Episodes
568
June 17, 2025
#568: Denver Data Centers Face $26M Utility Challenges and Energy Crisis
The Denver commercial real estate market is experiencing significant shifts as infrastructure challenges collide with development opportunities, creating both obstacles and potential windfalls for savvy investors. From data center developments facing power grid limitations to the emerging trend of motel-to-multifamily conversions, understanding these market dynamics is crucial for making informed investment decisions in today’s complex environment. Episode Overview In this episode, I sit down ...
567
June 10, 2025
#567: How This Mom Built Passive Income Through Self-Directed IRAs
Making a successful career transition from a high-stress profession into real estate investing while balancing family life seems like an impossible dream for many professionals. Today’s guest, Christy Burakovsky, proves it’s not only possible but can lead to a more fulfilling career that aligns your professional goals with your investment objectives. Her journey from burned-out healthcare director to successful real estate professional offers a roadmap for others considering similar transitions....
566
June 3, 2025
#566: 5% Down Fourplex Deal Produces $50K Annual Cash Flow Strategy
Traditional value-add strategies like the BRRRR method don’t work in today’s high-interest rate environment, but smart house hackers are finding new ways to add value that focus on cash flow rather than property appreciation. In this episode, I break down a real client success story where a simple $17,000 improvement turned a modest house hack into a cash-flowing powerhouse generating nearly $4,000 per month when the owner moves out. Episode Overview In this detailed case study, I’m joined by ...
565
May 27, 2025
#565: Market Cycle Analysis: Where Denver Real Estate Stands in 2025
The Denver real estate market is experiencing its most significant inventory surge in over a decade, with active listings nearly doubling year-over-year while revealing stark differences between single-family homes and attached properties. April 2025 data shows we’ve reached inventory levels not seen since 2011-2012, creating a complex market environment that technically remains a seller’s market by traditional metrics but feels increasingly balanced on the ground. Episode Overview In our mont...
564
May 20, 2025
#564: Housing Concessions Surge: What Colorado Sellers Must Know Now
The Colorado real estate market is experiencing significant shifts as we move through 2025, with changing buyer and seller dynamics creating both challenges and opportunities. In our recent Fire on Fire podcast episode with Paul and Jamin, we explored what’s actually happening on the ground—from concessions becoming standard practice to the impact of potential tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Understanding these trends is essential for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest in today’s uncer...
563
May 13, 2025
#563: Beyond ROI: How to Balance Real Estate and Stocks in Your Portfolio
Finding financial advisors who truly understand real estate investing can be challenging. Most traditional planners focus on stocks and bonds, often suggesting investors liquidate their properties and move into REITs—without understanding the fundamental differences between these asset classes. In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Daniel Huffman, a rare breed of financial planner who not only understands real estate investing but actively practices it alongside traditional portfo...
562
May 6, 2025
#562: The One Calendar Shift That Led to Property Llama's Profitability
In today’s special episode, I’m taking a different approach. Instead of our typical discussion on investment strategies and market trends, I’m pulling back the curtain on Property Llama as a business. Our behind-the-scenes content consistently performs well with our audience, and sharing our journey helps us connect with potential team members, deal flow, and capital partners who align with our vision. Episode Overview Throughout this episode, I share three major updates from Property Llama’s ...
561
April 29, 2025
#561: $112M to $3.2M: Denver Office Towers Becoming 700 Apartments
The Colorado real estate landscape continues to show remarkable variations across different market segments, with some properties commanding multiple offers while others linger for months. As recent economic volatility and policy changes create ripples throughout the market, understanding these trends is essential for making informed investment decisions. In this month’s update, I’ll share what’s happening on the ground with single-family homes, condos, and alternative investment strategies that...
560
April 22, 2025
#560: Single-Family vs Condos: How Denver's Market Is Splitting in 2025
As stock markets experienced significant turbulence in early April, many investors found themselves reconsidering their portfolios and investment strategies. The ripple effects of this volatility extend beyond Wall Street, creating both challenges and opportunities in real estate markets across the country. Understanding how Denver’s unique real estate market responds to these broader economic shifts can help investors make informed decisions during uncertain times. Episode Overview In this Fi...
559
April 15, 2025
#559: Escaping Market Volatility with Self-Directed IRAs for Real Estate Investors
With market volatility sending shockwaves through traditional investment portfolios, many investors are seeking alternatives through vehicles like self-directed IRAs that can thrive regardless of Wall Street’s ups and downs. In this episode, I share how I strategically repositioned a portion of my retirement funds into real estate and private lending to create a more resilient portfolio designed to generate consistent returns even during turbulent economic times. Episode Overview In this detai...
558
April 8, 2025
#558: How to Conduct a Portfolio Health Audit to Maximize Your Income
Is your rental property portfolio performing at its full potential? Many Colorado real estate investors are unknowingly leaving money on the table through under-market rents, missed revenue opportunities, or inefficient operating procedures. A comprehensive portfolio health audit can uncover these hidden opportunities to boost your net operating income (NOI) and maximize your return on investment. Episode Overview In this informative episode, Brandon and John of Keyrenter discuss the importanc...
557
April 1, 2025
#557: House Hacking with a Family: From 15 Tenants to a Turnkey Fourplex
The house hacking journey doesn’t end when life changes—it evolves. One investor’s third house hack shows how adapting your strategy for family needs can improve returns. This case study reveals how expanding your search radius from Denver to Colorado Springs might be the key to unlocking better investment opportunities in today’s market. Episode Overview In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff White and Troy Howell to discuss a client who purchased his third house hack. This time, a turnkey fourp...
556
March 25, 2025
#556: Why 67% of Denver Rentals Now Offer Move-In Concessions
The Colorado real estate market continues to evolve with distinctive trends emerging across different property types and locations. Whether you’re an investor considering your next move or a potential homebuyer trying to time the market, understanding the current landscape is essential for making informed decisions in these dynamic markets. Episode Overview In this information-packed market update, Chris Lopez and the team dive into the February 2025 real estate trends for both Denver and Colo...
555
March 18, 2025
#555: Qualified Opportunity Funds: The Tax Strategy Real Estate Investors Miss
Are you looking for ways to defer capital gains taxes while building wealth through real estate? Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) might be the strategy you haven’t considered yet. This often overlooked investment vehicle offers significant tax advantages for investors with long-term horizons, particularly when compared to traditional 1031 exchanges. Episode Overview In this information-packed episode, Chris Lopez and the REICO team sit down with Thomas from Hall CPA to explore the ins and ou...
554
March 11, 2025
#554: Inside an $80M Development Project Budget Breakdown
In our latest Deal Room episode, we sit down with Adam Fenton of Narrate Holdings to dissect the underwriting and budget details of a significant real estate development project in Colorado Springs. This 183-unit Class A mixed-use development presents a compelling investment opportunity within a Qualified Opportunity Zone, offering unique tax advantages over traditional 1031 exchanges. Key highlights: The 183-unit Class A project costs $72.5 million ($396k/door) and falls within a Qualified Op...
553
March 4, 2025
#553: 3 Powerful Moves for Southern Colorado Real Estate in 2025
In our latest podcast episode, Envision Advisors agent Jenny Bayless breaks down the current Southern Colorado real estate market and shares practical strategies for investors navigating 2025 conditions. As your local guide for real estate investing in Colorado, we’re focused on providing you with actionable insights based on current market data and proven investment approaches. Jenny analyzed Q4 2024 data and identified three powerful strategies that are working right now in Colorado Springs a...
552
Feb. 25, 2025
#552: Is Colorado Springs Outperforming Denver? What 7% Growth Tells Us
Why is Colorado Springs outpacing Denver in home price growth while condo values plummet across both markets? Surprising data reveals Colorado Springs single-family homes up 7% year-over-year while Denver posts 5.6% gains, painting a complex picture of Colorado’s real estate landscape in early 2025. Join Chris Lopez and his expert panel as they dissect the latest market trends and implications for investors. Key insights from this episode: Sharp contrast between houses and condos – Denver con...
551
Feb. 18, 2025
#551: 5 New Investing Opportunities in 2025 Denver Real Estate
Following their recent Portfolio Analysis Mastermind with over 40 investors, Chris Lopez and the Fire on FIRE team share emerging trends and opportunities in Denver’s evolving real estate market. Discover how successful investors are adapting their strategies to current market conditions. Key insights from this episode: Why established landlords are selling select properties to reinvest in passive opportunities Strategic partnership opportunities between parents and college-bound children Ho...
550
Feb. 11, 2025
#550: How To Underwrite A 65-Unit Ground-Up Development | Denver Real Estate Analysis
Ever wonder how professional developers evaluate multifamily opportunities? Join us for an in-depth analysis with Adam Fenton of Narrate Holdings as we dissect the numbers behind a 65-unit luxury development in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood. From site acquisition to construction costs and rental projections, discover how experienced developers approach complex projects in today’s market. Learn how this $4.1M land acquisition will transform into a $32M+ asset targeting completion in 2027. Ke...
549
Feb. 4, 2025
#549: Understanding Why Building in Denver Costs More Now
Planning to build or renovate in Denver? This eye-opening episode follows Paul and Valerie DeSalvo’s journey of transforming a 1902 Victorian home and adding an ADU in Berkeley Highlands. Their experience reveals the surprising complexity and escalating costs of development in Denver’s current regulatory environment. Join us as we dissect how their initial $1 million budget faces significant challenges before construction even begins, with permit fees and regulations creating unexpected hurdles...
548
Jan. 28, 2025
#548: How To Make A 6%+ Interest Rate Work With House Hacking
Can you still make house hacking work with 6%+ interest rates? Join us as we analyze a recent Denver duplex purchase that proves it’s possible. We break down how a 28-year-old professional transformed his $2,800 Seattle rental payment into an investment opportunity in Arvada, using creative financing and Section 8 strategies. Through this real-world case study with Jeff White from Envision Advisors and Troy Howell from Nova Home Loans, discover how a $655,000 side-by-side duplex became an affo...
547
Jan. 21, 2025
#547: Denver 2025 Market Update: Where Experienced Investors Are Looking Now
Looking for the next hot investment opportunity in Denver’s real estate market? Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast Host Chris Lopez sat down with a panel of Colorado real estate experts including Brandon Scholten from Keyrenter Property Management Denver, and lender Troy Howell from Nova Home Loans. They analyzed December 2024 data to reveal emerging trends and market shifts that savvy investors should watch in 2025. While overall inventory levels have seen the sharpest seasonal decline in re...