Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Diana Ossa and Josh Dobken to discuss the creation of their boutique wellness resort in Palm Springs. As a couple with a shared vision for conscious living, they transformed their dream into a real estate venture focused on wellness, sustainability, and community.

Diana and Josh walk through the real estate challenges and rewards of developing in a foreign country. They talk about their approach to design and development, why they chose Palm Springs, and how they're creating a guest experience that's intimate, personalized, and grounded in nature. Their project isn't just about hospitality. It's about building something that reflects their values and lifestyle.

Jonathan explores how they approached the design process, from layout to material selection, and how they balanced the creative aspects with logistical and financial realities. They also discuss the importance of timing, trusting their instincts, and building a brand that speaks to a like-minded audience. Their story offers a firsthand look at how intentional living and real estate investment can align.

This episode is an honest and inspiring look at what it takes to create a boutique experience that blends business with purpose.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Designing a resort around wellness, simplicity, and intentionality
• Bringing a personal lifestyle vision to life through real estate
• Prioritizing community, sustainability, and guest experience in every decision
• The power of trusting intuition and moving at a deliberate pace
• Lessons from shifting careers into hospitality development

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Supporting Resources:

Design - Invest website - www.designinvestfi.com

Design - Invest on Instagram - instagram.com/d.i.fi

Terra Palm Springs website - www.terrapalmsprings.com

Terra Palm Springs on Instagram - www.instagram.com/terrapalmsprings

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 Scott Trench, former CEO of BiggerPockets, co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, and author of "Set for Life." Their conversation dives into how Scott achieved financial independence through real estate and frugality, and how new investors can build the confidence and skills to invest from a position of strength.

Scott shares how his own path began with house hacking and strict expense management while working as a financial analyst. These early habits laid the foundation for his first duplex purchase and ultimately his real estate success. He explains that the core pursuit behind investing for most people isn't financial wealth. It's time freedom. Real estate offers one of the most accessible paths to achieve that, especially for everyday Americans with median incomes.

The conversation highlights the importance of personal accountability and developing an in-person community. While online education has its place, Scott emphasizes the lasting value of learning from real people, joining masterminds, and taking action on knowledge, not just theory. He also explains how engaging directly with tenants, even when difficult, builds the playbook necessary for long-term success.

Jonathan and Scott discuss why now might actually be an excellent time to buy, especially in smaller multifamily sectors. While high interest rates have sidelined many investors, price adjustments in certain markets have created new windows of opportunity. Scott reflects on his experience with both direct ownership and passive investing in syndications, candidly sharing why he prefers the control and reliability of local real estate over national trends.

They also touch on the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and what early retirement actually means. For Scott, financial freedom isn't about never working again. It's about creating more choices. He encourages listeners to ignore the noise, avoid overpriced guru programs, and focus instead on sustainable investing strategies that fit their lives.

Throughout the episode, Scott keeps the advice actionable. He urges new investors to think critically, avoid fads, and build a strong foundation through frugality, education, and reps in the field. Whether you're house hacking, looking at syndications, or considering commercial opportunities, the key is to approach each decision with discipline and awareness. The ultimate goal? Gaining control over your time, finances, and future.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The mindset shift that turned Scott Trench from employee to investor
• Why house hacking creates a low-risk way to build skills and equity
• Where many new investors get stuck and how to get unstuck
• The importance of being a transparent and human landlord
• Strategies Scott uses to handle difficult tenants without evictions
• The hidden value of investor forums and local meetups
• Why it's smart to stay skeptical of real estate fads
• The case for small multifamily in today's market
• Scott's view on FIRE and time freedom as the real end goal
• Ways to assess college vs. trade school from an ROI perspective

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Supporting Resources:

BiggerPockets website - www.biggerpockets.com

BiggerPockets on YouTube - www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney

Find BiggerPockets on Facebook - www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney

Scott Trench's Instagram - www.instagram.com/scott_trench

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trench-53056a22

Scott's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@strenchbp

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 Daniel Angel-Mejia, managing partner at Apex Investments, for a conversation about sustainable real estate growth, building solid operations, and finding your way into development the smart way. Daniel brings international experience and a background in finance to his work in residential real estate, combining strategic planning with on-the-ground execution to drive long-term returns.

