No Vacancy with Taylor Avakian

Episodi

• Why LA Is Getting Worse (And They Won’t Fix It) with Landlord Lawyer - Niv Davidovich 26.06.2026 1h 3min

  *Niv V. Davidovich, LA's go-to eviction attorney with 10,000+ cases, reveals why being a landlord in Los Angeles has become one of the toughest real estate plays in America.*From 6-month eviction timelines and emotional distress lawsuits to aggressive tenant screening and the realities of funded legal aid, this is the raw, unfiltered truth about the current rental market and what property owners are actually facing in 2026.In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian sits down with Niv V. Davidovich of Davidovich Stone Law Group. They break down the most common eviction drivers, how habitability claims and jury dynamics have shifted the landscape, why the process moves so slowly compared to neighboring counties, and practical steps owners can take to protect their assets without breaking the rules.Whether you own apartments in LA, invest in multifamily, manage properties, or want to understand California landlord-tenant law from the front lines, this conversation delivers the clarity most people only get after expensive mistakes.Sponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291a*Chapters:*00:00 - Shocking Jury Verdicts and Emotional Distress Damages 02:19 - Niv Davidovich's Career: Thousands of LA Evictions 03:37 - The Real Reasons Tenants Stop Paying Rent 06:02 - ULA Funding, Legal Aid Groups, and Tenant Advocacy 08:52 - Habitability Attorneys and Class Action Tactics 11:12 - Why Small Economic Damages Turn Into Massive Verdicts 13:07 - Trial vs. Settlement Rates in Current LA Evictions 14:07 - Inside One of the Longest and Most Complex Eviction Trials 17:20 - Pro Se Litigants, AI Tools, and Extreme Post-Judgment Demands 19:19 - Current Eviction Timeline in Los Angeles County 21:04 - Sheriff Shortages and Lockout Delays Explained 24:48 - How Evictions Compare in Orange County and Other Areas 26:29 - Tenant Screening: Saying No to Problem Tenants Early 29:30 - Tort Reform, Shifting Attorney Focus, and Insurance Realities 32:08 - Rent Control, Old Buildings, and Barriers to New Housing 35:27 - The "This Is My Home" Mindset vs. Legal Rental Reality 38:14 - Policy Challenges and Misaligned Incentives in Housing 40:42 - Common Myths LA Landlords Believe About the Process 43:14 - When Laws Change Mid-Case: Impacts on Owners 50:25 - Practical Protections and Strategies for Property Owners 58:57 - One Key Piece of Advice for LA Apartment Owners in 2026+Niv V. Davidovich, Davidovich Stone Law Group, No Vacancy with Taylor Avakian.Niv Davidovich, Davidovich Stone Law Group, LA eviction attorney, Los Angeles landlord attorney, eviction process Los Angeles, LA rental market 2026, California tenant landlord law, habitability claims, emotional distress damages, vexatious litigants, tort reform real estate, multifamily investing Los Angeles, tenant screening best practices, No Vacancy podcast, Taylor Avakian, California eviction timeline, rent control LA, sheriff lockouts, LA apartment owners, real estate law Southern CaliforniaSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#LosAngelesRealEstate #MultifamilyBroker #LandlordTips #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #TenantScreening #RentalMarket #LosAngelesApartments #RealEstateStrategy #TaylorAvakian #ApartmentOwner
• The Most Controversial Man in Real Estate: Grant Cardone 17.06.2026 1h 37min

  *Grant Cardone sits down with Taylor Avakian on No Vacancy for a raw conversation on building massive multifamily wealth, raising capital on his own terms, and why he's betting big on Bitcoin alongside real estate.*In this full episode, Grant breaks down his journey from car salesman to running one of the largest private multifamily portfolios in the U.S., the lessons that shaped his approach to deals and capital, how he thinks about scale versus location, and his forward-looking views on markets, technology, and the next phase of his business.*Chapters:*00:00:00 — Grant Cardone's Opening Rant on Real Estate Capital Raising 00:01:20 — How Grant Learned Real Estate Growing Up 00:02:31 — His Father's Influence and Early Exposure to Property 00:04:28 — First Deals at 28 and the 3-Year Study Period 00:05:39 — Houston Market Collapse and Move to California 00:07:13 — Buying Nearly 200 Units in 90 Days in San Diego 00:08:38 — Raising Early Capital and the Mom Loan Story 00:09:54 — Building a High-Income Sales Consulting Business 00:12:56 — Car Sales Lessons: Becoming Top 1% and Finding the Glitch 00:16:17 — Developing Ambition and the Drive to Be Recognized 00:18:03 — Hitting the First Million and What It Felt Like 00:19:41 — Why Owners Beat Brokers: The Rudy and Dale Partnership 00:23:44 — How Grant Evaluates Deals: Always Know Your Exit 00:24:53 — Value-Add Realities and Selling to Sophisticated Buyers 00:27:42 — What He Would Do Differently If Starting Over 00:28:21 — Evolution of Deal Structures and Dropping the Pref 00:30:04 — Raising $2 Billion from 20,000 Investors on His Terms 00:31:40 — Long-Term Holds and Why Many Recent LA Deals Struggled 00:34:xx — Market Predictions: LA, Orange County, Dallas, Miami, and More 00:38:37 — Asset-First Approach, Building Audience, and Exiting to Whales 00:44:xx — Advice for Ambitious Young People: Grind in Your 20s 00:48:xx — Sales Mastery: Studying Buffett, Elon, and Trump 00:55:xx — Focus on the Best Assets First, Not Investor Terms 01:00:xx — The Sacrifices Required for One Life-Changing Deal 01:06:xx — Tax Strategy: Live Lean and Invest Aggressively in Multifamily 01:07:33 — Favorite Markets and the Monopoly-Style Concentration Play 01:09:57 — LP/GP Structures and Using Assets to Attract Capital 01:13:xx — AI's Early Impact on Real Estate and Future Opportunities 01:27:xx — Property Management as a Major Competitive Moat 01:29:xx — Grant's Vision for the Next 5–10 Years 01:35:22 — Closing Thoughts and Bold Future PlansSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #podcast #losangeles
• The Winning CRE Strategy He Built Over 5 Decades | Larry Taylor 09.06.2026 1h 21min

