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Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with Faraz Cheema, SIOR, CCIM, a Manhattan office specialist at BKREA, to unpack what it really means to understand commercial real estate from the inside out. Faraz shares his journey from growing up around a family office to working as a financial analyst and asset manager, and how that foundation shapes the way he approaches brokerage today. With deep experience across hospitality, retail, multifamily, and now office, Faraz explains why investors value advisors who truly understand the numbers, operations, and long-term strategy behind every deal. The conversation dives into the realities of the Manhattan office market, how capital thinks in today’s environment, and why credibility is built through experience, not just transactions.  Episode Highlights 01:00 – Welcome to Weiss Advice and Faraz’s return to the conversation after a social media hiatus02:15 – Faraz’s background in commercial real estate and growing up in a family office environment04:30 – Limited-service hospitality explained and early exposure to real asset operations07:45 – Transitioning from analyst and asset manager to brokerage12:30 – How investment experience changes the way brokers add value18:10 – Insights into the Manhattan office market and current investor mindset24:00 – Why designations like SIOR and CCIM matter in complex transactions28:40 – Lessons learned from managing, owning, and now advising on real estateThis episode is a must-listen for investors, operators, and brokers who want a clearer picture of how experience across ownership, analysis, and brokerage creates better outcomes in commercial real estate. Connect with Faraz https://www.linkedin.com/in/farazcheemacre/ https://x.com/FarazUCheemaCRE https://www.instagram.com/faraz.cheema.cre/ Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with real estate investor and broker Christina Kovacs to unpack her full journey through residential flips, short-term rentals, multifamily ownership, and asset management at scale. Christina shares how getting her hands dirty early in her career shaped her as an operator, why she ultimately pivoted away from single-asset investing, and the lessons she learned the hard way about property management, partner selection, and staying focused in one lane. They also dive into tenant management, underwriting realities in Class C assets, the power of LinkedIn as a business tool, and why Christina is now doubling down on multifamily and commercial brokerage heading into 2026. This is a must-listen for investors who want real, operator-level insight into what actually drives performance in multifamily deals. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:01:30 – Christina’s early real estate journey and live-in flips 03:30 – Pivoting from single-family and STRs into multifamily 06:45 – Joint ventures vs syndications and building confidence as an operator 07:50 – Why property management can destroy a great deal 09:00 – The 42-question property manager vetting process 11:00 – Auditing ledgers, hidden expense creep, and CapEx tracking 16:15 – Tenant horror stories and inherited problems after acquisition 18:45 – Managing delinquency and underwriting reality in Class C assets 20:00 – How LinkedIn became a powerful networking and deal-making tool 22:20 – The “Final Four” questions: books, skills, failure, and success 26:30 – Transitioning into commercial real estate brokerage 28:15 – What success truly means to Christina today 🔑 Key Topics Covered Scaling from hands-on investing to multifamily operationsProperty management due diligence and accountabilityAsset management systems that protect investor returnsAvoiding shiny object syndromeLeveraging LinkedIn for real business growthBuilding a long-term, focused investment strategy🌐 Connect with Christina Learn more and connect with Christina at ChristinaKovacs.com  www.linkedin.com/in/kovacsmultifamily facebook.com/christinakovacs8 instagram.com/christina_kovacs Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with Gabe Einhorn, a 23-year-old entrepreneur building at the intersection of real estate, technology, and faith. Gabe shares his journey from capital markets into founding VryfID, a renter-first real estate tech platform designed to securely store and verify sensitive rental documents—solving one of the biggest pain points in competitive rental markets like New York City. With no prior tech background, Gabe breaks down how he assembled a team, learned the space, and turned a real-world problem into a scalable startup. The conversation also dives deep into Gabe’s faith-based clothing brand Prays, and the viral street interviews that unexpectedly transformed his confidence, personal growth, and connection to God. Gabe explains why he chose to speak openly about faith in professional spaces where it’s often discouraged—and how doing so has opened doors instead of closing them. Finally, Gabe reflects on entrepreneurship, cold calling, personal discipline, and what success truly means at an early stage of life and business. ⏱️ Key Timestamps 00:00 – 02:10 | Gabe’s background: capital markets, real estate finance & early career02:50 – 06:00 | Launching Prays: faith, clothing, and viral street interviews07:30 – 09:55 | Overcoming fear, confidence growth & approaching high-profile figures10:50 – 14:00 | The problem with NYC rentals & the idea behind VryfID14:00 – 17:30 | Renter fraud, document verification & landlord buy-in18:45 – 20:10 | Balancing a startup with brokerage work & long-term vision24:50 – 30:30 | Final Four questions: books, skills, success & mindset 🔗 Connect with Gabe Social: Gabe Einhorn (all major platforms)linkedin.com/in/gabe-einhorn-55b74822b  https://www.instagram.com/praysstudios/  Faith Brand: Prays / Pray StudiosReal Estate Tech: VryfID (VerifyID)Support the show

