
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

Nov 19, 2023 • 21min
JF3363: Best Ever Roundtable: Lessons Learned from our Best and Worst Deals Pt.2
Commercial real estate experts Slocomb Reed, Ash Patel, and Joe Cornwell share their best and worst experiences in real estate investing. They offer valuable insights, lessons, and strategies that every investor should consider. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Reserves: Slocomb Reed discusses the necessity of having sufficient reserves in real estate deals, especially when working with inherited tenant bases or C-class properties. He highlights the importance of staying disciplined and not compromising on the quality of contractors to avoid costly mistakes. Staying True to Your "Why": Joe Cornwell delves into the challenge of managing capital and the temptation to rush into new deals. He emphasizes the need to focus on your "why" in real estate investing, staying patient, and not letting idle cash dictate investment decisions. Lessons for All Investors: Ash Patel shares invaluable advice for real estate investors. He stresses the importance of comfortable idling large sums of cash, finding partners or selling deals if necessary, and understanding your "why" to maintain focus and purpose in your real estate journey. Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 18, 2023 • 25min
JF3362: Michael Margarella - Multifamily vs. Self-Storage in 2023
Michael Margarella, founder of Next Play Investments, delves into the nuances of commercial real estate investing, shedding light on the intriguing dynamics of the multifamily and self-storage sectors. In this episode, we uncover the evolving trends and opportunities in these markets while gaining essential insights into the strategies and challenges that resonate with commercial real estate investors in 2023. Key Takeaways: Shifting Market Trends in 2023: Michael discusses how market trends have evolved in the commercial real estate space. In 2021 and 2022, self-storage opportunities seemed abundant, but by 2023, there was a decline in available self-storage opportunities. Multifamily, on the other hand, started to see more appealing opportunities in the latter half of 2023, attracting reasonable sellers. Understanding these market shifts is crucial for investors to adapt their strategies. Direct-to-Seller and Broker Relationships: Michael emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with both sellers and brokers. He highlights the value of getting direct to sellers and shares his plans to enhance this aspect of his business in the coming years. Additionally, he discusses the significance of being on brokers' shortlists and fostering connections that make investors top of mind when opportunities arise. The Power of Lean Investing: One valuable lesson from the conversation is the importance of avoiding over-reliance on pro forma assumptions. Michael shares an example where their pro forma projections were heavily dependent on a new building, leading to challenges, delays, and increased costs. This experience highlights the significance of lean investing and relying on existing property fundamentals rather than overly optimistic assumptions. Michael Margarella | Real Estate Background Next Play Investments Portfolio: Self-storage facilities (200,000 sq. ft.) Multifamily (~200 units) Based in: New York, New York Say hi to him at: nextplayinvestments.com Best Ever Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Greatest Lesson: Specific to self-storage, never move forward on a deal that only pencils with the addition of a newly constructed building on the property. Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 17, 2023 • 31min
JF3361: Best Ever Roundtable: Lessons Learned from our Best and Worst Deals Pt. 1
Commercial real estate experts Slocomb Reed, Ash Patel, and Joe Cornwell share their best and worst experiences in real estate investing. They offer valuable insights, lessons, and strategies that every investor should consider. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Reserves: Slocomb Reed discusses the necessity of having sufficient reserves in real estate deals, especially when working with inherited tenant bases or C-class properties. He highlights the importance of staying disciplined and not compromising on the quality of contractors to avoid costly mistakes. Staying True to Your "Why": Joe Cornwell delves into the challenge of managing capital and the temptation to rush into new deals. He emphasizes the need to focus on your "why" in real estate investing, staying patient, and not letting idle cash dictate investment decisions. Lessons for All Investors: Ash Patel shares invaluable advice for real estate investors. He stresses the importance of comfortable idling large sums of cash, finding partners or selling deals if necessary, and understanding your "why" to maintain focus and purpose in your real estate journey. Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 16, 2023 • 35min
JF3360: Jim Sheils - The Rise of Build-to-Rent Properties
