How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate

By Criterion, Braden Cheek, Brian Duck, Joel ThompsonBusiness Investing

How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate episodes

July 14, 2025 The "Big Beautiful Bill" Breakdown: How It Impacts Commercial Real Estate Investors
This episode breaks down the game-changing 2025 tax bill and how its new depreciation rules, deduction limits, and estate exemptions unlock massive advantages for commercial real estate investors.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:36 - Trail Lake Plaza Deal Overview
1:07 - Lending Partnerships & Expansion
1:31 - Upcoming Deal Pipeline
2:01 - Goal to Hit 12 Deals in 2025
2:17 - New Tax Bill Overview
2:50 - 100% Bonus Depreciation Returns
3:40 - Retroactive Application & CRE Impact
5:19 - State & Local Tax Deduction Increased
6:01 - Why These Tax Breaks Might Not Be Permanent
7:08 - Estate & Gift Tax Exemption Increased
7:42 - Qualified Business Income Deduction
8:26 - Rollback on Green Energy Incentives
9:30 - National Debt & Economic Outlook
10:01 - CRE Market Outlook & Opportunity Window
11:13 - Why It's a Buyer's Market Right Now
11:47 - Tulsa Multifamily Rent Growth
12:00 - Final Thoughts & Next Episode Tease
Interested in learning more?Visit https://www.thecriterionfund.com/ for all of your commercial real estate investing needs!
CommercialRealEstate #CREInvesting #BonusDepreciation #TaxStrategy #EstatePlanning #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #CREDeals #InvestorTips #MarketTrends #RealEstateTaxBreaks
13 min
July 07, 2025 Tax Strategies to Save Millions in Commercial Real Estate
Unlock the top five tax strategies savvy investors use—including depreciation, cost segregation, 1031 exchanges, and more—to legally minimize taxes and maximize commercial real estate returns.
Time Stamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:09 – Welcome & Thunder NBA champs 🎉
1:52 – Distribution update from Criterion & Precision
2:40 – New deal: Trail Lake Plaza in Fort Worth
3:42 – Deal pipeline: Atlanta & Michigan
4:09 – Today’s Topic: Tax Advantages in CRE
4:48 – DEPRECIATION: Bonus depreciation explained
7:37 – COST SEGREGATION: Front-loading depreciation
10:26 – Real Estate Professional Status vs Passive
14:31 – Utilizing a 1031 EXCHANGE
18:02 – Borrowing against stock instead of selling
21:44 – Borrow‑Buy‑Borrow‑Die strategy explained
22:32 – Episode wrap & 4th of July sign‑off
Visit thecriterionfund.com for more information!
Visit https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list to join our FREE investor list!
commercialrealestate #CREinvesting #taxstrategies #depreciation #costsegregation #1031exchange #realestateprofessional #investingtips #passiveloss #equityloan
24 min
June 16, 2025 Real Estate Lawsuits: What Every CRE Operator Should Know
In this eye-opening episode of How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate, the Criterion team dives deep into a side of the business no one wants to deal with—but every serious investor inevitably faces: lawsuits.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Fort Worth Acquisition Update
1:11 - Brian’s Maui Trip & Team Travel Banter
2:01 - Deal Pipeline & Recent Closings Rundown
3:04 - Getting Sued in CRE: The Harsh Reality
4:00 - Real Lawsuit Example: A Pothole Cost Us Thousands
5:20 - Why It’s Cheaper to Settle Than Fight
6:10 - Discovery Phase: What You Must Turn Over
7:01 - Conduct Business Like You're Always Being Watched
8:46 - Email Habits That Can Save You in Court
10:52 - Attorney-Client Privilege: Keep Your Emails Clean
12:25 - The Power of Written Records in Business
14:46 - Documenting Conversations & Agreements
16:00 - Final Thoughts: Lawsuits Are Part of the Game
CommercialRealEstate #CREInvesting #RealEstateLawsuits #PropertyInvesting #FortWorthRealEstate #RealEstateStrategy #CRELegalTips #RealEstateTips #HowToInvestInCRE #BusinessLawsuits #LegalAdvice #CommercialDeals #InvestorTips #CREDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #CREEmpire #PropertyLaw #RealEstateGame #CREInvestors #BusinessMindset
17 min
June 02, 2025Use Your IRA to Buy Real Estate : A Step-by-Step CRE Strategy
🔥 Want to use your 401(k) or IRA to invest in commercial real estate?
In this episode of "How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate", the team breaks down how to roll over traditional retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs, what rules you MUST follow to stay tax compliant, and how to avoid nasty surprises like UBIT and UDFI. Learn how high-net-worth investors leverage Roth IRAs for tax-free cash flow and why your retirement portfolio might be better off in CRE than stocks right now.
