The Alternative Investing Advantage

Advanta IRA

Get off Wall Street and explore the wide world of alternative investments for your IRA. Take control and give yourself the freedom to choose the assets for your retirement plan, assets like real estate, cryptocurrency, private placements, and much more. Our podcast features Advanta IRA professionals and guest experts who help provide a roadmap to your success with investment trends, strategies, and tips for investing your IRA to build wealth for your future.

  1. 3H AGO

    Zoning & Entitlements: How Developers Create Massive Value in Real Estate - Ep. 200 w/ Ari Rastegar

    What is a master planned community, and how do zoning and entitlements create real estate value?In this special 200th episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny sits down with Ari Rastegar of Rastegar Capital to break down how developers turn raw land into high-value communities through zoning, entitlements, and master planning.Ari shares how his team assembled and rezoned a large land site near Austin, Texas, and why entitlement risk can create extraordinary value before construction ever starts. They discuss why major institutions often cannot buy land until it is entitled, how community support influences approvals, and why timing can make or break a project. Ari also explains the real downside of development: years of permitting, shifting decision-makers, rising carry costs, and the sheer amount of effort required to get a project over the finish line.If you want to understand how developers create alpha in real estate—beyond buying and renovating existing properties—this episode lays out the process, the risks, and the payoff.00:00 Episode #200 intro + Ari Rastegar joins01:53 Ari’s background and how he got into entitlements04:30 Why fast-growing cities need master planning07:40 How rezoning creates value before construction09:12 Why zoning is “alpha,” not “beta”11:40 Due diligence, community support, and entitlement risk17:08 Real estate is about people, not just buildings20:50 Grassroots outreach and winning local buy-in24:33 Timing risk: being too early vs too late28:10 The real pain: time, permits, and uncertainty31:34 When decision-makers change mid-process34:43 Carry costs, debt, and moving parts37:12 Why the work can be deeply fulfilling38:25 Horizontal development vs going vertical42:07 Building vertically integrated real estate businesses45:16 Housing demand and why supply can’t keep up49:52 Innovation in building: prefab, robotics, and 3D printing50:40 Where to find Ari Rastegar + closingSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Ari Rastegar:https://rastegarcapital.com/articles/meet-ari-rastegar/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#RealEstateDevelopment #Zoning #Entitlements #MasterPlannedCommunities #LandDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #Multifamily #BuildForRent #HousingShortage #AlternativeInvesting

    52 min
  2. FEB 18

    Oil & Gas Investing Explained: Royalties, Taxes, & Cash Flow with Troy Eckard - Episode 199

    What does it really mean to invest in mineral rights?In this episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny sits down with Troy Eckard of Eckard Enterprises to break down how mineral rights investing works and why it has become an attractive alternative asset for long-term income and portfolio diversification.Troy explains how mineral ownership differs from traditional real estate, how lease agreements generate royalty income, and why investors can benefit from oil and gas production without taking on drilling costs or environmental liability. The conversation also covers how mineral rights are valued, the impact of commodity prices, tax advantages available to investors, and how technology continues to expand recoverable reserves in major U.S. energy basins.Whether you’re exploring alternative real estate strategies, energy investing, or passive income opportunities, this episode provides a practical introduction to investing in mineral rights and understanding how royalty-based income works.00:00 Intro & Episode Overview01:13 Troy Eckard Background03:08 What Mineral Rights Actually Are05:40 Why Troy Chose Oil & Gas Investing08:54 How Mineral Lease Income Works11:49 Tax Treatment of Mineral Income13:14 How Mineral Rights Are Valued20:04 Technology & Oil Price Economics24:00 Demand for Fossil Fuels Explained31:55 Mineral Rights vs Traditional Real Estate37:53 Long-Term Income Potential41:46 Natural Gas, LNG & Market Factors47:13 Geopolitics & Energy Prices51:38 Due Diligence for Investors53:32 How to Contact Troy Eckard54:43 Closing ThoughtsSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Troy Eckard:https://eckardenterprises.com/about-eckard-enterprises/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#MineralRights #OilAndGasInvesting #RoyaltyIncome #PassiveIncome #AlternativeInvesting #EnergyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #SelfDirectedIRA #PortfolioDiversification #CashFlowInvestingAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

    55 min
  3. FEB 4

    Investing in Warehouses & Flex Space: A New Commercial Real Estate Strategy - Episode 198

    What is the best way to invest in warehouse real estate and flex space?In this episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny welcomes Jens Nielsen, Founder and Operating Partner of Open Doors Capital, to discuss why investors are shifting from multifamily into warehousing and flex industrial properties.Jens explains how rising interest rates and compressed multifamily cap rates pushed his firm to explore warehouse real estate, where higher cap rates, simpler operations, and strong small-business demand create compelling opportunities. The conversation covers warehouse property classes, tenant profiles, lease structures, triple-net vs modified gross leases, market selection, value-add strategies, and key risks investors must understand.If you are exploring commercial real estate beyond apartments, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating warehouse and flex space investments.00:00 Welcome & Episode Overview01:19 Jens Nielsen Background03:21 Why He Started in Commercial Real Estate04:30 Why Multifamily Stopped Penciling07:32 Why Shift to Warehousing & Flex Space09:43 Class A, B, C Warehouse Explained13:03 Market Selection & Demand Drivers16:50 Urban Warehouses vs Industrial Parks18:10 Value-Add in Warehouse Real Estate20:51 Triple-Net vs Modified Gross Leases23:27 Lease Lengths & Rent Escalators28:08 Self-Managing Warehouses vs Apartments30:39 Tenant Screening & Business Risk37:24 Insurance Considerations42:17 Biggest Risks in Warehouse Investing44:50 Buying Vacant vs Stabilized Warehouses47:25 Due Diligence Tips for LP Investors50:08 How to Contact Jens NielsenSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Jens Nielsen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-nielsen-multi-family-real-estate-coach/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#WarehouseInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #IndustrialRealEstate #FlexSpace #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #AlternativeInvesting #CashFlowInvesting #TripleNetLease #SelfDirectedIRAAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

    52 min
  4. JAN 28

    Episode 197: How to Structure a Business for a Profitable Exit and Long-Term Wealth

    What is the best way to build a business that creates long-term wealth and a successful exit?In this episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny sits down with David Flores Wilson, Managing Partner at Sincerus Advisory, to break down how entrepreneurs and small business owners can design their companies for scalability, valuation growth, and eventual exit—while avoiding the most common mistakes that destroy value.David explains how exit planning should start from day one, why understanding business valuation is critical, and how owners can reduce dependency on themselves by building systems, processes, and management teams. The conversation also explores tax-efficient exit strategies, business entity structures, succession planning, and how entrepreneurs can prepare financially and psychologically for life after selling their company.Whether you plan to sell to a strategic buyer, private equity, management team, family members, or through an ESOP, this episode provides a practical framework for building a business that is attractive to buyers and aligned with your long-term goals.Topics Covered:• How exit planning works for business owners• How to increase business valuation and multiples• Stock sale vs asset sale differences• S-Corp vs C-Corp considerations• Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) explained• How to make a business less owner-dependent• Recurring revenue vs project-based revenue• Succession planning for family businesses• Life and identity after selling your business• Building wealth inside and outside the businessIf you’re an entrepreneur, founder, or small business owner looking to turn your company into a powerful wealth-building vehicle, this episode is for you.Subscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, David Flores Wilson:linkedin.com/in/david-flores-wilson-cfp®-cfa-02b5aLearn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#businessexitstrategy #alternativeinvesting #selfdirectedira Advanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

    56 min
  5. JAN 21

    Options Investing Explained: How to Generate Income Without Gambling - Episode 196

    In this episode of The Alternative Investing Advantage, host Alex Perny sits down with Nikhil Jaisinghani, co-manager of the Titan Strategic Income Fund, to break down how options investing actually works—and why it doesn’t have to be risky or speculative. Nikhil shares his unconventional path into finance and explains how selling options can generate consistent income without needing to predict market direction.The conversation covers selling puts versus buying calls, how volatility impacts pricing, why diversification matters even with ETFs, and how options differ from traditional stock investing. Nikhil also explains why understanding options mechanics is important even for investors who never plan to trade them directly. This episode provides a clear, educational framework for anyone curious about options, risk management, and income-focused strategies.Subscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Nikhil Jaisinghani:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaisinghani-nikhilLearn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#OptionsInvesting #IncomeInvesting #AlternativeInvesting #RiskManagement #MarketVolatility #OptionsTrading #InvestmentEducation #PassiveIncome #AdvantaIRA #TitanStrategicIncomeAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

    54 min
  6. JAN 13

    Episode 195: How Long-Term Investors Win While Others Panic with Jose Mayora

    In this episode of The Alternative Investing Advantage, host Alex Perny sits down with José Mayora, Senior Portfolio Manager at Divita Capital, to explore how value investing still works in an increasingly noisy, short-term-driven market. José shares his journey from studying finance and economics to launching a value-focused public equity fund in Guatemala, where investor education is just as important as capital allocation. The conversation covers why emotional discipline matters more than ever, how global markets create overlooked opportunities, and why long-term investors must think like business owners instead of stock traders. José also explains the difference between volatility and risk, how to avoid value traps, why cash flow matters more than accounting profits, and how investors can stay focused when markets swing wildly. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week. If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about our guest, Jose Mayora: https://www.josemayora.com/ Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/ #ValueInvesting #GlobalInvesting #LongTermInvesting #AlternativeInvesting #PublicMarkets #CashFlow #InvestorDiscipline #MarketVolatility #AdvantaIRA #DivitaCapitalAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.

    1 hr
  7. JAN 6

    Episode 194: Be the Bank: How Performing Notes Create Cash Flow Without Tenants

    In this episode of The Alternative Investing Advantage, host Alex Perny welcomes back note investing expert Eddie Speed to explain why seller financing and performing notes are creating some of the strongest opportunities in real estate today. With rental cap rates shrinking and landlords feeling the pressure, Eddie breaks down how investors can “be the bank” by converting rentals into notes that generate higher, more predictable cash flow.The conversation dives into where quality seller-financed notes come from, why most non-performing notes are currently overpriced, and how investors can profit even without large amounts of capital. Eddie also explains partial note strategies, underwriting principles, and why owner-occupant notes often carry less risk than investor loans. This episode offers a clear, practical look at how note investing is evolving in today’s market.00:00 Understanding the Concept of Being Your Own Bank03:13 Navigating the Seller Finance Space05:50 The Dynamics of Performing vs Non-Performing Notes09:05 Strategies for Buying Notes with Limited Capital11:58 Leveraging Cash Flow and Seller Financing14:49 Identifying Market Opportunities in Real Estate18:14 Converting Properties into Seller Financed Notes20:56 Valuing Notes and Understanding Market Niches24:41 Understanding the Market Dynamics of Real Estate27:43 Navigating Owner-Occupied vs. Investor Loans30:22 Risk Assessment in Real Estate Lending33:11 The Future of Notes and Rental Cycles35:22 Debating the 50-Year Mortgage Concept39:44 Connecting with Eddie Speed for Further LearningSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Eddie Speed:https://eddiespeed.com/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/ Advanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.#NoteInvesting #SellerFinancing #PassiveIncome #AlternativeInvesting #MortgageNotes #CashFlow #BeTheBank #EddieSpeed #NoteSchool #AdvantaIRA

    43 min
  8. 12/16/2025

    Episode 193: The Real Estate Behind AI: Data Center Land Deals Explained

    Data centers sit at the crossroads of real estate, energy, and technology—and they’re exploding in demand thanks to AI and our always-online lives. In this episode of The Alternative Investing Advantage, host Alex Perny talks with Mike Embry of Embry Companies about how investors and developers can capitalize on the data center boom in the Southeast.Mike explains how power, fiber, water, sewer, and politics all shape where data centers get built, what it costs to entitle land, and why a single site can generate 3x the profit of a residential project. They also dive into gray-water cooling, natural gas turbines, redundancy, zoning battles, and why having a “Plan B” (industrial, multifamily, or commercial) is critical on every deal.00:00 Introduction to Data Centers and Real Estate02:15 Mike Embry's Background in Real Estate03:37 The Evolution and Growth of Data Centers05:41 Key Components for Data Center Development07:22 Due Diligence in Land Acquisition11:39 Engaging with Power Companies14:12 Financial Considerations in Data Center Projects16:52 Exit Strategies and Flexibility in Real Estate21:23 Development and Engagement with End Users24:16 Standardization in Data Center Design26:25 The Importance of Fiber Infrastructure35:11 Navigating Political Hurdles in Data Center Development40:30 The Economic Benefits of Data Centers48:53 Connecting with Experts in Data Center DevelopmentSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Learn more about our guest, Mike Embry:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-embry-2b009521/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/ The Alternative Investing Advantage is brought to you by Advanta IRA. Advanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast.  All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment. #DataCenters #RealEstateInvesting #DigitalInfrastructure #AlternativeInvesting #LandDevelopment #AIInfrastructure #CommercialRealEstate #PowerAndFiber #AdvantaIRA #MikeEmbry

    50 min
4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Get off Wall Street and explore the wide world of alternative investments for your IRA. Take control and give yourself the freedom to choose the assets for your retirement plan, assets like real estate, cryptocurrency, private placements, and much more. Our podcast features Advanta IRA professionals and guest experts who help provide a roadmap to your success with investment trends, strategies, and tips for investing your IRA to build wealth for your future.