Weiss Advice

Yonah Weiss
  • 5.0 (237)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Learning from the Best in Real Estate Business and Beyond. I love talking to successful people, and asking them for advice and tips on business and life. I'm very blessed to have an amazing network. They say your Network is your Net Worth, and it's true. If you want to learn more from these successful people, listen in. Learn more at www.yonahweiss.com

  1. 3D AGO

    Why Investment Experience Matters in Brokerage: Faraz Cheema’s CRE Playbook

    Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with Faraz Cheema, SIOR, CCIM, a Manhattan office specialist at BKREA, to unpack what it really means to understand commercial real estate from the inside out. Faraz shares his journey from growing up around a family office to working as a financial analyst and asset manager, and how that foundation shapes the way he approaches brokerage today. With deep experience across hospitality, retail, multifamily, and now office, Faraz explains why investors value advisors who truly understand the numbers, operations, and long-term strategy behind every deal. The conversation dives into the realities of the Manhattan office market, how capital thinks in today’s environment, and why credibility is built through experience, not just transactions.  Episode Highlights 01:00 – Welcome to Weiss Advice and Faraz’s return to the conversation after a social media hiatus02:15 – Faraz’s background in commercial real estate and growing up in a family office environment04:30 – Limited-service hospitality explained and early exposure to real asset operations07:45 – Transitioning from analyst and asset manager to brokerage12:30 – How investment experience changes the way brokers add value18:10 – Insights into the Manhattan office market and current investor mindset24:00 – Why designations like SIOR and CCIM matter in complex transactions28:40 – Lessons learned from managing, owning, and now advising on real estateThis episode is a must-listen for investors, operators, and brokers who want a clearer picture of how experience across ownership, analysis, and brokerage creates better outcomes in commercial real estate. Connect with Faraz https://www.linkedin.com/in/farazcheemacre/ https://x.com/FarazUCheemaCRE https://www.instagram.com/faraz.cheema.cre/ Support the show

    36 min

  2. JAN 22

    Shiny Objects, Hard Lessons & Scalable Wealth: Christina Kovacs’ Real Estate Evolution

    Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with real estate investor and broker Christina Kovacs to unpack her full journey through residential flips, short-term rentals, multifamily ownership, and asset management at scale. Christina shares how getting her hands dirty early in her career shaped her as an operator, why she ultimately pivoted away from single-asset investing, and the lessons she learned the hard way about property management, partner selection, and staying focused in one lane. They also dive into tenant management, underwriting realities in Class C assets, the power of LinkedIn as a business tool, and why Christina is now doubling down on multifamily and commercial brokerage heading into 2026. This is a must-listen for investors who want real, operator-level insight into what actually drives performance in multifamily deals. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:01:30 – Christina’s early real estate journey and live-in flips 03:30 – Pivoting from single-family and STRs into multifamily 06:45 – Joint ventures vs syndications and building confidence as an operator 07:50 – Why property management can destroy a great deal 09:00 – The 42-question property manager vetting process 11:00 – Auditing ledgers, hidden expense creep, and CapEx tracking 16:15 – Tenant horror stories and inherited problems after acquisition 18:45 – Managing delinquency and underwriting reality in Class C assets 20:00 – How LinkedIn became a powerful networking and deal-making tool 22:20 – The “Final Four” questions: books, skills, failure, and success 26:30 – Transitioning into commercial real estate brokerage 28:15 – What success truly means to Christina today 🔑 Key Topics Covered Scaling from hands-on investing to multifamily operationsProperty management due diligence and accountabilityAsset management systems that protect investor returnsAvoiding shiny object syndromeLeveraging LinkedIn for real business growthBuilding a long-term, focused investment strategy🌐 Connect with Christina Learn more and connect with Christina at ChristinaKovacs.com  www.linkedin.com/in/kovacsmultifamily facebook.com/christinakovacs8 instagram.com/christina_kovacs Support the show

    29 min

  3. JAN 13

    Faith, Fearlessness & Founding at 24: How Gabe Einhorn Is Building with Purpose

    Send us a text In this episode of Weiss Advice, host Yonah Weiss sits down with Gabe Einhorn, a 23-year-old entrepreneur building at the intersection of real estate, technology, and faith. Gabe shares his journey from capital markets into founding VryfID, a renter-first real estate tech platform designed to securely store and verify sensitive rental documents—solving one of the biggest pain points in competitive rental markets like New York City. With no prior tech background, Gabe breaks down how he assembled a team, learned the space, and turned a real-world problem into a scalable startup. The conversation also dives deep into Gabe’s faith-based clothing brand Prays, and the viral street interviews that unexpectedly transformed his confidence, personal growth, and connection to God. Gabe explains why he chose to speak openly about faith in professional spaces where it’s often discouraged—and how doing so has opened doors instead of closing them. Finally, Gabe reflects on entrepreneurship, cold calling, personal discipline, and what success truly means at an early stage of life and business. ⏱️ Key Timestamps 00:00 – 02:10 | Gabe’s background: capital markets, real estate finance & early career02:50 – 06:00 | Launching Prays: faith, clothing, and viral street interviews07:30 – 09:55 | Overcoming fear, confidence growth & approaching high-profile figures10:50 – 14:00 | The problem with NYC rentals & the idea behind VryfID14:00 – 17:30 | Renter fraud, document verification & landlord buy-in18:45 – 20:10 | Balancing a startup with brokerage work & long-term vision24:50 – 30:30 | Final Four questions: books, skills, success & mindset 🔗 Connect with Gabe Social: Gabe Einhorn (all major platforms)linkedin.com/in/gabe-einhorn-55b74822b  https://www.instagram.com/praysstudios/  Faith Brand: Prays / Pray StudiosReal Estate Tech: VryfID (VerifyID)Support the show

    32 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    Why Billionaires Love Private Credit (And You Should Too) with Dave Wolcott

    Send us a text What if the greatest investment you could make isn't in real estate, stocks, or even private credit—but in yourself? Dave Wolcott, former Marine officer turned alternative investment expert, shares how studying millionaires and billionaires led him to discover a holistic approach to wealth that goes far beyond your bank account. In this episode, Dave breaks down private credit (the hard money lending of the business world), explains why he focuses on just three asset classes, and reveals how investors are achieving 20%+ returns by cutting out the middlemen. [00:00 - 05:30] From Marines to Triplets: The Wake-Up Call Served as an officer in the Marine Corps, traveled the world including IsraelHad triplets in 2000, quadrupling his family size overnight with an 18-month-old at home [05:31 - 09:25] The Six Forms of Capital: Beyond Financial Wealth The greatest investment is in yourself—not just the next dealDefines holistic wealth across six dimensions: financial, intellectual, spiritual, human, emotional, and social capital [09:26 - 15:05] Private Credit Explained: The Business World's Hard Money Lending Banks are tightening regulations, creating gaps in funding for growing small businessesPrivate credit fills the need for fast capital—think roofing companies with 3 years of backlogged work after hurricanes [15:06 - 20:05] How to Access Institutional-Quality Returns Pooling investor capital through a fund model to bring $10M+ to sponsorsGets the same terms as major institutions by working directly with sponsors (no middlemen) [20:06 - 25:10] The Three-Asset Strategy: Real Estate, Energy, and Private Credit Ultra-wealthy get really good at 1-3 asset classes for best due diligence and deal flow [25:11 - 31:00] Time Is the Real Asset Questions the accumulation theory: why defer taxes in a 401(k) when taxes will likely increase? [31:01 - 33:05] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Dave: Website: https://holisticwealthstrategy.com (free book download) Podcast: Wealth Strategy Secrets of the Ultra Wealthy LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Support the show

    34 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    Why Your Tenants Matter with Joe Rinderknecht

    Send us a text What if the key to successful multifamily investing isn't just about the numbers—but about the people living in your properties? Joe Rinderknecht, the cowboy-hat-wearing founder of Cowboy Capital, shares his unconventional path from shoveling manure on a Utah ranch to operating over 1,000 multifamily units.  [01:40 - 06:15] From Ranch to Real Estate: Building on Grit Grew up ranching and breaking horses in northern Utah—learned that your word is your bondFather left the ranch for construction and cabinet making, taught Joe everything from concrete to framing[06:40 - 10:10] Trial by Fire: The 80-Unit Section 42 Property Asked for a property management job with zero experience—got thrown into an 80-unit low-income housing propertyProperty had no manager for two weeks, with sky-high delinquency, vacancy, crime, drugs, and cockroaches [10:11 - 15:20] The Path to Becoming a Sponsor Never planned to stay in property management long-term—goal was always to learn and move onAdmits being "unemployable" with a resume showing 6-8 month stints at various companies [16:35 - 23:35] Impact Investing: Making Every Dollar Matter Lost his brother (age 20) and grandmother in a 2013 car accident—nearly died himselfProvides four types of support: capital, food, construction/home modifications, and mindset coaching[23:36 - 26:40] Why Treating Tenants Well Is Good Business Questions how slumlords succeed when they don't care about people's livesWhen tenants feel like a unit is their home, turnover drops, repairs decrease, delinquency falls[26:41 - 32:00] Rapid Growth and What's Next Bought 4 deals (419 units) since September 2024, currently under contract on 117 more unitsBelieves there's a great buying opportunity in the next 10-24 months[26:45 - 32:55] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Joe:  Website: https://cowboycapital.us Email: Joe@CowboyCapital.us LinkedIn: Joe Rinderknecht Instagram: @joe_rinder LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Key Quote: "If you can get a tenant to feel like their unit is their home, your turno Support the show

    34 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Is Your Business Stealing Your Joy with Amy Calandrino

    Send us a text Sometimes the best business decision is knowing when to let go. Amy Calandrino, founder of a commercial real estate brokerage, shares her journey from hammering in her own signs during the 2010 recession to building a team of nearly 10 advisors—and why she ultimately chose to close her firm to join Cushman & Wakefield. In this episode, Amy reveals the hidden costs of entrepreneurship, the importance of aligning your work with your values, and how she's redirecting her energy toward meaningful impact through her family foundation's financial literacy programs. [01:05 - 04:10] From Vermont to Orlando: Building a Career on Grit Started working full-time at age 13 and put herself through college debt-freeWorked alongside her husband in a law office where she learned about commercial real estate[04:25 - 07:20] The Hidden Costs of Running a Brokerage Founded her brokerage in 2010 during the economic downturn with a shoestring budgetGrew from solo founder to nearly 10 advisors by 2022[07:21 - 11:45] Making the Leap: Consulting the Best in the Business Sought advice from industry leaders Sarah Malcolm, Allison Weiss, and Beth AzorRealized she could still be an entrepreneur without owning a brokerage[11:46 - 19:30] The Three-Month Transition and Its Unexpected Lessons Spent 90 days transitioning clients and wrapping up her brokerageExperienced grief despite making the right decision[19:31 - 27:15] Redirecting Energy: The Aspiring Entrepreneur Program Founded a family foundation with her husband to give back to the communityCreated an entrepreneurship program for elementary school students[27:20 - 31:50] Final Four & How to Connect Connect with Amy:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycalandrino/ Email: Amy.Calandrino@cushwake.com Book: "From Perfect to Real" (available on Amazon) LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quote: "Success to me is serving my clients in the best way possible and knowing each and every day that I've put forth the most amount of effort that I can. I never want to p Support the show

    33 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    How To Work Less & Impact More with Divya Smith

    Send us a text What happens when a tech executive discovers she can beat her financial advisor's returns by 5%? Divya Smith, founder of Ascending Avenue, shares her journey from 20+ years in Fortune 500 leadership to managing $300M+ in multifamily assets while helping others achieve financial freedom without sacrificing family time. [00:00 - 07:00] From Corporate Technology to Real Estate Investing 20+ years in technology leadership and executive roles at Fortune 500 companiesThe unsettling realization that financial advisors didn't know as much as expectedTesting her investment skills: 19% returns vs advisor's 14% (minus fees)How a LinkedIn connection who quit corporate for real estate sparked the transition [07:01 - 14:00] Learning from Single Family Rental Mistakes Managing one property with 5 tenants over 15 years - including police visits and drug issuesBeing $600 below market rent due to discomfort raising prices on struggling families [14:01 - 20:00] Building a Different Kind of Real Estate Business Currently managing 3 investments per year (down from 4 to avoid burnout)The importance of in-house property management and construction teamsCreating community through quarterly events: pizza parties, Halloween celebrations, Easter huntsWhy Class B multifamily became the sweet spot for investments [20:01 - 29:00] Final Four & The Real Goal of Financial Freedom Worst job: Asking for $9M in leftover funds for community initiatives - and being deniedParadigm-shifting book: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear (re-read annually)Skill to learn: Guitar (gifted 2 years ago, still waiting to be played)Success definition: Helping others define their own success and touching 10,000 lives through career coaching Connect with Divya: Website: https://www.ascendingavenue.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyasmith/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investwithdivya LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Key Quote: "The goal is not to quit your job. The goal is to do what you love to do." - Divya Smith Support the show

    30 min

  8. 09/01/2025

    Why I Left Hollywood for Real Estate with Michael Jacobs

    Send us a text What happens when a Hollywood producer trades movie sets for multifamily properties? Michael Jacobs, founder of Mar Vista Entertainment (sold to Fox Studios), shares his transition from 25 years in entertainment to building a vertically integrated real estate empire in Pittsburgh.  [00:01 - 08:05] From Hollywood Producer to Real Estate Investor Built Mar Vista Entertainment from a 2003 business plan to Fox Studios acquisitionSpecialized in $5M-and-under movie production for Netflix, Disney Channel, LifetimeThe decision to transition away from Hollywood's demanding travel scheduleStarted with three duplexes to test the rental market in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill[08:06 - 15:40] Building a Vertically Integrated Real Estate Business How frustration with general contractors led to building an in-house construction teamThe challenge of 100-year-old infrastructure: cast iron pipes, knob-and-tube wiringExpanding from rental properties to becoming one of Pittsburgh's premier design-build firmsWhy complete gut renovations became the standard approach for old housing stock[15:41 - 22:10] The "Singles and Doubles" Business Philosophy Why avoiding the pressure for home runs and grand slams builds sustainable businessesThe danger of social media hype and "get rich quick" mentalitiesHow to test, measure, and scale gradually while watching the numbersBalancing tenant satisfaction with property upgrades to reduce turnover[22:11 - 28:40] Final Four & Building for the Future Worst job: Cleaning motel rooms for $6/hour time-and-a-half on SundaysParadigm-shifting book: "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan MartellSkill to learn: Guitar (joining the ranks of aspiring musical entrepreneurs)Success definition: Providing for family and keeping nine children and two grandchildren happyConnect with Michael: Website: https://marvistadb.com LinkedIn: Michael Jacobs  LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW by clicking this link. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? Be sure to follow me on the below platforms: Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, Google, or Stitcher. LinkedIn Youtube Exclusive Facebook Group www.yonahweiss.com None of this could be possible without the awesome team at Buzzsprout. They make it easy to get your show listed on every major podcast platform. Tweetable Quotes: "The numbers drive everything at the end of the day. " - Michael Jacobs Support the show

    29 min
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5
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237 Ratings

About

Learning from the Best in Real Estate Business and Beyond. I love talking to successful people, and asking them for advice and tips on business and life. I'm very blessed to have an amazing network. They say your Network is your Net Worth, and it's true. If you want to learn more from these successful people, listen in. Learn more at www.yonahweiss.com

Information

  • Creator
    Yonah Weiss
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    457
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Weiss Advice
  • Show Website
    Weiss Advice