PassivePockets: The Passive Real Estate Investing Show

What if you could pay taxes on a smaller amount while investing in the same deals—and then watch your money grow tax-free for decades? In this episode, we explore a little-known strategy that allows investors to convert traditional retirement accounts to Roth at a discount, even when those funds are tied up in illiquid syndications. Today, we’re joined by John Bowens, a self-directed retirement expert from Equity Trust, to walk us through the “discount conversion” strategy and other advanced tax planning tools for passive investors. John explains how real estate syndications, solo 401(k)s, and Roth conversions can work together to help you minimize taxes, create tax-free income, and even build legacy wealth for future generations. If you’re holding pre-tax retirement funds, investing in private real estate, or just tired of giving up a chunk of your gains to the IRS, this episode breaks down the tax code strategies that smart LPs are using to protect and grow their wealth. 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. In This Episode We Cover The basics of Roth conversions and how they apply to self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s The “discount conversion” strategy and how investors are saving thousands in taxes How to convert illiquid syndication investments without selling Key differences between traditional IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and checkbook-controlled accounts When Roth conversions make sense and how to model out your tax impact And So Much More!

AI integration in real estate investing allows savvy investors to make faster, smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. So, how can you leverage AI tools to evaluate deals and optimize your investment strategy? Leyla Kunimoto, a finance expert and limited partner, joins us to share her insights on using AI for real estate due diligence. In this episode, you’ll learn how real estate investors can employ AI to analyze deal pro formas, identify risks, and pinpoint key follow-up questions for sponsors. With informative and professional discussions, you'll discover how AI can streamline your investment processes and offer a tactical edge in deal evaluation. Curious about how AI can enhance your investment strategy? Tune in to find out. Plus, we delve into the nuances of pro forma analysis and the potential for AI to uncover historical deal mistakes, offering invaluable insights to refine your investing skills. Topics Covered The role of AI in evaluating real estate deals Benefits of integrating AI tools like Notebook LM into your workflow Overcoming skepticism and embracing AI for investment analysis How AI highlights key risk factors and informs strategic decision-making Using AI for operator and fund evaluations Example scenarios where AI uncovered unexpected deal insights Tips for crafting effective prompts to maximize AI usefulness

In this discussion, Andrew Cushman, a seasoned multifamily investor with nearly 3,000 units under his belt, sheds light on the future of the multifamily market. He shares data-driven insights into the macroeconomic forces that could drive a rebound by 2027. Topics include the impact of stabilizing interest rates, supply slowdowns, and the structural housing shortage fueling demand. Andrew also highlights key lessons learned from syndication failures and offers strategic advice for both new and experienced investors navigating the current landscape.

What recourse do limited partners have when their fund is being mismanaged? Do triple net leases (NNN) offer safety in an uncertain economy? In this episode, we’re delving into a recent LP-led succession that underscores the latent power of passive investors and a low-risk investing strategy that delivers steady returns in volatile markets. Today, we’re joined by Zane Schartz, president of Freedom CRE and a specialist in single-tenant, triple net investing. After a coalition of LPs called upon Zane to stabilize their private equity fund, he spent months navigating an uncooperative handoff and enduring personal attacks. In this episode, he reflects on invaluable lessons learned from the “hardest year” of his life and shares how he’s now helping people build wealth through passive real estate investing. With institutional-grade tenants, long-term leases, and minimal operational requirements, NNN investments offer a rare blend of stability and simplicity. If you’re an LP looking to understand your rights or explore recession-resistant strategies like NNN real estate, today’s show delivers real-world insight from the front lines of a fund turnaround and its auspicious aftermath. 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. In This Episode We Cover Zane’s journey from LP to taking over a mismanaged private equity fund The passive investor’s course of action when dealing with risky operators Low-risk investments LPs can turn to in an uncertain economy How to build wealth with the triple net lease (NNN) investing strategy Two levers investors can pull to make NNN deals work despite high interest rates And So Much More! Link Mentioned from the Show Zane’s LinkedIn

