Ready to move from curious to AI native in commercial real estate? In this episode, Sam, Spencer, and Michael unveil AI Edge, a new A.CRE membership that delivers signal (not noise), skills (not fluff), and real tools to multiply your output. If you want to stand out in the AI era, this is where to start. Read the transcript: https://www.adventures…

Think AI is too technical? In this episode, the team lays out a 30-day challenge to help you become AI capable—no coding background required. You’ll learn what to study, what tools to try, and how to go from tinkerer to teacher, all within one month. Read the transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s6e5/ Take your real estate career…

Feeling overwhelmed by AI hype? In this episode, Sam, Spencer, and Michael unpack how to filter the noise, spot real signals, and focus on what truly matters—so you can take action with confidence and clarity in your CRE career. Read the transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s6e4/ Take your real estate career to the next level wit…

What does it mean to be “AI native”? In this episode, Spencer, Michael, and Sam break down the mindset, skillsets, and strategies that separate AI users from AI masters. They explore the power of pairing deep CRE expertise with smart AI tools—and why the best time to start is now. Read the transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s6e…

Is AI a seismic shift or just another tech trend? In this episode, Spencer, Michael, and Sam debate the stakes, discuss why fear holds professionals back, and offer a roadmap for becoming AI native—before it’s too late. Read the transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s6e2/ Take your real estate career to the next level with the Acc…

Season 6 kicks off with Sam, Spencer, and Michael setting the stage for a deep dive into the CRE era of AI. They explore why becoming AI-native is the new career differentiator and what this paradigm shift means for forward-thinking professionals. Read the transcript: https://www.adventuresincre.com/audioseries-s6e1/ Take your real estate career to…

Welcome to Season 5 of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series! Spencer Burton and Michael Belasco are back to take you on another exciting journey through the world of commercial real estate. This season, they'll explore AI developments, share major announcements like the launch of A.CRE's Accelerator 3.0 platform, and discuss how these innovations imp…

In this episode of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series, Spencer Burton and Michael Belasco discuss what's new in their lives and at A.CRE. Michael provides an update on his RV@Olympic project, sharing insights into the challenges and successes that have shaped the development so far. Spencer talks about his move to Miami and the launch of CRE Agents…

Join Spencer Burton and Michael Belasco in this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series as they explore Modeling Like a Deal Seasoned Pro and introduce the new Accelerator 3.0. Learn why they created the Accelerator, how it accelerates real estate financial modeling mastery, and what's new in 3.0—including AI tools, networking features, and accountabilit…

In this episode of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series, Spencer Burton and Michael Belasco explore Generative AI and its growing role in commercial real estate. Learn how generative AI differs from traditional AI, the opportunities it presents for improving productivity, and why it’s crucial to understand its limitations. Spencer shares real-world a…

In this episode, Spencer Burton and Michael Belasco break down the game-changing technology of AI Agents and their impact on commercial real estate (CRE). Learn how these bodiless robots can automate repetitive yet highly technical tasks like broker opinions of value (BOVs) and construction draws. Unlike traditional software solutions, AI agents in…

In this episode of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series, Spencer Burton unveils CRE Agents, his newest venture that aims to transform commercial real estate with the power of vertical AI agents. This innovative platform, built on technology developed at Stablewood, automates repetitive yet critical tasks, allowing CRE professionals to focus on strate…

AI isn’t just virtual anymore—it’s physical. In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer and Michael dive into the growing role of Physical AI, or robotics, in commercial real estate. Discover how technologies like cashierless stores, drone inspections, and even humanoid robots are changing the way properties are managed. They also share how…

What does AI mean for the future of jobs in commercial real estate? In this final episode of Season 5, Spencer and Michael tackle the ethical questions and real-life impacts of AI on the workforce. They discuss the potential for job displacement, the new opportunities emerging from automation, and how professionals can adapt by developing strategic…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Michael walks Spencer and Sam through the RV park development model used to analyze Michael's current project with Firm Ridge, RV@Olympic, spotlighted in episode 8. Michael also shares additional insights on the overall strategy, supply and demand dynamics, the strategic location, and market positioning of…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk about the role that CRE teams play in different real estate strategies. Michael's current work at Firm Ridge lays the foundation for the conversation and allows Michael to share his experience with how a well-assembled team is important. In this conversation, the guys cover t…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, led by Michael, who is working on an RV Park development with Firm Ridge, the guys talk about the burgeoning RV park market. RV parks can serve as a good investment opportunity, as they are flexible, short-term ground lease opportunities with guests bringing their own RVs. Michael's RV Park development str…

In this special intermission episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Sam Carlson, a member of the A.CRE team, takes center stage as he shares insights into his background and the role he plays within the A.CRE. Sam also discusses his approach to strategy, marketing, and persuasion, and offers valuable advice to job seekers and others looking to market t…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael explore the concept of "super forecasting," featured in the book "Superforecasting" by Philip Tetlock and Dan Gardner. The guys discuss the skills of super forecasters, people with a knack for prediction, and how they can be valuable in CRE. Through a practical forecasting exercis…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, the team explores the impact of AI on the world of commercial real estate. While the last episode talked about AI in general, this episode discusses how it applies to CRE. This episode explores how AI is reshaping careers within the industry, and how roles may evolve in the future. From AI-driven screening…

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael discuss the evolving landscape of commercial real estate in a world where AI is becoming extremely prominent. They explore the real impact of AI on business and whether all the publicity surrounding it is justified. From AI-powered Excel add-ins to interview preparation coaching, …

Welcome back to season 4 of the A.CRE Audio Series! In this latest podcast episode, Spencer, Sam, and Michael discuss the disruption and evolution that has occurred in real estate and capital markets in the past several years. Specifically, we'll talk about how rising interest rates and the post-COVID world have changed CRE. Listen here to learn ab…

Welcome back to this new season 4 of the Adventures in CRE Audio Series! Join Sam, Michael, and Spencer as they take you on a journey through the future of commercial real estate. This season, they'll dive into AI, evolving CRE trends, and provide an exclusive inside look at a real deal in progress. Listen to this episode to learn about everything …

In this episode of the A.CRE Audio series, Spencer, Michael, and Sam consult Michael Hetchkop about the complicated world of commercial real estate lease audits. Michael Hetchkop, a seasoned professional in the field, shares his expertise on the nuances of lease audits, the complexities of lease terms and expenses, and common issues that can arise …

In the latest episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Spencer, Sam, and Michael delve into the world of real estate investment funds with Matt Burk, CEO of Fairway America. Matt brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from individual deals to pooled investment funds in the late '90s. This episode explores various facets of real estate fund ma…

In the newest episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, James Nelson, principal and head of Avison Young's Tri-State Investment Sales Group (as well as an active CRE investor himself), shares his insights and expertise on various aspects of real estate investing to help CRE professionals develop an insider's edge with their investments. James and the guys…

By Adventures in CRE

In this episode of the Adventures in CRE podcast, Chad Hagle, CEO of Aventine Development and founding member of the Stanford Professionals in Real Estate (SPIRE), discusses the importance of CRE alumni associations and networking in launching successful careers. Chad shares his experience in forming SPIRE and overcoming initial resistance, highlig…

Real estate case competitions are a great opportunity for real estate students to show what they know and practice skills used in the real estate industry. Winning a competition can be a great achievement and improve a student's future. In this article, we will explore the success story of Monty McClendon and Justin Du from the University of Texas …

In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, chasing a dream can seem like a daunting task. For Dima Nazarenko, who's featured in this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, this was establishing a successful career in commercial real estate. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing armed conflict in his home country, Dima remains undeterred in…

In today's society, diversity and inclusivity have become important topics across all industries, including commercial real estate. As businesses strive to be more representative of the communities they serve, CRE professionals are also recognizing the benefits of a diverse team. To gain insights on the topic of diversifying CRE, we sat down with A…

In times of economic uncertainty, commercial real estate (CRE) professionals face unique challenges in navigating the market. To gain insights into how to manage these challenges, we sat down with seasoned CRE pro and founder of Patriot Holdings, Jeremiah Boucher, to get his advice. With decades of experience in the industry, Jeremiah has weathered…

In this newest Accelerator in Action episode, Sam talks to Travis Headaphol. Travis, like many young professionals, started his career in commercial real estate as a student. Through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to learning, he went from a novice to a skilled CRE analyst. In this podcast episode, we'll take a closer look at Travis's jour…

In this newest special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam and Michael talk with Kyle Keene from Keene Development Group. Kyle transitioned from working for a construction management group into starting his own development group. Listen to this episode to learn about how to bridge the gap from employee to entrepreneur and how to make the transit…

In this newest special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk to George Burchlaw and Carol Ann Flint from Re Analytics Business Development. RE Analytics is a service that partners with real estate investment companies to provide efficient, cost-effective back-office asset management and analyst services. Listen to this e…

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Michael, and Spencer talk to Brian Murray, the CEO of Shift Capital. Shift Capital is a B-certified impact real estate group. A B-certification is a designation that certifies that a group focuses on social and environmental returns to society. Founded with the mission of influencing the pover…

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Brandt Foster, Director at Northwestern Mutual Real Estate, one of the largest real estate investors in the nation. In this conversation, Spencer and Sam ask Brandt about MHCs, manufactured housing communities, where there are multiple different tiers of property types that sit within th…

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Yaakov Zar and Sammy Greenwall, the founders of Lev Capital, a commercial mortgage marketplace for capital market advisors. In this conversation, Spencer, Michael and Sam ask Yaakov and Sammy about what Lev is doing to bring real estate financing into the 21st century. Watch, listen, or …

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Jacob Deva Racusin, a real estate professional and co-founder of New Frameworks. New Frameworks is a worker-owned cooperative focused on environment-friendly construction. An active member of the carbon leadership forum, Jacob is engaged in code and policy development, professional training, and other…

This episode of the A.CRE Audio Series features Aleksandr Gampel, a real estate professional and co-founder of Cuby Technologies. Cuby is a tech company working to change the way we build buildings altogether. If you look into the recent past, you'll see that the construction process overall hasn't changed in decades. With the huge growth of commer…

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we talk with a special guest and friend to A.CRE, Oliver Beavers, the founder of Phosphor who is working on a new financial modeling tool. Originally, similar to multiple new professionals in the industry, Oliver entered the finance world needing to learn Excel to map out complex financial deals. A…

In 2018, Michael and I designed and built the A.CRE Accelerator program. We sought to build the preeminent tool for learning and mastering real estate financial modeling. It was intended to provide a clear path to real estate financial modeling mastery, and ultimately give Accelerator Graduates a significant advantage in the industry. Now as we app…

In this fourth special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam, Spencer, and Michael discuss how to create a real estate portfolio with special guest, Brandon Taubman. Brandon is a data scientist and financial engineer with 15 years of experience within investment banking, sports analytics, and real estate. With Brandon's experience in a variety of …

In this third special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, Sam and Spencer discuss self-storage data-driven strategies with special guess Drew Dolan. Drew is a Principal & Fund Manager at DXD Capital, a data-driven self-storage development company. Here at A.CRE, we've tried to create a wide array of cre content and one of the more recent areas we've…

In this special episode of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Scott Choppin, the CEO and founder of The Urban Pacific group of companies, a real estate development company based in Southern California. In this conversation, Spencer, Michael, and Sam consult Scott for his insights into the development side, as well as other things happening from an …

In this first special episode of the 3rd season of the A.CRE Audio Series, we feature Mark Rios, a real estate entrepreneur with a background in media. In addition to being an A.CRE Accelerator Graduate, he is the principal and co-founder of Prosperity CRE. Growing up in Hollywood, Mark planned for a career in the entertainment industry and spent 3…

Welcome to Season Three of the A.CRE Audio Series! In this season, I am joined by the creators of Adventures in CRE, Spencer Burton, and Michael Belasco. This season is the first chance Spencer, Michael and Sam had been able to get together in person since 2019, and so they decided to do something special. As opposed to past seasons, season 3 is fo…

As briefly mentioned in the last episode, before you can start sourcing deals and finding investment opportunities, you need a strategy and you need money. Episode 1 talked about how to develop a strategy. Episodes 4 and 5 talk about how to put together the capital required for closing a deal in real estate. Specifically, this episode addresses equ…

As far as deal-making, and deal doing are concerned. the last three episodes or so have been really focused on the making side. But making deals is great, but if you can't get them closed, they're not worth anything. In this episode, we're beginning to bridge over to the doing side. Episode 5 is the second part of putting together your capital stac…

Now that we've really dug into the details about deal-making in commercial real estate, it's time to get into the weeds concerning deal-doing. This episode talks about how to go about due diligence in CRE at a pro-level. Hear Michael's perspective on the three main things for keys to success in real estate due diligence. We'll talk about the big bu…