How to Invest in Commercial Real Estate

Criterion, Braden Cheek, Brian Duck, Joel Thompson
  • 4.6 (16)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast focused on breaking down commercial real estate for the average investor to understand.

  1. Why Small Strip Retail Is Outperforming Apartments (and What Investors Miss)

    3D AGO

    Why Small Strip Retail Is Outperforming Apartments (and What Investors Miss)

    Criterion breaks down why small, multi-tenant neighborhood retail is outperforming other CRE asset classes today—driven by constrained supply, triple-net expense pass-throughs, and stronger rent-growth dynamics versus multifamily and office. Time Stamps: 0:00 Retail “bias” + deal updates (Lakeshore Plaza, Champions Terrace, fundraising, distributions) 2:56 “Put a cap on it” pricing game: 3 retail centers + asks revealed 8:40 Market snapshot: S&P, inflation/prime, gold/silver, bitcoin 11:46 Main topic: why small strip retail outperforms right now 12:29 Performance comparison: strip retail vs apartments vs office 13:01 Structural supply constraints + retail clustering 14:27 Tenant demand shift + backfilling + avoiding junior boxes 16:18 Multifamily headwinds: overbuild + expense pressure 17:57 Triple-net advantage: expense pass-through + inflation protection 19:08 Real-time leasing leverage + bidding on vacant suites 20:18 Thesis recap: what Criterion targets and why 23:13 Closing: invite debate on best asset class + wrap-up Ready to invest with Criterion? 👇 🌐 Learn more: https://www.thecriterionfund.com 📩 Join our investor list: https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list 🔗 Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/thecriterionfund commercialrealestate #retailrealestate #shoppingcenters #tripleNet #realestateinvesting #creinvesting #multifamily #assetmanagement #leasing #rentgrowth #valueadd #investoreducation neighborhoodretail #stripcenter #tenantmix #trafficcounts #cre #passiveinvesting #privateequityrealestate #realestatefund #capitalmarkets #netlease westpalmbeach #houstonrealestate #renorealestate #dealclosing #realestatestrategy #portfolio #cashflow #distributions #investmentthesis

    24 min

  2. FEB 13

    2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook: Interest Rates, Refinancing Walls, and Where CRE Wins Next

    Criterion breaks down key macro trends heading into 2026—why industrial is stabilizing, office is stuck in a new normal, and retail is quietly the tightest sector—then closes with a “Worst Deal of the Week” teardown of a low-yield McDonald’s ground lease. Time Stamps: 0:00 Quick banter + game setup 0:24 Episode intro + why Criterion is doing quarterly investor meetups 1:26 Dallas investor meetup announced (March 26) 1:47 “I Call BS” game begins (money/markets/real estate facts) 3:53 Build vs buy stabilized assets discussion 4:59 Wealth concentration question + savings timing scenario 7:21 NBA vs billionaire odds question + game results 8:10 Macro trends heading into 2026 overview (stabilizing markets, rates) 9:06 Industrial outlook: vacancy stabilization, build-to-suit shift, data centers 11:26 Office outlook: vacancy ceiling, conversions, refinancing wall, flight to quality 13:31 Retail outlook: lowest vacancy, limited new supply, rent growth, lease strategy 15:28 New segment: “Worst deal we saw this week” 15:53 McDonald’s ground lease teardown (3.5 cap, no depreciation, weak growth) 18:15 Wrap-up + next episode teaser Ready to invest with Criterion? 👇 🌐 Learn more: https://www.thecriterionfund.com 📩 Join our investor list: https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list 🔗 Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/thecriterionfund commercialrealestate #commercialrealestateinvesting #realestateinvesting #cre #syndication #realestatepodcast #passiveincome #wealthbuilding #cashflow #investor bonusdepreciation #costsegregation #taxstrategy #realestatetaxes #opportunityzones #1031exchange #qbideduction #section179 #saltDeduction #capitalgains caprate #netoperatingincome #valueadd #retailrealestate #shoppingcenter #tripleNet #NNNlease #localbanks #privateequityrealestate #investingeducation

    18 min
  3. Put a Cap on It: Cap Rate Guessing Game + The New CRE Tax Playbook for 2026

    FEB 2

    Put a Cap on It: Cap Rate Guessing Game + The New CRE Tax Playbook for 2026

    Criterion kicks off 2026 with a cap-rate guessing game, deal pipeline updates, and a practical breakdown of major real estate tax advantages—bonus depreciation, Opportunity Zones, QBI, Section 179, and SALT deductions—so investors can keep more of what they earn. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:23 Welcome back + first show of 2026 1:11 Q1 Deal Pipeline (Palm Beach/West Palm/Houston/Reno) + Non-Accredited Houston 3:33 Year-End Investor Updates (Financials + Distributions) 3:45 Game On: “Put a Cap on It” + Deal #1 Orlando Retail (New Build) 6:15 Deal #2 Springfield, IL Retail (Credit Tenants + Lease Terms) 8:29 Deal #3 Orangeburg, SC Center (Low Rents + Sketchy Demos) 10:02 Cap Rate Reveals + Round 1 Winner 11:55 Would We Buy the 9.3 Cap? Quick Underwriting Reality Check 12:22 2026 Tax Changes That Matter for CRE Investors (Overview) 13:02 Bonus Depreciation + Opportunity Zones + QBI + Section 179 (Key Takeaways) 20:53 Capital Gains/Recapture + SALT Increase + Biggest Tax Lesson 23:46 Overrated vs Underrated: Crowdfunding, Local Banks + Rapid-Fire Fun 27:53 Outro + Next Episode Ready to invest with Criterion? 👇 🌐 Learn more: https://www.thecriterionfund.com 📩 Join our investor list: https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list 🔗 Find us everywhere: https://linktr.ee/thecriterionfund commercialrealestate #commercialrealestateinvesting #realestateinvesting #cre #syndication #realestatepodcast #passiveincome #wealthbuilding #cashflow #investor bonusdepreciation #costsegregation #taxstrategy #realestatetaxes #opportunityzones #1031exchange #qbideduction #section179 #saltDeduction #capitalgains caprate #netoperatingincome #valueadd #retailrealestate #shoppingcenter #tripleNet #NNNlease #localbanks #privateequityrealestate #investingeducation

    28 min
  4. Stocks vs. Commercial Real Estate in a Crash: Risk, Liquidity, and Opportunity

    12/15/2025

    Stocks vs. Commercial Real Estate in a Crash: Risk, Liquidity, and Opportunity

    Criterion breaks down year-end acquisition numbers, highlights stock-market bubble indicators, and lays out a practical commercial real estate strategy to survive a potential 2026–2027 correction. Time Stamps: 0:00 – Introduction 1:30 – Year-end update: $72M acquired + $21M equity raised 2:35 – Growth story: 2019 first deal to “20X” scale + investor base expansion 4:27 – Why talk about a potential 2026–2027 market correction 6:12 – Index run-up: S&P / Dow / NASDAQ context and “bubble” risk framing 8:47 – Valuation red flags: S&P PE ratios vs. 1929 / 2001 comps 9:47 – Buffett Indicator explained (market cap vs. GDP) 10:55 – “Magnificent 7” concentration + elevated PE multiples 12:40 – Awareness over prediction: risk management mindset 13:08 – Macro pressure: national debt + interest cost discussion 15:19 – If stocks crash: what happens to real estate values + inflation response 16:39 – CRE in a downturn: tenant risk, vacancy, and cash reserves 17:25 – Rates drop = refinance opportunity; CRE vs. stocks volatility 18:42 – Why higher-cap buys help: breathing room on cash flow 19:14 – Crash playbook: buy discounted assets, avoid forced sales, keep operating 19:47 – “Don’t wait for perfect”: buy through every season Visit TheCriterionFund.com for more information commercialrealestate #commercialrealestateinvesting #cre #realestateinvesting #investing #passiveincome #wealthbuilding #financialfreedom #realestatepodcast #investoreducation #stripcenters #retailrealestate #neighborhoodcenters #caprate #cashoncash #dealmaking #capitalraising #privateequityrealestate #marketcycle #recessionproof #riskmanagement #economicoutlook #interestrates #refinance #valueadd #assetmanagement #tenantmix #vacancy #portfolio #multifamilyinvesting stockmarket #sp500 #nasdaq #dowjones #buffettindicator #priceratios #peratio #magnificentseven #marketcorrection #marketcrash #macro #inflation #deficit #nationaldebt #economy #investingtips #wealthstrategy #longterminvesting #buythedip

    21 min
  5. Cash Is Trash? Why Real Estate & Stocks Crush Savings During Inflationary Times

    12/01/2025

    Cash Is Trash? Why Real Estate & Stocks Crush Savings During Inflationary Times

    In this episode, we walk through our latest shopping‑center acquisition in Midwest City, preview upcoming CRE deals in Palm Beach and Houston, then dive deep into why cash is “trash” in inflationary times — and how real estate and equities are the only real hedge for long‑term wealth. Time Stamps: 0:00 - INTRODUCTION 1:13 – Latest Deal Update: Midwest City Shopping Center 3:55 - Preview: Palm Beach and Houston CRE Opportunities 8:05 - Inflation Reality Check: Why Cash Loses Value 9:14 - Retirement Goals vs. Inflation: The Wealth Trap 15:26 - Asset Appreciation Over Consumer Goods: Real Estate & Equities vs. Liabilities 19:00 - Side Hustles, Saving Behaviors & Building Long-Term Wealth 20:35 - Closing Thoughts & Holiday Greeting Visit thecriterionfund.com for more information on how to get into the commercial real estate game. CommercialRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PassiveIncome #InflationHedge #ShoppingCenterInvestment #GenerationalWealth #CREpodcast #MidwestCityOK

    21 min
  6. Tulsa's Industrial Gold Rush: Why Vacancy Rates Are Below 3% With David Looney

    11/26/2025

    Tulsa's Industrial Gold Rush: Why Vacancy Rates Are Below 3% With David Looney

    Tulsa’s industrial market is on fire — with sub‑3% vacancy, booming manufacturing demand, and billions flowing into data centers, David Looney from Legacy Property Advisors breaks down why now is the time to pay attention to Oklahoma CRE. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:13 - Meet David Looney from Legacy Commercial Property Advisors 0:27 - Tulsa’s Industrial Market Overview 0:45 - Why Industrial Vacancy is Below 3% 1:30 - The Cost of Construction and Supply Issues 2:14 - Delivery of New Product is Down 2:37 - Manufacturing is Driving Demand in Tulsa 3:14 - Crane-Ready Buildings and Their Value 4:05 - Heat Exchangers and Tulsa’s Industrial Strengths 4:24 - Logistics vs Manufacturing in CRE Demand 4:53 - Data Center Developments in Tulsa 5:46 - Project Anthem: META’s Potential Expansion 6:52 - Google’s Multi-Billion Dollar Oklahoma Projects 7:27 - Support Industries Around Data Centers 8:32 - Project Clydesdale and Atlas Breakdown 9:03 - New Google Campus in Muskogee 9:45 - Why Support Companies Will See CRE Gains 10:55 - Oklahoma’s Power, Land, and Incentives Advantage 11:26 - UAE’s $4B Aluminum Smelter at Port of Inola 12:27 - Increased Barge Traffic & Supply Chain Opportunity 13:07 - Closing Thoughts + CRE Outlook for Tulsa Visit www.thecriterionfund.com and get in on the action! commercialrealestate #industrialrealestate #CREinvesting #tulsarealestate #oklahomainvesting #datacenters #realestatepodcast #economicdevelopment #manufacturingboom #meta #google #craneindustrial #realestateinsights #criterionshow #criterionmedia #tulsatrends #infrastructureinvesting #propertydevelopment #legacycre #okcre

    14 min
  7. Retail Isn’t Dead — It’s Dominating | 2025 Tulsa Trends Insider Scoop with Vicki Patterson

    11/17/2025

    Retail Isn’t Dead — It’s Dominating | 2025 Tulsa Trends Insider Scoop with Vicki Patterson

    We sit down with retail expert Vicky Patterson with Wiggins Properties live from NAIOP's Tulsa Trends Conference at Southern Hills to break down Bixby and Broken Arrow’s explosive retail growth, $40M+ deals, and what’s driving CRE momentum heading into 2025. Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:35 - Live at the 2025 Tulsa Trends Conference 0:48 - Meet Retail Expert Vicky Patterson 1:11 - CRE Panelist Optimism 1:19 - Why Retail is Exploding in Broken Arrow & Bixby 2:06 - Aspen Creek & Hackberry Market Spotlight 2:41 - Other Tulsa Metro Hotspots 3:00 - Adams Town Center Redevelopment Details 3:21 - Retail Lease Rates & Pre-Leasing Activity 3:49 - Major Retail Sales in Tulsa ($11M–$40M+) 5:04 - Cap Rates & Massive $1.8B Portfolio 5:15 - Leasing, Absorption, and Construction Outlook 6:18 - City of Bixby Retail Growth Incentives 6:33 - Why the Outskirts Are Dominating Tulsa CRE 7:01 - Retail is Thriving Despite the Doubters 7:18 - Wrap Up with Vicky Patterson TulsaTrends #CommercialRealEstate #RetailInvesting #BrokenArrow #BixbyOK #CREgrowth #RetailBoom #HobbyLobby #HomeDepot #TulsaInvestments #RealEstatePodcast #RetailRealEstate #CREstrategy #PreLeasing #OklahomaRealEstate #HackberryMarket #MultifamilyDevelopment

    7 min
  8. Closing Costs Exposed: The Hidden Expenses Most CRE Investors Miss

    10/06/2025

    Closing Costs Exposed: The Hidden Expenses Most CRE Investors Miss

    This episode breaks down the hidden costs of closing a commercial real estate deal, showing investors exactly what to budget beyond the down payment to avoid surprises and protect their capital. TIme Stamps: 0:00 – Introduction 0:11 – Podcast energy & banter 0:21 – Sponsor pitch / OSU joke 1:06 – Criterion updates & distributions 1:51 – Closing sale & project recap 3:16 – IRR, returns, risk in development 4:01 – Newsletter & investor communications 5:15 – Gateway acquisition update 7:29 – Cost items: loan charges, appraisal 9:53 – Title & escrow charges 13:04 – Title endorsements, easements 15:19 – Survey, property condition, closing summary 16:33 – Second deal cost comparison 18:21 – Using “points” and closing cost buckets 20:54 – Operating capital, over‑raising 22:06 – Final advice & wrap Join our investor list today: https://www.thecriterionfund.com/join-our-investor-list CommercialRealEstate #CREInvesting #ClosingCosts #EquityRaise #RealEstateDevelopment #TitleInsurance #OperatingCapital #CREFinance #InvestorReturns #DealStructuring

    23 min
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4.6
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

A podcast focused on breaking down commercial real estate for the average investor to understand.

Information

  • Creator
    Criterion, Braden Cheek, Brian Duck, Joel Thompson
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020