

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

Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
JF3780: Why This Storage Investor is Building 500-1,000 SF Units for Contractors Instead of Standard 10x10s ft. Joe Downs
Amanda Crusie and Ash Patel interview Joe Downs, CEO of the Bellrose Group, who shares his journey into the self-storage industry. Joe discusses the current state of the self-storage market, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the evolving trends influenced by consumer behavior. He highlights the importance of niche markets and the potential for growth in the self-storage sector, particularly among younger generations. Joe also elaborates on his company's innovative approach to developing pro storage facilities tailored for contractors and small businesses.Sponsors:Crystal View CapitalAltra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2025 • 32min
JF3779: How This Developer Lost His 21-Story Building, Found Data Analytics & Rebuilt His Business ft. Eric Brody
Eric Brody, Principal at ANAX Real Estate Partners, shares his journey in real estate development, detailing the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how he navigated through setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, leveraging data and technology, and unique approaches to capital advisory. Eric discusses the current opportunities in the real estate market and offers advice for those facing challenges, highlighting the need for honesty, courage, and a focus on the present.Sponsors:Altra Running Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 7, 2025 • 30min
JF3778: Demographics, Dining & Department Stores: How Boomer Wealth is Reshaping Retail in 2025 ft. Gregg Katz
John and Gregg explore the evolving landscape of retail in relation to demographic shifts, particularly focusing on the aging population and its impact on consumer behavior. They discuss how retailers can adapt to meet the needs of different generations, including baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z. The conversation also delves into the future of grocery and open-air retail, highlighting the importance of experiential shopping and community engagement. Finally, they touch on investment opportunities in retail, emphasizing the potential for growth in sectors catering to older demographics.Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 6, 2025 • 27min
JF3777: Venture Capital vs Real Estate, Why Most Cap Rate Deals Make No Sense & The Case for Farming in 2025 ft. Isaac Bennett
Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Isaac Bennett, founder of YouAre, a brand business specializing in hard asset syndication and venture advising. Isaac shares his diverse investment strategies, including real estate in Belize, venture capital, and farming. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in international investments, the importance of understanding market cycles, and the risks associated with real estate. Isaac emphasizes the need for accountability in the investment space and explores the potential of farming as a durable investment opportunity.Isaac Bennett | Real Estate Background
Founder of YouAre
Based in: Peoria, IL
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 5, 2025 • 32min
JF3776: Why This 6,000-Unit Investor is Targeting Dallas & Triple Net Leases in 2025 ft. Ral West
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Podcast, host Joe Cornwell interviews Ral West, a seasoned real estate investor with a diverse portfolio including multifamily units, vacation rentals, and triple net leases. Ral shares her journey from active management to passive investments, emphasizing the importance of building effective systems and leveraging professional property management. The conversation explores market cycles, the benefits of triple net leases, and valuable lessons learned from both successful and challenging investments. Ral also provides actionable advice for investors, highlighting the significance of due diligence and exit strategies.Ral West | Real Estate Background
Ral West Livin' The Dream
Based in: Sitka, Alaska
Say hi to them at:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
www.ralwest.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 4, 2025 • 55min
JF3775: Live Deal Analysis: Three Real Estate Investors Get Matt Faircloth's Take on Their Next Moves
Today on the Best Ever CRE Show, Matt Faircloth hosted a special Next Level CRE segment featuring live consultations with three different real estate investors facing unique challenges. First, he advised Steve Richmond, a semi-retired developer running Workspace USA, on how to scale his successful office/warehouse flex space business while reducing his 60-hour workweeks, suggesting he prioritize hiring a project manager. Next, he counseled Storm and Tara Chileno on their potential motel acquisition in Pennsylvania, recommending they modernize the property with automated systems and add RV parking to serve pipeline workers rather than converting to traditional apartments. Finally, he helped Dan Plaster and Mark D'Alessandro strategize on how to win competitive multifamily deals, suggesting they explore creative financing options with generational owners and focus on direct-to-seller marketing rather than solely relying on broker listings.Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
JF3774: Housing Starts, Rising Wages & AI: Three Major Market Forces That Will Shape Multifamily in 2025 ft. J Scott
J Scott, Partner at Bar Down Investments and Host of the Drunk Real Estate Podcast, discusses the current state of the multifamily housing market, focusing on trends, challenges in new construction, the impact of wages on rent growth, and the dynamics of supply and demand. They explore the implications of low housing starts, the importance of tenant affordability, and innovations in construction methods, including modular housing. The discussion highlights the complexities of the market and the interplay between economic factors and housing availability.J Scott | Real Estate Background
Partner at Bar Down Investments and Host of the Drunk Real Estate Podcast
Portfolio:
About 1,000 units of SFR and multifamily
5,000 units as an LP
Based in: Sarasota, FL
Say hi to him at:
jscott.com
Best Ever Book: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Greatest Lesson: The value in holding property for the long-term. That's where real wealth building happens.
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 2, 2025 • 40min
JF3773: Why This Ex-Google Employee Uses Zillow Data to Push Self-Storage Rents & What He's Building Next ft. Faraz Hemani
Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel discuss the current state of the self-storage market with Faraz Hamani, owner of Pebble Capital Group. They explore the evolution of self-storage post-COVID, the challenges of rent pressures, customer retention strategies, acquisition tactics in a changing market, and the impact of cap rates and financing on the industry. The discussion also touches on the comparison between self-storage and mobile home parks, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in both asset classes. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of self-storage and flex space investments, discussing the impact of data science on rent management, innovative tenant assessment techniques, and the importance of understanding tenant behavior. They share valuable lessons learned from past investment mistakes and explore current market trends in self-storage and flex spaces. The discussion also covers development strategies in high-demand areas, the appeal of flex spaces, and the challenges of retail investment, concluding with insights on investor relations and return strategies.Faraz Hemani | Real Estate Background
Owner of Pebble Ridge Capital Group
Based in: Houston, TX
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.IronStorage.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 1, 2025 • 31min
JF3772: Why This Investor Prefers Local Bank Loans & Joint Ventures Over Syndications ft. Keith Kulow
In this episode of the Best Ever CRE Show, Amanda Cruise interviews Keith Kulow, a former US Navy test pilot turned real estate investor. Keith shares his journey into real estate, focusing on multifamily investments and joint ventures. He discusses the differences between syndications and joint ventures, the importance of having a well-defined exit strategy, and the role of contract attorneys in structuring deals. Keith also highlights his current focus on multifamily and retail investments, the challenges faced in the retail sector, and details about a new build-to-rent project in Knoxville.Keith Kulow | Real Estate Background
Founder, Managing Partner of Loom Equity
Based in: Virginia Beach, VA
Say hi to them at:
LinkedIn
www.LoomEquity.com
Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 31, 2024 • 34min
JF3771: 2025 CRE Outlook: Why The Next 12 Months Might Be a Once-in-a-Decade Buying Opportunity ft. John Chang
In this episode, John Chang discusses the commercial real estate investment outlook for 2025, highlighting the potential impacts of political changes, economic challenges, and demographic trends. He emphasizes the opportunities that may arise amidst uncertainty, particularly in the context of labor shortages and shifting market dynamics across various regions.Sponsors:Altra RunningSunrise Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


