Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Michael Cohen, founder and managing partner of Brighton Capital Advisors. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate lending, debt sourcing, restructuring, and advisory work, Michael shares what he is seeing from the front lines of the current commercial real estate cycle.

Jonathan and Michael discuss the shift from the value-correction phase to what Michael calls the "asset transfer phase," in which lenders are increasingly moving toward foreclosures, note sales, and restructurings as distressed loans work their way through the system. Michael explains why lenders were slower to act in prior years, how rising interest rates and operating costs have created pressure on multifamily and other assets, and why many borrowers are now facing critical decisions about whether to reinvest capital or exit their properties.

The conversation also dives into the complexity of CMBS and CLO loan structures and why borrowers often underestimate lenders' leverage once loans are securitized. Michael shares how proactive communication, strong advisory teams, and a realistic understanding of loan documents can dramatically improve outcomes when navigating distressed situations.

For investors, this episode highlights the importance of understanding leverage, capital reserves, and sponsor strength when evaluating real estate deals. Market cycles are inevitable, but preparation, knowledge, and disciplined decision-making can make the difference between surviving a downturn and losing an asset.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why commercial real estate is entering an asset transfer phase in the current cycle

• How rising rates and operating costs created pressure across multifamily assets

• Why lenders are becoming more aggressive with foreclosures and note sales

• The risks and complexities of CMBS and CLO loan structures

• Why capital reserves and sponsor strength matter during downturns

• How proactive communication can improve outcomes in distressed loan situations

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Connect with Michael:

Website: https://brightoncapitaladvisors.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightoncapitaladvisors

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/brightoncapitaladvisors/

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Ladislas Maurice, international investor, consultant, and founder of The Wandering Investor. Ladislas has lived in more than a dozen countries and brings a global perspective to the conversation as he returns to the show to discuss how international investing and second citizenship strategies are evolving in a rapidly changing world.

Jonathan and Ladislas explore the growing demand for Plan B strategies as investors and families look for residency, citizenship, or diversification outside their home countries. Ladislas explains the differences between residency and citizenship, how various immigration programs work, and why many investors are now thinking about global mobility not just for themselves but for future generations.

The conversation also highlights emerging trends in international investing. Ladislas discusses countries currently attracting attention from global investors, including parts of Latin America and Africa, while explaining why some immigration programs become harder over time as demand increases. The episode offers listeners a framework for evaluating where they might want to live, invest, or create optionality in the future.

For investors thinking long term, this episode reinforces the importance of understanding global opportunities and risks. Whether it is residency, citizenship, or international real estate investing, thoughtful planning can expand the number of choices available for you and your family in an uncertain world.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why more investors are pursuing a Plan B through residency or second citizenship

• The difference between residency, citizenship, and holding a second passport

• How global political and economic shifts are influencing international real estate investing

• Countries currently attracting attention for residency and investment opportunities

• Why immigration programs tend to become more restrictive over time

• How international diversification can create long-term options for future generations

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Connect with Ladislas:

Website: https://thewanderinginvestor.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1EOqi1UVw2Byy8jc-glFMQ/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thewanderinginvestor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thewanderinginvestor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wandering-investor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wander_investor

Telegram: https://t.me/thewanderinginvestor

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Dan Rivers, co-founder of SynergyStays and founder of Rivers Capital Group. Dan shares how he built a diverse real estate background spanning property management, sales, flipping, private lending, and short-term rentals before narrowing his focus to revenue management for STR operators. He explains why trying to do everything at once held him back and how focusing on his strengths allowed him to grow more intentionally.

Dan discusses the evolution of the short-term rental market, from the post-pandemic gold rush to today's more competitive, professionalized environment. He breaks down why many operators struggle when they treat STRs passively, and why success now requires attention to revenue management, guest experience, and consistent optimization. The conversation also explores house hacking, mindset shifts, and the power of showing up consistently in investor meetups to accelerate growth.

If you're feeling scattered in your investing journey or unsure where to start, this episode offers clarity: focus on your superpower, surround yourself with the right people, and treat real estate like the business it is.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why focusing on one strength can unlock faster growth

• How the short-term rental landscape has shifted since 2020

• The importance of revenue management in maximizing STR performance

• Why guest experience and reviews directly impact profitability

• How house hacking can accelerate wealth building

• The power of consistent networking and investor meetups

Follow and Review

"If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth."

Connect with Dan:

Website: http://www.synergystayslocal.com/

Youtube: SynergyStays

Facebook: Dan Rivers

Instagram: @danrivers_RCG

Special Link for Zen guests: https://bit.ly/synergyzen

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Oliver Lerner, president and co-founder of Shuk Rentals, a property management software platform built specifically for mom-and-pop landlords. Oliver shares how he bought his first rental property while still in college by house hacking a five-bedroom home with friends, and how that early experience shaped the way he approaches both landlording and business today.

