In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther sits down with Jack Martin to uncover the hidden goldmine in mobile home parks and affordable housing.

They explore the factors driving opportunity in this sector, from rising demand and shifting demographics to innovative strategies that unlock value for investors. Jack shares his perspective on what makes mobile home parks a compelling market, highlighting areas where operators can create impact while generating strong returns.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I break down how the best real estate deals are actually found - not by chasing hype, but by understanding when the market overreacts.

We discuss why disciplined investors position themselves to act when others pull back, and how reading sentiment shifts can uncover opportunities that most overlook. I also share why staying grounded in fundamentals matters more than ever, even when the noise in the market gets loud.

We wrap up with a candid conversation on investor psychology, market cycles, and what separates those who react emotionally from those who capitalize intelligently.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther sits down with Ray Hightower to discuss why entrepreneurs are betting on Arizona.

They explore the factors driving Arizona’s growth, from population inflows and business migration to a thriving innovation ecosystem that continues to attract investors and operators. Ray shares his perspective on what makes Arizona a standout market, highlighting the opportunities emerging across technology, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

The conversation also covers how the state’s business-friendly environment and long-term fundamentals are fueling sustained growth and why Arizona represents the next frontier for forward-thinking investors.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I unpack the real story behind rent growth in today’s market.

We break down how new supply, wage trends, and inflation are influencing multifamily performance, and why headline rent growth figures don’t always reflect what’s happening on the ground. I share insights on how investors can separate short-term volatility from sustainable demand and what data points matter most when evaluating a market’s true fundamentals.

The discussion also covers how shifting migration patterns and market saturation are shaping returns across different regions.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and Sam Morris uncover how one simple debt decision can completely wipe out investor returns.

They discuss how leverage, loan structure, and interest rate exposure can quickly turn a profitable deal into a loss – and what disciplined operators do differently to protect downside risk. Craig and Sam share insights on aligning financing strategy with investment goals, stress-testing capital stacks, and navigating the current lending environment with precision.

The conversation dives into the real cost of aggressive debt, the trade-offs between flexibility and yield, and how to make smarter financing choices that preserve returns over the long term.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I dive into how investors can stay competitive and build sustainable portfolios in today’s market environment.

We discuss why many investors are being forced to rethink their capital structures, how to protect returns without taking on excessive leverage, and the principles of disciplined underwriting that separate strong operators from overextended ones. I share insights from institutional investors on navigating higher interest rates, preserving liquidity, and maintaining flexibility while still pursuing growth.

The conversation also explores current trends in capital markets, the balance between risk and reward, and how to identify opportunities that perform even when leverage works against you. Craig and I outline the playbook for thriving through smart, steady execution rather than chasing aggressive leverage.

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In this episode, Craig McGrouther sits down with Sam Silverman to discuss the critical challenge facing fund managers today in building sustainable revenue while waiting years for equity deals to pay out.

Sam introduces KUDO Capital's private credit fund, which targets 16% annual returns through business funding investments that fully amortize in 4 to 12 months. With a fully aligned fee structure where the GP takes zero unless investors hit their full return, the fund provides both current pay and liquidity after a one year lockup. Craig and Sam also explore current multifamily market conditions, discussing recession indicators, the widening rent versus own gap, and why building a balanced portfolio is essential for long term success in today's challenging environment.

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In this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I tackle whether alpha is dead in multifamily real estate.

I explain how institutionalization has compressed returns across the board, but opportunities still exist through vertical integration, market expertise, and innovative strategies. We break down what true vertical integration actually means and how these "one percenters" create the actual value add that generates alpha in today's competitive market.

The discussion also covers the disconnect between official job reports and economic reality, with persistent data revisions revealing a weaker labor market than reported. Craig and I explore the three critical components of real estate value, including land, structure, and finishes, explaining why location is the only appreciating asset and should be the primary focus for long-term investors seeking stable returns and strong exit liquidity.

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In this episode, Craig McGrouther sits down with Joe Downs, CEO of Belrose Group, who shares his journey from financial advisor to bar owner to self-storage operator. After multiple career reinventions, Joe discovered that 80% of self-storage facilities are owned by mom & pop operators – creating a massive opportunity for professional operators who can bring modern technology, dynamic pricing, and professional management to an outdated industry.

Joe explains his investment thesis for self-storage, including why he focuses on the Southeast, and the surprising data showing millennials use storage 3x more than Gen X. He breaks down how to evaluate markets using supply-per-capita metrics, why median household income matters, and how to avoid oversupplied markets. Whether you're looking to diversify beyond multifamily or curious about alternative commercial real estate, this episode reveals the opportunities in an often-overlooked asset class.

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In this episode, Craig McGrouther sits down with Gino Barbaro of Jake and Gino, who shares his 20-year journey from running a restaurant to owning 1,800+ multifamily units. After spending 18 months finding their first 25-unit deal for $675K (now worth $2.5M), Gino explains how he worked full-time while building his portfolio – dedicating 15-20 hours weekly to real estate until 2015.

He emphasizes the importance of limiting downside risk and following foundational principles: "buy right, manage right, finance right." Gino warns against rosy rent projections in today's market, noting that properties advertising $1,500 rents with concessions really rent for $1,400. His key insight: in periods of stagnant rent growth and rising expenses, investors need 5-7 year horizons, not the 24-36 month exits that spoiled the market during 2020-2022's "sugar high."

Learn more about LSCRE:
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