Daniel's investing career began in Colombia, working with institutional clients before moving to the U.S. and landing in Atlanta. Initially focused on single-family fix-and-flips, he gradually shifted toward building portfolios, multifamily acquisitions, and now, ground-up residential development. He explains how this progression unfolded, the importance of starting where you are, and why consistency beats shortcuts when trying to scale.

One of the key themes of this episode is building vertically integrated operations for long-term efficiency. Daniel shares why his team is transitioning property management in-house, even before hitting massive scale, and how that decision aligns with their larger strategy. He also breaks down how he and his partner approach market selection, development planning, and build-to-rent (BTR) versus for-sale projects.

Jonathan and Daniel discuss how communication with tenants and communities plays a role in stabilizing properties, particularly when repositioning mom-and-pop multifamily assets. Daniel explains how they've created win-win situations by being transparent, planning thoughtfully, and offering quality upgrades that residents appreciate.

Whether you're early in your investing journey or ready to shift into development and management, Daniel's experience offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build durable, profitable systems that adapt to changing market conditions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Daniel Angel-Mejia shifted from international investing to U.S. residential development
• What his early single-family flips taught him about scaling responsibly
• Why his team is moving toward full vertical integration with property management
• Ways tenant communication affects long-term occupancy and turnover
• How Apex Investments is growing its build-to-rent portfolio in the Atlanta market
• Lessons learned from working with both institutional and mom-and-pop sellers
• Operational changes that make small-scale developments more efficient
• The importance of staying specialized while remaining open to future opportunities

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Supporting Resources:

Apex Development Group website - www.apexinvestments.us

Apex Development on Facebook - www.facebook.com/ApexDG

Find Apex on Instagram - instagram.com/apexdevelopmentgroup.us

Connect with Apex on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/apexdevelopment

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 Gian Pazzia, chairman and chief strategy officer of KBKG and a pioneer in the cost segregation field. With more than 25 years of experience, Gian has worked on everything from casinos to single-family rentals. He breaks down how real estate investors can legally and strategically use tax incentives, especially cost segregation and bonus depreciation, to significantly reduce taxable income and increase buying power.

Gian explains how cost segregation allows real estate investors to accelerate depreciation, what types of assets qualify, and why even single-family rentals can benefit from the strategy. He also highlights the importance of working with credentialed cost segregation professionals, not just general CPAs, to avoid errors and IRS scrutiny.

The conversation moves beyond cost segregation into estate planning, bonus depreciation, short-term rental strategies, and how real estate professional status can shift an investor's entire tax position. Gian shares how he and his wife use these strategies in their own 40-unit portfolio, where she handles active management to qualify for real estate professional tax benefits.

From legacy wealth to smarter tax planning, Gian outlines the tax tools that real estate investors often overlook, whether due to skepticism, lack of awareness, or misinformation. His deep expertise makes this a must-listen for anyone serious about optimizing real estate returns through better tax strategy.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Ways cost segregation accelerates depreciation to maximize early returns
• How paper losses can offset income while keeping cash flow intact
• Benefits tied to the return of 100% bonus depreciation in 2025
• The strategic tax edge of owning and managing short-term rentals
• Property types that yield the strongest cost segregation outcomes
• The link between estate planning and the timing of depreciation
• What to consider when selecting a qualified cost seg partner
• How real estate professional status transforms tax exposure

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

KBKG website - www.kbkg.com

KBKG on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@KBKGTaxIncentives

KBKG's Facebook page - www.facebook.com/KBKGTaxIncentives

Find Gian Pazzia on Instagram - www.instagram.com/gianpazzia

Connect with Gian on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/costsegregationservices

KBKG on X - x.com/KBKG

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 sits down with experienced investor and author Joel Miller, who has spent nearly five decades building wealth through rental properties. Joel walks through his early days as a mobile DJ, his accidental path into real estate, and how he grew a portfolio of rentals, flipped over 100 houses, and became a trusted hard money lender in his community.

