The Female Developer Redefining What Cities Should Look Like with Meg Epstein

Episode 511 – Meg Epstein | CA South Development What happens when a UCLA finance grad skips Wall Street during the 2008 crash and instead dives into $60 million Bel Air construction projects? For Meg Epstein, that pivot led to a thriving development career and the founding of CA South, a Nashville-based real estate firm with over $380 million in projects across industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use. In this episode, Meg shares: How she went from walking luxury job sites in Beverly Hills to reshaping urban neighborhoods in Nashville Why great design is her secret weapon in a sea of bland multifamily builds How she’s pioneering short-term rentable condos as a hybrid between investment and lifestyle What industrial outdoor storage (IOS) really is — and why it’s her next big bet Her take on urban planning, walkability, and the future of Southeastern U.S. cities How she’s leveraging AI to streamline due diligence and investor communications The unique opportunities found in non-institutional, niche asset classes Whether you're an investor curious about where development is headed, or a builder looking to differentiate your product, this conversation will give you a rare look inside the mind of a fast-scaling developer—and the strategies she’s using to stay ahead of the curve. Find out more: https://www.youtube.com/@megaubaleepstein?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.casouthdevelopment.com Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Modern energy regulations and rising utility costs are reshaping commercial real estate. In this episode, veteran green-building contractor Robert Pulitzer of Green Street Global explains how owners can tap hidden operational savings, fund deep retrofits with zero out-of-pocket capital, and future-proof assets against tightening decarbonization rules. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Where the Money Hides: How utility-bill audits uncover 10-20 % in overcharges and fund the first wave of improvements. The Retrofit Roadmap: Start with the building envelope, then right-size HVAC, lighting, and water systems for 20-40 % lower consumption. Financing That Pays for Itself: Using C-PACE, equipment financing, and shared-savings models to cover 100 % of soft and hard costs. Best-Fit Property Types: Hotels, senior housing, hospitals, industrial facilities, private schools—and any owner-occupied building with high OPEX. Value-Add for the 21st Century: Why lower carbon emissions translate directly into higher NOI, higher valuations, and lower regulatory risk. AI as a Force Multiplier: The everyday tools Robert uses to draft proposals, LOIs, and even legal responses at lightning speed. Key Takeaways: Treat energy efficiency as a profit center, not an expense. A holistic approach—tight envelope → right-sized HVAC → efficient fixtures—delivers the biggest ROI. Shared-savings contracts and tax strategies eliminate upfront capital barriers. Decarbonization mandates are accelerating worldwide; acting now preserves asset value and competitive edge. Resources & Links Mentioned: https://www.greenstreetglobal.com https://www.greenstreetglobal.com/case_studies/ [email protected] Enjoyed the show? Leave a rating, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow investor who’s looking to cut OPEX and boost NOI through smart energy upgrades! Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Most investors stop at buying and renting—but what if your next move was developing the places your community actually needs? In this episode, real estate developer and consultant Kristi Kandel shares how everyday investors can become local developers without millions in the bank or a background in construction. With $450M+ in completed projects across retail, housing, clean energy, and adaptive reuse, Kristi breaks down what it really takes to turn vacant buildings or underutilized lots into thriving local assets. You’ll learn: What development actually means (hint: it’s not always ground-up construction) How to get started with adaptive reuse and infill projects Who to talk to first — from city managers to regional lenders to neighbors How to access local grants, incentives, and funding opportunities The step-by-step process Kristi uses to help investors become developers in their own towns Why small towns (under 10,000 people) are filled with overlooked development potential Kristi also shares her experience developing clean energy projects like hydrogen fueling stations, and how tech and AI are transforming how developers evaluate deals and make decisions faster than ever. Find out more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-kandel-4b650a12/   linkedin.com/company/local-real-estate-developers https://www.instagram.com/localrealestatedevelopers https://www.instagram.com/kristikandel/ Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What would Warren Buffett do if he invested in real estate? In this episode, Brian Hamrick welcomes back Paul Moore, Founder of Wellings Capital and author of multiple real estate investing books, to explore safer, smarter strategies in today’s market. Paul shares why he believes Buffett’s investing principles apply directly to commercial real estate—and even argues that Buffett might have been more successful in property than in stocks. Key topics we cover: Preferred Equity 101: where it fits in the capital stack and why it can deliver debt-like returns with equity-style protection Rescue Capital vs. Safer Structures: why Wellings avoids distressed bailouts and instead focuses on recapitalizations and acquisitions Hybrid JV Equity: the new strategy that combines the protections of preferred equity with the upside of common equity The Buffett Playbook: how timeless principles like intrinsic value, discipline, and saying “no” apply to real estate investors today Asset Management as Risk Control: why fraud and people problems—not pro formas—are the biggest investor risks Paul’s upcoming book, Warren Buffett’s Rules for Real Estate Investors His nonprofit mission with AIM to fight human trafficking Paul also opens up about the mistakes he’s avoided (like floating-rate debt during the rate hikes) and the lessons he’s learned from decades in the business. 📌 Resources & Links: Free investor resources: wellingscapital.com/resources Support AIM: aimfree.org/wellings Follow Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-moore-3255924/ Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Before you buy or lease commercial real estate, there’s one report that can save you from six-figure surprises — the Property Condition Assessment. In this episode, Greg Trotter, a 50-year veteran of construction, consulting, and expert witness testimony, joins us to explain why PCAs are essential to investor due diligence. From flood damage and corroded fire systems to structural defects hiding in plain sight, Greg breaks down how a thorough PCA protects your capital, prevents lawsuits, and gives you leverage at the negotiation table. You’ll learn: What’s included in a PCA (and how it differs from a home inspection) The biggest deal-killers found in commercial properties Why banks and equity partners both rely on PCAs (but for different reasons) Real-world examples of surprises — including collapsing balconies, failed sprinkler systems, and one “missing” sewer line What happens when PCA reports are inaccurate — and why Greg sometimes ends up in court Whether you're buying an apartment building, leasing a warehouse, or investing in a strip center, this episode will change the way you look at physical due diligence. Find out more: https://www.thecbcteam.com/ Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

What do NFL players, luxury beach homes, and high-stakes real estate deals have in common? Brooke Kromer. In this episode, we dive into the world of high net worth investing in Florida’s exclusive 30A market, where multimillion-dollar short-term rentals are helping athletes, coaches, and savvy investors grow and preserve wealth. Brooke Kromer—realtor, investor, and daughter of longtime NFL coach Aaron Kromer—shares how she uses her insider knowledge and lifelong NFL connections to guide players and entrepreneurs into strategic real estate investments along the Gulf Coast. We talk about: Why 30A is booming for short-term rental investing How Brooke walks first-time buyers and NFL stars through deals worth $1M–$25M Real numbers: what it costs to buy, hold, and earn rental income in this luxury market How athletes navigate pressure, family dynamics, and financial decisions The tax advantages and bonus depreciation strategies being used right now Why Brooke left a successful career in sports broadcasting to take control of her future through real estate What makes the 30A lifestyle a magnet for high performers and tech entrepreneurs Whether you're an investor, sports fan, or curious about how the ultra-wealthy think about real estate, this is a behind-the-scenes look you won’t want to miss. Follow Brooke Kromer: https:// www.facebook.com/kromercollective https:// www.instagram.com/brookekromer/ https:// www.youtube.com/@BrookeKromerRealEstate [email protected] ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com Topics: 30A Florida real estate, short-term rentals, NFL investors, high net worth real estate, tax strategies for Airbnb, luxury vacation homes, real estate for athletes, Rosemary Beach investing, strategic wealth building.

What does it take to scale from a house hacker to owning 75 rental units—without deep pockets and during a high-interest rate environment? In this episode, Jesse Lang breaks down her journey from “accidental landlord” to full-time real estate investor. Starting with a $92,000 condo in Austin, TX, she began house hacking before moving into long-term rentals, wholesaling, and eventually mastering the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat). Jesse shares exactly how she built momentum, how she leveraged private money and hard money lenders, and why she’s tripled her portfolio in just a few short years—all while managing properties remotely with a lean team in Columbus, Ohio. You’ll learn: How Jesse used house hacking to get started The pros and cons of wholesaling vs. holding Her approach to raising private capital (including converting sellers into lenders) How she systematized her BRRRR process to scale fast Why she prefers the Midwest and how she built her team How she gets 100% of her deals funded using other people’s money How DSCR loans let her scale beyond 10 properties Plus, Jesse shares her favorite life-changing habit: The Miracle Morning. Whether you're just starting out or trying to grow your portfolio, this episode is packed with tactical advice you can use immediately. Find out more: Join our FREE Facebook group!: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1KdpUzVbKG/ Instagram/TikTok: @jessielangofficial Youtube: @unlockedrentals BRRRR Mini Course:  https://www.unlockedrentals.com/minicourseoptin Cell #: 614-368-7391 ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

Recorded live at the 2025 Midwest Real Estate Investor Conference, this panel dives deep into real estate syndications—what they are, how they work, and how to do them the right way. Whether you’re an active investor looking to scale or a passive investor evaluating opportunities, this episode is packed with real-world insights on raising capital, structuring deals, and staying SEC-compliant. Your panelists: Brian Hamrick – Host of this podcast and seasoned syndicator with over $22M raised since 2013. Gary Hall – President of the Muskegon Area Rental Association and founder of Dean Arrow private equity fund. Keith Heckman – Investor turned GP with experience in both active deals and LP investments across the U.S. Topics Covered: What is a real estate syndication and how does it work? 506(b) vs. 506(c): Legal structures and SEC compliance How to raise capital legally and ethically Preferred returns, GP/LP splits, and aligning incentives Single asset vs. fund models Tools and platforms to manage investors and deals (AppFolio, Wix, Cash Flow Portal, Syndication Pro) Lessons learned from the first raise: what they’d do differently Why good operating agreements matter more than you think Building trust with investors and managing ongoing communication Strategies for long-term holds vs. velocity of capital Whether you're just learning how syndications work or you’re actively putting your first deal together, this panel lays out the playbook with real talk from people in the trenches. Resources Mentioned: The Hands-Off Investor: An Insider’s Guide to Investing in Passive Real Estate Syndications by Brian Burke The Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book by Joe Fairless and Theo Hicks Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing: The Blueprint to Quitting Your Job with Real Estate – Even Without Experience or Cash by Michael Blank Structuring and Raising Debt & Equity for Real Estate by Rob Beardsley ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

In this episode, host Brian interviews Fuquan Bilal, CEO of NNG Capital Fund, who shares his 25+ year journey in real estate investing. Fuquan discusses his evolution from flipping houses to mastering distressed note investing, scaling a $50 million portfolio, and transitioning into multifamily and luxury single-family homes. He reveals how he navigated market shifts, built lasting investor relationships, and implemented systems for operational efficiency. Fuquan also covers creative deal structures, capital raising, remote investing, and leveraging technology like AppFolio and AI tools. You will gain actionable insights on sourcing deals, structuring partnerships, and the importance of communication and process in long-term wealth building. Key Topics: Flipping houses and early lessons from the 2008 financial crisis Distressed note investing: strategies, returns, and exit plans Scaling up: launching funds and raising capital Transitioning to rentals and multifamily properties Building systems and teams for remote and local investing Creative deal structures and seller financing Investor relations and communication best practices Leveraging technology and AI in property management Advice for investors: focus, mastery, and adapting to market changes Connect with Fuquan Bilal: Https://nngcapitalfund.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuquanbilal/ https://www.instagram.com/fuquanbilal/ https://www.facebook.com/fuquan.bilal.5 https://x.com/FuquanBilal ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com

In this episode, host Brian interviews Dr. Sherry Peel Jackson—a former IRS agent, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and real estate investor—who reveals how real estate investors can legally reduce taxes, grow income, and protect wealth. Dr. Jackson shares her unique insider perspective on IRS audits, the importance of documentation, and common mistakes investors make. Learn about powerful strategies like the Augusta Rule, maximizing deductions, structuring development expenses, and why working with a professional is crucial. Plus, Dr. Jackson discusses her real estate projects in Costa Rica and offers actionable tips for starting and scaling home-based businesses. Don’t miss these expert insights that could save you thousands on your next tax return! Guest Contact: https://sherrypeeljackson.com Email: [email protected] ---------- Today’s episode is brought to you by Green Property Management, managing everything from single family homes to apartment complexes in the West Michigan area. https://www.livegreenlocal.com And RCB & Associates, helping Michigan-based real estate investors and small business owners navigate the complex world of health insurance and Medicare benefits. https://www.rcbassociatesllc.com