The Invest Clearly Podcast

Invest Clearly
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Mar 16, 2026 • 31min

A Good Deal Can Still Be a Bad Investment with Ross Curtis

In this conversation, Ross Curtis, president of Bridgeview Real Estate, shares his journey in financial services and the unique approach of Bridgeview in real estate investing. He discusses the importance of communication with investors, especially in a changing market landscape, and emphasizes the need for transparency and trust. Ross also outlines the company's compliance strategies and their focus on building long-term relationships with investors while ensuring that no single investor is over-allocated in any deal. The conversation concludes with insights on what needs to change in passive real estate investing and the future outlook for Bridgeview.00:00 Investor Pressure Limits00:48 Meet Ross Curtis01:24 Career Path to Bridgeview03:36 Why a Broker Dealer05:40 Market Shift to Trust09:09 Right Size Allocations14:53 Suitability and Reg BI15:39 Post Investment Touchpoints21:23 Bad News Timing26:19 Marketing Jargon to Drop29:25 Where to Learn MoreIn this conversation, Ross Curtis, president of Bridgeview Real Estate, shares his journey in financial services and the unique approach of Bridgeview in real estate investing. He discusses the importance of communication with investors, especially in a changing market landscape, and emphasizes the need for transparency and trust. Ross also outlines the company's compliance strategies and their focus on building long-term relationships with investors while ensuring that no single investor is over-allocated in any deal. The conversation concludes with insights on what needs to change in passive real estate investing and the future outlook for Bridgeview.00:00 Investor Pressure Limits00:48 Meet Ross Curtis01:24 Career Path to Bridgeview03:36 Why a Broker Dealer05:40 Market Shift to Trust09:09 Right Size Allocations14:53 Suitability and Reg BI15:39 Post Investment Touchpoints21:23 Bad News Timing26:19 Marketing Jargon to Drop29:25 Where to Learn MoreFollow Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossrcurtis/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.Follow Ross: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossrcurtis/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Mar 9, 2026 • 38min

Treating Investor Relations like Guest Services with Josh McCallen

In this episode, Josh McCallen shares the mission-driven approach behind Accountable Equity, blending hospitality principles with real estate investing to create a community of engaged, authentic investors. Discover how transparent communication, relationship focus, and purpose-driven projects set his firm apart in the world of passive income.00:00 Introduction01:16 From Family Office to Syndication03:50 Hospitality Edge in Communication06:08 Keeping Investors Engaged09:07 Why Alternative Vehicles Exist12:56 Leasing Fund Tax Benefits14:41 Debt Fund and IRA Rollover16:22 Mission Behind the Business17:48 Viva May and Reviving Souls19:06 Stewarding and Dignity19:53 Three Virtues of Hospitality21:51 Trust and Hard Pivots23:15 Financing and COVID Headwinds24:49 Spa Launch Mistakes29:38 Investor Distributions Reset33:34 Investor Relations as a Business35:47 Passive Investing Myths37:56 Where to Find ThemFollow Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshmccallen/Find top-reviewed sponsors on ⁠investclearly.com⁠ If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ⁠ScaleIR.com⁠ to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Mar 2, 2026 • 30min

The Best Real Estate Operators Keep It Simple with Ben Schuster

In this conversation, Ben Schuster, a partner at Comfort Capital, shares his unique journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful investor in mobile home parks. He discusses the transition from institutional investing at BlackRock to working with individual investors, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and trust. Ben highlights the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the significance of clear communication with investors. He advocates for simplicity in investment structures and shares insights on the importance of financial literacy and education for investors.00:00 intro02:05 Ben’s Origin Story02:56 BlackRock To Mobile Homes06:07 Raising From Individuals10:01 Transferring Investor Trust13:19 Track Record In This Cycle16:25 When A Deal Goes Sideways21:07 Communication And Ownership25:45 Investor Experience And Events27:47 What Needs To Die29:33 Where To Find Ben29:58 Closing ThanksFollow Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-schuster24/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Feb 23, 2026 • 29min

Investing vs. Speculating with Paul Moore

In this conversation, Paul Moore shares his journey from engineering to real estate investing, detailing his transition from residential to commercial real estate and the founding of Welling's Capital. He discusses the importance of protecting investors' money, the lessons learned from early investments, and the significance of communication and transparency with limited partners (LPs). Paul emphasizes the need for due diligence and diversification in investing, while also addressing the challenges faced in the real estate market and the pitfalls of speculation.00:00 Investor vs. Speculator00:50 From Engineering & MBA to Real Estate02:59  Oil Boom Housing to Multifamily Syndication03:45 Why Multifamily Stopped Working (and the 2018 Pivot)07:39 The Responsibility Jump in 201709:39  Scams, Complexity, and Extreme Due Diligence11:23 How Track Record, NDA Vault, and 27-Point DD13:47 NOI Audits & Walking Away at the Closing Table16:02 60-Year-Old Apartments, Water Leaks, and Returning 82%20:01 Calls, Zooms, and the Over/Under-Communication Line23:58 Fraud Risk & Why Diversification Is Non-Negotiable25:16 Overpaying, Floating-Rate Debt & Speculation27:42 Where to Find Paul Follow Paul:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-moore-3255924/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Feb 16, 2026 • 29min

