Alexey Chernobelskiy—principal at Centrio Capital Partners and creator of GPLP Match—joins to unpack how limited partners should truly evaluate private real estate deals, why today’s rate environment makes raises harder, and how transparency + targeted matching can bridge GPs and LPs without broker-dealer intermediation. We cover his “three pillars” framework (execution, alignment, property), baseline terms LPs expect, the single waterfall red flag he actually treats as a pass, and why consistent, value-first social posting still matters more than playing the algorithm.
In this conversation, Zane Schartz shares his path from pro hockey to running Freedom CRE’s investment-grade, single-tenant NNN funds. He explains why fewer variables can mean better sleep for LPs, defines how NNN vs. NN shifts risk and cap rates, and walks through value levers like early lease extensions with national tenants. We get candid on multifamily’s recent pain (floating rates, rising costs), how that contrasts with fixed-debt NNN stability, and where cap rates may head next. Zane also opens his marketing playbook—consistent LinkedIn education, trust building, and structured first calls—plus leadership philosophy, team structure, and routines that keep his firm executing.
In this episode of The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, host Cory Mortensen sits down with Chris Affinito, Managing Partner of Notional Development Partners, to uncover how he’s thriving in Austin’s competitive development landscape. Chris shares how he carved out a niche in “affordable luxury” workforce housing, leveraging tax exemptions and cost-saving construction techniques to create Class A assets in prime locations. From navigating the politics of development to structuring deals in challenging capital markets, Chris offers invaluable insights for developers, investors, and anyone looking to scale their real estate career. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with strategies, lessons, and real-world stories you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, Steven Richards of Streamline Capital Group shares how he transitioned from property management and brokerage into acquisitions and capital raising—closing over 110 units in Utah in under a year. Steven unpacks the skills that helped him stand out: relentless follow-up, creative problem-solving, and a people-first approach to broker relationships.
You’ll hear boots-on-the-ground insights into how he sourced deals before they hit the market, managed investor relations, and built a CRM-powered capital funnel. Steven also shares mistakes he’s made in operations, why he underwrites every deal with rising cap rates, and how being transparent with investors is the ultimate differentiator.
Whether you’re looking to improve your acquisition process, raise more capital, or just stay in the game during hard times—this conversation delivers.
In this episode of The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, host Cory Mortensen sits down with Jack Sorenson—former NFL wide receiver turned investor relations lead at Four Mile Capital. Jack opens up about his journey from pro football to multifamily syndication and the powerful lessons he’s carried with him—like delayed gratification, managing expectations, and the underrated superpower of vulnerability.
He shares tactical insights on how to turn passive investors into raving fans through world-class communication, timely updates, and relationship-first service. Learn how Jack implemented systems to track capital raise performance, why transparency is Four Mile’s secret weapon, and how he balances his ambitious goals with grounded gratitude. Whether you’re new to capital raising or looking to build investor loyalty, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and fresh perspective.
In this episode of the Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Cory sits down with Rick and Crystal Rumer—the dynamic duo behind Texas Secured Notes. With over a decade of experience, they break down their land-based owner-financing model that delivers double-digit passive income returns with minimized operational headaches. You'll learn how they buy large tracts of rural Texas land, subdivide them, and create notes for hands-off investors looking to cashflow like a bank.
The Rumers share the challenges that forged their entrepreneurial path, the systems they use to vet borrowers, and how their family-first values guide their business. Whether you’re curious about notes, land, or building a business with your spouse, this episode delivers actionable advice, behind-the-scenes insight, and heart.
Learn more at One-9 Holdings Website
Ryan Twomey raised $9M, returned $10M to investors—and turned the whole thing into an HGTV show.
In this episode, host Cory Mortensen dives into the story behind “Cabin Wars: Flip It to Win It,” Ryan’s first real estate syndication deal involving a 435-unit RV park in Louisiana. Learn how he landed the TV deal, scaled to 574 units, quit his W-2 in 16 months, and built a disciplined system for growth.
Perfect for investors, syndicators, and anyone looking to raise capital with creativity and confidence.
#HGTV #syndication #commercialrealestate #passiveinvesting #ryantwomey #mcrepodcast
🛠 Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Ryan’s Background
05:25 – Strategic Networking Framework
13:25 – The Eviction That Sparked a Pivot
21:26 – The HGTV Cabin Wars Deal & $10M Return
25:30 – Structuring Deals in Today’s Market
32:00 – Investor Nurture Systems
48:50 – Final Advice & Mindset Mastery
🔗 Learn more at [your website]
In this powerhouse episode of the Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, host Cory Mortensen sits down with Mike Sowers, author of Commercial Real Estate Investing: A Step-by-Step Guide and founder of Commercial Investors Group.
Mike reveals how he scaled from flipping houses to building a $100M commercial real estate fund, sharing his exact playbook for creative deal structuring, off-market sourcing, and scalable operations.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
Structuring funds, DSTs, and tax-advantaged exits
Marketing systems for leasing & acquisitions
Value-add strategies for industrial real estate
How to build without employees
📍 Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Who is Mike Sowers?
01:05 – Early days: House flipping burnout & pivot to commercial
06:25 – Why flipping isn’t wealth building (& what is)
09:15 – Launching a fund: From joint ventures to scalable capital
13:50 – The “Bill” example: Solving problems for tired landlords
18:55 – DSTs, funds, and 721 exchanges explained
23:30 – How Mike structures deals across his portfolio
28:40 – Value-add strategies for warehouses and office
38:15 – The marketing engine: filling space faster than brokers
44:25 – EOS, processes, and creating scalable systems
50:00 – Mike’s tech stack & how he analyzes thousands of scenarios
56:00 – Staying focused: Time blocking, execution, and mindset
1:03:48 – Mentorship, gratitude, and purpose
1:06:08 – First job + what shaped Mike’s entrepreneurial journey
1:08:02 – Final thoughts and closing
🎧 If you’re a syndicator, investor, or business owner ready to scale smarter—this is a masterclass you won’t want to miss.
📚 Get Mike’s Book: Commercial Real Estate Investing: A Step-by-Step Guide - https://a.co/d/6ixodln🌐 Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesowers/
📩 Subscribe for new episodes on the 1st & 15th of every month.
In this episode of The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, host Cory Mortensen interviews Alex Burch, multifamily investor and co-founder of Veritas Equity Partners, who shares how he scaled from a single 8-unit property into a $50M+ real estate syndication business in the Pacific Northwest.
You’ll learn how Alex transitioned from a full-time career in tech sales at AWS into real estate investing, building a strong portfolio through value-add multifamily deals, off-market acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. He breaks down how his data-driven approach, high EQ, and commitment to integrity have fueled his success.
Alex also dives deep into:
How to build a scalable real estate investment business
Tips for raising capital from institutional and private investors
The importance of underwriting multifamily deals with precision
How to use tech systems and automation to streamline operations
Building long-term relationships with brokers and direct-to-seller outreach
Discover the behind-the-scenes of a recent 33-unit acquisition with an $800M capital partner and why month-by-month forecasting and detailed underwriting helped close the deal.
Whether you're just getting started in multifamily syndication or looking to scale your existing real estate portfolio, this episode delivers powerful insights from someone who’s done it — the smart and sustainable way.
Keywords: multifamily investing, real estate syndication, apartment syndication, value-add real estate, passive real estate investing, underwriting real estate deals, raising capital for real estate, Veritas Equity Partners, Alex Burch, Cory Mortensen, commercial real estate podcast
In this episode of the Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Cory Mortensen sits down with Mac Shelton, co-founder of Sweet Bay Capital, to explore his journey from private equity into multifamily investing. Mac shares how he scaled from student housing house hacks to syndicated deals across the Southeast, raising millions in investor capital with a data-driven, risk-conscious approach. You'll learn what separates winning operators in volatile markets, how to underwrite conservatively, raise investor trust, navigate cap rate exit assumptions, and build a real team of reliable vendors.
Whether you're raising your first fund or fine-tuning your next acquisition, this episode is packed with tactical insights for commercial real estate success.
1:28 – Mac’s transition from private equity to real estate
5:00 – The first 2x deal and how it lit the path to syndication
8:39 – Underwriting risk and overcoming fear of first value-add project
11:32 – How Mac answered tough investor questions in his early raises
14:03 – Why being ultra-conservative with insurance, taxes, and vendors matters
17:48 – The biggest near-miss on a deal due to last-minute insurance change
21:12 – How to talk with contractors (even when it’s a pain)
24:20 – Tools Mac uses to track projects and manage reno budgets
27:47 – Mac’s true strength: critical thinking and execution
30:44 – The 25% exit spread rule + price-per-door math explained
35:13 – How to think about exit cap assumptions and buyer psychology
39:02 – Why CoStar cap rate projections might be misleading
42:46 – Deal sourcing vs. investor sourcing (brokers still rule)
45:57 – How referrals became their #1 investor growth channel
47:52 – Advice for new & experienced investors: be patient, do the right deal
50:07 – Favorite data sources and newsletters for market pulse
52:35 – The software stack: Agora, Yardi, Mailchimp & more
54:08 – Fun questions: janitor job, cover band dreams & real talk
In this episode, Cory sits down with Harrison Hoy, Director of Acquisitions at Cantrell Investment Company, to unpack his journey from tech startups to leading Texas-based multifamily deals. They dive into Harrison’s experience across brokerage, banking, and capital raising — and share hard-won lessons about underwriting in today’s market, relationship building, and scaling acquisitions. Whether you're raising capital, sourcing deals, or just trying to make sense of 2025’s real estate landscape, this conversation is packed with insights!
In this episode of The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast, Cory sits down with Bibi — a rising force in the multifamily space — to unpack her real-world strategies for sourcing and closing deals, handling tough negotiations, structuring investor partnerships, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of capital raising. From letting money go hard with confidence, to building broker relationships that lead to off-market wins, to her honest take on social media, education-based outreach, and future trends in CRE, Bibi keeps it real. Whether you're in your first deal or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with insights, mindset shifts, and tactical gems to help you grow. Don’t miss Bibi’s journey, lessons, and the behind-the-scenes of her latest acquisition!
Hello Everyone, On today's episode I go over some of the National and Macro trends happening today in commercial real estate and take a deep dive into what I am seeing as a boots on the ground investor. Lot's of key changes happening, so tune in! Link to Summary of Reports https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1H5UChyOZWJVtmBV7Dahvaf8ack2giqP8?usp=sharing
Cory interviewed Natasha from Radlett Capital about her journey into real estate. Natasha started investing in real estate in 2019, drawn by its potential as a secure asset class for investors. She discussed her company's approach to real estate investment, focusing on understanding local markets, and the importance of character judgment in partnerships. Natasha shared her experience of making investment decisions, conducting due diligence, and the importance of always having a financial buffer for unexpected issues. She also highlighted the benefits of creating new value for their new purchases and being conservative with underwriting and cash reserves. Natasha and Cory also discussed their strategies for market analysis and underwriting, emphasizing the importance of familiarity with the market and underwriting assumptions, while also mentioning the some of the tools they both use to get deals done.
Natasha's Links:
Bibi Ofiri of Blue Ocean Equity joins us on The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast and tells us about her truly inspiring story of coming to America and building her business through grit, hard work, being curious, and never giving up. Her company owns and operates over $50MM in AUM and she has completed and closed on several projects and is a forced to be reckoned with. She is a proponent and leader of women and immigrant entrepreneurs and has written books on the subject as well. Listen to the whole interview today!
Join me on a dive into an initial analysis for an 80-unit apartment complex. This is a glimpse into how I and other syndicators take a look at these types of investments. While this is not a thorough and complete underwriting, this shows the foundation and "first pencil" of how I approach underwriting.
Ever wondered how to leap from zero to hero in the world of real estate development? Meet Michael Wayne, who didn't just dip his toes into the industry; he dived headfirst into a massive Class A development for his very first deal! From navigating the complexities of construction costs to mastering the art of negotiation, Michael shares invaluable insights that you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable tips and eye-opening stories that will redefine what you thought was possible in commercial real estate. Tune in now to discover the audacity, the strategy, and the sheer will it takes to make it big from the get-go! 🏗️🏢 #MasteringCommercialRealEstate #RealEstateDevelopment #FirstDealSuccess
In an insightful new episode, Cory Mortensen brings to the table a pivotal voice from the commercial real estate sphere: Jonathan Nichols of Apogee Capital. Together, they unravel Jonathan's meteoric rise from the grassroots of the industry to becoming a beacon in multifamily investments.
In this episode, listeners will delve into:
🔑 Origins: How Jonathan kickstarted his career in commercial real estate and the initial hurdles he encountered. 🧲 Attracting Capital: Jonathan’s golden rules for finding investors and, more importantly, earning their trust to bring them on board. 🤝 Broker Relations: Navigating the intricate dance with brokers; from building rapport to negotiating the best deals. 🏢 Multifamily Mastery: A deep dive into Jonathan’s unique approach to investing in commercial multifamily properties and the lessons he's gathered along the way.
Jonathan's journey is not just about success in real estate but is also a testament to persistence, relationship-building, and strategic acumen. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of commercial real estate or a seasoned player, there's a wealth of knowledge awaiting you in this conversation.
📆 Release Date: September 01, 2023
If you aspire to elevate your commercial real estate game, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe, rate, and spread the word to fellow real estate enthusiasts!
Engage with us online using #MasteringCRE and #ApogeeJourney. Share your takeaways and get a chance to be featured in our next episode!
Jonathan Links:
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Mastering Commercial Real Estate Podcast! This week, I sit down with the powerhouse investor, Daniel Reilly, to uncover the strategies and steps that propelled his portfolio to an impressive 500 units in just over a year.
As we dive deep into his investing journey, Daniel sheds light on the intricacies of commercial multi-family real estate, and reveals the secrets behind his rapid growth and success in the sector. If you've ever wondered how to foster strong partnerships, navigate the challenge of sourcing the best deals, or work harmoniously with brokers to find the gold in the vast real estate market – this episode is a treasure trove of insights.
Some highlights from our conversation include:
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the commercial real estate world, Daniel's journey and insights offer invaluable lessons and strategies to supercharge your own real estate endeavors. Tune in and be inspired by the remarkable ascent of one of the industry’s rising stars!
Daniel's Links:
