

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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Nov 9, 2023 • 14min
JF3353: Reverse Market Crashes, and What It Means for You | 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. On todays episode of Passive Investor Tips, Travis Watts examines the stages of market cycles, pointing to current signs of a potential recession, such as rising interest rates and inflation. It contrasts these indicators with the recent profit in market indexes and stable housing prices, suggesting a complex economic situation. 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 8, 2023 • 50min
JF3352: J Scott on Affordability, Cash Management, and Government Impact on Real Estate Investing
Are you curious about the untapped potential of the commercial real estate market? Discover the power of holding property and the critical lessons learned by J Scott in his journey of flipping 450 houses. Join us as we delve into the fascinating insights he shares about affordability, government intervention, and cash management in this engaging episode. Key Takeaways: Market Dynamics and Affordability: J Scott discusses the evolving dynamics of the real estate market, emphasizing the impact of shifting demographics on affordability. He highlights the importance of understanding the distinctions in the rental market and how different income brackets are affected. Cash Management and Inflation: J Scott emphasizes the significance of cash management and the role it plays in real estate investing, especially during periods of inflation. He provides valuable insights into the relationship between inflation and treasury yields, offering a balanced perspective on the impact of inflation on investment strategies. Government Intervention and Long-Term Solutions: J Scott explores the role of government intervention in addressing affordability challenges in real estate. He advocates for incentivizing investors to create market-based solutions, rather than relying solely on legislative measures, and discusses the potential long-term implications for the real estate landscape. 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. 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 7, 2023 • 44min
JF3351: Mike Holdwick - How to Master Portfolio Diversification
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of commercial real estate with Mike Holdwick, a seasoned investor who has mastered the art of asset diversity and high returns. Mike shares his journey from a W2 employee to a successful real estate entrepreneur, offering valuable insights and strategies that can help commercial real estate investors achieve financial freedom. Key Takeaways: Diverse Asset Portfolio: Mike emphasizes the importance of diversifying your commercial real estate investments. From neighborhood offices to flex spaces, industrial properties, and medical buildings, he highlights how owning various asset types can provide stability and growth opportunities even in changing market conditions. Taking Control of Your Finances: Mike's journey reflects the power of taking control of your financial destiny. He shares his transition from working a full-time job to actively building his real estate portfolio on the side, proving that with the right mindset and strategies, it's possible to create a path to financial freedom. Raising Capital and Adding Value: While Mike has been successful in his investments, he's also on the verge of taking the next step—raising capital from investors. He discusses the importance of educating potential investors about real estate opportunities and being transparent about risks and returns. By doing so, he aims to help others achieve their financial goals through real estate. Mike Holdwick | Real Estate Background Managing Partner at Pro Team Commercial Portfolio: 5 commercial buildings (industrial, office, retail, medical) and 1 AirBNB totaling 40k sq ft Based in: Suburban Detroit, Michigan Say hi to him at: LinkedIn Instagram Best Ever Book: 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss Greatest Lesson: Being asset agnostic and maximizing the potential of your portfolio is the best way to create long-term wealth. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BV Captial CRE Daily BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2023 • 42min
JF3350: Best Ever Roundtable - Cracking the Code: Stress-Testing Deals and Creative Structures in Today's Real Estate Market
In this episode, our hosts, Ash Patel, Joe Cornwell, and Slocomb Reed engage in a lively roundtable discussion about the challenges and opportunities presented by the current real estate market, emphasizing the importance of stress-testing deals and being prepared for various scenarios. The conversation touches on topics such as underwriting, creative deal structures, and the shifting dynamics in the Midwest market. Key Takeaways: Stress-Test Your Deals: In the current market, it's crucial to stress-test your real estate deals. Factors like rising interest rates, potential vacancies, and unforeseen challenges should be considered in your financial projections. Creative Deal Structures: To succeed in the competitive market, consider creative deal structures. Whether it's negotiating seller financing, concessions, or exploring unique opportunities, having flexibility in your approach can make a significant difference. Long-Term Focus: Expect longer hold times for your investments. With uncertainty in the market, planning for a five-plus year window rather than short-term flipping is a prudent strategy to manage risk effectively. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BV Captial CRE Daily BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5, 2023 • 18min
JF3349: How to Anticipate and Deal with Surprise Vacancies | 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 Reed discusses the crucial signs that property owners and real estate investors should be aware of during the due diligence period when acquiring new apartment buildings. Reed shares 12 red flags that may indicate tenants are likely to vacate soon after the transition in ownership or management. These flags include late rent payments, a lack of concern for property maintenance, sparse furniture in units, intentional damage, subletting without permission, vacant apartments listed on the rent roll, unauthorized pets, and more. Reed also delves into the significance of non-English speaking tenants within migrant communities and how their relationships with landlords can impact occupancy. Click here to learn more about our sponsors: BV Captial CRE Daily BAM Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


