Wayne Courreges III, Managing Principal at CREI Partners, shares a wealth of knowledge on mastering risk and maximizing returns in commercial real estate development. From leveraging seller financing to building relationships with municipalities, Wayne reveals how to navigate zoning challenges, evaluate investment risks, and structure deals that attract and retain investors. With $50 million in assets under management and a portfolio spanning multifamily, self-storage, and build-to-rent communities, Wayne’s insights offer a roadmap for success in real estate development.

Guest Bio

Wayne Courreges III is the Managing Principal of CREI Partners, a firm dedicated to helping investors diversify into commercial real estate. Specializing in multifamily, self-storage, and build-to-rent developments, Wayne brings over 16 years of experience at CBRE to his leadership role. Based in Bryan-College Station, Texas, Wayne is known for his strategic approach to real estate investment, with $50 million in assets under management and a hands-on commitment to every project.

Episode Highlights and Chapters

[00:02:00] From CBRE to CREI Partners

Wayne discusses his career journey, including his transition from 16 years at CBRE to managing CREI Partners and overseeing $50 million in assets.

[00:04:00] Understanding Risk and Investor Profiles

Wayne delves into the risk factors of new developments versus existing properties and how he aligns opportunities with investor preferences for cash flow or equity growth.

[00:09:00] Deal Structures and Target Returns

Explore CREI’s approach to structuring investments, offering 7–10% cash-on-cash returns and targeting 15% IRR for existing properties and 20–25% IRR for developments.

[00:14:00] Reducing Risk Through Zoning Expertise

Wayne explains how he mitigates risk by handling zoning and entitlement work before raising equity, leveraging seller financing, and focusing on local markets like Bryan-College Station.

[00:23:00] The Power of Relationships

From working with city councils to engaging with HOAs and community members, Wayne highlights the importance of building trust and addressing concerns to ensure project success.

[00:27:00] Leadership in Development

Wayne emphasizes the role of developers as leaders, balancing delegation with hands-on involvement in critical aspects of a project, such as stakeholder engagement and team coordination.

[00:30:00] Advice for Investors and Developers

Wayne offers actionable advice for passive investors and active developers, stressing the value of education, showing up, and fostering meaningful connections.

Contact Information

To learn more about Wayne Courreges III and CREI Partners:

• Visit CREI Partners

• Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn: Wayne Courreges III

• Explore free educational resources at Passive Investor Coaching

For more expert insights into real estate development, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/.

Real estate development offers incredible opportunities but demands careful planning and preparation to avoid costly mistakes. Sonny Moyers explains why building the right team and conducting a thorough feasibility study are essential for success. He shares insights on navigating hidden costs, creating strong contracts, and avoiding common pitfalls that derail projects. Whether you’re an aspiring developer or an experienced investor, Sonny’s practical advice will help you build wealth and legacy in real estate.

Guest Bio

Sonny Moyers is a highly accomplished real estate professional with more than 50 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Communications and a Master of Science in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. As President of The Renaissance Group, Sonny has led one of the most successful real estate teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His achievements include being named REALTOR® of the Year by the Dallas Builders Association and earning recognition as a top producer for over a decade. Known for his engaging speaking style and actionable strategies, Sonny is committed to helping others succeed in real estate.

Episode Highlights and Chapters

[00:01:00] The Two Paths to Development

EG outlines the two primary ways individuals enter real estate development: institutional training and independent projects.

[00:05:00] The Role of Feasibility Studies

A comprehensive feasibility study is crucial for any project. Sonny discusses how to evaluate costs, timelines, and risks to ensure a successful outcome.

[00:10:00] Building Your Support Team

Learn how to assemble a team of professionals—including architects, appraisers, and attorneys—to guide your project from start to finish.

[00:15:00] Identifying Hidden Costs

Sonny explains often-overlooked costs like holding expenses, insurance requirements, and unexpected contractor fees, and how to plan for them.

[00:22:00] The Power of Detailed Contracts

Protecting yourself starts with the right contracts. Sonny shares real-world examples of how clauses like liquidated damages can prevent project delays and financial loss.