In this podcast episode, Ash Patel interviews Jim Sheils who discusses his transition from renovating to building new construction properties in Florida, focusing on the build-to-rent sector. He highlights the advantages of new constructions, the company's approach to targeting affordable markets, and their comprehensive property management services. The episode provides insights into investment strategies and the benefits of new constructions for investors. Key Takeaways: Shift to New Construction: Jim Sheils emphasizes the strategic shift from renovating older homes to building new construction properties, especially in response to the evolving real estate market conditions. Build-to-Rent Focus: The episode highlights the advantages of the build-to-rent sector, including its potential for better returns, reduced maintenance issues, and more predictable cash flow for investors. Comprehensive Property Management: Jim discusses the importance of offering all-inclusive property management services, easing the burden for investors and ensuring a more streamlined and efficient investment experience. Jim Sheils | Real Estate Background Partner at Southern Impression Homes & Co-Founder at 18 Summers Portfolio: Build to Rent New Construction Single Families, Duplexes, and Quads. +5,000 Buildable lots in Florida Based in: Jacksonville, FL Say hi to him at: LinkedIn www.jjplaybook.com Best Ever Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Greatest Lesson: "Go deep in your own unique abilities & delegate the rest." Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 2023 • 14min
JF3359: How to Seek Advice, and Cut the Noise | Passive Investor Tips ft. Travis Watts
Passive Investor Tips is a weekly series hosted by full-time passive investor and Best Ever Show host, Travis Watts. In each bite-sized episode, Travis breaks down passive investor topics, simplifying the philosophy and mindset while providing tactical, valuable information on how to be a passive investor. In this installment of Passive Investor Tips, Travis Watts discusses three strategies to gain a broader perspective in real estate investment. He focuses on foundational aspects beneficial to both beginners and experienced investors, emphasizing principles and life lessons vital in the field of real estate. Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 2023 • 31min
JF3358: Charlie Hardage - Harnessing the Power of HELOCs
Real estate investor and military veteran, Charlie Hardage, discusses the power of using Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) to accelerate real estate investments. He shares his experiences using HELOCs for various real estate opportunities and emphasizes the importance of tracking net worth. Charlie's passion for giving back to the community is evident as he plans to establish charities combatting food waste and supporting veterans.

Nov 13, 2023 • 33min
JF3357: Ian Cruz - Actionable Networking Strategies to Up Your Investing Game
Ian Cruz, a seasoned real estate investor, shares his experiences and strategies in the world of commercial real estate. From networking tips that have propelled his success to the power of taking action and learning from mistakes, Ian's expertise is your secret weapon to thrive in the competitive world of commercial real estate. Key Takeaways: The Power of Networking: Ian emphasizes the importance of networking and how it played a pivotal role in his real estate journey. He recommends attending various meetups and events, even those outside your comfort zone, to expand your network and find like-minded investors. Taking Action and Learning from Mistakes: One of the most significant lessons Ian shares is the importance of taking action. He highlights the trap of analysis paralysis and how it hindered his progress initially. Ian encourages aspiring investors to start, even if it feels uncomfortable, as the best learning often comes from real-world experiences. Building Trust in Partnerships: Ian discusses the value of trust in forming successful partnerships. He touches on the significance of transparent communication, sharing experiences, and building a track record to attract capital partners. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of having the right team, local connections, and systems in place to ensure project success. Ian Cruz | Real Estate Background Founder of ELEV8 Capital Holds an active CPA license Manager of Finance at a Venture Capital firm Based In: San Jose, CA Multifamily investor in the Bay Area, CA and Cincinnati Leads and organizes a 100+ member group of investors focused on the Cincinnati market via Fractional, a one-stop shop that makes it easy to form partnerships (create LLC, bookkeeping, file K1's, source PM, secure financing, serve as guarantor for loan, etc.) and buy properties together. SAREcon 2023 Speaker, NVST Quarterly Mixer Speaker Sponsors BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 12, 2023 • 23min
JF3356: Shelley Peterson - From Pharmaceuticals to Real Estate Riches
