Commercial Real Estate Secrets

If you’re a commercial real estate investor deciding whether to stay in multifamily or shift into absolute NNN investments — especially out of state — this episode helps you make that decision with clarity, strategy, and confidence.In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Alex Rodriguez, CCIM, founder of The Alexander Group (Los Angeles), to break down why more long-time real estate owners are moving away from management-heavy properties and into absolute net leased investments across the country.You’ll Learn:Why many experienced investors are exiting multifamily and choosing absolute NNN for predictability and simplicityHow out-of-state ownership can actually give you more control through systems and inspectionsWhich tenant types tend to perform best in long-term absolute triple-net strategiesHow shifting from compressed cap rate markets to stronger yield markets can materially improve returnsGuest:Alex Rodriguez, CCIMFounder & President, The Alexander Group (TAG CRE)Website | LinkedInIf you’re making commercial real estate decisions in 2026, follow this show.And save this episode — you’ll want it when you’re evaluating your next acquisition strategy.

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Rich Vaaler, founder and principal of Vaaler CRE, to discuss the hidden risks of “leaving commercial property to the kids” and why simplification—not accumulation—is often the smarter legacy strategy. Rich introduces the concept of Elder CRE, explains how single-tenant absolute net lease properties create true “coupon clipper” income, and shares practical insights on 1031 exchanges, generational wealth, and protecting families from costly surprises.Connect with Rich: LinkedIn | Website

In this discussion, Matt Smith, a commercial real estate technology executive at RealNex, shares insights about the evolving landscape of CRE technology. He emphasizes the importance of data ownership and how brokers can benefit from viewing AI as a tool, not a replacement for human judgment. Matt distinguishes useful proptech from the hype, advocating for a service-first approach. He also highlights how a well-optimized website serves as a digital storefront. Ultimately, he encourages brokers to leverage technology to build better workflows and achieve greater freedom in their practices.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Monica Cataluna, CCIM, a Florida-based land broker, to talk about why development has slowed, how land banking is shaping today’s market, and what rising costs mean for land values. We also break down entitlements in simple terms and where patient investors are finding opportunity. Hope you enjoy!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Nile Lundgren, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan, to talk about what it really takes to succeed in New York City real estate—playing the long game, building real trust with clients, why off-market deals are often misunderstood, and how systems and media allow agents to scale in the most competitive market in the world. Hope you enjoy!

In today’s episode, I sit down with Marcy Moneypenny, founder of the Moneypenny Collective, to talk about what actually separates top commercial real estate brokers from the rest—client experience, real client management, and why the long game always wins. We get into how brokers can use social media and data transparency to build trust, why “posting closings” isn’t enough anymore, and what owners should ask in a broker pitch to avoid getting sold a fantasy price. Hope you enjoy!Connect with Marcy: LinkedIn | Website

In today’s episode, I sit down with Allen C. Buchanan—industrial real estate advisor, author, speaker, and one of the most respected voices in Southern California industrial—to break down what’s really happening in the Inland Empire and greater SoCal industrial market. We talk about the post-COVID rent surge, the 2022 reset, why tenants with credit are driving the best deals right now, and how brokers can “let the market be the bad guy” when owners are stuck on yesterday’s numbers. We also get into Allen’s book The Sequence and his best commercial real estate secret: strategic networking. Hope you enjoy!Connect with Allen: LinkedIn | Website

In today’s episode, I sit down with James Bean to talk about how commercial real estate brokers can use social media, branding, and consistent content to build real trust—and real deal flow. We get into why most brokers post the wrong kind of content, how selfless, value-driven marketing differentiates you fast, and why “networking while you sleep” is the most underused advantage in CRE. James also shares what he’s seeing in the 1031 exchange world (and why so many exchanges fail), plus the misinformation online that’s hurting investors. Hope you enjoy!Connect with James Bean: LinkedIn

Distress is building faster than most investors realize — and 2025–2026 will be the biggest transfer of CRE wealth since the Great Financial Crisis.This episode is Part 2 of Aviva Sonenreich’s extended conversation with Michael Cohen, continuing the deep dive into CMBS distress, why Denver is becoming one of the most troubled MSAs in the country, and how investors can prepare for the wave of maturities ahead.Highlights:The real reasons Class A assets are stabilizing while Class B properties face mounting distressThe CMBS data points that reveal the severity of Denver’s office, multifamily, and hospitality stressWhether high-profile assets — like Aspen’s $85M Prada store — can still secure CMBS financingHow DSCR drops, trapped reserves, and cash sweeps quietly strip borrowers of leverageThe decision-making hierarchy inside CMBS servicing — and why “waiting and hoping” never worksPerfect For:Investors preparing for the 2025–2026 distressed cycle, owners with CMBS loans nearing maturity, family offices protecting generational assets, brokers advising clients through workouts, and anyone who wants a clear, unfiltered understanding of how CMBS distress actually works — and what’s coming next.Connect with Michael: Website | LinkedIn

Billions in CMBS loans are coming due in 2026 — and most borrowers still don’t understand how the system really works.In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Michael Cohen, Managing Principal at Brighton Capital Advisors, to break down how CMBS trusts, servicers, and bondholders interact — and what borrowers must do to protect their equity.Highlights:How CMBS trusts actually function (and who really owns your loan)Why calling your servicer is like dialing 1-800-MORTGAGEThe biggest mistake borrowers make when entering special servicingHow to approach CMBS workouts and loan modifications strategicallyWhy CMBS remains one of the few active lending channels heading into 2026Perfect For:Borrowers with CMBS loans coming due, investors looking for distress before it hits auction, and anyone trying to understand what’s really driving the 2026 debt market.