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
Mar 9, 2025 • 28min
JF3839: B & C-Class Multi-Family Acquisitions, Midwest Market Dynamics, & Unexpected Renovation Challenges ft. Stan Remling
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Slocomb Reed interviews Stan Remling, co-founder of Follow the Deal Investing. Stan shares his journey from W-2 employee to multifamily investor, focusing on value-add properties in Indiana and Michigan. He explains their strategy of targeting cash-flowing properties from day one, discusses their transition from small multifamily to larger complexes in the 30-70 unit range, and reveals how they've grown to over 700 units since 2020. Stan candidly shares lessons learned from unexpected renovation challenges, including water intrusion and termite damage discovered after purchase, and how they're adjusting their acquisition criteria based on these experiences. He also discusses their financing approach, including returning investor capital through refinancing, their property management company structure, and why they sometimes choose to sell rather than refinance challenging properties.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 8, 2025 • 24min
JF3838: Market Cycle Navigation, Distressed Property Acquisition Strategy, & Value-Add Execution Mastery ft. JP Newman
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Slocomb Reed interviews JP Newman, CEO and founder of ThriveFP. JP shares his perspective on the current real estate market, describing it as being in simultaneous contraction and expansion phases. He explains how his team strategically reduced their portfolio from 10,000 to 1,500 units to prepare for new opportunities, discusses indicators to watch for market recovery, and outlines his approach to finding distressed assets in the coming 24 months. JP also provides insights on how multifamily fundamentals remain strong despite current challenges, advises investors to be patient while keeping capital ready for opportunities, and shares how institutional capital has changed the landscape of finding value in the multifamily space.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
JF3837: Workforce Housing Strategy, Distressed Property Acquisition Tactics, & C-Class Turnaround Mastery ft. Bruce Fraser
On this episode of Next Level CRE, Matt Faircloth interviews Bruce Fraser, co-founder of Elkhorn Partners. Bruce shares his strategy of focusing on underperforming C-Class multi-family properties in markets with strong affordability metrics rather than chasing trendy investment hotspots. He explains how his team identifies distressed assets with significant upside potential, handles property security and crime issues, navigates specialized financing options, and creates value through strategic improvements. Bruce also provides his macroeconomic outlook, discussing inflation trends, interest rates, and why he believes hard assets like multi-family real estate provide protection against dollar devaluation.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 6, 2025 • 38min
JF3836: Due Diligence Red Flags, Lower Middle Market Inefficiencies, & Critical LP Investment Strategies ft. Aleksey Chernobelskiy
On this episode of the The Passive Income Playbook, host Pascal Wagner interviews Aleksey Chernobelskiy, former executive at Store Capital and founder of GPLP Match, about navigating the complex relationship between limited partners and general partners in commercial real estate investing. Chernobelskiy draws from his experience at Store Capital, where he helped deploy 1-2 billion dollars annually, to explain how LPs should approach due diligence differently when evaluating smaller versus institutional-sized deals. He provides valuable insights on distinguishing between "red flags" and "yellow flags" in investment opportunities, dissects why LPs often miss aggressive rent growth assumptions in multifamily deals, and offers his golden rule for investors: if you can't identify at least three ways your investment could go to zero, you're not ready to invest. The conversation provides critical guidance for passive investors seeking to evaluate deals more effectively in today's challenging market environment.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 5, 2025 • 29min
JF3835: Asset Class Diversification Strategy, Opportunity Zone Warehouse Acquisition, & Commercial Retail Value-Add Analysis ft. Ryan Wittig
On this episode of the Beyond Multifamily, hosts Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Ryan Wittig, principal of Kinvara Capital, about his journey from residential development to acquiring a diverse portfolio of commercial assets. Wittig shares how he pivoted from building single-family homes and townhouses to strategically acquiring a 28,000 sq ft warehouse through an Opportunity Zone structure, a boutique lodging house near Harvard, short-term rentals, and an office condo. The conversation offers valuable insights on finding deals through unexpected channels (like residential MLSs), identifying value-add opportunities in multi-tenant retail centers, and navigating condo association challenges. Wittig also reveals his current focus on acquiring flex industrial and retail properties to create sustainable cash flow streams beyond development projects.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 4, 2025 • 31min
JF3834: Economic Uncertainty Analysis, Multifamily Supply-Demand Forecast, & Commercial Real Estate Investment Timing Strategy ft. John Chang
On this episode of The Horizon, host John Chang shares key insights from his recent workshop at the Best Ever Conference about critical market trends impacting real estate investment in 2025. Chang analyzes how the new Trump administration's potential policies on tariffs and immigration could impact economic growth, construction costs, and labor markets. He explains why multifamily fundamentals are strengthening as construction pipelines drop dramatically (with starts down 75% from peak) while demographic demand drivers remain strong. Drawing parallels to previous market cycles, Chang notes that the current cap rate expansion represents only the fourth significant instance since 1992, and historically, investments made during these periods have delivered superior returns. The episode provides a comprehensive outlook for commercial real estate investors navigating political uncertainty while positioning for long-term growth.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 3, 2025 • 22min
JF3833: Operating Amusement Parks vs. Multifamily Investing, Cash Flow Comparison, & Private Capital Raising Strategy ft. James Harhi
On this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, host Slocomb Reed interviews James Harhi, CEO of JFH Technologies, about his unique investment approach spanning both multifamily properties and amusement businesses. Harhi shares insights on managing a portfolio that includes 600+ apartments in Indiana alongside water parks and amusement facilities in the Northeast. He discusses the financial advantages of operating water parks (projecting 300% returns over 10 years versus 12-16% annually on apartments), his "follow the deal" investment philosophy, and how he structures management teams that allow him to scale across different business models. The conversation reveals how Harhi raises 100% private capital for his park acquisitions through sale-leaseback arrangements with REITs, avoiding traditional bank financing while providing his investors with consistent cash flow opportunities.Sponsors:Vintage CapitalCapital Gains Tax Solutions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mar 2, 2025 • 32min
JF3832: Forensic Engineering Insights, Preventative Maintenance Strategies, & Critical Property Inspection Tips ft. Stanley Stoll
Stanley Stoll, CEO of Knott Laboratories, dives into the critical world of forensic engineering and infrastructure assessment. He reveals that 99% of structural issues arise from water-related problems, making early detection vital for investors. Stoll discusses the 'rule of fives,' where small preventative investments can avert major future costs. The conversation highlights the evolution of building codes, the unique challenges of retrofitting historical buildings, and stresses that moisture management should be a top priority for real estate investments.
9 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 23min
JF3831: Fund Model Advantages, Capital Flow Analysis, & Multifamily Development Timing Strategies ft. Marcin Drozdz
Marcin Drozdz, managing partner of M1 Real Capital and a savvy player in multifamily development, shares his insights from navigating the commercial real estate landscape since the 2008 crisis. He highlights his strategic shift to a fund model, enabling access to significant discounts through ready capital. The conversation dives into the importance of affordable housing, macroeconomic trends, and the evolving investor relations landscape. Drozdz emphasizes transparency and aligning interests in GP/LP structures as keys to success in today's cautious market.
4 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 4min
JF3830: Cultivating Excellence Through Vertical Integration, Resident-Focused Management, & Multi-Generational Family Succession Planning ft. Arleen Garza
Arleen Garza, founder of REEP Equity, shares her journey of managing over 4,400 multifamily units across Texas. She emphasizes the power of vertical integration for improved control and resident satisfaction. Arleen discusses cultivating a positive company culture through experienced leadership and the importance of long-term family succession planning. The conversation also touches on strategies for navigating the multifamily investment landscape and the rise of Build to Rent communities, highlighting their role in providing affordable housing.
