Jeff Feinstein joins host Brandon Sedloff on The Distribution for a deep dive into the evolution and future of opportunity zone investing. The conversation traces Jeff’s path from a decades-long career in technology to building Pinnacle Partners, a firm dedicated exclusively to opportunity zone development. Jeff explains how tax policy shaped his investing journey, why OZ legislation has become a powerful tool for individual investors, and how Pinnacle structures institutional-quality multifamily and build-to-rent projects across thousands of eligible zones. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the mechanics, benefits, risks, and real-world execution behind ground-up OZ development.
They discuss:
• Jeff’s transition from tech operator to real estate fund manager and OZ pioneer
• How opportunity zones were created, how they work, and what changed under OZ 2.0
• Why Pinnacle focuses on institutional underwriting, JV partnerships, and multi-asset funds
• The role of RIAs, family offices, and private wealth in OZ distribution
• What makes a strong or weak development partner in OZ projects
• Key risks, real estate fundamentals, and why policy permanence matters
• Markets and asset types Pinnacle favors, including workforce housing, BTR, and rural zones
Links:
Pinnacle Partners - https://pinnacleoz.com/
Jeff on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefffeinstein/
Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/
Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/
Topics:
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:48) - Jeff's career and background
(00:08:30) - The role of tax policy in investing
(00:11:09) - The launch of Pinnacle Partners
(00:13:51) - The evolution of opportunity zones
(00:17:07) - How opportunity zones are created
(00:20:20) - Pinnacle Partners' strategy and success
(00:23:37) - Pinnacle Partners' approach to development
(00:25:19) - Capital strategy and fund structure
(00:26:46) - Who benefits from opportunity zones?
(00:30:25) - Strategies for nurturing investor relationships
(00:31:34) - The importance of tax efficiency
(00:37:29) - Challenges and opportunities in real estate
(00:40:20) - Selecting and evaluating development partners
(00:44:26) - Future market trends and investment strategies
(00:48:59) - Conclusion and contact information
