The Deal Makers – An Agora production podcast

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz talks with George McCleary, Principal at McCleary Realty and Development and creator of Defender Networks. George shares how his viral video, "I Stole a House," inspired him to tackle the costly issues of squatting and title fraud that plague property owners. Learn how his solutions—Squatter Defender, a $199 online course, and Title Fraud Defender, a title monitoring service starting at just $2.25/month—are helping landlords and homeowners protect their investments. Use promo code DEALMAKERS for 20% off both products.This eye-opening episode sheds light on real estate’s hidden battles and offers practical tools for property owners to safeguard their assets. Don’t miss it!Chapters: 00:01 - Introduction to George McCleary and Defender Networks01:01 - George’s real estate background and viral journey: “I Stole a House”03:09 - The squatting epidemic: Stories of fraud and eviction nightmares04:28 - Conventional vs. unconventional methods to deal with squatters06:15 - The staggering cost of squatting: $50K to $100K per occurrence08:24 - Title fraud: How scammers steal equity and sell homes illegally10:55 - The numbers behind squatting and title fraud: A hidden epidemic12:25 - Solutions for landlords: Squatter Defender and Title Fraud Defender14:31 - How Title Fraud Defender protects your equity from theft16:57 - The viral impact: Why squatting and title fraud are real estate taboos18:17 - Shameless plug: George’s courses, software, and partnershipsGet in touch with George:Instagram: instagram.com/mrd_portlandFacebook: facebook.com/MrdPortlandLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/georgemcclearyYouTube: youtube.com/@georgemcclearyMRDTiktok: tiktok.com/@mrd_portlandX: x.com/mcclearyRE This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz speaks with Jonah Bamberger, Managing Partner and Founder of Aulder Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment management company. Jonah shares the company’s journey from its beginnings in New York’s multifamily sector to navigating a major geographical and asset-class shift into hospitality and development projects in Portugal. He delves into the challenges of pivoting during the uncertainty of COVID-19, building a team to tackle regulatory complexities, and creating impactful projects like the Jacob Rees Bathhouse in New York. Jonah also reflects on the principles that guide his decision-making, the importance of strong partnerships, and Aulder Capital’s vision for hospitality-focused, boutique ventures in high-foot-traffic locations.Chapters:00:01 - Introduction to Jonah Bamberger and Aulder Capital01:16 - From consulting to launching Aulder Capital: A real estate journey03:08 - Challenges of the last two years and pivoting to Portugal04:27 - Why Portugal? Regulatory advantages and local partnerships06:19 - Developing A-class housing in Porto: A market ripe for innovation08:08 - Making the leap: The pivotal decision to enter a new country10:27 - Expanding into hospitality: Shifting asset classes and operational strategies12:52 - Iconic projects in New York: From Rockaway Beach to Jacob Rees Bathhouse15:22 - Keeping passion balanced with profitability in landmark developments18:11 - Principles for navigating new markets and sustaining long-term success20:31 - Shameless plug: Aulder Capital’s hospitality opportunities and partnershipsGet in touch with Jonah:Linkedin: Jonah BambergerWebsite: Aulder CapitalThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, host Asaf Raz talks with Daniel Brereton, Head of Investor Relations at Equity Multiple, a platform focused on making commercial real estate investment opportunities available to a broader audience. Daniel explains how Equity Multiple combines real estate expertise with a tech-forward approach to simplify investing in diverse assets across the capital stack, including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and equity positions. He shares insights into the current market dynamics, Equity Multiple’s strategies for mitigating risk in uncertain times, and the company’s focus on partnerships with experienced sponsors. Daniel also discusses the growing interest in Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund, which aims to provide attractive returns through carefully vetted real estate debt opportunities.Chapters:00:01 - Introduction to Daniel Brereton and Equity Multiple’s mission02:24 - Daniel’s background in wealth management and transition to real estate04:37 - The current market: navigating interest rates and emerging opportunities06:28 - The story behind Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund08:21 - Risk management strategies in real estate debt investing10:17 - Leveraging technology and market insights for smarter underwriting11:55 - Building capital pipelines and fulfilling investor demand14:09 - Predictions on the commercial real estate market’s future trajectory17:46 - Shameless plug: Equity Multiple’s Ascent Income Fund and partnership opportunitiesGet in touch with Daniel:Linkedin: Daniel Brereton Website: Equity MultipleThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz speaks with Matt Whitemore, a seasoned real estate investor who shifted from multifamily properties to the unique realm of outdoor hospitality. Now leading Roll Campgrounds, Matt has found success in the campground niche, where he combines real estate principles with a creative approach to hospitality. He discusses the operational challenges of campgrounds, from seasonal guests to financing quirks, and shares his vision for Roll Campgrounds as a scalable and innovative brand. Matt’s insights reveal how campground investments can offer high returns while providing memorable experiences that attract repeat visitors year after year.Chapters:02:19 - First campground purchase: learning the ropes in a niche industry04:33 - How outdoor hospitality differs from traditional real estate investing08:24 - Investor interest: balancing risks and rewards in campgrounds10:56 - The creative side of campground investment: crafting unique experiences13:19 - Navigating interest rates, financing options, and SBA limitations16:39 - Diverse business models: from seasonal rentals to luxury RV resorts22:31 - Learning the customer base: why understanding takes seasons23:30 - Shameless plug: Roll Campgrounds’ expansion and partnership opportunitiesGet in touch with Matt:LinkedinX WebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz welcomes Brandon Martini, co-founder and COO of Stratus Financial, a company that makes aviation careers accessible through innovative financing solutions. Brandon shares how Stratus Financial began with a single flight school and grew into a nationwide lender, helping aspiring pilots finance their training when traditional loans fall short. He reflects on his journey from flight school owner to finance entrepreneur, the passion that drives aspiring pilots, and how Stratus maintains a family-like culture. Brandon also discusses the unique challenges of building a company in the private credit industry and shares how Stratus plans to fund the “Future Aviators of America.”Chapters:01:47 - Founding Stratus Financial: From flight school to national lending04:09 - Growing from one to over 270 partner schools across the U.S.06:11 - The spark for Stratus: Helping students who couldn’t afford pilot training08:52 - Taking a leap: Building a unique lending model for pilots12:58 - A memorable student story: “From dreamer to commercial pilot”17:20 - Shameless plug: Stratus’s current $20 million fundraising and expansion plansGet in touch with Brandon:LinkedinWebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, Asaf Raz talks with Brittany Shulman, Investment Director at Clever Capital Fund. Brittany reflects on her extensive real estate career, from getting licensed at 18 to leading Clever Capital’s latest fund, which takes a unique approach by focusing on value-add retail, land entitlements, and manufactured housing for affordable options. She explains Clever Capital’s hybrid investment model, which combines the predictability of fixed returns with flexible, short hold periods, providing investors with a strategic alternative in today’s uncertain market. Chapters:05:14 - Clever Capital’s hybrid model: short-term holds and fixed returns07:32 - Hedging against economic cycles with real estate-backed investments08:37 - Tax benefits for investors through K-1s and depreciation10:27 - Financial modeling: How Clever Capital selects and underwrites assets11:25 - Proprietary software and technology stack used in sourcing properties13:43 - The upcoming Clever Summit: speakers, networking, and exclusive access16:11 - Shameless plug: opportunities for accredited investors in Clever Capital’s fundGet in touch with Brittany:LinkedinClever Capital This podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, host Asaf Raz sits down with Zach Winner, founding partner and CEO of Prosperity Commercial Real Estate. With a deep background in multifamily investments, Zach shares how he’s navigating today’s challenging market by targeting properties in high-growth areas and utilizing a “value-add plus” approach. He explains how unique features, like economic incentive bonds and strategic tax planning, help maximize returns for investors. Zach also discusses the importance of adapting to market shifts, spotting distressed assets, and maintaining flexibility in underwriting, providing valuable insights for investors looking to succeed in uncertain times.Chapters:01:30 - Focus on multifamily investments with a “value-add plus” approach03:39 - Key criteria for selecting high-growth markets and neighborhoods07:00 - Adapting to a lower inventory and shifting interest rates in the market08:46 - Distressed assets and the impact of adjustable-rate financing12:15 - Staying agile: Underwriting based on current conditions, not forecasts14:20 - Tax-saving strategies: Cost segregation and 1031 exchanges20:23 - Shameless plug: Current investment opportunities and partnership interestsGet in touch with Zach:LinkedinWebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, host Asaf Raz talks with Dale Wills, founder of Centra Companies, about his journey from banking to real estate development. Dale shares insights on the current real estate market, focusing on opportunities in first-time for-sale housing and build-for-rent communities, despite rising interest rates. He explains how Centra Companies stays nimble in a challenging market and highlights how accredited investors can co-invest in high-quality projects through Centra Capital Partners.Chapters:00:49 - Dale Wills’ background in real estate and banking06:12 - The current market for first-time for-sale housing and build-for-rent communities09:21 - How Centra Companies controls costs in development projects12:55 - Adapting to market changes and staying flexible in development strategies19:36 - Dale’s outlook for the real estate market in 2024 and beyond24:22 - Shameless plug: Opportunities with Centra Capital Partners and building wealth through real estateGet in touch with Dale:LinkedinWebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Deal Makers Podcast, host Asaf Raz speaks with Itay Gamlieli, CEO of Avenues Real Estate, about his journey from immigrant to leading broker and investor in New York City. Itai shares how his early experience in the rental market shaped his approach to multifamily and mixed-use investments. He offers insights into navigating the challenges of rising interest rates and regulatory changes, and why now is one of the best times to invest in NYC real estate. Packed with valuable lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to capitalize on opportunities in the NYC market.Chapters:00:00 - Intro06:11 - Partnering with investors and scaling through multifamily investments08:27 - Interest rates, rising costs, and how they impact NYC real estate12:08 -Finding value in multifamily and mixed-use properties14:19 - The current opportunities in the NYC market: distressed assets and upside potential20:40 - Shameless plug: What Avenues Real Estate is focused on and how to partner with themGet in touch with Itay:LinkedinWebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora

In this episode of the Dealmakers Podcast, hosted by Asaf Raz, Ken Ashley, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield and founder of the CREI Summit, shares his nearly 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. Ken discusses the trends driving the return to office, how Class A spaces are thriving, and the potential for repurposing or redeveloping Class B and C office buildings. He also explores key investment opportunities in the office market as businesses adapt to new workplace dynamics, and he highlights strategies for investors and landlords to capitalize on these shifts.Chapters:00:01 - Guest introduction: Ken Ashley, Cushman & Wakefield04:49 - Current market trends: return-to-office mandates and their significance06:40 - The future of office spaces: Class A thriving while Class B and C struggle08:56 - The importance of partnering with healthy landlords and avoiding "zombie buildings"12:49 - Investment opportunities in office spaces for the next few years15:06 - Redeveloping suburban office spaces: a growing trend in multifamily and retail projects20:39 - Shameless plug: CREI Summit and how it supports real estate professionalsGet in touch with Ken:LinkedInCREI Summit WebsiteCushman and WakefieldThis podcast is brought to you by Agora, a comprehensive real estate investment management platform offering a wide range of services to enable real growth and provide the best real estate investment experience.Learn more about Agora