📊 Topics Covered:
How to convert your 401(k)/IRA into a self-directed account
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA for real estate investing
What is UBIT/UDFI and how to avoid it
Leveraging depreciation to reduce taxable income
Why arms-length rules matter in real estate IRAs
Real-world examples + strategies we use
💡 This episode is packed with actionable intel, numbers, and rules every investor should know before moving retirement funds into real estate. Whether you're 25 or 65, there's something here for your portfolio.
Visit thecriterionfund.com to get connected with our team!
🎧 Listen, like, and subscribe for more no-BS real estate investing knowledge. Let’s grow that wealth.
SelfDirectedIRA #401kToRealEstate #RothIRAInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #TaxFreeWealth #AlternativeInvestments #UBITExplained #RetirementStrategy #CREWealth #FinancialFreedom #InvestSmarter #IRARealEstate #CashFlowInvesting #LongTermWealth #RealEstatePortfolio #InvestWithPurpose #TaxFreeReturns #SmartMoneyMoves
16 min
May 28, 2025 ICSC Las Vegas 2025: Key Takeaways for Retail Investors
🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨
We just got back from ICSC Las Vegas 2025 — the largest retail real estate convention in the world — and we’re breaking down the key takeaways every retail investor needs to know. From tenant bankruptcies to bullish market trends and rent growth strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone in commercial real estate.
Time Stamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:27 – Discussion on ICSC Las Vegas 2025
1:16 – Insights into the retail real estate market
2:03 – Conversations with equity groups at ICSC
3:03 – Challenges in securing equity for deals under $10 million
4:46 – Institutional bullishness on retail investments
5:03 – Strategies for rent growth in under-market properties
6:05 – Criterion's recent deal closures and fundraising efforts
8:02 – Managing tenant bankruptcies and lease negotiations
18:03 – Encouragement for proactive investment strategies
Visit www.thecriterionfund.com for more information!
ICSC2025 #RetailRealEstate #CommercialRealEstate #CriterionFund #MarketInsights #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyAcquisition #TenantStrategy #PassiveIncome #CREnews
20 min
May 19, 2025Getting to a No: Mastering Lease Negotiation in Commercial Real Estate
In the latest episode of How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate, the Criterion team provides a comprehensive update on recent transactions, strategic growth initiatives, and the importance of assertive lease negotiations.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction and recent activities
0:46 - Property sales and closures
1:39 - Future projects and contracts
3:11 - Investor engagement and advertising strategy
8:01 - Main topic: "Getting to a No" in negotiations
18:00 - Market trends and rent growth
21:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts
*Be Sure to check us out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the Audio version of today's episode!**
https://open.spotify.com/show/08KmNvqGV5HjmHUC8fLuce
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-invest-in-commercial-real-estate/id1543470290
Leave a review and win FREE MERCH!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaaSZnQVWre1HUMH6
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.TheCriterionFund.com
www.HowToInvestInCRE.TV
Invest.HowToInvestInCRE.com
To sign up for our exclusive investor list, click below.
https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list
CommercialRealEstate #CREInvesting #LeaseNegotiation #RealEstateStrategy #InvestorRelations #MarketTrends #RetailRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateGrowth #NegotiationTactics
23 min
April 24, 2025How to Hit Grand Slams in Commercial Real Estate Investing
Discover how Criterion transforms market chaos into grand slams in commercial real estate, unlocking infinite returns through strategic deals and explosive rent growth.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:10 - Market Turmoil & Crypto Jokes
1:20 - Steady CRE Distributions Amid Uncertainty
2:12 - Richmond Deal Update & Equity Raise
3:50 - Landon Square Closing: Loan Assumption Breakdown
4:34 - The Consistency of Cash Flow in Real Estate
5:04 - Hitting Grand Slams in CRE: Hidden Value Unlocked
6:01 - Cincinnati Deal: Tripling Rents in 8 Years
8:48 - Why Tenants Are Paying Double: Location & Demand
11:39 - Wichita Deal: Selling Outparcels, Infinite Returns
13:36 - Massive Rent Increases & Value Creation in Wichita
15:12 - Financing Strategies: Recaps, Refis, and Cash Flow
15:51 - Slidell Deal: Doubling Rents & Selling to O'Reilly’s
18:37 - Multifamily Grand Slam: From $12K to $100K/Unit
20:01 - Inflation’s Impact on Real Estate Value
21:57 - Why We Share Big Wins: Inspiration, Not Hype
23:29 - Seizing Opportunity in Market Shifts
24:02 - Closing Thoughts & See You Next Week
*Be Sure to check us out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the Audio version of today's episode!**
https://open.spotify.com/show/08KmNvqGV5HjmHUC8fLuce
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-invest-in-commercial-real-estate/id1543470290
Leave a review and win FREE MERCH!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaaSZnQVWre1HUMH6
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.TheCriterionFund.com
www.HowToInvestInCRE.TV
Invest.HowToInvestInCRE.com
To sign up for our exclusive investor list, click below.