Joel shares his unique perspective on incorporating real estate into an existing career without sacrificing a passion or day job. He emphasizes that real estate doesn't have to be all or nothing. It can be a powerful supplement to whatever you're already doing. He also breaks down the value of education, long-term thinking, and community involvement through local investor associations.

The episode dives into Joel's practical framework for sustainable investing, highlighting the critical role of tenant selection, relationship-driven lending, and maintaining high property standards. As an educator and leader in his regional landlord association, Joel also explains how building trust with fellow investors and tenants creates long-term results.

His book, "Build Real Estate Wealth: Enjoy the Journey of Rental Property Investment," is a comprehensive guide that combines mindset, math, strategy, and best practices for anyone interested in rentals, whether part-time, full-time, or somewhere in between. From managing expectations to preparing personal financial statements and structuring deals, Joel's approach is rooted in decades of firsthand experience.

Whether you're just getting started or trying to avoid the mistakes new landlords often make, Joel offers clarity, candor, and the tools to build a long-lasting business through real estate.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Joel's method for building a rental portfolio alongside a full-time career
• Ways strong tenant screening sets the foundation for long-term success
• Approaches to investing in small multifamily properties with upside potential
• How personal relationships support deal flow and private lending
• The benefits of joining local investor associations and staying engaged
• Key practices that experienced landlords use to protect cash flow
• Tips for preparing your financials and being ready to act on a good deal
• Lessons from flipping 100+ homes and lending to local investors

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

Joel Miller's website - www.joelmillerbooks.com

Find Joel on Facebook - www.facebook.com/JoelMillerBooks

Joel's Instagram - www.instagram.com/joelmillerbooks

Connect with Joel on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/joel-miller-42981811

Joel on X - x.com/JoelMiller7195

Get Joel Miller's book - www.amazon.com/Build-Real-Estate-Wealth-Investment/dp/B0DG48NHPC

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 speaks with Nick Disney, founder of Sell My San Antonio House. Nick built a thriving home-buying business by focusing on what matters most—helping sellers solve real problems, not just pitching offers. He guides listeners through the transformation from a small-scale side hustler to one of the most trusted local investors in Texas, prioritizing trust, consistency, and problem-solving over quick profits.

Nick shares how he launched his business with a few flips and grew it through consistent marketing and relationship-building. He explains why direct-to-seller deals remain his preferred approach, how personalized service helps build long-term credibility, and why his model centers on solving seller pain points rather than rushing to close. Instead of scaling recklessly or chasing short-term wins, Nick's long-term strategy includes owner financing, portfolio cash flow, and a reputation rooted in doing right by sellers.

He and Jonathan break down the most overlooked aspects of becoming a reputable local home buyer, including the importance of listening, the pitfalls of guru-style real estate training, and how wholesalers can build genuine investor relationships instead of just seeking quick assignment fees.

From trash-outs to trust-building, Nick offers a realistic view of what it takes to create a sustainable, respected business in residential real estate, without burning bridges or relying on high-pressure tactics. His focus on long-term thinking, structured cash flow, and serving sellers sets an example for any investor looking to play the game differently.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Nick transitioned from a day job to a full-time investor
• What it means to build trust as a local home buyer
• Nick's approach to seller conversations that lead to deals
• Creative strategies for generating consistent lead flow
• The benefits of owner financing vs. holding rental properties
• Why wholesalers should prioritize value and relationships
• Nick's take on building private lender trust and capital access
• The importance of knowing your goals before scaling

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:

Sell My San Antonio House website - www.sellmysanantoniohouse.com

Sell My San Antonio House on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@SellMySanAntonioHouse

Sell My San Antonio House on Facebook - www.facebook.com/sellmysanantoniohouseforcash

Nick Disney's Instagram - www.instagram.com/realestate_nick1

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/nick-d-1564388a

Sell My San Antonio House on X - x.com/sellmysahouse

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 Neal Bawa, founder and CEO of Grocapitus and a nationally recognized leader in data-driven real estate investing. Known as the "Mad Scientist of Multifamily," Neal brings a tech-forward approach to real estate, combining sharp market analysis with a clear-eyed view of risk, strategy, and opportunity.

Neal shares how he went from running a tech company in Silicon Valley to building a $660 million real estate portfolio. He breaks down the importance of data modeling, boots-on-the-ground research, and why emotional detachment is critical for success. In 2009, his in-depth analysis revealed a unique opportunity to purchase distressed properties in Madera, California, long before others recognized the potential upside. By pairing his insights with real-world hustle, he secured cash-flowing assets in a down market.

The conversation covers more than just the past. Neal outlines today's market challenges and where he sees opportunities. He explains how rising interest rates, oversupply in Class A markets, and flawed assumptions about cash flow have changed the investment landscape. Through it all, his emphasis remains the same: use data to identify market timing, stay ahead of headlines, and act strategically.

Jonathan and Neal also dig into why townhomes have become the most efficient build-to-rent option, how Neal's team sources land with minimal upfront capital, and why absorption rates—not just occupancy—are the key metric to watch in multifamily. For new and seasoned investors alike, this episode is a masterclass in seeing opportunity where others see risk.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Neal used data and timing to succeed during the 2009 downturn
• The importance of combining tech with in-person market validation
• Tactics for spotting mispriced Class A properties using rent roll analysis
• Absorption trends as a better indicator than occupancy rates
• Townhomes as an efficient and scalable build-to-rent solution
• Land acquisition techniques that limit upfront capital exposure
• Frameworks for building scalable, data-informed investing systems
• Market shifts that signal rent growth recovery on the horizon

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

Grocapitus website - grocapitus.com/neal-bawa

Multifamily University on YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/MultifamilyU

Neal Bawa on Facebook - www.facebook.com/NealBawaMFU

Neal's Instagram - www.instagram.com/nealbawa

Connect with Neal on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/neal-bawa

Grocapitus on X - x.com/grocapitus

Neal on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@nealbawa

Multifamily University Investor Club - multifamilyu.com/club

Grocapitus Website – https://www.grocapitus.com

Free eBook: Location Magic – https://multifamilyu.com/lp/location-magic-ebook/

Join Our Investor Club – https://multifamilyu.com/club

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 Richard Wilson, founder and CEO of the Family Office Club, to break down how the ultra-wealthy build, protect, and grow their assets. With more than 100,000 members and 18 years at the helm, Richard has helped thousands of family offices form investment strategies that create generational wealth.

The episode opens with a look at what sets billionaires apart from the rest of us, from their appetite for risk to how they move quickly and avoid herd thinking. Richard explains that the most successful investors make bold, independent decisions, act fast, and play a long game within a narrow set of skills or markets.

Richard also shares the three-bucket model he teaches for wealth management: public market investments, real estate, and direct investments in the business niche that created the wealth. He walks through how families allocate risk across these buckets and why having asymmetric returns and trust in your operators is crucial.

The conversation turns to why the most successful investors don't chase pitches. They chase relationships. Family offices look for high-quality people, not just high-potential deals. Richard emphasizes that value-added connections, thoughtful deal structuring, and strong mental models are what win attention in a noisy space.

He and Jonathan also discuss the importance of fast decision-making, the rise of AI tools to enhance due diligence, and how Richard's journey from a basement apartment to launching billionaires.com reflects the same lessons he teaches investors: add value first, go deep in your niche, and build something no one else can replicate.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Traits that distinguish billionaire investors from the average high-net-worth individual
• Ways family offices allocate capital across asset classes
• The role of trust and consistency in attracting investor interest
• How asymmetric returns and thoughtful deal structures build long-term wealth
• Richard's approach to applying AI tools to improve decision-making
• Factors that make niche expertise more valuable than broad exposure
• How fast, focused action drives better outcomes in competitive markets

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:

Family Office Club website - familyoffices.com

Centimillionaire Strategies on YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/familyofficesgroup

Family Office Club on Facebook - www.facebook.com/familyofficeclub

Family Office Club's Instagram - www.instagram.com/familyofficeclub

Connect with Family Office Club on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/familyoffices

Richard Wilson on X - x.com/RichardCWilson

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/singlefamilyoffice

Family Office Club's TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@familyofficeclub

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 speaks with architect and multifamily syndicator Mark Shuler of SGRE Investments about how government regulation continues to hamper housing development across the country. With over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban infill, and multifamily project management, Mark brings a unique dual perspective that blends design expertise with investment strategy.

Mark outlines the real-world consequences of permitting delays, inconsistent local regulations, and overreaching planning departments. From Seattle's 16-month permit timelines to the thousands of dollars in pre-construction fees and reports required, Mark argues that many jurisdictions have made building housing a process only the wealthy can afford. He explains how regulations originally intended to promote equity and safety have often been weaponized by neighborhood groups and local politicians to block development altogether.

The conversation also touches on Mark's early passion for architecture, his transition into real estate investing, and the lessons he has learned from both fields. He discusses what separates smart flippers and operators from amateurs, and how investor capital is best deployed in value-add multifamily projects, especially in markets like Houston, where his firm now manages over 5,000 units.

Mark's take is clear: meaningful housing reform starts with streamlining regulation, not adding more layers. For real estate professionals, investors, and policymakers alike, this episode provides a frank look at what's stalling housing production and how experienced operators can still build successfully in today's environment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How excessive permitting timelines stall development

• The role of urban planners and their disconnect from real-world construction

• What developers face in highly regulated markets like Seattle

• Lessons from Mark's pivot into real estate investing

• Common missteps flippers make with permitting and renovation

• The economics behind value-add multifamily projects

• How SGRE Investments creates scale and efficiency in competitive markets

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:

SGRE Investments website - sgreinvestments.com

SGRE Investments on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@SGRE_Investments

SGRE on Facebook - www.facebook.com/sgreinvestments

Mark Shuler's Instagram - www.instagram.com/markshul1

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/shulerarchitecture

Shuler Architecture website - www.shulerarchitecture.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.

In today's episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Brad Johnson, co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Vintage Capital. With over $3.3 billion in commercial real estate transactions under his belt, Brad brings a deep well of experience in structuring long-term, risk-adjusted investments, especially in the mobile home park space.

Brad's journey into real estate began in his twenties, when he and his friends started buying single-family rentals with profits from a startup. Over time, he transitioned from remote investing to institutional asset management, eventually discovering the opportunity-rich world of mobile home parks. What began as curiosity evolved into a nationwide operation of 2,300 pads.

Brad and Jonathan explore what makes mobile home parks uniquely positioned for stable, long-term returns. They discuss the operational demands of the asset class, why infrastructure and capital reserves are essential, and how seller relationships shape acquisitions in this niche market. Brad emphasizes that these often-misunderstood communities fill a critical need in the affordable housing landscape.

You'll also hear how Brad built trust with mom-and-pop sellers, scaled a portfolio through reputation and consistent deal flow, and developed the ability to underwrite quickly and confidently. His firm's approach to long-term holds, tax efficiency, and conservative underwriting stands in contrast to the high-leverage, short-term mindset that has tripped up many investors in recent years.

Whether you're an experienced investor or exploring alternatives to traditional real estate assets, Brad's perspective highlights the importance of patience, structure, and choosing the right operating partners.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Brad's early path from startup founder to long-term investor

• Lessons from managing over 2,000 mobile home park pads

• How infrastructure and reserves impact mobile home park performance

• Ways reputation and follow-through win deals in tight-knit markets

• Why tax advantages make long-term holds more attractive

• The pitfalls of chasing high IRRs with short-term strategies

• What separates strong operators from struggling syndicators

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Supporting Resources:

Vintage Capital website - www.vintage-funds.com

Connect with Brad Johnson on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjohnson

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.