DiscoverThe Insider's Edge To Real Estate Investing
The Insider's Edge To Real Estate Investing
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The Insider's Edge To Real Estate Investing

Author: James Nelson

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You'll learn how to get started and level up in real estate investing on "The Insider's Edge to Real Estate Investing."

Hosted by James Nelson, Principal and Head of Avison Young's Tri-State Investment Sales Group in New York City, the show features legends in the business and industry experts who share their experiences and advice.
Nelson is also a WSJ bestselling author and investor with a 25-year career, during which he has sold more than 500 properties and loans totaling over $5 billion.
His accolades include being named the #1 broker at Avison Young globally, a Commercial Observer's Power 100, a CoStar's Power Broker, and a REBNY Deal of the Year award winner.

Join the audience and follow along to gain insight into every step of the process, from building partnerships and spotting opportunities to repositioning and making smart investment decisions.
246 Episodes
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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 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
You will learn about transitioning from brokerage to investing in this conversation with Stephen Palmese, CEO of Integritas Capital, a private equity platform specializing in real estate and credit investments. With a career spanning decades, Stephen shares how his experience as a leading broker in Brooklyn laid the foundation for his success as an investor.   You'll hear how leveraging market insights, establishing credibility, and building trust can be key when investing. Stephen also delves into his firm's focus on opportunistic investments and credit strategies, along with the value of showing up and maintaining consistency.   You can connect with Stephen 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 about generating outsized value by investing in underappreciated properties in this episode with Brian Ker, Founder and President of Snowball Developments, and Scott Sambade, Head of Capital Markets at Snowball. The company was created to acquire under-utilized and under-invested properties in the Greater NYC urbanized region with the opportunity for immediate renovations and long-term development potential.    You'll hear how their involvement with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) has been beneficial for mentorship, networking, and growing trusted relationships. Brian and Scott walk you through how Snowball finances deals, communicates with more than 100 investors, and maintains institutional discipline while preserving the agility of a private operator.    You can connect with Brian and Scott at their company website.    You can connect with me 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 entrepreneurship and building a long-term real estate business in this conversation with Jordan Vogel, co-founder of Benchmark Real Estate Group. Since its launch in 2009, Benchmark has specialized in purchasing existing multifamily and retail mixed-use assets in targeted U.S. East Coast markets including New York, Florida, Georgia, and Connecticut.     You'll hear about risk-taking and raising capital, along with insights into contrarian investing and navigating regulatory environments like rent stabilization laws in New York. Jordan discusses ways to create a track of record and how to present properties to investors as opportunities for them.    You can connect with Jordan at his company website and LinkedIn You can connect with me 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 the value of in-depth knowledge and market insight in this episode with Matthew Adell, founder and owner of Adellco, a New York real estate company which covers the entire spectrum of developments, redevelopments, conversions and zoning. The company has developed or redeveloped 1.9 square million feet and rezoned 6 million square feet.    You'll hear about working with investors and following global trends, along with the factors that are involved with rezoning projects. Matthew explains the differences between ground-up development and conversion projects, and how he forecasts supply, demand, and pricing years in advance based on market cycles and data.    You can connect with Matthew at his company website and LinkedIn.   You can connect with me 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 how to build a real estate firm from the ground up in this conversation with Greg Fournier, Managing Principal of Greenbrook Partners, a privately-held, vertically integrated real estate operating company that maximizes value by instituting best-in-class management and redeveloping properties. Greg shares his pivot from being a NASDAQ trader to getting involved in real estate and making an entrepreneurial leap.   You'll hear about following an investment strategy and different ways to raise funds. Greg shares insight into starting hands-on and building a 150-person operation with institutional partners, along with keeping a long-term perspective to real estate investments.   You can connect with Greg at his company website (https://www.greenbrookre.com/ ). You can connect with me 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 understanding data and market cycles in this conversation with Lonnie Hendry, Chief Product Officer at Trepp and host of the TreppWire podcast. Trepp is the leading provider of data, insights, and technology solutions to the structured finance, commercial real estate, and banking markets. You'll hear why following macroeconomic movements can help you make informed decisions in your local market.     You can uplevel your real estate knowledge at Trepp Connect (in NYC), an in-person conference in Rockefeller Center, May 13-15, 2025. It is designed to connect commercial real estate (CRE) and lending professionals with industry peers, market news with trusted Trepp data, and industry narratives with insights from top experts. Use the discount code nelsontrepp2025 at checkout for $200 off your ticket!   You can connect with Lonnie through his podcast (https://www.trepp.com/the-treppwire-podcast/hosts/lonnie-hendry) and at the Trepp Connect event (https://www.trepp.com/trepp-connect-in-nyc-2025).   You can connect with me 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 holding property for the long-term in this conversation with Jason Muss, President of Muss Development, a family real estate firm founded in 1906. The company evolved from single-family homes to building more than 15 million square feet of commercial, residential, industrial, and retail space. You'll gain insight into conservative financing and the importance of strong tenant relationships and stable management. Jason also shares strategies for partnering with like-minded investors and how to vet potential collaborators. You can connect with Jason at the company website and LinkedIn.   You can connect with me 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 will learn how to take your investment sales career to the next level in this conversation with Marion Jones, Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets at Avison Young. Marion shares her own career pivot from working at a large institutional firm to joining a smaller shop where she could grow her book of business. You'll learn the value of identifying the right platform, specializing in an asset class, building a team, and scheduling your time. Marion and James also discuss the importance of relationships and taking a long-term approach. You can connect with Marion at LinkedIn  and at the Avison Young website.  You can connect with me 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    
  In this Episode, you'll learn how to collaborate with others in real estate and learn at every step in this interview with Adam Altman. Adam is the founder and managing member of KABR, which is a vertically integrated private equity real estate firm responsible for the investment, development, and management of real estate. The portfolio includes commercial, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, and development assets. In his role, Adam is instrumental in fundraising, structuring JV partnerships, and sourcing and acquiring real estate property and debt. Adam has participated in transactions totaling approximately 6 million square feet of commercial properties, along with thousands of residential units, hotels, and new development land with over 6,000 units of entitlements.  Prior to joining KABR, Adam focused on acquisitions, development, management and disposition of real estate for a multi-billion-dollar healthcare company. He has also worked with the private wealth team at Deutsche Bank and as a portfolio manager and analyst at Chestnut Ridge Capital. In addition, Adam founded and sold Freshpair.com, an ecommerce company. Adam was intrigued with real estate from early on, as he walked blocks and neighborhoods while studying at NYU. After college, he went to other ventures, including Wall Street, his own internet company, and a family office, and eventually turned again to real estate. Along the way he learned valuable lessons, such as how to put capital together and the emphasis on personal relationships in real estate. He applied these to his later efforts with his partner at KABR. Today Adam's firm focuses on the geographical areas of the New York metro area and the Southeastern region of the U.S. Looking back on his track record, he says, "Being able to trust someone is almost more important than anything else. It doesn't guarantee outcomes, but it does guarantee alignment." He also emphasizes the value of teamwork, saying, "It's about collaborating and making it interesting."   For beginning investors, Adam shares the importance of looking for ways to be helpful. Part of his success was built on his willingness to reach out and share information with others without expecting anything in return. "If you love real estate, the best way to do something is to go and do it," he says. You can connect with Adam at his website KABR Group. 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 will learn how to break into investment sales brokerage, develop key relationships, and build a successful career in this conversation with Marion Jones, Executive Managing Director of U.S. Capital Markets at Avison Young. Marion shares her journey from starting at CBRE in the debt and equity side to working with industry legends and taking on leadership roles.    You'll hear about the importance of networking, how to land your first job, and what strategies can help you transition and grow during your career. James and Marion also discuss the mindset that supports long-term success, including being proactive, detail-oriented, and continuously learning.  You can connect with Marion at LinkedIn  and at the Avison Young website. 
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