Thomas McPherson is a real estate entrepreneur and U.S. Navy veteran with extensive experience in multifamily investing, distressed assets, and sustainable development. After serving in the Navy and Marine Corps, he transitioned into real estate, excelling as a broker before becoming a principal investor. He now focuses on ground-up development and private debt funding, creating high-performance, sustainable communities.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

• Transitioning into real estate can be smoother by keeping expenses low and working within the industry.

• High-quality assets tend to perform better during economic uncertainty compared to lower-class properties.

• Distressed debt offers opportunities to work with borrowers and lenders to find creative solutions.

• Sustainable development aligns with market demand, leading to higher rents, occupancy, and tenant retention.

• Small, intentional efforts in property management and development can create a sense of community and increase property value.

Transitioning from the Military to Real Estate

• Thomas's journey from the Navy to real estate brokerage and later becoming an investor.

• The importance of controlling expenses and finding industry-related jobs to gain experience.

Investing in Distressed Assets and Debt

• Definition of distressed debt and how Thomas approaches these opportunities.

• Strategies for working with borrowers to resolve financial challenges.

• The importance of over-communicating with lenders and investors when facing financial distress.

Sustainable Development and Community Building

• How Thomas incorporates sustainability into his developments, including solar energy and water conservation.

• The concept of value graphics over demographics—attracting tenants based on shared values.

• The financial benefits of sustainability, including higher retention, occupancy, and rents.

Lessons in Investing and Risk Management

• Thomas’s experience with leverage and risk early in his investing career.

• The importance of controlling investments rather than relying on external factors.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

• Apparent Failure: Leveraging debt to trade options early in his career, which led to a major loss but valuable lessons in risk management.

• Digital resource: Prefers books over digital tools

• Most recommended book: Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes, and Quads by Larry Loftis.

• Daily habit: Time blocking and eliminating distractions for focused productivity.

• #1 Insight for being a successful developer and distressed debt investor: Stand out in a crowded market—whether through sustainability, branding, or personalized outreach like handwritten letters.

• Favorite place to grab a bite in Phoenix, AZ: Chelsea’s Kitchen.

• Learn more about Thomas’s work at Lukrom.

• Consider how sustainability and community-building can improve investment performance.

• If you're facing a distressed asset situation, focus on early communication and finding creative solutions.

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Vanessa Alfaro is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and multifamily syndicator who has founded multiple 7- and 8-figure companies across three different countries. She is the founder of Venus Capital, a women- and minority-owned real estate investment firm focused on technology and AI-driven innovation. With 1,400+ multifamily units, Vanessa specializes in cash-flowing value-add deals in secondary and tertiary markets and leverages AI tools to optimize deal sourcing, capital raising, and property management.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

• Vanessa focuses on cash-flowing value-add deals in secondary and tertiary markets, emphasizing stability over high-risk equity plays.

• She leverages AI for deal analysis, investor profiling, and property management, optimizing operations and cutting expenses by 15-20%.

• AI chatbots and automation tools streamline leasing, capital raising, and investor communications.

• Vanessa believes diversification is key—investors should spread risk across different real estate strategies.

• Leverage is critical to scaling a business—whether through people, technology, or AI tools.

Vanessa’s Entrepreneurial Journey

• Started her first business at age 12, selling products at school.

• Founded multiple companies, including Venus Capital, a women- and minority-owned real estate investment firm.

• Balances entrepreneurship with family life, raising five kids while managing multiple businesses.

Scaling with AI and Technology

• Uses AI for deal sourcing, market analysis, investor profiling, and property management.

• Highlights how AI chatbots streamline operations, including leasing and lead generation.

• AI helps cut expenses by 15-20%, improving NOI for multifamily properties.

• Vanessa emphasizes that operators not using AI are leaving money on the table.

Multifamily Investment Strategy

• Owns 1,400+ multifamily units, focusing on cash-flowing properties since 2019.

• Targets secondary and tertiary markets, benefiting from post-COVID migration trends.

• Prefers cash flow over speculative equity gains, ensuring long-term stability.

• Encourages investors to diversify their portfolio and assess risk tolerance.

📢 Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Apparent Failure: Partnering with a property management firm that was also a stakeholder, making it difficult to fire them. Digital Resource: Fyxer.ai for automated email responses and meeting follow-ups. Most Recommended Book: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. Daily Habit: Taking stop-and-think meditation breaks to recharge and stay productive. #1 Insight for leveraging AI in business: Use AI daily, even for small tasks, to build efficiency and save time.

• Learn more about Vanessa's investment approach: VenusPartners.com

• Join the Real Estate AI Challenge: reaichallenge.com

• Explore AI tools Vanessa recommends for business optimization: Fyxer.ai 

• Evaluate your tech stack and identify areas where AI can improve efficiency.

• Stay ahead with AI advancements to remain competitive in real estate investing.

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW, and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Eddie Speed is a leading expert in note investing with over 40 years of experience. As the Founder of NoteSchool, he has educated thousands on buying performing and non-performing discounted mortgage notes. His structured approach has helped countless investors achieve financial success in the note industry.

In addition to NoteSchool, Eddie is the Owner and President of Colonial Funding Group LLC, specializing in acquiring and brokering real estate-secured notes. He is also a principal in a family of private equity funds focused on bulk note acquisitions. Through his expertise and leadership, Eddie has played a pivotal role in shaping the note investment landscape and continues to guide investors toward profitable opportunities.

In this episode, we talked to Eddie about note investing and how to become an investor for it, finding the right opportunity, the range of an initial investment, diversifying investment portfolios, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Note Investing;

02:21 Eddie's background;

04:05 An insight into note investing;

10:04 How to become a note investor;

14:38 What to pay attention to for finding the right opportunity;

18:17 An insight into the investment range;

22:40 Tips on diversifying investment portfolios;

27:29 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Lack of accounting awareness in the beginning.

Digital Resource: Excel.

Most Recommended Book: Never Split the Difference.

Daily Habit: Focusing on the plan for the day every morning.

#1 Insight for getting started in note investing: Learning what it is thoroughly is key.

Best place to grab a bite in Fort Worth, TX: Joe T. Garcia’s.

Contact Eddie:

Website & Course

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Paul Moore is the Founder and Managing Partner of Wellings Capital, a real estate private equity firm. After beginning his career at Ford Motor Company, he co-founded a staffing firm, becoming a two-time finalist for Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year. Following its sale to a publicly traded company, Paul transitioned into real estate, launching multiple investment and development companies and completing over 100 commercial and residential deals.  

A recognized industry expert, Paul has contributed to Fox Business, The Real Estate Guys Radio, and BiggerPockets, where he produces live shows, videos, and blogs. He has been featured on over 200 podcasts and co-hosted *How to Lose Money.* He is also the author of Storing Up Profits and The Perfect Investment.

In this episode, we talked to Paul about the fund structure, his book, The Perfect Investment, the ideal investor for this structure, the future of the market, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Real Estate Investment;

02:33 Paul's background;

05:42 Paul's book, The Perfect Investment

12:50 An insight into the fund structure

17:40 The ideal investor for this;

21:35 An insight into the future of the market;

24:10 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Making a wrong investment choice back in late 90’s.

Digital Resource: Slack & Voxer.

Most Recommended Book: The Unsold Mindset.

Daily Habit: Meditating, reading and journaling every morning.

#1 Insight for thinking like an investor and not a speculator: Become an expert in the one thing you’re focusing on.

Best place to grab a bite in Lynchburg, VA: William & Henry.

Contact Paul:

Website

Check out our first interview with Paul:

Episode 154

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John Makarewicz is the President and Head of Operations at Faris Capital Partners, a leading real estate investment firm. With over 15 years of industry experience, he brings expertise in operations, management, growth, and sales. His strategic leadership ensures the firm’s efficiency, performance, and client satisfaction while driving long-term success.

Previously, John served as President and CEO of Mark Spain Real Estate, where he led the company to over 400% sales growth in four years. His ability to optimize processes, improve lead conversion, and scale businesses has earned him industry recognition. Passionate about helping stakeholders grow, John is a visionary leader dedicated to delivering high-quality results. Outside of work, he enjoys creative pursuits and quality time with family.

In this episode, we talked to John about his investment company, Faris Capital Partners and their entry into the market, having a clear business plan, vision and mission, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Real Estate Syndication;

03:29 John's background;

17:20 His entry into the market;

25:00 Working above the business and having a clear business plan;

33:31 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Not insisting enough on his old client to move forward with the work on time.

Digital Resource: Audible.

Most Recommended Book: The End of the World Is Just the Beginning .

Daily Habit: Reading a book, breathing exercises and working out.

#1 Insight for launching a syndication business today: Building a key team is critical.

Best place to grab a bite in Atlanta, GA: Foundation & NFA Burger.

Contact John:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Sabrina Osso, Founder and CEO of OSSO SAFE, is a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Real Estate Agent dedicated to fostering safety and respect in homes, workplaces, and schools. Drawing from personal and professional experience, she offers a holistic approach to preventing home violence. Her signature initiative, the Osso Safe Certification, integrates education and technology to enhance property safety, featuring the Osso Safe Home Sweet Home Package and her children's book, Home Safe Home For You and Me.

A professional dancer and educator, Sabrina uses performance to raise awareness on safety and respect. She was honored with the 2024 HerStory Award by the Women’s Federation for World Peace and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who. As a real estate agent, she bridges the industry with Osso Safe’s mission.

In this episode, we talked to Sabrina about solving the challenges with violence issues within the household, taking the right action as a property owner, tips on curbing any violence may take place as a property owner, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Safety in the Household;

02:19 Sabrina's background;

04:55 Handling household violence issues;

11:19 Right actions for property owners;

17:56 Tips on preventing violence as a property owner;

23:11 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Finding the right name to her organization.

Digital Resource: The upcoming app for Osso Safe.

Most Recommended Book: Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow.

Daily Habit: Practicing staying in the moment.

Best place to grab a bite in Northern New Jersey: Bazzarelli.

Contact Sabrina:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Daniel Cocca is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Alpha Investing, a real estate private equity firm targeting unique and compelling investment opportunities for the current market cycle and economic climate. Daniel’s background as a NYC biglaw corporate attorney combined with his private equity expertise gives him a unique viewpoint on structuring complex transactions, navigating capital markets, executing unique investment strategies and managing multifaceted real estate deals. 

Under Daniel’s leadership, Alpha Investing has driven over $3 billion in investments, targeting a unique mix of asset classes and strategies that are often less accessible to individual investors. He has successfully navigated various market changes and opportunities over the years. Given the current market volatility, he is well-positioned to offer valuable insights into emerging real estate trends, strategies for portfolio diversification, and approaches to achieving strong returns across diverse asset classes.

In this episode, we talked to Daniel about investing into uncertain markets, sensible investment deals, adjusting investment strategy and how frequent it should be, as well as depending on what change within the market, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Finding the Right Deal;

02:39 Daniel’s background;

15:37 Tips for investing into uncertain markets;

17:58 An insight into sensible investment deals;

24:43 Adjustment frequency of investment strategies;

29:46 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: A short-term debt misstep that reinforced a stronger long-term investment strategy..

Digital Resource: The Wall Street Journal and podcasts.

Most Recommended Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Daily Habit: Working out and pickleball.

#1 Insight for investing based on cash flow while still looking for value: Being patient in finding the right deal and taking advantage will help you succeed.

Best place to grab a bite: Osteria Francescana.

Contact Daniel:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Jordan Berry, a seasoned laundromat owner and commercial real estate agent, founded Laundromat Resource after struggling to find reliable industry insights during his early acquisitions. Facing costly missteps due to a lack of actionable guidance, he was determined to create a platform that would provide aspiring laundromat entrepreneurs with transparent, practical, and comprehensive resources.

Through LaundromatResource.com, Jordan has built a thriving community centered on education, shared experiences, and mutual success. His mission is to ensure that no entrepreneur has to navigate the laundromat industry alone. With a strong belief in collaboration and growth, he continues to empower others with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the lucrative world of laundromat ownership.

In this episode, we talked to Jordan about his company and education program, the Laundromat Resource, common mistakes made investing in laundromats, tips on acquiring one, how to know if owning a laundromat is right for you, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Laundromats;

02:33 Jordan's background;

15:17 An insight into Laundromat Resource;

17:00 Common laundromat investment mistakes;

20:37 Tips on acquiring a laundromat;

25:34 Deciding on laundromat ownership;

30:23 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Having a loss in the first laundromat investment.

Digital Resource: ChatGPT and other AI tools that work together with it.

Most Recommended Book: 10x Is Easier Than 2x.

Daily Habit: Planning out the next day.

#1 Insight for investing in Laundromats: Don’t go on it alone, find the right people to assist before investing.

Best place to grab a bite in Hawaii: Wienerschnitzel.

Contact Jordan:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Matt Spagnolo, a fund co-manager at Colony Hills Capital, combines his business and economics background from Hampden-Sydney College with a deep passion for real estate investments. He works alongside a skilled team to identify and execute off-market multifamily opportunities, delivering exceptional value to clients and investors through strategic, data-driven decisions.  

With over $600M in assets under management and $1.2B in total capitalization, Colony Hills Capital has built a track record of success, achieving an average 36% IRR on full-cycle deals. Matt prioritizes open communication with investors, keeping them informed and engaged. Whether you're an experienced investor or new to real estate, he welcomes connections to discuss industry trends, financial growth, and wealth-building opportunities.

In this episode, we talked to Matt about raising capital, tips on scaling a portfolio, his strategies, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Raising Capital;

02:23 Matt's background;

13:57 An insight into raising capital;

21:55 Tips on scaling a portfolio;

25:56 Matt's strategy on raising capital;

30:09 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Counting on investors before they actually invest.

Digital Resource: YouTube.

Most Recommended Book: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind.

Daily Habit: Working on his visual-board daily.

#1 Insight for raising capital: Always plan to raise more than you actually need and develop relationships.

Best place to grab a bite in Richmond, VA: Wood & Iron.

Contact Matt:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.

Nic DeAngelo, known as the "Fixed Income GOAT" in real estate, is the CEO and Founder of Saint Investment Group, managing a $206M+ portfolio across 20+ states. His firm specializes in acquiring institutional-grade real estate assets, with 24 projects and over 500 loans. Guided by the belief that "Wall Street is broken, and real estate is the cure," Nic and his team raise over $100M annually, leveraging economic foresight to drive strategic investments.

A sought-after podcast guest, Nic has been featured on top-rated shows hosted by Hunter Thompson, Tyler Lyons, and Jonathan Cattani. His data-driven approach and ability to simplify complex economic theories make him a returning favorite, delivering valuable market insights in an engaging and accessible way.

In this episode, we talked to Nic about mortgage investing and where to start buying notes, the US economy in 2025, his tactics and experiences in mortgage investment, and much more.

Get ready for REWBCON 2025, happening from April 10th to 12th! Use my code JOHN at checkout for 10% off your ticket.

Mortgage Investing;

02:49 Nic's background;

17:54 Where to start with buying notes;

22:35 An insight into the US economy in 2025;

32:38 Round of Insights

Announcement: Learn about our Apartment Investing Mastermind here.

Round of Insights

Apparent Failure: Overreliance on a small group of investors at the formation of his company.

Digital Resource: Flipbook.

Most Recommended Book: The Obstacle Is the Way.

Daily Habit: Planning weekly goals.

#1 Insight for mortgage investing: Always think long-term.

Best place to grab a bite in Orange County, CA: Chipotle.

Contact Nic:

Website

Thank you for joining us for another great episode! If you’re enjoying the show, please LEAVE A RATING OR REVIEW,  and be sure to hit that subscribe button so you do not miss an episode.