The Insider's Edge To Real Estate Investing

In this episode, we uncover how to spot the high-potential opportunities that most investors miss. We're joined by Billy Haddad, Managing Director of Partners Path, to discuss his family office's approach to identifying partnerships built for sustainable, long-term growth. Billy opens up his playbook on evaluating political risk, structuring resilient partnerships, and identifying markets poised for returns. From the nuances of sponsor communication to executing value-add strategies in the industrial sector, this is a deep dive into the power of patient capital. You can connect with Billy at his company website.   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn the benefits of moving forward in real estate, one step at a time, in this conversation with Liz Faircloth, co-founder of The Real Estate InvestHER® community and Facebook group. Liz has developed a model that connects women who are interested in getting started in real estate—or are looking for ways to scale. She is also co-founder of the DeRosa Group, a family-owned business investing in residential and commercial property with a mission of transforming lives through real estate. If you're looking for tips on balancing priorities, Liz shares advice on how to focus on one task at a time, create the right spaces, and step back periodically to think about the big picture. The Real Estate InvestHER® community offers mentorship and accountability to reduce a sense of being overwhelmed. The holistic approach includes three pillars, which are real estate investing, business strategies, and self-care. You can join to connect both online and in-person at meetups across the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Liz and get involved, head to The Real Estate InvestHER® website and the Real Estate InvestHER® Community group on Facebook. I'm always happy to connect with listeners—you can find me online at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Real Estate Weekly articles: REW-online.com/author/jamesnelson My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about building wealth through disciplined, fundamentals-driven investing in this conversation with Ben Reinberg, Founder and CEO of Alliance Consolidated Group of Companies. Ben is a trailblazing entrepreneur, commercial real estate visionary, and wealth- building expert with over 30 years of transformative experience in the industry. You'll hear how Ben evaluates certainty of close and tenant credit before committing to an investment. He shares why medical office remains resilient, how tax strategies bring benefits for investors, and why protecting the downside can create long-term, generational wealth. You can connect with Ben at his website and LinkedIn You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about creating the foundation for a long-term real estate portfolio in this conversation with Jim Diamond, CEO of Diamond Properties, which was founded in 1995 and has acquired more than 125 properties, including office, warehouse, retail, residential, and land. Its affiliate Diamond Hospitality Group also owns and operates businesses under Save Haven Self Storage, Velocity Flexible Workspace, Spins Bowl, District Social, and other brands. You'll hear about shifting into industrial real estate, buying below replacement cost, and holding assets for decades rather than chasing short-term exits. Jim explains how long-term, buy-and- hold structures align investor incentives and how operating businesses like self-storage and solar installations fit into a broader model to generate cash flow and returns. You can connect with Jim at his company website.     You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about shaping a disciplined, cycle-aware investment approach in this conversation with Paul Salib, co-founder of Castellan Real Estate Partners and CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development. Paul shares how early experiences in currency trading and affordable housing finance laid the foundation for building a vertically integrated multifamily platform, acquiring over 80 properties and knowing when to sell as capital markets shifted. You'll also hear about the logistics and complexities related to affordable housing. Paul discusses underwriting, risk management, and operating across cycles, along with scaling an affordable housing development business. You can connect with Paul at LinkedIn.    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about urban development and housing in this episode with Doug Elenowitz, co- founder and principal of Trailbreak Partners, a Denver-based vertically integrated firm focusing on residential and multifamily investments and developments. Doug shares how their hands-on, investor-first approach has created a loyal capital base of high-net-worth individuals and family offices. You'll hear about navigating complexities when transforming forgotten properties into places where people want to live and work. Doug also offers insight into building a strong internal culture and designing spaces that fit the neighborhood rather than repeating a brand template. You can connect with Doug at his company website.    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how a national family office thinks about growth, partnerships, and market selection in this conversation with Adrian Berger, Managing Director of Acquisitions at Cyprus Equity Investments, a national multifamily portfolio with transactions that exceed $13 billion built across market-rate, affordable housing, and selective self-storage investments. Adrian explains why Cyprus focuses on top MSAs and how co-GP partnerships have enabled disciplined expansion. You'll also hear about an affordable housing strategy, including low-income housing tax credit development and solving equity gaps in complex capital stacks. Adrian discusses how regulatory environments shape opportunity and how zoning changes, ADUs, and inclusionary housing are creating new paths forward. You can connect with Adrian at LinkedIn    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll hear about retail's changing landscape in this conversation with Liz Holland, CEO of Abbell Associates, and Amy Sands, partner and head of investments at 11 North Partners. They discuss post-COVID retail trends, including why open-air, grocery-anchored centers are thriving and how work-from-home and data-driven site selection are boosting rents and occupancy. You'll learn how consumer data can be used for acquisitions and the factors that can impact the value of a center. You'll also gain insights into merchandise mix, leasing relationships, and light- touch value-add. Liz and Amy share ways to break into commercial real estate and take on leadership roles. You can connect with Liz at her company website, and Amy on LinkedIn.   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to turn legacy buildings into modern, in-demand workplaces in this conversation with Craig Deitelzweig, President and CEO of Marx Realty, a vertically integrated, hospitality-driven owner-operator with more than 60 properties across 16 states. Craig explains why he believes the best office today feels more like a luxury hotel or favorite restaurant than a traditional tower, and how that strategy has led to full occupancy and strong rent growth. You'll hear about being hands-on as an owner, and how smart building tech and AI can improve operations. Craig shares how Marx focuses on building its culture, as well as staying highly selective and long-term in their acquisition strategy. You can connect with Craig at his company website.   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how to combine social impact with investing in this conversation with Ron Beit, Founding Partner and CEO of RBH Group. His firm is known for developing large-scale public- private partnerships that revitalize communities, including the acclaimed Teachers Village project in Newark, New Jersey. Ron shares how RBH structures complex financing for workforce housing, and how to use tools like tax-exempt bonds and Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) investments to create risk- managed, tax-advantaged returns. You'll hear how his team balances financial performance with placemaking, ensuring that developments serve local residents through education, engagement, and long-term community partnerships. You can connect with Ron at his company website.   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how ultra wealthy families allocate, vet, and structure deals in this conversation with Richard Wilson, founder and CEO of the Family Office Club. Since its start nearly two decades ago, the network has hosted more than 300events, published 13 books, and interviewed more than 40 billionaires and 60 pro athletes.   You'll hear where new wealth is being created and how real estate remains in the top three, along with ways that families are diversifying their portfolios. Richard also breaks down practical ways to raise capital, how his team uses AI to spot red flags, and questions to ask before meeting in person.   You can connect with Richard on LinkedIn   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll hear strategies to move the needle for brokers and investors in this episode with investment-sales icon Bob Knakal, founder of BK Real Estate Advisors, and coaching pioneer Rod Santomassimo, founder and president of The Massimo Group. They discuss strategies including accountability, specialization, market presence, and most importantly, relationships. You'll hear how Bob increased his income and gained family time after engaging with a coach, why exclusive brokers and maximum exposure create wins for sellers, and how AI is changing the real estate game. Rod and Bob also offer input on what to do next for investors and brokers, and the right mindset to have. You can connect with Bob at his website, and Rod at his company website.     You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about gaining an Insider's Edge in different markets and finding the right tenants in this conversation with Agustin Barrios Gomez, Founder and President of International Capital Partners. ICP has built a portfolio of nearly 90 properties across 15 U.S. markets by focusing on stable, cash-flowing industrial and suburban corporate office assets.   You'll hear how real estate serves as a tool for generational wealth through tangible, income-producing assets. Agustin discusses how ICP works with trusted local partners, leverages regional banks for debt, and structures each investment to align with both the fund and its operating partners.   You can connect with Agustin at his company website. You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about spotting smaller deals and aligning sponsors in this conversation with Steve DeNardo, President and CEO of River Oak Investment Corp. The firm pursues opportunistic and value-add asset purchases and operational opportunities on behalf of a diverse set of investors ranging from institutions to individuals.   You'll learn about raising fund versus deal-by-deal capital, and how trust is built through transparent reporting and consistent distributions. Steve shares lessons learned from investing in student housing, along with expanding from equity to high-yield debt as banks pulled back after Covid.   You can connect with Steve at his company website.   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

In this episode, You'll learn how major institutional developers navigate cycles in Episode 1 of Season 2.   Meg Brod, Senior Managing Director at Rockefeller Group, shares insight into Rockefeller's dual structure of core assets and development, and how the firm, backed by Mitsubishi Estate, balances independence with long-term strategy across different asset classes. You'll also hear how Meg approaches capital raising, market selection, and design strategy amid changing investor appetite and political uncertainty. She explains how to underwrite in volatile markets, manage risk during entitlement processes, and maintain a long-term focus, especially in complex regions. You can connect with Meg here on LinkedIn.    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll gain a data-driven view of U.S. investment sales in this market update with Eric Adeen, principal and senior director of US Investment Sales; Marion Jones, Principal and Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets; Joe French, Vice President of U.S. Capital Markets Group; and Mike Fay, Chairman of U.S. Capital Markets Group Executive Committee. You'll hear why 2025 marks a potential pivot point, with transaction volumes picking up, fundraising momentum returning, and REIT earnings projections revised upward. Capital is shifting as private buyers lead office acquisitions and opportunistic and value-add funds raise record levels. You'll also get an in-depth look at local market dynamics in Florida, where condo law changes, distressed citrus groves, and underperforming malls are creating unique buying opportunities. In Washington, D.C. there is transformation through data center growth, adaptive reuse, and federal property dispositions. You'll learn why market strategies are key for positioning in today's competitive environment.

In this Linedin Live Replay, You'll learn about market trends and broker insights in this conversation with co-hosts JackStone and Alex Gornik of No Cap by CRE Daily. They share the story behind CRE Daily's growth, their expansion into podcasting, and why connecting institutional players with rising talent has been so impactful. Dive into current market conditions across major U.S. cities, including New York, Dallas, and San Francisco. You'll learn why private buyers are dominating office deals, the role of end-user purchases, and trends in office-to-residential conversions. The conversation closes with practical insights on the broker–principal relationship, how collaboration and integrated databases give a competitive edge, and why transparency and relationships remain at the core of winning deals in today's real estate market. You can connect with Jack and Alex at their show No Cap by CRE Daily.    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn how affordable housing can create meaningful change in this episode with Robert Dunn, Managing Director at Fairstead. As an institutional and community partner, the firm oversees a national portfolio with in-house expertise in acquisitions, development, construction, property management, and community impact. You'll gain insight into how portfolio managers work with local governments, navigate compliance and financing challenges, and create improved environments for residents. Rob shares his journey from syndication to acquisitions to asset management, and why mastering operations can give you an Insider's Edge. You can connect with Robert at LinkedIn and on his company website   You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You'll learn about growing your presence and knowledge in this conversation with Marion Jones, Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets at Avison Young. James and Marion explain how thoughtful partnerships can help improve your client skills and ability to execute on deals.    You'll discover how your platform and learning environment play an important role in a successful career. From leveraging data and new tech to expanding your reach into new markets, James and Marion share examples of how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business. They also cover how constantly challenging yourself and looking to learn can lead to better client outcomes.     You can connect with Marion at LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariontjones/) and at the Avison Young website.    You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson

You will learn about making a community impact in this conversation with David Brause, president of Brause Realty Inc., a third-generation real estate business founded in 1927. With a long-term focus on value creation, the company prides itself in preserving the historic character of 20th century buildings while integrating modern technology to revitalize interiors.     You'll gain insights into the history and development of the Young Men's/Women's Real Estate Association in New York, an organization which both David and James have been involved in and have served as former chairman. In addition, David and James have spent time on the Real Estate Board of New York's Board of Governors. David is chairman on the Long Island City Business Improvement District and on the Board for Union Square Partnership, and continually looks for ways to support both real estate and the city.     You can connect with David at his company's website (https://www.brauserealty.com).     You can connect with me at: My website: JamesNelson.com LinkedIn: JamesNelsonNYC Instagram: JamesNelsonNYC Twitter: JamesNelsonNYC My Forbes.com articles: Forbes.com/sites/jamesnelson