Charlie Kao is the Principal and Asset Manager at Twin Oaks Capital, a boutique commercial real estate firm specializing in consulting, feasibility studies, brokerage, and construction management. With a deep-rooted background in real estate shaped by his family’s entrepreneurial journey, Charlie brings a wealth of experience in diverse asset classes, including self-storage and industrial properties. He combines his expertise in operations, development, and innovative financing strategies to deliver exceptional value to his clients and investors. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Charlie is passionate about creating efficient investment models and leveraging his real estate knowledge to help others build wealth through strategic investments.

Chapters

00:00 Market Overview and Passive Investing Opportunities

11:34 Transitioning from W-2 to Entrepreneurship

18:13 Current Focus: Industrial Real Estate Trends

25:11 Investor Returns and Guarantees

32:59 Managing Personal Guarantees

38:16 Current Reading and Listening Habits

44:30 Investment Strategies Beyond Personal Deals

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Charlie Kao, an asset manager and principal at Twin Oaks Capital. They discuss the current state of the commercial real estate market, focusing on passive investing opportunities and the shift towards safer investments. Charlie shares his personal journey in the real estate industry, detailing his early experiences working alongside his father, who built a successful real estate portfolio. The conversation also explores Charlie's transition from a W-2 job back to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and the desire to be present for his family. Finally, they delve into the current trends in industrial real estate, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and how these trends are shaping investment strategies. In this conversation, Charlie Kao discusses his transition to a debt model in real estate investing, allowing him to retain full ownership of projects while providing attractive returns to investors. He explains the structure of his investment deals, including guarantees and flexibility for investors, as well as the legal documentation involved. The discussion also covers the importance of education for passive investors, current reading habits, and due diligence practices. Additionally, Charlie shares personal experiences related to family adventures and his investment strategies.

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Keywords

commercial real estate, passive investing, market trends, entrepreneurship, self storage, industrial real estate, investment strategies, family business, market analysis, economic indicators, debt model, passive investing, investor returns, construction loans, legal documentation, personal guarantees, educational resources, due diligence, investment strategies, bucket list adventures

Adam La Barr is a combat veteran, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and accomplished business consultant with a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. With 18 years of military experience and a proven track record in the corporate world, he has honed the art of building high-performing teams and scaling businesses sustainably. Adam has successfully navigated complex situations as a COO, steered startups to seven-figure sales, and implemented systems that allow businesses to thrive.

In real estate, Adam’s portfolio includes over 350 multifamily doors, investments in self-storage, and ownership of a memory care facility. Despite early hurdles, including a near-miss on his first deal, Adam’s resilience turned lessons into lasting success. Now, he leverages his unique blend of military discipline and entrepreneurial expertise to guide businesses with revenues of $250K to $1M, helping them scale without losing their identity—or their sense of humor.

When he’s not helping others achieve their goals, Adam spends time with his wife, Raquel, and their three children, proving that teamwork truly makes the dream work.

Chapters

00:00 Market Insights for Passive Investors

03:06 Adam's Journey into Real Estate

05:59 The Challenges of a First Investment

09:00 Lessons Learned from Early Mistakes

12:07 Partner Selection and Due Diligence

14:55 Navigating Difficult Conversations

17:53 Creating Strong Operating Agreements

21:33 Navigating Challenges in Business Relationships

22:02 Exploring Residential Assisted Living

24:26 The Realities of Assisted Living Investments

28:00 Understanding the Financial Dynamics of Assisted Living

30:39 Active Duty Passive Income: Empowering Military Investors

33:42 Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship

36:53 Due Diligence in Passive Investing

39:31 Bucket List Adventures and Investment Strategies

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Christian Cardamone: Real Estate Veteran & Visionary Entrepreneur

With over 20 years of experience, Christian Cardamone has forged a remarkable career in real estate, entrepreneurship, and property development. Starting as REMAX's "Rookie of the Year" in 2005, he quickly rose to prominence, only to face a significant setback during the 2008 financial crash. Demonstrating resilience and determination, Christian rebuilt his net worth to $10 million, creating a diverse portfolio of over 65 properties spanning multifamily, industrial, office, and vacation assets. As the founder of Aloha Wilmington Real Estate and GreenBuilt Homes, he specializes in boutique property management, sustainable development, and innovative property transformations, including historic renovations like the iconic 1738 Orange Street project.

Christian’s journey is a testament to perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit, blending his expertise in real estate with his passion for sustainability and community building. Based in Wilmington, NC, he balances his professional life with personal pursuits like surfing, sailing, and music. Whether navigating market trends, crafting investment strategies, or sharing lessons from his inspiring comeback, Christian offers audiences invaluable insights and actionable takeaways.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Current Real Estate Market

03:10 Christian's Journey into Real Estate

07:40 Diverse Asset Classes: A Strategic Approach

10:51 Building Partnerships in Real Estate

14:59 The Importance of Partner Selection

16:41 Focusing on Flex and Multifamily Assets

20:41 Understanding Flex Space

25:17 Future Projects and Syndication Plans

31:07 Optimism for the Future of Real Estate

32:56 Educational Resources for New Investors

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crossin' podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Christian Cardamone, a commercial broker and founder of Aloha Wilmington Real Estate. They discuss the current real estate market, Christian's journey into real estate, and the importance of diversifying asset classes. Christian shares insights on building partnerships, the significance of selecting the right partners, and his focus on flex and multifamily assets. The conversation also covers the future of real estate, educational resources for new investors, and the optimistic outlook for the market.

Pat Zingarella is the CEO of Invest Clearly, a GP review site and directory.

The mission of Invest Clearly is to empower LP's to make informed decisions by hosting unbiased reviews of passive investment sponsors from verified experienced investors. They also help Sponsors build trust with new investors through transparency.

Prior to Invest Clearly Pat worked as an Account Executive for a $5B research and advisory company where he would provide go-to-market and growth support to start-up companies, ran his own sales consultancy, and personally invests in residential and commercial real estate.

Visit https://investclearly.com/ to research sponsors or to claim your profile as a sponsor now.

Chapters

00:00 Market Conditions and Passive Investing Opportunities

02:53 Pat Zingarella's Journey into Real Estate

06:53 The Need for Transparency in Investment Reviews

12:01 Building Trust Between LPs and GPs

18:17 Engaging with the Invest Clearly Platform

20:27 The Role of Reviews in Passive Investing

25:02 Future of Invest Clearly and Community Building

27:41 Mindset and Educational Resources for Investors

30:58 Due Diligence Advice for Passive Investors

32:51 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith speaks with Pat Zingarella, CEO of Invest Clearly, about the current market conditions affecting passive investors and the importance of transparency in investment reviews. Pat shares his journey into real estate, the challenges faced by both limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs), and how Invest Clearly aims to create a safer ecosystem for investors through verified reviews. The conversation also touches on the significance of community engagement, mindset resources, and due diligence in passive investing.

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Sean is the founder of Maven Cost Seg. As a real estate investor and a registered CPA, Sean understands the tax benefits of cost segregation studies.

Sean started his real estate journey by investing in small multi-family properties before launching a commercial real estate syndication company, Maven Equities.

Sean continues to manage his own portfolio of residential rental properties while also investing in and developing self-storage facilities. Sean is a registered CPA with a background in public accounting, tax, and private equity.

Go to http://www.mavencostseg.com/randy to get 10% off your cost segregation study from Maven Cost Seg or mention the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast if you reach out to Sean directly.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Market Overview

06:00 The Mechanics of Cost Segregation Studies

12:03 Cost Segregation Process Explained

17:58 Cost Segregation Costs and Considerations

23:51 Final Thoughts and Advice

29:03 Leveraging Short-Term Rentals for Tax Benefits

35:28 Navigating Cost Segregation and Tax Professionals

43:50 Personal Insights and Future Aspirations

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith welcomes back Sean Graham, founder of Maven Cost Seg and Maven Equities. They discuss the current market conditions for passive investors, the intricacies of cost segregation studies, and the potential tax benefits associated with real estate investments. Sean explains how cost segregation can accelerate depreciation, allowing investors to reduce their taxable income significantly. The conversation also covers the process of conducting a cost segregation study, the costs involved, and the implications of tax recapture. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for both new and experienced investors looking to optimize their tax strategies in real estate. In this conversation, Sean Graham and Randy Smith delve into the intricacies of real estate investing, focusing on tax strategies, depreciation, and the benefits of short-term rentals. They discuss how to leverage passive losses, the importance of working with knowledgeable tax professionals, and provide valuable insights for new investors. The discussion also touches on personal experiences and recommendations for educational resources in the realm of passive investing.

Alvin Uy is a self-made high networth entrepreneur and an active investor from Los Angeles, CA.

Alvin utilized several unfavorable life events as opportunities for growth. Being a first-generation immigrant and a college dropout challenged him to explore his untapped potential. His entrepreneurial spirit, drive to push past limits, and love of design and innovation are key factors contributing to his success. Being a solutions-based critical and creative thinker has helped him challenge limiting beliefs to build multiple successful businesses.

In 2013, Alvin designed and developed SoapSox (www.soapsoxkids.com), the first of its kind children's bath product. SoapSox's appearance on ABC's Shark Tank in 2014 surprised both the sharks and viewers by walking away from 3 sharks offering a $1M buyout. Alvin proved the sharks wrong by successfully launching into several markets, becoming a product sold globally in mass-market retailers, and winning an award for innovation.

While concurrently mastering his craft as a product developer, Alvin spent 19 years pursuing his true passion: Real Estate. In addition, he spent over a decade honing his skills in value-add investments, property management, construction, rehabbing distressed homes, fix and flip, and creative financing. As a result, Alvin owns multiple properties in Los Angeles and has recently expanded his multi-family portfolio to include other states. Alvin has pivoted to using his many talents and skillset to tackle the housing crisis that’s been facing Southern California. Alvin has been focusing SB9 and the production of ADUs these last few years.

As a husband, a father to two young boys, an older brother to four siblings, and a friend to many, Alvin has not lost sight of the importance of sharing his wealth of knowledge to those around him. Coming from humble beginnings has inspired his mission to help others exceed expectations and meet a higher degree of personal excellence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alvin Uy and Market Insights

02:58 Alvin's Journey: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur

06:01 The Shift from Engineering to Creative Pursuits

09:00 Building a Career in Marketing and Product Development

12:05 The Shark Tank Experience and Product Launch

14:57 Real Estate Journey: Early Investments and Lessons Learned

18:08 Transitioning to Real Estate and Financial Freedom

20:45 Navigating the Real Estate Market and Strategies

23:58 Using Other People's Money and Future Plans

27:45 The Importance of Exit Strategies

28:15 Real Estate Strategies and Shifts

29:43 Leveraging Hard Money for Growth

31:00 Rethinking Unit Counts in Real Estate

32:24 Real Estate as a Product

34:20 Innovative Housing Solutions

36:30 Understanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

39:04 Building Value in California Real Estate

41:51 Navigating New Investment Opportunities

44:16 Key Advice for New Passive Investors

49:32 Due Diligence in Passive Investing

54:14 Legacy and Education for Future Generations

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Eric Burns is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur. His journey has taken him from being a finance major to a Cincinnati Firefighter to a residential real estate investor and flipper to finally landing in commercial real estate. He values his journey and believes in the entrepreneurial spirit. His message to fellow entrepreneurs is simple, STOP TRADING YOUR TIME FOR MONEY and LIVE LIFE BULLISH. Like many, Eric started his real estate investment career in the residential space and expanded into the commercial arena. His first property was a student housing rental in 2016, while he was still active with the Cincinnati Fire Department. Later, he expanded into renovations, and eventually, after many years of growth, education, and “failing forward”, Eric found himself in the commercial space.Eric’s story is similar to many entrepreneurs’ as he has navigated ups and downs with successes and failures in his entrepreneurial journey. As it turns out, it was during a less-than-ideal renovation when he realized, after years spent starting side hustles and residential real estate, that he was still only trading his time for money! As a believer in financial freedom, Eric leaned into commercial real estate and found a path to lead him to that destination. To that end, Flowers Capital reflects Eric’s fundamental philosophies of sourcing and funding deals. Priorities include, firstly, the preservation and growth of investor capital. As a strong proponent of multiple, passive sources of income and protecting the commodity of time, he believes financial freedom is achievable through commercial real estate investment. Flowers Capital is fully intent on achieving those goals for its investors. Eric considers himself a life-long learner. He believes in the entrepreneurial spirit and understands the realities of that life path. His greatest strengths include curiosity, personal accountability, and resilience. Real estate investing is truly a labor of love for Eric, but he also thoroughly enjoys fly fishing, traveling, and his Labrador Retriever, Baron.

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Eric Burns, founder of Flowers Capital. They discuss the current market conditions for passive investors, Eric's journey from active real estate investing to capital raising, and the importance of due diligence in selecting deals. Eric shares insights on navigating market cycles, building relationships with operators, and the significance of believing in the deals presented to investors. The conversation emphasizes the goal of achieving financial freedom through passive income and the evolving strategies in the real estate investment landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing and Market Conditions

02:59 Eric Burns' Journey to Capital Raising

05:59 The Transition from Active to Passive Investing

08:49 Understanding Capital Raising and Deal Structuring

12:03 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investments

15:00 Navigating Market Cycles and Operator Relationships

17:47 Future Goals and Strategies for Financial Freedom

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor

Zander Kempf is a RV and Glamping Resort focused developer through his firm, Clear Summit Investments. Zander’s strategy involves adding value and expanding midsize resorts that are ideal for professional management but remain outside the scope of institutional competition. By rolling up, stabilizing, and branding these properties, Zander aims to create a unique portfolio that reflects his company's adventurous spirit, providing freedom to investors through long term cash flow, and ultimately positioning it for an institutional exit. He is a former US Army officer and paratrooper with an Iraq deployment, and served in Special Forces.

Contact Info:

zander@clearsummitinvest.com

Links:

Website

Insta

Youtube

Linkedin

Tiktok

Facebook

Twitter

Summary

In this episode of the Gentle Art of Crushing It podcast, host Randy Smith interviews Zander Kempf, founder and CEO of Clear Summit Investments, who specializes in RV and glamping resorts. They discuss the current market conditions for passive investors, Zander's journey from military service to real estate investing, and the unique opportunities within the RV park sector. Zander explains the business model of RV resorts, including revenue streams and the importance of long-term debt structures. The conversation also covers the tax advantages of RV investments, market trends, and key questions for investors to consider when evaluating opportunities in this asset class.

Chapters

00:00 Market Conditions and Passive Investment Opportunities

03:02 Zander Kempf's Journey and Investment Background

05:54 Transitioning to RV and Glamping Resorts

09:00 Understanding RV Parks and Resorts

11:53 Revenue Streams and Business Model of RV Resorts

14:54 Debt Structures in RV Investments

17:55 Investment Strategy and Fund Structure

20:46 Tax Advantages of RV Investments

24:02 Market Trends and Economic Resilience

27:07 Due Diligence and Key Questions for Investors

29:51 Final Thoughts and Resources for Passive Investors

RANDY SMITH

Connect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor