Wonton Wealth: Insights into Commercial Real Estate Investing & Beyond

Tanh Truong
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Investing
  • Weekly

Welcome to Wonton Wealth! Embark on a journey through the dynamic world of commercial real estate investing with Tanh, your guide to unlocking the secrets of this lucrative realm. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the market, this podcast is your go-to destination for invaluable insights and expert advice. Join us as we dive into diverse topics, breaking down complex concepts into digestible nuggets of knowledge. Expect deep dives into the nuts and bolts of commercial real estate, peppered with engaging interviews that provide a 360-degree view of the industry.

  1. 5d ago

    The Accidental Rental: How One Mistake Led to a Self-Storage Empire

    Diving into the booming world of self-storage, Bree Hartman shares her remarkable journey from environmental scientist to successful entrepreneur. Discover how she transformed her accidental rental nightmare into a thriving portfolio of self-storage facilities across the U.S., all while juggling motherhood and a previous career in state employment. This episode is essential listening for anyone feeling trapped in a 9-to-5 grind, yearning for freedom and financial independence through real estate. Bree's story is not just about self-storage; it's a testament to resilience and seizing opportunities. From her early days collaring mountain lions to navigating the complexities of real estate, Bree reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. With her firsthand experiences, she provides invaluable insights into the self-storage market, including the critical analysis of demographics and market trends that can make or break your investment. You'll discover: - The surprising advantages of self-storage over traditional residential real estate. - How to leverage SBA loans effectively to kickstart your investment journey. - Bree’s personal strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis and consistently finding lucrative deals. - The importance of community and mentorship in navigating the challenges of commercial real estate. If you’ve ever felt the weight of the golden handcuffs, Bree's experience will resonate deeply. She discusses the critical mindset shifts necessary to break free from conventional employment and embrace the entrepreneurial path. Perfect for aspiring investors and seasoned pros alike, this episode is a masterclass in recognizing and seizing opportunities in real estate. Tune in to learn how to make your own leap into self-storage and start building wealth without the headaches of traditional property management! Key Topics Bree Hartman's background and transition from environmental science to real estate Strategies for finding off-market self-storage deals Key metrics and market analysis for self-storage investments Value-add opportunities in self-storage facilities Building and managing successful partnerships in real estate Practical steps for beginners to start in self-storage investing The importance of relationship-building and deal sourcing Operational efficiencies and automation in self-storage Bree's Links Website: https://www.selfstorageschool.com/ Instagram: @bree.theinvestor Text SCHOOL to 916-579-7209 to get the Storage School enrollment link. Bree is also offering the Storage School offer calculator. Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  2. Oct 20

    From Short Sales to Restoring a Town with Dwan Bent-Twyford

    Dwan Twyford shares her inspiring journey from financial hardship to real estate success, including her innovative town revitalization project and tips for new investors in distressed properties. Key Topics Dwan’s background and early struggles The first foreclosure deal and lessons learned Building a town from scratch through real estate Strategies for attracting tenants and visitors to small towns The importance of mentorship and education in real estate Long-term vision and community involvement in revitalization Handling challenges like politics and funding Dwan’s books, webinars, and coaching programs Takeaways Naivete can be an asset in taking bold action.Paperwork and legal clarity are crucial in real estate deals.Building community and a clear vision attracts tenants and visitors.Long-term planning and patience are key in town revitalization.Mentorship accelerates learning and reduces costly mistakes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:04 Early struggles and decision to pursue real estate 04:11 First rehab house and initial lessons 06:07 Success with first deals and scaling up 07:40 Discovering wholesaling, rentals, and town projects 09:04 Challenges of being a single mom and entrepreneur 10:56 Key lessons from first foreclosure deal 12:43 Trust and honesty in real estate transactions 14:09 Starting from scratch today: advice for new investors 17:52 Revitalizing a small town: the backstory 20:11 Building community and attracting visitors 27:44 Long-term vision and project timeline 37:53 Impact of personal challenges on the project 43:34 Dwan’s current projects, books, and coaching 45:05 How to connect with Dwan Twyford Dwan's Links: Website: www.dwanderful.com IG: @dwanderful LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwanbenttwyford/ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  3. Oct 13

    AI, Messy Data and Why Nobody Will Care Like You Do, with Alex Taylor (Part 2)

    In Part 2, Alex Taylor, founder of Commercialize IQ, explains what it takes to turn scattered CRE data into something an owner can actually run a portfolio on. We get into who uses it (owners, third-party property managers and national retailers) and why Alex thinks the push for a "pristine data lake" is the wrong approach. We also cover what happened when an 80-property portfolio's data surfaced about 590 contradictions, and why general AI tools still leave you "arguing with AI." Alex also shares how he gets CRE professionals to adopt new software past the demo ("big button theory"), his hardest lesson as an entrepreneur, and his advice for anyone in CRE with an idea for a tech startup: find product-market fit before you have a product. What You'll Learn Why waiting for clean data before using it is backwards, and why Alex argues for continuous auditingHow rent rolls, leases, amendments and property manager reports end up contradicting each otherWhere general-purpose AI tools fall short and why Alex built a CRE-specific model"Additive, not rip-and-replace": why switching accounting systems can be a nine-month projectHow to drive adoption: mirror the five things your users do every dayWhy no one will care as much as you do, and how Alex uses variable pay and equity for every roleHow to validate a CRE tech idea before building it Chapters 0:00 [20:50] Is it a CRM? Building a "single source of truth"0:38 [21:28] Who it's for: owners, third-party property managers and retailers3:58 [24:48] AI in CRE and the "pristine data lake" myth~7:10 [~28:00] 80 properties, about 590 contradictions8:41 [29:31] What improves first: accuracy and bandwidth~10:10 [~31:00] "I'm just arguing with AI": general vs. purpose-built models12:22 [33:12] Where the data comes from: additive, not rip-and-replace15:29 [36:19] Getting adoption past the demo: "big button theory"19:39 [40:29] The hardest entrepreneurship lesson22:00 [42:50] Have a CRE startup idea? Start with product-market fit24:06 [44:56] Where to find Alex Quotes: "Everyone has their own source of truth, but none of it is singular." "You'll never get anyone else to care as much as you care." "Do you have product market fit before you have a product?" Alex's Links: Website: https://commercializeiq.com/ IG: @commercializeiq LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandertaylor86/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercializeiq/ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  4. Oct 6

    Building Tech for CRE When You Own CRE, with Alex Taylor (Part 1)

    Alex Taylor has spent 18 years building commercial real estate technology. He's been a founder or co-founder of four CRE tech companies, with three exits. He's also on the other side of the table: he owns a couple hundred thousand square feet and is an LP in about 26 active deals. In Part 1, Alex walks through how he got into CRE through relationships rather than single-family flips. He covers his time as the first head of sales at Dotloop, building a tech-enabled footprint consultancy for Fortune 500 companies, and launching Oval Room to cut the cost of raising, entitling and marketing projects. He also tells the story of a zoning hearing that went somewhere nobody expected. We end with the question that started his current company and the one answer that kept coming back: data. What You'll Learn: How relationships, not residential deals, led Alex into CRE and to investing as an LPWhy he's become more passive as an investor as he's built more companiesThe three phases of a CRE project (raise capital, get approvals, go to market) and where money gets wasted redoing workHow long it took to build his early platforms (about 9 months each)The one question he asked CRE pros for 90 days before building his current company Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and intro00:21 Alex's background: 18 years in proptech, 4 companies, and a CRE owner02:09 How Alex got into commercial real estate through relationships04:22 26 LP deals and why he's become more passive06:02 Three exits and a fourth company06:34 Dotloop and building a tech-enabled CRE footprint consultancy09:29 A mutual friend from the Dotloop days10:11 Oval Room: raise capital, get approvals, go to market13:17 How long it takes to build a platform from scratch~14:40 The psychic at the zoning board16:29 Ocucel and the move to Commercialize IQ17:09 A 90-day listening tour: "What do you do today that you hate?"~19:45 The number one answer: data Quote: "Billion dollar plus portfolios being run on spreadsheets." (Alex Taylor) Next Week: Part 2: what Alex built to fix the problem, why chasing a "pristine data lake" is a trap, how to get teams to use new software past the demo, and his hardest lesson as a founder. Alex's Links: Website: https://commercializeiq.com/ IG: @commercializeiq LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandertaylor86/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commercializeiq/ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  5. Sep 29

    How to Invest in Timberland with John Brenard Part 2

    In this episode, John Brenard shares insights into timberland investing, covering property sizes, valuation, timber types, and risk management, making it accessible for new investors. Takeaways Most land bought for timber is owned by families, not institutions.Timberland properties typically range from a few hundred to 2000 acres.Location and proximity to sawmills are critical for timber value.Timber types like southern yellow pine grow quickly and are highly valuable.Parcelization can significantly enhance land value and liquidity.Diversification across regions mitigates natural risks like wildfires.Timberland investments can yield 12-15% net returns with an opportunistic approach.Shorter fund durations (around 5 years) are possible with active management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Timberland Investment01:54 John Brenard's Background and Entry into Timberland03:52 Size and Valuation of Timberland Properties07:06 Types of Timber and Growth Cycles09:01 Deal Sourcing and Off-Market Opportunities12:00 Due Diligence and Acquisition Process14:08 Value Creation Strategies: Parcelization and Timber Sales19:57 Market Drivers and Regional Growth21:51 Risks and Risk Management in Timberland25:57 Impact of Market Cycles and External Factors29:51 Returns, Fund Structure, and Investor Opportunities34:03 Tax Benefits and Exit Strategies38:00 Common Misconceptions and Future Outlook41:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Information John’s Links https://www.southviewtimber.com/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrenard/ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQWant to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/courseUse Code for 10% off: tanhtruong 🔋 Support My Channel 🔋Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanhDollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanhtDollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  6. Sep 22

    How to Invest in Timberland with John Brenard Part 1

    In this episode, John Brenard shares insights into timberland investing, covering property sizes, valuation, timber types, and risk management, making it accessible for new investors. Takeaways Most land bought for timber is owned by families, not institutions.Timberland properties typically range from a few hundred to 2000 acres.Location and proximity to sawmills are critical for timber value.Timber types like southern yellow pine grow quickly and are highly valuable.Parcelization can significantly enhance land value and liquidity.Diversification across regions mitigates natural risks like wildfires.Timberland investments can yield 12-15% net returns with an opportunistic approach.Shorter fund durations (around 5 years) are possible with active management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Timberland Investment01:54 John Brenard's Background and Entry into Timberland03:52 Size and Valuation of Timberland Properties07:06 Types of Timber and Growth Cycles09:01 Deal Sourcing and Off-Market Opportunities12:00 Due Diligence and Acquisition Process14:08 Value Creation Strategies: Parcelization and Timber Sales19:57 Market Drivers and Regional Growth21:51 Risks and Risk Management in Timberland25:57 Impact of Market Cycles and External Factors29:51 Returns, Fund Structure, and Investor Opportunities34:03 Tax Benefits and Exit Strategies38:00 Common Misconceptions and Future Outlook41:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Information John’s Links https://www.southviewtimber.com/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrenard/ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQWant to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/courseUse Code for 10% off: tanhtruong 🔋 Support My Channel 🔋Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanhDollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanhtDollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  7. Sep 15

    How To Make It In Real Estate with John McNellis Part 2

    In this episode, John McNellis shares his extensive experience in real estate development, from law to retail centers, and offers invaluable insights for aspiring investors and developers. Discover how patience, risk management, and partnerships can lead to success in real estate. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:27 John McNellis's Journey from Law to Real Estate 01:04 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process 02:28 Key Lessons from the First Edition of the Book 05:22 Who the Book is For and Its Impact 06:02 What Has Aged Well in the Book 07:27 Partnerships: Longevity and Dynamics 08:45 Partnership Disagreements and Dynamics 10:04 Legal Skills and Deal-Making Advantage 14:25 Legal Advice and Common Pitfalls 18:59 Passive Investment in Real Estate 21:09 Misunderstandings in Retail Real Estate 25:14 Projects in California and Permitting Challenges 26:18 Concessions and Negotiation with City Authorities 29:15 Longest Development Approvals and Lessons Learned 33:30 Deals Passed On and Lessons from Failures 34:24 Quick Deal Analysis and Site Walks 36:05 Due Diligence and Deal Screening 37:08 Losing Money and Learning from Mistakes 39:14 What Separates Successful Real Estate Investors 41:49 Starting in Real Estate: Advice for Beginners 43:37 Transitioning from Residential to Development 44:46 Final Advice and How to Connect with John John's Links: ⁠https://www.johnmcnellis.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcnellis-b6a1674/⁠ ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Making-Real-Estate-Thriving-Developer-ebook/dp/B0GHNNGLWR⁠ Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

  8. Sep 8

    How To Make It In Real Estate with John McNellis Part 1

    In this episode, John McNellis shares his extensive experience in real estate development, from law to retail centers, and offers invaluable insights for aspiring investors and developers. Discover how patience, risk management, and partnerships can lead to success in real estate. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:27 John McNellis's Journey from Law to Real Estate 01:04 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Process 02:28 Key Lessons from the First Edition of the Book 05:22 Who the Book is For and Its Impact 06:02 What Has Aged Well in the Book 07:27 Partnerships: Longevity and Dynamics 08:45 Partnership Disagreements and Dynamics 10:04 Legal Skills and Deal-Making Advantage 14:25 Legal Advice and Common Pitfalls 18:59 Passive Investment in Real Estate 21:09 Misunderstandings in Retail Real Estate 25:14 Projects in California and Permitting Challenges 26:18 Concessions and Negotiation with City Authorities 29:15 Longest Development Approvals and Lessons Learned 33:30 Deals Passed On and Lessons from Failures 34:24 Quick Deal Analysis and Site Walks 36:05 Due Diligence and Deal Screening 37:08 Losing Money and Learning from Mistakes 39:14 What Separates Successful Real Estate Investors 41:49 Starting in Real Estate: Advice for Beginners 43:37 Transitioning from Residential to Development 44:46 Final Advice and How to Connect with John John's Links: https://www.johnmcnellis.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mcnellis-b6a1674/ https://www.amazon.com/Making-Real-Estate-Thriving-Developer-ebook/dp/B0GHNNGLWR Here's the link to my book: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Over-Foundation-Commercial-Investing/dp/B0DNN14NLQ Want to learn more about CRE? investbeyondmultifamily.com/course Use Code for 10% off: tanhtruong  🔋 Support My Channel 🔋 Bitcoin: bc1q2jnv9sn3efhfvc43q5cqe2leev3066cegpyyz5 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/tanh Dollars via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tanht Dollars via Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/tanh-truong 🌍 Website: https://www.wontonwealth.com ✖️ X: http://www.x.com/tanhtruong 📷 IG: http://www.instagram.com/pro_tanh 🤓 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tanh-truong-30a18ab0/ ❗ DISCLAIMER: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Before making any decisions consult a professional. This show is copyrighted by Wonton Wealth. Written permission must be granted before syndication or rebroadcasting.

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About

Welcome to Wonton Wealth! Embark on a journey through the dynamic world of commercial real estate investing with Tanh, your guide to unlocking the secrets of this lucrative realm. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the market, this podcast is your go-to destination for invaluable insights and expert advice. Join us as we dive into diverse topics, breaking down complex concepts into digestible nuggets of knowledge. Expect deep dives into the nuts and bolts of commercial real estate, peppered with engaging interviews that provide a 360-degree view of the industry.

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