Welcome back to another episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! This week, Kyle Moody is joined by Gregg Cohen, co-founder of JWB Real Estate Capital in Jacksonville, Florida. In this episode, Kyle and Gregg explore the journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving real estate investment company that serves clients from 49 states and 13 countries, managing over $1.3 billion in real estate assets. 

Gregg shares the pivotal moment that started his investing career, the importance of education and mentorship in real estate, and the power of leveraging self-directed IRAs for building passive income through single-family rental properties. Listeners will learn about JWB’s vertically integrated turnkey approach for landlords, why Jacksonville is poised to become the next great American downtown, and how self-directed retirement accounts unlock unique opportunities for investors. 

The episode also highlights JWB Cares, the company’s community-driven initiative focused on affordable housing and resident homeownership. Whether you're new to real estate investing, interested in using retirement funds to diversify your portfolio, or drawn to opportunities for community impact, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration.

Key takeaways:

1. The Importance of Education and Mentorship: Gregg credits his early success in real estate to investing in education and relationships, which enabled him to master smart debt and navigate challenges despite starting out with limited funds and experience.
2. Turnkey, Vertically Integrated Investing: JWB Real Estate Capital offers a fully integrated, hands-off approach—handling land purchase, new construction, tenant placement, property management, and long-term leasing all under one roof—allowing investors to be truly passive.
3. Leveraging Self-Directed Retirement Accounts: Both speakers highlight how investors can use self-directed IRAs and solo 401ks to invest in real estate and other alternative assets, often unlocking capital and achieving tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
4. Why Jacksonville Stands Out: Jacksonville is showcased as a high-opportunity market, with positive cash flow, above-average appreciation potential, and rapid growth—making it a prime destination for real estate investors looking for both income and long-term value.
5. Commitment to Community: Through JWB Cares, Gregg and his team have raised over $1 million to support affordable housing. Their unique programs empower renters to become homeowners, reinforcing JWB’s mission to make a lasting local impact beyond financial returns.

Tune in to discover how you can build your own portfolio, overcome barriers to entry with the right partners, and even contribute to community progress— all while planning for your financial future with self-directed investing!