In this episode, we sit down with Shelley Peterson, a seasoned real estate investor and co-founder of Kahuna Investments, to discuss her journey in the world of commercial real estate investing. Shelley shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities she has encountered, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and taking action. We also delve into her unique approach to syndication and her commitment to giving back to the community. Key Takeaways: Jump In and Take Action: Shelley's advice for aspiring real estate investors is simple yet powerful – don't overanalyze, take action. She encourages investors to dive into their first deal, whether through partnerships or joint ventures, and gain hands-on experience. Learning by doing is the fastest way to understand the intricacies of the real estate market. Importance of Effective Team Building: Shelley highlights the significance of building an effective team within your real estate investment endeavors. She discusses the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni, which emphasizes trust, vulnerability, and teamwork as essential elements for success in real estate investing. Surrounding yourself with the right people is key. Community Involvement: Beyond financial success, Shelley and her team are passionate about giving back to the community. They actively engage in charitable activities and emphasize the importance of contributing resources and time to support local causes. As a real estate investor, making a positive impact in the community goes hand in hand with financial success. Shelley Peterson | Real Estate Background President of Kahuna Investments Portfolio: 3,000 units valued at over $250 million Based in: Chandler, AZ Say hi to him at: kahunainvestments.com LinkedIn Best Ever Book: 12 Rules of Life by Jordan Peterson Greatest Lesson: Finding the faith and courage to undergo a personal reinvention. BV Captial BAM Capital Rentec Direct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 11, 2023 • 28min
JF3355: Michael Mandel - Leveraging Data and Creativity to Unlock Profitable CRE Deals
In this episode, Ash Patel interviews Michael Mandel, the CEO of CompStak, a leading provider of commercial real estate data. They delve deep into the world of commercial real estate data, discussing how it can be a game-changer for investors and uncovering the power of creativity in real estate investments. Listen in as they explore various data sets, discuss case studies, and provide insights into finding profitable deals using data-driven strategies. Key Takeaways: Creativity Trumps Data Alone: While data is essential, Michael emphasizes that the key to success in commercial real estate investing lies in creativity. Investors who can think creatively and find unique ways to extract value from properties will often achieve the most significant returns. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Michael highlights how investors can leverage data to make informed decisions. They discuss the importance of using multiple data sets, such as lease rates, property details, loan data, and market analytics, to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. Identifying Profitable Deals: The conversation explores how data can help investors identify potentially lucrative deals. By analyzing data on property leases, square footage, loan maturities, and more, investors can uncover properties with untapped potential, creating opportunities for significant returns on investment. Michael Mandel | Real Estate Background CEO and Co-Founder of CompStak Based in: New York, NY Say hi to him at: LinkedIn compstak.com Best Ever Book: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz Greatest Lesson: The real estate investors that are gonna be the most successful are those who are the most creative, who can see beyond that data and find a new way to make money from an asset that isn't otherwise obvious. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BV Captial CRE Daily BAM Capital Rentec Direct Syndication Attorneys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 10, 2023 • 34min
JF3354: Justin Goodin - The Surprising Rise of One-Bedroom Apartments
In this insightful episode, commercial real estate investor Justin discusses valuable insights and trends in the industry. Join the conversation as he shares his experiences in managing and growing his portfolio. From the evolving demand for one-bedroom apartments to the secrets of managing studios, Justin delves into what it takes to succeed in the dynamic world of commercial real estate. Key Takeaways: Shifting Apartment Demand: Justin highlights the changing landscape of apartment demand, emphasizing the surprising growth in one-bedroom units. He explores the factors driving this shift and how it relates to broader economic trends. Maximizing Studio Apartments: Justin shares his strategies for success with studios, from managing turnovers to optimizing rental income. His insights shed light on why studios are in high demand and how to capitalize on their appeal. Thought Leadership and Branding: Justin's best-ever advice revolves around building a thought leadership platform. He stresses the importance of utilizing social media, podcasts, blogs, and meetups to showcase your expertise and attract valuable opportunities in the commercial real estate industry. Justin Goodin | Real Estate Background Next Level Equity Portfolio: 500 units Based in: Indianapolis, IN Say hi to him at: nextlevelequity.com nextlevelfinancialmodeling.com Best Ever Book: Limitless by Jim Kwik Greatest Lesson: Choose quality over price when it comes to contractors. It can make or break your entire project. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BV Captial CRE Daily BAM Capital Rentec Direct Syndication Attorneys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices