Meet capital allocator, Flint Jamison, Vestus Capital, who took an unconventional route into real estate transitioning from aerospace engineering to structuring multimillion-dollar investment funds. After spending years modifying aircraft, he turned his analytical mind toward real estate, quickly carving out a niche as a capital allocator and fund-of-funds manager.   Through Vestus Capital, Flint has raised millions in investor capital, deploying it across diversified real estate assets, including multifamily, medical office buildings, and specialized fund structures. He’s helped investors access opportunities while working to ensure compliance with SEC regulations, something often misunderstood by others.   Decoding the Fund of Funds Model Flint explains how he structures his fund-of-funds investments, allowing his investors to access preferential terms. With a $30M portfolio that spans multiple markets, he’s seen firsthand how to negotiate with operators, structure fee agreements, and optimize capital allocation to maximize returns.   Navigating a Shifting Market Raising capital today isn’t the same as it was a few years ago. Flint is forthright about the hardest lessons learned, including why “if you build it, they won’t necessarily come.” We talk about how his deals have performed in the face of rising interest rates and market fluctuations, as well as the creative financing strategies he’s deploying to future-proof investments.   How to Stand Out in a Crowded Investor Market With countless syndicators and allocators chasing the same investors, how do you differentiate yourself? Flint shares why most capital raisers fail, the biggest mistakes they make, and the LinkedIn strategy that’s been his most powerful tool for attracting accredited investors. Spoiler: It’s not about templates or AI-generated pitches; it’s about speaking the right language to the right audience. **** Flint’s insights are a must-hear for anyone navigating the complex world of real estate capital allocation. If you want to crack the fund of funds model or scale your capital-raising game, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, actionable strategies, and no-BS advice you won’t hear anywhere else. You're going to rethink everything you know about raising capital! *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

Today on the podcast, we unravel the complexities of passive investing with Kurt Novak, an experienced investor who’s navigated nearly 50 syndications and uncovered some surprising truths on his journey.   When Kurt sold his entire real estate portfolio - rental properties, a self-storage facility, and a thriving brokerage - he thought he was settling into early retirement. Instead, he found himself deep in the world of passive investing, syndications, and allocators.   What started with crowdfunding platforms like CrowdStreet quickly expanded into direct investments, allocator-led funds, and a portfolio spanning nearly 50 syndications. But along the way, he discovered something surprising - many passive investors (including himself at first) had no idea what an allocator really is… or how they make money.   Syndications, Allocators, and the Fine Print Kurt breaks down the differences between investing directly with sponsors and going through allocators (a.k.a. fund managers, middlemen, capital raisers - pick your term). Spoiler alert: it’s not always as transparent as you’d hope. In fact, many allocators present deals in a way that makes them look like sponsors, leaving investors unaware of the extra layer of fees, the loss of direct ownership, and who’s really calling the shots.   Where’s the Real Money? With nearly five years in the passive investing game, Kurt has seen it all - stellar returns, underperforming projections, and even outright fraud. He shares which asset classes have been the biggest winners and which ones have fallen short. Plus, he reveals what happens when an allocator steps up and fights for investors after a deal goes sideways.   What Every Passive Investor Needs to Know This episode is a masterclass in cutting through the noise, avoiding common pitfalls, and making smarter investment decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the syndication business, Kurt’s insights will challenge the way you think about allocators, fund structures, and who’s really working in your best interest. *** If you’ve ever wondered where your money actually goes in a syndicated deal—how the fees break down, who’s making the decisions, and whether you’re really getting the best deal possible—this episode is a must-listen. Kurt pulls back the curtain on the hidden layers of passive investing, helping you understand what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sure your money is truly working for you. *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

When you think of a capital allocator, "former physical therapist" probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but Kent Leach isn’t your typical investor. From flipping houses to launching a customizable fund that raised nearly $2M in its first year, Kent’s journey into commercial real estate is as unconventional as it is impressive.   In this episode, Kent discusses how he transitioned from hands-on rehab work to structuring an innovative investment model for his investors. His Smart Flex Fund offers an alternative to the traditional blind-pool structure, allowing investors to handpick deals across multiple asset classes, including affordable housing, self-storage, and beyond.   Mastering the Fund of Funds Model Kent discusses how he leverages his network, industry insights, and due diligence practices to negotiate preferential terms with sponsors.   Avoiding the Multifamily Hype Trap While many investors were all-in on multifamily over the past decade, Kent’s diversification strategy helped him avoid the turbulence that’s hitting the market today. His approach? Uncorrelated asset classes, disciplined underwriting, and a commitment to transparency.   The Future of Real Estate Investing With sponsors facing tighter lending conditions and rising rates shaking up the industry, Kent shares his predictions for where capital allocators should be focusing next. Plus, he reveals the biggest misconceptions about fund-of-funds investing and how the right allocator can enhance returns, not dilute them. *** If you’ve ever wondered how to invest with a capital allocator, this episode is your backstage pass to learning more. *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

Randy Smith, my guest this week, didn’t start out in real estate—he was a high-performing sales executive in the corporate world. But after seeing the potential of passive investing, he made pivoted, leaving behind the W-2 grind to become a full-time capital allocator. Since then, Randy has raised over $13 million, partnering with sponsors to help investors secure better terms and stronger returns.   The Allocator Advantage: Negotiating Better Terms for Investors Unlike a typical LP, Randy doesn’t just invest, he uses his position as an allocator to structure deals that benefit his investors. By pooling capital and leveraging his network, he’s able to negotiate better preferred returns, improved splits, and reduced fees - terms that individual investors couldn’t get on their own.   In our conversation, you’ll hear how he evaluates opportunities, why he prioritizes fixed over floating-rate debt, and the strategic moves he’s making to protect investor capital in an uncertain market.   Lessons from a Shifting Market Starting out in real estate right before the market turned has given Randy a crash course (if you’ll forgive the pun) in what works and what doesn’t. With some deals pausing distributions and others facing capital calls, he’s had to navigate a rapidly changing landscape while keeping investor returns top of mind.   We talk about what he’s learned from deals that have struggled, why he’s more selective than ever about the sponsors he works with, and the red flags he watches for when evaluating a new opportunity.   Building a High-Performing Investor Network Randy shares his approach to building an investor base, why he focuses on high-income sales professionals, and how he’s leveraged LinkedIn, masterminds, and podcast guest appearances to grow his network. He also talks about the common mistakes new allocators make and how he’s refining his outreach strategy to attract larger investors who are ready to deploy capital. *** If you want to get smarter about investing, learn how allocators negotiate better deals, or just hear some real talk about what’s working in today’s market, make sure to check out this episode.   *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

My guest this week, Franklin Spees, has worn just about every hat in the real estate game - lawyer, city planner, broker, property manager, investor, and now, a capital allocator. His path into commercial real estate syndications started with managing properties, evolved into structuring deals, and ultimately landed him in the allocator space, where he’s raised and deployed over $30 million into real estate deals across the country.   The Capital Allocator Model – Friend or Foe? If you’ve ever wondered how the co-GP model really works (or why it’s under increasing scrutiny from regulators), Franklin breaks it all down. He explains the compliance challenges capital allocators face, why fund-to-fund structures are becoming the preferred model for institutional and retail investors alike, and the biggest mistakes new allocators make when structuring deals. With firsthand experience in fundraising, due diligence, and asset management, Franklin reveals the key metrics he looks for in a sponsor, how he negotiates better splits, and why transparency is crucial - especially in uncertain markets like today’s.   Building an Investor Network Without Cold Calls Unlike many in the industry, Franklin didn’t build his investor base through paid ads or cold outreach. Instead, he leveraged his property management company and legal clients, many of whom were already real estate investors looking for smarter opportunities. He shares how anyone with an existing network can turn relationships into capital without the need for expensive marketing.   Lessons from Market Cycles and Long-Term Investing Franklin’s seen the market at its peak and in its downturns, and he’s learned that patience and communication are everything. He discusses how investor expectations have shifted, why some deals are extending their hold periods, and how sponsors with strong operational teams will weather the storm. *** If you’re looking to understand the inner workings of capital allocation, this episode is a must-watch. Franklin’s insights could change the way you think about raising and deploying capital.   *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

What happens when a former medical device professional takes his precision, risk management skills, and analytical mindset into the world of real estate investing?   You get Chris Larsen, the founder of Next-Level Income and this week’s podcast/YouTube show guest, who has placed $120M+ in equity across $2B in acquisitions as a capital allocator.   Mastering the Capital Allocator Model Chris started as an active investor, acquiring multifamily, self-storage, and mobile home parks directly. As his network and experience grew, so did his role, evolving into a capital allocator who partners with sponsors to raise capital for them. By negotiating preferential terms and structuring his investments through funds, he helps investors access deals with higher returns than they would be able to investing directly with the sponsor.   Navigating Risk, Reward, and Market Challenges With interest rate volatility and shifting market conditions, Chris has seen both wins and losses. Some deals have outperformed, while others have faced capital calls and suspended distributions - a reality many sponsors are dealing with today.   His approach? Absolute transparency and strong relationships, the same principles that guided his career in the world of medical devices.   The Power of Investor Relationships Chris has built a 300+ investor network largely through referrals, podcasts, and his book funnel. His ability to bridge his expertise from one high-risk industry to another makes his insights invaluable for anyone looking to navigate real estate investing like a seasoned pro.   *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

My guest this week, Chris Borden, thought he was heading for a quiet retirement after stepping down as CEO of a multi-billion-dollar grocery chain. Instead, he found himself on a fast track to becoming a real estate investor and capital allocator.   What started as a few rental properties evolved into capital deployment, including a $5M+ debt fund and co-GP positions across thousands of multifamily units. Through Rise Capital Investments, he’s working with investors to generate steady returns while navigating the complexities of debt and equity investments.   Building a Debt-Focused Investment Model Chris structured his fund to prioritize debt, specifically first-lien lending. His looks to provide a steady income stream for investors with reduced volatility. By carefully selecting borrowers and structuring loans with conservative loan-to-value ratios, he’s built a resilient portfolio that has successfully been generating consistent returns.   The Art of Capital Allocation Chris has also established partnerships with sponsors he has co-GP’d with on multifamily and commercial real estate opportunities, leveraging his investment club model that allows investors to pool capital and participate in opportunities he sources.   Lessons from a Shifting Market The past year has been a test for many investors, and Chris’s experience is no exception. With several equity deals pausing distributions due to rising interest rates, he’s seen firsthand the importance of working with strong sponsors, maintaining liquidity, and ensuring portfolio diversification. His biggest takeaway? Relationships matter more than ever - especially when times get tough.   Mastering the Investor Game So where does Chris find investors? Forget paid advertising on social media, Chris’s most successful networking for investors come from LinkedIn, local real estate meetups, and other in-person groups.   *** Chris’s journey is a masterclass in adapting to market conditions, mitigating risk, and making real estate work on your own terms. If you want to learn how to navigate debt, equity, and capital allocation like a pro, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

Capital Raising and Deal Structure Amanda Larson, founder of AMA X Equity, has raised roughly $2 million in investor capital since going full-time as a real estate capital allocator a little over a year ago. She specializes in multifamily syndications, sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and structuring investments. In one of her largest transactions, the $31M acquisition of The Darby at Steeplechase, she played a key role in securing the deal, structuring the business plan, and signing on the loan. The total equity raise was just under $20M, with multiple sponsors contributing capital.   Role in Deal Execution Amanda’s process starts with sourcing deals through broker relationships, conducting due diligence, underwriting, and assembling a sponsor team. In the case of The Darby, she worked with Disrupt Equity, a Houston-based sponsor group, to close the acquisition. Although Disrupt Equity led the project, Amanda was part of the GP team, securing a share of the 20% GP split rather than participating in a fund-of-funds model where capital allocators typically take a cut of investor returns.   Underwriting Rigor and Risk Management A key differentiator in Amanda’s approach is her engineering mindset, which she applies to underwriting. Unlike some capital allocators who simply rebrand and distribute sponsor pitch decks, she conducts independent underwriting and due diligence, verifying financial assumptions before bringing investors into a deal. She has learned to be particularly cautious about floating-rate debt, having seen firsthand how misplaced confidence in interest rate stability led to market turbulence.   Raising Capital and Investor Relations Amanda primarily sources investors through LinkedIn and business networking events, leveraging her background in the oil and gas industry to connect with engineers and professionals seeking diversification. While she initially focused on operations and underwriting, she has recognized the importance of marketing and investor education, adapting her LinkedIn content to be more personal and engaging.   Lessons Learned and Market Outlook Her biggest lesson? Don’t blindly trust the smartest person in the room. She observed many seasoned operators confidently taking on floating-rate debt, despite clear risks, because the consensus among experienced sponsors was that rates would stay low. Additionally, she remains skeptical about the fund-of-funds model, noting that while it provides flexibility, it may be flooding the market with underqualified capital allocators who lack real estate expertise. *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

Capital Raised and Deal Structure Dr. Raj Venkatramani, a pediatric oncologist turned real estate capital allocator, has raised approximately $20 million from investors, 95% of whom are doctors, since launching REIDOC Capital in 2021. His typical deal size ranges from $10 million to $30 million, and on average he raises $2 million per deal.   His primary focus is on multifamily properties of at least 100 units, targeting Class A and B assets and new construction projects, rather than Class C properties, following hard-earned lessons from the market peak in 2021.   Leveraging Group Capital for Better Returns Dr. Raj secures better economics for his investors by leveraging group capital. While a typical syndication might offer a 15% IRR with a 6-7% preferred return, Raj pools investors together to negotiate, for example, an 80/20 split (instead of 70/30) and an 8% preferred return, effectively increasing investor returns without requiring larger individual commitments.   Underwriting and Market Lessons His underwriting philosophy is focused on analyzing sponsor assumptions, particularly around rent growth projections, occupancy expectations, expense growth, and debt structure. He talks about how bad assumptions can make a weak deal look good, citing an early investment in a Class C Florida asset where insurance costs doubled (from $196K to $400K in one year) and variable rate debt wiped out NOI.   Transition to Ground-Up Development Raj expanded the kinds of deal he invests in from value-add to ground-up development and now partners on new construction projects in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a market he believes is undervalued. His due diligence process before partnering with a sponsor involves a multi-year vetting process, meeting them at conferences, reviewing past deals, and even visiting completed projects before committing capital.   LinkedIn as a Primary Investor Source Perhaps most surprising is how he sources capital: 90% of his investors have never met him in person, and nearly all were acquired through LinkedIn and referrals. His LinkedIn strategy? Post consistently for two years, even when people don’t engage, until they reach out ready to invest.   Key Takeaway: Trust but Verify His biggest lesson? Trust but verify—real estate is not medicine, where all parties have the same goal. Misalignment of incentives is real, and capital allocators must be rigorous in due diligence to avoid costly mistakes.   *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe

The growing complexity of US real estate investment has led to the emergence of a new class of capital allocators, yet many struggle to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded marketplace, as a candid conversation in my latest podcast reveals.   Philippe Schulligen, co-founder of Boost Capital Group, which has raised $2m since 2022, exemplifies both the opportunities and challenges facing new entrants in the space. A former aerospace engineer, Philippe’s firm positions itself as an intermediary between sophisticated property operators and retail investors, offering what he terms ‘wholesale access to institutional-quality deals.’   Business Model and Deal Structure The business model is straightforward: Boost aggregates smaller investment checks into larger commitments, negotiating preferential terms with sponsors. A typical arrangement might see the sponsor offering a 90-10 profit split versus the standard 80-20, with Boost taking a portion of the enhanced returns while still delivering better terms to its investors than they could access directly.   Structural Challenges Yet the conversation revealed deeper structural challenges facing the sector. Despite Philippe’s technical background in risk management and complex systems, potentially valuable skills in real estate investment, his firm's marketing emphasizes generic wealth-building messaging that has become ubiquitous in the space.   Investment Criteria The firm maintains strict sponsor requirements:

• Minimum seven-year operational track record
• Portfolio of at least 2,000 units
• Three full-cycle deals completed
• Vertical integration preferred

Philippe says that these standards, developed during the post-2018 property boom, may need reassessment given current market conditions.   Capital Formation Hurdles "It's hard to raise money," Philippe acknowledged, highlighting the persistent challenge of attracting investment despite examining some 60 potential deals in 2024, of which only four were deemed suitable for investors.   Industry-Wide Implications The discussion highlighted a broader industry challenge: as real estate investment becomes more accessible to retail investors, capital allocators must work harder to distinguish themselves. Many default to similar marketing language about passive income and wealth building, overlooking their unique value propositions.   This democratization of real estate investment, while opening new opportunities for retail investors, also raises questions about how effectively these newer intermediaries can compete with established players in an increasingly sophisticated market.   The conversation suggests that success in this evolving landscape may depend less on standard industry practices and more on allocators' ability to leverage their distinctive expertise and backgrounds—a lesson that could prove particularly relevant as the sector navigates current market uncertainties.   *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry.   In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space.   PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio.   Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe