Real Deals Real Estate Show

Donald Torrence

A podcast that provide you an insights to Real Estate, Foreclosure, and Private Lending.  I'm your host Donald Torrence, and this is where we cut through the confusion and get to the truth.

  1. 4d ago

    How to Buy and Sell Commercial Real Estate: Insights From a Net Lease Sales Broker

    In this episode, we sit down with net lease investment sales broker Dan to discuss navigating commercial real estate, building a long-term brokerage business, and scaling as an investor. Dan shares key insights into underwriting deals, working with brokers, and overcoming common industry challenges. Key Topics Covered Dan's career transition from Amazon to commercial real estate brokerage.The importance of underwriting 100+ deals to build real-world experience.Why new investors should work with a trusted commercial broker over a residential agent.The power of focusing on a single niche to build deep industry expertise.How senior agent mentorship accelerates success in commercial real estate.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and personal real estate goals00:53 – Show introduction by host Donald Torrance02:26 – Donald on turning rehabs into supportive housing03:49 – Dan explains his focus on net lease investment sales04:56 – Dan’s transition from Amazon to commercial real estate07:02 – Learning directly from top-tier real estate clients08:25 – Advice for new commercial investors approaching brokers11:18 – Why you should underwrite 100 deals before buying13:52 – Residential vs. commercial brokers: Avoiding misguidance16:03 – How Dan guides buyers to fit their buy box19:21 – How to choose a brokerage and find the right mentor22:36 – Highlight: Dan discusses his training course, the CRE Pro Course25:17 – Dan's podcast: Dan on Top of All Things Commercial Real Estate27:36 – What Dan would tell his younger self: Focus on one thing32:53 – Looking ahead: Goals for the next five years34:53 – Final advice on taking action and closing thoughtsIf you found this conversation valuable, make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the show so you never miss straight-to-the-point insights on real estate investing, property strategies, and industry expertise.

    How to Buy and Sell Commercial Real Estate: Insights From a Net Lease Sales Broker

  2. Oct 6

    Ep 22: Redefining Wealth: Strategic Real Estate Investing and Legacy Building

    In this episode, we sit down with Gino Barbaro, an entrepreneur, real estate investor, author, and money coach. Gino shares his journey from operating a restaurant to scaling a portfolio of over 1,900 multifamily units alongside his business partner, Jake. Forget standard financial advice; Gino explains why mindset, values, and addressing childhood financial patterns are fundamental to true financial success. Learn how to overcome limitations around funding, how to build a lasting legacy with family, and how to create "happy money" through purposeful investing. Key Topics Covered Gino's transition from the restaurant industry to building a massive multifamily real estate portfolio with his partner Jake.The importance of values-based decision-making and selecting the right business partner.Overcoming the "lack of money" mindset through seller financing, creative deal structuring, and leveraging self-directed IRAs.The five-stage framework for building a solid financial foundation and moving into alternative assets.Gino’s evolution into money coaching and understanding how childhood "financial flashpoints" shape adult behavior.Engaging family in entrepreneurship, homeschooling, and building a multi-generational legacy through new ventures.Timestamps 00:00 – Opening discussion on funding real estate deals and overcoming money mindsets.00:48 – Show introduction by host Donald Torrance.02:07 – Donald's opening banter and background in real estate investing.05:01 – Donald discusses providing housing for the homeless and navigating municipal challenges.25:17 – Introduction of guest Gino Barbaro and his upbringing as the son of immigrants.26:07 – Gino's entry into real estate in 2008 while running a restaurant and meeting his partner Jake.27:26 – The core principles of choosing a partner and values-based decision-making.32:44 – Gino and Jake's first multifamily deal in Tennessee using owner financing.36:31 – Shift in mindset: Money is not the limiting factor; value and experience are.40:33 – The importance of investing in coaching, mentorship, and continuous education.47:00 – Gino's shift into money coaching and analyzing childhood "financial flashpoints".53:46 – A 5-stage framework for building a strong financial foundation.58:44 – How to utilize self-directed IRAs to invest in real estate.01:00:47 – Gino’s new family business venture, Barbaro 360, and passing values to his children.01:02:51 – Podcast recommendations: The Happy Money Podcast and The Julia and Gino Show.01:05:18 – Gino's approach to raising entrepreneurial children through homeschooling and mentorship.01:11:25 – Closing thoughts on helping others, Gino's book Happy Money, Happy Family, Happy Legacy, and episode wrap-up.If you found this conversation valuable, make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the show so you never miss straight-to-the-point insights on real estate investing, property strategies, and industry expertise.

