The Real Estate Reality Show

Dr. Adam Gower

At GowerCrowd, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. Real estate investing for passive (accredited) investors is turning messy with vast swathes of loan maturities approaching which is going to send many sponsors into default causing their investors to lose capital. While this is nothing to be celebrated, it will also bring in a period of wealth transfer and opportunistic investments. We’re here to guide you by looking at the harsh realities of real estate investing, examining the risks and the rewards in conversations with some of the world’s top experts so you can make informed decisions. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Each week we add new episodes that provide you with access to the foremost specialists in commercial real estate investing with a focus on discounted distressed real estate and the associated market dynamics. We provide interviews and explainer videos that dive deep into the trends driving today's real estate industry, how the economy impacts returns, how to access and invest in distressed real estate deals, and how to protect your capital by mitigating downside risks. There’s no doubt that it is a very challenging time right now for the average investor. With the impact of COVID still being felt and the era of record low interest rates behind us, commercial real estate is experiencing severe headwinds. This creates financial distress for many CRE owners who did not include contingencies in their original business plans and who now face dramatically increased debt costs, increased construction and maintenance costs due to inflation, and reduced revenues from rents as the economy slows down. Is the commercial real estate world on the cusp of a major correction? Is it 2007 or 1989 all over again? Will passive investors (limited partners) who have invested in syndications (through crowdfunding or otherwise) see losses they had not predicted? How can you access discounted real estate opportunities this time around that were only available to a select few during prior downturns? Let us help you prepare your real estate portfolio no matter what the future holds, whether it be business as usual for real estate investors or a period of wealth transfer where those less prudent during the good times, lose their assets to those who have sat on the sidelines, patiently waiting for a correction. Be among the first to know of discounted investment opportunities as the market cycle plays out by subscribing to the GowerCrowd newsletter at https://gowercrowd.com/subscribe Subscribe to our YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/gowercrowd?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Adam on Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠ https://twitter.com/GowerCrowd Join the conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowercrowd/ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/GowerCrowd/ *** IMPORTANT NOTICE: This audio/video content is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as a recommendation, an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Any investment information contained herein is strictly for educational purposes and GowerCrowd makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy of such information and accepts no liability therefor. Real estate syndication investment opportunities are speculative and involve substantial risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. GowerCrowd is not a registered broker-dealer, investment adviser or crowdfunding portal. We recommend that you consult with a financial advisor, attorney, accountant, and any other professional that can help you to understand and assess the risks associated with any investment opportunity. Unless otherwise indicated, all images, content, designs, and recordings © 2023 GowerCrowd. All rights reserved. read less
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Episodes

The short term rental loophole revealed
1w ago
The short term rental loophole revealed
What is the short-term rental loophole and how can investors benefit? In this, the next in our continuing series on tax benefits for real estate investors, guest Tom Castelli, CPA, partner at Hall CPA, explains the short term rental (STR) loophole and explains in detail how investors can leverage the rule to get advantageous tax treatments. What makes the STR rule so interesting is the ability to use cost segregation studies to get bonus depreciation creating paper losses that can offset other taxable income. It's a potent strategy that, when wielded correctly, can lead to substantial tax savings but it is not without its nuances, as you might expect, or its complications – all of which are explained in this episode. For example, record keeping is a consistent theme with these real estate related tax incentives, and Tom underscores the importance of maintaining detailed records to substantiate one's active involvement in property management, a critical defense should the IRS come knocking. If you are interested in learning more about the potential of STRs and want to learn more about how you can leverage investing in them to reduce you tax burden, this conversation provides a detailed guide. Tom doesn't just present the STR loophole; he offers a blueprint for real estate investors seeking to optimize their passive income using this corner of the Code. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Tax Efficient Strategies for the Real Asset Investor
Mar 5 2024
Tax Efficient Strategies for the Real Asset Investor
