The Best Ever CRE Show

On this episode of The Horizon, John discusses the complex forces influencing interest rates, inflation, and investment strategy in today’s real estate market. He breaks down Wall Street’s predictions for Fed rate cuts, explains why the Federal Reserve is likely to hold steady due to policy uncertainty—especially around tariffs, immigration, and supply chains—and challenges the idea that waiting to buy or sell will yield better opportunities. John also explores how cap rates, treasury yields, and government deficits intersect with real estate performance, ultimately advising investors to seek deals with built-in value or value-add potential rather than attempting to time the market. 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. Try Huel with 15% OFF + Free Gift for New Customers today using my code bestever at https://huel.com/bestever. Fuel your best performance with Huel today! 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

Lee Yoder, founder of Threefold Real Estate Investing in Cincinnati, dives into the power of in-house property management. He reveals how managing his own 283-unit portfolio dramatically reduced vacancy and turnover expenses, boosting cash flow. Lee shares his journey of building a reliable team and scaling his business, leading to a recent acquisition that nearly doubled his portfolio. The conversation highlights the strategic advantages of aligning management with ownership goals, emphasizing how this approach transforms operational efficiency in multifamily real estate.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Episcope, co-founder of Origin Investments, shares his journey from commodities trading to leading a real estate firm focused on Class A multifamily properties. He reveals how his grandfather influenced his real estate mindset and how he navigated launching Origin during the 2008 crisis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of risk management and identifying opportunities amidst a capital slowdown. Michael also discusses the advantages of specializing in high-growth markets and the potential of predictive data in rental trends.

Christian Busch, Managing Partner at Glass Cube Investments and former tech professional, shares his insights on building a resilient real estate portfolio focused on Miami. He discusses the strategic importance of avoiding luxury assets and highlights the risks associated with single-tenant investments. Busch emphasizes targeted portfolio construction and the significance of long-term partnerships. He also examines migration trends from New York to Florida and raises concerns over rising insurance costs impacting investors in the region.

Suja Shyam, Managing Partner at Lux Capital Investment Group, discusses her journey from multifamily real estate to investing in alternative assets like private equity and cash-flowing businesses. She highlights the appeal of these investments in a rising interest rate environment and shares insights on effective underwriting and due diligence. Suja emphasizes a risk-bucket approach for savvy investors seeking growth and dives into a unique healthcare brokerage venture aimed at achieving substantial equity multiples. Her perspective on portfolio diversification is a valuable takeaway.

Michael Kramer, founder of Freed by Real Estate and co-author of Empathetic Leadership, shares his inspiring journey of turning personal loss into a thriving family business. He reveals how a life-changing accident reshaped his priorities and how empathy drives his leadership style. Michael also recounts a chaotic home renovation that taught him valuable lessons about resilience and creativity. He emphasizes the power of empathetic communication in negotiations, illustrating how understanding others' perspectives leads to successful relationships.

Dr. Adam Gower, founder of Gower Crowd, Tim Mai of Hero Wealth Fund, and Irwin Boris, Senior Managing Director, explore the revolutionary impact of AI on capital raising in real estate. They share innovative tools like ChatGPT for investor outreach and appointment setting. Tim discusses automating prospecting on social media, while Irwin elaborates on using LinkedIn for lead generation. Adam emphasizes authentic engagement through consistent content, showcasing how AI can transform investor relations and streamline communication for better fundraising outcomes.

The podcast dives into insights from a meeting with top commercial real estate investors, addressing rising stagflation risks and their implications for apartment demand. Despite economic uncertainties, overall investor sentiment remains positive, with many planning to purchase in 2025. A key focus is the importance of strong operations, as experienced investors are expected to thrive while less seasoned counterparts may struggle. The conversation also highlights the need for adaptability in response to fluctuating interest rates and economic challenges.

Gary Holloway Jr., CEO of GMH Communities, dives into the evolution of student housing, highlighting the shift from local syndications to large-scale developments. He discusses the significance of location and market dynamics in identifying investment opportunities, particularly in urban areas. Gary showcases GMH’s “Innovative Living” model, merging student and conventional housing while catering to emerging life science hubs. He emphasizes resilience in the student housing sector and the critical need for partnerships with experienced operators for future success.

In this discussion, Neal Bawa, CEO and the 'mad scientist of multifamily,' shares insights from his live presentation at a major conference. He debates the Fed's economic strategies, noting that wage growth is outpacing rent growth. Neal expresses a bullish outlook on rent but remains cautious about cap rates and interest rates. He recommends targeting investment markets like Indianapolis, citing their strong rent growth and favorable tax conditions, while also emphasizing data-driven decision-making for real estate success.