Oliver walks through the steep learning curve of managing properties on your own. From plumbing mistakes to expensive HVAC lessons, he explains how those early challenges helped him develop confidence and practical skills. He talks about the importance of buying right, understanding your numbers, and being willing to walk away from deals when they do not make sense.

The conversation also explores the realities of being a small landlord in today's environment. Oliver discusses local regulations, rising fees, and the responsibility that comes with providing housing. He explains why he created Shuk Rentals to bring more transparency and accountability into the rental process, while giving independent landlords better tools to manage leases, communication, and retention. At its core, this episode is about building experience through action and creating systems that support long-term ownership.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Oliver house hacked his first rental property in college • Why seeing dozens of homes before buying builds confidence and discipline • The importance of buying right to protect yourself from costly mistakes • Lessons learned from self-managing rentals and solving problems firsthand • Why mom-and-pop landlords play a vital role in the housing market • How better systems and transparency can improve tenant retention

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

Connect with Oliver

Website: http://www.shukrentals.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shukrentals

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shukrentals

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

Twitter: https://x.com/ShukRentals

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Jay Patel, fund manager at Proptex and a real estate entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience across residential rehabs, foreclosures, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and more. Jay shares how a major loss in the stock market after 9/11 shifted his focus permanently toward real estate, where tangible assets, predictable comps, and strategic leverage offered more control and long-term stability.

Jay explains why buying right is everything in real estate, how disciplined underwriting separates professionals from hobby investors, and why leverage—when used properly—can dramatically amplify returns. He also discusses the dangers of overexposure to a single asset type, the importance of diversification even within real estate, and how tax strategy and depreciation play a crucial role in compounding wealth.

The conversation also dives into retirement strategy, the power of consistent double-digit returns, and why preservation of capital becomes more important than chasing "sexy" returns over time. Jay outlines how structured funds can offer diversification, liquidity, and steady income while eliminating the day-to-day burden of property management.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Jay transitioned from stock trading to full-time real estate after 9/11

• Why foreclosures can be powerful—but only with proper due diligence

• The difference between amateur and professional real estate investing

• How leverage can turn modest appreciation into significant equity growth

• Why diversification within real estate matters just as much as diversification across asset classes

• The role of depreciation and tax strategy in long-term wealth building

• How consistent 10–11% returns can outperform higher-risk strategies over time

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Jay:

Website: https://proptex.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaypatelproptex

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proptexfunds/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaypatel-mls/

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Lauren Rogers, investor relations and acquisitions lead at Veritas Equity Partners. Lauren shares how she transitioned from a high-level career in global tech to multifamily real estate and why she chose to partner with an experienced operator instead of starting with small, hands-on deals. Drawing from Veritas' focused strategy in Washington State, she explains how their tight buy box, workforce housing thesis, and in-house property management approach create consistent, risk-adjusted returns.

Lauren and Jonathan explore the realities of value-add investing in Snohomish County, why geographic discipline matters more than chasing hot markets, and how exterior improvements, operational efficiencies, and local relationships can meaningfully impact NOI. They also discuss the mindset shift required to move from active DIY investing to passive syndication, especially for high-income professionals seeking long-term wealth and cash flow.

Listeners will gain insight into how syndications actually work behind the scenes—from underwriting and leverage to investor communication and trust—and why forced holding periods and conservative debt structures can protect capital over time.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why Lauren left global tech to build a career in multifamily real estate

• How Veritas defines its 20–60 unit workforce housing buy box

• The importance of focusing hyper-locally within Snohomish County

• How in-house property management can improve NOI and operational control

• The difference between active ownership and truly passive syndication investing

• Common fears new investors have about multifamily syndications

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://veritasequitypartners.com/

Instagram: @lo.rogers17

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

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Ashley Garner, founder of ABG & Associates and a multifamily investor with more than three decades of experience. Ashley shares how growing up renovating college rentals with his banker father shaped his long-term mindset and ultimately led him to scale from small single-family properties to hundreds of apartment units across North Carolina.

Ashley reflects on the transition from hands-on landlord to operator and capital raiser, explaining why scaling required him to let go of control and trust professional property management. He discusses the importance of communication systems, standardized processes, and focusing geographically to build operational leverage. The conversation also explores syndication, raising capital through relationships, and how cost segregation and bonus depreciation can dramatically enhance investor returns.

