

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

Jun 15, 2025 • 30min
JF 3937: Interest Rates on Pause, CRE on the Move, and Immigration’s Economic Role
On this episode of The Horizon, John Chang discusses the delayed impact of new tariffs on inflation and how businesses stockpiling inventory may temporarily mask those effects. He outlines the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rates, noting likely rate stability through Q3, with potential movement in Q4 depending on economic indicators. John also explores how immigration policy and labor shortages—especially in construction and healthcare—pose challenges for commercial real estate. Finally, he unpacks how the proposed tax bill, including accelerated depreciation and expanded deductions, could benefit CRE investors, particularly those pursuing value-add strategies, and why he believes real estate may outperform other assets under a second Trump administration.
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 14, 2025 • 55min
JF 3936: Crafting a 10-Year Vision, Nurturing Partnerships, and Raising Capital with John Makarewicz
In this discussion, John Makarewicz, managing partner at Faris Capital Partners, shares insights from his 15 years in residential real estate and his pivot to multifamily investing. He emphasizes the importance of visionary planning and building strong partnerships. John also highlights the significance of defining roles within his team and the strategies they use to maintain broker relationships. He outlines the discipline of tracking lead measures for success and discusses their commitment to transparency in investor communications.

Jun 13, 2025 • 52min
JF 3935: Bridge Debt, On-Site Turnarounds, and Scaling in Texas ft. Jonathan Nichols
On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Jonathan Nichols of Apogee Capital. Jonathan shares how he and his wife scaled from single-family homes to multifamily syndications across Texas and Oklahoma by leveraging broker relationships and applying analytical rigor learned from his engineering background. He recounts the transformation of a distressed 170-unit property in Lubbock—from 68% to 93% occupancy in just a few months—by temporarily relocating on-site and aggressively implementing a value-add strategy. Jonathan and Matt also dig into property management challenges, when to vertically integrate, and the importance of broker trust and clear communication in winning off-market or "first-look" deals.
Jonathan Nichols
Current Role: Managing Partner, Apogee Capital
Based in: Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
Say hi to them at: https://apogeemfc.com
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Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 5min
JF 3934: Real Estate, Startups, and Tax Strategy—Unlocking Opportunity Zones ft. Jimmy Atkinson
On this episode of the Passive Income Playbook, Pascal Wagner interviews Jimmy Atkinson, founder of OpportunityZones.com and host of the Opportunity Zones Podcast. Jimmy breaks down how Opportunity Zones work—from their 2017 creation in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the powerful tax incentives they offer investors. He shares how these zones have catalyzed billions in investment across the country, not just in multifamily but also in startups, industrial real estate, and community-focused developments. They also explore the future of the program, including what Opportunity Zones 2.0 might look like, and Jimmy offers tips for LPs considering OZ investments for the first time.
Jimmy Atkinson
Current role: Founder of OpportunityZones.com and host of the Opportunity Zones Podcast
Based in: Dallas, Texas
Say hi to them at: https://opportunityzones.com
Get 60% off the Magic Mind offer with our link and code
https://magicmind.com/bestevermf & BESTEVER60
#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 11, 2025 • 38min
JF 3933: Elevator Failures, Emotional Investing, and Office-to-Apartment Plays ft. Matt Drouin
On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Matt Drouin, managing partner at Oak Grove Development. Matt shares how his asset-agnostic, opportunistic approach has led to a $18 million portfolio across 25 commercial properties in Rochester, NY. He dives into the strategy behind acquiring underperforming office buildings—like a 55,000-square-foot historic skyscraper bought for $1.5 million—and converting them into workforce housing. Matt also discusses the pros and cons of joint ventures versus syndications, the value of local market dominance, and how he's leveraged content creation to expand his investor network and broker relationships.
Matt Drouin
Current Role: Managing Partner, Oak Grove Development
Based in: Rochester, New York
Say hi to them at: LinkedIn, YouTube
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 10, 2025 • 53min
JF 3932: Contractor Red Flags, Permits, and Litigation Costs ft. Andy Wyman
On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Andy Wyman, a Florida-based attorney and founder of Wyman Legal Solutions, who specializes in construction and real estate law. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience and a background in a family of contractors, Andy shares the most common legal pitfalls property owners and investors face when hiring contractors. He emphasizes the importance of vetting, clear communication, permits, and using contracts that protect both parties. The conversation covers red flags in hiring, the hidden risks of litigation, and practical guidance for both investors and contractors navigating construction disputes and project planning.
Andy Wyman
Current role: Founder & Construction Attorney, Wyman Legal Solutions
Based in: Boca Raton, Florida
Say hi to them at:
www.wymanlegalsolutions.com
Phone: 561-361-8700
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 9, 2025 • 35min
JF 3931: Scaling to 1,000 LPs, Investor Sentiment Shifts, and the Viking IR Playbook ft. Chris Parrinello
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Joe Fairless interviews Chris Parrinello, Vice President of Investor Relations at Viking Capital. Chris shares how Viking scaled their investor relations team from just two people to a five-person department supporting over 1,000 LPs, including their unique intern-to-associate pipeline. He dives deep into investor sentiment in today’s challenging multifamily market, explaining how Viking is rebuilding trust through transparency, new incentive structures, and proactive communication. Chris also reveals the tech stack and strategies they use for investor education, capital raising, and operational efficiency, emphasizing the value of organic growth and long-term relationships over quick wins.
Chris Parrinello
Current role: Vice President of Investor Relations at Viking Capital
Based in: United States (exact city not mentioned)
Say hi to them at: https://www.vikingcapllc.com
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 8, 2025 • 37min
JF 3930: Ranking CRE: Urban Office Struggles, Apartment Strength, and Medical Office Dominance
On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses his personal ranking of commercial real estate property types, grading them from F to S based on current performance, long-term potential, and economic headwinds.
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 7, 2025 • 51min
JF 3929: Creative Lending, Off-Market Deals, and Business Acquisitions ft. George Otel
On this episode of Multifamily Mastery, John Casmon interviews George Otel, a commercial real estate finance expert and founder of US Business Funding. George shares his journey from the transportation industry into real estate, detailing his pivot into multifamily and ultimately commercial lending. He explains how his team works with over 1,000 lending sources, including private lenders, family offices, and funds, to help investors navigate complex financing scenarios—especially when traditional banks fall short. They discuss the importance of structuring deals creatively, moving fast on off-market opportunities, and the emerging landscape of business acquisitions as a wealth transfer looms.
George Otel
Current role: Founder, US Business Funding
Say hi to them at: https://usbizfunding.net
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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

Jun 6, 2025 • 49min
JF 3928: Scaling Property Management, Section 8 Strategy, and Philippine Telecom ft. Mike Bonadies
On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Mike Bonadies, founder of TerraVestra Property Management. Mike shares his unique journey of scaling a profitable property management company while owning rental properties himself—something he says is rare but critical for alignment. He discusses the importance of hiring investor-minded staff, leveraging offshore talent from the Philippines, and creating systems grounded in landlord-tenant law and municipal code knowledge. The episode also dives deep into controversial topics like the future of Section 8 housing, vetting property managers with the right questions, and handling maintenance and pest issues responsibly—without falling into the trap of "scumbag landlord" behavior. Finally, Mike reveals how a trusted VA's idea led to launching a telecom company bringing internet to remote areas of the Philippines.
Mike Bonadies
Current Role: Owner, TerraVestra Property Management and co-founder of a Philippine-based telecom company
Based in: South Jersey
Say hi to them at: mbonadies@tvpm.info or www.terravestrapropertymanagement.com
Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/cre. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!
Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE.
Terms and conditions apply.
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


