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 5, 2025 • 23min
JF 3866: Tariffs, Treasury Trends, and Multifamily Recovery
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless flies solo and dives into the latest Best Ever newsletter with updates and insights on the commercial real estate market. Joe breaks down the impact of new tariffs, treasury rate movements, and the state of multifamily trends across markets like DFW, Florida, and the Sunbelt. He highlights affordable housing challenges, national vacancy trends, and a standout case study of a 2X value-add deal in South Carolina generating 110% annual cash-on-cash returns. Joe also touches on where renters are currently searching most and encourages community engagement through the Best Ever CRE app.Capital Gains Tax Solutionsvikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 4, 2025 • 53min
JF 3865: Garage Condos, Flex Space, and Building a Category of One ft. Ben Lapidus
On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Ben Lapidus, a seasoned real estate investor and innovator behind a unique new concept called Playground. They dive into Ben’s journey from self-storage investments to pioneering the emerging asset class of garage condos—flexible, purpose-built spaces that can serve as luxury storage, personal gyms, hobby studios, or workspaces. Ben explains how Playground caters to affluent buyers looking to own, not rent, and discusses why selling individual units instead of leasing offers better returns and faster capital recycling. They also unpack zoning challenges, community-building strategies, and the massive untapped market potential across the U.S.Ben Lapidus
CEO/Partner
Based in: Littleton, CO
Say hi to them at
playground.properties
besteverconference.com
playground.investnext.com
linkedin.com/blapidus
benlapidus.com
Capital Gains Tax Solutionsvikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
JF 3864: LP Red Flags, Market Trends, and Multifamily Wins ft. Andrew Cushman
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Pascal Wagner interviews Andrew Cushman, founder of Vantage Point Acquisitions. Andrew shares his journey from chemical engineer to successful multifamily investor, highlighting how he transitioned from flipping homes to acquiring nearly 3,000 multifamily units across the Southeast. He breaks down his firm's buy box strategy, emphasizing the importance of management value-add, demographic targeting, and property size for operational efficiency. The conversation also explores how LPs can vet operators more effectively, the significance of operator SOPs, and a deep dive into the current trend of preferred equity raises and their implications for passive investors.Andrew Cushman
Founder/Principal
Based in: Southern California
Say hi to them at
www.vpacq.com
www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcushmanvpa
Capital Gains Tax Solutionsvikingcapllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Apr 2, 2025 • 32min
JF 3863: IOS Storage, SBA Financing, and the Power of Partnerships ft. Christopher Long
Christopher Long, CEO of Long Yards, details his journey in transforming a contractor's solution into a $12 million industrial outdoor storage business. He discusses innovative land acquisition strategies and the benefits of SBA financing for development. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional franchising to flexible partnerships, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in this niche. Listeners discover modern storage solutions designed for contractors and the extensive market potential across North America.
Apr 1, 2025 • 30min
JF3862: Vetting Sponsors, Multifamily in Tennessee, and Value-Add Plays ft. Brent Barcus
Brent Barcus, Managing Partner at I-65 Capital in Nashville, shares his fascinating journey from the entertainment industry to multifamily real estate. He details his process for vetting sponsors and the lessons learned from an early challenging deal in Georgia. Brent highlights promising market trends in Nashville, showcasing a new 232-unit acquisition focused on value-add plays. He also discusses the significance of strategic partnerships and navigating property management challenges in smaller markets, offering a deep dive into the dynamics of the multifamily sector.
Mar 31, 2025 • 31min
JF3861: Passive Investing, AI Due Diligence, and Risk Mitigation ft. Sam Giordano
In this conversation, Sam Giordano, a gastroenterologist turned real estate investor and co-founder of PassiveAdvantage.com, shares his unique path into real estate syndications. He reveals how his AI-driven platform helps high-income professionals navigate passive investments. Topics include the critical role of sponsor evaluation, adapting to market challenges like rising interest rates, and the benefits of transparency in connecting investors with sponsors. Sam also discusses the importance of diversification and future opportunities in multifamily real estate.
Mar 30, 2025 • 33min
JF3860: Economic Uncertainty, Inflation Risks, and the Real Estate Outlook ft. John Silvia
John Silvia, former chief economist of Wells Fargo and the U.S. Banking Committee, shares his insights on economic uncertainty and inflation risks. He addresses concerns like slowing consumer spending and potential recession indicators. Silvia discusses the implications of new tariffs on inflation and consumer confidence, while predicting possible rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. He highlights investment opportunities in commercial real estate, painting a cautiously optimistic picture for the next few years amidst the economic challenges.
Mar 29, 2025 • 37min
JF 3859: Protecting LPs, Building Trust, and Growing Through Mentorship ft. Christion Sadler
Christion Sadler, CEO of PreIShare, discusses how his platform is transforming liquidity for LP investors in real estate syndications. He shares insights on the evolving needs of LPs, the importance of mentorship, and the intricacies of investment buyouts. Christion highlights the critical nature of trust in investor-sponsor relationships and explores strategies for navigating capital gains taxes. He also announces an upcoming Capital Raise Forum event, bringing together real estate enthusiasts to foster community and connections.
Mar 28, 2025 • 47min
JF 3858: Creative Partnerships, Risk Mitigation, and the Power of Community ft. Liz Faircloth
Liz Faircloth, co-founder of DeRosa Group and The Real Estate InvestHer, dives into the world of creative partnerships and community in real estate. She discusses the striking differences in investor mindsets today and the importance of conservative underwriting. Liz highlights how women thrive by forming strong partnerships and optimizing operations. She also shares valuable strategies for couples investing together, like quarterly retreats and feedback exercises. Plus, there's exciting news about upcoming conferences empowering women in the industry!
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
JF 3857: Structuring Smart Syndications, Vetting Operators, and Going Active ft. Bethany LeFlam
Bethany LeFlam, a seasoned SEC attorney turned active hotel investor, shares her expertise in structuring real estate syndications. She discusses vital LP protections and red flags in PPMs that investors should be aware of. Bethany's transition from passive investing to focusing on boutique hotels highlights the importance of operator vetting and effective communication. She also explores legal aspects of capital raising, the implications of GPs co-investing, and her innovative concept of 'Other People's Everything' for wealth creation.