Throughout the episode, Jonathan and Ashley return to a central theme: real estate is a long game. Whether it's holding properties for decades to fund long-term care, prioritizing clean and safe housing for tenants, or building trust with investors, sustainable success comes from discipline, patience, and strong relationships.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How Ashley's early exposure to college rentals shaped his investing philosophy

• Why scaling required letting go of hands-on management

• The importance of structured communication with property managers

• How focusing on one state can create operational and investor advantages

• The mindset shift from "asking for money" to offering opportunity through syndication

• How cost segregation and bonus depreciation can significantly boost investor returns

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Ashley:

Website: http://www.abgmultifamily.com/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@abgmultifamily

Facebook: http://facebook.com/ABGRealEstate

Instagram: http://instagram.com/abgrealestate

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

X: http://twitter.com/ABGRealEstate

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene interviews Aubrey Linville, co-founder and partner of Linville Team Partners. With more than 20 years of experience across retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties, Aubrey shares how he evolved from flipping small residential foreclosures into building and scaling a diversified commercial real estate platform.

Aubrey explains why retail remains his favorite asset class, especially multi-tenant strip centers that balance risk and opportunity. He discusses the advantages of working with mom-and-pop tenants, the importance of relationships in commercial real estate, and why being a problem solver often creates more value than chasing perfectly "clean" deals. The conversation also dives into syndications, fund structures, and how thoughtful operators can create alignment between general and limited partners.

Jonathan and Aubrey explore the mindset shift from active landlord to passive investor, the power of walking away from a deal, and why trusting your gut is often just as important as underwriting spreadsheets. Aubrey also shares how his entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his approach to real estate and why investing with people you trust is more important than chasing the highest projected IRR.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why multi-tenant retail can reduce risk compared to single-tenant assets
• The value of relationships with mom-and-pop tenants
• How to evaluate syndication opportunities as a limited partner
• Why walking away is sometimes the best negotiation strategy
• The role of gut instinct alongside financial underwriting
• How trust and communication build long-term investor relationships

Follow and Review

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Aubrey:

Website: https://www.ltpcommercial.com/services/investment-services/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LTPcommercial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linvilleteam/

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

X: https://x.com/linvilleteam

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Ryan Cadwell, partner at Resolute RDM, to unpack how "dumb money" and undisciplined underwriting have distorted real estate markets over the last cycle. Ryan shares how cheap capital, short-term thinking, and inexperienced investors created inflated valuations that are now forcing hard lessons as loans reset and assumptions break.

The conversation dives deep into why advisory services matter more than ever, especially for out-of-state investors and newer buyers navigating markets they don't fully understand. Ryan explains why spreadsheets alone don't make good investments, how lenders' incentives can misalign with investors', and why slowing down often leads to better long-term outcomes.

Jonathan and Ryan also explore the human side of real estate, from landlord-tenant dynamics to the emotional toll of DIY management. They discuss why many investors unknowingly trade time freedom for stress, how ego and vanity metrics like "door count" lead to poor decisions, and why knowing what you actually want from real estate is more important than chasing trends.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why "dumb money" helps on the sale but hurts on the next buy

• How cheap debt masked bad underwriting during the last cycle

• Why lenders are not always the safety net investors assume

• The difference between buying property and actually investing

• How property management fees often save money long-term

• Why asset management matters more than owning more doors

Follow and Review If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Ryan:

Website: http://www.resoluterdm.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@resoluterdm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryancadwell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resoluterdm/

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

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.

On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene welcomes back Jose Berlanga, real estate developer, builder, and author, for a deep dive into land investing, development strategy, and the lessons learned from more than 30 years in the business. Returning to the show with his new book, Dirt Rich: Explore the World of Land Investing and Development, Jose shares how land deals played a critical role in capitalizing his construction company and shaping his long-term investment approach.

The conversation explores the realities of land development, including zoning challenges, neighborhood resistance, entitlement risk, and why so many investors underestimate the complexity of building from the ground up. Jose explains the importance of repetition, local expertise, and understanding your niche, emphasizing that successful developers stick to what they know rather than constantly reinventing the wheel.

Jonathan and Jose also discuss timing market cycles, the role of capital reserves during downturns, and why reputation, relationships, and integrity matter more than squeezing every dollar out of a single deal. The episode offers a grounded look at land as the foundation of all real estate value and why patience, vision, and long-term thinking are essential for lasting success.

• How land flipping helped fund and grow a construction business

• Why zoning, permitting, and community dynamics make land development complex

• The risks of jumping into development without experience or local knowledge

• Why repetition and staying in one niche lead to better outcomes

• How reputation and long-term relationships create deal flow over time

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Jose:

Jose's first appearance on the show: https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/211/

Website: https://joseberlanga.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoseberlanga

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjoseberlanga/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-berlanga-900a9518/

Jose's Books: https://joseberlanga.com/books/

Jose's New Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Rich-Jose-M-Berlanga-ebook/dp/B0FRNHY6PC

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.