Today’s podcast is with Irwin Boris, head of acquisitions and investor relations at Heritage Capital Group, a 3rd generation family office with over $750MM in assets under management, whose Number 1 investment priority is Don’t Lose Money!

Irwin does not believe in basing investment decisions on the IRR but focuses on underwriting investments to prioritize stable, ongoing cash flow while aiming to at least double equity through appreciation during the lifecycle of any deal. Evidence of the prudence of this approach, Irwin says, is seen in the current market where many sponsors and their investors who were chasing high IRRs are now facing serious cash crises and, in the worst cases, complete loss of invested capital.

Heritage Capital Group has an extensive history of investing through multiple economic cycles and multiple asset classes including multifamily, having owned over 7,000 units at one time, office, and today, industrial of which they currently own and manage some 6 million square feet.

Irwin shares his insights into the broader implications of rising interest rates and their impact on the real estate market and he discusses how Heritage’s cautious approach to debt, favoring longer-term fixed debt structures, has helped mitigate the risks associated with macro-economic market volatility.

Wrapping up, Irwin shares his projections for the industrial real estate market as we move into 2024. He provides a nuanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, offering strategic advice for navigating the complex landscape of commercial real estate investment.

This podcast is an essential listen for those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of industrial real estate investment, market trends, and the strategic considerations crucial for successful real estate ventures in any asset class or during any phase of the economic cycle.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

My podcast guest today is New York City's top investment sales broker, Bob Knakal, a gentleman and scholar, who has sold 2,276 buildings in the city with value of over $21 billion, the most ever for an individual broker in the city’s history and guess what, as soon as we started talking I knew all I wanted to hear today was Bob’s inspirational story so we barely discuss real estate at all.

Instead, you are going to be learning how this charming man built his company, Massey Knakal that he sold for some $100 million despite having gone through hard times when he had to run the business entirely on credit card debt. Bob discusses the secrets to his success; describing how to build strong, cooperative teams that drive profit, what to do when the economy goes sideways on you, how to hire, what to avoid, and how to keep people motivated and driven to succeed.

Though the foundation upon which Bob's journey sits is New York real estate investment sales, and while it is easy to be awed by the scale of this success, his story is not just about numbers; it's a tale of strategic partnerships, the importance of neighborhood specialization, and a firm belief in servant leadership. He shares how a focus on information and relationships catapulted Massey Knakal to the top of NYC's real estate market.

Bob also reflects upon a period of introspection after selling his company and he discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, his late but impactful entry into social media, and how traditional practices like direct mail remain relevant in a digital age.

Join us for an insider's look at the story behind New York City’s most prolific real estate investment sales professional, with beneficial insights for investors or anyone in the field. A must-watch for anyone looking to learn the wisdom served up by one of the real estate industry's true legends.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

Did you know a staggering 70% of real estate General Partners have less than three years of experience?

So sayeth my guest, Mauricio Rauld, a securities and real estate attorney, expert in syndications and founder of Premier Law Group, while clarifying what lies beneath that statistic.  Specifically, and equally astonishing, is that Mauricio has seen syndications with dozens of co-general partners as a way of bypassing securities regulations which prohibit results based compensation for capital raisers.

The guidelines for who can raise capital i.e. sell securities, are pretty clear and it seems that either some sponsors are unfamiliar with the regulations (no defense), don’t understand the regulations, (also no defense), or believe they have figured out ways of circumvent the rules while staying compliant (no excuse!)

Our conversation also looks at how sponsors can raise red flags with their online marketing efforts and how to avoid these pitfalls, as well as what investors should keep in mind before placing investments, particularly with sponsors they have little or no prior experience working with.

This episode is a detailed review of some of the biggest issues facing real estate capital formation and is a must watch for sponsors and investors alike.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

Today we are continuing our series on the tax benefits of investing in real estate, with a focus on Opportunity Zones with guest Mike McVickar, general counsel at Origin Investments.

Mike has encyclopedic knowledge of Opportunity Zone laws, regulations, and benefits. There wasn't a single question that I could put to him that stumped him. Not that I was trying, of course, but, having spoken to a lot of folk about Opportunity Zones already, I have come to realize that this particular topic does require a very high degree of knowledge and expertise and that is exactly what you’re getting with Mike today.

Don’t worry though, our conversation starts at a high, general overview level and only then dives deep into the nuances of how to benefit investing in Opportunity Zones. Mike shares his insights on how investors can leverage the unique benefits of OZs to not only defer and potentially eliminate capital gains taxes but also make a meaningful impact on distressed communities across the United States.

Born out of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, OZs offer a powerful incentive for investors to channel their capital gains into designated areas, spurring economic growth and revitalization. With over 8,760 zones nationwide, the potential for both financial returns and social good is immense.

Mike breaks down the mechanics of OZ investing, highlighting the flexibility in investment options, from real estate developments to business ventures, and the importance of adhering to substantial local engagement and investment guidelines. He also shares examples of Origin Investments' successful OZ projects, demonstrating the tangible impact these investments can have on communities and investor portfolios alike.

If you are interested in learning more about how Opportunity Zones can help you defer and potentially eliminate capital gains taxes while making a positive difference in communities across the country, this episode is a must-listen. Mike McVickar provides a comprehensive guide to unlocking the potential of OZs and offers valuable insights for investors looking to merge financial gains with social good.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here.

When properly utilized, 1030 exchanges can be an invaluable tool in the savvy real estate investor's arsenal. Joining me today are Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland, husband and wife team at Keystone CPA, who expertly break down the complex web of rules surrounding these tax-deferral strategies.

Our conversation begins with the foundational principles of 1031 exchanges, where Amanda and Matt illustrate how this mechanism allows investors to sidestep immediate tax liabilities, fostering portfolio growth. They compare the process to a game of Monopoly - upgrading from green houses to a red hotel without the tax burden, a concept that's as strategic as it is financially beneficial.

Yet, the devil is in the details, from the stringent monetary and timing requirements to the tactical deployment of depreciation and the nuanced approach to syndication investments, you’re getting some serious details on this important benefit afforded by the tax Code for real estate investors.

You’ll hear about the pivotal role of strategic planning and will be guided through potential pitfalls, learning about common missteps that could jeopardize the tax-deferral benefits.

Whether you're an experienced 1031er or contemplating your first, this episode is a detailed overview, not just about deferring taxes but about amplifying your investment potential through strategic, informed decisions.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of 1031 exchanges and get the tools you need to harness their full potential.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

What is the short-term rental loophole and how can investors benefit?

In this, the next in our continuing series on tax benefits for real estate investors, guest Tom Castelli, CPA, partner at Hall CPA, explains the short term rental (STR) loophole and explains in detail how investors can leverage the rule to get advantageous tax treatments.

What makes the STR rule so interesting is the ability to use cost segregation studies to get bonus depreciation creating paper losses that can offset other taxable income. It's a potent strategy that, when wielded correctly, can lead to substantial tax savings but it is not without its nuances, as you might expect, or its complications – all of which are explained in this episode.

For example, record keeping is a consistent theme with these real estate related tax incentives, and Tom underscores the importance of maintaining detailed records to substantiate one's active involvement in property management, a critical defense should the IRS come knocking.

If you are interested in learning more about the potential of STRs and want to learn more about how you can leverage investing in them to reduce you tax burden, this conversation provides a detailed guide. Tom doesn't just present the STR loophole; he offers a blueprint for real estate investors seeking to optimize their passive income using this corner of the Code.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

Today's episode is the next in our series on tax incentives for real estate investors and my guest, Dave Zook of the Real Asset Investor is a true master of the art of minimizing taxes while maximizing passive income streams. His career started investing in multifamily real estate, but he has successfully migrated into other tax efficient asset classes.

You're going to hear from Dave his personal experiences of how high-income earners can develop programs for themselves for investing and living life tax efficiently. Dave describes the specific investments he makes personally and, without making any recommendations (of course) he also provides direct access to resources for how you can research and do the same yourself.

Specifically, Dave talks about the tax and income benefits of investing in multifamily real estate, car-washes, ATM machines, self-storage, gas and oil, and other asset classes you may have never thought about before or imagined were within your reach.

Dave's approach stresses the significance of picking the right types of investments and collaborating with top-notch professionals for managing these investments effectively.

Join me as Dave Zook lays out his blueprint for strategic investment—emphasizing tax smarts, diversifying assets wisely, and the essential practice of teaming up with the industry's best.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

Are you actually maximizing your tax deductions as a real estate investor?

In this episode of our series on how the tax code applies to and benefits real estate investing, we investigate the complexities of Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) with Brandon Hall, a leading CPA specializing in real estate.

Brandon breaks down the intricate details of REPS, offering a comprehensive explanation of its impact on tax deductions, and how it significantly enhances cash flow by allowing professional investors to offset passive income and capital gains with tax 'losses'.

For those unfamiliar with REPS, Brandon begins with a 101 explanation, clarifying that this status is not so easy to qualify because it requires meeting specific IRS criteria, including a 750-hour annual activity requirement and other benchmarks that Brandon discusses. He then dives deeper into the nuances, revealing strategies for documenting and substantiating one's active participation in real estate to meet IRS scrutiny.

Tune into this episode to gain invaluable insights from Brandon Hall on how REPS can bolster investment portfolio profitability for real estate professionals. Whether you are a novice in real estate investing or seeking to refine your tax strategy, understanding how to navigate these complex tax laws could be crucial to optimizing your returns.

This discussion is a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed decisions in their real estate investments, emphasizing the significance of REPS in the broader context of tax planning and investment management.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

In today’s episode you are getting insights into the world of advanced tax strategies and asset protection for real estate investors with Mark Swedberg of Royal Legal Solutions. Mark shares a wealth of insights, drawing from his company’s unique model that he likens to a "fractionalized family office," providing high-level tax and legal strategies not just for the ultra-wealthy but for anyone earning over $150,000.

