Passive Income Unlocked Sujata Shyam

Can diversifying your investment portfolio with real estate help protect you from the volatility of the stock market?
 
In this insightful episode, Suja sits down with Bharat Kona, a seasoned real estate investor and former tech professional who shares his compelling journey from the Silicon Valley to the world of real estate investing. Bharat discusses his motivation for diversifying his investment portfolio after experiencing significant losses during the dot-com bubble and the 2008 housing crash. He explains how he discovered his passion for real estate and the benefits it offers, such as cash flow, equity multiplier, and tax advantages. Bharat also delves into the various types of real estate investments he has been involved in, including value-add multifamily, ground-up construction, and land entitlement deals. Throughout the episode, he shares valuable lessons learned and strategies for navigating the current challenging market conditions.
 
Bharat is a dedicated full-time sponsor and operator in commercial real estate, with a proven track record of acquiring and managing 650 units across the South and Midwest regions. Well-connected capital raiser, having successfully secured over $6.5 million to date. Proficient in asset management, financial underwriting, capital raise, and investor relations.
 
00:00:00 - 00:03:00 | From Silicon Valley to Real Estate: Bharat's Transformative Journey
 
Bharat shares his background in the tech industry and the painful experiences that led him to seek diversification
He discusses how friends and mentors introduced him to the world of commercial real estate
Bharat highlights his current portfolio and the capital he has raised across his deals
 
00:03:01 - 00:08:00 | Discovering Passion and Purpose in Real Estate Investing
 
Bharat explains how he found true passion and enjoyment in working with investors and sharing the benefits of real estate investing
He discusses the decision to transition from his tech career to full-time real estate investing
Bharat shares insights on how his investors, primarily from the tech industry, are attracted to the diversification and tax benefits of real estate
 
00:08:01 - 00:14:00 | Navigating Different Asset Classes: From Value-Add to Ground-Up Construction
 
Bharat discusses his first full-cycle deal, a 45-unit value-add property in Kansas City, and the lessons learned
He shares his experience with ground-up construction projects in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the importance of demographics and partnerships
Bharat touches on his involvement in a land entitlement deal in Austin suburbs and the challenges faced
 
00:14:01 - 00:20:00 | The Excitement and Challenges of Real Estate Investing
 
Bharat expresses his passion for sharing knowledge and enlightening others about the benefits of diversifying through real estate
He emphasizes the importance of patience and the long-term nature of real estate investing
Bharat discusses the current market challenges, including high interest rates and the difficulty in finding good deals
 
00:20:01 - 00:28:00 | Strategies for Success in a Volatile Market
 
Bharat shares his experience with using fixed bridge loans and successfully refinancing into agency loans
He highlights the importance of consistent hard work, maintaining high occupancy, and controlling expenses
Bharat discusses the advantages of investing in Midwest markets, which offer slower but steadier growth and less volatility compared to hot markets like Phoenix and Austin
 
Quote:
 
“This is not something to get rich quick. Patience is very critical in investing.” - Bharat Kona
 
Connect with Bharat: 
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bharatkona
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharatkona/
Website: https://www.eldoradocapitalinc.com/
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Connect with me through LinkedIn.
Or send me an email at sujata@luxe-cap.com
V

What does it take to go from being a professional athlete in Russia to a successful real estate investor in the United States?
 
In this captivating episode, Igor Shaltanov shares his remarkable journey from being a professional water polo player in Russia to becoming a thriving entrepreneur and real estate investor in the United States. He discusses the challenges he faced during the uncertain times in Russia in the 1990s and how his decision to pursue a career in sports led him to discover new opportunities and expand his horizons. Igor's story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of a better future for himself and his family. Throughout the episode, he shares valuable insights on transitioning from being an athlete to an entrepreneur, the importance of passion and discipline in business, and the lessons he learned from his experiences in real estate investing.
 
Igor Shaltanov, co-founder and managing partner of Avista Fund, is a former professional athlete who transitioned into successful entrepreneurship and real estate investment. Guided by discipline and a relentless drive for excellence, Igor has founded and managed thriving companies and businesses in Southern California. 