[00:26:00] Lessons for Developers

Sonny wraps up with a call to action: start with a solid plan, work with knowledgeable professionals, and approach development with patience and diligence.

Contact Information

To learn more about Sonny Moyers and his work, visit his website: https://www.thearchitectureoftherealestatepractice.com/

YouTube: @AREP2023

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodeamoyersgroup/

For more episodes of Real Estate Development: Land to Legacy, visit Eugene Gershman’s podcast page: https://giscompanies.co/podcast/.

Eugene Gershman of GIS Companies took the stage at the Bisnow Multifamily Conference in Seattle to deliver a sharp and humorous take on innovation in multifamily real estate development. From his candid thoughts on sustainable building practices and technological amenities to a critique of the often impractical allure of luxury finishes and rooftop decks, Eugene's insights brought laughter and valuable lessons to the crowd. This episode captures his dynamic session, offering a fresh perspective on what really matters in real estate development.

My Bio
Eugene Gershman is the CEO of GIS Companies, a family-run real estate development firm with over 20 years of experience. GIS Companies specializes in partnering with property owners to develop projects that meet market demands while navigating complex zoning and regulatory landscapes. Eugene is a passionate advocate for pragmatic innovation in real estate, blending technology, sustainability, and market-driven decisions to create viable, future-ready developments.

Episode Highlights and Chapters

Contact Information
For more on Eugene Gershman and GIS Companies, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/.

Let us know your thoughts on this episode via Spotify, YouTube comments, or by leaving a review!

Jay Conner shares insights on raising private money for real estate projects, emphasizing the importance of not relying on banks and instead creating a network of private lenders. He details his journey from begging banks for money to raising millions privately, explaining the strategies he employed, such as educating potential investors and leveraging relationships. Conner also discusses the benefits of using self-directed IRAs for real estate investments and how to offer attractive terms to private lenders. He invites listeners to join his Private Money Challenge and learn more through his podcast.

About Jay Conner

Jay Conner is a nationally acclaimed real estate investor whose early frustrations with traditional bank financing led him to explore alternative investment strategies. When his funding was abruptly cut during a market downturn, Jay devised a system to access private funding, securing $250,000 from his first prospect and over $2 million in just a few months. His system, “Where To Get The Money Now,” has since enabled him to generate substantial annual profits, making him a sought-after mentor and thought leader in the real estate space.

Episode Highlights and Chapters

[00:02:15] Overcoming Challenges in Real Estate

Jay recounts how restrictive bank terms and a market crash forced him to rethink his approach to funding.

[00:10:30] Creative Real Estate Strategies

Exploring Subject-To deals, Lease/Options, and their role in expanding investment portfolios.

[00:17:45] The Birth of the Private Funding System

Jay explains how he developed “Where To Get The Money Now” and secured his first $250,000 in private capital.

[00:26:50] Scaling with Private Money

The keys to accessing over $2 million in private funding and how it transformed his career.

[00:35:20] Tips for New Investors

Actionable advice on getting started in real estate and finding funding without relying on banks.

[00:44:00] Living in Abundance in a Small Market

How Jay has built a thriving business in a small-town environment while generating massive returns.

[00:52:15] Mentorship and Legacy

The importance of teaching others and creating a long-lasting impact in the real estate community.

Connect with Jay Conner

Website: https://www.jayconner.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privatemoneyauthority/ 

To connect with the host, Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast.

The discussion explores the evolving dynamics of profitable

About George Salas

George Salas is a visionary entrepreneur specializing in short-term rental investments and experiential real estate. With a background in hospitality and over 130 deals since 2018, George has mastered the art of creating high-cash-flow lifestyle properties that cater to diverse audiences. His expertise extends to designing niche strategies for recession-resistant markets and maximizing investor returns through thoughtful portfolio management. As the founder of Empress Capital Group, George is a leader in the short-term rental industry, offering innovative solutions for real estate investors seeking sustainable and profitable ventures.

Chapters/Highlights 

[00:01:00] Introducing Lifestyle Assets: George Salas introduces his unique approach to short-term rentals, emphasizing experiential properties designed for families and larger groups.

[00:02:00] What Are Short-Term Rentals?: Breaking down the concept of short-term rentals and their unique advantages over traditional lodging.

[00:04:00] Catering to Diverse Audiences: How families, business travelers, and special occasion groups form the core customer base for lifestyle-focused rentals.

[00:06:50] Developers and the Short-Term Market: Insights into creating short-term rental properties, including the balance between equity and cash flow.

[00:09:30] Designing for Experience: Why amenities like rooftop hot tubs, designer walls, and experiential spaces matter in short-term rental design.

[00:15:00] Strategic Exit Planning: Reverse-engineering exit

[00:19:00] Investment Returns and Risks: Realistic returns in the vacation rental market and strategies to mitigate risks in fluctuating economic climates.

[00:22:00] Recession-Resistant Market Strategies: George’s methods for selecting markets that thrive during economic downturns, focusing on regional and secondary markets.

[00:28:00] Regulations and Market Research: A comprehensive look at navigating local regulations, HOA rules, and market analysis for short-term rentals.

[00:33:00] Creating Micro Resorts: Exploring the concept of mini-resorts with a focus on high-yield properties and lifestyle driven design.

Contact Information

For more information about George Salas, visit:

Connect with George directly at: http://georgesalas360.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgesalas360/

To reach host Eugene Gershman, visit:

Real estate developer Andy McMullen discusses the growing trend of “build-to-rent” communities, explaining their appeal, economic advantages, and the challenges of development. He highlights strategic market selection, streamlined entitlement processes, and the increasing demand for single-family rentals. Andy also shares personal anecdotes from his career, offering valuable lessons on navigating financial hurdles, creating community impact, and delivering strong investor returns.

Guest Bio

Andy McMullen, a UCLA economics graduate, has built a

Chapters

[00:00:00] Introduction to Build-to-Rent Development

Andy breaks down the concept of build-to-rent communities and their appeal to younger families and seniors.

[00:04:33] The Market Opportunity in the Southeast

Examining why the Southeast is a hotspot for build-to-rent developments, with advantages like lower costs and favorable municipal processes.

[00:12:30] Overcoming Development Challenges

Navigating zoning, entitlement, and financing hurdles in real estate development.

[00:18:00] Lessons from the Great Financial Crisis

Andy reflects on the 2008 financial crisis and its impact on his approach to risk and resilience.

[00:22:00] Raising Capital Under Pressure

A compelling story of adapting to unexpected financing changes and the importance of strong partnerships.

[00:25:15] Measuring Success in Real Estate Development

Balancing community impact with investor returns as key indicators of project success.

[00:28:00] Investor Returns and Time Horizons

Comparing returns for early versus late-stage investors and the shifting financial landscape.

[00:29:45] Advice for Aspiring Developers

Andy offers practical guidance, resources, and inspiration for newcomers to the real estate development field.

Contact Information

Learn more about Andy McMullen and Legacy Acquisitions at

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymcmullen

Contact Eugene Gershman at https://giscompanies.co/podcast

Let’s talk about the intersection of AI and mortgage lending

Guest Bio:

Michael Vandi is a visionary tech entrepreneur with a unique

Chapters:

[00:01:05] Introduction to Addy AI and the Mortgage

[00:02:22] Who Uses Addy AI?

[00:03:18] How Addy AI’s AI Automates Loan Scenarios

[00:06:00] Analyzing Residential vs. Commercial Loans

[00:08:32] Tackling AI Hallucination and Model Training

[00:13:03] Leveraging Custom AI Models

[00:14:46] Benefits for Real Estate Professionals

[00:17:33] Future of Addy AI and Expansion Plans

[00:18:24] Navigating the Lending Market Challenges

[00:20:26] AI in Real Estate: Long-Term Vision and Impact

[00:22:31] Preparing for Market Shifts

How real estate developers can prepare for the anticipated

Contact Information:

To learn more about Addy AI or connect with Michael Vandi,

You can also connect with Michael directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-vandi/

To connect with Eugene Gershman, please visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast/

Eric Burns, founder of Flowers Capital, dives into his journey from a finance major and firefighter to a real estate entrepreneur and capital raiser. Eric shares how his background in finance and real estate helped shape his approach to investing, managing projects, and raising capital. He discusses the transition from residential to commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning. Eric also offers insights on evaluating investments, risk management, and the essentials of cultivating trustworthy business relationships.

Guest Bio 

Eric Burns is the founder of Flowers Capital, a private

Chapters:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Eric Burns and Flowers

[00:01:19] - Eric’s Background and Career Evolution

[00:04:33] - From Finance Major to Firefighter:

[00:08:00] - Economic Outlook and Real Estate Market

[00:12:00] - Role as a Capital Raiser and Partnering

[00:16:00] - Building Trust and Relationships in

[00:23:00] - Evaluating Risks and Returns in Real

[00:30:00] - Key Investment Benchmarks and Time

[00:34:26] - Horror Stories: Lessons from a Bad

[00:37:30] - Importance of Vetting and Building

[00:39:35] - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Contact Information:

Visit Flowers Capital, where you can download Eric’s free eBook on real estate syndication basics.

LinkedIn for further networking and insights.

To contact Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic world of real

Guest Bio:

Kevin Amolsch is a highly successful real estate investor

Topics Covered:

[00:01:07] Introduction to Financing Challenges for

[00:02:00] Structuring Capital in Real Estate Deals

[00:03:02] HUD Financing and Alternative Funding Sources

[00:04:00] Types of Debt: Bank, Government, Private,

[00:06:00] Private Lending Benefits and Loan-to-Cost

[00:08:00] The Math Behind Private vs. Traditional

[00:10:57] Financing Options for First-Time

[00:12:14] Creative Financing: Definition and

[00:14:44] Early Days: Kevin’s Journey with Creative

[00:16:04] Market Trends: Real Estate Risk Outlook

[00:18:00] Cap Rates Explained and Their Effect on

[00:21:53] Private Debt Costs vs. Bank Loans

[00:23:00] Speed and Efficiency of Private Lending

[00:26:47] Construction Draws and Their Impact on

[00:28:08] Lien Waivers and Payment Processes for

[00:30:00] Understanding Market Locality in Real

[00:30:45] Comparing Recession Impacts: 1990 vs. 2008

[00:31:28] Accessing Kevin’s Free Report on Market

Contact Information:

Kevin’s free report on the 1990 recession and its relevance

Kevin Amolsch's Website

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pine-financial-group/

Attorney Corinne Rockoff dives into the nuances of legal planning, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution in real estate development. Corinne shares actionable strategies for avoiding litigation through early-stage legal planning, fostering strong relationships with contractors and consultants, and crafting clear, enforceable contracts. With a focus on real-life scenarios, she illustrates how developers can save time, mitigate risks, and ultimately achieve smoother project outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Corinne’s insights provide valuable perspectives on the critical role of proactive legal involvement in real estate development.

Guest Bio

Corinne Rockoff is a dedicated attorney known for her proactive approach to legal practice. A Michigan transplant originally from Los Angeles, Corinne emphasizes the importance of kindness and collaboration in her professional and personal life. Her legal work centers around litigation prevention and strategic planning, helping clients navigate and prevent disputes before they arise. Licensed to practice in Michigan, New York, and Washington, D.C., Corinne’s expertise makes her a trusted advisor in real estate law and dispute resolution.

Topics Covered

Chapters with Timestamps 

00:00 Episode Highlights

01:27 Introduction to guest, Corinne Rockoff

01:51 Legal (not) Advice for Real Estate Developers

02:06 Structuring Deals and Contracts

04:04 Litigation Prevention Strategies

05:13 Contract Terms and Scope of Work

26:10 Guaranteed Maximum Price Agreements

32:56 Delay Claims and Communication

39:48 Conclusion and Contact Information

Contact Information

Corinne Rockoff's Website

LinkedIn

To join our podcast, please visit http://www.giscompanies.co/podcast