Discover what it takes to raise over $3 billion in capital and revitalize more than $2 billion worth of historic skyscrapers and iconic city blocks.

In this episode, Tom “The Skyscraperguy” Liravongsa, managing partner of Landmark Collection, shares the remarkable journey that took him from starting a fund with negative $10,000 on a credit card to acquiring and restoring landmark skyscrapers across major U.S. cities. Tom reveals how mastering institutional underwriting, understanding the mechanics of syndication, and thinking beyond “the zeros” allowed him to transition from trading derivatives to orchestrating massive real estate projects. He also explains why skyscrapers—assets once reserved for institutional players—are becoming accessible to new investors, how large-scale developments create powerful economies of scale, and why cities and density provide a unique form of market insulation during economic disruptions. For investors and entrepreneurs who want to think bigger about capital raising, deal structuring, and transformative real estate opportunities, this conversation delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Capital Raising Is the Core of Commercial Real Estate
   Tom explains that at its core, commercial real estate is about syndication—raising capital, finding deals investors believe in, and executing them together.
2. Institutional Knowledge Creates Massive Advantage
   By underwriting billions in real estate projects while working with European investors, Tom learned how institutional capital flows and used that knowledge to scale his own deals.
3. Large Deals Can Reduce Risk Through Scale
   While skyscraper projects involve large numbers, Tom argues that economies of scale, performance bonds, and professional teams can actually mitigate risk compared to smaller projects.
4. Skyscrapers Offer Unique Market Insulation
   Because they exist in dense urban centers where economic activity is concentrated, skyscraper assets can benefit from strong demand, higher rents, and greater government support during crises.
5. Retail Investors Can Participate in Institutional Deals
   Through modern fundraising methods, social media reach, and flexible deal structures, Tom is opening access to skyscraper investments that were historically limited to institutional capital.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

How do you raise over $40 million in capital and participate in more than $250 million in multifamily acquisitions while building a reputation for consistency, integrity, and results?

In this episode, investor and syndicator Aaron Katz shares the real story behind his decade-plus journey in multifamily—from entering the business in 2011 and building his portfolio one relationship and one deal at a time, to navigating market cycles and positioning for the next wave of opportunity in DFW. Aaron discusses why he approaches multifamily as a “lifetime business,” how disciplined underwriting and the right partnerships helped him weather recent market headwinds, and why he believes today’s environment resembles the early days of the last real estate cycle. For investors and entrepreneurs seeking practical insight into raising capital, building investor communities, and executing deals that stand the test of time, this episode delivers lessons you can apply immediately.

5 Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Multifamily is a Long-Term Business
   Aaron entered the industry with the mindset that apartments would be his business for decades, focusing on steady growth, wealth creation, and lifestyle flexibility rather than rapid deal volume.
   
   
2. Success is Built One Relationship at a Time
   His capital raising success—over $40M—was built through thousands of conversations, consistent communication, and a strong investor community developed over many years.
   
   
3. Operations Matter More Than Ever
   Aaron emphasizes that being an operator first—not just a capital raiser—is critical, especially in markets where margins are tighter and execution of the business plan determines success.
   
   
4. Discipline and Patience Protect Investors
   By underwriting conservatively and walking away from deals that didn’t meet his criteria—even when brokers were willing to award them—Aaron preserved investor capital and positioned himself for better opportunities.
   
   
5. Market Cycles Create Opportunity
   Aaron believes the current multifamily environment resembles the early stages of the post-recession cycle when he started in 2011, suggesting the coming years could present significant buying opportunities for disciplined investors.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai

“You don’t have to do it alone — but you better know your partners.”

Discover how Ryan Dumas pulls back the curtain on how he acquired and structured over $50M+ in commercial real estate deals while personally raising millions in capital.

Ryan shares the real story behind pivoting from traditional multifamily into mobile home parks, affordable housing, and niche business acquisitions — including an insurance platform that scaled from $3M to $10.5M EBITDA through operational improvements. He discusses the importance of JV equity structures, educating investors before pitching, protecting capital during market volatility, and why transparency during difficult deals builds long-term credibility. From navigating refinancing challenges and capital calls to identifying high-income professionals like dentists as ideal investor avatars, this conversation is a grounded, tactical masterclass on raising capital, structuring deals, and building partnerships that last.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Capital Raising Is Relationship-Driven, Not Pitch-Driven
   Zoom calls, personal follow-ups, and educating investors build trust far more effectively than mass emails or pitch decks alone.
   
   
2. Operations Drive Returns More Than Hype
   Scaling an insurance business from $3M to $10.5M EBITDA highlighted how disciplined operations can dramatically increase enterprise value.
   
   
3. Pivoting Asset Classes Is Sometimes Necessary
   With multifamily facing headwinds, Ryan shifted focus toward affordable housing, mobile home parks, and niche businesses with stronger cash-flow profiles.
   
   
4. Transparency During Tough Times Builds Long-Term Credibility
   Open communication during capital calls and challenging deals strengthened investor relationships rather than weakening them.
   
   
5. Conservative Underwriting and Proper Leverage Matter
   Stress-testing refinance assumptions, understanding debt service coverage, and putting more equity down can protect deals during volatile rate environments.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
Facebook: Tim Mai | Capital Raising Nation
Instagram: @timmaicom
Twitter: @timmai
LinkedIn: Tim Mai
YouTube: Tim Mai