[00:00:00] - [00:08:59] Growing Up in Russia and Pursuing a Career in Sports
 
The challenges and uncertainties of living in Russia in the 1990s
How sports provided an opportunity for personal growth and new experiences
The impact of traveling and expanding one's horizons
 
[00:09:00] - [00:16:59] Transitioning from Athlete to Entrepreneur
 
The decision to stay in the United States and start a new life
Opening a basketball training company and the lessons learned from running a business
The importance of passion and discipline in entrepreneurship
 
[00:17:00] - [00:23:59] Discovering Real Estate Investing
 
The journey from being a business owner to an investor
The lessons learned from early real estate investments in Russia
The decision to focus on real estate investing in the United States
 
[00:24:00] - [00:30:59] Scaling Up in Real Estate
 
The challenges and benefits of investing in single-family homes
The decision to transition to multifamily syndication
The importance of understanding one's goals and desired role in real estate investing
 
[00:31:00] - [00:34:59] Navigating the Current Multifamily Market
 
The impact of rising interest rates and new supply on the multifamily market
The importance of finding good deals and locking in favorable interest rates
 The value of staying informed through conversations with experienced operators
 
 
Quotes:
 
"Investing is not about chasing the latest trends; it's about understanding the fundamentals and making informed decisions." - Igor Shaltanov
 
"Real estate investing is a journey of constant learning and adaptation. Embrace the challenges, and you'll find success." - Igor Shaltanov



Connect with Igor: 
 
Website: https://avistafund.com/
 
eBook: www.winrealestategame.com



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How can foreign investors navigate the complexities of investing in U.S. multifamily syndications and capitalize on the opportunities available in the current market?
 
In this insightful episode, Vinicius Ramos shares his unique experience as a foreign investor in U.S. multifamily syndications. Vinicius, originally from Brazil, transitioned from a successful corporate career to co-founding Texas Valley Group, which helps international investors access multifamily investment opportunities in Texas. He discusses the challenges and strategies for investing as a foreign investor, the importance of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people, and the lessons he has learned throughout his journey in the ever-changing real estate market.
 
Vinicius is a managing partner with Texas Valley Group Co-sponsored xa600+ units across San Antonio, McAllen, and Houston since 2021. He has focused his experience on scaling operations using digital transformation and go-to-market distribution strategies and has managed operations of US$45M+ year revenue. Graduated in Business Administration and with 16 years of experience in several industries, he has held positions in Brazil, Mexico, and the USA as Country Manager, New Business, and Managing director for large corporations.
 
 
[00:00:00] - [00:04:00] Chapter 1: From Brazil to Texas: Vinicius's Journey in Real Estate Investing
- Vinicius's background in consulting and international corporate career
- Falling in love with Texas and its business opportunities
- Discovering the potential of apartment investing
 
[00:04:00] - [00:09:00] Chapter 2: Diving into Multifamily Syndications: Financing and Growth
- The attraction of apartment investing as a low-risk asset class
- Navigating financing options as a first-time investor
- Growing from a 52-unit apartment to over 800 units under management
 
[00:09:00] - [00:12:00] Chapter 3: Navigating the Current Market: Opportunities and Strategies
- Adapting to the high inflation and high interest rate environment
- Finding opportunities through assumable loans and distressed assets
- Underwriting conservatively and being selective with tenant screening
 
[00:12:00] - [00:15:00] Chapter 4: Investing as a Foreign Investor: Challenges and Guidance
- Differences between investing as a U.S. person and a foreign investor
- Fiscal implications and strategies to protect investments
- Providing guidance and support for foreign investors
 
[00:15:00] - [00:20:00] Chapter 5: Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Investors
- Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people and networking
- Minimizing risk exposure by co-investing and learning from others
- Prioritizing investor relationships and putting their interests first
 
Quotes:
 
"I believe it is a time of opportunity. You have to be conservative on next steps because it will get worse before it gets better." - Vinicius Ramos
 
"If you want to do something, you have to get in the water. You have to really surround yourself with the knowledge and the people that are living and breathing what you're trying to do." - Vinicius Ramos
 
Connect with Vinicius:
 
Website: www.texasvalleygroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinicius-ranucci-ramos-5017aabb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasvalleygroup/
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Connect with me through LinkedIn.
Or send me an email at sujata@luxe-cap.com
Visit my website, www.luxe-cap.com, or my YouTube channel.
Thanks for tuning in!
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What if the path to financial freedom lies in thinking differently about investments and following the footsteps of the uber-wealthy?
 
In this thought-provoking episode, Tim Fergestad shares his journey from neuroscience to real estate investing, shedding light on the importance of aligning interests with financial advisors and diversifying one's portfolio. He discusses the pitfalls of relying solely on the stock market and the advantages of investing in real estate, particularly multifamily properties. Tim also shares his insights on the current market cycle, the benefits of buying and holding real estate, and the potential of debt funds as a passive investment option.
 
Tim Fergestad believes that relationships are the cornerstone of success. His drive to help others has made him a sought-after partner for top investors. Before being the a full-time investor, Tim used his Ph.D. in Neuroscience to study the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function. Being a father of two teenagers and spouse of a busy physician means, when he is not traveling for conferences and inspecting properties, you’ll often find him sipping a fine mezcal or diving in the Caribbean - all while managing his assets and serving his clients.
 
00:00:00 - 00:07:00 - From Neuroscience to Real Estate: Tim's Pivotal Career Shift
 
 Tim's background in neuroscience and his decision to pivot to real estate investing
 The importance of aligning interests with financial advisors
 Discovering real estate as one of the best asset classes for generating wealth
 
00:07:01 - 00:14:00 - Unveiling the Investment Strategies of the Wealthy
 
 The stock market is a minority in the portfolios of successful investors
 The power of real estate in creating millionaires
 The role of private equity and businesses in generating substantial wealth
 
00:14:01 - 00:21:00 - Scaling Up: Transitioning from Single-Family to Multifamily Investing
 
 The challenges of managing single-family rentals from afar
 The advantages of multifamily investing, including scale and on-site property management
 The importance of holding real estate long-term to generate wealth
 
00:21:01 - 00:28:00 - Navigating Market Cycles and Investment Opportunities
 
 The current state of the single-family and multifamily markets
 The potential for buying opportunities when the market is down
 The significance of loan terms and their impact on real estate investments
 
00:28:01 - 00:31:00 - Passive Investing and the Potential of Debt Funds
 
 The advantages of passive real estate investing
 The potential of debt funds as a passive, cash-flowing investment option
 The importance of understanding one's risk profile and investment goals
 
Quotes:
 
"Wealth historically in real estate is generated by buying and holding. The holding is really important." - Tim Fergestad
 
"I like real estate because it is easier to deal with, it's simple. I know what I'm getting into, and I can control most of the variables." - Tim Fergestad
 
Connect with Tim: 
 
Website: https://oakstreetassets.com/Tim-Fergestad-media-kit/
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Connect with me through LinkedIn.
Or send me an email at sujata@luxe-cap.com
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How can mindfulness and other unconventional techniques help entrepreneurs and investors manage the intense stress and emotional rollercoaster of building a company?
 
In this episode of Mindset Shorts, Suja welcomes back Litan Yahav, the founder of Vyzer, to discuss the unique challenges and mindset required to be a successful tech founder. Litan shares his personal experiences and insights on managing stress, setting goals, and embracing risk as an entrepreneur. He delves into the unconventional techniques he uses to maintain mental stability, such as Wim Hof breathing exercises, cold showers, and mindfulness practices. Litan emphasizes the importance of disconnecting the mind from constant thinking and focusing on the present moment to relieve stress and make better decisions as a leader.
 
Litan is a Navy veteran and tech founder who exited his last startup nine years ago to become a full-time passive investor. Driven by his passion for generating wealth and passive income, he created Vyzer, a platform designed to automate the management and control of every type of investment product, keeping passive investing truly passive.
 
00:00:00 - 00:02:00 The Roller Coaster of Being a Tech Founder
- Dealing with extreme highs and lows on an hourly basis
- Balancing the stress of running a company with personal life
- The importance of goal setting and monitoring progress
 
00:02:00 - 00:05:00 Unconventional Stress Management Techniques
- Incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and Wim Hof breathing exercises
- The benefits of cold showers and cold plunges
- Disconnecting the mind from constant thinking to relieve stress
 
00:05:00 - 00:07:00 The Mindset of an Entrepreneur
- Being born with or nurturing a risk-taking characteristic
- Driven by the desire to solve problems using technology
- Focusing on solving inefficiencies rather than monetary aspects
 
00:07:00 - 00:09:00 Navigating the Financial Challenges of Entrepreneurship
- Working part-time jobs to support oneself before raising capital
- The importance of taking a salary to focus 100% on building the company
- Investors' incentive for founders to prioritize building the business
 
00:09:00 - 00:11:00 The Power of Mindfulness in Leadership
- Participating in the Hoffman Kaufman Institute workshop
- Applying mindfulness exercises in daily life, even while driving
- The impact of focusing on the present moment to calm down and make better decisions
 
Quotes:
 
- "The vast majority of tech entrepreneurs take a salary, even if it's a small one, because it aligns with everyone's incentives, including investors, to allow founders to focus solely on building the company without worrying about anything else." - Litan Yahav
 
- "When you think about it, there are no moments in your life where you disconnect your mind from thinking about anything." - Litan Yahav



Connect with Litan:
Website: vyzer.co
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Connect with me through LinkedIn.
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How can mastering time efficiency help you achieve your goals and live a more fulfilling life?
 
In this episode of Mindset Shorts, Suja welcomes back Austin Zelland, a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Cashflowpreneur, to share his valuable insights on time efficiency. Austin discusses how he manages to balance multiple businesses, extracurricular activities, and personal interests by prioritizing tasks, focusing on main goals, and quickly pivoting from one task to another. He shares his journey of learning time efficiency through trial and error, starting from his childhood days when he would find ways to maximize his time at school to have more free time for the activities he loved. Austin also emphasizes the importance of time-blocking, planning, and separating emotions from tasks to achieve greater efficiency and productivity.
 
Austin Zelan is an American businessman, investor, TEDx speaker, and philanthropist. Throughout his career, he has always focused on productivity and efficiency, finding ways to have more positive impact with his work. This has allowed him to simultaneously run multiple successful businesses, pursue his PhD, and serve on several executive boards. He has a passion to help others grow and achieve more. Austin currently coaches students from around the world to increase their impact, while decreasing inefficiencies. He helps each student create Six Figures in Passive Income through his mentorship program. This proven framework creates generational wealth for his students and allows them to take back control of their time. This has allowed him to shape the investment space to become more efficient and more lucrative for investors.
 
[00:00:00] - [00:01:30] Mastering the Art of Juggling Multiple Pursuits
- Prioritize tasks and focus on main goals
- Learn to pivot quickly between tasks
- Avoid letting personal matters affect business performance
 
[00:01:30] - [00:03:30] Developing Time Efficiency Skills from Childhood
- Find ways to condense the day and maximize free time
- Start homework during free time at school
- Simultaneously learn and work on assignments
 
[00:03:30] - [00:05:30] The Power of Thorough Planning and Time-Blocking
- Pre-plan the entire week, down to 15-minute intervals
- Include breaks and personal time in the schedule
- Raise up other leaders to delegate tasks
 
[00:05:30] - [00:06:30] Balancing Efficiency with Self-Care
- Plan for breaks and naps in the schedule
- Pivot quickly to make the most of free time
- Separate emotions from tasks to maintain efficiency
 
[00:06:30] - [00:07:30] Getting Started with Time Efficiency
- Simplify tasks and avoid procrastination
- Separate emotions from tasks and focus on what needs to be done
- Find a balance between efficiency and personal well-being



Quotes:
"Time management is the key to make all of this happen because I don't like to do things where I'm not giving my full effort and my full attention." - Austin Zelland
 
"The more I can separate my emotions from the things that I have to do, the more efficient I become." - Austin Zelland




Connect with Austin:
Website: www.cashflowpreneur.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/austinzelan
 
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Connect with me through LinkedIn.
Or send me an email at sujata@luxe-cap.com
Visit my website, www.luxe-cap.com, or my YouTube channel.
Thanks for tuning in!
If you liked my show, LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe!