The LSCRE Podcast

Join Craig McGrouther, Sam Morris, and myself on this episode of the LSCRE podcast, where we discuss the latest market trends, upcoming events, and debt strategies. We tackle the challenges of market volatility and fluctuating interest rates, while also considering the opportunities presented by floating-rate debt. Additionally, we cover how job growth in Houston is driving economic expansion and...

In this episode, Jeff Ervick takes us through his transition from a successful career in tech sales to becoming a managing partner at Valoris Capital Partners, where he now focuses on real estate investments. He shares his insights on the importance of building authentic relationships in business, the challenges of scaling single-family rental properties, and the diverse investment strategies his...

When interest rates rise and fall, do you have a strategy to stay ahead? In today’s unpredictable real estate market, being able to adjust to changing interest rates is more important than ever. While many investors avoid floating rates, our flexibility helps us grab opportunities others might miss. We can shift strategies when needed, which not only helps our investors but also gives sellers the...

In this episode of the LSCRE podcast, Craig McGrouther and I discuss the volatile state of the market, its implications for investors, and strategies for navigating these turbulent times. We explore the significance of Price to Earnings (PE) ratios in assessing market valuation, the challenges posed by fluctuating interest rates, and the potential for a recession. The conversation emphasizes the i...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther and Sam Morris share key insights for fund managers and LPs in real estate investing. They discuss how to save time in deal evaluation by focusing on four key areas: alignment, sponsor evaluation, structure, and the deal itself.  The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding your investment thesis, the role of the sponsor, transparency, and building...

Curious about how we report monthly and quarterly to our investors?  Today, I will share how we structure these updates and why we focus on certain metrics over others.  At LSCRE, we believe in providing transparent, insightful reporting, and this is a key part of how we communicate with our investors. Learn more about LSCRE: www.lscre.com  

In this episode, Craig McGrouther and I discuss the details of the upcoming LSCRE Summit, giving you an inside look at the event’s structure, featured keynote speakers, and top-tier networking opportunities. We also share our vision for the future of LSCRE, how we're planning to expand our portfolio and evolve our investment strategy in the multifamily real estate space. Plus, we touch on cur...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther interviews Paul Herbes from Equity Institutional Services, discussing the intricacies of self-directed IRAs and their role in alternative investments like syndications. Paul shares his background, the process of investing through self-directed IRAs, common misconceptions about taxes, and the competitive advantages of their services. The conversation also covers im...

"Buy when there's blood in the streets. Be greedy when others are fearful." We’ve all heard these sayings, but living through a full market cycle proves just how tough they are to follow. Take Peter Lynch’s Magellan Fund as an example. Despite delivering legendary 28% annual returns from 1977 to 1990, the average investor in the fund actually lost money. Why? Because they chased per...

In this episode of the LSCRE podcast, Craig McGrouther and I dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming LSC Summit! We break down the fresh new format, highlight some of the powerhouse speakers, and share what attendees can expect. We also explore the crucial role of talent and compensation in the investment industry, the real impact of profit splits, and why critical thinking is essential...

In this conversation, Craig McGrouther interviews Joseph Woodbury, the CEO and founder of Neighbor, a unique storage and parking marketplace. Joseph shares his journey from a traditional career in finance to entrepreneurship, detailing how Neighbor allows homeowners to rent out extra space for storage and parking. The discussion covers the vetting process for hosts, the flexibility of rental durat...

One of the most fundamental principles of investing is the relationship between risk and return. At its core, this concept suggests a positive correlation: the more risk you take, the more return you can potentially make. However, the key word here is can —because returns are never guaranteed.  Greater risk doesn’t just mean the possibility of greater rewards; it also means a greater dispersion of...

In this episode of the LSCRE podcast, Craig McGrouther and I discuss our experiences at the Best Ever Conference, insights on market trends, investor psychology, and the current economic landscape. We emphasize the importance of understanding market cycles, the resilience of multifamily investments, and the need for investors to adjust their expectations in light of current conditions. Learn more...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther interviews Garrett Nondorf from Flagship Capital, discussing his career journey, the unique operations of Flagship Capital, and their investment strategies. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the current real estate market, particularly focusing on debt and equity funding, and the importance of strong property management in secondary and tertiary mar...

In this episode, we are joined by Sam Morris, Partner at LSCRE to talk about the Houston real estate market - how it's grown, why people are moving there, and what makes it a great place to invest. Our discussion covers how Houston evolved from an oil-dependent economy to a diverse, thriving hub with a strong corporate presence and a unique cultural landscape. We analyze supply and demand tre...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther interviews Luis Frias, a real estate professional based in San Antonio, who shares his journey from being a licensed real estate agent to becoming a multifamily investor and owner-operator. They discuss the current state of the real estate market in Texas, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Luis em...

This podcast episode discusses the recent merger between LSCRE and Sunset Capital, highlighting the organic nature of the partnership and the benefits this merger brings to investors. In our conversation with Sam Morris, the newest LSCRE team member and partner at LSCRE, we explore market insights, investment strategies, and the cultural alignment between the two firms, highlighting the importance...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther and Randy Smith discuss Randy's journey from corporate sales to real estate investing, the current market dynamics, and the importance of due diligence and operator selection. They explore the challenges and strategies in capital raising, the significance of diversification for investors, and Randy's coaching initiatives aimed at helping new capital rais...

I just got back from an amazing trip to Sedona after RaiseFest in Phoenix! Great hikes, pickleball, cigars, and, of course, plenty of real estate talk. One topic that kept coming up was exit cap rates.  Many investors default to widening their exit cap rate for conservatism but in today’s market, that strategy doesn’t always make sense, especially for value-add deals. Your exit cap rate should ref...

On this episode of the LSCRE Podcast, Craig McGrouther and I take you on a journey through some of our latest experiences and insights. We start with our trip to Sedona and our time at RaiseFest, where we connected with industry leaders, shared ideas, and picked up valuable lessons along the way. From there, we dive into some big developments in the real estate world, including Apple’s major inves...

In this episode, Craig McGrouther interviews Aaron and Jacob Thomas, founders of Twin Lux Capital, about their entrepreneurial journey from traditional jobs to raising capital in real estate. They discuss their initial foray into Airbnb, the transition to multifamily investments, and the importance of education and taking risks in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Aaron and Jacob Thomas from...

Are you forgetting about recurring CapEx in your underwriting? How confident are you that your budget accounts for everything? The reality is, recurring CapEx expenses can sneak up on you, especially with older properties.  Things like appliance replacements, HVAC systems, and even roof repairs add up quickly. If you’re not factoring those in, your cash flow might take a hit. In this video, I’ll w...

In this episode of the LSCRE podcast, Craig McGrother and I discuss various topics related to real estate investing, including capital calls and dual tranche syndication structures. We explore the challenges of in-house construction and accounting considerations, as well as current market trends in multifamily real estate. Our conversation also touches on the importance of sleep for productivity a...

In episode, Craig McGrouther interviews Greg Gruehl, founder of Gruehl Capital Management Partners, who shares his unique journey into the world of industrial real estate. From his early influences and experiences during the financial crisis to navigating the COVID boom, Greg discusses the intricacies of industrial leasing, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the innovative strategies his firm...

Capital calls are often perceived as a touchy subject in real estate investing.  Many investors view them negatively, associating them with financial distress and mismanagement. However, capital calls are not inherently bad; rather, their implications depend on context, execution, and purpose.  Instead of treating all capital calls as the same, it’s crucial to explore the nuances and evaluate thei...