
The Best Ever CRE Show
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
Latest episodes

Dec 16, 2024 • 47min
JF3756: How to Test 'Lazy' Brokers, Landing National Tenants, and the Trends Shaping Retail ft. Pete Montgomery & Josh Rothstein
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, retail brokers Pete Montgomery (CMC Properties) and Josh Rothstein (Onsite Retail Group) join host Ash Patel to discuss trends and insights in commercial retail real estate. They cover topics including landing national tenants, repurposing second-generation restaurant spaces, the evolution of shopping centers, and working with local municipalities. The pair emphasize the importance of relationships, responsiveness, and social media presence in successful commercial brokerage, while also discussing current market challenges like restaurant industry changes and shifts in retail space utilization.Pete Montgomery & Josh Rothstein | Real Estate Background
CMC PROPERTIES
Based in: Cincinnati, OH
Say hi to them at:
Pete's LinkedIn
Josh's LinkedIn
www.cmcproperties.com
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Dec 15, 2024 • 30min
JF3755: Self Storage vs Apartments in 2025: Why Storage Got Hit Harder ft. Christal deBoer
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Christal Smith DeBoer, founder of Regency Investment Group, joins host Joe Cornwell to discuss her journey in real estate investing. DeBoer shares her experience transitioning from managing her father's single-family portfolio to investing in multifamily and self-storage properties across the Southeast and Midwest. She discusses her approach to raising capital through organic relationship building, the importance of transparency with investors during challenging times, and shares stories of both successful and challenging deals. DeBoer also highlights current market challenges, particularly in self-storage occupancy, and runs an education program called "My First Million in Multifamily" to help others enter the commercial real estate space.Christal deBoer | Real Estate Background
DeBoer Management & Investments
Based in: Charleston, SC
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
Facebook
www.myfirstmillioninmultifamily.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 2024 • 24min
JF3754: Why AI is Making Tenant Screening Harder Than Ever ft. Sarah May
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Sarah May, founder and principal of Regency Investment Group, joins host Slocomb Reed to discuss changes in Denver's multifamily market since her last appearance in 2022. May shares insights on dealing with new construction supply, negative rent growth, and shifting strategies toward smaller, simpler deals with fewer partners. She discusses challenges with rental fraud, the impact of Denver's affordable housing legislation on new development, and emphasizes the importance of patient, strategic investing in today's market conditions over quick turnarounds.Sarah May | Real Estate Background
Founder and Principal, Regency Investment Group
Based in: Denver, CO
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.RegencyInvestmentGroup.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
JF3753: Investment Fraud Expert's Warning: 'The Only Thing Wrong With Losing Money is Hiding It' ft. James Brandolino
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, James Brandolino, former hedge fund manager and founder of Investment Fraud Solutions, joins host Matt Faircloth. Brandolino shares his personal story of running a fraudulent hedge fund for eight years before turning himself in, and now helps investors and companies prevent fraud. He explains how most investment fraud doesn't start intentionally but evolves from fear and pride when investments underperform. Brandolino provides insights on red flags in investment operations, the importance of transparency, proper disclosures in PPMs, and the risks of relying on third-party IRA custodians for due diligence.Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 2024 • 30min
JF3752: Why Floor Plate Size Makes or Breaks Office Conversions (And Other Insider Design Secrets) ft. Duanne Render
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Duanne Render, design manager at Gensler, joins host Amanda Cruise to discuss office-to-residential conversions. Render explains Gensler's proprietary algorithm for analyzing building conversion suitability, focusing on key factors like floor plate size, mechanical systems, and facade configuration. He shares insights on market conditions that make conversions viable, including construction costs, property values, and rental rates, while highlighting successful conversion markets like New York and Calgary. Render also discusses the importance of government incentives and the typical analysis process, which starts at $5,000 for initial feasibility studies.Duanne Render | Real Estate Background
Senior Associate at Gensler
Based in: Toronto
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.gensler.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 2024 • 30min
