his journey from struggling in the real estate market to managing over $150 million in assets. He discusses the Deferred Sales Trust (DST) as an alternative to the 1031 exchange, highlighting its flexibility, tax benefits, and how it can be used for various asset types. The conversation delves into the pros and cons of DSTs, income generation strategies, and the impor...

Dec 05, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 3745

JF3744: Why Property Management Makes or Breaks Multifamily Success ft. Divya Smith

In this conversation, Divya Smith, founder and CEO of Ascending Avenue Investments, shares her journey from a technology executive to a real estate investor. She discusses the current market trends, investor sentiment, and the challenges faced in capital raising and investor relations. Divya emphasizes the importance of property management and the lessons learned from her experiences in the multifamily space. The discussion also covers the shift in investor focus towards stabilized assets and th...

Dec 04, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 3744

JF3743: Lifestyle Flex, Data Centers, and Emerging Niche Plays in CRE ft. Ben Lapidus

John Chang and Ben Lapidus delve into the world of niche real estate investments, focusing on unique concepts like flex space and data centers. They discuss the challenges of selling these unconventional properties, the potential for growth in niche asset classes, and the opportunities available for small to mid-size investors. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of commercial real estate and the importance of understanding market demands. Sponsors: Altra Running Sunrise Capital L...

Dec 03, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 3743

JF3742: Mastering Land Development: Safari Glamping & 400-Lot Modular Home Projects ft. Chang Liang

Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Chang Liang, managing partner of Collective Acre, who shares insights into the glamping industry and the business model behind it. Chang discusses the unique experiences offered at their glamping resorts, the financial aspects of running such a business, and the challenges faced in land development and entitlement. The conversation also touches on investment perspectives, best practices for managing a glamping resort, and the future direction of Collective A...

Dec 02, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 3742

JF3741: Mobile Home Park Value-Add Deal Deep Dive: Turning a $1.3M Contract into a $650K Purchase ft. Amanda Cruise

Ash Patel and Amanda Cruz discuss Amanda's recent acquisition of a mobile home park, detailing the challenges and strategies involved in the deal. They explore the negotiation process, financial insights, and the importance of understanding property dynamics. Amanda shares her experiences with the previous owner, the slumlord, and how they navigated the complexities of the deal. The conversation also touches on funding strategies, lessons learned, and future plans for the property. Sponsors: Alt...

Dec 01, 202426 minSeason 1Ep. 3741

JF3740: Understanding Real Estate Market Phases: Core Multifamily Insights from a $1.8B Portfolio ft. Forrest Corral

Slocomb Reed interviews Forrest Corral, a principal at LTL Multifamily, who shares his extensive experience in the multifamily real estate sector. Forrest discusses his journey from accounting to real estate, the skills that have contributed to his success in acquisitions, and his insights on understanding market cycles. He emphasizes the importance of adapting investment strategies to current market conditions, particularly in light of rising interest rates and changing economic factors. The co...

Nov 30, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 3740

JF3739: Building Two Niche Real Estate Empires Through Mobile Homes & Parking Lots ft. Kevin Bupp

In this conversation, Kevin Bupp discusses his extensive experience in real estate, particularly in mobile home parks. He shares insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the real estate market, the current trends in mobile home parks, and the financing options available for both park owners and residents. Kevin emphasizes the importance of value-add strategies and the unique structure of ownership in mobile home parks, highlighting the differences between mobile homes and traditional housi...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 3739

JF3738: Private Money vs Flipping: Why Lending Beats Being in the Trenches ft. Mike Seidl

Mike Seidl shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his first company in the medical alert industry to his current role as a private money lender in real estate. He discusses the transition from flipping houses to lending, the advantages of being in a lending position, and insights into the current real estate market. Mike emphasizes the importance of cash flow, building relationships, and being prepared for future opportunities in the market. Mike Seidl | Real Estate Background Co-Foun...

Nov 28, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 3738

JF3737: Demystifying LIHTC Properties: The Hidden Opportunities in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits ft. Mikhail Kaufman

In this episode, host Slocomb Reed interviews Mikhail Kaufman, COO of Kraft Capital Investments, who specializes in LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) multifamily properties in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Kaufman shares his expertise in managing these specialized properties, explaining how LIHTC deals require unique operational knowledge due to income restrictions and compliance requirements, but can offer better returns due to less competition from buyers. He details how his team creates val...

Nov 27, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 3737

JF3736: The Secret Life of Interest Rates — Inflation, the Election, and What Comes Next ft. Ben Lapidus

John Chang and Ben Lapidus explore the current state of the real estate market in John's debut episode of "The Horizon with John Chang". They focus on the impact of interest rates, differing regional perspectives, and the long-term outlook for real estate investments. They discuss the importance of understanding market dynamics, the potential for investment opportunities, and the need for investors to keep a forward-looking perspective. The dialogue emphasizes the value of real estate as a consi...

Nov 26, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 3736

JF3735: Healthcare Development, Wedding Venues & The Art of Finding Lucrative Real Estate Niches ft. Austin Hair

Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Austin Hair, a real estate entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio including wedding venues and retail centers. Austin shares his journey from being a professional wakeboarder to becoming a successful real estate investor. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the wedding venue business, the complexities of financing real estate, and his transition into retail real estate. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics, ...

Nov 25, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 3735

JF3734: The Hidden Power of C-PACE: Why Most Real Estate Projects Already Qualify for Low-Cost, Fixed-Rate Financing ft. Laura Rapaport

Joe Cornwell interviews Laura Rapaport, Founder & CEO of North bridge, to discuss the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. Laura shares her extensive background in real estate and explains how C-PACE financing works, its benefits, and its eligibility criteria. The conversation delves into practical applications of C-PACE in development projects, financial structures, and market trends, providing valuable insights for real estate investors and developers. Laura also off...

Nov 24, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 3734

JF3733: Structuring a No-Headache Bar Deal: Getting Business Profits Without the Business Hassles ft. Ash Patel and Amanda Cruise

Ash Patel shares his experiences and insights into investing in businesses, particularly in the bar and nightclub sector. He discusses the emotional aspects of investment decisions, the risks associated with buying businesses versus real estate, and the importance of structuring deals to protect against potential downsides. Ash reflects on his past failures and successes, emphasizing the need for careful planning and partnership dynamics in business ventures. Sponsors: Altra Running Learn more a...

Nov 23, 202422 minSeason 1Ep. 3733

JF3732: Making Taxes Work For You: Bonus Depreciation, QBI Deductions, and Real Estate Professional Status Secrets ft. Amanda Han

Amanda Han and Matt Faircloth discuss the current tax strategies for real estate investors, focusing on the implications of recent political changes and the impact of tax legislation on investment decisions. They explore the benefits of the Qualified Business Income Deduction, the significance of bonus depreciation, and the increased funding for the IRS leading to more audits. The discussion also touches on the political dynamics that influence tax laws and the future outlook for tax benefits un...

Nov 22, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 3732

JF3731: Mastering Section 8 & Low-Income Housing: The Truth About Returns, Tenants, and Housing Authorities ft. Ray Glymph

Ray Glymph discusses his journey from experiencing homelessness to building a $10 million real estate portfolio focused on affordable housing. He shares insights on successfully managing Section 8 properties, debunks misconceptions about low-income housing, and emphasizes the importance of local market knowledge and relationship building with housing authorities. Ray also discusses his strategy of targeting 5-20 unit properties and adapting to current market challenges. Ray Glymph | Real Estate ...

Nov 21, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 3731

JF3730: From IT Manager to Multifamily Asset Manager: Breaking Into Syndication Without Experience ft. Michael Webberley

Michael Webberley shares his journey into multifamily real estate syndication, discussing his background, the importance of building relationships, and the challenges faced in asset management. He emphasizes the value of joining masterminds, adding value to partnerships, and the significance of tracking KPIs and resident feedback to enhance property management. Michael also highlights the unique aspects of the Jacksonville market and how his IT background has contributed to his success in real e...

Nov 20, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 3770

JF3729: From German Manufacturing COO to 6,000-Lot Mobile Home Empire ft. Matthias Gruenwald

Matthias Gruenwald shares his journey from being a COO in a manufacturing company to becoming a successful real estate investor specializing in mobile home parks. He discusses his unique approach to acquiring distressed properties, creating affordable housing, and building a scalable business model. Matthias emphasizes the importance of processes, relationships, and a long-term vision in achieving success in the competitive real estate market. Matthias Gruenwald | Real Estate Background T2M Capi...

Nov 19, 202438 minSeason 1Ep. 3729

JF3728: From Clinical Dietitian to 1,100-Unit Portfolio: Finding Tax Benefits & Creative Solutions in Houston Multifamily ft. Haley John

Joe Cornwell interviews Haley John, co-founder and managing partner of RH Capital, who shares her inspiring journey from being a clinical dietitian to a successful real estate investor. Haley discusses her first large multifamily investment, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of being both a limited partner (LP) and general partner (GP) in real estate deals. She reflects on lessons learned from both successful and challenging investments, offers insights into the current real estate ...

Nov 18, 202428 minSeason 1Ep. 3728

JF3727: Why a $450M Portfolio is Shifting from Value-Add to Class A: Trading Higher Returns for Steadier Cash Flow ft. Whitney Sewell

Slocomb Reed and Whitney Sewell discuss the evolving landscape of multifamily investing, focusing on market changes, investment strategies, risk management, and the challenges of raising capital. Whitney shares insights from his experiences over the past two years, including lessons learned from mistakes made with floating rate debt and the importance of adapting to investor preferences for stability and lower risk. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the future of multifamily investing an...

Nov 17, 202418 minSeason 1Ep. 3727

JF3726: From Hating Senior Living Facilities to Building a 141-Bed Cozy Home Empire — and a $85K Lesson on Having Capital Ready ft. Brandon Schwab

Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Brandon Schwab, CEO of Shepard Premier Senior Living, who shares his journey into the assisted living industry. Brandon discusses the importance of creating cozy home environments for seniors, the challenges of navigating the market, and the strategies he employs to scale his business. He also reflects on the lessons learned from his failures and the critical need for quality care in the industry. Brandon Schwab | Real Estate Background CEO of Shepherd Premi...

Nov 16, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 3726

JF3725: Keeping Syndicators Out of Jail: SEC Rule Changes, Token Offerings, and Entity Structure Mistakes to Avoid ft. Mauricio Rauld

Mauricio Rauld discusses the intricacies of real estate syndication, focusing on common legal mistakes, the role of capital raisers, and the importance of proper entity structures for asset protection. He emphasizes the need for syndicators to understand securities laws and the implications of using third-party capital raisers. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of accreditation rules, the future of capital raising strategies, and predictions for the real estate market amidst econ...

Nov 15, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 3725

JF3724: From Concrete Mason to 885 Doors: Teaching Blue Collar Investors How to Build Wealth ft. Kent Kiess

Kent Kiess shares his journey from a construction background to becoming a successful multifamily real estate investor with over 885 doors across nine properties. He discusses the importance of partnerships, the transition from single-family to multifamily investments, and the challenges faced in the current market. Kent emphasizes the significance of due diligence, goal setting, and understanding the market dynamics to achieve financial independence and success in real estate investing. Kent Ki...

Nov 14, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 3724
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