You’ll learn about the underutilized potential of private foundations, a strategy often misconceived as only for billionaires. Mark also shows you how setting up a private foundation can offer substantial tax benefits and charitable opportunities, proving it's within reach for many investors.

We also help you better understand the complex landscape of entity structuring, emphasizing the crucial role of LLCs and S Corporations in asset protection and tax minimization. Mark illustrates how these entities can be strategically used to enhance deductions, protect investments from legal threats, and optimize tax efficiency.

We also cover some lesser known and utilized tax strategies like the Augusta Rule, employing short-term rentals for tax advantages, and the concept of paying family members for legitimate business tasks to reduce taxable income. Mark emphasizes the importance of seeking tailored advice and education in navigating these strategies, ensuring they align with individual financial goals and lifestyles.

Tune in to gain Mark Swedberg's expert insights on leveraging legal and tax strategies to bolster your investment portfolio. Whether you're new to real estate or seeking to refine your strategy, understanding these sophisticated tax maneuvers is key to maximizing your returns, making this episode a must-listen for all real estate investors aiming for financial success.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

My guest today is Aleksey Chernobelskiy who is principal at Centrio Capital Partners. Aleksey helps Limited Partners (passive investors in real estate syndications – aka ‘LP’s’) with existing and future investments, writing tips, and advising or providing educational content to help them navigate the current market, as well as make decisions on how to act and what to look for as they consider investment opportunities going forward.

Aleksey is a prolific writer. His background includes having run a $10 billion commercial real estate portfolio and he has a quadruple major, (gasp), from the University of Arizona in finance, mathematics, economics and accounting.

The insights he shares in today’s show are largely based on conversations that he has been having with LP’s who are facing issues with some of the deals that they've invested with and who are seeking guidance. He also offers independent third party counsel on how investors should be thinking about the commercial real estate environment in 2024.

Aleksey and I explore the essential aspects of LP investments, focusing on both the opportunities they present and the pitfalls that uninformed investors might encounter. We discuss how LP’s’ lack of knowledge can lead to avoidable mistakes and heightened risks, plus we talk about capital calls dynamics, managing investment dilution, and making informed decisions during a capital call.

Our conversation today provides invaluable guidance for LP’s looking to successfully make their way through the often complex world of real estate syndication, particularly during a downturn, while also providing a roadmap for comprehending the terms and status of an investments before contributing additional money during a capital call.

Watch this episode to learn from Aleksey Chernobelskiy's extensive experience in LP investments. Learn about his approach to tackling the intricacies associated with these types of investments, his tips on risk management, insights on maintaining an informed perspective throughout your investment journey, and his advice on leveraging knowledge to make sound investment decisions.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here. 

Are you maximizing your tax deductions as a real estate investor?

In this episode of our series on how the tax Code applies to and benefits real estate investing, we are doing a deep dive into cost segregation with Yonah Weiss, Business Director at Madison SPECS. Yonah provides an in-depth explanation of how engaging in cost segregation studies can increase cash flow by accelerating depreciation deductions resulting in tax ‘losses’ that can be used to offset passive income and capital gains.

For the uninitiated, Yonah explains cost segregation, an advanced tax deferral method that enhances depreciation deductions that effectively reduce the amount of taxes owed by property owners, in 101 terms and then provides a deep dive into the details, explaining how it can be used to dramatically increase cash flow and profitability.

We talk about the differences between residential and commercial properties in terms of their depreciation schedules (as well as explaining what ‘depreciation schedules’ are) and discuss the specific implications for each. Yonah explains how he and his company actually conducts a cost segregation study and, for what it costs (and I am not being paid to say this!), Yonah’s company engages in some highly skilled and what sounds like laborious and detailed analysis to run their cost segregation studies using engineers and tax professionals to look at assets.

Using case study examples, Yonah discusses how to manage potential longer-term liabilities like ‘depreciation recapture’ when selling a property – something I have always thought of as the defining characteristic of the tax code that, ‘what the IRS giveth, the IRS taketh away.’

We also discuss how the benefits of a cost segregation study can apply to both sponsors and their limited partners (investors) as well as under what circumstances there may be variances in how the benefits are applied across the entire investor cohort.

Tune into this episode to gain valuable insights from Yonah Weiss on employing cost segregation strategies to enhance your investment portfolio's profitability by boosting cash flow and profitability through savvy tax planning. Whether you are new to real estate investing or looking to refine your approach, understanding how to navigate these complex taxation strategies could be key to optimizing your returns and are one of the driving factors that make real estate so important an option for all investors.

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In this brand new podcast series at GowerCrowd, The Real Estate Reality Show, we take a realistic view of commercial real estate investing, providing pragmatic insights for passive investors who are looking for sponsors they can trust and distressed opportunities they can invest in.

You’ll find no quick fixes or easy money ideas here, no sales pitches, big egos or hype.

You’ll learn how to build your wealth while protecting your capital investing as a limited partner in commercial real estate investments, even and especially during an economic downturn.

Subscribe to our free newsletter here.