All Forum Posts by: Jerry Shen

I'm in Denver market and most RE pros that aren't trying to sell me agree we are peaking and entering a down market pretty soon. Vacancies are trending up which is always a sign that we've reached top of market. If I were in your position I would definitely sell. Real Estate is very cyclical.

@Jered Sturm thanks I actually bought in Kennesaw =)

Just wanted to give an update. Been about a year since I posted and I've recently closed my first real estate deal. 2.62M commercial retail strip mall in Atlanta, GA. Got in at a 8.3 cap and put 25% down. Will do about 80K/year in cashflow (11.66% CoC).

Currently looking for a second property and then will put the rest of the capital in some syndication deals, probably with @Brian Burke as I've been reading a lot of what his firm puts out in my inbox and have been impressed. @Joel Owens has also been a great broker in helping me through the process of my first deal. It was very complex and quite scary at times but Joel handled it like a pro. Highly recommended for any beginners looking to get into commercial real estate investing.

I'm starting a new company this year and the passive income from my properties and syndication investments should give me the cashflow I need to not take a salary.

I consider myself retired. I sold a tech company in 2013 and I'm investing the proceeds with @Joel Owens in some commercial real estate deals. Joel's right on the money though with having a purpose. I'm only 34 years old and while I could potentially live pretty well on the rental income for the rest of my life if I invest well, I want to keep building tech companies because it's fun for me.

For me, the goal of retirement isn't not working and playing golf, it's working on what YOU want to work on and eliminating as much BS as possible. Most jobs are 95% BS and 5% actual work. But real work is very gratifying. I plan on living entirely off of the cashflow from my commercial properties so I can afford to do the work that I really want to do, regardless of salary. In my case, it's starting more tech companies with my friends and not having to worry about taking a salary for an extended period of time.

I did move to Denver from the Bay Area because there are similar amenities but far lower cost of living and better work/life balance. I'm investing $2M into commercial real estate, with a goal to generate 10% CoC (200K/yr in cashflow). Goes a long way in Colorado. Other capital is in riskier investments for long term growth (stocks, Bitcoin, etc).

I'm looking into investing in some syndicates but one thing that isn't usually available is a 1031 exchange. Given that 1031 exchanges are one of the best ways to build wealth and defer taxation, how much of a consideration is that to those who have invested in syndications?

 I appreciate that perspective Jeremy. On the other hand, there's a spectrum when it comes to risk management. Being an entrepreneur, I'm willing to undertake a little bit more risk for higher returns.

 yeah Joel has been great. Overall I'm very pleased with the advice I'm receiving on these forums. I think I am going to do a mix of syndication and investing in a larger commercial property.