What Investor Relations Looks Like at $3 Billion AUM with Isabela Carrasco

In this conversation, Pat Zingarella and Bela discuss the evolution of real estate investing, the importance of education and trust in investor relations, and the strategies employed by Origin to maintain investor confidence. Bela shares insights on the current performance of their portfolio, the significance of diversification, and the role of relationships in building a successful investment business. They also touch on the impact of AI in investment strategies and address common misconceptions about private investments.0:00 Introduction 01:57 Journey into Real Estate02:55 Role at Origin Investments03:25 Educational Initiatives and Investor Relations04:09 Differentiating Origin Investments10:01 Investment Strategies and Performance15:28 Client Relationships and Trust Building21:50 AI and Technological Integration26:08 Final Thoughts and Offerings28:42 ConclusionConnect with Bela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabela-carrasco/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Feb 9, 2026 • 30min

What LPs Miss About Operations with Andy McQuade

In this conversation, Andy McQuade discusses the relationship between Net Operating Income (NOI) and asset value in real estate. He highlights how some General Partners (GPs) manipulate expense classifications to inflate property values, which can lead to financial discrepancies when securing loans. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding true operating expenses and the implications of misclassifying predictable expenses as capital expenditures.00:00 Introduction01:57 Asset Management in Multifamily Properties04:49 Common Mistakes in Property Management08:43 Financial Missteps and Capital Expenditures16:24 Impact of Tariffs and Supply Chain Issues19:30 Final Thoughts and Advice for LPs28:07 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationFollow Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymcquade/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Feb 2, 2026 • 34min

What Being an LP Taught Me About Raising Capital with Brian Ferguson

In this conversation, Brian Ferguson shares his extensive journey in the real estate industry, detailing his transition from single-family investments to multifamily syndication. He discusses the importance of communication and trust with investors, the challenges faced in the current market, and the lessons learned from both successful and difficult deals. Brian emphasizes the need for a personalized approach in investor relations and critiques common practices in asset management fees and preferred returns.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:41 Transition to Multifamily and Shopping Centers02:09 First Syndication Deal04:37 Balancing Communication with LPs06:12 Trust and Communication Strategies07:56 Understanding Investor Needs10:46 Building Trust with Investors14:10 The Importance of Trust in Passive Investing17:08 Understanding Investor Relations18:20 Navigating Market Challenges19:01 Lessons from Past Deals21:14 Dealing with Fraudulent Sellers23:43 Communication and Transparency25:48 Prioritizing Investor Interests27:58 Debating Asset Management Fees and Pref32:47 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationConnect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ferguson-05b4328a/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Jan 26, 2026 • 33min

Saying “Yes” to a Capital Call with LP David Ensley

In this conversation, David Ensley shares his journey from being an orthodontist to becoming a passive investor in real estate and small businesses. He discusses his early experiences with investing, the lessons learned from his first syndication deal, and the importance of communication and risk tolerance in investment decisions. David also emphasizes the need for due diligence when dealing with influencers in the investment space and shares insights on balancing passive investments with personal expertise.00:00 Introduction01:19 Orthodontist Career and Business Ventures02:22 Journey into Passive Investing03:59 First Syndication Deal Experience08:38 Lessons Learned from Real Estate Investments11:30 Capital Calls and Risk Management16:40 High Risk Tolerance and Emotional Detachment17:50 Investment in an RV Park19:16 The Importance of Trusting Sponsors19:50 Caution with Influencers and Social Media22:23 Balancing Communication and Performance24:43 Venturing into Small Business Investments29:57 Advice for InvestorsConnect with David:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ensley-21a5a31b6/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Jan 19, 2026 • 33min

Investing in Net Lease at Double-Digit Cap Rates with Dennis Cisterna

In this conversation, Dennis Cisterna shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship in the real estate sector. He discusses his investment strategies, focusing on commercial real estate and the importance of risk management and transparency in investor relations. Dennis emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence and the challenges of tenant management, while also addressing the evolving landscape of passive investing and the importance of aligning interests between operators and investors.Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:05 From C-Suite to Starting His Own Shop 02:20 Scaling with Carlyle and Knowing When to Exit 03:35 Why Sentinel Focuses on Net Lease Now 04:57 Buying at 25% of Replacement Cost 06:03 How to Explain Long-Term Deals to Retail Investors 15:21 1000 Deals Reviewed. 1 Deal Bought. 24:28 When a Google Maps Roof Inspection Goes Wrong 29:48 "Influencer BS Needs to Die"Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniscisterna/ Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 22min

Identifying Sponsor Maturity with Jeff Revenaugh

In this conversation, Jeff Revenaugh emphasizes the importance of an active mindset in investing, particularly in passive income streams. He argues that investors must engage in due diligence and hold sponsors accountable, treating their investments as if they were their own money. This shift in mindset is crucial for successful investing.00:00 Introduction01:34 Learning from Early Mistakes and Bad Sponsors02:19 Current Portfolio and Performance03:13 Evaluating Sponsors and Due Diligence11:19 Investment Strategies and Asset Classes17:27 The Role of Fund Managers19:24 The Importance of Active Passive Investing21:17 Conclusion and Contact InformationConnect with Jeff:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrevenaugh/Find top-reviewed sponsors on investclearly.com If you’ve invested in a private real estate deal, help others by sharing your experience and leaving a reviewAre you a sponsor and want to appear in a future episode? Claim your profile today at investclearly.com. Show Sponsor: ScaleIRReady to scale your investor relations and capital raising effectiveness? Visit ScaleIR.com to learn more and book your strategy call today.

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