The Best Ever CRE Show
Joe Fairless
Welcome to the Best Ever CRE Show, the world’s longest-running daily COMMERCIAL real estate podcast. Founded by Joe Fairless, a co-founder of Ashcroft Capital who went from buying $35,000 homes to controlling more than $2.7 billion in real estate assets, the Best Ever CRE Show provides commercial real estate expert insights, education, and timely information to our community of active and passive investors who want to build wealth, build a legacy, and do more good in the world.So if you want the real stories behind the good, the bad, and the worst ever deals — plus, insights into what really goes on in commercial real estate investing — you’re in the right place. Our hosts interview commercial real estate experts every day to uncover secrets and strategies YOU can use to become a better, more informed investor. This is the Best Ever CRE show.Join the Best Ever CommunityThe 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
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 16min
JF 3885: Main Street Capitalism, Industrial CRE, and the End of Fake Equity ft. Russell Gray
In this engaging discussion, Russell Gray, co-host of the Real Estate Guys Radio Show and seasoned LP investor, shares his journey from the 2008 crisis to discovering Main Street capitalism. He emphasizes the importance of macroeconomics in investment success and critiques financialized markets. Russell offers practical strategies for evaluating real estate through demographic and geographic lenses. He advocates for a shift towards valuing investments based on real income and stresses the need for thoughtful analysis to navigate today's economic landscape.
Apr 23, 2025 • 46min
JF 3884: Triple Net Wins, Dollar Stores, and Lease Nuance ft. Tom Rauen
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Tom Rauen, the self-branded "Fast Food Landlord" and owner of Rauen Capital. Tom shares his strategy behind acquiring Triple Net lease assets—primarily dollar stores and fast food locations—in underserved Iowa markets. He dives into the nuances of lease structures, investor returns, and risk mitigation, emphasizing why lease review and local knowledge are key. Tom also discusses the pitfalls of trendy business acquisitions, warning real estate investors about the operational complexity behind buying small businesses.Tom Rauen
Owner
Based in: Dubuque, Iowa
Say hi to them at
www.rauencapital.com
www.linkedin.com/in/tomrauen/
vikingcapllc.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 22, 2025 • 29min
JF 3883: Public-Private Wins, Capital Strategy Shifts, and Mobile Home Profits ft. Jesse Sells
Join Jesse Sells, Co-founder and COO of Impact Growth Capital, as he shares his journey from the Air Force to real estate success. He dives into the lucrative world of mobile home parks, emphasizing the power of personal networks for raising capital. Sells discusses the hurdles of managing mid-sized multifamily properties and reveals his team's strategic shift towards larger developments. He also unveils an exciting $300M public-private project to transform public housing, highlighting the significance of government incentives in today’s market.
Apr 21, 2025 • 57min
JF 3882: Doubling NOI, Public-Private Partnerships, and Midwest Value-Add ft. John Casmon & Kent Ritter
In this engaging discussion, John Casmon, Managing Partner at Casmon Capital, and Kent Ritter, CEO of Hudson Investing, delve into the multifamily real estate landscape. John reveals how he doubled NOI by uncovering hidden value in properties. Kent emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships for financing development projects, showcasing a transformative mixed-use project in Indiana. They explore investor sentiment shifts, effective fundraising strategies, and navigating complex negotiations, providing invaluable insights for anyone interested in real estate investing.
Apr 20, 2025 • 36min
JF 3881: Tariffs, Tech, and Retail Resilience ft. Greg Katz
Gregg Katz, the Business and Industry Solutions Director for Esri, shares insights on the influences of tariffs and economic uncertainty on the retail landscape. He discusses how changes in tariffs are reshaping strategies for retailers, particularly discount stores like Dollar General. Katz also explores the experiential shift in retail, driven by Gen Z's preference for in-person shopping. Despite current challenges, he emphasizes the resilience of retail real estate and hints at a potential resurgence as consumers adapt to changing markets.
Apr 19, 2025 • 18min
JF 3880: In-House Management, Columbus Expansion, and Tech-Driven Operations ft. Josh Goodwin
Josh Goodwin, co-founder of SimCap Holdings, reveals how his Cincinnati-based multifamily syndication firm transitioned to in-house management, boosting investor returns and improving cash flow. He shares insights on their strategic expansion into Columbus, focusing on local contractor networks and replicating successful operations. Additionally, Josh discusses leveraging technology, including AI, for predictive maintenance and asset management, showcasing how modern tools can transform real estate operations. This episode is packed with innovative strategies and valuable lessons for investors.
Apr 18, 2025 • 45min
JF 3879: Flipping Couches, Real Estate Innovation, and Building a Sellable Business ft. Ryan Pineda
In this engaging conversation, Ryan Pineda, a former pro baseball player turned real estate mogul based in Las Vegas, shares his inspiring journey from flipping couches to building seven-figure businesses. He discusses the importance of mastering one venture at a time and adapting to market changes. Ryan highlights his innovative 'business-in-a-box' model, revolutionizing real estate education for aspiring wholesalers. He also dives into strategies for navigating economic uncertainties and emphasizes the need for creativity in real estate.
Apr 17, 2025 • 24min
JF 3878: Mobile Home Parks, LP Strategies, and Long-Term Wealth Building ft. Mike Arndorfer
In this engaging conversation, Mike Arndorfer, a seasoned passive investor from Bellingham, WA, with over 19 deals under his belt, delves into the world of mobile home parks and investment strategies. He discusses the importance of networking at industry conferences and building long-term relationships with operators. Mike emphasizes trust in investment partnerships and shares insights on balancing risk and cash flow for sustained wealth. He also explores personalized coaching for transitioning to passive income strategies, offering valuable tips for aspiring investors.
Apr 16, 2025 • 31min
JF 3877: New Jersey CRE Wins, Cash Flow Tradeoffs, and Building a Capital Team ft. Aaron Fragnito
Aaron Fragnito, co-founder of People’s Capital Group and a New Jersey real estate expert, offers insights into thriving amidst competition in multifamily and mixed-use investing. He discusses his strategic shift toward Class A assets and the advantages of off-market deals. Aaron delves into managing older properties and the challenges of the mixed-use market, especially in retail. He also shares his journey from house flipping to scaling syndications, highlighting the importance of a solid capital-raising team and investor relations.
Apr 15, 2025 • 37min
JF 3876: Investor Vetting, Tax Abatements, and Crowdfunded Development ft. Mustafa Ladha
Mustafa Ladha, Senior VP of Investor Relations at Veloce Capital, shares insights from his journey transitioning from pharmaceuticals to real estate. He reveals how he raised over $40 million using WhatsApp, fostering genuine investor relationships. The conversation covers strategies on suburban development in New Jersey, leveraging tax abatements, and utilizing crowdfunding to make investments accessible. Mustafa emphasizes the importance of authenticity in networking and understanding emotional challenges in investor relations for sustainable success.