JF3751: The Truth About Bridge Debt & Why This Former Pro Golfer Stopped Doing Office Deals ft. Billy Brown
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Billy Brown, founder of The Investors Capital Group LL/C and active investor, joins host Amanda Cruise. Brown shares his journey from professional golf to commercial lending and discusses his diverse portfolio, including an 82-unit multifamily property in Kentucky and a triple-net office building in Wisconsin. He provides valuable insights on the 2024-2025 lending landscape, discussing higher interest rates, bridge debt challenges, and the growing trend of private debt lending. Brown also shares hard-learned lessons about team selection, particularly regarding CFOs and property managers, and his shifting investment strategy toward businesses with real estate components rather than traditional investment properties.Billy Brown | Real Estate Background
Founder of The Investors Capital Group LL/C
Based in: Nashville, TN
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.BillyBrown.me
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 10, 2024 • 39min
JF3750: The Wall of Doom, How the U.S. Treasury Has Changed, and What it All Means for CRE ft. Brian Bailey
In this conversation, John Chang interviews Brian Bailey, CRE Subject Matter Expert in the Supervision, Regulation, & Credit Division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. They discuss the implications of recent economic policies, particularly tariffs, on commercial real estate. They explore how these tariffs could lead to inflation, affect labor shortages, and impact construction costs. The discussion also covers investor perspectives in a changing market, the influence of interest rates on economic growth, and the challenges posed by government borrowing. They conclude with insights on the future of commercial real estate and the importance of location in investment decisions.Brian Bailey | Real Estate Background
Commercial Real Estate Subject Matter Expert in the Supervision, Regulation, & Credit Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
Based in: Atlanta, Georgia
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 30min
JF3749: Why This Texas Multifamily Owner Started a $3M Debt Fund (And Still Loves Buying Apartments) ft. Jacob Garza
In this episode, Slocomb Reed interviews Jacob Garza, founder of REEP Equity, focusing on the commercial real estate landscape, particularly in Texas. Jacob shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to real estate investor, discussing the operational strategies of REEP Equity, their market focus, and the current acquisition opportunities in Texas. The conversation also delves into the recent launch of a debt fund, its mechanics, and how it fits into the broader investment strategy. Jacob emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the current market and shares insights on the future of multifamily investing.Jacob Garza | Real Estate Background
Founder of REEP Equity
Based in: San Antonio, Texas
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.reepequity.com
www.jacobgarza.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 8, 2024 • 35min
JF3748: Why This Office Investor Is Still Seeing 20% Rent Growth Despite Market Fear ft. Josh Sason
In this episode, Amanda Cruise interviews Josh Sason, who shares his journey from launching a hedge fund at 22 to focusing on commercial real estate. Josh discusses his investment strategies in office properties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced in the office market, and the lessons learned from his experiences. He also explores the small bay industrial market, emphasizing the opportunities in secondary and tertiary markets, and concludes with insights on shifts in investment thesis and the importance of location in real estate investing.Josh Sason | Real Estate Background
Principal at Sason Organization
Based in: Miami, FL and NYC
Say hi to them at:
www.sasonorg.com
www.joshuasason.com
Instagram
LinkedIn
X.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 7, 2024 • 27min
JF3747: When The City Engineer Gets Personal: A Multifamily Development Nightmare ft. Eduardo Viesca
Joe Cornwell interviews Eduardo Viesca, managing partner of Manglar Capital, who shares his extensive experience in real estate investment. Eduardo discusses his journey from Mexico to the U.S. real estate market, focusing on multifamily investments and land development strategies. He reflects on both successful and challenging deals, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and finding unique investment opportunities. Eduardo also addresses the current challenges in raising capital and offers actionable advice for investors looking to navigate a tough market.Eduardo Viesca | Real Estate Background
Managing Partner at Manglar Capital
Based in: Miami FL
Say hi to them at:
www.manglar-capital.com
LinkedIn
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices