Episodios

  • E42: Invest in Buda Neighborhood Retail with Frank Navarro and Tim Dowling
    Jun 20 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Alt Investing Made Easy, hosts Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders engage with Tim Dowling and Frank Navarro, discussing their investment opportunity in a mixed-use “neighborhood’”retail project in Buda, Texas. The conversation starts with an introduction and conversation about Frank and Tim’s background in commercial real estate, and moves on to a discussion of the investment opportunity including this interesting asset class os mixed ‘neighborhood’ retail, which is community focused and includes community engagement efforts. Tim and Frank talk about the distinction between neighborhood retail and ordinary retail, and the fundraising process for the project. Including their focus on creating a legacy through community-centric development. They explore investment strategies, the future of retail in Central Texas, and the importance of timing and location in real estate investing generally. The discussion highlights the significance of walkability, connectivity, and the need for developments that resonate with the community's desires.


    Guest Contact Info:

    Tim Dowling and Frank Navarro can be reached at www.roundaboutinbuda.com or

    Tim:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dowlingtim

    Frank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-navarro


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Takeaways

    • Tim has over 20 years of experience in real estate.
    • Frank has managed $1.6 billion in deals.
    • The project aims to fill a retail void in Buda.
    • Community engagement was initiated through meetups.
    • The project includes a mix of restaurants and recreational areas.
    • Listening to community needs is crucial for development.
    • The project has received city support and incentives.
    • Neighborhood retail focuses on community needs.
    • The total project cost is estimated at $29 million.
    • Diversifying tenants mitigates investment risk. We're creating a legacy for the area that'll last for generations.
    • It's important to balance numbers and community needs.
    • Family offices are ideal for long-term investments.
    • The Austin area has a low vacancy rate, making it attractive for investors.
    • Retail is becoming increasingly valuable in high-growth areas.
    • Community engagement is crucial for successful development.
    • Walkability and connectivity are key to modern living.
    • Timing and location are essential for real estate success.
    • Investors are looking for projects that serve the community.
    • The future of retail lies in mixed-use developments.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Alt Investing and Guests

    03:05 Backgrounds of Tim Dowling and Frank Navarro

    06:00 The Development Project in Buda

    09:07 Community Engagement and Needs Assessment

    11:53 Neighborhood Retail vs. Ordinary Retail

    14:58 Investment Opportunities and Fundraising Details

    24:43 Building a Legacy in Development

    27:18 Investment Strategies and Market Opportunities

    30:38 The Future of Retail in Austin

    32:43 Community-Centric Development

    36:00 The Importance of Timing and Location

    38:44 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    42 m
  • E41: A Conversation about the Five Capitals
    Jun 13 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders explore the concept of the five capitals, a framework for understanding wealth beyond just financial matters. They discuss human, intellectual, social, spiritual, and financial capital, emphasizing the importance of each in building generational wealth and fostering well-being within families. The conversation highlights personal experiences and insights, illustrating how these capitals interconnect and contribute to a fulfilling life.


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Takeaways

    -Wealth encompasses more than just financial assets.

    -Human capital includes emotional well-being and relationships.

    -Intellectual capital is about knowledge and learning.

    -Social capital involves community relationships and networks.

    -Spiritual capital transcends individual interests and values.

    -Financial capital supports the growth of other capitals.

    -Curiosity drives intellectual development and growth.

    -Meditation can enhance spiritual well-being.

    -Generational wealth requires continuous growth in all capitals.

    -The five capitals framework encourages meaningful discussions.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Five Capitals

    05:09 Exploring Human Capital

    18:36 Understanding Intellectual Capital

    24:07 Balancing Academics and Practical Skills

    26:25 Understanding Social Capital

    31:00 The Role of Spiritual Capital

    39:20 Exploring Financial Capital

    44:49 Concluding Thoughts on the Five Capitals


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    47 m
  • E40: Meet Bryan Hancock and the Texas Freedom Fund
    Jun 5 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of Alt Investing Made Easy, hosts Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders interview Brian Hancock about his Texas Freedom Fund, an oil and gas investment fund. Brian shares his background in real estate and engineering, his transition into oil and gas investing, and the unique opportunities and tax benefits associated with this asset class. The conversation delves into the structure of the Texas Freedom Fund, emphasizing its accessibility for investors and the importance of due diligence in alternative investments. Brian also discusses his personal motivations for creating the fund and the principles that guide his investment philosophy.


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Takeaways

    Brian Hancock has a diverse background in engineering and real estate.

    The Texas Freedom Fund aims to make oil and gas investments accessible.

    Investing in oil and gas offers significant tax benefits.

    The fund allows for lower minimum investments compared to traditional deals.

    Due diligence is crucial in alternative investing.

    The risk in oil and gas investing is often tied to oil prices.

    Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding the operators behind investments.

    The fund is structured to provide diversification across multiple projects.

    Investors can expect returns within a few years and ongoing income thereafter.

    Brian's personal motivation is to help others achieve financial freedom.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investing and Brian Hancock

    06:02 Understanding Oil and Gas Investing

    11:58 The Texas Freedom Fund Overview

    17:50 Investment Structure and Tax Benefits

    24:10 Personal Insights and Motivation Behind Investing


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    32 m
  • E39: Passive Investing Mastery - Interview with Patrick Grimes
    May 28 2025
    SummaryIn this conversation Roland and Sarah from Alt Investing Made Easy introduce Patrick Grimes, of Passive Investing Mastery, who discusses his journey into alternative investments, emphasizing the importance of capital preservation and recession resilience. Patrick shares a passion with Sarah and Roland for providing education about alternative investing and in this conversation addresses the current economic upheaval and its impact on investment strategies, particularly in commercial real estate. The discussion also delves into litigation finance as a means to provide access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal representation, highlighting the mission-driven aspect of alternative investments and the relevance of investing in alternative assets that do not track with the market cycles. Overall, the conversation underscores the significance of diversifying investments and understanding market fundamentals to navigate uncertain economic times. Patrick also discusses his approach to real estate investing, focusing on small balance commercial properties and the importance of cash purchases. He emphasizes the value of alternative investments and the need for financial education in navigating these opportunities. Patrick also shares insights on building a resilient investment portfolio and the significance of empowering others through education in alternative investing.Patrick is the founder of Passive Investing Mastery, a program that provides education about alternative investments. You can find more information at: passiveinvestingmastery.com/alternative.You can reach Patrick through the above site, or at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksgrimes.Sponsored by:Real Advisers, Austin, TexasSpecial thanks to:Grable Martin PLLC Red Sun Creative, Austin, TexasFor more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.comPlease contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.comRoland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.comTakeawaysPatrick Grimes emphasizes the importance of capital preservation in investing.Investing in non-correlated assets can help mitigate risks during economic downturns.The concept of recession resilience is crucial for long-term investment strategies.Litigation finance can provide access to justice for individuals who cannot afford it.Investors can achieve risk-adjusted returns while supporting mission-driven initiatives.Understanding market fundamentals is key to making informed investment decisions.Diversifying investments across various asset classes can enhance portfolio stability.Historical examples show the impact of litigation finance on social change.Investing in essential industries can provide stability during economic fluctuations.Community-oriented investments can create positive societal impacts. The importance of exploring multiple properties before making offers.Identifying recession-resilient markets for investment opportunities.The benefits of cash purchases in real estate.The rise of private credit in a high interest rate environment.The significance of financial education in alternative investments.Creating efficiencies by integrating different investment strategies.The value of building a diversified portfolio.Using alternative investments to achieve financial freedom.The role of community in learning about investment strategies.The importance of planning and accountability in business.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing Mastery02:22 The Journey into Alternative Investments04:37 Understanding Market Upheaval and Investment Strategies07:57 Recession Resilience in Investing10:20 Exploring Litigation Finance16:22 The Mission-Driven Aspect of Alternative Investments22:16 Navigating Real Estate Opportunities30:49 The Power of Alternative Investments35:09 Building a Resilient Investment Portfolio39:19 Empowering Others Through EducationDisclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”
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    43 m
  • E38: Invest with Commodore Group Holdings and Rohit Sood
    May 22 2025

    In this mini-episode from Alt Investing Made Easy we meet Mr. Rohit Sood who presents accredited investors with an investment opportunity with Commodore Group Holdings LP, a Delaware limited partnership focused on long-only quality investing in high-quality US equities. Rohit discusses the investment philosophy of approaching shareholding while ‘Thinking like an Owner’ and the importance of a concentrated conviction portfolio. Additionally, he highlights Fintuative, a proprietary software platform designed to analyze real time business and financial data and inform investment decisions. The conversation concludes with details about the investment opportunity and the minimum investment requirements.


    Rohit recommends that anyone interested in investing read the following article: https://business.columbia.edu/cgi-finance/chazen-global-insights/superinvestors-graham-and-doddsville


    Rohit can be reached at:

    linkedin.com/in/rohit-sood

    commodoregrp.com


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Takeaways

    Commodore Group Holdings focuses on high-quality US equities.

    The investment strategy is long-only and avoids speculative investments.

    A concentrated conviction portfolio is essential for quality investing.

    High-quality companies are defined by profitability and market leadership.

    Fintuative is a proprietary tool for financial analysis.

    The minimum investment is $250,000 for accredited investors.

    The average investment size is over a million dollars.

    Investing like an owner is a core philosophy.

    Rohit emphasizes shareholder-friendly management teams.

    The partnership is long-term focused.

    Chapters


    00:00 Introduction to Commodore Group Holdings

    02:14 Investment Philosophy and Strategy

    02:48 Fintuative: The Software Behind the Strategy

    04:06 Investment Details and Conclusion


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    6 m
  • E37: Think like an Owner: Meet Commodore Group Holdings and Rohit Sood
    May 21 2025

    Summary

    Hosts Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders welcome Mr. Rohit Sood of Commodore Group Holdings, which uses a hedge fund strategy focused only on taking long positions. In this episode from Alt Investing Made Easy we hear from Rohit as he shares his unique journey starting out as a trained engineer and then transitioning into finance and investment banking. Rohit gives us insights into his investment philosophy and the emphasis he places on ‘Thinking like an Owner’ using a long-term holding strategy with a focus on how asset companies allocate capital. Rohit also introduces his tech venture Fintuative, which is a proprietary tool for financial analysis that he and his team created and built in-house to provide real-time information to help assess business quality in investment decisions. The conversation also covers the current investment opportunities Rohit makes available to accredited investors, his commitment to a long-only strategy, and insights into the scalability of his fund. The episode concludes with Rohit’s personal reflections on approaching investing with rationality and the importance of continuous learning in investing


    Rohit recommends that anyone interested in investing read the following article:

    https://business.columbia.edu/cgi-finance/chazen-global-insights/superinvestors-graham-and-doddsville


    Rohit can be reached at:

    linkedin.com/in/rohit-sood

    commodoregrp.com


    Takeaways

    • Rohit Sood transitioned from engineering to finance, emphasizing a unique investment philosophy.
    • He believes in long-term ownership of high-quality businesses without short positions.
    • Fintuative is a proprietary tool that automates financial analysis for better investment decisions.
    • Capital allocation is crucial for a company's success and should be analyzed carefully.
    • Rohit focuses on a concentrated investment strategy with a limited number of positions.
    • The investment partnership aims for 5% compounded returns over the long term.
    • Rohit emphasizes the importance of rational thinking in investing.
    • He encourages continuous learning and reading to enhance investment knowledge.
    • The fund is scalable, focusing on large-cap companies with significant market presence.
    • Rohit's personal motto revolves around being rational and channeling efforts effectively.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Alternative Investing

    02:01 Rohit Sood's Background and Career Path

    09:01 Transition to Investment Management

    12:18 The Fintuative Platform and Its Functionality

    17:32 Capital Allocation and Business Quality

    21:01 Investment Philosophy: Long-Only Strategy

    23:56 Overview of Commodore Group Holdings

    26:31 Performance and Track Record

    29:20 Scalability and Future Outlook

    31:48 Personal Insights and Philosophy


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    38 m
  • E36: Invest in Flex Industrial with Land Play by Alec McElhinny
    May 16 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of ALT Investing Made Easy, Alec McElhinny shares an investment deal he is offering in New Braunfels, Texas, focusing on flex industrial space and its advantages. The conversation explores the growth potential of New Braunfels, the benefits of investing in flex space, and the importance of lease structures in commercial real estate.


