The Importance of Trust in the Real Estate Industry

When it comes to investing, timing can make or break your portfolio's success. While efficiency and maximizing returns are essential goals, aligning your investments with the market's ebbs and flows is crucial. In this episode, Bob Fraser discusses the importance of timing your investments and why development can be a lower-risk strategy. He also shares insights on navigating the multifamily market and emphasizes the need for due diligence and trust in the investment business.

About Bob Fraser

Bob Fraser is a finance and technology executive, with over 20 years of experience, who is passionate about educating others about alternative investments. In 2012, he co-founded Aspen Funds, a fund management company focused on alternative investments, where he is responsible for financial management, portfolio modeling, as well as systems and processes.

Fraser is the co-host of the Invest Like a Billionaire podcast where he joins his son, Ben, and Aspen co-founder Jim Maffuccio, to dive into the world of alternative investments and speak with successful investors. The trio also discusses economic trends, including megatrends such as inflation, energy prices and deglobalization. The goal is to empower others looking to explore less volatile investment opportunities improving their portfolio’s performance and enabling them to become more financially secure.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

[06:08] The shift from notes to other asset classes

[08:22] The importance of timing your investments

[14:14] What happens when interest rates go up

[16:13] Why invest in multifamily

[21:15] Why development is lower risk

[29:36] How an LP does due diligence 

[32:47] Trust is everything in this business.

Episode Highlights:

[08:34] Navigating the Multifamily Market

The multifamily sector may experience some challenging years ahead. However, this doesn't signify the end of multifamily investments. Instead, it can be an excellent opportunity for buying. This serves as a reminder that as investors, we need to be prudent and thoughtful in our decision-making.

[10:49] The Importance of Timing Your Investments

Success is not only about gaining efficiency and maximizing returns but also aligning your investment timing correctly. Pursuing vertical integration to achieve a 10% efficiency might appear promising, but it won't yield results if you're losing 90% of your investment. Market fluctuations and economic changes necessitate keeping a close eye on market trends and making informed decisions based on prevailing circumstances. Timing is vital in investing, and getting it right can minimize risks, maximize returns, and identify opportunities for growth, expansion while avoiding costly mistakes.

[22:16] Why Development is a Lower Risk

Developing properties can be a lower-risk investment strategy as it allows for more control over the costs. Investing in a value-add property may seem like a good idea, but building new units can be more cost-effective and less risky. For example, in Northwest Arkansas, there are properties for sale at $195,000 per unit, but new units can be built for $130,000. Similarly, building industrial properties can be a smart investment, especially since it's currently difficult to buy industrial properties. Building cheaply, like an industrial warehouse, can yield high returns, especially if leased out. Even if it's not leased immediately, having a long runway for the property can help mitigate risks. Overall, development provides more control over costs and can be a safer investment strategy.

This show is for entertainment purposes only. Nothing said on the show should be considered financial advice. Before making any decisions, consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Passive Investing from Left Field and Left Field Investors. Written permissions must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

Resources Mentioned:

Invest Like a Billionaire podcast 

Aspen Funds