The Best Ever CRE Show

*Previously aired episode* Pascal Wagner interviews Russell Gray, the long-time co-host of the Real Estate Guys Radio Show and a seasoned LP investor. Russell dives deep into the critical role macroeconomics plays in investment success, sharing his personal crash-and-burn story from the 2008 mortgage crisis and the economic warning signs he missed. He breaks down the shift from Wall Street to Main Street capitalism, the flaws of financialized markets, and the need to value investments based on real income. He also outlines practical strategies LPs can use to evaluate deals through macro, demographic, and geographic lenses, and advocates for a return to real asset investing and productive capitalism. Russell Gray Founder and Host Based in: Phoenix, Arizona Say hi to them at ⁠www.RussellGray.com⁠ ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/russellwgray/⁠ ⁠x.com/RussWGray⁠ Visit bestevercrypto.com today to get started and earn up to $2,500 in bonus crypto. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to quo.com/BESTEVER Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/  Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It’s free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Tseko, Executive VP at Cardone Capital, shares his journey from airline pilot to multifamily investment leader. He discusses managing a massive 15,000-unit portfolio and reveals strategies like bundling Bitcoin with investments to attract retail investors. Tseko emphasizes cash offers in today's market to avoid negative leverage and highlights unique ways to acquire properties below replacement cost. He stresses simplicity in fee structures and transparency in investor relations, while offering valuable advice for aspiring real estate professionals.

Casey Mericle, a creative commercial real estate investor and deal-structuring expert, reveals his innovative financing strategies. He emphasizes the power of seller financing, demonstrating how to acquire properties at premium prices by offering attractive loan terms. Casey shares insights on leveraging low-rate mortgages across multiple properties and highlights the importance of aligning the needs of all parties involved in a deal. With tactical advice on sourcing deals and structured options, he provides a roadmap for thriving in a competitive market.

J Scott, Partner at Bar Down Investments and host of the Drunk Real Estate Podcast, shares his wealth of knowledge on the multifamily housing market. He dives into the current housing start crisis, driven by high costs and slim margins. Scott discusses the impact of rising wages on rent and the importance of tenant affordability. He also explores innovative construction methods like modular housing. Plus, he predicts how AI will reshape operations and potentially lower costs in the industry.

Ash Patel challenges the rise of clickbait in real estate, advocating for authenticity on social media. He exposes the pitfalls of 'generational funds' and highlights that infinite banking is just a fancy guise for costly life insurance. By prioritizing net worth over mere property count, he shares how authentic connections helped raise $3M swiftly on LinkedIn. With a focus on ethical capital raising, Patel emphasizes the importance of transparency and diligence in investment, proving that honesty and genuine relationships truly pay off.

Dr. Adam Gower, a crowdfunding expert, Tim Mai, a fund manager leveraging AI, and Irwin Boris, a capital investment director, discuss the game-changing role of AI in capital raising. They delve into custom GPTs for outreach, automated marketing on LinkedIn, and advanced tools for content creation. Adam emphasizes building authentic investor relationships, while Tim highlights the impact of voice cloning and AI-generated videos. Irwin shares insights on using automation for lead generation, ensuring an efficient approach to modern investor engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Brad Johnson, Co-founder and CIO of Vintage Capital, discusses his impressive transition from institutional real estate to a $200M+ mobile home park investment portfolio. He reveals the secrets behind sourcing off-market deals through local partnerships and the importance of thorough due diligence. Brad emphasizes the value of long-term holds over short-term flips, while also addressing legislative risks like rent control. His insights on creative financing structures and current market resilience offer valuable strategies for real estate investors.

Jonah Bamberger, CEO of Aulder Capital and experienced multifamily real estate investor, shares his journey from military service to real estate. He discusses his first Brooklyn deal and the significance of relationships in the industry. Jonah elaborates on his expansion into suburban markets and Portugal, highlighting regulatory challenges and opportunities. He delves into the impact of COVID-19 and his strategic focus on value-add multifamily projects, while emphasizing the importance of networking and adapting to new market conditions.

Joe Fairless, co-founder of Ashcroft Capital and a multifamily investment expert managing billions in assets, shares his insights on navigating today's commercial real estate challenges. He discusses the record-breaking apartment absorption in late 2023 and the decreasing construction pipeline, which present unique buying opportunities. Fairless emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships with lenders, lessons learned from past deals, and the need for extreme ownership during difficult investor communications.

Brandon Cobb, Managing Partner of HBG Capital and a specialist in affordable housing, dives into the intricate world of land development. He discusses how value is crafted before any homes are built, emphasizing his team's strategic partnerships with national homebuilders. Listeners learn about the nuances of entitlements, land banking, and the vital due diligence required for successful deals. He shares cautionary tales about engineering mistakes and highlights the strong demand for entry-level housing amidst market fluctuations.