PassivePockets: The Passive Real Estate Investing Show

Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon sit down with John Bowens of Equity Trust to break down the power of self-directed retirement plans for real estate investors. From the basics of what “self-directed” really means to the nuances of IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s, John explains how you can unlock more flexibility and control in building your portfolio. Whether you’re investing in syndications, private lending, or direct ownership, learn the steps for opening a self-directed account, how to navigate leverage with UBIT/UDFI, and why a Solo 401(k) might offer key advantages (when you qualify). Plus, John dispels the myths around the tax complexity of self-directed deals and shares a simple framework to evaluate any potential investment.Today’s Episode Takeaways What “Self-Directed” Really Means: Why most standard IRAs don’t allow real estate—and how self-direction changes that. IRAs vs. Solo 401(k)s: Who qualifies, which offers higher contribution limits, and the unique tax perks. UBIT & UDFI, Explained: How leverage can trigger special taxes—and why it’s not always a deal-breaker. Choosing a Custodian: Key factors like years in business, transaction speed, fee models, and customer service. Strategic Framework: John’s 3-part approach (business sense, tax optimization, and lifestyle considerations) for any self-directed deal. Learn More from Equity Trust Website & Resources: TrustETC.com YouTube: Equity Trust Company for in-depth how-tos Or visit the PassivePockets website for additional content and materials 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.Contact Usjimpfeifer@biggerpockets.com

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Roll, an experienced investor from Roll Investments, and Mauricio Rauld, a securities attorney at Platinum Legal, tackle the intricacies of Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs) from both limited and general partner perspectives. Jeremy highlights red flags and the importance of understanding cash call provisions, while Mauricio explains how PPMs protect operators and outline deal structures. Listeners will gain insights into negotiating terms and recognizing mismatched documentation, essential for informed investment decisions.

Clint Harris, a seasoned real estate operator, dives into the art of transforming underutilized properties into profitable ventures. He discusses the booming demand for self-storage among millennials, driven by changing consumer habits. Clint shares insights on 'cap rate arbitrage' strategies for cost-effective conversions and explores the potential of repurposing various distressed assets, from offices to hotel spaces. The conversation also highlights the challenges operators face and the essential metrics to ensure successful transformations.

Join John “Dr. Doom” Drachman, co-founder of Waterford Property Company, as he shares his keen insights on the multifamily market's evolution since 2022. He dives into why the anticipated distress never materialized, emphasizing the importance of stable, long-term investments over reckless flips. John highlights the impact of local knowledge on property returns, and why he advocates for 'boring' strategies like workforce housing. Discover the unique challenges of investing in states like California versus Texas, and gain valuable lessons for navigating today's market.

Jay Parsons, a rental housing economist, dives into multifamily market trends and what's ahead for 2025. He explains why demand remains robust despite record new deliveries and discusses the complexities of interest rates and local policies. Jay predicts a split between struggling C-class properties and stable A/B-class options. He reveals that Midwest markets are thriving, while the Sunbelt may soon bounce back. For passive investors, understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating the changing landscape.

Investment expert Spencer Hilligoss from Madison Investing shares his expertise on sponsor vetting, emphasizing the importance of a robust network and personal referrals over ads. He introduces a five-part framework to evaluate a sponsor's track record, communication style, and values. Spencer explains why a sponsor’s personal balance sheet and past failures can be telling of their reliability. He also discusses the critical differences between investing for cash flow versus wealth building, offering practical questions to ask before committing funds.

We sit down with special guest Litan Yahav: the CEO and founder of Vyzer, an innovative virtual wealth management tool designed for passive investors. In this episode, Litan takes us behind the scenes of building a platform that helps you stay organized across multiple deals, GPs, and asset classes—while also giving us a sneak peek at how Vyzer uses aggregated (yet anonymous) data to identify top-performing operators. Get ready for game-changing insights on optimizing your time and improving your returns through smarter, simpler portfolio management.Today’s Episode Takeaways:- Litan’s journey from tech entrepreneur to passionate passive investor- A big announcement about free Vyzer access for PassivePockets members- Why “return on time” is just as important as ROI- Managing multiple syndications more efficiently with automation- Litan’s 2025 outlook on multifamily, private debt, mobile home parks, and moreWhether you’re already investing or just getting started, this episode is loaded with tips on finding the right balance between risk, reward, and your most valuable resource- your time.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so you never miss out on future episodes covering the latest passive investing strategies, market insights, and more!PassivePockets Members get Vyzer for FREE (valued at $2,160): https://passivepockets.com/invest/vendors/Visit Vyzer: https://vyzer.co/Take our Survey: PassivePockets.com/SurveyDisclaimer: 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 judgement 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.Contact Us At:jimpfeifer@biggerpockets.com

Brian Burke, a seasoned real estate expert who's managed over $500 million in assets and authored "The Hands-Off Investor," joins Jim Pfeiffer to discuss the multifamily investing landscape for 2025. They explore the challenges posed by rising interest rates and construction delays, while offering hope for emerging opportunities. The duo emphasizes the need for realistic return expectations and discusses the evolving dynamics between buyers and sellers, ensuring investors adapt their strategies amidst shifting market conditions.

We dive deep into everything you need to know about the essentials of analyzing a deal with our guest, Tyson Miller. the must-know strategies for mastering real estate investments. Discover Paul’s top tips for identifying red flags that could save your next deal and learn the secret strategy to uncovering the critical details that make or break your investments. Explore game-changing methods for deal analysis, and get a clear breakdown of how cap rates can impact your profitability. We also uncover the #1 deal-breaker you need to watch out for and tackle the debate of cost vs. risk to highlight what truly matters in your risk analysis. Today’s Episode’s Takeaways: ✅Paul’s Top Tips For Identifying Red Flags ✅Knowing how and when you should open a syndication deal offer. ✅How to know if your deal is market friendly ✅The #1 Deal-Breaker you need to watch out. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your real estate game.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated on future episodes packed with investment strategies, market insights, and more!Take our Survey: PassivePockets.com/Survey 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 judgement 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.Contact Us At:jimpfeifer@biggerpockets.com

Whitney Elkins-Hutten, Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com, joins experienced limited partner Paul Shannon to delve into the PIC Debt Fund. They explore the benefits of incorporating real estate debt into investment portfolios, focusing on stability and diversification. The duo discusses strategies for assessing borrower risk and the complexities of fix and flip financing. They also unravel the intricacies of real estate debt funds, emphasizing due diligence and financial transparency, making it a must-listen for aspiring passive investors.