    Ep 22: Redefining Wealth: Strategic Real Estate Investing and Legacy Building

  3. Sep 22

    Ep 21: The $80,000 Mistake Most Homeowners Make: The Dirt Whisperer Exposes the Foundation Repair Industry

    In this episode, we sit down with RK "Bob" Brown, an architecture graduate turned forensic engineering expert famously known as "the dirt whisperer". Bob pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of foundation repair, exposing how commission-driven sales tactics can lead homeowners into unnecessary and costly contracts. Forget standard contractors who treat every issue with the same basic fix; Bob explains why a proper diagnostic approach requires specialized forensic geotechnical expertise. Learn exactly how soil behavior like clay heave can cause severe structural damage, how to spot conflicts of interest in home inspections, and what Bob is doing to spearhead legislative changes that protect consumers.  Key Topics Covered Bob's journey from architecture and finance graduate to building a 100-person forensic engineering firm in Arizona.The critical difference between commission-based foundation repair salespeople and regulated, conflict-free forensic engineers.Understanding "heave" versus "settlement," and how soil layering like expansive clays can severely impact building slabs.The hidden flaws in the current municipal permitting process that allow contractors to misdiagnose and overcharge for foundation solutions.Bob's ongoing efforts to spearhead legal reform in Arizona requiring engineer-certified diagnostics on the front end of repair permits.Exploring Bob's post-retirement entrepreneurial projects, including concrete volume estimation software and 3D-printed patented products.Timestamps 00:00 – Opening discussion on building shifting and soil engineering.01:39 – Show introduction by host Donald Torrance.02:04 – Professional background, education, and early career of guest Bob Brown.05:05 – Explaining the specific role of forensic engineering versus geotechnical engineering.06:26 – Navigating hydrostatic pressure, rain drainage issues, and high water tables.08:20 – Why relying on free contractor estimates creates an inherent conflict of interest.09:24 – Deep dive into how a geotechnical engineer analyzes soil layers like clay, sand, and silt.11:44 – At what phase structural and geotechnical engineers should be involved in a project.13:08 – Bob's post-retirement ventures, training programs, and specialized contractor software.14:56 – Insights from Bob's book Foundation Repair Secrets regarding soil heave damage.16:50 – The risks of misdiagnosing slab shifts and relying on uncertified solutions.19:24 – How to properly search for localized foundation engineers and locate reliable state directories.20:42 – The rigorous educational, testing, and apprenticeship requirements needed to become a licensed engineer.22:50 – Exploring the lack of government oversight and standard accountability for repair salesmen.24:55 – Overview of Bob’s former 100-person regional team in Arizona.26:42 – Bob’s regulatory initiative to overhaul the structural permit screening system on the front end.30:09 – Addressing city inspector limitations and building code violations regarding third-party special inspections.34:26 – Closing thoughts on the value of thorough engineering inspections and show wrap-up.If you found this conversation valuable, make sure to follow, subscribe, and share the show so you never miss straight-to-the-point insights on real estate investing, property strategies, and industry expertise.

    Ep 21: The $80,000 Mistake Most Homeowners Make: The Dirt Whisperer Exposes the Foundation Repair Industry

  4. Sep 8

    Ep 20: The $436M AI Playbook: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Real Estate & White-Collar Business Operations

    In this episode, we sit down with Neil, a computer science technologist turned real estate mogul managing a massive $436 million portfolio. Neil pulls back the curtain on how his firm transitioned into an "AI-first" company, utilizing cutting-edge "Agentic AI" to autonomously manage workflows, eliminate legacy overhead, and slash workforce requirements by 50%. Forget basic chatbots that just answer questions; Agentic AI is built to execute complex tasks independently. Learn exactly how Neil's business completely automated its real estate underwriting, consolidated its entire accounting pipeline, and established granular, real-time control over business operations. Whether you are a real estate investor or running a traditional white-collar business, this conversation maps out the future of hyper-efficient automation. Key Topics Covered 1.  Neil’s journey from a data science technologist to building a $436 million real estate portfolio 2.  Why the transition to an "AI first" company is on track to replace 50% of the traditional workforce with autonomous AI by the end of the year 3.  Understanding the shift to "Agentic AI" systems designed to autonomously execute complex, multi-step tasks rather than just answer user questions 4.  Automating real estate underwriting entirely through AI pipelines that sort emails, sign broker NDAs, pull market reports, and rank properties on dashboards 5.  Streamlining internal financial operations by integrating platform data into a single custom application to eliminate 80% to 90% of manual bookkeeping tasks 6.  How AI offers an endless level of workflow customization mapped to existing business processes, and why it is even easier to implement in purely computer-centric white-collar industries Timestamps 00:30 – Introductions and professional background of the guest05:43 – Discussion on how running a large multifamily property compares to managing a traditional business08:52 – The shift toward becoming an AI-first company and automating workforce tasks11:51 – Preferences on building class types, market selection, and navigating property supplies across different metros15:31 – Perspectives on the viability of new construction in real estate versus property renovation amidst high interest rates17:04 – Integrating multiple financial tools to automate internal workflows, bookkeeping, and accounting processes using AI20:34 – Identifying internal workflows that are easy or hard to automate, including asset underwriting and video editing27:16 – Deep dive case study into how the guest leverages AI agents to autonomously ingest broker emails, sign NDAs, extract documentation, and run market data reports32:58 – Explaining why customizable business process automation is favored over rigid, standard enterprise software systems40:43 – Live example demonstrating how to properly instruct AI to extract and filter non-flagged hotel and motel property listings across target zip codes49:01 – The guest's five-year outlook on the future of real estate tech operations and how agentic AI systems establish granular business visibilityIf you found this conversation valuable, make sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss insights on real estate investing, wealth strategies, and conversations with industry experts.

    Ep 20: The $436M AI Playbook: How Agentic AI is Revolutionizing Real Estate & White-Collar Business Operations

  5. Aug 25

    Ep 19: From CPA to Syndicator: Scaling a $200M Commercial Portfolio with Stewart Heath

    In this episode, host Stewart sits down with a CPA turned commercial real estate syndicator to discuss strategies for investing in medical offices and commercial properties. He shares his experience from structuring joint equity and debt deals to managing tenants under triple net (NNN) leases, and discovers what it takes to source, analyze, and scale a $200M real estate portfolio. Key Topics Covered Stewart’s journey as a CPA and real estate operator building his portfolio across commercial real estateWhy medical office properties can offer stability through long-term, sticky tenants and consistent demandFinding commercial real estate opportunities through platforms like CoStar, Crexi, and broker relationshipsStructuring deals through syndications, mezzanine debt, fixed-return investments, and equity with potential tax benefitsManaging triple net leases, tenant relationships, asset operations, and consistent lease structures across propertiesCurrent commercial real estate opportunities, lender communication, and Stewart’s goal of reaching $200 million in assets under management by the end of 2028Timestamps 01:21 – Introductions and locations of the host and guest04:08 – Discussion on managing motels and housing the homeless vs. self-storage facilities07:17 – Stewart’s preference for medical office spaces and how he entered the market09:30 – Where to look for commercial office space listings and dealing with brokers10:29 – Capital raising and deal syndication structures (debt vs. equity)13:58 – Case study of Stewart’s office building transaction in Montgomery17:36 – Explanation of triple net leases vs. gross leases and modified gross leases21:09 – The ratio of analyzing deals to successfully closing them, and the importance of buying right23:53 – Getting started early in real estate and acquiring his book from his website26:38 – Three-to-four-year growth goals and asset management philosophy29:38 – Property management vs. asset management and building a team32:14 – Using masterminds and coaches to learn specific skill sets like capital raising34:50 – Connecting via LinkedIn and scheduling time to talk real estate36:38 – Donald's goals for housing people and the wrap-up of the discussionIf you found this conversation valuable, make sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss insights on real estate investing, wealth strategies, and conversations with industry experts.

    Ep 19: From CPA to Syndicator: Scaling a $200M Commercial Portfolio with Stewart Heath

  6. Aug 4

    Ep 18 - Rebuilding a Billion-Dollar Legacy From Scratch

    In this episode of the Real Deals Real Estate Show, we sit down with John Everest Thomas, CEO of Blockstar Corporation, to discuss his extraordinary journey through real estate, resilience, and innovation. John shares how he built a billion-dollar real estate portfolio, faced one of the most challenging periods of his life, and rebuilt from the ground up with a renewed perspective on success, leadership, and purpose. Key Topics Covered John Everest Thomas’ journey from building a billion-dollar real estate empire to rebuilding his life after adversityLessons on resilience, mindset, and creating a new path after major setbacksManaging approximately $8 billion in real estate transactions across multiple asset classesLand acquisition strategies and converting office spaces into ultra-luxury condominiumsHow Blockstar Corporation is combining real estate assets with blockchain and crypto technologyThe concept of crypto-backed real estate financing and mezzanine lending solutionsIf you found this conversation valuable, make sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss insights on real estate investing, wealth strategies, and conversations with industry experts.

    Ep 18 - Rebuilding a Billion-Dollar Legacy From Scratch

  7. Jul 22

    Ep 17: The Real Skill Behind Scaling Real Estate

    In this episode, Jensen Nielson shares how he built his real estate investment journey, learned to raise capital through relationships, and shifted his strategy from large apartment complexes to industrial properties.  Key Takeaways Real estate can help investors separate their time from their income.Raising capital begins with relationships, education, and consistent conversations.Sample deal packages can help investors test interest before launching a real opportunity.Strong partnerships should be built on trust, shared values, and long-term compatibility.Industrial properties may offer simpler operations than large apartment complexes.Industrial investors need a detailed understanding of local supply and demand.Avoid excessive leverage and properties with major ongoing maintenance needs.Property conditions can be improved, but location cannot easily be changed.Better systems and processes are essential for scaling an investment business.Investors should trust their ability to navigate challenges and find solutions.

    Ep 17: The Real Skill Behind Scaling Real Estate

  8. Jul 1

    Ep 16: From Corporate Career to Commercial Real Estate Syndication

    In this episode, we sit down with K Trevor Thompson to break down how commercial real estate syndications actually work and how passive investors can participate in large-scale deals without direct operational involvement. He shares his journey from a long corporate career into real estate investing and explains how strategies like value-add multifamily and assisted living are reshaping long-term wealth creation for investors. The discussion also covers retirement account strategies, mindset shifts around money, and practical ways beginners can start their investing journey. Key Topics Covered What real estate syndications are and how passive investing worksHow passive investors become limited partners in large commercial dealsValue-add multifamily strategy and how forced appreciation builds wealthAssisted living as a growing and high-demand real estate asset classRetirement accounts (401k, Roth, self-directed IRAs) and tax-efficient investingTimestamps 00:00 – Introduction & Background  03:00 – From Corporate Life to Real Estate Curiosity  06:00 – What Real Estate Syndications Are & Passive Investing Explained  12:00 – Value-Add Multifamily Strategy and Forced Appreciation  18:00 – Assisted Living Real Estate and Why Demand is Growing  27:00 – Retirement Accounts, Roth Conversion & Tax Strategy  35:00 – Beginner Mindset: Savings vs Wealth Building If you found this conversation valuable, make sure to subscribe to the show so you never miss insights on real estate investing, wealth strategies, and conversations with industry experts.

    Ep 16: From Corporate Career to Commercial Real Estate Syndication
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About

A podcast that provide you an insights to Real Estate, Foreclosure, and Private Lending.  I'm your host Donald Torrence, and this is where we cut through the confusion and get to the truth.

Information

  • Creator
    Donald Torrence
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Real Deals Real Estate Show
  • Show Website
    Real Deals Real Estate Show