PassivePockets: The Passive Real Estate Investing Show

This Episode Chris Lopez and Jim Pfeifer sit down with Scott Trench for a frank 2025 recap and a practical 2026 game plan. Scott reviews what he got right (rates staying sticky, supply-driven rent trends) and where the surprises showed up (gold strength, stock market resilience), then opens his playbook: selling a chunk of stocks, buying paid-off 2–4 unit Denver rentals, and allocating a small slice of retirement capital to private credit via a solo 401(k). Looking ahead, Scott focuses on multifamily supply tapering, demand uncertainty, and the 10-year vs. Fed funds dynamic. He also lays out a contrarian Class A office thesis (all equity, patient lease-up, operator quality over leverage) and shares how LPs might think about accessing similar opportunities. Key Takeaways Interest rates: policy cuts may not translate to lower mortgages if the 10-year stays elevated Supply and rents: 2026 likely absorbs the 2024–2025 wave, with rent strength returning market by market Portfolio moves: swapped high-multiple equities for paid-off small multifamily; reserved retirement dollars for simple-yield private credit Risk posture: early-career aggression → mid-career capital protection; leverage optionality comes later Office angle: best-in-market, newer assets with patient, all-equity business plans may offer asymmetric upside LP lens: prioritize operator track records in one geography, modest leverage, and realistic lease-up/tenant improvement budgets Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Chris Lopez is joined by Equity Trust’s John Bowens to close out 2025 and prep smart moves for 2026 using self-directed retirement accounts. John walks through contribution and conversion timelines for IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s, explains the seven-day payroll rule for S- and C-corps, and shares practical strategies like spousal IRAs, backdoor Roths, staged Roth conversions over two tax years, and maximizing early-year compounding. The conversation also covers 2026 limit increases, Solo 401(k) employer vs employee buckets, and the Secure Act 2.0 tax credit for new plans. Key Takeaways Roth conversions must post by Dec 31 for the current tax year Previous-year IRA and HSA contributions allowed until Apr 15 if not on extension Solo 401(k) employee deferrals for S- and C-corps must be deposited within seven days of payroll Sole proprietors can set up and fund a Solo 401(k) for the prior year by Apr 15 Use spousal IRAs and backdoor Roths to maximize annual limits Stage conversions across two years to manage tax brackets while starting compounding sooner Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Chris Lopez welcomes Dr. Alex Schloe and Charlie Cameron to demystify residential assisted living. Alex lays out the macro drivers behind the silver tsunami and why small, boutique homes can deliver better care and stronger cash flow. Charlie breaks down the models from LP to lease-to-operator to full operations and development, including typical home specs, licensing basics, private pay vs Medicaid, and realistic risk controls. The trio covers returns, staffing, marketing, and the due diligence questions LPs should ask before backing an operator or sponsor. Key Takeaways What residential assisted living is and how it differs from big facilities Demographics and demand: boomers aging into care, large bed shortage, 10k Americans turning 80 daily Investment models: LP, lease-to-operator, own-and-operate, and phased development of 10 to 16 bed homes Typical home criteria: single story preferred, 300 sq ft per resident, abundant beds and baths, sprinklers, roll-in showers Returns and timelines: value-add and development deals targeting mid 20s IRR ranges with ramp-up occupancy considerations Risk management: operator vetting, staffing and marketing plans, licensing and insurance, location near labor and hospitals, contingency reserves LP due diligence: private pay focus, sponsor pipeline for operators, comps via secret shopping and NIC data, personal guarantees and SBA scrutiny Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Jim Pfeifer and Chris Lopez sit down with investor and author J Scott to recap 2025 and map out what LPs should be watching in 2026. J shares where the year defied expectations (supply, rates, and “real” distress), how he’s positioning for a higher-for-longer rate regime, and the simple filters he’s using to decide between equity and credit today. The conversation covers underwriting discipline, liquidity planning, and why needs-based real estate and inefficient small-multifamily niches may offer the best risk-adjusted plays right now—if you partner with true specialists. Key Takeaways 2025 reality check: distress was uneven and narrower than headlines; construction delays kept deliveries elevated longer than expected Rates vs. cap rates: in higher-for-longer, appreciation must come from income growth and operational upside—not cap rate fantasy Allocation: build durable cash flow with selective debt strategies while reserving dry powder for high-conviction equity dislocations LP playbook: diversify by sponsor and strategy, avoid tax-driven decisions, and stress test for flat/negative rent growth and refi risk Where to hunt: needs-based real estate (e.g., senior/medical/data) and imperfect small-multifamily markets where operator edge matters Operator diligence: prioritize track record, reporting, and downside plans; verify fee alignment and who truly controls execution Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

Chris Lopez and Paul Shannon welcome investor and author Brian Burke to look back at 2025 and set the table for 2026. Brian recaps his “end the dive in 25” thesis, explains why his pivot to senior housing has outperformed, and shares what actually surprised him this year. The group digs into supply, sentiment, and rates, plus the difference between perfect and imperfect markets and why small multifamily and true needs-based real estate may offer the best risk-adjusted plays right now. Key Takeaways 2025 recap: senior housing led commercial performance while multifamily price declines slowed but did not fully reverse Surprise of the year: new construction deliveries in multifamily stayed elevated longer than expected, keeping pressure on rents and occupancy Portfolio moves: Brian co-invested in his senior housing fund, added selectively to individual stocks on pullbacks, explored biotech, and is eyeing Bitcoin on deeper dips 2026 watchlist: investor sentiment in multifamily, supply tapering, and the rate story split between short-term SOFR and the stubborn 10-year Strategy notes: in a higher-for-longer world, appreciation must come from income growth more than cap rate compression For LPs: prioritize needs-based real estate like senior housing, medical office, and data centers; consider contrarian but expert-led office plays and inefficient small-multifamily opportunities Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.