In this episode, I sit down with Mauricio Rauld—syndication attorney and founder of Premier Law Group—to talk about the legal mechanics of raising capital the right way. Mauricio breaks down the core SEC rules every real estate investor must understand before bringing on LPs, including 506(b) vs. 506(c), what constitutes general solicitation, and why the term “joint venture” is so often misunderstood.

We also dig into common mistakes he sees from first-time fund managers, how to protect yourself legally while scaling, and why operating in the gray area of securities law isn’t just risky—it could be criminal. If you’re raising private capital, or plan to, this is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] – Mauricio’s background and how he became the go-to SEC attorney for real estate investors

[4:30] – What syndication actually means under securities law

[6:48] – The difference between 506(b) and 506(c)—and which one to use when

[9:14] – General solicitation: where the line really is (and why social media can be dangerous)

[12:02] – “But it’s a joint venture!” — why that excuse doesn’t hold up

[14:28] – The most common mistakes syndicators make early on

[17:40] – What qualifies someone as an accredited investor—and why it matters

[20:05] – When (and how) you’re allowed to advertise your deal

[23:50] – Raising capital for someone else’s deal: where people get in trouble

[26:40] – The key legal difference between co-GPs and brokers

[29:33] – What happens if you violate securities law—and why ignorance won’t save you

[33:10] – How to build a legally sound capital raising business from day one

[36:22] – Mauricio’s thoughts on fund-of-funds models and operating with integrity

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Syndication is securities law, not real estate law—and the SEC doesn’t care if you didn’t know.

2. General solicitation has strict boundaries—and crossing them could cost you your deal (or worse).

3. “Joint venture” is not a magic shield—structure matters more than intent.

4. The difference between co-GPs and capital raisers is real, and legally significant.

5. You can build big—but only if your legal foundation is solid.

Links & Resources

• Premier Law Group – https://www.premierlawgroup.net

• Mauricio on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mauriciorauld

• The Real Estate Syndicator Live Event – https://www.reliveevent.com

• Free resources & legal downloads – https://www.premierlawgroup.net/resources

If this episode helped you think more clearly about raising capital and protecting your business, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. It helps us keep bringing you insights from the best in the industry.

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Zlotnik—also known as “Big Mike”—a former tech executive turned real estate fund manager who now oversees diversified commercial real estate portfolios across the U.S. Mike shares his journey from emigrating to Brooklyn from Moldova, to building a tech career, to finally going all-in on real estate in 2009.

We dive into why Mike favors discounted, existing commercial assets over development, how he navigates interest rate shifts, and what passive investors should know about asymmetric risk, mezzanine capital, and capital stack structures. Mike brings a data-driven, strategic lens to investing—and he breaks down why now might be one of the best times to deploy capital for both cash flow and upside.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:45] – From Moldova to NYC and the leap from tech to real estate

[4:00] – First deals: multifamily and Manhattan condos during the recession

[6:30] – Discovering the power of hard money lending and private debt

[9:00] – The shift to commercial: multifamily, shopping centers, industrial

[12:00] – Why vertical integration with local operators is critical

[15:00] – Navigating the 2022 rate hikes and market repricing

[18:00] – Buying below replacement cost and the magic of cap rate spreads

[21:00] – Why Mike avoids floating-rate debt in today’s environment

[23:30] – Reimbursement strategies and tax benefits of commercial assets

[26:00] – Structuring deals for both appreciation and depreciation

[28:00] – The role of rescue capital, mezz equity, and preferred returns

[31:00] – Illiquidity, investor psychology, and aligning with the right time horizon

[34:00] – Why simplicity wins and how crypto exits are finding real estate

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Buying below replacement cost creates built-in upside and limits downside risk.

2. Cap rate spread vs. interest rate is the single most important cash flow metric.

3. Vertical integration through partnerships allows for scale without operational burnout.

4. Asymmetric risk = disproportionate upside with limited exposure—a smarter investor goal.

5. Simplicity and focus win in complex markets—especially with higher debt costs.

Links & Resources:

• Big Mike’s Fund & Resources – https://www.BigMikeFund.com

• Mentioned in the episode: Mezz equity, open-air shopping centers, asymmetric risk, crypto-to-real-estate capital shifts

If this episode gave you a new lens on strategic investing in today’s market, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast. It helps us bring on more seasoned investors like Mike who break down what’s really working behind the scenes.

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Knakal—one of the most iconic brokers in New York City commercial real estate history. Bob shares how he stumbled into the business after Wharton, built and sold one of the city’s most dominant brokerage firms, and why he’s still chasing deals after closing over 2,300 of them.

We talk about his obsession with data, how he accidentally created one of the most recognizable personal brands in the industry, and why success in real estate comes down to process, consistency, and discipline. Bob doesn’t just break down how to be a top broker—he explains how to stay one for 40 years.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:00] – How Bob got into real estate by accident at Wharton

[4:30] – Building a passion for brokerage and founding Massey Knakal

[7:00] – What makes a great broker: mindset, time blocking, and math

[10:00] – Daily discipline and structure behind Bob’s productivity

[12:50] – Standing out through branding, baseball cards, and personal marketing

[14:30] – Leveraging “Who Not How” and building a high-performing team

[16:00] – Creating NYC’s most advanced zoning and development map room

[19:00] – Bringing a developer’s mindset to brokerage

[22:50] – How politics and regulation are reshaping NYC real estate

[26:00] – Why they sold Massey Knakal and what changed after

[30:00] – What Bob values most now—and how he’s mentoring the next generation

[34:00] – The origin story of the baseball card and how it became his signature

[36:00] – Why he’s launching a new book and what it reveals about top brokers

[39:00] – Bob’s cheesesteak loyalty and what Philly taught him about grit

5 Key Takeaways

1. Discipline drives everything – Bob’s success is built on consistent, daily habits.

2. Branding matters—even in brokerage – His baseball card started as a joke but became a calling card.

3. Think like a developer, not just a broker – Market knowledge and zoning expertise separate amateurs from pros.

4. Politics matter – Local policy can kill deals or create opportunity—you have to be ahead of it.

5. Legacy is about people – Bob’s proudest accomplishment isn’t a deal count—it’s the success of those he’s mentored.

Links & Resources

• Bob’s Website – https://www.bobknakal.com

• BK Real Estate Advisors – https://www.bkrea.com

• Selling Buildings by Bob Knakal & Rod Santomassimo – Pre-order on Amazon

• Bob’s email: [email protected]

• Phone: (917) 509-9501

• Mentioned: Who Not How, Rod Santomassimo, development map room, NYC policy shifts

If you enjoyed this conversation with a true icon of real estate, take a second to rate, follow, and review the podcast. It helps us keep bringing you the most experienced voices in the business.

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Moore—serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Wellings Capital. After selling two businesses and making (and losing) millions, Paul found his true calling in commercial real estate, specifically in overlooked asset classes like self-storage and mobile home parks.

We dive into the lessons he learned from his early missteps, the metrics that matter most in real estate, and why he’s obsessed with helping high-income earners protect and grow their wealth. If you’ve ever felt like you should be further ahead—or want to make fewer mistakes along the way—this episode is packed with wisdom, humility, and strategy.

Episode Highlights:

[1:45] – Paul’s entrepreneurial beginnings and how he exited two companies

[4:18] – Losing millions and learning what not to do with money

[7:06] – Finding commercial real estate after the painful lessons

[10:42] – Why he focuses on “boring” asset classes like self-storage and mobile home parks

[13:09] – The difference between speculation and investing

[16:14] – What makes a sponsor truly trustworthy in Paul’s eyes

[18:35] – How to identify asymmetric risk and avoid losing money

[22:20] – Paul’s mission to help others avoid the wealth destruction he experienced

[25:02] – What the ultra-wealthy do differently (and how you can do the same)

[28:33] – The surprising mindset shift that made Paul a better investor and person

[31:45] – How his faith and values shape his investment philosophy

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Success doesn’t always teach you what you need to know—losses do.

2. Boring assets with strong fundamentals often outperform the flashy ones.

3. Character and alignment matter more than past returns when vetting sponsors.

4. Real investing is about protecting the downside first.

5. Purpose and profit aren’t mutually exclusive—Paul’s building both.

Links & Resources:

• Wellings Capital – https://www.wellingscapital.com

• Paul’s Book The Perfect Investment – https://www.wellingscapital.com/resources

• Follow Paul on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmarkmoore

• Mentioned: self-storage, mobile home parks, asymmetric risk, investor education

If you found value in this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast. It helps us continue bringing you the stories and strategies behind purpose-driven investing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Burk, founder and CEO of Fairway America, who brings over two decades of hard-earned experience in real estate private equity. From navigating post-2008 market chaos to building a vertically integrated platform managing over $3 billion in assets, Matt opens up about the lessons, mindset shifts, and operational pivots that have shaped his approach to investing—and life.