  *Taylor Avakian sits down with legendary West Side Los Angeles real estate syndicator Larry Taylor.* With more than 50 years focused exclusively on LA’s most desirable submarkets, Larry shares perspective on current pricing and opportunities, the unique advantages of the West Side, and principles refined across every interest rate and economic cycle.From the lasting appeal of prime locations like Century City and Santa Monica to the evolution of syndication and portfolio strategies, this conversation covers hard-won lessons on navigating volatility, evaluating deals, and building lasting value in one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets.Sponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aChapters00:00 Introduction & Current LA Real Estate Opportunities 06:13 Larry Taylor: OG of Los Angeles Real Estate Syndication 07:37 Early Influences: Jerry Buss, Tax Strategies & Syndication Beginnings 08:55 Sam Freshman Book and Core Syndication Principles 11:40 Launching a Career: First Deals and 1970s Economic Upheaval 13:14 Interest Rate Cycles, Volcker Era & Historic Buying Windows 15:12 West Side LA vs Downtown: Performance Through Cycles 16:50 Why the West Side Endures: Climate, Location & Quality of Life 19:34 Raising Capital Today & Investor Sentiment on LA 23:27 Creating Value: The Montana Avenue Development Story 28:57 Location-First Approach Across All Asset Types 30:10 Evaluating Deals: Vision, Multiple Exits & Disciplined Analysis 34:34 Multifamily on the West Side: Pricing, Regulations & Opportunities 42:33 Modern Portfolio Syndication, Funds & Rigorous Due Diligence 53:18 Knowing When to Sell & Lessons from Standout Transactions 1:00:32 A Landmark Century City Transformation & Outcome 1:15:45 If Starting Today: Portfolio Strategies for New InvestorsReal estate syndication Los Angeles, West Side LA investing, multifamily real estate Los Angeles, commercial real estate cycles, Century City development, Santa Monica retail, interest rate impact on real estate, buying opportunities downturns, apartment investing West LA, Larry Taylor Christina, Taylor Avakian No Vacancy, historical real estate lessons, Los Angeles commercial real estateSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#LosAngelesRealEstate #MultifamilyBroker #LandlordTips #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #TenantScreening #RentalMarket #LosAngelesApartments #RealEstateStrategy #TaylorAvakian #ApartmentOwner
• Is this tech Billionaire the next Mayor Of Los Angeles? | Adam Miller 27.05.2026 1h 8min

  *Adam Miller for LA Mayor: Tech Billionaire on Fixing LA's Housing Crisis, Homelessness & Government Inefficiency | No Vacancy Podcast*Taylor Avakian sits down with Adam Miller — founder and former CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand (sold for $5.2 billion) — who is running for Mayor of Los Angeles. In this wide-ranging conversation, Miller breaks down his bold plan to transform the city through operational excellence, accountability, and private sector innovation.From scaling a global education technology company to tackling LA’s most pressing challenges, Miller shares insights on leadership, incentives, efficiency, and what “good” governance actually looks like.*Key Topics:*- LA’s interconnected crises: homelessness, public safety, housing affordability, and economic decline- Why government needs a complete mindset shift on targets and expectations- His 7x7 Plan for immediate, measurable change as Mayor- Fixing permitting, recruitment, transparency, and infrastructure- Building affordable housing at a fraction of current costs- Leadership lessons from scaling a company from an apartment to 3,000 employees across 25 countries*Timestamps:*- 00:00 - Introduction & Government Mindset Problems- 00:21 - Adam Miller Background & Cornerstone OnDemand Story- 02:55 - Education, Overachievement & Early Life- 05:00 - Was Building Wealth Worth It?- 06:19 - Founding Cornerstone: Online Education Vision- 11:52 - AI, Tech Bubbles & Cloud Computing Lessons- 15:24 - Early Days, Pivots & Building the Business- 18:04 - What Really Happens in Boardrooms- 21:03 - LA’s Overlapping Crises & The 7x7 Plan- 24:50 - First Week as Mayor: Immediate Actions- 30:03 - Setting the Bar Higher in Government- 32:28 - Changing Incentives, Accountability & Recognition- 39:53 - Entering the Housing Space & Better Angels- 43:46 - Building Housing at 1/3 the Cost- 46:59 - Pitching Investors on LA & Predictability- 53:28 - Waste, Fraud & Broken Incentives in Government- 55:55 - Adam Miller’s Superpowers & Philosophy- 59:12 - Purpose, Impact & Advice for Success- 1:06:44 - Who Adam Miller Really IsAdam Miller is a tech entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of LA, urban policy, housing solutions, and effective leadership.*No Vacancy Podcast with Taylor Avakian* — Real conversations with leaders in commercial real estate, tech, and city innovation.Sponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #losangeles #business #podcast #entrepreneur #realestateinvesting #commercialrealestate #cre
• Lost Millions in His 20s, Now One of LA’s Biggest Landlords (Here’s How) | Richard Mehta 21.05.2026 1h 6min

  *No Vacancy Podcast: Richard Mehta (Xenon Investments) on Building a 3,300 Unit Empire in Los Angeles*Taylor Avakian sits down with Richard Mehta, co-founder of Xenon Investments. Richard has built one of the most impressive multifamily portfolios in LA with roughly 3,300 apartment units, mostly on the Westside, Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown, and parts of the San Fernando Valley.In this episode, he opens up about his journey from losing money in the early 90s crash to becoming one of LA's most active buyers. He shares how he thinks about deals, why he trusts gut instinct over complicated models, his love for strong locations, and how he's navigated rent control, the mansion tax, and today's tough market.*Timestamps:*- 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction- 01:07 - Xenon Investments Portfolio Overview (3,300 units)- 02:26 - Richard Mehta Origin Story and Early Days- 04:05 - Family Background and Lessons from the 90s Crash- 05:35 - Cash Flow Philosophy and Investment Criteria- 07:19 - Gross Rent Multiplier vs Cap Rates- 08:13 - Why Location Matters Most in LA- 09:07 - Scaling From 1,000 to 3,300 Units- 11:00 - Current Market Challenges in Southern California- 12:33 - Westside Habitats and Building the Brand- 12:58 - Richard's Superpower: Being Decisive- 13:52 - First Big Home Run Deal - 747 Gayley Avenue- 18:07 - Buying with Intuition Over Spreadsheets- 19:22 - Working with Family and Running the Company- 21:43 - Leverage, Refinancing, and Portfolio Strategy- 23:00 - Early Deals and Non-Contingent Offers- 26:47 - How Richard Approaches Negotiation- 30:39 - Raising Money Experiences- 33:41 - The 3-Year Cash Out Refi Strategy- 38:13 - How the Name Xenon Came From a Nightclub- 42:03 - Worst Deals and Lessons from 2021-2022- 45:55 - Selling Strategy and the Mansion Tax- 49:54 - Who Richard Goes to for Advice- 53:17 - Future Plans for Xenon and LA Multifamily- 55:08 - Reputation, Integrity, and Legacy- 58:08 - Most Interesting Deal: The Bel Air House RTC Story- 01:02:56 - Advice for Young Investors*Guest:* Richard Mehta - Co-Founder, Xenon Investments *Host:* Taylor AvakianSponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aReal estate investing, multifamily apartments, Los Angeles real estate, Westside LA, apartment investing, rent control, commercial real estate, value add multifamilySubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #podcast #commercialrealestate
• She runs Section 8 Housing in Los Angeles. Can she save LA? Lourdes Castro Ramirez (HACLA) 13.05.2026 1h

  Lourdes Castro Ramirez, President and CEO of HACLA (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles), joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast for an in-depth conversation on the affordable housing crisis, Section 8 vouchers, public housing, and strategies to address homelessness in Los Angeles.In this episode, Lourdes breaks down how HACLA serves over 200,000 Angelenos, the realities of rental subsidies, emergency housing vouchers, mixed-income developments, public housing redevelopment, and the challenges of high development costs. She shares her personal journey from immigrant roots to leading one of the largest housing authorities in the U.S., insights from San Antonio and the Obama administration, and practical opportunities for private landlords and developers to partner with HACLA.Topics include: Section 8 landlord participation, funding shortfalls, acquisitions program, Housing Our Veterans, mixed-status families, and long-term solutions for LA’s housing shortage.*Chapters:*- 00:00 Introduction & Sponsor- 00:06 What is HACLA? Serving 200,000 Residents in Los Angeles- 02:02 HACLA Programs: Public Housing, Section 8 Vouchers & More- 05:03 HACLA’s Quasi-Governmental Structure & Funding- 06:20 Lourdes Castro’s Journey: From UCLA to CEO- 14:00 What Governments Get Wrong About Housing- 16:27 LA Housing Shortage & Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) Update- 21:42 Section 8 Funding Challenges & Impact on Property Owners- 26:36 Development Costs: Why Affordable Units Cost $800K–$1M- 31:30 Acquisitions Program, Mixed-Income Housing & High-Resource Neighborhoods- 36:34 Current Development Focus: Jordan Downs, Woodland Hills & More- 39:41 Opportunities for Private Landlords & Developers (Housing Our Vets, Partnerships)- 42:15 Landlord Feedback, Service Improvements & RentCafe- 43:54 LA CASA & Measure A Explained- 46:03 If Lourdes Were in Charge: Policy Changes for Housing- 48:28 Lessons from Texas: Austin & San Antonio Housing Approaches- 49:55 Should Landlords Accept Section 8 Right Now?- 51:19 Future of Housing in LA: Next 5–10 Years- 55:04 Keeping Families Housed & Economic Opportunity Programs- 57:54 Build Hope Nonprofit & Wraparound Services- 01:00:45 Closing ThoughtsHACLA | Affordable Housing Los Angeles | Section 8 Vouchers | Public Housing | Housing Crisis | Taylor Avakian No Vacancy Podcast#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast
• How He Builds Homes Without Investing A Dollar 06.05.2026 1h 5min

  Bob Buente, President & CEO of 1010 Development Corporation, joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast for a deep dive into the real world of affordable housing development in Los Angeles. With over 30 years of experience as a faith-based nonprofit developer managing 400+ units, Bob reveals the "black arts" of financing affordable housing — from 9% and 4% tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, layered public subsidies, developer fees, and the full capital stack.Learn how these projects actually get funded with zero developer equity, why rents are capped at 50% of market yet remain extremely stable, the massive complexity of compliance and property management, and the brutal realities of California’s housing crisis — land costs, NIMBYism, bureaucracy, permitting delays, labor shortages, and why supply is so restricted.Bob shares candid insights on Emergency Directive 1 (ED1), Section 8 vouchers, the challenges facing new projects in 2026, why centralizing financing and approvals is essential, and what he would do with a blank slate to fix the system.Sponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-coll...A must-watch for developers, brokers, investors, policymakers, and anyone trying to understand why California struggles to build housing.Chapters:00:00 - Intro & Guest Background01:32 - Sponsor: Loan Titan02:15 - History of 1010 Development Corporation03:11 - Why Affordable Housing Has No Market Risk05:30 - How Affordable Housing is Financed: The Black Arts08:16 - Tax Credits Explained: 9% vs 4%, Bonds & TCAC11:39 - Zero Equity for Nonprofit Developers15:19 - Tax Credit Pricing & Syndication Realities18:35 - Pigs at the Trough: All the Layers of Funding22:00 - Making Money as an Affordable Housing Developer23:33 - Property Management Challenges & Sweet Spot (500-750 Units)27:24 - Why California Affordable Housing is So Broken30:42 - Construction Costs, Labor, and ICE Impact37:10 - NIMBYism, Zoning, and Supply Restrictions39:19 - Emergency Directive 1 (ED1) Deep Dive44:37 - Section 8 Vouchers, Compliance & Lease-Up Risks50:33 - If Bob Could Fix the System: Blank Slate Reforms57:27 - Advice for Young Developers Entering Affordable Housing59:48 - Most Important Skills: Accounting, Planning & Law1:02:05 - Final Thoughts & Resources1:03:43 - Closing
• How He Went From Fired Lawyer To Tech Legend 29.04.2026 1h 13min

  Randall Kaplan, Co-Founder of Akamai Technologies, shares his extraordinary journey from failed lawyer to building a $35 billion unicorn company in this powerful No Vacancy Podcast interview with commercial real estate broker Taylor Avakian.From writing 300 personalized cold letters to land a dream job with Eli Broad at SunAmerica, to co-founding Akamai during the dot-com era, navigating massive success and setbacks, mentoring with Sam Zell, and lessons on extreme preparation, relationship building, and giving back — this is a masterclass in grit, opportunity, and long-term thinking.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Welcome01:15 The 300 Letters Campaign That Changed Everything04:46 Landing the Job with Eli Broad at SunAmerica11:45 Lessons from Working with Eli Broad & the AIG Sale16:31 The Akamai Story: From MIT to $35 Billion Valuation24:22 Meeting & Friendship with Sam Zell31:18 Starting "In Search of Excellence" Podcast & Giving Back33:18 Building Authentic Relationships (Not Transactional)44:49 Real Estate Investing: LP to GP Lessons & Challenges51:47 Advice for Young People & Where Opportunity Lies Today1:01:52 How to Dominate as a Real Estate Broker1:07:18 Key Takeaways from Interviewing Legends1:10:26 Proudest Achievement: Giving Back & Changing LivesRandall Kaplan Akamai, Taylor Avakian No Vacancy Podcast, entrepreneurship, cold outreach, Sam Zell, real estate investing, career advice, extreme preparation, dot com bubble, success mindset.Sponsor - Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#podcast #business #realestate
• How He Built Playa Vista and Silicon Beach 22.04.2026 47min

