Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Brett Swarts, founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, to explore strategies for minimizing capital gains taxes when selling real estate or business assets.

Brett Swarts is the founder of Capital Gains Tax Solutions, specializing in advanced strategies to help investors defer or eliminate capital gains taxes. With extensive experience in structuring Deferred Sales Trusts and other exit strategies, Brett has guided numerous real estate and business owners in building tax-efficient, long-term wealth plans.

Brett explains how the Deferred Sales Trust (DST) offers a flexible alternative to traditional 1031 exchanges, providing investors with greater control over timing, liquidity, and investment choices while deferring taxes in a manner that is legally compliant under IRS guidelines. Brett outlines the mechanics of a DST, detailing how proceeds from a sale can be structured to defer capital gains taxes and reinvest in a variety of assets. You'll get insight into the advantages of a DST over standard tax-deferral methods, including reduced pressure to time the market, expanded diversification opportunities, and the ability to preserve wealth across multiple investment vehicles.

Jonathan and Brett also discuss common misconceptions about tax-deferred strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal structures and working with experienced professionals. The conversation highlights how these tools can fit into a broader estate and legacy planning framework, ensuring that wealth is transferred efficiently to future generations while maintaining flexibility for investors today.

Several real-world examples demonstrate how investors have effectively utilized DSTs to manage risk, maintain cash flow, and safeguard portfolio value in dynamic markets. Brett emphasizes that while a DST can benefit many investors, it is particularly effective for those with significant gains, complex portfolios, or long-term wealth preservation goals. The discussion concludes with actionable guidance on evaluating whether a DST aligns with an investor's exit strategy and long-term financial objectives.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to approach capital gains tax planning strategically, integrating DSTs into their broader real estate and business investment strategies. Jonathan and Brett provide a clear framework for deferring taxes, diversifying holdings, and protecting wealth, enabling investors to make informed decisions that align with both their financial and personal objectives.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How the Deferred Sales Trust works as an alternative to 1031 exchanges

• Ways to defer capital gains taxes while maintaining investment flexibility

• Strategies for diversifying proceeds and protecting portfolio value

• Common misconceptions about tax-deferred exit strategies

• How estate and legacy planning can integrate with a DST

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Capital Gains Tax Solutions website - www.capitalgainstaxsolutions.com

Build It To Billions on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@BuildItToBillions

Brett Swarts on Facebook - www.facebook.com/brett.swarts

Brett's Instagram - instagram.com/brett_swarts

Connect with Brett on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/brett-swarts

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Luis Belmonte, a lifelong real estate investor, to explore the lessons he's learned over decades of investing in multifamily, industrial, and commercial real estate across the U.S. and internationally.

Luis shares his early experiences, including navigating the complexities of San Francisco's real estate market in the pre-MLS era, identifying overlooked investment opportunities, and managing properties during challenging economic cycles. His stories reveal how creativity, persistence, and relationship-building have been central to his long-term success.

Luis takes us back to his first multifamily acquisitions, explaining the strategies he used to uncover deals when information was scarce. From attending broker meetings with nothing but a notebook and a case of beer to identifying opportunities through obituaries, Luis emphasizes the importance of proactive deal sourcing and building relationships with those who have local knowledge. He also discusses the transformative effect of San Francisco rent control, illustrating how strategic management and patience can yield extraordinary returns over time.

The conversation then shifts to international real estate development, highlighting the stark contrasts between regulations and construction practices in countries like Mexico and Japan compared to the United States. Luis recounts overcoming challenges such as unclear land ownership, lack of infrastructure, and differing bidding practices, underscoring the value of understanding local systems and collaborating with trusted partners. Whether navigating city politics in San Francisco or creating operational solutions abroad, Luis demonstrates that preparation and local expertise dramatically reduce risk and unnecessary costs.

Jonathan and Luis also examine the current economic landscape, including interest rates and cyclical market patterns. Luis offers perspective on borrowing, refinancing, and interest rate history, reinforcing that measured and disciplined investing remains key, regardless of market fluctuations. Finally, Luis shares his preferred asset classes for long-term wealth creation: multifamily and warehouse properties. He emphasizes the importance of choosing an investment style aligned with one's personality, seeking downside protection, and understanding operational realities to maximize returns.

You'll come away with practical advice on building sustainable real estate wealth, managing risk, partnering effectively, and identifying investment opportunities that others might overlook. Luis's guidance is grounded in decades of real-world experience, making this episode essential for both new and seasoned investors looking to grow their portfolios with confidence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Luis sourced early San Francisco deals before online MLS existed

• Creative approaches to finding undervalued properties and motivated sellers

• The impact of rent control on long-term investment returns

• Lessons from international real estate development in Mexico and Japan

• Strategies for partnering, reducing risk, and avoiding "stupid taxes"

• Luis' preferred asset classes for consistent long-term wealth

• How interest rate cycles affect real estate investing and financing

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Seven Hills Properties website - 7hp.com

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

On today's Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Neil Henderson, investor relations specialist and general partner at Nomad Capital, joins Jonathan to share how he transitioned from Airbnb host to self-storage syndicator. His story begins with a guesthouse, an article from his mother about a new company called Airbnb, and a growing curiosity that led him down the BiggerPockets rabbit hole. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a career in self-storage, a niche known for stability, scalability, and smart value-add strategies.

Neil and his partners at Nomad Capital have built a business that thrives on calculated risk. By focusing on conversions rather than new construction, they've lowered costs, created built-in equity, and shielded investors from some of the volatility affecting other commercial asset classes. In this episode, Neil explains how he built relationships that led to partnership opportunities, why networking changed the course of his career, and how Nomad's integrated construction team creates a unique competitive advantage.

From the early lessons of running short-term rentals to raising capital for syndications, Neil reveals what it takes to build a resilient investing mindset. He and Jonathan also discuss the fundamentals of self-storage investing, including the business's recession resilience, demand drivers, and how technology has shifted operations and tenant expectations.

Whether you're exploring your first passive investment or considering a pivot into self-storage, this episode offers a clear view into one of real estate's most durable and adaptive asset classes.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The unexpected start that turned a Las Vegas guesthouse into Neil's first investment property

• Lessons from scaling an Airbnb listing into a profitable business

• The power of genuine networking and building lasting partnerships in real estate

• How Nomad Capital uses conversions to create value and reduce risk

• Strategies that make self-storage recession-resilient and operationally efficient

• The mindset shifts that help investors manage risk and grow with confidence

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Nomad Capital website - nomadcapital.us

Truly Passive Income on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0F1abrRXQX2KpSl5qEnoA

Truly Passive Income's Facebook - www.facebook.com/TrulyPassiveInc

Truly Passive Income on Instagram - www.instagram.com/truly_passive_income

Connect with Neil Henderson on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/neil-henderson-a77954

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes back John Bianchi, founder of STR Search and widely known as "The Airbnb Data Guy."

John specializes in data-driven short-term rental analysis, helping investors identify profitable properties that align with their personal and financial goals. Returning for his second appearance on the podcast, John and Jonathan dive into the evolving world of short-term rentals, discussing how to define your "buy box," evaluate returns, and balance yield, appreciation, and tax advantages.

Their conversation explores how every investor's short-term rental strategy depends on their personal goals, whether it is generating cash flow, appreciation, or tax savings. John explains how STR Search tailors property searches to each client, analyzing data to match them with the right market and home. They discuss how operational excellence and guest experience can make or break a property's performance, and why even the best data can't replace curb appeal, hospitality, and local expertise.

Jonathan and John also share stories from their own experiences, examining properties together, assessing markets like upstate New York and the Poconos, and learning how aesthetics, first impressions, and good operations drive long-term success. They delve into the creative aspects of short-term rentals, encompassing design and storytelling, as well as crafting unique guest experiences that encourage repeat bookings. By the end, John and Jonathan uncover the art of turning data into hospitality and the mindset needed to build lasting value in short-term rental investing.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Defining your short-term rental "buy box" based on yield, appreciation, and tax priorities

• Understanding how personal goals shape your investment strategy

• The crucial role of curb appeal, neighborhood quality, and first impressions

• Why photography, design, and hospitality directly influence revenue

• Balancing data-driven property selection with local market expertise

• Avoiding costly tax-savings-only purchases and focusing on sustainable returns

• How operational discipline and creative design elevate guest experience

• The growing importance of storytelling and experiential stays in the STR space

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

STR Search website - strsearch.com

John Bianchi's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@theairbnbdataguy

Find John on Instagram - www.instagram.com/theairbnbdataguy

Connect with John on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/john-bianchi-245608a6

John's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@theairbnbdataguy

The Bianchi Method - shop.strsearch.com/offers/hoQjGYBG/checkout

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mike Zlotnik, a real estate fund manager and the CEO of TF Management Group, who is widely known in the real estate investing community as "Big Mike." With over two decades of experience in finance, technology, and real estate, Mike offers a clear and structured approach to helping investors understand how to diversify their portfolios, manage risk, and build long-term wealth through funds and syndications.

Jonathan and Mike begin by discussing the fundamentals of how funds differ from single syndications and why investors might choose one vehicle over the other. Mike explains how funds offer built-in diversification across asset classes and geographies, while syndications allow investors to be more selective with specific deals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding an operator's track record, the alignment of incentives, and the mechanics of preferred returns when evaluating any investment.

The conversation moves into the role of debt, interest rate cycles, and how professional managers mitigate risks in uncertain economic environments. Mike provides real-world examples of how funds structure distributions, manage cash flow, and use conservative underwriting to protect investors' capital. He also emphasizes the importance of tax efficiency, particularly in relation to depreciation and its impact on an investor's overall returns.

For listeners looking to grow their real estate portfolios, Mike highlights the strategic advantage of investing through funds that allow participation in multiple projects at once. He also explains how smaller investors can still access institutional-quality deals by leveraging fund structures managed by experienced operators. Throughout the episode, Jonathan pushes Mike to translate technical details into actionable takeaways that any investor can apply, making this conversation both approachable and highly informative.

By the end of this discussion, listeners will come away with a stronger understanding of how to evaluate funds and syndications, the critical role of trust and alignment with operators, and the importance of long-term strategy in real estate investing.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Diversification through funds versus deal-by-deal syndication

• The importance of operator track record and investor alignment

• How preferred returns and profit splits are structured

• Managing debt and interest rate cycles in uncertain markets

• Tax efficiency and the role of depreciation in returns

• Why funds give smaller investors access to larger opportunities

• The value of conservative underwriting and capital protection

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Tempo Funding website - tempofunding.com

Tempo Funding on YouTube - tempofunding.com/YouTube

Temp Funding's Facebook - tempofunding.com/Facebook

Connect with Tempo Funding on LinkedIn - tempofunding.com/Linkedin

Tempo Funding on X - tempofunding.com/Twitter

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Axel Ragnarsson, Founder and Managing Partner of Aligned Real Estate Partners.

Axel began his entrepreneurial journey by flipping cars in college, which eventually led him to real estate. Over the years, he built a personal portfolio of multifamily properties before expanding into syndication and capital raising. His focus is on acquiring Class B and C value-add multifamily properties, primarily in New Hampshire, with an emphasis on building lasting relationships and structuring deals that align incentives between operators and investors.

Jonathan and Axel discuss the differences between transactional and relationship-driven investing, the challenges of scaling from small multifamily projects to larger ones, and why patience and consistency matter more than chasing exponential growth. Axel also explains how direct-to-seller strategies in multifamily differ from single-family approaches, how sellers often value ease and trust as much as price, and why creative deal structures can open doors that brokered deals never could. Their conversation underscores the importance of transparency, credibility, and long-term thinking in both acquisitions and raising capital from investors.

If you're interested in understanding how to grow a multifamily portfolio the right way —through relationships, alignment, and steady growth —this episode provides a roadmap for approaching real estate with integrity and strategy.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Axel Ragnarsson's progression from flipping cars to building an 80–90 unit multifamily portfolio

• Why he shifted from small self-owned deals to capital raising and syndications

• The mindset shift required for effective direct-to-seller outreach

• How relationship-building trumps transactional deal-making in multifamily investing

• The role of patience in scaling sustainably instead of chasing door counts

• Ways creative deal structures help unlock financing and opportunity

• Why aligned incentives between investors and operators are critical for long-term success

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Aligned Real Estate Partners website - alignedrep.com

Axel Ragnarsson's Instagram - www.instagram.com/multifamilywealth

Connect with Axel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/axelragnarsson

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene speaks with John Azar of Peak 15 Capital about the power of strategic partnerships in commercial real estate. John shares his experience in structuring co-GP deals, managing multifamily funds, and creating opportunities that enable investors to scale their portfolios while minimizing operational involvement. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right partner, practicing conservative underwriting, and leveraging expertise to optimize long-term returns.

John and Jonathan explore the benefits of fund investments versus individual syndications. John explains how a diversified "bin" of assets, such as multifamily properties, industrial properties, and car washes, provides stability, access to multiple cash flow streams, and peace of mind for investors seeking smart, passive income. They also discuss how fund structures offer investors tangible exposure to real estate assets while minimizing the need for active property management.

The conversation highlights the tangible nature of real estate compared to stocks or bonds. Investors can visit properties, evaluate assets in person, and see the land and buildings they're backing. This hands-on approach enables investors to make informed decisions, understand the true value of the assets, and trust their operators to execute effectively. Both Jonathan and John stress how real estate provides optionality and flexibility, making it a unique asset class for long-term wealth building.

When evaluating deals, John emphasizes the importance of both people and numbers. Peak 15 Capital adopts a conservative underwriting approach, carefully analyzing rent growth, cap rates, and funding plans to avoid overly optimistic assumptions. John also notes the role of intuition and in-person meetings when selecting partners, advising investors to pass on deals that don't feel right, even if the projected returns appear attractive.

Finally, John introduces Peak 15 Capital's multifamily accelerator course, which guides investors through every stage of multifamily investing, from identification and acquisition to management and disposition. The course blends Mom-and-Pop fundraising strategies with institutional-level insights, preparing investors to grow in the multifamily sector and scale their portfolios strategically.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Starting in large scale development before moving into multifamily
• Advantages of diversified fund investments versus one-off syndications
• Lessons from the 2008 recession and relaunching in the southeast
• How real estate's tangible nature provides confidence and flexibility for investors
• Key criteria for deal evaluation: assumptions, underwriting, and partner selection
• The benefits of co-GP structures for leveraging capital and control
• Importance of reserves and time in weathering market downturns
• How the Peak 15 Capital multifamily accelerator course prepares investors for full-cycle investing

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Peak 15 Capital website - www.peak15cap.com

John Azar's Instagram - www.instagram.com/jjazar

Connect with John on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/jalalazar

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mikkel Thorup, founder and CEO of Expat Money, a consultancy helping clients navigate second residencies, international investments, and asset diversification. Known as one of the world's most sought-after expat consultants, Mikkel has lived in nine countries over 25 years and built a portfolio of properties across ten nations. His work focuses on mitigating tax liabilities, creating Plan B options through residency and citizenship, and guiding investors toward secure and profitable opportunities abroad.

Jonathan and Mikkel explore how global real estate investing intersects with lifestyle choices, risk mitigation, and long-term legacy planning. Mikkel shares how his early exposure to real estate through his family shaped his investment philosophy, why he avoids debt-heavy strategies, and how he structures group deals to reduce developer risk. He also breaks down the benefits of international diversification, not just in geography, but also in currencies, timelines, and property types.

The conversation extends beyond investment mechanics to the lifestyle and generational advantages of expat living, including multi-citizenship for children, cultural exposure, and community building. Mikkel emphasizes the importance of boots-on-the-ground research, building trust with developers and governments, and striking a balance between adventure and security.

This episode provides a roadmap for investors who want to align real estate with global mobility, family resilience, and financial independence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Mikkel's journey from leaving school at 12 to becoming a leading global expat consultant

• The role of early family exposure to real estate in shaping his investment path

• Why he focuses on pre-construction and cash buying instead of debt-driven strategies

• How group purchasing reduces risk in international development projects

• The benefits of second residencies and citizenship as a long-term family legacy

• Currency diversification and geopolitical monitoring as part of global investing

• Structuring investments for both cash flow and capital appreciation abroad

• The importance of investor tours, trust, and seeing projects firsthand

• Top markets currently friendly to foreign investors: Costa Rica, Panama, and Paraguay

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Expat Money website - expatmoney.com

Expat Money on YouTube - expatmoneyshow.com/youtube

Expat Money's Facebook - expatmoneyshow.com/facebook

Find Expat Money on Instagram - www.instagram.com/expatmoneyshow

Connect with Expat Money on LinkedIn - expatmoneyshow.com/linkedin

Expat Money on X - expatmoneyshow.com/twitter

Expat Money Summit - expatmoneysummit.com

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Real estate isn't just about properties and profits. It's also about the communities shaped by every investment.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes seasoned investor, broker, and entrepreneur Joe Killinger. With more than 30 years of experience spanning auctions, multifamily, single-tenant net leases, and commercial brokerage, Joe shares how his career progressed from cold calling foreclosure properties to developing programs that revitalized neighborhoods.

Joe reflects on his early lessons from the auction world, the value of boots-on-the-ground research, and how thorough due diligence separates winning deals from costly mistakes. He also highlights an innovative program that placed teachers in apartment buildings, providing kids with tutoring while improving retention and reducing property damage. Today, he continues to shape communities through Commercial Brokers International and Icon Capital Advisors while raising a fund dedicated to single-tenant net lease investments.

For investors at every level, Joe's journey shows how financial success and community impact can grow together.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Starting small and learning from each investment, even the tough ones

• Building local knowledge and getting boots on the ground for long-term success

• Using mentorship and consistent education to scale a business

• Creating community-focused programs that strengthen tenant relationships

• Lessons from multifamily operations that led to a passion for triple-net leases

• Combining digital marketing with relationship-building in commercial real estate

• Choosing the right brokerage through training, mentoring, and due diligence

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Joe Killinger's website - www.joekillinger.co

Joe's YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/@JoeKillinger

Find Joe on Facebook - www.facebook.com/JoeKillinger1

Joe's Instagram - www.instagram.com/joekillinger

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/joe-killingerrealestate

Joe Killinger on X - x.com/JoeKillinger

Joe on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@joekillinger

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Blake Rodgers, co-founder and principal at Steel Peak. Blake specializes in industrial outdoor storage (IOS). This niche asset class includes contractor yards, equipment rental facilities, and bulk material sites across the Western U.S. He shares how his early experiences in real estate shaped his career, why IOS presents such a compelling opportunity, and how his firm is building a portfolio designed for long-term value.

Blake's journey from college football player to commercial broker and eventually principal investor highlights the power of mentorship, networking, and staying focused on a specific buy box. He explains how Steel Peak sources deals, why mom-and-pop owners often present the best opportunities, and how value is created through repositioning and leasing to long-term, sticky tenants. Jonathan and Blake also discuss the importance of partnerships, capital strategies, and building credibility with brokers in a specialized market.

If you've ever wondered about the potential of IOS properties or how niching down can accelerate growth, this conversation will give you a look at a less familiar but highly scalable investment path.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Blake's journey from college athlete to co-founding Steel Peak

• The influence of real estate clubs and internships on his career path

• Distinctions between industrial outdoor storage and traditional industrial assets

• Opportunities created by mom-and-pop ownership in this niche space

• Building teams and partnerships to support long-term growth

• Repositioning underutilized properties for national tenants

• Tenant demand driven by construction, transportation, and utility sectors

• Shifts from syndications to institutional capital as Steel Peak scales

• The credibility that comes with niching down in a specialized market

• Long-term value creation as the guiding principle for Steel Peak's portfolio

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Steel Peak Properties website - steelpeakproperties.com

Blake Rodgers on Instagram - www.instagram.com/blakerodgers

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/blakerodgers

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.