• Deal Review: Andy Weiner from Rockstep Capital & the Retail Rebound
    Jul 29 2025
    How should LPs evaluate retail real estate deals, especially when the strategy involves stabilized shopping centers and low leverage? In this episode, Paul Shannon is joined by Andy Weiner of RockStep Capital to walk through a real-life deal and answer questions from a panel of passive investors including expert LPs Pascal Wagner and Adam Cranmer. Andy lays out his firm’s “hometown market” strategy, targeting power centers and neighborhood retail with national tenants in overlooked metros. He breaks down the underwriting, loan structure, and business plan behind a recently acquired asset and why retail investors should pay close attention to tenant quality, lease structures, and local relationships. Our LP panel gets details on deal terms, downside protection, and risk-adjusted return, offering a front-row seat to the kind of conversation you should be having before wiring your funds. Key Takeaways: How RockStep finds and underwrites stabilized shopping centers Why the team favors open-air retail over enclosed malls What lease terms and tenant types reduce risk How “hometown markets” create pricing advantages The role of low leverage and longer-term debt in today’s market When retail outperforms industrial and multifamily How to evaluate sponsor experience and alignment What passive investors should ask before funding a retail deal Disclaimer: The comments, views, opinions and any forecasts of future events, returns or results expressed in this episode reflect the opinions of the given host or participants (including the personal opinions of PassivePockets employees or contractors, as applicable), are subject to change without notice, do not reflect the views of PassivePockets or its affiliates, may not reflect actual investment results, are not guarantees of future events, returns or results and are not intended to provide financial planning, investment advice, legal advice or tax advice. The accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information discussed in this podcast, including any comments, views, opinions, forecasts, graphs, charts, ratings, reviews, videos, and other audio and/or visual aids cannot be guaranteed, are not reviewed by PassivePockets, are provided for informational purposes only, and should not be solely relied upon in making an investment decision. PassivePockets receives compensation from sponsors in exchange for profiling sponsors and/or their sponsored deals in this episode; however, such paid advertisements shall not be construed as an endorsement, testimonial, or recommendation by PassivePockets to invest in any sponsor, investment strategy or investment opportunity. Investing in real estate is inherently risky and suitable only for sophisticated and qualified investors. Prospective investors should consult with their own investment advisors, financial advisors, and tax advisors, as applicable, in connection with any decision to invest.
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    1 Std. und 10 Min.
  • Scott Trench on FIRE, Flow, and Why He Prefers Real Estate Over Stocks and Syndications
    Jul 22 2025
    What’s better: FIRE or “flow”? Owning rentals or investing in syndications? Jim Pfeifer and Scott Trench (former CEO of BiggerPockets) go head-to-head in a friendly but fiery debate about cash flow, control, diversification, and what financial freedom really looks like. Scott explains why, even as a FIRE advocate, he can’t bring himself to follow the traditional 4% withdrawal rule—and why most retirees don’t either. He shares the logic behind his personal portfolio strategy, which includes mostly unlevered Denver real estate, plus a small allocation to syndications and debt funds. Jim brings a counterpoint: for investors who aren’t handy or don’t want to actively manage properties, passive syndications can offer better risk-adjusted returns and geographic diversification. Together, they explore how goals, personality, and life stage shape the right mix between active and passive investing. If you’ve ever struggled to decide between owning properties or being a limited partner, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Why most FIRE adherents don’t actually draw down their portfolios The psychological and practical barriers to decumulation What makes real estate cash flow feel “spendable” vs. stock dividends Why Scott prefers unlevered rentals in Denver When syndications make sense—even for hands-on investors The power of credit/debt funds (especially inside an IRA) The risks of concentration vs. the benefits of control How your skills, lifestyle, and market shape your investing strategy Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
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    55 Min.
  • Brian Burke’s Bold Shift: From Multifamily to Assisted Living Investing
    Jul 15 2025
    What happens when a well-known multifamily operator shifts focus to a completely different asset class? In this episode, Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon are joined by real estate investor and Praxis Capital founder Brian Burke to explore his pivot into assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. Brian shares why he's stepped away from multifamily, for now, and what signals led him to target the senior housing sector. He explains why this niche is coming out of a bottom, how it differs from traditional real estate, and what makes triple-net lease investments in this space both stable and lucrative. The discussion covers risk, underwriting operators, HUD financing, and exit strategies, offering passive investors a crash course in how to assess and potentially capitalize on a misunderstood asset class. Key Takeaways: Why Brian Burke is “done with multifamily for now” What made assisted living a timely pivot How triple-net lease structures reduce landlord risk The importance of operator selection and lease coverage How HUD financing boosts returns and mitigates risk Exit strategies ranging from lease buybacks to portfolio sales Where this strategy fits on the broader risk spectrum What passive investors should ask before investing in senior housing Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
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    47 Min.
  • The Capital Stack Is Cracking: Eric Sussman on What LPs Need to Know
    Jul 8 2025
    What do experienced real estate investors do when deals don’t pencil, the capital stack is shifting, and the data feels contradictory? In this episode, Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon are joined by real estate investor, CPA, and UCLA professor Eric Sussman to explore how sophisticated LPs should think about today's economic signals, capital markets, and sponsor behavior. Eric brings decades of experience across syndications, private equity, and academia to this conversation. He dives into how inflation data, rate policy, and lending trends are impacting both sponsors and investors and why understanding the real risk lies beyond cap rates and projected IRRs. The hosts and Eric discuss debt mismatches, how institutional players are positioning, and why trust and underwriting discipline matter more than ever. Plus, Eric shares his candid take on why some deals should fail and why that’s ultimately healthy for the market. Key Takeaways How to interpret mixed signals in the real estate and macroeconomic data Why sponsors are struggling to refinance and recapitalize The impact of capital stack misalignment on passive investors Why some LPs aren’t getting paid—even when the deal is “performing” What Eric looks for in a sponsor beyond the deck How institutional players are preparing for distress Why a wave of failed deals could actually benefit long-term investors Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
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    44 Min.
  • Active vs. Passive Real Estate: Chris Lopez’s Strategy in 2025
    Jul 1 2025
    Join the Active to Passive Cohort (Starts July 28): https://get.biggerpockets.com/active-to-passive-investing/ Passive Pockets members save $100! Find your promo code here: https://passivepockets.com/forums-listing/discussion/5-week-cohort-starts-7-28-active-to-passive-portfolio-transformation-cohort/ Contact Chris Lopez: chrislopez@biggerpockets.com Is your real estate portfolio truly aligned with your goals or is it just what you've accumulated over time? Chris Lopez, investor, educator, and founder of the Active to Passive cohort, joins Passive Pockets to share why he pivoted away from being a hands-on landlord and how he's helping others rethink their equity, their time, and their strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate return on equity versus return on investment, what it means to “optimize” your portfolio in today’s market, and when selling, refinancing, or simply holding might be the smartest move. Chris also shares his step-by-step framework for running an annual diagnostic on your portfolio and how to use that analysis to decide if a shift toward passive investing makes sense. Plus, stick around as Chris breaks down the five pillars of passive investing diversification and offers a sneak peek into his upcoming July cohort for experienced landlords exploring a hands-off path forward. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast. Why Chris sold off half his Denver portfolio despite great returns The difference between return on investment and return on equity How to run an annual “portfolio diagnostic” to evaluate performance When a 1031 exchange might not be the most efficient move How to diversify across operators, strategies, markets, and capital stack The mental shift required to give up control—but gain peace of mind What Chris’s Active to Passive cohort includes, and who it’s for
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    45 Min.
  • Dig In or Delete | Are Sponsors Overpromising Again?
    Jun 24 2025
    Real estate deal flow is back but is it better? With inboxes full of syndications boasting high returns and “rare” opportunities, passive investors are under more pressure than ever to separate substance from spin. In this episode of Dig In or Delete, Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon return to scrutinize real deals sent straight to their inboxes, highlighting red flags, potential gems, and everything in between. From a 9-unit Seattle multifamily deal with fuzzy cap rate math to a BJ’s Brewhouse ground lease next to a dying mall, Jim and Paul weigh in on market dynamics, underwriting red flags, and sponsor credibility. You’ll hear honest, in-the-moment reactions to deals in Dallas, San Antonio, Louisiana, and more, including a ground-up development next to a new minor league baseball stadium. No hypotheticals. No softballs. Just seasoned investors making real-time calls on actual opportunities. Plus, stick around as Jim and Paul reveal which marketing tactics instantly make them hit “delete” and which details get them to take a second look. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast. Takeaways: Why cap rate discrepancies can be a dealbreaker The risk of “one-restaurant” triple net leases When development next to a baseball stadium might make sense How aggressive return projections can backfire in a pitch The red flags that come with blind pool funds and asset class hopping Why local insight trumps national data in real estate investing What to ask when a sponsor promises high returns on a stabilized deal
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    45 Min.
  • Mobile Home Parks 2025: Value, Risk, and the End of Easy Returns
    Jun 17 2025
    Investing in mobile home parks can rebuild your real estate empire efficiently after economic setbacks. How do you navigate this sector to ensure sustainable growth and returns? Kevin Bupp, a seasoned investor with a wealth of experience in various real estate asset classes, shares his journey and insights into this unique investment space. In this episode, you’ll learn the intricacies of mobile home park investments, from understanding market dynamics to overcoming infrastructure challenges. The conversation dives into the evolution of this sector, highlighting both increased lending opportunities and rising competition. Thinking of affordable housing as a solution for your real estate portfolio? You won't want to miss Kevin's strategic approach. Plus, stick around as Kevin spills secrets on creative ways to enhance value in mobile home parks and teases insights into the often-overlooked world of parking lot investments. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast. Kevin's transition from single-family homes to mobile home parks post-2008 The impact of lending and market competition on mobile home park investments Infrastructure challenges and how to navigate them effectively The role of property management in optimizing park operations Exploring the parallel between mobile home parks and parking lots as viable investment sectors Understanding dynamic pricing and technology enhancements in parking management Kevin's insights on dealing with private utilities and community management
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    46 Min.
  • Turn Taxes into Wealth: Roth Conversion Strategies for Investors
    Jun 10 2025
    What if you could pay taxes on a smaller amount while investing in the same deals—and then watch your money grow tax-free for decades? In this episode, we explore a little-known strategy that allows investors to convert traditional retirement accounts to Roth at a discount, even when those funds are tied up in illiquid syndications. Today, we’re joined by John Bowens, a self-directed retirement expert from Equity Trust, to walk us through the “discount conversion” strategy and other advanced tax planning tools for passive investors. John explains how real estate syndications, solo 401(k)s, and Roth conversions can work together to help you minimize taxes, create tax-free income, and even build legacy wealth for future generations. If you’re holding pre-tax retirement funds, investing in private real estate, or just tired of giving up a chunk of your gains to the IRS, this episode breaks down the tax code strategies that smart LPs are using to protect and grow their wealth. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast. In This Episode We Cover The basics of Roth conversions and how they apply to self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s The “discount conversion” strategy and how investors are saving thousands in taxes How to convert illiquid syndication investments without selling Key differences between traditional IRAs, solo 401(k)s, and checkbook-controlled accounts When Roth conversions make sense and how to model out your tax impact And So Much More!
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    42 Min.