Send us a text What if the greatest investment you could make isn't in real estate, stocks, or even private credit—but in yourself? Dave Wolcott, former Marine officer turned alternative investment expert, shares how studying millionaires and billionaires led him to discover a holistic approach to wealth that goes far beyond your bank account. In this episode, Dave breaks down private credit (the hard money lending of the business world), explains why he focuses on just three asset classes, and reveals how investors are achieving 20%+ returns by cutting out the middlemen. [00:00 - 05:30] From Marines to Triplets: The Wake-Up Call Served as an officer in the Marine Corps, traveled the world including IsraelHad triplets in 2000, quadrupling his family size overnight with an 18-month-old at home [05:31 - 09:25] The Six Forms of Capital: Beyond Financial Wealth The greatest investment is in yourself—not just the next dealDefines holistic wealth across six dimensions: financial, intellectual, spiritual, human, emotional, and social capital [09:26 - 15:05] Private Credit Explained: The Business World's Hard Money Lending Banks are tightening regulations, creating gaps in funding for growing small businessesPrivate credit fills the need for fast capital—think roofing companies with 3 years of backlogged work after hurricanes [15:06 - 20:05] How to Access Institutional-Quality Returns Pooling investor capital through a fund model to bring $10M+ to sponsorsGets the same terms as major institutions by working directly with sponsors (no middlemen) [20:06 - 25:10] The Three-Asset Strategy: Real Estate, Energy, and Private Credit Ultra-wealthy get really good at 1-3 asset classes for best due diligence and deal flow [25:11 - 31:00] Time Is the Real Asset Questions the accumulation theory: why defer taxes in a 401(k) when taxes will likely increase? [31:01 - 33:05] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Dave: Website: https://holisticwealthstrategy.com (free book download) Podcast: Wealth Strategy Secrets of the Ultra Wealthy LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Support the show

Send us a text What if the key to successful multifamily investing isn't just about the numbers—but about the people living in your properties? Joe Rinderknecht, the cowboy-hat-wearing founder of Cowboy Capital, shares his unconventional path from shoveling manure on a Utah ranch to operating over 1,000 multifamily units.  [01:40 - 06:15] From Ranch to Real Estate: Building on Grit Grew up ranching and breaking horses in northern Utah—learned that your word is your bondFather left the ranch for construction and cabinet making, taught Joe everything from concrete to framing[06:40 - 10:10] Trial by Fire: The 80-Unit Section 42 Property Asked for a property management job with zero experience—got thrown into an 80-unit low-income housing propertyProperty had no manager for two weeks, with sky-high delinquency, vacancy, crime, drugs, and cockroaches [10:11 - 15:20] The Path to Becoming a Sponsor Never planned to stay in property management long-term—goal was always to learn and move onAdmits being "unemployable" with a resume showing 6-8 month stints at various companies [16:35 - 23:35] Impact Investing: Making Every Dollar Matter Lost his brother (age 20) and grandmother in a 2013 car accident—nearly died himselfProvides four types of support: capital, food, construction/home modifications, and mindset coaching[23:36 - 26:40] Why Treating Tenants Well Is Good Business Questions how slumlords succeed when they don't care about people's livesWhen tenants feel like a unit is their home, turnover drops, repairs decrease, delinquency falls[26:41 - 32:00] Rapid Growth and What's Next Bought 4 deals (419 units) since September 2024, currently under contract on 117 more unitsBelieves there's a great buying opportunity in the next 10-24 months[26:45 - 32:55] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Joe:  Website: https://cowboycapital.us Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Joe Rinderknecht Instagram: @joe_rinder LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Key Quote: "If you can get a tenant to feel like their unit is their home, your turno Support the show

Send us a text Sometimes the best business decision is knowing when to let go. Amy Calandrino, founder of a commercial real estate brokerage, shares her journey from hammering in her own signs during the 2010 recession to building a team of nearly 10 advisors—and why she ultimately chose to close her firm to join Cushman & Wakefield. In this episode, Amy reveals the hidden costs of entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning your work with your values, and how she's redirecting her energy toward meaningful impact through her family foundation's financial literacy programs. [01:05 - 04:10] From Vermont to Orlando: Building a Career on Grit Started working full-time at age 13 and put herself through college debt-freeWorked alongside her husband in a law office where she learned about commercial real estate[04:25 - 07:20] The Hidden Costs of Running a Brokerage Founded her brokerage in 2010 during the economic downturn with a shoestring budgetGrew from solo founder to nearly 10 advisors by 2022[07:21 - 11:45] Making the Leap: Consulting the Best in the Business Sought advice from industry leaders Sarah Malcolm, Allison Weiss, and Beth AzorRealized she could still be an entrepreneur without owning a brokerage[11:46 - 19:30] The Three-Month Transition and Its Unexpected Lessons Spent 90 days transitioning clients and wrapping up her brokerageExperienced grief despite making the right decision[19:31 - 27:15] Redirecting Energy: The Aspiring Entrepreneur Program Founded a family foundation with her husband to give back to the communityCreated an entrepreneurship program for elementary school students[27:20 - 31:50] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Amy:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycalandrino/ Email: [email protected] Book: "From Perfect to Real" (available on Amazon) LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quote: "Success to me is serving my clients in the best way possible and knowing each and every day that I've put forth the most amount of effort that I can. I never want to p Support the show

Send us a text What happens when a tech executive discovers she can beat her financial advisor's returns by 5%? Divya Smith, founder of Ascending Avenue, shares her journey from 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership to managing $300M+ in multifamily assets while helping others achieve financial freedom without sacrificing family time. [00:00 - 07:00] From Corporate Technology to Real Estate Investing 20+ years in technology leadership and executive roles at Fortune 500 companiesThe unsettling realization that financial advisors didn't know as much as expectedTesting her investment skills: 19% returns vs advisor's 14% (minus fees)How a LinkedIn connection who quit corporate for real estate sparked the transition [07:01 - 14:00] Learning from Single Family Rental Mistakes Managing one property with 5 tenants over 15 years - including police visits and drug issuesBeing $600 below market rent due to discomfort raising prices on struggling families [14:01 - 20:00] Building a Different Kind of Real Estate Business Currently managing 3 investments per year (down from 4 to avoid burnout)The importance of in-house property management and construction teamsCreating community through quarterly events: pizza parties, Halloween celebrations, Easter huntsWhy Class B multifamily became the sweet spot for investments [20:01 - 29:00] Final Four & The Real Goal of Financial Freedom Worst job: Asking for $9M in leftover funds for community initiatives - and being deniedParadigm-shifting book: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (re-read annually)Skill to learn: Guitar (gifted 2 years ago, still waiting to be played)Success definition: Helping others define their own success and touching 10,000 lives through career coaching Connect with Divya: Website: https://www.ascendingavenue.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyasmith/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investwithdivya LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Key Quote: "The goal is not to quit your job. The goal is to do what you love to do." - Divya Smith Support the show

Send us a text What happens when a Hollywood producer trades movie sets for multifamily properties? Michael Jacobs, founder of Mar Vista Entertainment (sold to Fox Studios), shares his transition from 25 years in entertainment to building a vertically integrated real estate empire in Pittsburgh.  [00:01 - 08:05] From Hollywood Producer to Real Estate Investor Built Mar Vista Entertainment from a 2003 business plan to Fox Studios acquisitionSpecialized in $5M-and-under movie production for Netflix, Disney Channel, LifetimeThe decision to transition away from Hollywood's demanding travel scheduleStarted with three duplexes to test the rental market in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill[08:06 - 15:40] Building a Vertically Integrated Real Estate Business How frustration with general contractors led to building an in-house construction teamThe challenge of 100-year-old infrastructure: cast iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiringExpanding from rental properties to becoming one of Pittsburgh's premier design-build firmsWhy complete gut renovations became the standard approach for old housing stock[15:41 - 22:10] The "Singles and Doubles" Business Philosophy Why avoiding the pressure for home runs and grand slams builds sustainable businessesThe danger of social media hype and "get rich quick" mentalitiesHow to test, measure, and scale gradually while watching the numbersBalancing tenant satisfaction with property upgrades to reduce turnover[22:11 - 28:40] Final Four & Building for the Future Worst job: Cleaning motel rooms for $6/hour time-and-a-half on SundaysParadigm-shifting book: "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan MartellSkill to learn: Guitar (joining the ranks of aspiring musical entrepreneurs)Success definition: Providing for family and keeping nine children and two grandchildren happyConnect with Michael: Website: https://marvistadb.com LinkedIn: Michael Jacobs  LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: "The numbers drive everything at the end of the day. " - Michael Jacobs Support the show

Send us a text  What does it take to gain the trust of investors and build a business that thrives in such a relationship-driven industry? In this episode of Weiss Advice, Yonah speaks with Julia Anderson, founder of Capital Catalyst and fractional CMO, who shares her journey from managing restaurants to becoming a marketing leader in real estate syndication. Julia explains how her early hands-on business experience prepared her to help capital raisers build credibility, manage marketing systems, and create authentic connections with investors. She also discusses the pitfalls she sees when working with new clients, the importance of CRM systems, and why personal branding often outweighs company branding when raising capital.  [00:01 - 07:30] From Restaurants to Real EstateKey Takeaways: How Julia transitioned from restaurant operations to real estate marketing.Why her early leadership roles shaped her confidence and skillset.The importance of seeing opportunity in unexpected industries.[07:31 - 14:00] Thrown Into the World of Multifamily What Julia learned at her first Best Ever Conference.How she began to understand multifamily syndication from the ground up.The significance of asking questions and staying curious in new industries.[14:01 - 21:30] Marketing Pitfalls and CRM Challenges Why CRMs often fail without proper customization.How messaging clarity impacts investor trust and action.The need to tailor marketing systems to both the business and its audience.[21:31 - 28:30] The Power of Personal Branding Why investors follow people, not just brands.How authenticity and storytelling build trust.What the significance of consistency is in social media and content creation.[28:31 - 34:47] Always Be Raising: Building Long-Term Systems Why raising capital isn’t an overnight process.How the right systems create sustainable investor relationships.The importance of preparation before a deal is on the table. Connect with Julia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersonjulia/ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the platforms below: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: “People follow a person. They don't follow a brand… So they need to know who you are as a person.” - Julia Anderson “The systems and the processes you build in a solid marketing foundation are what keep you from ever needing to scramble to raise c Support the show

Send us a text What does it take to go from cash-advancing a credit card to building a vertically integrated, multi-state real estate empire? In this episode, Chris Hanson, the CEO and Founder of Hanson Capital Group, opens up about his real estate journey—from stumbling into trustee sales during the Great Recession to becoming a powerhouse in industrial real estate. He unpacks the lessons learned from losing deals, shutting down businesses, and redefining success beyond financial gains. He also reveals why small bay industrial is his top pick for 2025 and how he structures deals with a long-term vision and value creation in mind.  [00:01 - 07:00] A Credit Card and a Craigslist Hustle Why starting small can lead to scalable success.The importance of offering value in a crowded market How service-based business models can sustain early investing mistakes.[07:20 - 14:24] When Apartments Clicked The significance of income-producing assets versus speculative flips.What can be learned from buying below market in a recession.The importance of persistence through uncertainty and fear.[14:25 - 21:41] Discovering Industrial: The Quiet Goldmine How triple net leases create stable, low-maintenance income streams.Why a 7-cap with a 4% cost of debt made more sense than chasing overheated multifamily deals.The need to adapt strategy based on macroeconomic shifts, not legacy bias.[21:42 - 28:19] Small Bay, Big Opportunity Why small bay industrial properties are in short supply and high demand.The significance of assembling smaller assets into institutional-grade portfolios.How last-mile logistics and population growth fuel tenant demand.[28:20 - 37:49] Negotiating with Purpose & Redefining Success How Chris applies high-level negotiation strategies to real estate deals.The importance of shifting from player to coach in leadership.Why success is now defined by impact, not income. Connect with Chris: Website: https://x.com/HansonCapital Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carl.san12 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishansonre/ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the platforms below: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: "Success comes from... the ability to help others improve their situation." - Chris Hanson "If somebody else just lost $600K, I could lose the $70K... I hope I can figure this out." - Chris Hanson Support the show

Send us a text Can one focused year of lead generation change your entire real estate career? In this episode, Carl SanFilippo, real estate broker, investor, and founder of a top-ranked RE/MAX franchise in New Jersey, shares how he went from a “dream job” he hated to building multiple businesses by mastering lead generation, distressed property niches, and scaling through smart investing. He dives into the transition from agent to investor, the power of REOs and short sales, and why patience and consistency matter more than flashy marketing. Carl also explains how he helps his agents build their long-term wealth through real estate investing. [00:01 - 07:35] The Sliding Door Moment Why Carl left his stable job to pursue real estate with zero clients or cashHow he used a 0% credit card to survive his first yearThe importance of treating real estate like a full-time job from day one[07:36 - 14:58] Building a Niche in Distressed Properties How Carl built his business by targeting distressed property leadsThe significance of learning lead generation techniques that scaleWhy having a clear niche helps agents stand out in a crowded market[14:59 - 21:14] From Realtor to Investor What mindset shift helped Carl transition from flipping to holdingWhy buying even one property can become a wealth-building strategyThe importance of scale in reducing investment risk[21:15 - 28:00] Coaching Agents to Think Like Investors Why Carl pushes agents to invest in real estateHow being a real estate professional creates tax advantagesWhat agents need to understand about marketing and data targeting[28:01 - 35:38] Data-Driven Growth & Expanding Into Commercial How Carl uses data to identify seller avatars and off-market dealsWhat he looks for in a commercial property investmentThe importance of reputation and networking in deal flow Connect with Carl: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carl.san12 LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/carlsanfilippo/reels/ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the platforms below: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: “At the end of the day, we are in the lead generation business... You could be the best realtor in the world, but if you have nobody to provide that to, it's worth nothing.” - Carl SanFilippo “There are opportunities for you as an agent... we live and breathe real estate every day, but when you're able to make that lea Support the show

Send us a text  How does a teenager go from flipping code and mining Bitcoin to owning over 600 real estate units—all before turning 30? In this episode, Morgan Ehrenzeller, a real estate investor who began his entrepreneurial journey at just 14, shares how his early ventures in software and cryptocurrency laid the groundwork for his transition into real estate, where he now owns hundreds of units across multiple states. His story is grounded in resourcefulness, persistence, and a hands-on understanding of construction from his upbringing.   [00:01 - 07:36] From Coding to Bitcoin: The Early Hustle How Morgan’s frustration with PayPal led him to discover BitcoinWhy he started a software company at 14 and profited by 15The importance of finding workarounds when traditional systems don’t support you[07:37 - 14:29] First Real Estate Deal at 17 How the decision to invest stemmed from observing wealthy individualsThe significance of his construction background in evaluating propertiesWhat it meant to Morgan to secure his first duplex with only $5,000[14:30 - 21:03] Scaling Without the Bank Why traditional banks rejected him and how that shaped his strategyHow creative financing allowed him to bypass institutional limitationsThe importance of using past success to attract investor capital[21:04 – 28:20] Community as Strategy How he leverages mentorship groups for faster learning and connectionWhy starting a community helps with deal flow and boots-on-the-ground operationsThe need to align human capital, media, tech, and capital for business success[28:21 - 34:58] Giving Back and Building Legacy What drives Morgan to keep going despite financial securityThe importance of being around people who live the life you wantWhy working for free under the right mentor can be more valuable than a salary Connect with Morgan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-ehrenzeller-7353651a5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganehrenzeller/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganehrenzeller LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: “You have four levers in business: capital, human capital, media, and technology. If you can blend them, you’re really well positioned.” - Morgan Ehrenzeller “The more you learn, the more you earn. That stuck with me since my teenage years.” - Morgan Ehrenzeller  Support the show

Send us a text How can rethinking local zoning laws turn small residential lots into high-yield, multi-unit housing solutions? In this episode, Jonathan Mitchell, founder of ADU Pals, a real estate developer specializing in scalable, affordable housing solutions in San Diego, shares his journey from growing up in Section 8 housing to launching a solar company and ultimately becoming a real estate developer focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). He breaks down how ADUs in San Diego have evolved from simple backyard structures to fully stacked multi-unit developments, and why that matters in a city with soaring housing costs. They discuss how city policy, construction know-how, and personal mission converge in Jonathan’s work, and what it takes to build profitably and responsibly in California. [00:01 - 06:24] Origins and Intentions How growing up on welfare in San Diego shaped his views on housingWhy personal definition of success centers on using time wiselyThe significance of being a positive influence on future generations[06:25 - 12:43] From Solar to Structures How bootstrapping a solar company led to licenses in contractingWhy learning on the job taught him about scaling and financeThe importance of understanding margins over revenue[12:44 - 18:19] Redefining the ADU Model Why San Diego allows stacked ADUs that resemble multifamily buildingsHow zoning bonuses are tied to affordability through AMIThe need to balance profit with policy in high-demand regions[18:20 - 24:00] Strategy, Risk, and Process How they rehab properties, develop in-house, and lease while buildingThe importance of understanding entitlements, density, and financingWhat the “triple play” model means for equity, cash flow, and debt[24:01 - 31:54] Challenges, Culture, and Perspective The significance of understanding local policy shiftsHow bad actors in the space affected legislationWhy consulting with experienced developers mitigates risk Connect with Jonathan: Website: www.adupals.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mitchell-a1493410b  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanmitchellre/ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: “I don’t want to waste time, man. I want to utilize the time that God has given me to be a light, to be productive.” - Jonathan Mitchell “You can build a 10-unit property under o Support the show

Send us a text What happens when generational grit meets strategic growth in commercial real estate? In this episode, Yonah sits down with Frank Sproviero, founder of One Alliance Companies, to unpack a career built on family legacy, hands-on experience, and entrepreneurial drive. From helping his immigrant family manage rental units in Brooklyn as a child to scaling a multi-division real estate company across the Southeast, Frank shares lessons on risk management, team culture, and long-term vision. He also discusses how he built a fully integrated real estate operation by recognizing market gaps and staying focused on execution. [00:01 - 06:45] Family Roots in Real Estate How growing up in an immigrant family shaped Frank’s early exposure to real estateWhy multi-tenant buildings were a strategic move for his relativesThe significance of hands-on learning from a young age[06:45 - 12:10] From Employee to Founder How Frank’s experience at a commercial real estate firm expanded his skillsWhy he relocated to North Carolina and what challenges followedThe importance of mentorship and formal training in building expertise[12:11 - 18:30] Building One Alliance Companies \Why he began with management before adding brokerage and building servicesThe need for specialization and how each division operates independentlyHow working with out-of-state property owners grew the business[18:31 - 24:46] A Fully Integrated Real Estate Firm The strategy behind offering brokerage, insurance, and possibly lendingWhat sets One Alliance apart from national firmsThe significance of internal culture and team cohesion[24:47 - 30:58] Lessons, Legacy, and Leadership How controlling risk and adjusting to market shifts protect growthWhy Frank sees his work as a long-term calling, not a path to retirementThe importance of staying grounded while scaling a business Connect with Frank: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40698917/admin/dashboard/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/On%E2%80%A6ies-100084948727630/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onealliancecompanies/ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: "We don't retire from this business. If you're passionate about it, you'll be successful—and it's hard to walk away from that." - Frank Sproviero "What I was doing in life—financially and business-wise—w Support the show

Send us a text What happens when commercial real estate owners ignore the fine print in their loan documents, and how can one mistake cost them everything? In this episode, Yonah welcomes Shlomo Chopp, a seasoned expert in structured finance, real estate, and distressed asset workouts. Shlomo shares his unconventional path into commercial real estate, the importance of understanding debt structures, and the major pitfalls borrowers face in today’s high-interest environment. From his early days in flooring and software sales to managing complex loan workouts, Shlomo breaks down how structured finance operates, why many borrowers are in distress, and how his patented solutions might help reshape the future of shopping centers. [00:01 - 07:00] From Flooring Sales to Finance How career pivots shaped Shlomo's real estate journeyWhy necessity led him to structured financeThe importance of deep document knowledge in distressed assets [07:01 - 14:00] What Structured Finance Actually Means What sets structured finance apart from traditional loansHow lenders reduce risk by syndicating dealsWhy structured deals exploded pre-2008 and again recently [14:01 - 21:00] Current Market Distress & Why It’s Happening Which asset classes are struggling most—and whyHow overleveraging and poor planning created problemsWhy technicalities in loan documents can trigger major consequences [21:01 - 28:30] Innovation, Patents & Retail Reinvention Why Shlomo filed patents to rethink shopping centersHow micro-fulfillment might bridge e-commerce and retailThe significance of patience in innovation and timing [28:31 - 34:33] Philosophy, Negotiation & Defining Success How he measures success beyond just profitsWhy mentorship and strategic relationships matterThe value of reading widely to stay sharp Connect with Shlomo: Website: www.caseinv.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chopp Twitter: x.com/ShlomoChopp LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: “There’s no such thing as passive income—only passive losses.” - Shlomo Chopp “Structured finance isn’t just about money. It’s about aligning risks and rewards so everyone involved sees the path to getting paid.” - Shlomo Chopp Support the show