
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

Oct 1, 2023 • 28min
JF3314: Best Ever Book Club - The Catalyst by Jonah Berger
This episode is brought to you by Presario Ventures, a private equity real estate firm based in the booming Austin, Texas, market. To learn how to invest in the future of Texas with Presario Ventures, visit info.presarioventures.com/bestever. The Best Ever Book Club is a special monthly series hosted by Best Ever founder Joe Fairless. In each insightful episode, Joe dives into influential books that shape the world of investing, exploring key principles, strategies, and lessons to enrich both the seasoned investor and the curious novice. In this episode, Joe unravels the wisdom found in The Catalyst by Jonah Berger, delving into what it takes to reduce barriers and remove roadblocks to change. He discusses how the book's lessons can be applied to real estate and personal growth, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own financial paths and aspirations. If you would like to join the book club and participate live, go to www.bebookclub.com to sign up! Click here to learn more about our sponsors: Presario Ventures Syndication Attorneys Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 30, 2023 • 33min
JF3313: Chris Giorgi - Lessons in Overseas Real Estate Investing
Chris Giorgi, an experienced overseas investor, joins Slocomb Reed to discuss his journey into the world of real estate investing. From the challenges of managing long-distance real estate deals to the intricacies of syndication, Chris shares a wealth of insights for commercial real estate investors looking to expand their portfolios and understanding. Key Takeaways: Clarity and Trust: When investing long-distance, it's crucial to establish clear communication and build trust with your local representatives. Chris emphasizes the importance of having a property manager who's also a realtor. Syndication Due Diligence: Don't just jump into syndications. Understand the debt structures, management plans, and exit strategies. Also, actively seek out and learn from experienced voices in the syndication space. Stay Flexible in Your Strategy: While there are several established strategies in real estate investing, Chris advises not to become dogmatic. It's essential to remain adaptable, question everything, and mold your approach based on changing circumstances and market conditions. Chris Giorgi | Real Estate Background Overseas investor and contractor for the U.S. Army Portfolio: 31 units of single family, duplexes, fourplexes, and apartments 20+ syndications as an LP Based in: Hohenfels, Germany Say hi to him at: LinkedIn Best Ever Book: The Hands-Off Investor by Brian Burke Greatest Lesson: Don't be so dogmatic about never selling. Always evaluate your properties, especially as it refers to turn on equity, and make decisions that are best for your portfolio. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 29, 2023 • 27min
JF3312: Sean Tagge - Navigating Budgets, Refinancing, and Leadership in Multifamily Investing
From the challenges of project budgeting and dealing with the unexpected twists of 2021, to the importance of conservative underwriting and the role of refinance, Sean Tagge offers a goldmine of insights into multifamily investing. Slocomb Reed facilitates a compelling discussion that also explores the mental and leadership aspects crucial for any investor's success. Key Takeaways: Budgeting Realities: Recognize that going over budget can sometimes be part of the game. Use data and experience to predict and manage these situations, especially when external factors like rising material and labor costs come into play. Conservative Underwriting & Refinancing: Approach underwriting conservatively. Sean shares how refinancing can significantly affect your IRR and why it's vital to ensure your deals work out even without relying on refinance. Leadership in Real Estate: Embrace your role as a leader in commercial real estate. Understanding and respecting the influence you have on others, from your team to your clients, can make or break your success in the industry. Seth Tagge | Real Estate Background Founder of Acorn Equity and Acquisitions Portfolio: 650 multifamily units Based in: Salt Lake City, UT Say hi to him at: Acornea.com LinkedIn YouTube Best Ever Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Greatest Lesson: Treat others as you would want to be treated when acting as their boss. You have so much influence over others as a leader. Don’t waste it. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 28, 2023 • 10min
JF3311: Why You Should Know Underwriting as an LP | 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. Although you technically don’t need to know how to underwrite a deal in order to be an LP, it can give you a huge advantage in choosing the best deals for your goals. In this episode, Travis explains the basics of underwriting that LPs should know before investing in a deal. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 2023 • 27min
JF3310: David Toupin - The Benefits of Staying Asset Agnostic
From starting in college with a 12-unit apartment complex to managing multimillion-dollar portfolios in Austin and Michigan, David Toupin shares his vast experiences, challenges, and the software solution he developed for the industry. Key Takeaways: The Power of Opportunistic Investment: David emphasizes the importance of being asset agnostic and open to opportunities in various sectors of real estate, from multifamily to industrial, and everything in between. Challenges with National Tenants: Delve into a real-world challenge David faced with a national tenant in one of his commercial properties. The discussion provides insights into lease negotiations, corporate guarantees, and strategies for damage control. Introducing Real Estate Lab: David shares the inception and capabilities of his software platform, Real Estate Lab. Designed as an all-encompassing tool, it aids investors in managing their entire real estate portfolio, from acquisition to exit. David Toupin | Real Estate Background Owner of Real Estate Lab and Toupin Holdings Portfolio: $140M of multifamily and commercial assets Based in: Austin, TX Say hi to him at: Instagram realestatelab.com Best Ever Book: Never Split the Different by Christopher Voss Greatest Lesson: Staying open to opportunities regardless of asset class. You can make money in anything if you buy right. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2023 • 33min
JF3309: Bruce Fraser - Mastering Distressed Property Acquisitions
As a seasoned expert in acquiring distressed properties, Bruce shares valuable insights on vertical integration, market dynamics, and the importance of a macro thesis in investment. Whether you're new to commercial real estate or a seasoned professional, Bruce's expertise provides clarity on navigating the current landscape and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Key Takeaways: The Power of Vertical Integration: Bruce elaborates on the pros and cons of vertically integrating your portfolio, focusing on the value of in-house property management. He also shares challenges faced with third-party property management and the importance of a dedicated operational team. Understanding Current Market Distress: The implications of rapid interest rate changes on property refinancing and how many operators find themselves in precarious positions. Bruce shares real-time examples of distress emerging from factors like floating rate debts, maturing loans, and expiring rate caps. Investment Philosophy & Approaches: The value of disciplined, numbers-driven decision-making in real estate investment. Bruce emphasizes the importance of taking that first step in real estate, the "law of the first deal," and having a clear, long-term macro thesis to guide investment decisions. Bruce Fraser | Real Estate Background Managing Partner Elkhorn Capital Partners, real estate private equity firm that focuses on distressed property situations Portfolio: 2,000 multifamily units Based in: Dallas, TX Say hi to him at: LinkedIn elkhornpartners.com Best Ever Book: Creature From Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin Greatest Lesson: Just buy something. Anything. Most people don’t even make that move. Even if it’s your worst deal, you will learn so much from it, and you’ll be on your way to the future. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 25, 2023 • 32min
JF3308: Seth Teagle - Strategies for Multifamily, Land, and Flex Space Development
From flex space buildings to multifamily apartments, Seth Teagle shares his experiences, challenges, and insights into real estate development, shedding light on key elements that can make or break a deal. Key Takeaways: Understand the Market Dynamics: It's essential to comprehend the current saturation levels in the real estate market, especially in multifamily apartments. Knowing where to invest and when can be the difference between a successful or a failed venture. Due Diligence is Crucial: Before making any property purchase, especially in land development, ensure all due diligence processes, like understanding zoning requirements and the area's economic development plans. Optimize for Value-Add: Whether it's ensuring properties have modern amenities or analyzing the cost-benefit ratio of construction elements, always look for opportunities to add value to the investment. Seth Teagle | Real Estate Background CEO of The Stream Group Portfolio: Multifamily and ground up projects Based in: Columbus, OH Say hi to him at: www.thestreamgroups.com Instagram LinkedIn Best Ever Book: The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin Greatest Lesson: Not everyone in your immediate circle is happy for your successes. Surround yourself with people you’re able to share both good news and bad news with. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2023 • 14min
JF3307: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing Long Term | Bonus Operations ft. Slocomb Reed
Bonus Operations is a series hosted by apartment owner/operator and Best Ever Show host, Slocomb Reed. In each five- to ten-minute episode, Slocomb provides his top takes for executing your business plan and maintaining cash flow. In this episode, Slocomb shares the three questions he asks new investors when they ask him for advice about whether or not to seek out long term buy and hold investments. These questions will help determine if long term investing is the right strategy for you. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 2023 • 29min
JF3306: Chad Carson - Finding the Balance Between Aspiration and Satisfaction
In this enlightening conversation with Chad Carson, we unpack the intricate journey of commercial real estate investment. From the balance between aspiration and satisfaction to understanding the deeper reasons behind urban development, Chad offers a unique perspective that integrates real estate knowledge with personal growth and community-building aspirations. Key Takeaways: The Moving Goalpost Phenomenon: Investors often shift their financial targets, leading to a never-ending race. Recognizing your "enough" is pivotal for satisfaction and growth in the industry. Importance of Community Understanding: Chad recommends the book "Strong Towns" that emphasizes the financial dynamics and designs of towns, which is crucial for commercial investors. Engaging in local community activities and understanding urban development can influence investment decisions and enhance community welfare. The Power in Diversification: Chad shares his strategy for investing in both single family rentals and small multifamily properties to create the ideal portfolio. He also discusses the power in "doing your own thing" with the lessons you learn from others to create the lifestyle you want to live. Chad Carson | Real Estate Background Owner of Coach Carson Portfolio: 37 units, 99 units total - mix of small multifamily and single family homes Based in: Clemson, SC Say hi to him at: coachcarson.com
The Small and Mighty Real Estate Investor (Chad’s book) Best Ever Book: Strong Towns by Charles Marohn Greatest Lesson: Understand your why before you scale quickly. Know where your threshold of success is and stick to it, so you don't end up chasing the ever moving goalposts. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: Delete Me BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22, 2023 • 18min
JF3305: Fed Predicts More Rate Hikes to Come in 2023 and 2024: What This Means for Investors | Beyond Multifamily ft. Ash Patel
Ash Patel, non-residential commercial real estate investor and Best Ever Show host, discusses the implications of the Fed's rate hike announcement on real estate investors. He also explores the impact of rising oil prices and decreased US refining capacity. Furthermore, he talks about the challenges in investing, such as rising gas prices, interest rates, and low savings rates. Finally, he offers advice for real estate investors on navigating uncertain economic times.