Today's episode is the next in our series on tax incentives for real estate investors and my guest, Dave Zook of the Real Asset Investor is a true master of the art of minimizing taxes while maximizing passive income streams. His career started investing in multifamily real estate, but he has successfully migrated into other tax efficient asset classes. You're going to hear from Dave his personal experiences of how high-income earners can develop programs for themselves for investing and living life tax efficiently. Dave describes the specific investments he makes personally and, without making any recommendations (of course) he also provides direct access to resources for how you can research and do the same yourself. Specifically, Dave talks about the tax and income benefits of investing in multifamily real estate, car-washes, ATM machines, self-storage, gas and oil, and other asset classes you may have never thought about before or imagined were within your reach. Dave's approach stresses the significance of picking the right types of investments and collaborating with top-notch professionals for managing these investments effectively. Join me as Dave Zook lays out his blueprint for strategic investment—emphasizing tax smarts, diversifying assets wisely, and the essential practice of teaming up with the industry's best. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Examining the tax code's 'Real Estate Professional Status'
Feb 27 2024
Examining the tax code's 'Real Estate Professional Status'
Are you actually maximizing your tax deductions as a real estate investor? In this episode of our series on how the tax code applies to and benefits real estate investing, we investigate the complexities of Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) with Brandon Hall, a leading CPA specializing in real estate. Brandon breaks down the intricate details of REPS, offering a comprehensive explanation of its impact on tax deductions, and how it significantly enhances cash flow by allowing professional investors to offset passive income and capital gains with tax 'losses'. For those unfamiliar with REPS, Brandon begins with a 101 explanation, clarifying that this status is not so easy to qualify because it requires meeting specific IRS criteria, including a 750-hour annual activity requirement and other benchmarks that Brandon discusses. He then dives deeper into the nuances, revealing strategies for documenting and substantiating one's active participation in real estate to meet IRS scrutiny. Tune into this episode to gain invaluable insights from Brandon Hall on how REPS can bolster investment portfolio profitability for real estate professionals. Whether you are a novice in real estate investing or seeking to refine your tax strategy, understanding how to navigate these complex tax laws could be crucial to optimizing your returns. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed decisions in their real estate investments, emphasizing the significance of REPS in the broader context of tax planning and investment management. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Tax Hacks for Real Estate Investors
Feb 20 2024
Tax Hacks for Real Estate Investors
In today’s episode you are getting insights into the world of advanced tax strategies and asset protection for real estate investors with Mark Swedberg of Royal Legal Solutions. Mark shares a wealth of insights, drawing from his company’s unique model that he likens to a "fractionalized family office," providing high-level tax and legal strategies not just for the ultra-wealthy but for anyone earning over $150,000. You’ll learn about the underutilized potential of private foundations, a strategy often misconceived as only for billionaires. Mark also shows you how setting up a private foundation can offer substantial tax benefits and charitable opportunities, proving it's within reach for many investors. We also help you better understand the complex landscape of entity structuring, emphasizing the crucial role of LLCs and S Corporations in asset protection and tax minimization. Mark illustrates how these entities can be strategically used to enhance deductions, protect investments from legal threats, and optimize tax efficiency. We also cover some lesser known and utilized tax strategies like the Augusta Rule, employing short-term rentals for tax advantages, and the concept of paying family members for legitimate business tasks to reduce taxable income. Mark emphasizes the importance of seeking tailored advice and education in navigating these strategies, ensuring they align with individual financial goals and lifestyles. Tune in to gain Mark Swedberg's expert insights on leveraging legal and tax strategies to bolster your investment portfolio. Whether you're new to real estate or seeking to refine your strategy, understanding these sophisticated tax maneuvers is key to maximizing your returns, making this episode a must-listen for all real estate investors aiming for financial success. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
The Real Estate Syndication Nightmare
Feb 13 2024
The Real Estate Syndication Nightmare
My guest today is Aleksey Chernobelskiy who is principal at Centrio Capital Partners. Aleksey helps Limited Partners (passive investors in real estate syndications – aka ‘LP’s’) with existing and future investments, writing tips, and advising or providing educational content to help them navigate the current market, as well as make decisions on how to act and what to look for as they consider investment opportunities going forward. Aleksey is a prolific writer. His background includes having run a $10 billion commercial real estate portfolio and he has a quadruple major, (gasp), from the University of Arizona in finance, mathematics, economics and accounting. The insights he shares in today’s show are largely based on conversations that he has been having with LP’s who are facing issues with some of the deals that they've invested with and who are seeking guidance. He also offers independent third party counsel on how investors should be thinking about the commercial real estate environment in 2024. Aleksey and I explore the essential aspects of LP investments, focusing on both the opportunities they present and the pitfalls that uninformed investors might encounter. We discuss how LP’s’ lack of knowledge can lead to avoidable mistakes and heightened risks, plus we talk about capital calls dynamics, managing investment dilution, and making informed decisions during a capital call. Our conversation today provides invaluable guidance for LP’s looking to successfully make their way through the often complex world of real estate syndication, particularly during a downturn, while also providing a roadmap for comprehending the terms and status of an investments before contributing additional money during a capital call. Watch this episode to learn from Aleksey Chernobelskiy's extensive experience in LP investments. Learn about his approach to tackling the intricacies associated with these types of investments, his tips on risk management, insights on maintaining an informed perspective throughout your investment journey, and his advice on leveraging knowledge to make sound investment decisions. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Boosting cash flow and increasing profits
Feb 6 2024
Boosting cash flow and increasing profits
Are you maximizing your tax deductions as a real estate investor? In this episode of our series on how the tax Code applies to and benefits real estate investing, we are doing a deep dive into cost segregation with Yonah Weiss, Business Director at Madison SPECS. Yonah provides an in-depth explanation of how engaging in cost segregation studies can increase cash flow by accelerating depreciation deductions resulting in tax ‘losses’ that can be used to offset passive income and capital gains. For the uninitiated, Yonah explains cost segregation, an advanced tax deferral method that enhances depreciation deductions that effectively reduce the amount of taxes owed by property owners, in 101 terms and then provides a deep dive into the details, explaining how it can be used to dramatically increase cash flow and profitability. We talk about the differences between residential and commercial properties in terms of their depreciation schedules (as well as explaining what ‘depreciation schedules’ are) and discuss the specific implications for each. Yonah explains how he and his company actually conducts a cost segregation study and, for what it costs (and I am not being paid to say this!), Yonah’s company engages in some highly skilled and what sounds like laborious and detailed analysis to run their cost segregation studies using engineers and tax professionals to look at assets. Using case study examples, Yonah discusses how to manage potential longer-term liabilities like ‘depreciation recapture’ when selling a property – something I have always thought of as the defining characteristic of the tax code that, ‘what the IRS giveth, the IRS taketh away.’ We also discuss how the benefits of a cost segregation study can apply to both sponsors and their limited partners (investors) as well as under what circumstances there may be variances in how the benefits are applied across the entire investor cohort. Tune into this episode to gain valuable insights from Yonah Weiss on employing cost segregation strategies to enhance your investment portfolio's profitability by boosting cash flow and profitability through savvy tax planning. Whether you are new to real estate investing or looking to refine your approach, understanding how to navigate these complex taxation strategies could be key to optimizing your returns and are one of the driving factors that make real estate so important an option for all investors. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Real estate investing tax benefits overview
Jan 30 2024
Real estate investing tax benefits overview
Are you paying too much in taxes each year?   In today’s episode, the first of a series covering (in detail) the tax benefits of real estate investing , my guest, Chris McCormack, CPA, and I discuss how real estate investors are leaving money on the table by not optimizing their tax strategies and what you can do to avoid paying too much tax.   Chris and I review the main tax benefits of investing in real estate, for both sponsors and passive investors, as well as looking at some of the lesser-known tax saving strategies.   Chris loves reading and understanding the tax code (thankfully, there are people like Chris!) and today you’ll learn about depreciation, cost segregation, and the utilization of 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains taxes. He explains in detail how these strategies can significantly reduce your tax liabilities and increase cash flow.   His insights into leveraging tax laws to benefit from real estate investments make him a valuable resource for investors seeking to maximize their returns through tax-efficient strategies.   Watch this episode to learn Chris McCormack's specialized tax strategies for real estate investors, his approach to dealing with the seemingly never-ending complexities of the tax code, insights on the pivotal role of tax efficiency in investment success, and his perspective on leveraging tax advantages to optimize returns in the real estate space. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
How to short multifamily real estate
Dec 19 2023
How to short multifamily real estate
Digest this stark statistic: a Collateralized Loan (CLO) portfolio with over 300 loans is showing a weighted average debt service coverage ratio of just 0.63. It is basically a disaster and one that my guest today is shorting – heavily. Gabe Bernarde is co-founder of Viceroy Research and has written a report called “Slumlord Millionaires”, that covers a well-known bridge lender who has been doing a lot of lending to multifamily sponsors. The report reveals an entire portfolio of multifamily loans that appear to be underwater and that are wrapped up in CLOs. In theory, CLOs are bullet proof because the lender who owns/manages them can swap out poorly performing loans for better performing ones, protecting the integrity of the entire portfolio. It’s a bit like having a fund with apartment buildings in it where the sponsor can swap out sub-performing assets for others to keep the funds’ finances healthy. What Gabe's research concludes is that this structure is fine until all the loans in a portfolio, or a substantial majority of them, are bad. Then you have nothing good to replace the bad. I've been researching CLOs ever since I spoke to James Eng of Old Capital for the podcast a few weeks ago. He reported having brokered $2 billion and told me 90% were underwater. Then I spoke to Dan McNamara at Polpo Capital, who is famous for having successfully shorted malls in 2020 who also thought that some CLOs were in dire straits and ripe for shorting. Look, there are multiple ways to make money in a real estate downturn. You can buy discounted assets from sponsors who are forced to sell or buy non-performing loans or REO from banks. You can provide rescue capital or set up a debt fund. Or you can short the stock of real estate companies you think are overvalued and that is exactly what my guest today, Gabe Bernarde at Viceroy Research, is doing. Learn what he is doing, how he's doing it, what he sees, why he thinks there is a very significant likelihood that multifamily real estate assets are going to hit rock bottom in the next few months, and discover his angle to making money in this market. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
The value-add multifamily disaster
Dec 12 2023
The value-add multifamily disaster
Today’s guest, Jeremy Roll, president of the Roll Investment Group,  is a seasoned multi-cycle real estate and alternative asset investor who is a voracious reader and analyst of market conditions, what's going on in the market, what's going on in the broader macroeconomic world, and in the industries that he invests in. I've known Jeremy for a long time, and what you're going to hear from him today are some insights into just how conservative he is in his investment approach, what he has been doing for the last few years and what he has not been doing, where he sees the market going and where he sees opportunities emerging over the next few years. Jeremy talks about how the market transitioned around 2016, prompting investors to adopt value-add strategies due to soaring property values. He shares why he chose to step back from value-add deals, preferring stabilized, more conservative investments. You’ll hear why prudent investors exercise caution particularly towards the tail end of economic cycles and why Jeremy believes this is the most perilous time to engage in higher risk/return strategies like value-add – and why he thinks it’s like an aircraft running short on take-off runway, highlighting the risks when market prices are at their peak, and an economic downturn is on the horizon. Jeremy discusses the challenges he faced finding opportunities during 2021 and 2022, a period dominated by floating-rate, value-add apartment deals and why his unwavering preference for ten-year fixed-rate debt meant walking away from deals others were piling into as they chased high, short-term returns. You are going to hear insights about the current state of the market, the importance of positive leverage, and why now is the time to wait for sellers to adjust their price expectations. If you are like Jeremy and me who prioritize protecting invested capital over chasing high risk, higher returns, you’ll find the conversation today makes a lot of sense. And if you are now facing capital calls on deals you’ve invested in, Jeremy’s insights, though too late for this cycle, will help you prepare to make money in the next cycle – and to be better prepared for its ultimate, inevitable downturn. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Bad news for commercial real estate financing
Dec 5 2023
Bad news for commercial real estate financing
My guest today is Brian Pascus, finance reporter at Commercial Observer. Brian wrote a detailed article comparing CMBS (commercial mortgage backed securities) with collateralized loan obligations (CLO) as ways to finance real estate and so I asked him if he would talk about the differences between these two financial instruments, and what has been the impact on them of interest rate increases and other market forces over the last couple of years. You’re going to learn about the difference between CLO and CMBS, how both are being hit with significant defaults, and that the market for both has pretty much collapsed, creating a liquidity crisis for CRE. Brian provides a detailed explanation of both types of finance, explaining their structures, risk profiles, and how they differ in the commercial real estate market. He explains the impact that economic factors, particularly the rise in interest rates, have had on the attractiveness and issuance of these securities and how this has led to changes in borrowing costs and influenced the overall dynamics of the commercial real estate market. This episode is an advanced discussion about real estate finance where you’re going to gain a thorough understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with these financial products, as well as discovering who invests in CMBS and CLOs, including pension funds and high-net-worth individuals. Plus, you’ll also learn what is the single most important thing in commercial real estate finance that will bring the market back to some semblance of normality. This is an important episode for anyone tracking opportunities in the market and who wants a deep dive into how we have got to where we are today, and where we are headed in the coming months. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
The coming banking crisis
Nov 28 2023
The coming banking crisis
Today’s guest, Lew Feldman, is a prominent figure in real estate crowdfunding and the founder of Heritage CRETech. Lew shares insights from his time in the world of real estate crowdfunding and his role on major advisory boards, discussing its current state, trends, and future prospects. Lew begins by examining the challenges and adaptations within the real estate crowdfunding industry, especially under the pressure of rising interest rates. He discusses on the performance of leading platforms like Fundrise, RealtyMogul, and CrowdStreet, highlighting how their business models and investor bases have responded to the fluctuating market conditions. This discussion provides a view of the sector's resilience and adaptability in the face of economic shifts. Our conversation then pivots to the broader real estate market, exploring the impact of increased interest rates and liquidity issues on financing options and Lew discusses the struggles facing sponsors and investors due to these challenging conditions. A significant portion of our conversation covers governmental interventions in the real estate industry. Lew elaborates on historical and current government programs, emphasizing their role in supporting and stabilizing the market during downturns. Additionally, he touches on the transformation of crowdfunding entities into broker-dealers, bringing more fiduciary responsibility and transparency to the industry. Venture capital's influence on real estate crowdfunding is another critical topic Lew addresses. He explores how this type of investment shapes the business strategies of crowdfunding platforms. Moreover, he provides predictions for the future of the sector, considering the ongoing economic and regulatory changes. Lew also discusses sustainable development initiatives and contrasts publicly traded REITs with private real estate markets, highlighting their differences in liquidity, transparency, and market responses. Concluding with his predictions for the commercial real estate market in 2024, Lew offers a unique and informed perspective on navigating the complexities of today’s market. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate crowdfunding, market analysis, and strategic investment planning in the real estate space. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Getting an Edge in Real Estate Market Chaos
Nov 21 2023
Getting an Edge in Real Estate Market Chaos
My guest today is David Moret, founder and president of Highline Real Estate Capital. David brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective especially in the wake of the Federal Reserve's rate hikes. His insights are particularly timely as we weave our way through a market that's shifting from its previous exuberance to a phase marked by strategic caution and adaptation. David discusses the launch of Highline’s Real Estate Fund One, set up as a direct response to the current market dynamics. He talks about the fund's objectives and strategies, emphasizing the need for agility and foresight in today's economic climate, and discusses how the fund is positioning itself to capitalize on market dislocations. You’ll learn about Highline’s take on the current significant decline in deal flow and transaction volumes and why owners are reluctant to sell at this point in the cycle.  David discusses the 'extend and pretend' strategies adopted by banks, a trend that's creating a unique set of challenges and opportunities for investors. David's approach to sourcing deals is a masterclass in strategic thinking and adaptability. He talks about leveraging a network of brokers, forming strategic partnerships, and using advanced search tools for targeted acquisitions. In this episode, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the current commercial real estate market dynamics. David's expertise offers insights into managing investment portfolios, adapting strategies in a fluctuating economic environment, and the art of identifying and capitalizing on investment opportunities in a market that's constantly evolving. Join us for a deep dive into the world of real estate investment with one of the industry's most astute investors. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
The Hidden Risks of Real Estate Crowdfunding
Nov 14 2023
The Hidden Risks of Real Estate Crowdfunding
Today’s guest Ian Ippolito, a seasoned investor known for his conservative investment strategies, discusses his take on the real estate market's first significant recession since the advent of real estate crowdfunding. Ian draws parallels between the initial impact of COVID-19 on multifamily properties and the current challenges facing the office sector. He discusses the office market's decline as a direct result of the remote work revolution leaving a surplus of vacant office space and a swatch of struggling deals, and talks about the impact on multifamily of the end of the rent increase era and the ensuing strain on investment models that failed to anticipate the current trends. You’ll hear about the importance of taking a conservative investment approach and how fixed vs. floating rate debt and leverage levels measured against value (LTV) are used to protect principal as a priority to the lure of exponential but risky returns. In light of the recent troubles CrowdStreet has had, Ian talks about the critical role of due diligence for investors even (or especially) when investing via a platform. He reflects on the recent incidents of fraud within the industry, stressing the need for investor vigilance and the responsibility platforms bear in maintaining transparency and integrity. Offering advice to sponsors, Ian encourages a conservative approach, focusing on long-term survival and stability rather than short-term gains. His message is clear: in a market bracing for a potential massive repricing of assets and grappling with the implications of a high-interest rate environment, prudence is key. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Are Office Buildings the Next Big Short?
Nov 7 2023
Are Office Buildings the Next Big Short?
My guest today is Dan McNamara, co-founder and chief investment officer at Polpo Capital, who famously and very successfully shorted malls in 2020 and who is now training his sights on the office market. Dan shares the story of his mall short and how similar strategies are being applied to the office sector. He also talks about the multifamily market's current state, discussing the challenges and potential investment opportunities that he sees in that asset class. You’ll learn which resources Dan uses to conduct his market analyses, and you’ll hear more about how he and his team underwrite risk, how they use data to do that, and what he’s seeing as the market faces a significant maturity wall of debt. Dan explains how banks’ common practice these days for ‘extend and pretend’ helps him hedge his investments, and he provides a nuanced view of today’s commercial real estate market dynamics, including the potential for a massive repricing of assets and the implications of a high-interest rate environment on his investment strategies. In today’s episode of The Real Estate Reality Show, you’re getting a comprehensive understanding of the current commercial real estate market, will learn about the delicate balance required in managing investment portfolios, the timing of short positions, and the strategic maneuvers employed by seasoned investors like Dan to thrive in this challenging economic environment. **** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
Capital call best practices for success
Oct 31 2023
Capital call best practices for success
Today’s podcast guest is Nate Trunfio, who is chief revenue officer at Lima One Capital, a bridge lender backed and owned by a REIT, MFA Financial. Nate talks about the kinds of terms Lima One has been and continues to offer borrowers, he describes the trends in bridge lending he's been seeing over the last three years, and he talks about where he sees the market going through the end of 2024. Nate also discusses the degree of distress the multifamily market today, where the distress is occurring, and he describes the characteristics of sponsors facing the hardest challenges to get out of this high interest rate environment. Nate brings a wealth of lending experience and a unique perspective on navigating the current market’s complexities, emphasizing the importance of strategic asset management and realistic underwriting. You’ll learn how lenders like Lima Capital are mitigating risk, how they are identifying opportunities as the market evolves, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of commercial real estate market lending during this downturn. ** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our free newsletter here.
2024 to be peak multifamily distress
Oct 24 2023
2024 to be peak multifamily distress
Today's podcast guest is Brian Underdahl who is Chief Analytics Officer at Nuvo Capital Partners, a family office backed rescue capital shop with a difference. Much of the so called 'rescue' capital you see in the market today is preferred equity. Pref equity typically comes into deals charging mid-teen returns, takes a senior position to existing GP/LPs, takes no share of the upside, and keeps the existing ownership in place, subject to performance hurdles. Nuvo's model is to buy distressed multifamily deals outright at fair market value and then provide the selling entity's existing general partners and limited partners a share of the upside in the new, buying entity.   In today's episode you'll learn how this kind of rescue capital works and what kinds of deals it looks for. Of particular interest today is that Brian has personally vetted over 500 sponsors nationwide in direct conversations with them, and shares his insights into what makes the good stand out from the bad. Lastly, a note of thanks to Brian for having contributed (kind of) to my latest book, Capital Calls and RESCUE Capital. Brian and I recorded a Q&A session where he answered my questions about advanced real estate syndication terminology. It's what I call 'real estate syndication 2.0' and is the language of a downturn. Brian fields over 25 advanced questions from me and you can get free access to the entire series as a bonus for buying my latest ($7) book, Capital Calls and RESCUE Capital, here: https://learn.gowercrowd.com/rescue/ ** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.
Peerstreet's journey from venture backed startup to bankruptcy and liquidation
Oct 10 2023
Peerstreet's journey from venture backed startup to bankruptcy and liquidation
My guest today is Alex Nicoll, reporter at Insider, who penned an article earlier this month (September 2023) headlined ‘Real Estate Crowdfunding is a House of Cards.’ How could I resist but to give him a call, as real estate crowdfunding is my lifeblood these days, and ask him more about what he was writing about, what he discovered, and what was the background to the article. Well, the article was focused on the PeerStreet bankruptcy that emerged over the last few weeks and was not an indictment of the entire online real estate syndication industry and what you are going to learn today from Alex is how he did his research into that bankruptcy, the kind of documents that he looked at, and the people he spoke to. Alex shares insights into what he discovered and his thoughts about real estate crowdfunding in general and you’ll also learn about the business model of Peerstreet, how they raised venture capital, and how much venture capital they did actually raise to put their business plan together. It is a mind-boggling number. We also discuss the various factors that have impacted this particular niche in commercial real estate crowdfunding, which is the single-family home fix and flip market, and the factors that have driven Peerstreet to their unfortunate demise. It was a pleasure talking with Alex and, although the sounds quality is not the best, I’m sure you’ll find the conversation and his insights of great interest. ** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.
This downturn is to multifamily real estate what the 2007+ Global Financial Crisis was to residential
Oct 3 2023
This downturn is to multifamily real estate what the 2007+ Global Financial Crisis was to residential
What you are going to hear in my conversation with today’s guest, CRE debt expert James Eng of Old Capital Lending in Texas, is going to make you wonder if we aren’t facing the GFC 2.0 – but this time in commercial real estate, especially multifamily, instead of residential real estate in the post 2007 downturn. Having done over $2 billion in lending during 2021 and 2022 combined, you will be shocked by the percentage of those loans projected to fall into default without significant new injections of cash, or that could face forced sales, or be foreclosed on by their lenders. James explains how debt sources shifted from early 2021 in a way that changed lending standards, adjusted loan to value ratios, and competed on pricing that led to, and I’m not sure if he uses the term, but led to a bubble in asset pricing. Not only that, but you’re also going to learn how these loans get packaged up into tranches that are rated AAA to Bbb, and are then sold off to institutional investors who, in turn and in many cases, then sell them back to retail investors who end up being the final resting place for all risk. If you’ve not read The Big Short by Michael Lewis, don’t bother. Just listen to my conversation with James today. If you have read it, listening to James is going to get you excited about the possibilities of being ahead of the curve this time around – and for multifamily real estate no less! If you want to know how to shore up an existing deal or want to discover where to find multifamily deal flow as pricing resets, this podcast will provide you with guidance on where to look and what to look for. ** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.
The key to successful multifamily investing during good times and bad
Aug 29 2023
The key to successful multifamily investing during good times and bad
Today’s show is with guest Sean Burton, Chief Executive Officer of Cityview, a seasoned institutional private equity professional in multifamily real estate. Sean shares insights gained from over 20 years running Cityview that have spanned the Great Financial Crisis of 2008+ and the lessons he learned successfully navigating that downturn. I reached out to Sean to ask him to guide me through an article he wrote, ‘Multifamily Reckoning: Repricing Risk Amid Higher Interest Rates’, one of the best written articles I’ve seen on the topic for a while – see link at the bottom of this page. In our discussion, Sean sheds light on the challenges faced by the industry, especially with the rapid rise in interest rates and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. His approach, rooted in hands-on experience and strategic vertical integration, offers a fresh perspective on navigating these challenges. What you'll learn from today's episode is how successful sponsors remain close to the real estate through diligent hands-on management – an observation we are increasingly hearing from sponsors best positioned to capitalize on the distress caused by those, now facing existential challenges, who have simply outsourced this crucial role. You’ll hear how cap-rate compression in secondary markets reveals how to separate the winners from the losers in multifamily, what are the real multifamily fundamentals, and a discussion about rediscovering Alpha, what it is, and how it will determine the winners who will emerge from the current cycle. You’ve heard about all the institutional capital sitting on the sidelines. Sean Burton at Cityview is among those with that capital, patiently waiting in the dugout for their turn to play. Sean's insights, backed by partnerships with giants like Blackstone and Blackrock, provide a roadmap for investors in this ever-evolving market. Prepare to be enlightened by someone who has not only witnessed but also actively shaped the multifamily real estate market's trajectory. ** In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in. You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype. You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn. Subscribe to our YouTube channel here.