Want to learn how to turn a $5/sq ft land deal into a lucrative workforce housing development?

In this episode, Chris Lopez sits down with Adam Fenton of Narrate Holdings to dive deep into a 120-unit ground-up development project in Northern Colorado Springs. Adam reveals how they acquired prime land near a rapidly growing university for a fraction of typical multifamily costs, setting the stage for impressive returns.

Key highlights:

Adam breaks down the full pro forma, sharing invaluable insights on unit mix, income projections, operating expenses, and exit strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, this episode offers a masterclass in identifying opportunities and executing profitable multifamily projects in any market conditions.

Don’t miss this inside look at a deal poised to deliver both strong investor returns and much-needed housing for working families!

(01:13) Location and Business Plan of the Development

(03:28) Acquiring the Land and Financing the Project

(07:24) Architectural Design and Unit Mix

(12:19) Analyzing Costs and Projected Returns

(23:40) Workforce Development Project Exit

Interested in learning more about Narrate?

Schedule a call with our team here

Visit Narrate Holdings Website

Check out our other Narrate podcasts:

Episode 499: How this Developer’s Creative Debt Financing Strategy Helps Them Stand Out w/ Adam Fenton

Episode 501: Real Estate Development from Concept to Reality | Deal Analysis

Narrate is a Denver-based firm specializing in the investment and development of urban-infill multifamily and mixed-use real estate in major metropolitan markets throughout the Western U.S. They ensure that each project, created to collaborate community, culture, and commerce, delivers enduring value to its local environment.

Narrate’s portfolio includes a diversified mix of ground-up development, existing value-add, and adaptive reuse properties. Our investment thesis relies on patience and discipline, focusing exclusively on well-located but underperforming assets that offer immediate value creation and long-term stability.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.

After years of active real estate investing in Denver, I’ve shifted my focus to passive real estate investing strategies for 2025. Here’s why I made this change and how I’m positioning my portfolio for the year ahead.

When I started investing, I focused on direct property ownership. But market changes pushed me to explore passive real estate investing strategies that could work better in today’s environment. Here’s how I transformed my approach in 2024.

First, I sold two Aurora rental properties with sub-4% interest rates. Instead of managing these properties, I deployed $250,000 into three passive real estate investments:

The results validated my shift toward passive real estate investing strategies. I’m seeing better returns with significantly less administrative work.

My passive real estate investing strategy for 2025 focuses on three main areas:

The real estate market has evolved. As a solo investor, finding profitable deals takes more time and effort than ever. That’s why my passive real estate investing strategies for 2025 emphasize:

If you’re considering passive real estate investing strategies for 2025, start by:

Want to dive deeper into passive real estate investing strategies? I’m hosting a free Portfolio Analysis Mastermind starting January 8th. We’ll explore seven different investment approaches for 2025, including several passive strategies that can help you build wealth while minimizing your time investment.

Remember, the best passive real estate investing strategy depends on your personal situation. While these approaches work for me, take time to analyze your goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

I’ve found that passive real estate investing strategies offer the best balance of returns and lifestyle flexibility in today’s market. As we move into 2025, I’m excited to continue growing my passive portfolio while helping others discover the benefits of this investment approach.

Want to learn more about transforming your real estate portfolio? If you’re looking to simplify your investments or scale through partnerships, this episode provides practical insights to help you make informed decisions in today’s market.

(00:59) 2024 Goals Review and Investment Strategy

(05:59) Diversification: A Key to Stability

(09:12) The Importance of Portfolio Analysis

(10:51) 2025 Goals and Future Strategies

(13:35) Embracing Partnerships in Investing

Join our free Portfolio Analysis Mastermind starting January 8th to evaluate your own investment strategy. We’ll explore seven different investment approaches – from active rentals to tax-advantaged opportunities – helping you optimize your portfolio for 2025 and beyond.

Register for our Portfolio Analysis Mastermind through this link!

When Red River Development’s planned build-to-rent project faced strong community opposition, their response demonstrated how careful planning and multiple contingencies can transform potential losses into gains. Their experience handling this real estate deal pivot provides valuable insights for developers and investors navigating similar challenges.

Red River Development originally purchased the land for $3.2M with plans for a 200-unit build-to-rent community, but after encountering significant local resistance, they successfully sold the property for $4.5M to another developer who had different plans for the site.