  Randy Johnson, the real estate veteran who helped master develop Playa Vista from Howard Hughes land into a thriving 6000 unit neighborhood, joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy podcast. In this in depth conversation, Randy shares the full story behind Playa Vista: navigating 30 lawsuits, coastal commission battles, methane mitigation, massive infrastructure costs, multiple ownership changes, the Dreamworks saga, and turning wetlands into one of LA's most successful master planned communities. He discusses lessons from 40 plus years in development, the 2008 crash, working with Brookfield, building Silicon Beach, affordable housing innovations, and why residential markets stay open longer than commercial.Randy also covers current challenges in Pacific Palisades rebuilding after the fires, LA housing policy failures, the broken affordable housing model, veteran homelessness solutions, and advice for aspiring developers in today's tough regulatory environment.*Chapters:*00:00 Intro and Sponsor01:42 Building Playa Vista: The Full History08:49 Litigation, Recapitalization and Ownership Changes11:36 Dreamworks, Silicon Beach Catalyst and Market Timing16:23 What Randy Would Do Differently Today19:14 Palisades Rebuilding After the Fires26:46 Life Changing Impact and Affordable Housing Lessons31:18 Surprises in the Development Process34:52 Randy's Early Career and Path Into Real Estate38:00 Working at Brookfield and Big Picture Trends39:28 Helping Homeless Veterans and Fixing Affordable Housing41:50 What Randy Would Change About LA Housing Policy43:11 Advice for Young Developers Starting Today47:10 Closing ThoughtsNo Vacancy with Taylor Avakian is the leading podcast for multifamily and commercial real estate professionals in Los Angeles.
• $10B CRE Lawyer: The #1 Mistake Investors Make | Alain R’bibo 16.04.2026 1h

  Alain R'bibo, top commercial real estate transaction attorney, strategic advisor, and Partner at Allen Matkins with over 20 years of experience, joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast. With billions in deals across acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, joint ventures, and development, Alain shares insider perspectives on navigating complex CRE transactions in Los Angeles, California, and nationwide.From why many multifamily deals skip attorneys to the real differences between market-standard documents in New York vs. LA vs. Nashville, Alain breaks down when lawyers add massive value, common pitfalls in high-stakes deals, and how institutional players and tech giants approach risk and speed differently. He discusses current market conditions in LA and SF office, multifamily opportunities, the impact of AI on office demand, why waiting for the "perfect" bottom often costs decades of appreciation, and lessons from working with family offices, private equity, public companies, and leading tech firms.Topics include: broker-attorney dynamics, diligence red flags, pressure points and leverage in negotiations, why processes and organization separate top performers, data centers and emerging sectors, and timeless advice for getting off the sidelines in any market cycle.Perfect for commercial real estate brokers, multifamily investors, apartment owners, developers, and anyone active in Southern California or national CRE.**Chapters:**00:00 - Intro & Sponsor 00:49 - Welcome Alain R'bibo 01:44 - What a Real Estate Transaction Attorney Actually Does 03:07 - Why Many Multifamily Deals Skip Lawyers (and When You Shouldn't) 07:07 - Credits, Estoppels & Where Negotiations Really Happen 09:04 - Why People Hate Attorneys (and How Good Ones Avoid It) 11:23 - Alain's Journey: From Bankruptcy Law to CRE Transactions 14:45 - How Much Money Top Transactional Lawyers Really Make 16:22 - Biggest Mistakes in Real Estate & Why Waiting on the Sidelines Kills Returns 21:16 - Patterns of Highly Successful Real Estate Investors & Billionaires 24:06 - When Deals Look Too Good (or Too Aggressive) 26:53 - Regional Differences: New York vs LA vs Other Markets 28:19 - Sponsor 28:58 - AI's Impact on Office, Phoenix Hot Spots & California Comeback 33:04 - Tech Billionaires Leaving California & Government Tax Risks 34:33 - Is Now the Best Time to Buy LA Real Estate? 36:15 - Behind Closed Doors with Clients & Long-Term Relationships 38:21 - Real Estate Lifestyle vs Investment Banking 39:05 - Inside Tech Companies' Real Estate Strategy: Speed, Risk & Scaling 42:18 - The Next Big Real Estate Sectors & Opportunities 45:03 - Who Alain Admires Most & The Value of Being in the Room 46:19 - The Power of Experience, Pattern Recognition & Putting in the Work 48:36 - Creating Massive Value in Tough Transactions 50:17 - Psychology, Leverage & Knowing Your Counterparty 52:22 - Craziest Deal: Selling Ocean Wide Plaza in Downtown LA 53:44 - Current Buyers in the LA Market & Emerging Operators 54:41 - What Alain Really Thinks of Brokers 56:06 - Advice for Brokers on Getting Agreements Signed 57:43 - Alain's Next 5-10 Years & Why He Still Loves Deal-Making 59:36 - Final Advice: Get Off the Sidelines & Focus on What Matters 01:00:34 - Closing Thoughts Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast
• Banks Don't Want You to Know About This Man 08.04.2026 1h 14min

  Greg Hebner, Managing Director and majority owner of Arixa Capital (formerly Erickson), joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast for an in-depth conversation on private real estate lending, scaling a multi-billion dollar platform, and navigating today's CRE market.Sponsor — Citizens BankConnect with a banker athttps://www.citizensbank.com/novacancySponsor – AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aFrom Arixa's origins in distressed lending post-2008 to managing over $2.3–2.5 billion in assets and originating nearly $1.5 billion annually across 22 states, Greg shares how they built one of the fastest-growing independent private lenders in the U.S. He discusses the differences between private credit and traditional banks, the power of sponsor-focused underwriting, avoiding re-trades, delivering white-glove service, and partnering with institutions like Oaktree Capital.Topics include: launching mortgage securitizations (bond shelves), construction and renovation lending on single-family to multifamily deals, growth strategies, hiring culture, client relationships that span a decade, and where Greg sees opportunities and challenges in residential and multifamily real estate over the next 12–36 months.A must-watch for real estate developers, investors, brokers, flippers, and anyone interested in private credit, alternative lending, or building a scalable real estate finance business in a high-interest-rate environment.*Timestamps / Chapters:*00:00 - Welcome & Arixa Capital Origin Story 02:40 - Current Scale: $2.3–2.5B Assets, ~$1B Annual Originations 03:47 - What is Private Capital? How Arixa Differs from Banks 05:40 - Fund Structures, Oaktree Partnership, Mortgage Securitizations & Large Loans10:05 - Sponsor-First Underwriting Philosophy & Why Character Beats Perfect Projects 11:25 - Why Arixa Can Say No: Private Ownership & No Quarterly Pressure 11:39 - How Arixa Makes Money: Management Fees, Origination & Servicing 13:41 - Deal Process: From Term Sheet to Funding (Speed & No Re-Trades) 18:47 - Portfolio Makeup: Single-Family vs Multifamily, Loan Sizes & Markets 19:54 - How Arixa Wins Business: Service DNA, Real Estate Experience & Flexibility 23:23 - Catalysts for Explosive Growth & Capital Partnerships 26:43 - Landing Big Partners Like Oaktree & CalSTRS 31:11 - What is a Bond Shelf / Mortgage Securitization? 34:07 - Economics of Bonds vs Warehouse Lines 38:35 - Greg Hebner's Journey: From Flipping & Special Servicing to Private Lending 46:17 - Where Greg Invests Personally (Real Estate, Europe, Private Equity & Venture) 52:26 - Pattern Recognition, Intelligence & Access in Investing 57:07 - A Day in the Life of Greg Hebner: Strategy, Culture & Client Focus 1:03:18 - Real Estate Market Outlook: Single-Family Challenges, Multifamily Opportunities & Politics 1:12:03 - Closing Thoughts#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/Arixa Capital Advisors, LLC. 2026. Equal Housing Lender. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. Arixa AZ, LLC license No. BK-1029177 (NMLS ID No. 2187382) originates loans in Arizona under the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. CFL License No. 60DBO-98673. NMLS ID. No. 2318142. Greg Hebner DRE# 01396057. For more licensing information visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
• How She Manages A 6M Sq Ft Real Estate Portfolio | Nadine Watt (Watt Capital Partners) 29.03.2026 1h 1min

  Nadine Watt, CEO of Watt Capital Partners, joins Taylor Avakian on the No Vacancy Podcast for an in-depth conversation on LA commercial real estate, the evolution of a multi-generational family dynasty, and the future of Century City offices.Third-generation leader Nadine Watt shares the remarkable history of Watt Capital Partners from her grandfather Ray Watt building homes for post-WWII veterans and pioneering timeshares and master-planned communities, to developing Watt Plaza, the landmark 23-story twin towers in Century City with nearly 1 million sq ft of office space. She discusses the company's major LEED Platinum renovation of Watt Plaza (including a new central plant, lobby upgrades, and amenities), navigating the post-pandemic office market challenges, and strategies for revitalizing Los Angeles amid business exits, regulatory hurdles, and shifting tenant demands.Topics include women in commercial real estate, succession planning and mentoring, the importance of in-person connectivity, storytelling in development, retail and industrial trends, affordable housing struggles in SoCal, and lessons from her unique path through film/entertainment into the family business.*Chapters:*0:00 - Introduction & Welcome to Nadine Watt 2:45 - History of Watt Capital Partners: From Post-WWII Homes to Master-Planned Communities 4:41 - Timeline of the Family Business: Shopping Centers, Commercial Shift & Watt Plaza Origins 8:02 - Building Watt Plaza in Century City & Ground Leases in LA 9:34 - Nadine Watt Becomes CEO: Restructuring, Development Focus & Pre-Pandemic Renovation Plans 11:24 - The $20M+ Watt Plaza Renovation: LEED Platinum, Central Plant & Sustainability Upgrades 14:37 - Current Occupancy & Century City Office Market: Tale of Two Cities 16:01 - Revitalizing Century City: Amenities, Subway Access & Nightlife Potential 18:06 - Downtown LA Struggles & the Importance of Office Activation 19:38 - Nadine Watt's Journey: Film Career, Foreign Sales & Entering the Family Business 23:31 - Lessons from Film to Real Estate: Storytelling, Entitlement & Parallel Paths 25:04 - The Power of Storytelling & Psychology in Development & Leasing 28:08 - Mission-Driven Leadership vs. Deal-Making: Focusing on Outcomes & Experiences 31:15 - Navigating Stakeholders & Selling Vision in Real Estate Projects 32:01 - Surviving COVID: Occupancy Trends, Work-from-Home Impact & Return-to-Office Challenges 36:39 - State of the LA Real Estate Market: Office Green Shoots, Retail, Industrial & Hospitality 39:57 - Regulatory Challenges in Southern California: Business Exodus, Entertainment & AI 43:22 - Behind Closed Doors: Leadership, Incentives & Fixing LA's Business Climate 44:44 - Geographic Diversification: Investing Outside California While Building Locally 51:15 - Women in Commercial Real Estate: Opening Doors & Leaning In 54:44 - Long-Term Vision for Watt Capital Partners & Next Generation Involvement 57:35 - Advice for Young Professionals: Networking, Humility & Learning from Experts This episode offers candid insights into LA's evolving office landscape, family business succession, and practical strategies for developers, investors, brokers, and CRE professionals facing today's market realities.#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast
• His Apartment Buying Strategy Is Genius | Marc Menowitz (ApartmentCorp) 23.03.2026 1h 1min

  In this full episode of the *No Vacancy Podcast*, host *Taylor Avakian* interviews *Marc Menowitz* (also referred to as Mark in the episode), CEO of *Apartment Corp* — a Los Angeles-based multifamily real estate powerhouse managing over 17,000 apartment units nationwide.Marc, a fourth-generation real estate investor, shares his journey from coder and inventor to building a national portfolio focused on *affordable housing* (Section 8, LIHTC conversions), *Class B apartments*, high cash-flow strategies, and heavy in-house *AI/automation*. Topics include:- Buying and turning around distressed, high-crime properties (including a legendary Compton building linked to N.W.A.)- Cash flow first philosophy vs. appreciation/flip models- Avoiding high-regulation markets like Los Angeles and New York- Proprietary AI systems: call monitoring, sentiment analysis, automated work orders, employee tracking, predictive underwriting- Self-management vs. third-party pitfalls- Raising capital via funds and unique investor platforms (including Miami’s largest yacht accessible in the city)- Affordable housing arbitrage, interest-only loans, low-leverage buying, and operational excellenceA rare, in-depth look at tech-forward *multifamily investing*, *commercial real estate*, property management technology, and long-term wealth building in apartments.*Timestamps* 00:00 – Intro & sponsor 00:18 – Marc Menowitz introduction – 17,000+ units nationwide 02:20 – Portfolio overview: 16,000+ units, 14–15 states 03:30 – Family legacy (fourth generation), starting in 1980 as a coder/inventor 05:13 – Why affordable housing? Early South Central LA deals 06:07 – Cash flow philosophy vs. appreciation models 07:31 – Critique of Wall Street / institutional approaches 08:04 – Leverage strategy: 65–70% LTV, interest-only loans 09:13 – Core arbitrage: LIHTC → Section 8 rent increases 10:49 – Why he stopped buying in Los Angeles & New York (regulations, evictions) 12:35 – Heavy in-house technology & AI stack overview 14:03 – RentalMax: AI phone call monitoring, sentiment analysis, auto-routing 15:39 – AI automation impact: +50 extra leases/month, zero data entry work orders 19:03 – Future of AI in real estate, why the industry lags 21:51 – High margins ($250–700/unit/month), raising $100M+ annually 24:04 – Underwriting volume: 40–50 deals/week, buy 1/month 27:34 – Proprietary rent increase models via government negotiations 28:05 – Why self-manage everything (third-party pitfalls) 30:45 – The Miami yacht as a business/investor platform 32:27 – Innovation mindset, early AI (accounts payable 15 years ago) 34:27 – Works only 27 hours/week, automates everything 35:09 – Growth target: ~25,000 units before stepping back 36:09 – Bad deals (rare), 1031 exchange philosophy 39:18 – Advice if starting from zero today 41:29 – Why affordable housing is easier to reposition 43:45 – Key mindset question: rent increase → value creation 45:26 – Negotiation lessons, buying from churches/families 49:17 – N.W.A. Compton building story: bought for $7M → ~$50M value 53:47 – Closing thoughts & advice for real estate professionalsWhether you're into *multifamily investing*, *commercial real estate*, property management technology, or value-add apartment strategies, this episode is packed with actionable, no-BS insights.
• This Accountant Built a 33,000-Unit Empire | Jeff Gleiberman | MG Properties | No Vacancy Podcast 17.03.2026 1h 6min

  In this episode of the No Vacancy podcast, Taylor Avakian sits down with Jeff Gleiberman, President of MG Properties, to pull back the curtain on one of the most successful multifamily investment firms in the country. Managing over 33,000 units and transacting billions annually, Jeff shares the "secret sauce" behind their 30-year track record, including their hyper-disciplined approach to vertical integration and why they prioritize long-term fixed-rate financing.The conversation dives deep into the current state of real estate, comparing the regulatory challenges of the Los Angeles market with the booming opportunities in Dallas. Jeff explains the nuances of balancing private high-net-worth syndications with institutional JVs, the strategic shift toward "Heaven in '27," and the reality of navigating market cycles without losing investor capital.Whether you are an aspiring real estate professional or a seasoned institutional investor, this episode provides a masterclass in scale, reputation, and specialization.Video Chapters0:00 – The Golden Rule of Leverage & Market Risk1:50 – Introduction: Meet Jeff Gleiberman of MG Properties3:08 – The History of MG: From 4 Units to 33,0003:54 – The Power of Vertical Integration: Keeping it In-House5:19 – Capital Stacks: Private Syndication vs. Institutional JVs7:45 – The Hidden Drawbacks of Institutional Capital9:52 – Portfolio Performance: Fixed-Rate Debt & Avoiding Losses13:14 – The Future Vision for MG Properties14:35 – Market Deep Dive: Exiting Los Angeles for Dallas17:11 – Regulation & Sentiment: The Struggle with California Real Estate19:39 – New Market Strategy: Why MG is Moving into Texas & Boston22:01 – Competing with the "Big Boys": Reputation over Size24:29 – Maintaining a "Family Feel" in a 1,000-Employee Company25:26 – Leveraging Relationships with Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae26:58 – "Heaven in '27": When Will the Market Recover?28:12 – Underwriting Conservative Deals: Cap Rates & Rent Growth29:21 – Data & AI: How MG Stays Efficient in Property Management31:11 – Value-Add vs. Core Plus: The MG Renovation Playbook32:45 – Why MG Avoids Ground-Up Development34:15 – The Best Deals: Case Studies from San Diego & Reno37:00 – A Day in the Life: Fundraising & Company Strategy38:22 – Red Flags: What to Avoid During Property Inspections40:35 – Innovation in the Office: Remote vs. In-Person Management43:01 – Investment Targets: IRR, Equity Multiples, & Cash-on-Cash45:06 – Tax Efficiency: The 1031 Exchange Advantage46:44 – Hard Lessons Learned from the 2008 Recession49:16 – Exploring NOAH (Affordable Housing) & Tax Abatements52:18 – Control & Discipline: The Pillars of Investment Success55:24 – Why Keep Growing? The Multi-Generational Mission57:15 – Networking as a Barbell: Golf, Relationships, & Growth1:02:20 – Advice for the Next Generation of Real Estate Leaders1:05:25 – The MG Superpower: Ultra-Discipline & SpecializationSponsor — Citizens BankConnect with a banker athttps://www.citizensbank.com/novacancySponsor — Parkup.ioParking made simple withhttps://parkup.io/Sponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.
• How He Built a 30,000-Unit Housing Empire | Jeff Jaeger 08.03.2026 1h 26min

  The U.S. faces a severe affordable housing shortage, with millions of renters paying more than 30% of income on rent. In this in-depth conversation, Jeffrey Jaeger, co-founder and principal of Standard Communities, shares his journey from brokerage and institutional real estate to building one of the nation's leading affordable housing platforms - managing over 30,000 units across 22+ states and targeting 50,000 by 2030.Jaeger breaks down the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program - how it leverages private capital through tax incentives to finance new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing. He explains the mechanics: developers qualify projects, investors receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits plus depreciation, and the model delivers low default rates due to strong demand, conservative underwriting, and built-in guarantees.The discussion covers:- Starting in multifamily brokerage and spotting asymmetric opportunities- Transitioning to principal investing during the 2008 crisis- Building Standard Communities through public-private partnerships- Navigating distress, tax credits, bonds, and essential housing- Scaling via new development, acquisition/rehab, and asset management- Using speed, knowledge of regulations, and talent to outpace competitors- Future focus on systems, processes, AI for document analysis/underwriting, and downside-protected growthA must-listen for real estate professionals, investors, policymakers, and anyone interested in how private capital addresses America's housing crisis.Chapters0:00 – Intro & Housing Crisis Stats (7.4M+ Unit Shortage)2:06 – Jeff's Background & Early Career in Brokerage3:52 – From Pension Fund Advisory to Principal Side8:17 – Spotting Brokerage Alpha & Early Lessons10:48 – Founding Jackson Square Properties (15,000 Units)13:40 – Launching Standard Communities in 200716:02 – Navigating 2008 Crisis & Shift to Affordable19:04 – Mission-Driven Model & Public-Private Partnerships21:46 – Explaining LIHTC & Affordable Housing Basics27:04 – How LIHTC Works: Tax Credits, Equity, & Low Defaults32:29 – Capital Stack & Developer Incentives37:32 – Standard's Three Business Lines (New Dev, ACT Rehab, Essential Housing)42:36 – Competitive Edge: Speed, Knowledge Asymmetry, Scale46:18 – Recent Fast Close Example (San Jose Workforce Conversion)50:01 – AI & Systems for Deal Research & Underwriting54:27 – Converting Market-Rate to Affordable: Process & Alpha58:33 – Becoming the "Homebuilder" of Affordable Housing1:03:03 – Advice for Young Professionals: Education, Mentorship, Revenue Streams1:09:51 – Generational Opportunities in "Non-Sexy" Businesses1:15:50 – Vision for Standard: #1 Developer, Top Talent, Advocacy1:18:56 – LA Housing Challenges & Policy Frustrations1:25:43 – Closing Thoughts & Call for ChangeSubscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.
• She Sold $12 Billion Without Cold Calling (Here's How) | Laurie Lustig Bower 01.03.2026 1h 17min

  In this in-depth conversation, recently retired CBRE Executive Vice President Laurie Lustig-Bower shares decades of insights from one of the most successful multifamily brokerage careers in Los Angeles real estate.With over 36 years at CBRE (formerly Coldwell Banker Commercial), Laurie and her team handled more than $12 billion in multifamily transactions in the last decade alone. She built her business on the Westside of LA — specializing in apartment buildings, condo conversions, and development sites — consistently ranking as a top national producer in CBRE’s Private Capital Group.Key topics include:- How she chose multifamily and the Westside LA niche as her "blue ocean" path to expertise- Building a referral-based business without ever making cold calls- Networking strategies with residential brokers, appraisers, internal CBRE colleagues, estate attorneys, banks, and more- The power of internal referrals and paying generous referral fees early on- Daily habits, discipline, and idea generation that drove consistent deal flow- Preparing killer listing pitches: underwriting depth, rent comps, creative value-add strategies, rehearsals, psychology of the seller, and why most brokers skip rehearsal- What truly makes the ultimate broker: drive, persistence, emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and gut-level numbers mastery- Pricing psychology — why overpricing kills momentum, the dangers of long market time, and why multifamily buyers think differently than residential- Lessons from iconic deals and market cycles (without specifics)- Advice for new or growing brokers: pick a tight lane (product type + geography + price range), reverse-engineer your business plan, brand yourself clearly, become the go-to expert- Why specializing beats being a generalist in today’s information-rich marketWhether you're a multifamily broker, investor, or anyone in commercial real estate looking to level up prospecting, client relationships, preparation, and long-term business building, this episode is packed with timeless, battle-tested principles from one of LA’s most respected multifamily pros.Timeless wisdom from a true multifamily legend in Los Angeles commercial real estate.Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.Sponsor — Citizens BankConnect with a banker athttps://www.citizensbank.com/novacancySponsor - AI for CRE CollectiveAI for CRE Community: https://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aConnect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/#realestate #commercialrealestate #podcast
• This Father-Son Team Built A $1.3 Billion Empire (Here's How) Shawn and Edan Evenhaim 08.02.2026 43min

  Father-son duo Shawn Evenhaim and Edan Evenhaim are reshaping the Los Angeles skyline through Balaciano Group and the iconic The Q brand. With nearly 3 billion in transactions and multiple Builder of the Year awards, they share how they build, brand, and manage modern multifamily properties in one of the most challenging real estate markets.In this in-depth conversation they cover:- Starting as an immigrant in construction and evolving into large-scale multifamily development- The power of true vertical integration: in-house entitlement, architecture, general contracting, and property management- Why controlling the entire process delivers better design, quality, and community outcomes- Building a premium residential brand inspired by Tesla and Louis Vuitton - cohesive identity, no concessions, standing behind the product- Creating genuinely smart apartments with integrated technology at scaleUsing detailed data tracking (amenity usage, fob scans, equipment analytics) to constantly improve buildings- The realities of developing in Los Angeles: regulations, Measure JJJ, ULA, rent control concerns, and their impact on housing supply- Family business dynamics - respect, generational differences, and wanting the next generation to surpass you- Calculated risk-taking, surviving major market cycles (including 2008), and knowing when to slow down- The critical role of relationships, political access, community involvement, and philanthropy in real estate success- Advice for younger developers: start slow, learn from others, avoid over-leveraging, question everythingWhether you're interested in multifamily development, branding in real estate, smart-home technology in apartments, vertical integration, Los Angeles real estate challenges, or family business succession, this discussion offers rare insight from operators actively building and managing thousands of units in a high-regulation environment.
• He Went From Del Taco to a $1.5B Empire (Here's How) | Henry Manoucheri 30.01.2026 1h 2min

