Episodios

  • 251: Finding Highly Vetted and Diversified Assets For Your Capital with Mark Khuri

    251: Finding Highly Vetted and Diversified Assets For Your Capital with Mark Khuri
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Mark Khuri, co-founder of SMK Capital Management, for a focused conversation on passive investing, diversification, and risk reduction through strategic fund structures. With over 20 years of experience, Mark has developed a methodical approach to building real estate portfolios that emphasizes steady returns, low volatility, and long-term growth. Mark shares how he began his career working on residential value-add deals, managing flips and rentals alongside family. As he gained experience, he realized that owning and managing properties directly wasn’t sustainable at scale. That realization led to the creation of SMK Capital, which now specializes in private real estate funds that span multiple asset types, operators, and geographic markets. Jonathan and Mark examine how this model enables investors to spread risk across a range of properties, including mobile home parks, triple-net lease retail, and industrial, and discuss why diversification can lead to more stable returns over time. They also touch on the benefits of private lending and fixed-income strategies, which help generate early-stage cash flow while larger value-add projects are being stabilized. A key part of SMK’s success hinges on operator selection. Mark outlines the firm’s criteria for choosing partners, from their communication style to track record and approach to capital management. He emphasizes the need for transparency and alignment, noting that clear expectations and regular updates are essential to building trust with investors. Jonathan shares his insights on what passive investors should consider when evaluating both funds and single-asset syndications. The discussion provides a clear framework for those seeking more consistency in their returns and less exposure to operational risk. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how fund structures work, how to evaluate sponsors and investment opportunities, and how smaller, under-the-radar assets can complement more traditional real estate investments. For anyone looking to build wealth through passive real estate, this episode is a practical guide to lowering risk and thinking more holistically about long-term investing. In this episode, you will hear: Building wealth through diversification across assets, locations, and timelines Shifting from residential investing to private commercial funds Why funds can outperform single-asset syndications in volatile markets Using private debt and fixed-income strategies to generate early cash flow Real-world examples of risk mitigation across asset classes Evaluating operators and building trust through consistent communication How fund structures support passive investors with long-term goals Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: SMK Capital Management - www.smkcap.com Connect with Mark Khuri on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/mark-khuri-7543821 Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    49 m
  • 250: Navigating Real Estate Development With Confidence with Katie Kim

    250: Navigating Real Estate Development With Confidence with Katie Kim
    Jun 12 2025

    In this 250th episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Katie Kim, a third-generation developer and founder of the Development Academy. Katie’s approach to real estate is built on lived experience, starting with childhood council meetings and evolving into full-scale developments that blend economic strategy, relationship-building, and community impact.

    Throughout the episode, Katie shares how consistent preparation, strong partnerships, and structured capital stacks have helped her navigate the often unpredictable world of development. She stresses the importance of building with confidence, a quality that comes from repetition, not just reading.

    Jonathan and Katie also explore the realities of zoning, red tape, and tough public conversations. Katie explains why showing up with a clear plan earns respect and how her Development Academy is helping new developers gain the experience and mentorship they need to launch successful projects.

    If you’re looking for a real-world take on how to break into development or scale your current strategy, this episode delivers straight talk on what works and what to avoid.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • Katie’s experience growing up in a multigenerational real estate family and learning negotiation early

    • Developing confidence through consistent reps and experience

    • Partnering with clarity and accountability

    • Creating impactful community development through economic incentives and urban infill projects

    • Structuring deals with capital stacks that make sense

    • Preparing thoroughly before every meeting or pitch

    • Blending personal history and professional growth into one career

    • Helping new developers launch through mentorship and hands-on learning

    • Advocating for inclusivity in real estate and focusing on getting the job done regardless of background

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    Katie Kim’s website - www.katiekim.com

    Find Katie on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@thekatiekim

    Katie’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/thekatiekim

    Follow Katie on Instagram - www.instagram.com/thekatiekim

    Connect with Katie Kim on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/katiekim

    Katie’s X account - x.com/thekatiekim

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    56 m
  • 249: Reaping the Rewards of a Diversified Portfolio with Lon Welsh

    249: Reaping the Rewards of a Diversified Portfolio with Lon Welsh
    Jun 9 2025
    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Lon Welsh, founder of Ironton Capital and Your Castle Real Estate, to explore what it takes to transition from active to more passive and diversified real estate investing. With a background that spans flipping homes, self-managing rentals, and launching investment funds, Lon shares how his personal experience shaped the way he helps investors today. The conversation starts with Lon’s early steps in real estate, living below his means, and creating a basement ADU, and expands into his evolution as a syndicator and fund manager. He explains how burnout from hands-on property management pushed him to reimagine his investing strategy, leading to the creation of Ironton Capital’s fund-of-funds structure. The result is a platform designed to serve professionals who want the benefits of real estate without the headaches of daily management. Jonathan and Lon talk through how geographic and asset diversification help manage risk, what investors should look for when evaluating sponsors, and how to align financial decisions with broader life goals. Lon also shares why mindset matters just as much as metrics, and how long-term thinking leads to better outcomes. Whether you're an experienced investor or someone looking to move beyond direct ownership, this episode offers a practical take on what passive investing can actually look like when done right. In this episode, you will hear: Building early financial discipline into real estate strategy Flipping and self-management lessons that still hold value today The role of fund-of-funds structures in simplifying passive investing Diversifying across markets and asset types to reduce exposure Key sponsor traits to look for as a limited partner Matching investment choices with lifestyle and freedom goals Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Ironton Capital’s website - irontoncapital.com Ironton Capital on YouTube - irontoncapital.com/youtube Ironton Capital’s Facebook page - irontoncapital.com/facebook Find Ironton Capital on Instagram - irontoncapital.com/instagram Follow Ironton Capital on LinkedIn - irontoncapital.com/linkedin Get your free copy of “The Complete Guide to Passive Diversified Real Estate Investing” - irontoncapital.com/realestatezen Website - www.streamlined.properties YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties Email - info@streamlined.properties Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    55 m
  • 248: Beating the Drum to the REIT Beat with David Auerbach

    248: Beating the Drum to the REIT Beat with David Auerbach
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes REIT industry veteran David Auerbach, Chief Investment Officer at Hoya Capital and publisher of The Daily REITBeat Newsletter. David shares his 25-year journey in the world of real estate investment trusts (REITs), helping listeners understand how REITs work, how they fit into a balanced portfolio, and why they’re a powerful option for long-term, income-focused investing.

    They break down the differences between public and private REITs, explain why REITs can be a great entry point for investors seeking exposure to commercial real estate, and discuss how dividend income plays a central role in REIT performance. David also explains how REITs provide accessibility, transparency, and liquidity that most traditional real estate investments can’t.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • How REITs offer an accessible, flexible way to gain exposure to real estate
    • The importance of dividend income and holding long-term for compounding returns
    • Ways to evaluate REITs based on asset type, such as multifamily, industrial, or senior housing
    • What sets public REITs apart in terms of liquidity, reporting, and transparency
    • REITs give access to diversified commercial real estate without requiring large amounts of capital or property management.
    • Long-term investing in REITs is more effective than chasing short-term gains.
    • Factors like interest rates and treasury yields that influence REIT performance
    • Smart portfolio positioning strategies that include REITs alongside stocks and bonds

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    Hoya Capital website - www.hoyacapital.com

    Hoya Capital’s YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/channel/UCOUuce409dsUDz0Te4xWXLA

    Connect with David Auerbachon LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/david-auerbach

    Daily REITBeat on X - x.com/DailyREITBeat

    The Daily REITBeat Newsletter - thedailyreitbeat.com

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    55 m
  • 247: Going From Investor To Investor-Friendly Agent with Niyi Adewole

    247: Going From Investor To Investor-Friendly Agent with Niyi Adewole
    Jun 2 2025

    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Niyi Adewole—real estate investor, short-term rental operator, and investor-friendly agent—to discuss the journey from first house hack to a thriving real estate business. Niyi shares how he transitioned from medical device sales to building a 30-unit portfolio in Louisville, Kentucky, before shifting into short-term rental management, new development, and becoming a trusted guide for other investors through his real estate team and podcast.

    Jonathan and Niyi explore the realities of house hacking, the importance of building systems, and why consistency and a long-term outlook matter more than chasing quick wins. Niyi offers advice for new investors, from how to get started in a high-interest-rate environment to what to look for in a truly investor-friendly agent.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • What led Niyi to house hacking, and how it helped him build early momentum

    • Lessons learned from managing rentals, handling evictions, and scaling with systems

    • How a move to Atlanta sparked a shift into full-time real estate entrepreneurship

    • Tips for investors navigating short-term and mid-term rental strategies

    • How to vet property managers and protect your cash flow

    • The difference between a real estate agent who says they work with investors and one who actually does

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    Ekabo Home website - linktr.ee/ekabohome

    Ekabo Home on YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCo-iogGt9tlPsMDFKB7B-1Q

    Ekabo Home’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/groups/530839468550185

    Ekabo Home on Instagram - www.instagram.com/ekabohome

    Connect with Niyi Adewole on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/niyiadewole

    Ekabo Home on TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@ekabohome

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    52 m
  • 246: Multifamily Success Through Transparency and Rigorous Due Diligence with Gary Lipsky

    246: Multifamily Success Through Transparency and Rigorous Due Diligence with Gary Lipsky
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan is joined by Gary Lipsky, founder of Break of Day Capital, to explore what it takes to succeed in multifamily real estate syndication. Gary shares how he went from buying his first fixer-upper in Los Angeles to managing over 3,200 apartment units across Arizona. With an emphasis on transparency, due diligence, and investor education, Gary discusses how his firm evaluates markets, selects value-add properties, and builds long-term relationships with investors.

    They dive deep into the differences between Class A and B assets, what makes a market like Tucson attractive for syndicators, and how Gary’s entrepreneurial background helped him scale while staying focused. The conversation also covers how passive investors should evaluate operators, what strong communication looks like, and why a conservative, consistent approach beats chasing the highest returns.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • What drew Gary to the Tucson market, and how he evaluates its long-term potential

    • Key indicators he looks for when assessing Class B value-add properties

    • Traits of trustworthy syndicators and how passive investors can vet them effectively

    • The role of conservative underwriting in building a sustainable investment strategy

    • How consistent execution and strong communication help operators earn investor confidence

    • Ways to educate potential investors without overselling or overpromising

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    Break of Day Capital website - breakofdaycapital.com

    Break of Day Capital on YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/BreakofDayCapital

    Break of Day Capital’s Facebook - www.facebook.com/breakofdaycapitalinvesting

    Gary Lipsky on Instagram - www.instagram.com/breakofdaycapital

    Connect with Gary Lipsky on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/gary-lipsky

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    46 m
  • 245: How Alternative Assets Can Create Passive Investing Mastery with Patrick Grimes

    245: How Alternative Assets Can Create Passive Investing Mastery with Patrick Grimes
    May 26 2025

    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan welcomes Patrick Grimes, founder of Passive Investing Mastery and Invest on Main Street. Patrick shares how a painful first deal during the 2008 crash reshaped his investing mindset, leading him to focus on long-term wealth accumulation, cash flow, and true portfolio diversification. What began with single-family rentals eventually expanded into large multifamily syndications, recession-resilient markets, and alternative assets, including litigation finance and debt funds.

    Patrick walks listeners through how he helps investors build a balanced portfolio by spreading risk across multiple, non-correlated asset classes. He also highlights why active professionals don’t need to become landlords to grow wealth, and how the right mix of passive investments can lead to financial security and freedom.

    If you want to diversify beyond traditional real estate while keeping property in your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical strategies and new perspectives.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • The early investment mistake that shaped Patrick’s long-term approach to wealth building

    • What makes multifamily syndications a powerful tool for scalable, passive income

    • Where litigation finance fits into a diversified real estate investment portfolio

    • Ways debt funds provide stable returns outside of traditional equity deals

    • Differences between passive and active investing for busy professionals

    • The role of education and networking in avoiding common investor pitfalls

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    Passive Investing Mastery website - passiveinvestingmastery.com

    Passive Investing Mastery on Facebook - www.facebook.com/PassiveInvestingMastery

    Connect with Patrick Grimes on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/patricksgrimes

    Invest on Main Street website - investonmainstreet.com

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    47 m
  • 244: Unlocking the Strategy of Rentals Made Easy with Jessie Lang

    244: Unlocking the Strategy of Rentals Made Easy with Jessie Lang
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan sits down with Jessie Lang, founder of Unlocked Rentals and author of “Rentals Made Easy,” to explore her journey from a $92,000 condo to a self-managed 70+ unit portfolio. Jessie shares how she unknowingly began house hacking out of necessity, transitioned into full-time investing, and eventually found her stride using the BRRRR method and private money.

    From Craigslist roommates and DIY renovations to managing properties remotely and building a team, Jessie reveals how she scaled her business without skipping the hard work. She discusses the power of meetups, mentorship, and trusting your instincts, especially when the traditional path doesn’t fit. Jessie also talks about her mastermind community, the launch of her new book, and why she still prefers single-family rentals over multifamily deals.

    This episode is a must-listen for investors looking to grow with intention, learn how to self-manage successfully, and avoid common pitfalls on the way to financial freedom.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    • How Jessie Lang went from living with roommates to profiting from rentals before she saw herself as an investor

    • Why house hacking and the BRRRR method became her foundation for growth

    • The turning point that led her to leave her W-2 and go all in on real estate

    • The benefits of single-family rentals, tenant retention, and pet-friendly properties

    • How she self-manages remotely, builds systems, and trains her team

    • What inspired her to launch a mastermind and write “Rentals Made Easy”

    Follow and Review:

    We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

    Supporting Resources:

    https://unlockedrentals.com/

    https://www.youtube.com/@unlockedrentals

    https://www.instagram.com/jessielangofficial

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-lang-36880637/

    https://a.co/d/hAegcXI

    https://urlgeni.us/facebook/unlockedguide

    https://www.unlockedrentals.com/minicourseoptin

    https://www.tiktok.com/@jessielangofficial

    Website - www.streamlined.properties

    YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

    Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

    TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

    Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

    Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/TrustGreene

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

    Email - info@streamlined.properties

    Episode Credits

    If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
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    52 m
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