Rather than accepting a loss when their initial development plans weren’t feasible, Red River Development implemented a comprehensive recovery strategy that focused on identifying alternative exit options while protecting their investors’ capital throughout the challenging entitlement process.

The project revealed that successful developers must secure necessary approvals before making major investments, maintain strong capital reserves during uncertain phases, and always prepare multiple exit strategies before acquiring property, especially in markets where community sentiment can significantly impact development plans.

Red River Development’s approach to saving a challenging deal relies on a combination of thorough due diligence, carefully structured maximum price contracts, strategic use of internal funding for the riskiest development phases, and maintaining several viable backup plans throughout the development process.

This case study examines practical approaches to recovering from development challenges while protecting investor capital, offering valuable insights for real estate professionals who want to better understand how to manage risk and navigate unexpected obstacles in their own projects.

The discussion includes detailed analysis of site evaluation methods, deal structuring strategies, and capital preservation techniques that can help developers maintain profitability even when their original plans require significant modification.

(00:56) Navigating Challenges in Real Estate Deals

(06:14) Lessons Learned from a Difficult Project

(10:22) Risk Mitigation Strategies in Real Estate Investment

Interested in learning more about Red River Development?

Schedule a call with our team here!

#520: Inside the Making of a $30M Build-to-Rent Community
#516: The Rise of Build-to-Rent and Why Investors Should Take Note

#524:How Build-to-Rent is Transforming Residential Real Estate

Red River Development is a vertically integrated real estate development company with a focus on developing and operating class-A build-for-rent residential communities under the management brand: Trulo Homes. A unique and growing space in the housing market, luxury rental communities provide the comfort and privacy of single-family homes with the convenience and amenities of high-end multifamily rentals. Red River Development sees extensive market opportunity in the Build-To-Rent (BTR) space throughout the Southern and Midwest U.S. with a substantial pipeline of developments planned to break ground later in 2024 and beyond. Red River Development is headquartered in Dallas, TX with a second office in Tulsa, OK.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.

How can you turn a $525k triplex into your next house hack and maximize returns with Section 8 tenants? In this episode, we break down how an experienced investor spotted and acquired his 8th house hack triplex in the Denver market with Section 8 tenants. Join us as we sit down with the House Hacking expert Jeff White, Agent Jennifer Reinhardt, and Lender Troy Howell to examine how this deal came together using Fannie Mae’s 5% down program.

Key insights from this episode:

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just getting started, this real-world deal analysis offers practical insights for finding and financing your next multifamily property. Learn how to spot opportunities, navigate complex financing, and create win-win transactions in today’s market.

(02:35) How to Actually Find a Deal

(08:42) Navigating Financing and Tax Strategies

(21:17) Investment Plan and Market Analysis

(30:31) The 1031 Exchange and Future Investments

Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

Atlas Real Estate: https://ambitionpropertyinvestments.com

Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

Email Jeff White: [email protected]

Email Jennifer Reinhardt: [email protected]

For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

Is it still possible to house hack in Denver’s competitive market? Chris Lopez, Troy Howell of Nova Home Loans, and house hacking specialist Jeff White say yes. They recently broke down how one investor turned $40,000 into both free housing and $3,000 monthly cashflow using a fourplex strategy. Here’s how they did it.

The property, a brick fourplex near City Park, includes three one-bedroom units and one studio. Originally listed at $900,000, an inherited estate situation led to a dramatic price drop to $635,000. Jeff White, who helped find and analyze the deal, notes that daily market monitoring was key to catching this opportunity when the price dropped by $200,000 in a single day.

While living in the property:

After moving out and optimizing all units:

Troy Howell points out that current Denver Section 8 rates offer $2,147 for one-bedroom units—significantly above market rates. This approach provides guaranteed, recession-resistant income while only requiring a few extra hours of paperwork. Rather than rushing to fill vacancies with market-rate tenants, the owner lives in the smallest unit while gradually converting the other units to Section 8 as leases expire.

Smart Management Decisions
The property came with inherited tenants paying below-market rents, providing immediate cash flow while allowing for gradual optimization. Jeff White emphasizes the importance of professional screening standards and setting clear expectations with existing tenants. The Section 8 program provides additional security by covering 100% of rent if tenants lose income.

