We sat down with Jack Resnick of Platinum Realty Advisors, a leading expert in Maryland’s apartment leasing market, to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes with Section 8 and HUD programs.

Are there fewer vouchers available?

Has Section 8 reduced rent offers for owners?

And what does the new rent evaluation system mean for your bottom line?

If you own or manage rental housing in Maryland, this episode breaks down the real changes landlords are facing — and what you can do to stay ahead of them.

Real estate investor and Micasa Title partner Jacob Benzaquen joins Yaakov to break down the realities of investing in Baltimore. From surviving the 2008 housing crash and managing multifamily properties to tackling city bureaucracy, vendor hurdles, and regulatory red tape, Jacob shares hard-earned lessons on risk management, vendor relationships, and building lasting success.

Whether you’re an out-of-state investor sizing up Baltimore or a local professional facing the city’s unique challenges, this episode offers practical strategies, candid insights, and long-term vision for navigating one of the most complex—but opportunity-filled—markets in real estate.

In this timely and urgent discussion, I sit down with Tibor Wilhelm, Managing Partner at Mount Wilson Capital, to explore the recent wave of foreclosures impacting both large-scale single-family and multifamily properties in the local Baltimore market.

While many have pointed to fraud as the primary cause of these foreclosures, Tibor brings to light a groundbreaking idea: the real issue may be something entirely different. Don’t miss out on understanding the true factors driving these foreclosures and how many property owners could be directly affected.  

In this episode, Steve Verstandig shares how his family journeyed from Holocaust survival to grocery stores, then built a real estate empire starting at age 18.

We dive deep into why he pivoted from multifamily to retail, the realities of doing business in Baltimore, and what Maryland must do to stay competitive. If you're serious about real estate, business strategy, or Baltimore's future, this is a must-listen.

In this episode of Baltimore Real Estate Full Circle, Councilman Izzy Patoka of Baltimore County's 2nd District shared his journey from environmental planning to politics. With six years in office, Izzy discussed the county's tight fiscal projections for 2026, the challenge of balancing development with community needs, and strategies like vertical zoning to meet housing demand.

He emphasized the importance of community engagement and the collaboration between local government and the private sector, particularly in navigating challenges like supply chain issues. Izzy also touched on economic development, affordable housing, and creating a walkable community in Baltimore County, along with his personal commitment to improving infrastructure and resources.

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Cooper to explore how auctions work in the Maryland real estate market. Matthew dives deep into various case studies from the rich, 100+ year history of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, shedding light on the strategies and tactics that have made them a staple in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights into the auction process and learn how it can be a game-changer.

In this episode, we sit down with Lawrence Rief, a seasoned real estate investor with deep roots in Baltimore. He shares his journey from growing up in a real estate-focused family to shaping the local property landscape through value-add investments. We discuss his early exposure to real estate, transition into commercial and industrial properties, and partnership with Continental Realty.

Lawrence provides insights into Baltimore’s evolving real estate market, the resurgence of retail post-COVID, and strategies for scaling investments. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, structure, and creativity in real estate, along with his current focus on mentorship and philanthropy.

Packed with valuable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for investors, brokers, and entrepreneurs.

NYC multifamily legend Bob Knakal joins us to unpack the rise of rent stabilization in NY and its growing impact in MD. We dive into vacant unit trends, investor shifts, construction hurdles, and Bob’s bold 2025 market predictions. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of real estate!

Join Charles Mader as he shares his journey from flipping houses during the 2008 crisis to owning multifamily properties in Baltimore. He discusses property management strategies, navigating rent control regulations in Tacoma Park, and using refinancing to scale investments. Charles also offers cost-saving tips like water conservation and insights from his current renovation projects, providing valuable advice for hands-on investors adapting to market challenges.

Dive into the fascinating journey of Chris Taylor, a Baltimore-based real estate investor with over two decades of experience. From his early days as a teacher navigating the "Teacher Next Door" program to becoming a seasoned investor, Chris shares raw, unfiltered insights about building a real estate empire, the challenges of market crashes, and the importance of financial freedom.

Perfect for aspiring investors and seasoned professionals alike, this episode is packed with practical tips, cautionary tales, and a wealth of knowledge about the realities of the real estate world.