In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Blueprint Podcast, Slava Men shares his journey from Ukraine to becoming a successful commercial real estate investor. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the lessons learned from analyzing deals, and the strategies for building a successful real estate business. Slava discusses the current state of the commercial real estate market, funding strategies, and the evolution of his company, Good Harbor Commercial Real Estate. He also shares insights on lifestyle design, work-life balance, and the importance of being intentional while traveling and managing a business.

Takeaways

• Surround yourself with talented individuals to accelerate learning.
• Real estate can be a side hustle while pursuing other ventures.
• Commercial real estate offers a repeatable business model.
• Mentorship is crucial for speeding up the learning process.
• Analyzing deals requires both science and art.
• Building a successful business involves optimizing for time and energy.
• Retail and industrial markets are currently distressed.
• Leasing requires proactive efforts and relationship building.
• Traveling while managing a business requires intentionality and planning.
• Freedom of time and money is essential for a fulfilling lifestyle.

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

In this episode I sit down with Commercial Real Estate Broker, Investor, and Coach Henry Eisenstein. We discuss topics from Cold Calling, Prospecting, Investing in deals as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, and much more.

Henry provides a TON of value walking us how to effectively find commercial real estate deals.

In this inspiring interview, we have Henry as our guest, a young powerhouse in the real estate world. Over the past 5 years, he's been part of $450 million in real estate transactions, owns multiple investment properties, and sells over $100 million a year personally. However, his journey wasn't always glamorous, battling depression since the age of 9 and surviving two suicide attempts by 14. After quitting college, he stumbled into real estate, faced financial setbacks, and rebuilt his team four times before finding success.

Today, Henry focuses entirely on the commercial division of his team, aiming to achieve $1 billion in annual sales. He attributes his success to three key principles: an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, emphasizing relationship building ("your network is your net worth"), and maintaining a mindset of gratitude.

I hope you enjoy this interview, get tons of value from it, and can take actionable steps towards your goals!

Youtube & Instagram:
‪@henryeisenstein‬
‪@graham_storey‬

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

Cole Babcock is a commercial real estate broker and investor based in Decatur, Illinois. He started his career in real estate after completing an internship with a local real estate company. Cole's entrepreneurial spirit led him to focus on commercial real estate, where he saw the potential for bigger deals and higher paychecks. He joined forces with Tim, a seasoned commercial real estate broker, and together they dominate the commercial market in their area. Cole's portfolio includes various properties, such as an old gas station, a car wash, and a big box retail facility. He also partnered with Rafique Moore, another successful investor, to acquire and stabilize industrial buildings. Cole emphasizes the importance of being in the right rooms and building relationships with potential investors and tenants. He uses a combination of cold calling, mailers, and personal letters to stay top of mind and find motivated sellers and tenants. In this conversation, Cole Babcock shares insights and advice on commercial real estate investing. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on commercial real estate for long-term investment and scalability. Cole discusses the different ways to structure deals, including forming LLCs with partners or raising money and paying a preferred return. He also highlights the value of personal relationships in finding and closing deals, as well as the importance of underwriting and having a clear investment criteria. Cole encourages new investors to find their niche, stay in touch with local brokers, and practice underwriting deals.

Takeaways

• Entrepreneurial spirit can drive success in commercial real estate
• Building relationships and being in the right rooms is crucial for finding opportunities
• Timing and seizing the right deals can lead to significant returns
• Consistency in outreach efforts, such as cold calling and mailers, is key to staying top of mind
• Commercial real estate deals can take time to close, but the rewards are worth it Commercial real estate offers long-term investment opportunities and scalability.
• Consider structuring deals through LLCs with partners or raising money and paying a preferred return.
• Building personal relationships with brokers and tenants is crucial in finding and closing deals.
• Understand the importance of underwriting and having a clear investment criteria.
• Find your niche and stay in touch with local brokers to discover potential deals.

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

In this conversation, Jesse, Graham, and Colin discuss Colin's transition from residential to commercial real estate. Colin shares his background in real estate, his experience in residential sales, and his decision to focus on commercial real estate. He also talks about his current portfolio, including residential properties and a 23-unit motel conversion. The conversation covers topics such as cold calling, CRM usage, team building, financing, and the process of converting a motel into long-term apartments. Collin Boyer shares his experience in acquiring a commercial property and the potential value it can generate. He discusses the importance of finding tenants before closing on a deal to ensure cash flow from day one. Collin projects that the property, which was purchased for $900,000, could be worth around $2.7 million once fully leased. He contemplates whether to sell, refinance, or hold onto the property for long-term cash flow. Collin also emphasizes the value of taking action and learning along the way, as well as the benefits of building a local community and personal brand through social media.