Keys to Success:

This Denver fourplex demonstrates how house hacking can accelerate wealth building through multiple channels. Chris Lopez highlights that while living nearly free, the owner builds equity through property appreciation and positions themselves for significant future cashflow. The combination of house hacking, Section 8 rentals, and low down payment financing made this possible even in today’s challenging market.

This case study proves that with creativity and patience, investors can still find Denver properties that generate substantial monthly cashflow while building long-term wealth. Want to learn how you could replicate this success? Join Troy, and Jeff at their monthly Denver house hacking meetups where they analyze deals like this and connect with other local investors. Your path to generating $3,000 in monthly cashflow might be closer than you think.

(02:04) Case Study Overview: The Denver Fourplex

(12:37) Challenges and Solutions in House Hacking

(26:05) Understanding Loan Structures and PMI

(29:32) How to Maximize Rental Income

(40:50) Pros and Cons: Inherited and Section 8 Tenants

Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

Email Jeff White: [email protected]

For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

Have Denver rents really dropped 7.5% since last year? Brandon Scholten, who manages 1,100 rental units across Denver, reveals why this dramatic shift is happening and which properties are being hit hardest in today’s changing market.

Making the data even more compelling: While Denver sees significant declines, Colorado Springs rents remain flat year-over-year, pointing to unique market dynamics in each city. Two-bedroom, one-bathroom units are performing worse than ever before, while Class A apartments offer multiple months of free rent to attract tenants. This ripple effect is impacting smaller landlords and creating new challenges for property owners.

Host Chris Lopez leads a dynamic discussion with Denver’s top real estate experts, including Brandon Scholten, who manages over 1,100 rental units with Keyrenter. Joining them is Troy Howell, residential lender from Nova Home Loans who breaks down current rate trends, along with House Hacking Expert Jeff White, who shares strategies from his latest successful deals. Together, they analyze market shifts and provide practical solutions for investors.

Learn valuable insights about:

For Denver real estate investors watching rents decline, this episode provides the market clarity and actionable strategies you need to protect your portfolio and find new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, you’ll gain practical insights to help navigate Denver’s evolving rental market.

(01:57) Market Overview and Rental Trends

(14:01) Mortgage Rates and Market Predictions

(24:26) Successful Duplex House Hack Deal

Keyrenter Property Management Denver: https://keyrenterdenver.com/

Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

Email Brandon Scholten: [email protected]

Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

Email Jeff White: [email protected]

Email Jenny Bayless: [email protected]

Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so they can get back to what matters to them.

For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

In this episode of Fire on FIRE investing, former fire operations chief turned financial advisor Jon Adams joins Chris Lopez and co-hosts Paul DeSalvo and Jamin Cook to explore why “boring” wealth building strategies consistently outperform flashy investment trends.

Drawing from his journey from firefighter to financial advisor, Adams shares candid insights about building lasting wealth through steady, proven methods rather than chasing quick returns. His transition gives him a unique perspective on helping others create financial security while there’s still time to enjoy it.

Along with hosts Paul (a retired firefighter and real estate investor) and Jamin (an active firefighter and licensed realtor), Adams dives into:

This conversation cuts through the noise of trendy investment tips and market timing schemes to reveal how “boring” wealth building – through steady investing, tax optimization, and patient compound growth – creates lasting financial security.

Perfect for anyone who wants to build real wealth without unnecessary risks, regardless of their profession. Learn why the slow-and-steady approach, while not exciting, has helped countless investors achieve their financial goals.

(05:25) Importance of Early Retirement Planning

(15:00) The Necessity of Estate Planning and Life Insurance

(32:44) Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy

(44:40) Understanding Risk Management

(59:40) Retirement Accounts and Their Benefits

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

Learn more about Fire on FIRE

Contact Jon Adams

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 303-552-0945

Reach out to Paul DeSalvo and Jamin Cook

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @fireonfireinvesting

#529: From Injured Firefighter to Financial Independence (And How You Can Do It Too)

#479: First Responder to Financial Freedom Paul DeSalvo’s Mission to Help Others Achieve Financial Freedom

Is the popular BRRRR strategy still viable in Denver’s market? Kevin Amolsch, Pine Financial Group’s founder and bestselling author, reveals why only 10% of their current loans are BRRRR deals – down significantly from previous years.

