Commercial Real Estate Secrets

New construction often gets criticized for being lower quality than older homes, but is that reputation actually deserved? In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Zach LeMaster, founder and CEO of Rent to Retirement, to explain why today’s building codes and construction standards can make new properties more resilient and attractive investments. Zach also shares how he evaluates builders, invests in markets across the country, builds reliable local teams, and uses turnkey real estate to help investors grow portfolios without managing everything themselves. If you’re considering new construction or investing outside your local market, this episode breaks down what to look for and how to make smarter investment decisions.

You can be one of the smartest people in your industry, but if nobody knows it, opportunities can pass you by. Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Mitch Roschelle to learn how he went from commercial real estate expert to a recurring national media commentator on Fox Business, Bloomberg, and beyond. Mitch reveals how he made himself valuable to producers, learned to speak to what audiences actually care about, and turned media exposure into greater credibility with investors and business relationships. For professionals looking to build authority and become a go-to expert in their field, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for getting noticed and staying relevant.

How do you build a successful real estate portfolio while working a demanding full-time job? In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Dr. Bharat Sangani, cardiologist and founder of Encore Enterprises, to discuss how he built a multi-billion-dollar real estate company while maintaining his medical career. Bharat shares why building the right team was critical to scaling, along with his approach to buying, managing, and exiting commercial real estate. He also explains how he mitigates risk, prepares for market cycles, and why investors need enough capital to survive the downturns. If you want to build a real estate portfolio without leaving your career, this episode offers lessons from someone who has done exactly that.

Most commercial real estate professionals think their content should constantly be about deals, listings, and market expertise. In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with Fly Jamerson to explore why the content that builds the strongest relationships may have nothing to do with real estate at all. They break down how humor, vulnerability, consistency, and simply being more human can help you stand out, stay top of mind, and create business opportunities over time.

Getting a commercial real estate loan is about much more than credit scores and financial statements. In this episode, Aviva Sonenreich sits down with commercial lending veteran Sanat Patel, Chief Lending Officer and Co-Founder of Avana Companies, to reveal what lenders really look for when evaluating borrowers. Learn how banks assess risk, why experience and character matter, and the biggest mistakes investors make when seeking financing. Whether you're buying, building, or investing in commercial real estate, this conversation could change how you approach your next loan.

A government map update nearly derailed Andrea's latest Airbnb investment—and it happened after the property was already under contract. In this episode, Andrea shares how she went from buying $25,000 homes to building a luxury short-term rental portfolio, the due diligence lesson that saved her from a costly mistake, and why she believes successful Airbnb investors are really in the hospitality business. If you're investing in real estate, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the biggest risks aren't in the property—they're in the fine print.

In this episode of Commercial Real Estate Secrets, Aviva sits down with 1031 exchange expert Dave Foster to break down the four rules that have helped investors preserve wealth, grow portfolios, adapt to changing markets, and create long-term financial freedom through real estate.Key Topics Discussed:The first rule: how tax deferral accelerates wealth creationStrategies for consolidating, diversifying, or upgrading real estate holdingsHow some investors use 1031 exchanges as part of their retirement planConverting investment properties into future primary residencesThe estate planning benefits many investors overlookWhat a step-up in basis means for heirs and generational wealthReal-world examples of investors using 1031 exchanges to dramatically grow their portfoliosAbout Dave Foster:Dave Foster is a 1031 exchange expert and Qualified Intermediary who has spent decades helping investors defer taxes and strategically grow their real estate portfolios. About the Host:Aviva Sonenreich is the host of Commercial Real Estate Secrets and Managing Broker of Warehouse Hotline, a Denver-based commercial real estate brokerage specializing in industrial properties across Colorado. She’s known for translating complex commercial real estate and deal strategy into practical, real-world insight for investors, brokers, and business owners.See how this plays out in a real transaction. The Warehouse Hotline recently helped a buyer successfully identify and close on a 1031 replacement property in Colorado here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://warehousehotline.com/1031-exchange-warehouse-tax-savings-strategy/⁠