We dive deep into the human side of capital raising, what most people get wrong about risk, and why being “boring” in your investment thesis might just be the most powerful thing you can do. If you’re an LP, fund manager, or aspiring syndicator, you’re going to take away serious value from Matt’s no-BS approach to structuring deals, building trust, and staying in the game for the long haul.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:52] - The early years: 2008’s lasting impact on Matt’s investment philosophy

[5:40] - What Matt learned raising capital when no one was lending

[8:36] - The “aha” moment behind creating Fairway America’s fund management platform

[11:12] - The most common mistakes first-time fund managers make

[14:47] - Risk vs. uncertainty: why they’re not the same thing

[18:22] - Why trust, alignment, and clarity matter more than shiny pitch decks

[23:40] - Vertical integration: why Fairway brought everything in-house

[28:11] - The psychology of wealthy investors and how to communicate with them

[33:09] - What Matt looks for in fund managers before writing a check

[37:56] - Recalibrating for today’s market: lessons from 2023 into 2024

[44:02] - How Matt personally defines success after 25+ years in business

[48:14] - Where to connect with Matt and learn more about Fairway America

5 Key Takeaways

1. Risk ≠ Uncertainty – Matt breaks down why most investors conflate these two, and how clarity in distinguishing them leads to better decision-making.

2. Fund Managers Often Overcomplicate – Simplicity, transparency, and execution matter more than over-engineering a pitch or waterfall.

3. Capital Raising is About Trust – Investors care more about character, integrity, and communication than the deal’s upside projections.

4. Vertical Integration Creates Control – Fairway’s move to bring acquisitions, asset management, and servicing in-house improved efficiency and investor outcomes.

5. Long-Term Success Requires Calibration – Matt emphasizes staying flexible and grounded, especially as market cycles evolve and new risks emerge.

Links & Resources

• Learn more: https://www.fairwayamerica.com

• Connect with Matt: Matthew Burk on LinkedIn

Enjoyed the episode? Please rate, follow, and review the show—and share it with someone who’s building their own path in real estate private equity.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Crawford—pharmaceutical exec turned real estate investor—who’s steadily scaled from single-family homes to managing 500+ multifamily units. Andrew shares how his background, family life, and dual-career mindset led to his entry into real estate, and why he’s passionate about creating long-term wealth for both himself and his investors.

We get into the realities of transitioning from W-2 income to active and passive investing, the importance of strategic partnerships, and how to navigate investor relationships during uncertain market cycles. Andrew’s story is incredibly relatable, especially if you’re balancing career, family, and the desire for financial freedom. If you’re considering active investing, LP deals, or just want to better understand how real estate can be a wealth-building vehicle, this is one you’ll want to queue up.

Episode Highlights & Timeline

[0:00] - Introduction

[2:01] - Andrew’s dual career path: Pharmacy exec by day, real estate investor by night

[4:06] - Why minimizing taxes and family financial goals led to real estate

[6:40] - Making the leap from single-family to commercial real estate

[8:18] - The lightbulb moment: understanding economies of scale with multifamily

[10:14] - Burnout, partnerships, and scaling through syndication

[15:01] - Why operator experience matters in capital raising

[17:25] - Tips for vetting syndicators and avoiding marketing traps

[25:05] - Simplifying return metrics: what to actually look for as an investor

[29:59] - Prosper Capital’s 2024 pivot toward larger acquisitions

[32:43] - The reality of investor sentiment during uncertain market cycles

[39:12] - Turning 5-year holds into long-term wealth strategies

[43:23] - Andy’s personal philosophy: why he’s focused on holding assets, not just income

[46:16] - How to connect with Andrew and learn more about Prosper Capital

5 Key Takeaways

1. Tax Strategy Sparks Action – Andrew’s desire to reduce tax exposure through his W-2 income became the catalyst for launching his real estate journey.

2. Scalability Matters – Transitioning from single-family homes to multifamily assets allowed for greater efficiency, cash flow stability, and long-term potential.

3. Active + Passive Blend – He emphasizes the power of mixing active ownership with passive investments to create diverse income streams.

4. Operator Experience is Non-Negotiable – When raising capital or investing as an LP, operational track record and alignment matter far more than flashy marketing.

5. Think Long Game – Building wealth isn’t about quick flips—Andrew’s focused on holding quality assets and planning for long-term redeployment of capital.

Links & Resources

• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: Andrew Crawford on LinkedIn

• Email: [email protected]

• Prosper Capital: https://prospercapitalco.com

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast. Share it with a friend who’s looking to take their first—or next—step in real estate investing!

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sam Giordano—a full-time physician and full-time passive investor who’s LP’d in over 50 real estate syndications. Sam shares how his analytical background in medicine led him to create the LP Deal Analyzer, a tool that’s now widely used by investors to objectively evaluate sponsor deals.

We unpack the red flags LPs should be looking for, how to vet sponsors beyond the pitch deck, and why you don’t need to chase 20% IRRs to build long-term wealth. Whether you’re looking to invest your first $50K or refine your process for deal selection, this episode will help you cut through the noise and invest with more clarity and confidence.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:10] – Sam’s background as a physician and how he got started in real estate

[4:45] – From first LP deal to building a 50+ syndication portfolio

[7:22] – Why he created the LP Deal Analyzer—and how it’s used

[9:30] – The three most important metrics every LP should focus on

[11:08] – Vetting sponsors: track record, communication, and alignment

[13:36] – What makes a deal “sponsor-risky” even if the returns look great

[16:44] – The role of geography, asset class, and business plan in deal selection

[19:05] – Why Sam prefers cash flow and downside protection over high IRRs

[21:30] – Red flags in underwriting most LPs miss

[24:18] – How newer LPs can build confidence and protect capital

[27:14] – Advice on managing expectations and being a truly passive investor

[30:02] – Where to access Sam’s resources and learn from his process

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Sponsor quality matters more than pro forma numbers – Strong communication, transparency, and past performance matter more than the pitch deck.

2. Underwriting is often overly optimistic – Watch for aggressive rent bumps, low expense assumptions, and short hold periods.

3. Cash flow trumps vanity metrics – Focus on risk-adjusted returns, not the flashiest IRR or equity multiple.

4. You don’t need to “know everything” to invest well – Sam built his portfolio as a full-time doctor by asking smart questions and using a consistent framework.

5. Having a process beats guessing – The LP Deal Analyzer isn’t magic—it’s about organizing your thinking and staying objective.

Links & Resources

• Passive Advantage – https://www.passiveadvantage.com

• LP Deal Analyzer – https://www.passiveadvantage.com/lpdealtool

• Connect with Sam on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-giordano-md

• Mentioned: MFIN Conference and other LP-focused groups and communities

If this episode helped you see syndications with clearer eyes, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review the podcast. It helps more investors like you make smarter, more confident decisions with their capital.

In this episode, I sit down with Alan Fruitman—broker, author, and triple net property expert—to dive deep into the lesser-known world of NNN investing. Alan shares how these investments offer truly passive income with none of the headaches of traditional real estate, and why they’re a perfect fit for seasoned investors looking to simplify their portfolios.

We cover everything from ground leases and 1031 exchanges to what really drives cap rates—and why the biggest risk isn’t tenant failure, but choosing the wrong location. If you’ve ever wanted a “set it and forget it” real estate investment, this episode will change how you think about wealth preservation, tenant control, and cash flow.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[1:12] – Who actually buys triple net properties—and why

[2:04] – What “triple net” really means (and why most leases don’t qualify)

[5:16] – Why Starbucks may have a strong brand but weak leases

[7:24] – Understanding ground leases and their tax implications

[9:01] – What landlords can do if a tenant doesn’t maintain the property

[12:25] – Franchise vs. corporate tenants: which is better and when

[14:49] – Why a tenant leaving can be a good thing

[16:06] – How rent escalations and lease renewals are typically structured

[17:29] – What to look for (and avoid) in a lease

[19:35] – Due diligence tips for assessing tenant credit

[20:39] – How cap rates vary depending on risk profile

[23:15] – The impact of rising interest rates on triple net values

[25:11] – Why most NNN deals are all-cash—and who that strategy fits best

[26:54] – Why triple nets don’t usually see distress, even in downturns

[28:14] – What Alan’s book teaches about this asset class

[29:09] – Why location still trumps everything—even with national tenants

[31:44] – How to get started looking at NNN deals the smart way

[34:03] – A compelling case for why triple nets deserve more attention

5 Key Takeaways

1. Triple net is one of the only truly passive forms of direct real estate ownership.

2. Not all NNN leases are created equal—many exclude major responsibilities like roof or structure.

3. Cap rates are driven by location, tenant credit, and lease term—not just the brand name.

4. Ground leases offer instant equity, but less depreciation—ideal for equity-focused investors.

5. This is a strategy built for mature investors seeking simplicity, not forced value-add plays.

Links & Resources:

• 1031tax.com – Alan’s platform for nationwide triple net property brokerage

• The Triple Net Property Book (Amazon) – Learn NNN fundamentals in 2 hours

• Call Alan directly: 1-800-454-0015 to discuss your goals or request a free copy of the book

• Free daily property list sign-up available at 1031tax.com

Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast. It helps us keep bringing on guests who are transforming how investors think about wealth and freedom.

