Commercial Real Estate Secrets

Latest Episodes:

The Truth About Building a $1.6 Billion CRE Pipeline with Bob Knakal Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

It’s Our 100th Episode—And We’re Celebrating Big!
In this special episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I’m joined by Bob Knakal, Chairman and CEO of BKREA, and one of the most legendary commercial real estate brokers of all time. We dive into Bob’s career, his mindset for success, and the lessons that shaped his path.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
• Why passion, expertise, and discipline are critical for long-term success in CRE
• How Bob secured $1.6 billion in exclusive listings within six months of launching BKREA
• Why failures became Bob’s greatest teachers and how they fueled his growth
Connect with Bob Knakal:
📍 Website: BKREA.com | BobKnakal.com
📍 Social Media: Instagram | X | Linkedin

Looking for the right team to represent you in Denver commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help investors, owners, and tenants structure better deals—and close them.

Supercharge Your Real Estate Investments with This Passive Strategy Feb 26, 2025

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In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Matt Spagnolo, Fund Co-Manager at Colony Hills Capital. With a background that spans equities trading to hands-on real estate sales, Matt reveals how his innovative co‑GP model is reshaping multifamily investing—helping investors enjoy passive returns while capitalizing on significant deal flow.
We talk about:
🚀 How the co‑GP structure doubles deal-making potential while keeping investors passive
💡 The proven value‑add, core‑plus strategy for transforming underperforming multifamily assets
📊 What IRR really means and why it matters more than simple ROI
🤝 The importance of networking and building relationships in the commercial real estate world
If you’re looking to break into commercial real estate and build lasting wealth with smart, scalable investments, this episode is for you!

Follow Matt Spagnolo: Linkedin | Website

👉 Looking to invest in commercial real estate in Denver?

https://warehousehotline.com/buy-commercial-property-denver/

We help investors source opportunities, underwrite deals, and negotiate strong terms.

Everything You Need to Know About Franchising and Commercial Real Estate Feb 19, 2025

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In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Greg Mohr, founder of Franchise Maven and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Real Freedom: Why Franchises Are Worth Considering and How They Can Be Used for Building Wealth.
We talk about:
🚀 How franchising can be the ultimate shortcut to business success
💡 Why buying a franchise can reduce risk while still offering flexibility
🏢 The intersection of franchising and commercial real estate
📜 Lease agreements, ownership vs. renting, and real estate investment opportunities
If you’re looking for a proven path to business ownership without starting from scratch, this episode is for you!
Connect with Greg Mohr: Website | Linkedin

👉 Looking to invest in commercial real estate in Denver?

https://warehousehotline.com/buy-commercial-property-denver/

We help investors source opportunities, underwrite deals, and negotiate strong terms.

The Secrets to Smart Passive Real Estate Investing Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

Curious about passive real estate investing but not sure where to begin?
Many investors feel stuck juggling their active careers while wanting to build wealth and financial freedom through real estate. Passive real estate investing offers a way to diversify, create cash flow, and grow equity—without taking on the time-consuming role of a landlord or active investor.
In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Elkins-Hutten, Director of Investor Education at PassiveInvesting.com and Founder of AshWealth.com. Whitney shares her incredible journey from epidemiology to real estate, starting with a live-in flip and scaling to over 40 single-family rentals and multifamily properties. Now, she mentors investors, teaching them how to diversify their portfolios and build generational wealth.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

How passive investing can create financial freedom and protect against market volatility.
Why diversifying across operators, markets, and deal structures is critical for success.
Strategies for putting your capital to work—even in uncertain market conditions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing and Whitney's Background
02:47 The Role of Director of Investor Education
05:40 Understanding the Billionaire Real Estate Playbook
08:24 Passive Real Estate Equity vs. Debt
11:16 Qualities of a Good General Partner
14:12 Investment Strategies for New Investors
16:58 Creating Impact Through Real Estate Investing
To learn more or connect with Whitney, visit PassiveInvestingWithWhitney.com for free resources and tools, or check out AshWealth.com for mentoring and coaching. You can also schedule a call directly with Whitney to discuss all things passive real estate investing.

👉 Looking to invest in commercial real estate in Denver?

https://warehousehotline.com/buy-commercial-property-denver/

We help investors source opportunities, underwrite deals, and negotiate strong terms.

Out-of-State Investing Made Easy Through Turnkey Real Estate Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

Have you heard of turnkey investing but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you?
For many investors, managing properties on their own or trying to identify the best markets for strong returns can be overwhelming. It often leads to burnout, missed opportunities, and stagnation in growing their portfolios. Imagine if you could bypass these challenges—accessing high-performing markets while leaving the day-to-day property management to experts.
In this episode, I sit down with Zach Lemaster, Founder and CEO of Rent to Retirement, the nation’s leading turnkey real estate investment company. Zach shares how he transitioned from a career in healthcare to building a portfolio of hundreds of properties annually through strategic turnkey investing..
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

What turnkey real estate investing is and how it simplifies the investment process.
The top U.S. markets for cash flow, appreciation, and affordability.
Creative financing strategies, including how to invest with as little as 5% down.

Chapters
00:00 Listener of the Week & Introduction of Guest
03:00 What is Turnkey Investing?
05:31 Top 3 Markets for Turnkey Investing
11:10 Who is the Ideal Turnkey Investor?
13:54 How to Conduct Due Diligence on Out-of-State Properties
18:28 Finding and Managing Local Property Managers
To learn more or get in touch with Zach, visit renttoretirement.com. You can also text REI to 33777 to schedule a consultation and explore turnkey investing options.

Looking for the right team to represent you in Denver commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help investors, owners, and tenants structure better deals—and close them.

The Tax Strategy Every Property Owner Needs to Know Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Are you paying more taxes on your real estate investments than you should be?
Ignoring cost segregation could mean paying tens of thousands—or even millions—in unnecessary taxes. But there’s a solution that real estate investors use to protect their cash flow and reinvest in growing their portfolios.
In this episode, I chat with Joe Viery, Founder of US Tax Advisors Group Inc. Joe shares his journey into cost segregation, explains this powerful tax tool in simple terms, and discusses how it can save property owners from financial stress.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

What cost segregation is and how it can significantly reduce your taxable income.
Why timing matters—when to consider this strategy and when to avoid it.
How to choose the right partner to ensure your cost segregation study is IRS-compliant.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cost Segregation and Joe's Journey
02:15 Understanding Cost Segregation: A Simple Explanation
05:14 The Mechanics of Cost Segregation
10:15 Navigating Cost Segregation: Risks and Best Practices
12:09 The Future of Cost Segregation
15:31 Leveraging Cost Segregation for Loss Recovery
17:37 The Joy of Helping Clients Save Money
Don't forget to visit USTAGI.COM/CRESecrets/ to learn more about Joe's services and get a free estimate for your property.

Looking for the right team to represent you in Denver commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help investors, owners, and tenants structure better deals—and close them.

The Secret to Making Employees Want to Return to the Office Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Are your office spaces missing the amenities that employees truly value?
In today’s hybrid workforce world, employers are finding it harder than ever to bring their teams back to the office. Without the right amenities, your property might struggle to attract and retain tenants who want to create inspiring work environments for their employees.
What if you could create an office space so appealing that employees actually want to come back? Tom Larance, Founder of The Experience Group, shares the amenities and strategies that make the modern workplace a destination.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

The key trends driving people back to the office, including wellness spaces and tenant lounges
Why community and collaboration are critical to a successful workplace
How older office buildings can stay competitive through thoughtful upgrades

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tom Larance
02:42 The Experience Group: Creating Destination-Worthy Spaces
05:51 Trends in Post-Pandemic Workspaces
12:29 Innovative Amenities and Enhancements
17:08 Revitalizing Older Office Buildings
22:38 The Joy of Change in Commercial Real Estate
How to Connect with Tom:
Website: TXG.live

Looking for the right team to represent you in Denver commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help investors, owners, and tenants structure better deals—and close them.

Cracking the SEO Code: How Commercial Real Estate Brokers Can Rank in 2025 Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

How can commercial real estate brokers stand out in search engine results when competition is fierce?
As a commercial real estate broker myself, I know how tough it is to break into those coveted top spots on Google. You’ve built your business with care, but when it comes to ranking online, it can feel like an uphill battle. I’ve been there—wondering why the big names and even smaller competitors are outranking me, despite all my efforts to stand out.
This week on Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I sit down with Travis Bliffen, the CEO of Stellar SEO, to uncover the ultimate strategies for improving your online visibility. Travis has over a decade of experience helping real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, and other niche industries rank higher in search engine results—and he’s sharing his expert advice with you.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

Why SEO is critical for commercial real estate brokers in 2024 and how it outperforms other marketing channels.
The misconceptions around SEO timelines and budgets—and how to avoid common traps.
Actionable steps you can take today to improve your website’s SEO, even without hiring an agency.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to SEO and Its Importance
04:15 SEO Misconceptions
06:54 Average Budget for Real Estate SEO
10:03 Challenges in Ranking Locally
15:08 DIY SEO Tips for Brokers
18:31 Impact of Google’s AI on SEO
20:46 Personal Insights and Impact of SEO
Visit StellarSEO.com for expert insights, resources, and ways to get in touch.

To see how a modern commercial real estate personal brand actually converts into deals, explore how Aviva Sonenreich is building a national platform here: https://warehousehotline.com/commercial-real-estate-brokers-denver/aviva-sonenreich/

Learn how digital presence, content, and credibility turn into real-world transactions.

Reviving Retail: How to Turn Empty Retail Stores into Profitable Self-Storage Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Have you noticed the old Kmart in your area being transformed into something completely new? Imagine walking past what used to be a vacant, rundown retail store, only to find it buzzing with activity as a thriving climate-controlled self-storage facility. These transformations are happening more often than you think—and they’re reshaping communities and creating massive opportunities for investors.
In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, I interviewed Clint Harris, GP at Nomad Capital and host of the Truly Passive Income podcast. Clint is at the forefront of this innovative strategy, converting old big-box retail spaces like Kmarts, warehouses, and even soda bottling facilities into high-performing, profitable assets. He’s not just transforming buildings; he’s transforming the way we think about adding value in commercial real estate.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

How to identify high-potential properties for self-storage conversion
The benefits of converting vs. building new self-storage facilities
Strategies for raising capital and mitigating risk in self-storage projects

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Clint Harris and His Journey
01:43 The Conversion Process: From Retail to Self-Storage
05:16 Market Analysis and Location Strategy
11:41 Risk Management in Self-Storage Conversions
18:15 Funding and Raising Capital for Projects
21:08 Returns and Investor Relations
24:42 Finding Fulfillment in Real Estate
26:57 Conclusion and How to Connect with Clint Harris
Ready to learn more or connect with Clint? Visit nomadcapital.us or email him directly at clint@nomadcapital.us. You can also tune into the Truly Passive Income podcast for more insights from Clint and his journey in real estate.

Looking for the right team to represent you in Denver commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help investors, owners, and tenants structure better deals—and close them.

The #1 Best Way To Stay Ahead In CRE With Cutting-Edge Technology Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

What’s your go-to source for commercial real estate data, and is it giving you the full picture?
Many industry professionals rely on limited or outdated data, leaving them at a disadvantage when analyzing deals or negotiating contracts. Without the right tools and insights, you could miss critical opportunities or fail to maximize your investments. But what if you had access to transparent, actionable data that could level the playing field and put you ahead of the competition?
This week, I chat with Lonnie Hendry, Chief Product Officer at Trepp Inc., a data modeling and analytics firm serving the commercial real estate industry. Lonnie is also the co-host of the popular TreppWire Podcast, making him a familiar voice for those in the CRE podcasting world. With a passion for commercial real estate and a deep understanding of data, Lonnie shares how Trepp is driving transparency and empowering industry professionals with actionable insights.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

How transparency in data empowers brokers, owners, and tenants to make smarter decisions.
Why technology is revolutionizing the way commercial real estate deals are analyzed and negotiated.
How leveraging actionable insights can give you a competitive edge in a dynamic market.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lonnie Hendry and Trepp Inc.
04:46 Understanding CMBS and Its Market Impact
13:42 Making Data Actionable for Real Estate Professionals
19:23 The Intersection of Technology and CRE
28:57 Lonnie's Passion for Commercial Real Estate
Connect with Lonnie Hendry:
Website: https://www.trepp.com/
LinkedIn: Lonnie Hendry
Podcast: TreppWire Podcast

Not sure what your next move should be in commercial real estate?

👉 Start here: https://warehousehotline.com/

We help owners, investors, and tenants across Denver and Colorado build the right strategy.

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