

The Invest Clearly Podcast
Invest Clearly
The Invest Clearly Podcast brings together passive investors (LPs) and real estate sponsors (GPs) for transparent, strategy-focused conversations about what truly builds trust in private real estate syndications.
Each week, we alternate between LP interviews, revealing how experienced investors evaluate sponsors and make allocation decisions, and GP interviews that explore how operators earn investor confidence through communication, performance, and transparency.
No hype, no pitches—just real insights from both sides of the capital stack.
Each week, we alternate between LP interviews, revealing how experienced investors evaluate sponsors and make allocation decisions, and GP interviews that explore how operators earn investor confidence through communication, performance, and transparency.
No hype, no pitches—just real insights from both sides of the capital stack.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2026 • 33min
Saying “Yes” to a Capital Call with LP David Ensley
In this conversation, David Ensley shares his journey from being an orthodontist to becoming a passive investor in real estate and small businesses. He discusses his early experiences with investing, the lessons learned from his first syndication deal, and the importance of communication and risk tolerance in investment decisions. David also emphasizes the need for due diligence when dealing with influencers in the investment space and shares insights on balancing passive investments with personal expertise.00:00 Introduction01:19 Orthodontist Career and Business Ventures02:22 Journey into Passive Investing03:59 First Syndication Deal Experience08:38 Lessons Learned from Real Estate Investments11:30 Capital Calls and Risk Management16:40 High Risk Tolerance and Emotional Detachment17:50 Investment in an RV Park19:16 The Importance of Trusting Sponsors19:50 Caution with Influencers and Social Media22:23 Balancing Communication and Performance24:43 Venturing into Small Business Investments29:57 Advice for InvestorsConnect with David:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ensley-21a5a31b6/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Jan 19, 2026 • 33min
Investing in Net Lease at Double-Digit Cap Rates with Dennis Cisterna
In this conversation, Dennis Cisterna shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship in the real estate sector. He discusses his investment strategies, focusing on commercial real estate and the importance of risk management and transparency in investor relations. Dennis emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence and the challenges of tenant management, while also addressing the evolving landscape of passive investing and the importance of aligning interests between operators and investors.Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:05 From C-Suite to Starting His Own Shop 02:20 Scaling with Carlyle and Knowing When to Exit 03:35 Why Sentinel Focuses on Net Lease Now 04:57 Buying at 25% of Replacement Cost 06:03 How to Explain Long-Term Deals to Retail Investors 15:21 1000 Deals Reviewed. 1 Deal Bought. 24:28 When a Google Maps Roof Inspection Goes Wrong 29:48 "Influencer BS Needs to Die"Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniscisterna/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Jan 12, 2026 • 22min
Identifying Sponsor Maturity with Jeff Revenaugh
In this conversation, Jeff Revenaugh emphasizes the importance of an active mindset in investing, particularly in passive income streams. He argues that investors must engage in due diligence and hold sponsors accountable, treating their investments as if they were their own money. This shift in mindset is crucial for successful investing.00:00 Introduction01:34 Learning from Early Mistakes and Bad Sponsors02:19 Current Portfolio and Performance03:13 Evaluating Sponsors and Due Diligence11:19 Investment Strategies and Asset Classes17:27 The Role of Fund Managers19:24 The Importance of Active Passive Investing21:17 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrevenaugh/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Jan 5, 2026 • 30min
Alignment Over Growth with Nathan Jameson
In this conversation, Nathan Jameson, founder of ARX's Capital, shares his journey in real estate, emphasizing the importance of personal investment and transparency with limited partners. He discusses his investment philosophy, the significance of communication during challenges, and the need for a shift in the accredited investor criteria to allow broader access to investment opportunities. Nathan highlights the value of integrity and personal connections in the investment space, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to passive investing.00:00 Introduction 01:09 Journey into Real Estate02:31 Starting ARX Capital and Investment Strategies03:58 Hands-On Investment Approach04:15 Lessons from the Great Recession07:32 Importance of Personal Connections in Investments12:31 Communicating with LPs During Challenges21:47 Investment Philosophy and Market Observations24:05 Future Investment Opportunities and Strategies26:02 Final ThoughtsConnect with Nathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-jameson/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Dec 29, 2025 • 29min
Risk, Reward, and Reality in Passive Investing with Ron Moore
In this conversation, Ron Moore shares his extensive background in investing, starting from his teenage years in finance to his current role in the hospitality industry. He discusses the importance of understanding risk in passive investing, particularly in real estate syndication, and emphasizes the need for due diligence and operator evaluation. Moore provides valuable insights for new investors, urging them to ask questions and educate themselves about the investment landscape. He also critiques the narrative comparing stocks and real estate syndication, advocating for clearer distinctions and better education on investment options.Time stamps:00:00 Introduction04:49 Diving into Risk and Reward in Passive Investing08:32 Evaluating Operators and Market Conditions18:28 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Investors21:54 What Needs to Change in Passive Investing27:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFollow Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-moore-97ab3252/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Dec 22, 2025 • 32min
Why Cycle-Tested Sponsors Matter More Than Ever with John Rubino
In this conversation, John Albert Rubino shares his journey from a naval aviator to a successful real estate investor. He discusses the importance of leveraging relationships, particularly with family and friends, in building his investment firm. John emphasizes the significance of constant communication with investors, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the need for experienced sponsors and the importance of transparency in investor relations. Looking ahead, John expresses excitement about new opportunities in real estate, particularly with the permanent establishment of the Opportunity Zone program.00:00 Intro01:51 Early Investments and Growth04:43 Building Relationships and Raising Capital08:09 Balancing Military Life and Business10:34 Communicating Risk and Handling Challenges21:29 Sponsor Accountability and Investor Relations25:24 Future Opportunities and Exciting Developments29:47 Contact InformationConnect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnarubino1975/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Dec 15, 2025 • 30min
Aleksey Chernobelskiy on the Evolution of LP Deal Flow and Sponsor Alignment
In this conversation, Pat Zingarella interviews Aleksey Chernobelskiy, who shares his journey from working in institutional real estate to launching GPLP Match, a platform connecting general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs). Aleksey discusses the challenges in the GPLP marketplace, common mistakes made by new investors, and the importance of due diligence. He also highlights trends in investment preferences, particularly among family offices and emerging managers, and emphasizes the need for alignment between sponsors and investors. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Leaving Institutional Real Estate for Entrepreneurship 01:44 When the Strategy Breaks: Pivoting to LP Consulting 02:42 Why GPLP Match Had to Exist 06:22 What LPs Really Want Today 14:34 The Costly Mistakes New Investors Keep Making 25:00 Why the Sponsor Matters More Than the Deal 28:39 Final Takeaways + How to Connect Follow Aleksey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chernobelskiy/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Dec 8, 2025 • 37min
Creating Value with Big Box Store Conversions and Clear Communication with Clint Harris
Clint Harris, a general partner at Nomad Capital, transitioned from medical device sales to real estate investing, focusing on converting big-box retailers to climate-controlled self-storage. He discusses the crucial role of trust and transparent communication with investors, especially during market fluctuations. Clint highlights the challenges of conversion projects and the importance of aligning investor goals with long-term visions. He emphasizes the need to select resilient operators and shares insights on self-storage demand driven by millennial trends.

Dec 1, 2025 • 28min
How to Pick Sponsors and Invest for Cash Flow with Terence Critchlow
In this conversation, Terence Critchlow shares his journey as a passive investor in real estate, discussing his portfolio, investment strategies, and the importance of education for limited partners (LPs). He emphasizes the need for investors to thoroughly vet operators and understand their investment thesis. Terence also highlights common mistakes made by new investors and introduces his passion project, MBC, aimed at raising awareness about alternative investment opportunities beyond traditional stock markets.00:00 Introduction 00:53 Investment Journey01:53 Current Investment Focus02:38 Portfolio Breakdown04:26 Finding Investment Opportunities06:08 Investment Preferences and Strategies10:50 Vetting Sponsors16:01 Common Mistakes by New Investors19:51 Educational Resources for LPs22:37 Terence’s Investment Thesis23:26 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow Terence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/critchlow/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

Nov 24, 2025 • 41min
When Things Go Wrong: How to Communicate with LPs with AJ Osborne
In this conversation, AJ Osborne shares his extensive experience in the self-storage industry, emphasizing the importance of trust and transparency in investor relations. He discusses how personal experiences, particularly a life-altering health crisis, have shaped his approach to communication and risk management. AJ highlights the need for clear, concise communication with investors, especially during market fluctuations, and stresses the importance of aligning investor expectations with business goals. He also addresses misconceptions in passive investing and the need for integrity in financial reporting. 00:00 Intro 00:51 AJ’s Background 01:16 Growing a Self-Storage Empire 03:56 Trust & Transparency 09:24 Communicating Mistakes 17:02 Market Challenges 18:46 Health & Humility 22:54 Rethinking Risk 28:11 Long-Term Investing 32:18 Earning Investor Trust 35:44 Passive Investing Myths 39:46 Closing & ContactConnect with AJ Osborne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aj-osborne/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.


