🎧 Overview

In this powerful episode of the Generations of Wealth Podcast, host Derek Dombeck sits down with Mike Zlotnik, also known as "Big Mike," to unpack the realities of fund management, real estate market cycles, and investment strategy. From dissecting debt vs. equity funds to analyzing when and why to invest in down markets, this episode delivers both technical insights and philosophical wisdom for investors and fund managers alike.

🧠 Key Takeaways

• The importance of timing and market cycles when raising capital and deploying funds.

• How to structure and manage a real estate investment fund, including legal considerations.

• The difference between REITs and private funds, and how investors can benefit from depreciation and tax strategies.

• Why investor communication is key to long-term trust and capital growth.

• Mike's view: Now is the time to act, not sit on the sidelines — “Courage means acting despite fear.”

🎯 Why You Should Listen

• You’ll learn how to build and manage a real estate fund — from someone who’s been doing it successfully for over a decade.

• You'll hear real-life stories about negotiating creative deals, even when markets seem frozen.

• You’ll gain confidence to take action in uncertain markets with real-world logic behind the advice.

• If you're considering raising capital, starting a fund, or investing passively, this is your blueprint episode.

📚 Relevant Topics Discussed

• Market cycles & timing

• Passive vs. active investing

• Starting and structuring a fund (506B vs 506C)

• Private credit vs equity funds

• Risk assessment in real estate

• Tax benefits through funds (bonus depreciation, SDIRA)

• Communication & investor relations

• Warren Buffett’s mindset in downturns

• Courage in capital deployment

⏱️ Time Stamps 

• 00:00–02:00 — Intro and Mike Zlotnik's background

• 02:00–10:00 — Understanding market cycles & sector-specific trends

• 10:00–16:00 — Creative deals in down markets and opportunity spotting

• 16:00–22:00 — Fund structures: debt vs equity, REITs vs private funds

• 22:00–27:00 — Fund compliance, 506B vs 506C, investor communication

• 27:00–30:00 — Why act now? Market dislocation and value opportunities

• 30:00–32:00 — Final thoughts: learning, books, mindset

 

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