  He Went From Del Taco to a $1.5B Empire (Here's How) | Henry ManoucheriHenry Manoucheri, Chairman and CEO of Universe Holdings, sits down for an in-depth conversation on building one of the largest privately held multifamily portfolios in the U.S. From his arrival in America as a teenage immigrant fleeing the Iranian Revolution to scaling a national real estate operation, Henry breaks down the mindset, strategies, and relentless work ethic that fueled his 42-year career in commercial real estate.This episode covers the power of persistent cold calling, transitioning from brokerage to principal investing, deal evaluation in today’s multifamily market, Los Angeles real estate dynamics, and timeless lessons for investors and entrepreneurs. Whether you're into multifamily syndication, value-add strategies, sales mindset, or long-term wealth building, this is packed with practical insights from a true industry leader.Chapters:0:00 – Intro: The Vision Behind a $1.5B Multifamily Empire1:09 – Immigrant Roots: Iran to Orange County & First Job at Del Taco7:45 – Early Hustle: Retail Sales to Real Estate Brokerage14:20 – Joining Marcus & Millichap & Mastering Cold Calling21:30 – Why Persistence Wins: 100,000+ Calls and Overcoming Rejection29:10 – Becoming a Top Producer and Transitioning to Principal36:40 – Building Universe Holdings: Family Office Strategy & Scaling Deals44:15 – Current Market Outlook: Los Angeles, Rent Control, and Opportunity52:30 – Deal Criteria: The Right Story, Motivated Sellers, and Value-Add Plays1:00:00 – New Construction vs. Value-Add: Wealth Preservation Strategies1:07:20 – Biggest Mistakes Investors Make & Lessons from Past Cycles1:14:50 – Leverage, Interest Rates, and Why Fixed-Rate Debt Matters1:22:00 – The Bottom of the Market? Cap Rates, Volume, and Future Predictions1:30:00 – Faith, Family, Legacy, and Final ThoughtsPerfect for anyone interested in multifamily real estate investing, commercial real estate brokerage, sales techniques, cold calling strategies, Los Angeles multifamily market, or immigrant entrepreneur success stories.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top real estate investors and operators👍 Like if you're inspired by Henry's journey💬 Comment below: What's ONE sales or investing lesson you'll take from this episode?Follow Henry Manoucheri and Universe Holdings for more insights.#MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #Multifamily #ColdCalling #RealEstatePodcast #LosAngelesRealEstate #ValueAddInvesting #RealEstateEmpire #ImmigrantSuccess #UniverseHoldings #HenryManoucheri #RealEstateSyndication #ApartmentInvesting Subscribe and Stay Ahead! Stay informed and empowered in the multifamily real estate market. Subscribe to the channel for exclusive insights, rental updates, and expert analyses on the Los Angeles market.🔔 Don’t miss out on the latest trends and tips to maximize your property's potential: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaylorAvakian📈 Connect with me:Website: https://www.thegroupcre.com/Email: taylor@thegroupcre.comX: https://x.com/TAYVAY_LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/
• She Built a 14,000-Unit Empire by 30 (Then Walked Away) 24.01.2026 1h 15min

  What really separates strong real estate professionals from everyone else when markets tighten and capital gets complicated?In this episode of No Vacancy, Taylor Avakian sits down with Vicky Schiff for a wide-ranging conversation on work ethic, conviction, and how serious operators think about risk, relationships, and capital in today’s real estate market. Vicky shares how she built her career by being the person who actually executes, prepares, and shows up when it matters.They dive into what’s happening inside the debt markets, how lenders are structuring risk through pref equity, CLOs, and loan-on-loan strategies, and why understanding the incentives behind capital is just as important as understanding the deal itself. Vicky also explains how high-level decision-makers prepare for meetings, evaluate opportunities, and maintain confidence without ego.Beyond markets and structures, the episode explores discipline, curiosity, and human connection — and why relationships still drive outcomes even as the industry evolves.This is a practical conversation for anyone operating in commercial real estate who wants to think more clearly, move with conviction, and understand what’s really happening behind the capital stack.Sponsor — Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Sponsor — AI for CRE CollectiveJoin 500+ CRE Professionals actually learning AIhttps://www.skool.com/ai-for-cre-collective/about?ref=3b3ff2c0ccce44ba8039fafd54bf291aConnect with Taylor AvakianNewsletter: https://www.thegroupcre.com/newsletter-signupInstagram: https://instagram.com/tayloravakianTwitter: https://twitter.com/tayloravakianLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/
• He's Exposing The Biggest Real Estate Secrets | Hiten Samtani 09.01.2026 1h 15min

  Uncovering the Hidden Power Structures in Commercial Real Estate with Hiten Samtani (Founder of Ten31 Media)Deep-dive conversation with Hiten Samtani, former Editorial Director at The Real Deal and founder of Ten31 Media, on the unseen forces driving commercial real estate in America's biggest markets.From long-term family dynasties and low-basis empires to cultural niches quietly controlling billions in Los Angeles and New York, political leverage in mega-projects, the surge of private credit and insurance capital, and the evolving role of insider-focused media in an opaque industry.Essential for commercial real estate investors, brokers, developers, lenders, operators, and professionals looking for unfiltered perspective on market movers, capital flows, and power dynamics.Sponsor — Loan TitanUpscale your experience withhttps://loantitan.com/Connect with Taylor AvakianNewsletter: https://www.thegroupcre.com/newsletter-signupInstagram: https://instagram.com/tayloravakianTwitter: https://twitter.com/tayloravakianLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloravakian/Connect with Hiten Samtanihttps://www.thepromote.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-promote-podcast/id1801355295https://youtube.com/@ten31tv?si=Ke5cIHVQCNAnXptYChapters:0:00 - Intro & Real Estate as Nexus of Power, Money, and Politics1:29 - Guest Intro and Background in CRE Media2:14 - Who Really Shapes Cities: Long-Term Owners vs Transient Capital3:48 - Family Dynasties, Nepo Babies, and Low-Basis Advantages5:30 - Information Arbitrage, Broker Relationships, and Deal Flow7:27 - Political Juice in Mega Projects (Beverly Hills, Hudson Yards)9:04 - Negotiating Tactics vs Outright Corruption10:59 - Appraisals, Incentives, and Gray Areas12:09 - LA vs New York Kingpins: Quiet Wealth and Cultural Niches16:51 - Private Credit Evolution with Insurance Capital19:08 - Sub-Institutional Trends and Fraud Scrutiny19:33 - Market Sentiment: LA vs New York Asset Classes22:50 - Political Risks and Narrative Shifts25:53 - Starting Ten31 Media: Bridging the Industry-Media Gap28:39 - Building a Niche Media Business for Specialists31:07 - Paywalls, Premium Content, and Audience Monetization32:04 - AI's Impact on Media and Quality vs Slop34:39 - Institutional Players Courting Retail Capital via Social Media39:49 - Future of CRE Media: Counterpoint and Swagger42:01 - Building Clout with Exclusion and Quality44:01 - Expanding Platforms While Keeping the DNA45:52 - Podcast Growth and Chemistry49:19 - Writing Craft, Inspiration, and Editing52:44 - Balancing Business, Content, and Life55:06 - Favorite Stories and Idea Generation58:49 - Media Impact on Markets and Industry Opacity1:02:05 - Maintaining Integrity at Scale1:05:50 - Interviewing Techniques and Co-Hosting Dynamics1:08:31 - How to Ask Great Questions1:10:23 - Preparation vs Natural Flow in Interviews1:12:37 - Building Relationships Through Conversations1:13:30 - Closing Thoughts and Future of Ten31#CommercialRealEstate #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #PrivateCredit #RealEstateMedia #Ten31Media