PassivePockets: The Passive Real Estate Investing Show

Host Chris Lopez and Paul Shannon talks with securities attorney Mauricio Rauld about the compliance landmines that trip up syndicators and how LPs can protect themselves. Mauricio shares why he exited his law firm to focus on education and “in-between” guidance (before the PPM), what an SEC lawyer actually does, and the real differences between 506(b) and 506(c). They cover LP recourse (rescission), how to diligence sponsors and structures (co-GPs, capital raisers, funds-of-funds), why “investment clubs” aren’t a loophole, and where regulations may head next (accreditation changes, a possible finder’s rule). Key Takeaways: Compliance isn’t “just a PPM”: most mistakes happen pre-attorney (emails, websites, social posts) 506(b) vs 506(c): advertising and accreditation verification are the two big pivots LP protection: if securities laws are violated, rescission can force capital + interest returned Capital raising rules: no transaction-based comp, substantial duties, and primary role ≠ fundraising Trends to watch: FoF adviser/Investment Company Act issues, “investment club” myths, broader accredited paths and a potential finder rule Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Host Chris Lopez sits down with Peter, an anesthesiologist who became an LP and then a GP, to unpack the career jolt that pushed him into real estate and the systems he built to bring more transparency and advocacy to LPs through Ascent Equity Group. Peter shares his first $5k crowdfunding check (and that unforgettable $47 distribution), lessons from launching in the tough 2021 vintage, and how his team handled rate/insurance shocks, lender work-outs, and communication when things got bumpy. We also dive into why he’s been using preferred equity in today’s market—including a 12.5–13.5% monthly-pay deal that returned capital in ~12 months and where he’s hunting now (hospitality, selective retail, and medical office) with a likely recession window following the Fed’s pivot. Key Takeaways: From OR to LP to GP: how a broken partnership promise sparked a plan for autonomy and passive income Preferred equity in practice: monthly pay, collateralized position, and why it’s a “right now” tool—not forever 2021 lessons: short-term debt + fast-rising rates/insurance = humility, capital infusions, and relentless communication Macro setup: Fed pivot → typical recession lag (~10–11 months) → prepare capital/relationships for distressed opportunities What’s next: multifamily fundamentals (supply pause, sticky demand), selective hospitality/retail, and a special eye on medical office Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

The hosts dive into the Fed's recent 25 basis point cut and its limited impact on fixed versus floating debt in commercial real estate. They highlight a distressed 22-unit value-add property targeting impressive yields and discuss the shift towards private credit for enhanced risk-adjusted returns. A candid discussion on LP accountability explores fraud, operator errors, and market risks, while emphasizing the importance of community for smarter investing. Plus, insights on leveraging tools for tracking syndication investments.

Host Chris Lopez sits down with John Bowens, CISP of Equity Trust to demystify Solo 401(k)s for real estate investors. John explains who actually qualifies, how to stack contributions up to $70k/$77.5k/$81,250 (2025 limits) and use the “mega backdoor” to Roth, and why Solo 401(k)s can avoid UBIT on debt-financed syndications when IRAs often can’t. They get tactical on plan design- one bank account with clean source tracking, blending traditional + Roth into a single subscription (and later in-plan conversions), and exactly how to roll over or restate a plan without triggering a termination. John also breaks down spouse/child participation, controlled-group and W-2 pitfalls, and a real UBIT case study that shows how the right plan choice can save five figures in tax. Key Takeaways: Solo 401(k) eligibility: true self-employment income and no rank-and-file W-2s; spouse/partners OK, under-21 and part-time hour rules matter Higher limits + mega backdoor Roth: employee non-deductible → in-plan Roth conversion for bigger tax-free growth UBIT advantage: Solo 401(k)s are generally exempt from UDFI/UBIT on debt-financed real estate (IRAs are not) Simpler operations: one bank account, source tracking in software, and the ability to blend trad + Roth in one deal and convert later Do rollovers right: restate/transfer the plan (don’t “terminate”), mind Form 5500, and watch controlled-group attribution Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Matt Faircloth, co-founder of DeRosa Group and author of 'Raising Private Capital,' shares insights on diversifying real estate portfolios by adding branded hotels. He explains how hotels can provide immediate cash flow with higher caps, discusses the risks involved, and reveals strategies for 1031 exchanges. Moreover, he elaborates on his Houston hotel's financial structure and highlights overlooked markets in the Midwest for better yields. Get ready for practical advice on moving from active to passive investing without losing tax advantages!

Dan Handford, the founder of PassiveInvesting.com and a general partner in vast multifamily units, shares his journey from chiropractor to real estate mogul overseeing a billion-dollar portfolio. He reveals lessons learned from investing in over 80 LP deals and stresses the importance of transparency and steady communication. Dan discusses risk management strategies, including the shift towards private debt funds and the impact of rising interest rates on market dynamics. His insights on navigating current challenges and focusing on diversification are invaluable for aspiring investors.

Industrial syndicator Joel Friedland joins Paul Shannon to share 40 years of Chicago lessons and why he now buys with little to no debt. They break down a debt-light playbook, how that changes capital raises and returns, and the investor profile that prefers sleep-at-night income. Joel also details his off-market system, what makes a “perfect” small-bay building, and how he creates liquidity and plans succession. Key Takeaways: Debt-light strategy: target 0 to 30 percent LTV, current portfolio around 18 percent Buy box: Chicago small-bay under 40k sf, 7 to 8 percent entry yield, triple-net, strong geometry, docks, power Return drivers: cash coupon that grows with rent, long holds, depreciation and recapture awareness Sourcing and liquidity: door-to-door outreach, mini fund closes fast then syndicate, investor exits via assignments, 754 step-up, Rule 144 after 12 months Sponsor vetting: ask for a written succession plan and review loan docs, covenants, and recourse Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Can blockchain make private real estate more accessible? Paul Shannon speaks with Larry Kalis and Tyler Vinson about tokenization for LPs. They cover TRIFs from American Digital Realty, how RE Tokens enables secondary trading after a one year lockup, and what changes for custody, liquidity, and tax reporting. If you know syndications but are new to tokenized assets, this is a simple, practical breakdown. Key Takeaways: What tokenization means for LPs, a digital wrapper of your fund or deal interest on a blockchain Access and diversification with lower minimums and one consolidated K1 Liquidity path using Rule 144 and a secondary marketplace after 12 months Operations and security, KYC and AML, custodied tokens, fiat or USDC distributions, burn and reissue if lost Structure and risks, ADR’s fund of funds TRIFs on Stellar vs single asset tokens, tech partner and valuation cadence Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Discover the art of due diligence as experts share how to sift through deals and avoid shiny distractions. Learn about effective investment strategies, including the barbell approach and building an equity ladder. They discuss the current trends in multifamily properties and the significance of maintaining liquidity in uncertain times. Real stories from bad deals highlight the need for community engagement and caution. Dive into insights that help investors stay informed and ready to act in today's dynamic real estate landscape.

What do billionaires know about investing that the average person doesn’t? In this episode, Paul Shannon sits down with economist, fund manager, and author Bob Fraser, author of Invest Like a Billionaire, to unpack the strategies, asset allocations, and decision-making frameworks of the ultra-wealthy. Bob explains why billionaires aren’t chasing “hot” trends, they’re looking for asymmetric risk-reward opportunities and sectors that offer long-term compounding. He shares how they think about diversification (and why it’s not about owning a little of everything), why certain private investments are favored over public markets, and how billionaires position themselves to capitalize on economic shifts before they happen. You’ll hear how Bob applies these principles in real estate, why he’s watching specific macroeconomic signals right now, and the filters investors can use to evaluate opportunities like the ultra-rich — even without a billionaire’s balance sheet. Key Takeaways: The mindset differences between billionaires and everyday investors Why the ultra-wealthy prioritize asymmetric risk-reward setups How billionaires view diversification vs. “diworsification” The role of private investments and niche sectors in their portfolios Economic indicators billionaires watch to stay ahead of market cycles How to apply billionaire-style investing principles at any scale Bob Fraser’s current outlook on real estate opportunities Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.