PassivePockets: The Passive Real Estate Investing Show

Attend the 2026 Summit Conference: https://get.biggerpockets.com/passivepocketssummit2026/ It’s our “2026 State of PassivePockets.” Chris Lopez (now lead host, alongside co-hosts Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon) shares highlights from the 2025 member survey (96% accredited; 91% already LPs), explains why our Net Promoter Score jumped from -4 (2024) to 44 (2025), and unveils three big initiatives for 2026: (1) community-driven resources that go deep on due diligence—starting with debt funds; (2) using the community’s pooled volume to negotiate better investor terms; and (3) doubling down on what’s working—Sponsor Ratings & Reviews, LP Deal Reviews, the podcast, and a more active private forum. You’ll also hear what members fear most (losing capital), what they want most (steady cash flow), and which asset classes they’re targeting (multifamily and debt tied for #1). Key Takeaways Who we are: 96% accredited; 91% already in syndications/funds NPS turnaround: from -4 (’24) ➜ 44 (’25); top positives—education, trust, community Biggest pain points: pricing clarity, forum engagement, and site navigation- on our roadmap What members fear most: capital loss (72%); what they want most: steady cash flow (~30%) 2026 focus #1: Debt investing: series of pods, forums, expert panels, and a living DD checklist 2026 focus #2: Better terms: leverage pooled community capital for lower mins / improved share classes 2026 focus #3: Do more of what works: more Sponsor Ratings & Reviews + LP Deal Reviews + member spotlights Asset allocation pulse: multifamily & debt tied for top interest; industrial, MHP, self-storage next Host update: Chris Lopez assumes lead-host role; Jim passes the torch and remains co-host with Paul Get involved: post sponsor reviews, join the forum threads, and help shape the checklists we’ll all use 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 qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. 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 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 reflect on 2025's surprises, highlighting how gold and silver steadied them amid market uncertainty. Contrary to predictions, multifamily distress was less widespread than expected. They emphasize the importance of liquidity and spot exciting opportunities in multifamily, flex industrial, and neighborhood retail for 2026. Discussions also touch on selective office markets and the implications of interest rate changes. Additionally, the hosts share insights on investment strategies, operator risk, and survey results indicating a strong appetite for multifamily and debt.

Join Leka Devatha, a former Nordstrom corporate star turned real estate investor and author, as she shares her journey into full-time investing. Leka reveals her strategies for creative exits and value-add deals in the competitive Seattle market. Discover how her first LP deal thrived thanks to careful operator selection and interest-rate caps. She discusses leveraging middle-housing laws for new opportunities and offers actionable insights on sourcing, underwriting, and operational excellence.

Scott Trench, a seasoned real estate investor and former CEO of BiggerPockets, shares his insights on the 2025 market and unveils a strategic playbook for 2026. He discusses the challenges and surprises of the past year, like sticky interest rates and resilient stock markets. Scott plans to de-risk by transitioning from high-multiple stocks to paid-off multifamily rentals in Denver. He also explores the dynamics of supply, rents, and an intriguing contrarian investment thesis for office spaces, emphasizing quality operators and long-term strategies.

Chris Lopez is joined by Equity Trust’s John Bowens to close out 2025 and prep smart moves for 2026 using self-directed retirement accounts. John walks through contribution and conversion timelines for IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s, explains the seven-day payroll rule for S- and C-corps, and shares practical strategies like spousal IRAs, backdoor Roths, staged Roth conversions over two tax years, and maximizing early-year compounding. The conversation also covers 2026 limit increases, Solo 401(k) employer vs employee buckets, and the Secure Act 2.0 tax credit for new plans. Key Takeaways Roth conversions must post by Dec 31 for the current tax year Previous-year IRA and HSA contributions allowed until Apr 15 if not on extension Solo 401(k) employee deferrals for S- and C-corps must be deposited within seven days of payroll Sole proprietors can set up and fund a Solo 401(k) for the prior year by Apr 15 Use spousal IRAs and backdoor Roths to maximize annual limits Stage conversions across two years to manage tax brackets while starting compounding sooner 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. 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 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.

Dr. Alex Schloel, a physician and residential assisted living investor, and Charlie Cameron, an operator and investor in the field, dive into the booming residential assisted living market. They discuss the aging population's impact on demand, the benefits of smaller care homes, and various investment models from passive options to full ownership. Key points include essential home specs, the importance of operator vetting, and the revenue potential of mixed payer types. Listen in for insights on navigating risks and maximizing cash flow in this niche market.

In this insightful conversation, J Scott, a seasoned investor and author known for his expertise in real estate, shares his key takeaways from 2025 and what to watch for in 2026. He highlights the surprising resilience of asset prices amid inflation and construction delays. J prioritizes needs-based real estate and small multifamily markets as promising investment areas. He cautions against office and retail sectors while discussing the impacts of immigration policy on labor costs. Dive into J's strategies for navigating the current economic landscape!

In this discussion, Brian Burke, an experienced investor and author specializing in commercial real estate, revisits 2025 and shares insights for 2026. He highlights the success of senior housing and the unexpected resilience of multifamily new construction. Brian also dives into his investment strategies, revealing interest in Bitcoin and biotech. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on needs-based real estate like senior housing and small multifamily investments while cautioning against straying from core competencies.

The hosts dive into their personal portfolio updates, discussing a 30% capital return and an unfortunate loss linked to the DJE/Ascent situation. They explore the limited impact of recent Fed rate cuts on long-term debt and predict a gradual increase in market distress by 2026. A key focus is setting strategic financial goals for the coming years, including a shift towards a balanced debt-equity approach. They also introduce new tools for updating sponsor reviews, enhancing members' engagement and accountability.

Chris Lopez and Paul Shannon sit down with investor and educator Julie Holly for a candid conversation about wins, losses, and leadership as an LP and GP. Julie traces her path from house hacking to syndications, shares the “receive & release” mindset she uses to process setbacks, and explains what changed in her underwriting and operator vetting after a tough year, including one deal where mismanagement led to a total loss. They cover how LPs should share accountability, the exact questions to ask sponsors (who underwrites, how they stress-test, and how they communicate), and why Julie paused new offerings to focus on stewardship and transparency. Key Takeaways Start as an LP to learn the experience end-to-end; early distributions can feel great, but plans must survive rate, insurance, and market shifts “Receive & release”: make space to process losses, own your part, then offload what isn’t yours so you can lead and decide clearly Trust and verify: dig into vacancy, taxes, insurance, payroll, and who actually underwrites (in-house vs. outsourced/AI); stress-test more than one way Accountability is shared: GPs must report clearly and often; LPs must understand their risk profile, read docs, and avoid “write first, learn later” FOMO Choose relationships, not just returns: invest with people who answer candidly, welcome hard questions, and are reachable when things get bumpy 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. 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 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.