https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list
CommercialRealEstate #CREInvesting #RealEstatePodcast #InfiniteReturns #RealEstateSuccess #PropertyInvesting #REITs #MultifamilyInvesting #RetailRealEstate #PassiveIncome #InvestmentStrategies #MarketVolatility #RentGrowth #FinancialFreedom #WealthBuilding
25 min
April 14, 2025 Pulling the Trigger: How to Confidently Close Your First CRE Deal
In this episode of How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate, the guys dive deep into knowing when it's time to pull the trigger on your first deal, breaking down everything from building your investor group and getting lender quotes to managing fear, partnerships, and the practical checklist that prepares you for action. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:33 - Lane and Square Deal Closed in Cincinnati
1:49 - Laburnum Shopping Center Update
2:09 - Distributions and Return Updates
3:28 - K-1s and Tax Season Insights
4:03 - Main Topic: When to Pull the Trigger
5:04 - Building Metrics and Setting Deal Criteria
8:00 - Raising Equity and Partnerships
9:01 - Securing Loan Quotes and Terms
13:00 - Facing Fear and Starting the Process
17:00 - Importance of Property Management
20:03 - Overcoming Fear of Submitting an LOI
23:00 - Building Confidence Through Action
24:00 - Conclusion: Time to Buy!
Visit thecriterionfund.com for more information!
CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #PropertyInvestment #InvestmentTips #CREStrategy #FinancialFreedom #InvestorMindset #Partnerships #CashFlow #BuyingRealEstate #LenderQuotes #PropertyManagement #WealthBuilding #CommercialProperties #InvestSmart #BusinessStrategy #TaxStrategy #RentalIncome #AlwaysBeBuying
25 min
April 07, 2025How to Profit from Inflation: CRE Investor Tactics Explained
In this episode, Criterion breaks down the latest property updates, dives into the impact of tariffs and inflation on commercial real estate, and explains how owning assets positions investors to win in any market cycle.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Welcome back to the show!
1:11 Recent property tour highlights
4:03 Landon Square & Richmond deal updates
4:42 Fluorescent outparcel success story
7:13 Introducing today’s topic: tariffs & inflation
8:15 How tariffs impact prices & inflation
10:00 Why inflation benefits asset owners
13:33 Rent growth & value-add strategies
17:00 Refinancing strategies in a recession
20:02 Final thoughts: Winning in any market
*Be Sure to check us out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the Audio version of today's episode!**
https://open.spotify.com/show/08KmNvqGV5HjmHUC8fLuce
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-invest-in-commercial-real-estate/id1543470290
Leave a review and win FREE MERCH!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaaSZnQVWre1HUMH6
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.TheCriterionFund.com
www.HowToInvestInCRE.TV
Invest.HowToInvestInCRE.com
To sign up for our exclusive investor list, click below.
https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list
21 min
March 13, 2025Hiking Everest, Selling Gas Stations & Raising Millions!
In today's episode, Brian and Joel share their experience doing the Mt. Everest base camp trek and we talk about our $5 Million Q1.
Time Stamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:09 - Welcome Back to the Podcast
0:26 - Major Real Estate Updates
0:32 - Closing on Kickapoo Plaza Shopping Center
0:53 - Selling All Petromax Gas Stations
1:10 - Big IRR Returns & Investor Payouts
2:18 - Raising Capital for Cincinnati Shopping Center
2:44 - Another Big Closing Coming Soon
3:33 - Pre-Raising for the Next Deal – Get Involved
3:49 - Outparcel Sale Update – Huge Returns
4:41 - Owasso Development & Tenant Updates
5:29 - Launching Two TLE Sales in Texas
6:10 - Over $5M in Q1 Distributions Paid
7:17 - The Everest Base Camp Hike Begins
8:05 - Brutal Cold & No Running Water
9:36 - Challenges of Hiking at High Altitudes
10:37 - The Reality of Staying in Tea Houses
12:17 - What We Ate on the Trek – Yak Meat & More
14:12 - Dealing With Altitude Sickness
15:17 - The Final Push to Base Camp
16:00 - Taking a Helicopter Back – Worth It?
17:15 - The Lukla Airport Experience – World’s Most Dangerous Runway
19:03 - Earthquake & Rock Slides on Everest
20:46 - Should You Try This Hike? Our Advice
22:08 - Kathmandu & The Cost of the Trip
22:48 - Final Thoughts on the Everest Adventure
23:00 - Outro
*Be Sure to check us out on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for the Audio version of today's episode!**
https://open.spotify.com/show/08KmNvqGV5HjmHUC8fLuce
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-invest-in-commercial-real-estate/id1543470290
Leave a review and win FREE MERCH!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaaSZnQVWre1HUMH6
Links mentioned in this episode:
www.TheCriterionFund.com
www.HowToInvestInCRE.TV
Invest.HowToInvestInCRE.com
To sign up for our exclusive investor list, click below.
https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list
24 min