    You can reach Alec McElhinny at: linkedin.com/in/alecjmcelhinny2027747777

    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    6 m
  • E35: Flex Industrial - Meet Alec McElhinny with Land Play
    May 15 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of ALT Investing Made Easy, Alec McElhinny shares his journey from being an actuary to becoming a commercial real estate investor. He discusses his current project in New Braunfels, Texas, focusing on flex industrial space and its advantages. The conversation explores the growth potential of New Braunfels, the benefits of investing in flex space, and the importance of lease structures in commercial real estate. Alec also provides insights into his investment strategy and projections for returns, including his approach to real estate investment, focusing on the importance of understanding cap rates, market projections, and cost-saving strategies in construction. He emphasizes the significance of operational control in development and highlights the unique selling points of industrial flex spaces. Alec shares his personal motivations for pursuing a career in real estate and the importance of capital formation in the industry. The discussion concludes with insights on investment goals and future collaborations.


    You can reach Alec McElhinny at: linkedin.com/in/alecjmcelhinny2027747777


    Sponsored by:
    Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas


    Special thanks to:

    Grable Martin PLLC

    Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas

    For more information: AltInvestingMadeEasy.com

    Please contact us: info@AltIvestingMadeEasy.com

    Roland Wiederanders: Roland@grablemartin.com

    Sarah Florer: sflorer@grablemartin.com


    Takeaways

    • Alec transitioned from an actuary to real estate investing due to dissatisfaction with traditional career paths.
    • Understanding interest rates is crucial for achieving retirement goals.
    • Flex industrial space offers flexible use and is considered recession-proof.
    • New Braunfels is strategically located for real estate development between Austin and San Antonio.
    • Alec's current project focuses on building flex space with quick approval timelines.
    • FlexSpace can be built quickly, often within four to six months.
    • Investors can expect a 12% preferred return and a target IRR of 22%.
    • Triple net leases are advantageous for property owners as tenants cover additional costs.
    • Projections in real estate should be approached with caution and not seen as guarantees.
    • The growth of the I-35 corridor presents significant opportunities for real estate investment. Cap rates are essential for making educated investment decisions.
    • Market projections can be conservative to ensure investor safety.
    • Sourcing materials and negotiating prices can lead to significant savings.
    • Operational control is crucial in real estate development.
    • Finding the right brokers can make a difference in leasing success.
    • Flex spaces are in high demand and offer unique opportunities.
    • Planning ahead is vital for successful investment projects.
    • Personal motivations can drive success in real estate.
    • Capital formation is facilitated by favorable securities laws in the US.
    • Collaboration and responsiveness are key in real estate partnerships.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to ALT Investing and Alec's Background

    02:54 Alec's Journey from Actuary to Real Estate Investor

    05:47 Exploring Flex Industrial Space and Its Benefits

    08:53 The Growth of New Braunfels and Its Real Estate Potential

    12:00 Overview of Alec's Current Project in New Braunfels

    14:52 Understanding FlexSpace and Its Market Viability

    17:49 Investment Opportunities and Project Projections

    21:01 The Importance of Lease Structures in Commercial Real Estate

    23:58 Understanding Cap Rates and Market Projections

    24:52 Cost-Saving Strategies in Construction

    26:45 Operational Control in Real Estate Development

    28:42 Unique Selling Points of Flex Spaces

    30:18 Investment Goals and Project Overview

    32:31 Personal Motivations in Real Estate

    35:17 The Importance of Capital Formation

    36:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations


    Disclaimer: “This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”


    © 2025 AltInvestingMade Easy.com LLC All rights reserved

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    39 m