I’ve been noticing a significant shift in the strategies of many real estate investors—and it’s all about real estate debt investments. More and more groups are focusing on debt as a key strategy for financing real estate projects, and this trend is picking up steam. If you're a real estate investor looking for ways to diversify your portfolio or reduce risk, this is something you should be paying attention to.

1. Banks Are Pulling Back on Real Estate Lending

One of the primary drivers of the growing popularity of real estate debt is the retreat of traditional bank lending. With stricter regulations and higher capital requirements, banks are becoming more cautious about lending for both commercial and residential real estate. This has created a lending gap in the market, and debt funds have stepped in to fill this void. For real estate investors, this means more opportunities to get involved in lending, rather than just focusing on equity stakes.

2. Changing Market Conditions Cre...

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the workforce, one thing is clear: the rules of wealth-building are changing. According to Goldman Sachs, up to 300 million full-time jobs could be replaced by AI—automating more than 25% of all work tasks in the U.S. and Europe. Even white-collar professions like law and medicine are on the chopping block.

In this new era, real estate investing for women is no longer just a good idea—it’s a smart, future-proof strategy.

A Personal Glimpse Into the Power of AI

Our 15-year-old daughter, Aliza, recently won her high school science fair by building a custom GPT model that created personalized breast cancer treatment plans. In just one day, she developed the prototype. Within a month, she had integrated over 600 peer-reviewed studies. A top oncologist who reviewed it was stunned by its power.

That moment changed everything. It became crystal clear that AI is not just coming—it’s here. And it’s strong enough to rival even the most trained h...

In a groundbreaking shift that’s shaking up the entire industry, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to a $418 million settlement—and it’s poised to completely redefine how real estate transactions are done in the U.S.

This isn’t just about a big number. This is a systemic change to how agents get paid, how deals are structured, and how real estate investors will need to adapt in order to thrive.

Why the NAR Settlement Matters

For decades, NAR has shaped the standards and norms around commission structures in residential real estate. But this settlement, prompted by lawsuits accusing NAR of keeping commission fees artificially high, is forcing an industry-wide reckoning.

The takeaway? The old system of baked-in agent fees is over. Transparency, negotiation, and flexibility are the new rules of the game.

Key Changes Every Investor Needs to Know

1. $418M Settlement Structure:
   NAR will pay the full amount in installments, with $197 million due within 90 da

   ...

by Peter Halm

A Self-Directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and a Self-Directed 401(k) are both types of retirement accounts that allow for a broader range of investment options compared to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. However, there are key differences between the two:

1. Eligibility and Establishment:

   • Self-Directed IRA: Anyone with earned income can open a Self-Directed IRA. It's established through a custodian that allows for self-directed investments.
   • Self-Directed 401(k): Also known as a Solo 401(k), this is primarily for self-employed individuals with no full-time employees other than the business owner and their spouse. It’s established by the individual who acts as both the employer and the employee. So long as you meet the eligibility requirements (the presence of self-employment activities and absence of full-time employees), you can start a business to open a Solo 401(k)

2. Contribution Limits:

   • Self-Directed IRA: The contribution limits for a Self-Direct
   ...

By Peter Halm

In a surprising turn of events, higher interest rates, often considered an impediment to transactions in the broader commercial real estate market, are proving to be a catalyst for significant growth in the sale-leaseback sector. Data from SLB Capital Advisors reveals a robust surge in both transaction volume and dollar value, setting new records and indicating a positive trajectory for this unconventional financing method.

Record-Breaking Performance in 2022

According to SLB Capital Advisors, the total U.S. sale-leaseback volume reached 874 unique transactions in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 789 in 2021. This represents an 11% increase from the prior highs of 2019 and 2021. The total dollar volume soared to $31.4 billion, a remarkable 14% increase over the 2019 figure of $27.6 billion.

The Trend Continues in 2023

The momentum has carried into 2023, with SLB Capital Advisors reporting an 8.3% increase in dollar volume for sale-leaseback deals, reaching $5....

By Peter Halm

Buckle up for a fast and furious journey through the landscape of industrial real estate. A sector robust with vitality, industrial real estate is navigating through economic uncertainties with remarkable resilience and unprecedented momentum, outpacing other property sectors with its dynamic adaptability and innovative evolution.

Essential Tenants: The Pillars of Strength

Built Ford Tough

Industrial real estate is fortified by a battalion of essential businesses, such as food production, medical manufacturing, and logistics. These sectors, the unsung heroes of the industrial realm, have been the driving force behind the unwavering performance of industrial real estate, ensuring a consistent flow of operations and productivity, even amidst the global pandemic.

E-Commerce: The Need for Speed

A Fast and Furious Transformation

The realm of online retail has undergone a transformative evolution, with consumers gravitating towards digital buying, propelling e-commerce s...

By Peter Halm

The American manufacturing sector is witnessing a remarkable resurgence, a transformative shift that is reshaping the industrial landscape and unlocking a plethora of opportunities for real estate investors. This revival is not a mere stroke of luck; it is a well-orchestrated symphony of multiple factors playing in harmony to breathe new life into the manufacturing domain.

Driving Forces Behind the Resurgence

• Technological Advancements: A wave of technological innovation, marked by robotics, automation, and 3D printing, is revolutionizing manufacturing processes, enabling enhanced efficiency and productivity. This technological renaissance is making domestic manufacturing more competitive, aligning it with contemporary demands and global standards.

• Government Incentives: A supportive policy framework is bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem. The government is rolling out a suite of incentives, including tax breaks and grants, fostering a conducive environment

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