In this episode, I sit down with Irfan Raza—a CPA turned real estate investor and systems strategist who’s quietly built an impressive business behind the scenes. Irfan walks us through his journey from flipping homes and managing a portfolio of nearly 100 units to launching Azbok Solutions, a firm that helps real estate operators streamline and scale.

We talk about what happens when you outgrow spreadsheets, how to build a team that actually frees up your time, and why most investors don’t have a business—they have a hustle. If you’re juggling acquisitions, construction, and bookkeeping and wondering how to make it all sustainable, Irfan breaks down the operational systems that actually work.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Introduction

[2:45] – How Irfan went from Temple University CPA grad to house flipper

[5:12] – Scaling a flipping business to 50+ homes a year

[7:38] – The moment interest rates forced a major business pivot

[10:20] – Why real estate investors don’t think like business owners—and what it costs them

[13:05] – The “back of the napkin” problem and why KPIs matter

[16:18] – Building Azbok: solving the bottlenecks that slow down small operators

[19:47] – Delegating construction, bookkeeping, and asset management the right way

[22:36] – Hiring the right people and the cost of waiting too long

[25:30] – What most investors get wrong about software and automation

[29:14] – How Irfan helps clients transition from hustle to scalable systems

[33:00] – What it really looks like to build a business that runs without you

5 Key Takeaways

1. You can’t scale chaos – If you’re still doing everything yourself, you don’t have a business—you have a bottleneck.

2. Systems start with visibility – Without KPIs and clean financials, you’re flying blind.

3. Most investors wait too long to hire – Delegation isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for growth.

4. Software is a tool, not a solution – If your team isn’t trained and aligned, automation won’t save you.

5. Every real estate business needs an operator – Whether that’s you or someone you hire, operations drive sustainability.

If this episode helped you see the business side of real estate more clearly, rate, follow, and review the podcast. It helps us reach more investors who are ready to scale smart—not just big.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Green, a former history teacher who quietly built a real estate portfolio that eventually set him free from the classroom. Brian shares how he bought his first property with a loan from his dad, scaled to multifamily, and ultimately made the leap into full-time investing.

We dive into the realities of transitioning from W-2 to full-time investor, what he learned from flipping houses and running a property management company, and how he balances risk while growing his holdings. Brian’s story is proof that you don’t need a flashy background or a finance degree to build lasting wealth—you just need commitment, patience, and a plan.

Episode Highlights:

[0:00] – Why development is hard and who’s built for it

[3:00] – Brian’s self-introduction and what he’s doing today

[6:00] – From Verizon franchises to real estate—his early entrepreneurial days

[9:00] – Buying a snowplow to be the ultimate DIY landlord

[12:00] – Spinning off the construction division and building a vertically integrated business

[15:00] – The evolution from teacher to real estate entrepreneur

[18:00] – Selling the previous company and what came next

[21:00] – Rejecting the 4% retirement advice and building his own strategy

[24:00] – Why Brian never wanted to work for corporate America

[27:00] – Bringing in his brother as a partner and scaling up

[30:00] – How geography influences his investing decisions

[33:00] – Knowing the local politics, players, and competitors is a competitive edge

[36:00] – Thriving in markets bigger investors ignore

[39:00] – How deep local knowledge leads to better deal flow

[42:00] – Wrapping up with final insights and parting advice

5 Key Takeaways

1. Start small, start smart – Brian’s first deal wasn’t flashy, but it was foundational.

2. Side hustles can become full-time businesses – He built his portfolio while working full-time until the timing—and math—made sense.

3. Flipping isn’t always the answer – Brian shares why he left house flipping for more sustainable, long-term gains.

4. Owning the management process creates leverage – Starting a property management company gave him control and scale.

5. Clarity and numbers matter – Knowing your goals and understanding your risk tolerance are key before making the leap.

Links & Resources

• Green Springs Capital – Learn more about Brian’s investing company

• Books Mentioned: The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, Rich Dad Poor Dad

• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast. Your support helps us reach more people looking to build freedom, one deal at a time.