
Hosted by Ace Moran · EN
Welcome to CRE Simplified, the podcast that breaks down commercial real estate in simple, practical terms. Hosted by Ace Moran, this show features interviews with brokers, lenders, developers, property managers, investors, and other industry experts.
Learn how to get started in commercial real estate, what a typical day looks like in brokerage or lending, and what career paths exist in CRE. Whether your goal is to invest in apartments, manage commercial properties, or understand how deals get done, you’ll get actionable insights to launch your real estate journey.
New episodes drop bi-weekly. Subscribe and start building your commercial real estate knowledge today.

I wanted to understand what it’s really like to sell industrial properties in California…So I sat down with Allen Buchanan, an alumni from The University of Arkansas who works at Lee & Associates, to learn more about his business and advice for new brokers.Here’s what I learned:How to strategically networkWays to prioritize time as a brokerOpportunities to think creativelyHow to find your specialty in brokerage Personally, my biggest learning was how important it is to think creatively to get deals completed.Find Allen’s book The Sequence here: https://www.amazon.com/SEQUENCE-Personal-Framework-Commercial-Brokerage/dp/B0FJHT38VM

I wanted to learn how CRE professionals improvise while working on difficult deals... So, I interviewed Katy Lincoln & Charlie Norton We discussed 2 things - Difficult deals and how they responded - Their experience navigating career changes Biggest takeaway? People and persistence are the keys to being successful in this career.

I wanted to learn how deals are structured… So I sat down with Michael Holshouser, who works at Linville Team Partners, to break down the intricacies of deal structure and how it works. We covered: 1. How to gain ownership in CRE 2. Sourcing debt 3. Deal structure

I wanted to learn what asset managers actually do…So I sat down with Michael Eves, a University of Alabama alum who works in asset management, to break down the role and what it takes to manage and create value in real estate investments.We covered:The pre and post closing role asset managers play in acquisitionsForecasting performance and capital budgeting decisionsCreating value while keeping assets running smoothly

I wanted to learn how retailers decide where to put new stores….So, I sat down with Matthew Jaeger, a University of Alabama alum, to break down retail strategy and site selection.We covered:The retail site selection processHow retail strategies shape communitiesWhat metrics retailers prioritizeHow cities attract the right retail tenantsAdvice for students breaking into the industry

I wanted to learn what it takes to succeed as a CRE financial analyst…So, I sat down with Sara Butler, a University of Alabama alumna and a financial analyst. My biggest takeaway: preparation creates confidence, and confidence wins businessWe also covered:• Investment management• Choosing an asset class• Why Argus matters• Building relationships

I wanted to learn what it’s actually like to work in healthcare real estate.So, I interviewed Carleton Compton, President & CEO of Healthcare Realty Group to hear about his path and what the medical real estate space looks like. What I learned:What due diligence really looks like in the medical office worldThe key growth drivers pushing healthcare real estate in TampaHow density shapes where new development actually happensPractical ways students can break into the healthcare side of CRESo if you’re interested in healthcare real estate, this episode is a great place to start.

Ever wonder how private investors and companies actually raise millions for commercial real estate deals?I did too. That’s why I sat down with Jacob Schurman, a University of Alabama grad and analyst at BMC Capital in Dallas, Texas.In this episode we break down: What capital markets really means How to understand the capital stack The financing process from a capital markets perspective The two sides of brokerage If you’re curious about how big deals get funded, this episode is for you.

Commercial real estate isn’t just about deals, it’s about the grit required to keep them alive. Scott McLain shares why persistence is the real advantage young professionals can’t afford to overlook. Why “every good deal dies three deaths” in CREThe role of persistence, creativity, and confidence in closing dealsWhy showing up and staying curious creates real opportunityHow young professionals can start building career momentum earlyLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/d-scott-mclain-86a8123Website: mclaincommercial.com

I wanted to know what it’s really like to sell apartment buildings in NYCSo I sat down with Mike Weinstein, a University of Alabama alum at Marcus & Millichap, to learn about his journey in multifamily brokerage.Here’s what I took away:• The timeline of a multifamily deal, from start to finish• How brokers get paid• Why it’s important to find your “why” before starting out LinksLinkedin: https://tinyurl.com/6a7es342Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/4f2hzzbp