Takeaways

• Colin started in a construction family but realized he was more interested in selling real estate than building it.
• He began investing in residential properties and decided to supplement his investment income by becoming a residential broker.
• Colin transitioned from residential to commercial real estate after learning about the potential for higher returns and time freedom.
• He uses cold calling and a CRM to prospect for commercial deals, and he emphasizes the importance of follow-up.
• Colin is in the process of converting a motel into long-term apartments, taking advantage of a lack of housing in the area.
• He plans to hire a property management company to handle the day-to-day operations of the property.
• Colin is considering bringing in partners for the deal and is exploring financing options with local banks.
• The commercial financing process is different from residential financing, as it focuses more on the deal's financials rather than the individual's personal finances.
• Colin's closing period for the motel conversion is approximately two and a half months, during which he plans to start advertising the units for rent. Finding tenants before closing on a commercial property can ensure cash flow from day one.
• Commercial real estate is based on income and can generate significant value.
• Consider the options of selling, refinancing, or holding onto a property for long-term cash flow.
• Take action and learn along the way, rather than waiting to know everything before starting.
• Building a local community and personal brand through social media can attract opportunities in the real estate industry.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:04
Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate

07:32
Prospecting for Commercial Deals

09:22
Converting a Motel into Long-Term Apartments

12:37
Building a Team and Using a CRM

18:07
Exploring Financing Options

19:30
Colin's Current Portfolio

23:23
CapEx and Property Management

26:38
Equity Split and Financing Terms

28:23
Closing Period and Advertising Units

31:14
Maximizing Cash Flow: Finding Tenants Before Closing

32:08
The Potential Value of Commercial Real Estate

33:35
Selling vs Holding: Deciding the Future of the Property

40:58
Taking Action and Learning Along the Way

48:20
Building a Local Community and Personal Brand

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

Morgan Keim, The "Creative Capitalist", and the managing director of Ocean Ridge Capital, discusses his focus on elevating the standard of affordable housing in America. He shares his strategies for finding undervalued and neglected assets in cash-flowing markets and turning them into high cashflow, high alpha investments. Keim also talks about his journey in real estate, starting with accidental involvement in a property acquisition and gradually building his portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of creative finance and subject-to transactions in his investment approach. Keim also discusses the challenges and opportunities in investing in Cleveland and shares insights into his diverse portfolio. In this conversation, Morgan Keim discusses creative financing strategies in commercial real estate, including subject-to deals and seller financing. He also shares insights on distressed properties and opportunities for investors. The conversation touches on the importance of building a personal brand through social media and the benefits of networking and connecting with others in the industry.

Takeaways

• Elevating the standard of affordable housing is a mission-driven focus in real estate investing.
• Finding undervalued and neglected assets in cash-flowing markets can lead to high cashflow and high alpha investments.
• Creative finance strategies, such as subject-to transactions, can provide tax benefits and shelter cashflow.
• Investing in Cleveland has become more challenging due to tenant-friendly regulations, but opportunities still exist for finding cheap properties with significant yields.
• Building a diverse portfolio with a mix of LP investments, creative finance properties, and unique value-add opportunities can provide a balanced approach to wealth building. Creative financing strategies like subject-to deals and seller financing can be effective in commercial real estate.
• Distressed properties in commercial real estate can present opportunities for investors.
• Building a personal brand through social media can help establish credibility and attract potential partners and investors.
• Networking and connecting with others in the industry can lead to valuable opportunities and partnerships.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:04
Elevating the Standard of Affordable Housing

05:06
Investing in LA Real Estate on Expert Mode

08:50
Raising Money and Taking Action

14:24
Finding Deals and Building a Portfolio

18:20
Balancing Risk and Strategy

23:48
The Power of Creative Finance and Subject-To Transactions

29:00
Insurance for Creative Financing

30:10
Subject-to Deals in Commercial Properties

31:25
Opportunities in Distressed Commercial Properties

33:39
Favorite Techniques for Seller Financing

39:38
Starting in Multifamily and Building a Personal Brand

42:12
Transitioning to Full-Time Commercial Real Estate

48:31
Effects of Building a Social Media Presence

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

Gabriel Rodarte, a Commercial Real Estate Broker and Investor. They discuss Gabriel's journey in the real estate industry, from starting with residential flips to transitioning into commercial real estate. Gabriel shares his insights on scaling his business, building a team, and the importance of time management and outsourcing. He also talks about his current commercial real estate portfolio, which includes mobile home parks, industrial warehouses, and new build projects. In this conversation, Gabriel Rodarte shares his insights on time management, the power of networking, and the importance of building a personal brand in the commercial real estate industry. He emphasizes the need to pivot and adapt in order to stay ahead in the market. Gabriel also discusses the impact of his podcast and Facebook community on his business, highlighting the value of engaging with others and sharing knowledge. He encourages aspiring real estate professionals to jump into commercial real estate if they have a passion for it and to focus on building their network and brand.

Takeaways

• Start with residential flips and use the same marketing skills and techniques in commercial real estate
• Find mentors and build relationships with successful people in the industry
• Outsource tasks and leverage technology to save time and increase efficiency
• Time block and prioritize tasks to focus on high-value activities
• Build a diverse commercial real estate portfolio, including mobile home parks, industrial warehouses, and new build projects Time management is crucial in the commercial real estate industry, and it's important to prioritize tasks and focus on high-value activities.
• Networking and building relationships are key to success in the industry, and social media platforms can be powerful tools for connecting with others.
• Building a personal brand through content creation and sharing knowledge can help establish credibility and attract opportunities.
• Pivoting and adapting to market changes is essential for staying ahead and finding new opportunities.
• Joining a podcast or creating a Facebook community can provide a platform for sharing knowledge, connecting with others, and growing your network.
• Jumping into commercial real estate can be a great choice if you have a passion for it, and it's important to learn as you go and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Scheduling Challenges

03:11
Gabriel's Background and Entry into Commercial Real Estate

08:48
Scaling and Outsourcing in Commercial Real Estate

12:36
Time Management and Prioritization for Success

19:36
Building a Diverse Commercial Real Estate Portfolio

35:15
Mastering Time Management in Commercial Real Estate

38:10
The Power of Networking and Building Relationships

40:41
Building a Personal Brand in the Commercial Real Estate Industry

43:49
Pivoting and Adapting in a Changing Market

47:58
The Impact of Podcasting and Community Building

54:58
Jumping into Commercial Real Estate: Passion and Persistence

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

Darren Smith, an owner-operator of industrial properties, shares his journey in commercial real estate. He started in residential real estate, but after meeting commercial investors and seeing the potential, he made the switch. Darren emphasizes the importance of building relationships with property owners and being a consultant for them throughout the process. He also discusses the benefits of seller financing and the need for trust and rapport in those deals. Darren advises being strategic with capital placement and considering the long-term cash flow implications. He shares insights on portfolio management and the importance of scalability. In this conversation, Darren Smith shares insights and advice on transitioning from residential to commercial real estate. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of raising capital and provides tips on structuring deals with seller financing. Darren also discusses the significance of keeping the investment process simple and focusing on cash flow. He highlights the power of visualizing goals and maintaining a positive mindset. Additionally, he shares his experience with social media marketing and the benefits it has brought to his business.

Takeaways

• Building relationships with property owners and being a consultant for them is crucial in commercial real estate.
• Seller financing can be a beneficial option, but trust and rapport are essential in those deals.
• Strategic capital placement is important to ensure long-term cash flow.
• Managing a portfolio requires scalability and careful consideration of cash flow.
• Being flexible with timing and exploring 1031 exchanges can be advantageous in property sales. Don't be afraid of raising capital when transitioning to commercial real estate
• Look for deals with a 400 basis point spread between bank rates and cap rates
• Consider seller financing as a way to secure cheaper debt
• Keep the investment process simple and focus on cash flow
• Visualize your goals and maintain a positive mindset
• Utilize social media marketing to connect with potential investors and build your brand

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:23
Transitioning from Residential to Commercial Real Estate

08:45
The Excitement of Commercial Real Estate

11:15
The Power of Building Relationships

14:53
The Importance of Trust and Rapport

18:12
Don't Rush into Offers, Get to Know the Seller

21:05
Strategic Capital Placement and Cash Flow

23:06
The Reality of Cash Flow and Portfolio Management

26:53
The Need for Scalability and Strategic Investments

31:20
Considering the Future: Selling and Rolling into New Deals

34:00
Transitioning to Commercial Real Estate and Overcoming Capital Raising Fear

36:49
Structuring Deals with Seller Financing

39:45
The Importance of Cash Flow in Commercial Real Estate

43:40
Factors to Consider in Industrial Property Investment

46:23
Keeping the Investment Process Simple

57:32
Harnessing the Power of Social Media Marketing

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.

Sean Martin, a healthcare entrepreneur and commercial real estate investor, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in the Bronx to becoming a successful investor. He emphasizes the power of belief and taking chances on oneself. Sean discusses the importance of getting uncomfortable and pushing oneself physically to build confidence. He also highlights the value of finding the right rooms and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals. Sean's portfolio primarily consists of commercial retail and medical spaces in the Midwest. Sean Martin shares his experience in commercial real estate investing and the importance of diversifying knowledge. He emphasizes the value of leases in adding cash flow and property valuation. Sean discusses his role as a limited partner and the benefits of being a hands-off investor. He also highlights the significance of ownership and the impact it has on building generational wealth. Sean talks about his journey on social media and the power of authenticity in building a personal brand. He shares his vision for the Real Mentors program, which aims to shine a light on community leaders and provide mentorship to inner-city youth.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Sean's Background

02:34
From Prison to Realizing Potential

06:16
The Power of Writing Down Goals

10:48
Getting Uncomfortable to Build Confidence

18:42
Taking Chances and Getting Started in Real Estate

26:24
Investing in Commercial Retail and Medical Spaces

34:02
The Value of Leases and Property Valuation

36:43
The Benefits of Being a Limited Partner

38:32
The Power of Ownership and Generational Wealth

43:30
Building a Personal Brand on Social Media

57:00
The Real Mentors Program: Shining a Light on Community Leaders

Hope you enjoy & God Bless!

Subscribe to the podcast and connect with us on Instagram and Youtube: @graham_storey and @thejessedurham for more.