A Smarter Way to Invest in CRE

The Real Estate Market Watch - current events through a real estate lens.

When you think of a capital allocator, "former physical therapist" probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but Kent Leach isn’t your typical investor. From flipping houses to launching a customizable fund that raised nearly $2M in its first year, Kent’s journey into commercial real estate is as unconventional as it is impressive. In this episode, Kent discusses how he transitioned from hands-on rehab work to structuring an innovative investment model for his investors. His Smart Flex Fund offers an alternative to the traditional blind-pool structure, allowing investors to handpick deals across multiple asset classes, including affordable housing, self-storage, and beyond. Mastering the Fund of Funds Model Kent discusses how he leverages his network, industry insights, and due diligence practices to negotiate preferential terms with sponsors. Avoiding the Multifamily Hype Trap While many investors were all-in on multifamily over the past decade, Kent’s diversification strategy helped him avoid the turbulence that’s hitting the market today. His approach? Uncorrelated asset classes, disciplined underwriting, and a commitment to transparency. The Future of Real Estate Investing With sponsors facing tighter lending conditions and rising rates shaking up the industry, Kent shares his predictions for where capital allocators should be focusing next. Plus, he reveals the biggest misconceptions about fund-of-funds investing and how the right allocator can enhance returns, not dilute them. *** If you’ve ever wondered how to invest with a capital allocator, this episode is your backstage pass to learning more. *** Explore the world of real estate capital allocators—a fresh approach to financing that’s reshaping the industry. In this series, I talk with allocators, investors, sponsors, and service providers to give you an inside look at this fast-growing space. PLUS, subscribe to my free newsletter for real estate investors and gain access to: * Introductions to sponsors, allocators, and investment opportunities. * Insights drawn from my 30+ years of experience in real estate investing. * Hacks and tactics for raising capital to help you scale your real estate portfolio. Visit GowerCrowd.com/subscribe