Four Asian Trailblazing investors share their journey into commercial real estate, their recent acquisition of an 82-unit Class A property in Richardson, Texas, and the unique challenges and triumphs they’ve faced as women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Team Roles and Superpowers: - Lila Kaplan: Capital raising + acquisitions, leveraging a Wall Street background. - Anita Wong: Operations + capital raising, balancing motherhood and multifamily. - Linchi Chong: Asset management and on-the-ground operations, bringing restaurant management experience and Spanish fluency to the table. – Ashley Cao: Lender of choice, making sure the right loan is in place and the official team cheerleader. From navigating pregnancy while managing properties to closing million-dollar acquisitions, these women are proving that you don’t have to choose between family and financial freedom. "We’re doing this not only for ourselves but for the rest of our family as well." – Lila Kaplan

To contact Ashley Cao: ACao@oldcapitallending.com
To contact Linchi Chong: LinchiChong1@gmail.com
To contact Lila Kaplan: Lila@silverbackequitypartners.com
To contact Anita Wong: Anita@giverisecapital.com
To contact Tony Lin at Linfinity: Tony@linkmultifamily.com

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

n this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into a rarely discussed yet critical issue in commercial real estate: conflicts of interest when investment sales brokers push buyers toward in-house mortgage brokers. What may seem like a convenient “one-stop shop” can, in reality, disadvantage the buyer — sometimes significantly. Using a poker analogy, we paint a vivid picture: what if the seller and broker knew your hand? That’s essentially what happens when the sales and financing sides are too cozy — split loyalties, hidden fees, and lost leverage for buyers. This episode is a masterclass in buyer awareness. Paul Peebles doesn’t just point out the problems—he offers real-world strategies to protect yourself. His comparison to poker isn’t just clever, it’s chillingly accurate. In commercial real estate, where millions are at stake, understanding who’s really on your team can make or break a deal.
Conflicts of Interest Are Real
Many investment sales brokers recommend their own firm’s mortgage team. This can result in referral fees and biased advice that puts the buyer at a disadvantage.
Ask the Hard Questions
Transparency is key. Buyers should directly ask brokers:
• “Are you getting paid to refer me?”
• “Do you have any financial stake in this lender relationship?”
Use an Independent Team
Securing the best deal often requires working with independent mortgage brokers, attorneys, and advisors who have your interests—not the seller’s—at heart.
Think Long Term
Your relationship with your lender doesn’t end at closing. Choose partners who will support you throughout the life of the loan—not just get the deal done.
Know the Law (and the Loopholes)
While these referral practices are illegal in residential real estate under RESPA, there’s no such restriction in commercial deals. That makes buyer vigilance even more important.
One standout message: Don’t be afraid to stand your ground. Most brokers will respect your decision to bring your own financing team—if they don’t, that’s a red flag in itself.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

In this episode of our Coaching and Counseling podcast, we dive into the murky waters of apartment investment sales with the help of ChatGPT and over 30 years of real-world experience in apartment financing and ownership.
We asked ChatGPT to help uncover the truth behind common rumors about how apartment sales brokers treat buyers. Are brokers really overinflating property values? Do they hide conflicts of interest? Misrepresent operating expenses? Gatekeep quality opportunities?
Together with insights from AI and our seasoned team, we break down the top 10 shady tactics sometimes used in the industry—and give you the real story behind each one. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode will help you approach apartment deals with sharper eyes and better questions.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

Michael Ware, with Institutional Property Advisors in Dallas, shares critical information in making smart apartment investing decisions. Michael believes that Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) remains a top-performing multifamily market due to strong population and job growth. DFW multifamily trade volume has rebounded from $5 billion in 2023 to an expected $8–10 billion in 2024, to even higher in 2025 thus signaling recovery. Institutional capital is re-entering the market, focusing on Class A properties. Some of the challenges he saw were operational headwinds including oversupply, elevated concessions, and difficulties raising equity for deals over $10 million and workforce housing facing higher delinquency rates and vacancy issues, compounded by tenant-friendly eviction policies. Today, opportunities for institutional buyers are with Class A properties in prime locations, while B and C properties are offering better yields for private investors. Rent growth is expected to accelerate in 2025–2026 due to undersupply and affordability challenges in single-family housing. He offered advice to buyers: Smaller operators should focus on organization, transparency, and demonstrating financial readiness to compete with larger institutions, and well-located 1980s workforce housing offers strong potential for yield and long-term growth.
To contact Michael Ware at IPA: mware@ipausa.com

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

John Griggs shares his journey from practicing law to building Presidium, a company that has developed and managed over 20,000 apartment units. John transitioned from law to real estate in 2003, starting with small apartment buildings in Phoenix. He co-founded Presidium in 2005, expanding into Texas and other states, focusing on value-add and development projects. John comments on 1) Multifamily values have dropped 20-40%, presenting buying opportunities below replacement costs, 2) Equity investors are demanding higher returns, making underwriting more challenging, and 3) Development projects face hurdles like local politics, affordability requirements, and rising costs. John shares a couple of important lessons learned during this last cycle.
To contact John Griggs: PresidiumRE.com and DeloacheCapital.com
Don’t forget Tres Colline Vineyards: trescolline.com

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

Paul Peebles and James Eng dive deep into the shifting landscape of multifamily real estate investing. From Old Capital’s educational bus tours across DFW submarkets to critical updates on distressed assets and stricter underwriting from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, this conversation is packed with insight for both seasoned operators and aspiring investors. Learn why fewer deals are closing, how lenders are adjusting, and what steps you can take now to build credibility, raise capital, and find success in today’s competitive market. Don’t miss key tips on navigating loan options, attending the Old Capital Conference, and why due diligence has never been more important.

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

"The Immigrant Hustle: How This Couple Turned Setbacks into a Multifamily Fortune.”
Vivek and Asha Kangralkar, originally from small villages in India, moved to the U.S. in 2010 with their two young daughters in search of a better future. After Vivek lost his job in 2012, they were left with just $1,500 in savings—but refused to give up. They launched a granite and marble import business, followed by Avacraft, a cookware brand that gained national attention, including features on Good Morning America and Forbes. In 2018, they pivoted to multifamily real estate, turning around underperforming properties and generating strong returns. Today, they own hundreds of units and use a hybrid management model to drive operational excellence. Committed to giving back, they support educational initiatives and advocate for housing reform, all while helping others achieve financial freedom through real estate investing.
To contact Vivek & Asha Kangralkar: vivek@starcorecapital.com

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!

Ryan Heddleston's journey from small-scale real estate investments in Pittsburgh to managing large-scale multifamily properties in Texas is a great example of how strategic partnerships and expertise can lead to substantial growth. His decision to partner with experienced operators allowed him to scale quickly, which paid off—he acquired over 6,000 units across 34 properties, worth more than $500 million in total capitalization.
However, even seasoned investors like Ryan can encounter challenges, and one key issue he identified was the high property tax rates in Texas, which can significantly impact profitability. To address this, Ryan and Clayton Sievers co-founded Valorum Tax Advisors. By combining their deep understanding of the local tax landscape with their expertise in multifamily properties, Valorum specializes in helping operators reduce property tax burdens. Their services focus on fighting unfair property tax assessments and providing accurate tax estimates, crucial for both current property owners and those looking to make acquisitions.
To contact Ryan and Clayton: valoremtx.com

Are you ready to unlock the potential of Multifamily Syndications? Discover how Michael Becker’s proven real estate syndication business can open doors to financial growth and your long-term success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM today and start your journey toward smarter investing!