Are you eager to deploy capital but wary of making the wrong decision in this uncertain economic climate? Passive investing could help you capture the long-term gains of real estate—without the operational burdens of active management. Today’s guest provides low-risk, time-tested strategies for any stage of your investing journey. In this episode, we interview Pascal Wagner—seasoned limited partner and host of The Passive Income Playbook Podcast. With a cash-flowing rental portfolio that spans multiple major markets and a professional background in venture capital, Pascal is experienced in both the active and passive sides of real estate investing. He unveils his preferred entry-level approach amid macro headwinds—an option that gives you a diversified investment, relative liquidity, and immediate returns. Pascal also shares how to conduct rigorous due diligence on real estate syndications and avoid one of the most frequent—and financially damaging—mistakes new investors make. Whether you’re looking to make your money work harder or replace your income, Pascal delivers actionable insights for both aspiring and advanced investors. 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. In This Episode We Cover Pascal’s journey from active to passive real estate investing Why replacing your income is the one skill every LP should learn The number one mistake investors make before analyzing deals Diversifying across asset types, markets, and within individual investments Why new investors should start with debt funds rather than equity deals And So Much More! Links from the Show The Passive Investing Starter Kit Pascal’s LinkedIn

Russ Morgan and Joey Muré, co-founders of Wealth Without Wall Street, reveal unconventional strategies to build wealth outside traditional investment avenues. They delve into how high cash value whole life insurance can serve as a powerful financial engine. The duo introduces the Infinite Banking Concept, emphasizing its potential to transform insurance policies into personal banking systems. Listeners will learn how to harness cash value for long-term growth and create a structured passive income operating system, paving the way to financial independence.

In a fresh take on investment analysis, hosts dive into six real syndication deals, weighing their potential against red flags. From a Tampa apartment complex to a marina fund, they dissect financial metrics and tenant stability concerns. A mobile home park catches their eye but ultimately gets cautious dismissal due to management complexities. Meanwhile, a luxury storage project raises eyebrows for lack of clear cash flow. It's an engaging discussion that challenges listeners to think critically about their investment choices.

The multifamily market is shifting—again. Construction is slowing down after a historic wave of new delivery, and uncertainty surrounding the new administration, tariffs, and inflation is causing consumers to lose faith in the economy as a recession looms. Passive investors must recalibrate, but how? Stay tuned as we share our multifamily outlook for 2025!Things are changing rapidly, and to help unpack it all, we’re interviewing Greg Willett, a real estate economist turned tech-side strategist at LeaseLock. In this episode, Greg will pull back the curtain and point out the market trends that could make 2025 a surprisingly great time to invest. Despite high interest rates and tighter margins, operators can take advantage of elevated rental demand while there’s a “premium to buy."But if our worst fears are realized and a recession does arrive, how will multifamily investments hold up? For limited partners and syndicators looking to get ahead of the next market cycle, Greg’s message is to focus on “resilient” middle-market properties. The “free money” era is over. The question now is, who adapts, and who gets left behind?DisclaimerThe 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.In This Episode We CoverWhat a new administration, tariffs, and inflation mean for passive investorsHow an inevitable slowdown in new construction will impact supply and demand“Resilient” middle-market investments to target ahead of a potential recessionThe secondary and tertiary markets that will see higher rent prices in 2025Why heightened rental demand could provide stability for operators in uncertain timesAnd So Much More!Link Mentioned in the ShowLeaseLock

Russell Gray, a seasoned financial strategist and founder of The Raising Capitalists Foundation, joins to discuss the potential global currency reset and its impact on investors. He delves into the risks surrounding the US dollar and offers insights into navigating these turbulent times. Gray highlights 'sleeping' real estate markets poised for growth in 2025 and emphasizes the importance of cash flow in investment strategies. He also addresses the historical shift from the gold standard to fiat currency and how it shapes current financial dynamics.

Sweeping new tariffs are causing sharp economic ripple effects, with stock valuations dropping last week and Americans bracing for renewed inflation. This shift creates both new risks and opportunities for real estate investors—especially passive LPs evaluating upcoming deals. Amid this uncertainty, bond yields and mortgage rates are falling fast—a welcome shift for GPs grappling with bridge loans or variable-rate debt.The question LP investors must ask themselves now is: how do I protect my portfolio during downturns like this AND jump on opportunities coming down the pipeline?To help answer, we brought on J Scott. He’s been investing in real estate for decades, with more experience in multifamily and single-family than most. J shares how tariffs could influence multifamily real estate and their broader economic implications. From mortgage rates to US dollar dominance, rent growth risks, and more, he gives his up-to-date view and reveals his strategy on what he’s doing now to protect his capital without taking on unnecessary risk. DisclaimerThe 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.In This Episode We CoverWhy mortgage rates and bond yields are falling even with serious inflation risk What passive investors can do now to ensure they survive a recession The end-goal of the Trump Administration’s tariffs and what it means for AmericansWill the US dollar lose ground as the global reserve currency due to tariffs? J’s favorite real estate investments during economic downturns (and ones to avoid)A bridge debt comeback? Why short-term debt may make sense as rates dropAnd So Much More!