Kevin shares invaluable insights from processing nearly a billion dollars in loans over 16 years, showing a dramatic shift away from the once-popular BRRRR strategy. With changing market conditions and rising costs, investors are finding it increasingly difficult to execute this strategy effectively in Colorado’s competitive market.

As Denver’s real estate landscape evolves, learn why traditional strategies like BRRRR may need rethinking and what alternative approaches seasoned investors are using to maintain strong returns. Kevin highlights emerging opportunities in commercial real estate and explains why some investors are moving toward syndications and private lending for better cash flow.

Pine Financial’s loan portfolio reveals telling trends about what’s working in today’s market:

Whether you’re a new investor wondering if BRRRR is still viable, or an experienced owner looking to optimize your portfolio, this data-driven discussion provides practical insights for navigating today’s market challenges.

Want to learn more? Join the Investor Success Summit on November 9th – Colorado’s largest real estate investing conference. Meet Kevin and other industry experts, including BiggerPockets CEO Scott Trench. Get your tickets at DenverISS.com.

(04:50) Current Trends in Commercial and Residential Lending

(07:00) The BRRRR Strategy Today

(11:54) Challenges in the Current Real Estate Market

(18:20) Foreclosure Rates and Lending Practices

(23:04) Investment Strategies and Opportunities for Cash Flow

(43:11) The Investor Success Summit Overview

Connect with Kevin Amolsch

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinamolsch/

Visit Pine Financial Group

Interested in Attending the Investor Success Summit? Sign up here

For the first time since 2012, Denver’s housing inventory crossed over 11,000 units and reached 3.5 months of supply – signaling a shift toward a more balanced market. Join host Chris Lopez and local experts Jenny Bayless, Jeff White, and Troy Howell as they break down the latest September stats and trends across the Denver-Colorado Springs region.

Inside this episode:

Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, this data-packed episode gives you the local insights needed to make informed real estate decisions. Plus, discover why November and December historically offer the best opportunities for buyers in Colorado.

(01:24) September Market Overview

(12:02) Interest Rates and Market Dynamics

(15:15) Duplex Deal and Tips for Buyers

(20:46) Colorado Springs Overbuilding Debate

(26:03) Insurance Costs and Trends

(34:40) Final Thoughts

Nova Home Loans: https://troyhowell.novahomeloans.com

Email Troy Howell: [email protected]

Email Jeff White: [email protected]

Email Jenny Bayless: [email protected]

For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today!

NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO

Ever wonder why some real estate deals fall through? In this eye-opening episode, we dissect a $4.6 million apartment complex deal in Longmont, Colorado that looked promising but ultimately unraveled due to a surprise repair during due diligence. We explore how a value-add strategy in Longmont unraveled due to a $400K repair surprise, offering crucial lessons for investors.

Host Chris Lopez sits down with Adam Fenton of Narrate Holdings to uncover:

Adam shares his hard-earned wisdom on due diligence, including:

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into the realities of multifamily investing. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a deal that didn’t happen – it might save your next investment. Discover why this value-add strategy in Longmont unraveled due to a $400K repair surprise and how you can avoid similar pitfalls in your investments.

(03:12) Construction and Rehab Budget

(05:47) Importance of Due Diligence and Property Inspection

(09:19) Termination of the Deal and Lessons Learned

Interested in learning more about Narrate or investing in one of their projects?

Schedule a call with our team here

Visit Narrate Holdings Website

Adam Fenton LinkedIn

Episode 499: How this Developer’s Creative Debt Financing Strategy Helps Them Stand Out w/ Adam Fenton

Episode 501: Real Estate Development from Concept to Reality | Deal Analysis

Episode 527: How to Negotiate Land Deals for Your Next Multifamily Project

Based in Denver, Narrate is a boutique private equity firm specializing in the investment and development of multifamily and mixed-use real estate projects as well as business ventures across the US. We are an experienced team of professionals focused on limiting downside risk while providing long-term, stable growth for investors. Our portfolio includes a diversified mix of ground-up development and existing value-add properties as well as high margin scalable businesses. Our approach blends personalized attention with deep industry expertise, enabling us to identify and nurture opportunities that others may overlook.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational and informational content only. It does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice.