Podcast
Denver Investment Real Estate
Hosted by Chris Lopez - Denver Investment Broker · EN
Denver Real Estate Investing Podcast
43episodes
Episodes
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#608: 3 Front Range Multifamily Deals That Actually Cash Flow in 2026
Mar 24Tap to summarizeSmall multifamily deals in Colorado are producing cash-on-cash returns worth paying attention to in 2026. Three real deals just went under contract or closed along the Front Range. In this episode, Chris Lopez sits down with real estate agent Jeff White and lender Troy Howell of Nova Home Loans. Together, they walk through three actual deals. Those are a Loveland fourplex at $685K, an Aurora triplex at $579K, and a Pueblo duplex at $300K. These are not hypotheticals. One is already under contract. Another closed just weeks ago. The numbers are real. The Deals Jeff walks through both the house hacker and investor scenarios on each property. For the Loveland fourplex, a house hacker with 5% down pays $458 per month in year one. Then, in year two, that same property cash flows over $1,076 per month. That works out to a 23.80% cash-on-cash return. For investors at 25% down, the fourplex delivers 6.50% cash-on-cash in year one. That is roughly three times the Denver metro average. Beyond that, Section 8 rates in Larimer County hit $1,732 per month for a two-bedroom. As a result, the numbers look very different from what most people expect. The Pueblo duplex, meanwhile, introduces a different tool: DSCR loans. Troy explains how one investor used a cash-out DSCR on a free-and-clear property. As a result, she funded the down payment and reserves on the new purchase. In addition, the property appraised at $310K on a $300K purchase and came with a $10K seller credit. It also stabilized at a 7.72% cap rate with a 6.875% 30-year fixed rate. The Portfolio Play The episode also covers the strategy behind the Loveland fourplex. Specifically, an investor bought nine fourplexes for $5.2 million and has since been selling them individually. Chris, Jeff, and Troy break down the margin and the mechanics. In short, finding the right motivated portfolio seller remains one of the most underrated plays in Colorado real estate. Watch the Youtube Video https://youtu.be/BF24OiyWDy0 Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Three-Deal Overview  03:25 — Loveland Fourplex — $685K, New Roof, Appraised at $715K  05:26 — The 0.75 Rent-to-Price Ratio Rule — How to Screen a Deal Fast 08:40— House Hacker Pays $458/Month in the Loveland Fourplex  11:19— Investor Scenario — 6.5% Cash-on-Cash Year One, 3x Denver Average  12:39— Reserves Deep Dive — The 10% Rule on a 1980s Building  16:13 — Aurora Triplex at $579K — All-Brick, Month-to-Month Leases  17:44— Aurora Numbers — $517/Month House Hack, 8.33% COC Investor Year Two  20:38— Pueblo Duplex at $300K — Seller Credit, Four-Car Garage, Appraised at $310K  22:01 — DSCR Loans Explained — Qualify Off Rental Income, Not Your W2  35:40— The Nine-Fourplex Portfolio Play — How Bulk Buying Creates Margin  Links in Podcast Deal Analysis Spreadsheet — Troy Howell’s underwriting spreadsheet Weekly Deals Email List — Sign up to receive Front Range multifamily deals from Jeff White weekly Strategy Call — Book a consultation with Chris, Jeff, or Troy Connect With Our Guests Troy Howell: troy.howell@novahomeloans.com LinkedIn: Troy Howell Website: https://www.novahomeloans.com/loan-officer/troy-howell/ Jeff White: jeff@envisionrea.com Who is Nova Home Loans? For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today! NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO
Transcribe →#607: The Condo Complex Problem That's Killing Denver Real Estate Deals Right Now
Mar 1700:48:20Tap to summarizeThe Denver February 2026 market update is here, and active listings nearly hit 9,000 — 5% above last year — with Chris Lopez calling for inventory to break 15,000 before summer. At the same time, rates briefly touched below 6% for the first time in recent memory, triggering a refi wave that helped some borrowers drop from 6.625% to 5.75% with closing costs covered. The purchase market, though, barely flinched. Chris Lopez hosts the Denver February 2026 market update roundup with Brandon Scholten of Keyrenter Property Management and Troy Howell of Nova Home Loans. Together they dig into the latest DMAR report numbers, two deals that closed this month, and some candid takes on where Denver’s apartment market, condo segment, and office sector are actually headed. On the deals side, Troy walks through a Pueblo duplex acquisition where the buyer used a DSCR cash-out refi on a free-and-clear rental to cover the full 30% down — plus walking away with cash left over. And an Aurora 14-bed triplex that went from a webinar deal to a signed contract to a 3pm closing, all at 5% down, a $27K seller credit, and a 5.625% rate on a 30-year fixed. In This Episode We Cover: Why Denver’s inventory jump in February was historically unusual Who actually locked when rates dipped below 6% — and what they saved Chris’s call that closed prices will fall further in 2026 The Fannie Mae condo rule that’s killing deals in otherwise solid complexes How one investor bought a Pueblo duplex with no cash out of pocket The Aurora triplex that went from webinar deal to closing day in one month Why stadium proximity rarely pays off the way investors expect Denver’s real apartment vacancy rate — and why 2028 looks very different The affordable housing fee lawsuit and what it means for small developers Where downtown office demand is actually going Whether you’re managing existing rentals, watching for the right entry point, or actively building your Colorado portfolio, this episode gives you the ground-level data and deal examples you need to make sharper decisions this spring. Watch the Youtube Video https://youtu.be/7P4EG-QAbdU Timestamps 00:00 — February Denver Market Overview — Active Listings Up 5% Year Over Year to Nearly 9,000  03:27 — New Listings Jump 9.25% From January — Why This February Was Unusual  04:15 — Rates Briefly Dip Below 6% — Troy on Who Actually Locked and What They Saved 06:19— Closed Prices Down 3% Year Over Year — Why Chris Expects Further Declines in 2026  08:57 — Colorado Springs Snapshot — Homes Down 2–4% While Condos Surprise to the Upside  09:58 — The Condo Lending Problem — Why Fannie Mae Is Killing Deals in Complex Communities  14:01 — Deal: Pueblo Duplex Financed 100% Using a DSCR Cash-Out Refi on an Existing Rental  18:34— Deal: Aurora 14-Bed Triplex — 5% Down, 5.625% Rate, $27K Seller Credit  22:10 — Should You Buy Near the New Broncos Stadium? The Panel Gets Honest  31:01 — Apartment Vacancy Is 12.3% When You Count Unrented New Units — And What Changes by 2028  33:05 — Apartment Permits Down 43% Since 2021 — The Supply Math That Points to Recovery  37:50 — RedT Lawsuit Dismissed — Denver’s Affordable Housing Fee Fight and What It Means for Builders  42:10— Downtown Denver Office Losses Top $1 Billion — Where the Demand Is Actually Going  46:31 — Wrap and Panel Final Thoughts Links in Podcast Thousands of apartments sit empty around the Denver metro, but experts warn a shortage may be looming. How offering $50,000 and free rent helped one Denver apartment building stand out Homebuilder loses lawsuit calling Denver affordable housing fee ‘extortion’ Downtown Denver office losses top a billion, with more to come DMAR February 2026 Market Trends Report (member-only) Metro Denver’s housing market revs up as affordability improves Golden Triangle apartment complex raises bar for incentives to attract tenants Apartment rents fall to early 2022 levels in metro Denver Connect With Our Guests Troy Howell: troy.howell@novahomeloans.com LinkedIn: Troy Howell Website: https://www.novahomeloans.com/loan-officer/troy-howell/ Brandon Scholten: brandon@keyrenterdenver.com Website: https://keyrenterdenver.com/ Who is Keyrenter? Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter Denver’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so...
Transcribe →#606: How Canada's Strict Banking Rules Are Creating Above-Market Yields for US Investors
Mar 10Tap to summarizeCanada’s residential mortgage market is a $32 billion annual asset class in Ontario alone. Plus, it’s structurally undersupplied. Unlike the US, Canada has no 30-year fixed mortgage. As a result, strict banking regulations push Canadian homeowners into the private lending market every few years. That forced refinancing cycle produces delinquency rates roughly one-eighth of what US private lenders see. On top of that, the recourse process in Canada runs just 60–90 days. Chris Lopez sits down with Hugh Tawney, founder of Leeward Capital Partners. Together, they walk through how Property Llama Capital gained access to this market and why they made it part of their Capital 3 fund. Hugh brings an institutional finance background in public equities, fixed income, life settlements, venture, and structured credit. Before founding Leeward, he spent years building fund vehicles across multiple asset classes. His CFO managed fund accounting for 38 entities at a Denver venture firm. His COO, meanwhile, helped build ArrowMark’s multifamily origination platform — a $5 billion book. Their Canadian operating partner, Aman Mann, ran a mortgage investment company from 2017 to 2023. In total, he originated approximately 500 loans with zero impairment of principal. The fund focuses on first and second lien residential mortgages — bridge loans, fix and flip, and short-term refinances. Currently, the portfolio sits at a 76.4% weighted average LTV with an 80% hard ceiling. Also worth noting: two-thirds to three-quarters of the loan book is owner-occupied. Homeowners, after all, default at a fraction of the rate that investment property owners do. For third-party validation, the fund works with Baker Tilly (tax and audit), NAV Consulting (fund administration), UMB (custody), and Stout (quarterly independent valuations). In This Episode We Cover: Why Canada’s lack of 30-year fixed mortgages creates a structural private lending opportunity every 3–5 years How Ontario’s power of sale process delivers 60–90 day recourse vs multi-year US foreclosure timelines The tax structure that classifies fund distributions as qualified dividends — potentially a 30–50% reduction in tax burden vs ordinary income How currency hedging via forwards contracts protects principal at a cost of 8–15 basis points The pending leverage strategy projected to take gross yields from 12% unlevered to 20% levered Why Leeward targets the lower end of the Canadian market — less competition, more inefficiency, higher yields The 15-month liquidity window and how it mirrors a short-term bond fund duration with a private credit return profile If you’re an accredited investor looking at private credit and want to understand an asset class that most US investors have never encountered — this is the episode to start with. Property Llama’s due diligence included a three-to-four day on-site asset tour in Toronto and a personal investment from Chris before the fund was opened to the broader investor community. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/GvF4XBzzJJs Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Executive Summary — What this fund targets and why 04:32 — Chris Lopez — 15 years as an active investor turned passive 08:30 — How Property Llama Found Leeward — Due diligence and the Toronto asset tour  10:26 — Hugh Tawney — Leeward Capital founder and institutional finance background  14:25— Why Canada Has No 30-Year Fixed Mortgage — And what that creates for private lenders  15:55 — Power of Sale vs Foreclosure — How Canada’s 60–90 day recourse process works  23:15— The Private Lending Opportunity — Why Canada pays 300–500 bps more than the US  25:45 — The Tax Advantage — How this fund achieves qualified dividend treatment  40:20— Currency Hedging — Protecting principal across USD and CAD  42:47  Leverage Strategy — How the fund projects a move from 12% to 20% returns  47:58— Fund Terms & Third-Party Validators — Minimums, lockup, and who’s watching the books  57:30 Canadian housing crash fears, IRA/UBIT considerations and next steps Links in Podcast Interested in learning more about the Leeward opportunity? PLC 3 LLC: PL Leeward 1 Data Room Property Llama Capital Passive Pockets Summit — use code LOPEZVIP for $100 off Passive Pockets Podcast (hosted by Chris Lopez)
Transcribe →#605: Why Serious Multifamily Investors Are Quietly Moving Into Industrial
Mar 3Tap to summarizeMost Colorado investors have never seriously considered industrial real estate. At first, it feels like a different world — big buildings, commercial tenants, unfamiliar terminology. But once you understand how the asset class actually works, it starts to look a lot like the multifamily investing you already know, just with fewer headaches. To start, industrial real estate covers a wide range. On one end you have a 2,000 square foot bay rented to an HVAC company. On the other end, million square foot distribution centers broken into 20,000-50,000 square foot bays. For individual investors, though, the sweet spot is the middle — small-bay multi-tenant buildings in the $1-4 million range where spaces run 1,500 to 5,000 square feet. These attract the same kinds of small businesses that keep renewing: trade contractors, lumber companies, light manufacturers. Tenants that need space and don’t want to move. And in a triple net lease, those tenants pay your taxes, your insurance, and your maintenance costs. You collect the check. That’s where Drew Williams comes in. Drew is an industrial and retail broker at North Peak Commercial Brokers in Denver. Over the last four years he’s focused on exactly this segment of the market — multi-tenant industrial along the Front Range — and in this episode he walks through the asset class from the ground up. Deal types, tenant profiles, how to read a cap rate, what flex industrial actually means, and how to think about risk when you’re underwriting a business instead of a household. From there, the conversation turns to where the 2026 Denver industrial real estate market stands right now. Prices have pulled back. The ask-to-close gap has averaged 15% over the last 12 months. Meanwhile, rents have held flat at $12-13 per square foot triple net while expenses have climbed. On top of that, lenders now want 35-40% down and a 1.3 DSCR. It sounds like a tough market — and in some ways it is. Still, Drew explains why these conditions are also creating real opportunities for buyers who know how to find them. In This Episode We Cover: What industrial real estate actually is — deal types, tenant profiles, and the difference between small bay, flex, and single tenant The three buyer profiles — passive investor, owner-user, and syndication group — with real Denver deal examples How triple net leases work and why tenants pay taxes, insurance, and maintenance Where the 2026 Denver industrial real estate market stands — cap rates, rents, price per square foot, and the 15% ask-to-close gap The value-add playbook — converting gross leases to triple net and recovering expenses landlords have been absorbing for years The three physical features that make a Denver industrial building significantly easier to lease and sell The zoning trap that turns a promising purchase into an expensive mistake If industrial real estate has ever been on your radar but felt too unfamiliar to pursue, this episode is the place to start — and if you’re already looking at the 2026 Denver industrial real estate market, Drew gives you the ground-level data to move with confidence. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/YNNetKjReDg Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions  01:30 – Drew’s Background – Tech consulting to leading North Peak’s industrial team  02:44– What Is Industrial Real Estate? – 2,000 sq ft to million sq ft complexes  03:50 – 3 Buyer Profiles – Passive investors, owner-users, and syndications 05:44 – Stabilized vs. Value-Add – Two main investment strategies 06:58 – What Is Flex Industrial? – Office-to-warehouse ratios explained ’ 08:50– Underwriting a Stabilized Deal – 7% cap, 35-40% down, 1.3 DSCR 15:06– How Long Should You Hold? – 5-7 year holds and lease value decay 22:52 – What’s Driving the Price Pullback? – 15% ask-to-close gap, flat rents at $12-13/sq ft 24:22– Value-Add Playbook – Gross to triple net conversions and deferred maintenance  26:56– Lease-Up Timelines – Why deals now take 4-8 months to fill  29:35– Where the Opportunities Are – Yard space, clear heights, and access 35:55 Policy & Market Uncertainty – Why most investors are still holding 40:38– Energize Denver – 30,000 sq ft threshold and compliance fines  41:58– Multifamily Investors Moving to Industrial – Why triple net is winning 43:06 – Advice for Transitioning Investors – Start small-bay multi-tenant, know your zoning 48:15 Risk Tolerance – Matching your investment profile to the right deal 52:20 Zoning Pitfalls – How a change of use can kill a deal  55:42 – How to Reach Drew – 303-917-5232 | drew@northpeakcre.com Connect with our Guests Drew Williams: drew@northpeakcre.com 303-917-5232 Links in Podcast NorthPeakCRE Drew referenced two active North Peak listings during the conversation — both available now in the Denver metro: 3600 S Huron St, Englewood CO 80110 — $1,750,000 8,000 SF brick flex building near the Santa Fe and 285/Hampden junction. Includes a 4,500 SF fenced yard, two drive-in doors, and a new 5-year NNN lease in place. Strong 1031 exchange candidate with long-term redevelopment upside. 2610 S Raritan Circle, Englewood CO 80110 — $9.90/SF 10,200 SF industrial available for lease. 18-foot clears, two drive-in doors, two dock doors, I-2 zoning. Works for an owner-user or investor with a tenant ready to move in. Energize Denver — Check If Your Building Is Covered
Transcribe →#604: A Private Lender's Honest Take on Fix and Flips, DSCR Loans, and Denver Prices
Feb 24Tap to summarizeDenver fix and flip margins are shrinking, condo inventory just hit 11 months, and some DSCR lenders are approving loans at 0.75 debt service coverage. That’s not a typo. For anyone trying to get a clear Colorado real estate outlook for 2026, the signals are mixed — and most of them you won’t find in the MLS. To help make sense of it all, Chris Lopez sits down with Kevin Amolsch, founder of Pine Financial, a Colorado private lender that has originated over $1 billion in loans across 2,800 transactions since 2008. Beyond lending, Kevin is actively buying commercial buildings, demising flex warehouse space in Broomfield, and stripping cellular tower leases off office properties the way some investors strip mineral rights. As a result, he has a front-row seat to what’s actually working — and what’s quietly blowing up. In this episode, Kevin shares what Pine’s current deal flow reveals about the Colorado real estate outlook for 2026 and why he’s moved away from residential toward commercial assets. He and Chris also have a candid back-and-forth on the Denver price forecast — Kevin expecting flat, Chris leaning slightly negative. From there, they dig into why the condo and attached product market may be the riskiest place to be right now. In This Episode We Cover: Why Kevin sees fix and flip margins compressing — and what experienced flippers are doing about it The DSCR loan warning every Colorado investor needs to hear before refinancing a BRRRR Kevin’s honest breakdown of Denver’s 2026 price outlook: detached, attached, and multifamily How Kevin is stripping cellular leases off his office building like mineral rights — and what they sell for Why ground-up townhome development is struggling and what the 11-month condo inventory actually means The 10-year treasury vs. risk spread explained clearly, and what Trump’s MBS buying could actually do Why Kevin is price-checking his subs and vendors right now — and why you probably should be too If you’re trying to get a clear Colorado real estate market outlook for 2026 — and figure out what moves actually make sense right now — this is the episode to listen to. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/rWL6gxboybg Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Kevin Amolsch Introduction – Pine Financial founder returns  01:20 – Pine Financial Overview – $1B+ in originations, 2,800 transactions, $250M under management  03:20 – New Office Building in Littleton – Bought 24,000 sq ft Wells Fargo building at 7 cap  05:59 – Cellular Lease Strategy – Stripping tower leases like mineral rights, sells at 3.5–4.5 cap  07:33– Office Rehab Lessons – Why Office-to-Apartment Conversions Are So Hard  10:33 – Broomfield Flex Warehouse Deal – 18,000 sq ft, 4 small-bay suites, recovering a troubled partnership  12:27– Fix and Flip Market Right Now – 10% discounts on wholesale deals, six-figure rehab budgets  15:40 – Flipper Margins Shrinking – Why experienced investors won’t touch a deal under $100K net  19:24– Denver Price Forecast for 2026 – Kevin: flat on detached. Chris: slightly negative (1–3%)  21:49 Condo Market Warning – 11 months of inventory, why Kevin calls it riskiest asset class right now  22:42– Multifamily Supply Glut and When It Burns Off – Vacancy near 10%, stabilization likely 2027  25:53– DSCR Loan Landscape – Loans at 0.75 DSCR, five-year prepay traps, what to watch for  27:44– BRRRR Reality Check – Cash-in refinances are common now, full pulls are rare  29:27– Ground-Up Construction Struggles – Why new townhome developments are sucking wind  33:26– Interest Rate Mechanics Explained – 10-year treasury vs. risk spread, Trump MBS buying  36:00 – Macro Outlook: Rates, Fed Chair, Unemployment – Why Kevin expects just one cut in 2026 Connect with our Guests Kevin Amolsch kevin@pinefinancialgroup.com Links in Podcast ATTOM Property Data Pine Financial
Transcribe →#603: Denver Has Too Much Inventory... And That's Great News for Buyers
Feb 1700:44:05Tap to summarizeSomething shifted in January — and this January 2026 Denver real estate market update breaks down exactly what’s happening. Rents are resetting to 2018 levels. A third of all available apartments were built in the last decade. Colorado now ranks 5th nationally for outbound moves. 55% are leaving the state — the highest since 1990. Landlords across the Front Range are holding rents flat or cutting them just to keep units filled. But here’s what most people are missing — this same pressure is creating buying opportunities that haven’t existed in over a decade. Chris Lopez sits down with his monthly market panel. Troy Howell with Nova Home Loans, Jeff White with Envision Advisors, Jenny Bayless covering Colorado Springs, and Shawn Riley from KeyRenter Denver all join the conversation. The group digs into the numbers. They share what they’re seeing firsthand from their own portfolios, clients, and deal flow. Things get real when Chris reveals a fourplex across the street from his own just sold at his 2018 purchase price. That confirms what the data has been showing about multifamily. Then the panel unpacks a $30 million foreclosure on four central Denver apartment buildings. Zero bidders showed up at auction. Colorado residential land now averages $942,200 per acre — up 174% in a decade. That’s why starter homes have disappeared entirely. And Shawn Riley shares that rents on condos and townhomes are down 7-10%. Apartments are offering up to three months free rent, making it brutal for older inventory to compete. In This Episode We Cover: Colorado Springs hits 4.5 months supply — officially tipping into a buyer’s market while prices hold mostly steady Why Denver inventory is building 7-8% year over year and new construction spec homes still aren’t moving even with builder-subsidized 4% rates The rental market resetting to 2018 levels and why landlords are holding rents flat to avoid costly turnover Section 8 developments including Denver paying 120% of fair market rents but freezing new voucher issuance and rent increases Room by room rental demand softening — what co-living operators need to know heading into spring Why the panel says this is Colorado’s first real buyer’s market in a decade and the 1031 exchange strategy to capitalize on it The new Fed chair nomination and what rate improvements of 0.50-0.75% from last year mean for refinance opportunities If you’ve been waiting for a 2026 Denver real estate market update that actually tells you where the deals are, this is it. Whether you’re sitting on single family properties eyeing a move into multifamily, a landlord figuring out the right rent price, or an investor ready to pick up distressed deals at steep discounts, the panel breaks down exactly where things stand right now. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/LJq5IzPcPbM Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome & Guest Introductions  01:13 — Colorado Springs January Stats — New Listings Nearly Double  03:44— Denver Boots on the Ground — Relisting Surge & Condo Financing  05:39 — Denver Metro Trends — Inventory Building & Prices Flat  07:44 — Colorado Land Up 174% — Why Starter Homes Don’t Exist  09:40— Builders Sitting on Unsold Spec Homes  11:11— Colorado Ranks 5th for Outbound Moves  11:55— Rental Market Reset — Rents Feel Like 2018  15:45— Room by Room Rentals — Flat Rents & Co-Living Rebrand  21:58— Section 8 Voucher Changes & Denver Paying 120% of Fair Market Rents  27:51 — Multifamily at 2018 Prices & $30M Foreclosure With Zero Bidders  35:05 — Renting vs. Buying — Jenny’s Real Numbers Comparison  37:53 — Mortgage Rates & New Fed Chair Nomination 41:24— Buyer’s Market Playbook — Time for Disrespectful Offers Connect with our Guests Jeff White: jeff@envisionrea.com Troy Howell: troy.howell@novahomeloans.com LinkedIn: Troy Howell Website: https://www.novahomeloans.com/loan-officer/troy-howell/ Shawn Riley: shawn@keyrenterdenver.com Website: https://keyrenterdenver.com/ Jenny Bayless: Jenny@envisionrea.com Links in Podcast Apartment vacancy in metro Denver reaches highest rate in 16 years, pushing down rents again Realtors say it’s still a buyer’s market in Colorado, but high housing costs keep renters renting  Mortgage Calculator Lender forecloses on four central Denver apartment buildings Denver Multifamily Hits 2009 Cap Rates (8 Indicators We’re at the Bottom) Download the Free House Hacking Spreadsheet Subscribe to our Reactivated Deal Alert Emails Who is Keyrenter? Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter Denver’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so they can get back to what matters to them. Who is Nova Home Loans? For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today! NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO
Transcribe →#602: How To Analyze Multifamily Deals In 80% Less Time Using AI
Feb 1000:34:29Tap to summarizeWhat if you could cut your deal analysis time by 80%? Joel Bechtel was drowning in broker documents. T12s in one format. Rent rolls in another. OMs that looked completely different from the last five he’d reviewed. After spending hours copying and pasting data into Excel spreadsheets only to discover a deal wouldn’t work, he built multifamily underwriting software, Deal Flow Pro to solve the problem. Chris Lopez sits down with Joel, a software entrepreneur who spent 18 years building tech companies before pivoting to focus on his real estate portfolio. Joel currently owns 20 doors and recently analyzed 90 multifamily properties across Columbus, Nashville, and Raleigh markets. Deal Flow Pro extracts data from broker documents and runs underwriting in minutes instead of hours. The numbers are striking. What used to take 1-2 hours per deal now takes 10-15 minutes. That’s the kind of efficiency that lets you actually find deals worth pursuing instead of burning out on spreadsheet work. In This Episode We Cover: The Gmail hack Joel uses to automatically filter broker leads into a dedicated inbox for AI processing Why most investors waste hours on deals that will never work and how to filter faster How Deal Flow Pro extracts data from T12s, rent rolls, and OMs automatically Current vs pro forma analysis and which variables actually matter when tweaking numbers The St. Louis deal that looked perfect on paper until due diligence revealed a critical problem How to sanity check AI results without adding hours back to your workflow Market metrics that matter including flood zones, fair market rents, and census data Why zero closings from 10 LOIs is actually normal in today’s market Joel also shares advice for investors who want to bridge into entrepreneurship, including why community and masterminds matter more than going it alone. Plus, why jumping from your W2 too quickly can actually hurt both your investing and your ability to get loans. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/yKFUQ2hUJaM Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:54– From 18 years in software to real estate investing 05:15 – Broker document chaos that sparked Deal Flow Pro 07:05 – How AI extracts data from T12s, rent rolls, and OMs 09:16 – Safeguarding against AI Hallucinations 12:36 – From 90 deals to 10 LOIs 15:11 – Fact checking market metrics: flood zones, rents, census data 17:13 – St. Louis due diligence story 22:02– Time savings: 2 hours down to 10 minutes 25:53– Merging investor and entrepreneur paths 33:00 – Deal Machine integration + where to find Deal Flow Pro Links in Podcast Deal Flow Pro – AI deal analysis software for multifamily investors Website: dealflowpro.io Promo Code: “Chris Lopez” for 14-day trial (no credit card required) Deal Machine – Off-market lead generation tool Crexi – Commercial real estate listing platform LoopNet – Commercial real estate marketplace
Transcribe →#601: Denver Multifamily Hits 2009 Cap Rates (8 Indicators We're at the Bottom)
Feb 300:12:32Tap to summarizeDenver multifamily 2026 cap rates just hit 6 to 6.5 percent. This is the first time since 2009. Furthermore, Denver’s highest-volume multifamily brokers believe this marks the bottom. Meanwhile, many investors wait for blood-in-the-water distressed sales. However, NorthPeak Commercial Advisors see something different in Denver multifamily 2026. Instead, they’re seeing fair pricing on quality assets. Additionally, buyer activity is returning after a two-year freeze. Chris Lopez sits down with Kevin Calame and Matt Lewallen. They’re co-owners of NorthPeak Commercial Advisors. They’re also 30-year business partners. Previously, they survived Denver’s largest condo conversion operation collapsing in 2007. Now, their firm handles more multifamily transactions than any other Denver brokerage. As a result, this gives them unmatched visibility into what’s trading in Denver multifamily 2026. Kevin and Matt don’t sugarcoat the challenges. For example, transaction volume is down 75 percent. Similarly, insurance jumped from $500 to $1500 per unit and North Aurora won’t sell at any price. Nevertheless, they lay out multiple data points. These suggest the Denver’s multifamily 2026 market has found its floor. This episode delivers real-world insights you won’t find in generic reports. For instance, Kevin shares a recent Denver multifamily 2026 showing. It drew 12 buyers after months of zero activity. Meanwhile, Matt explains why admitted insurance carriers are positioning to return. He also covers the “extend and pretend” banking strategy. Consequently, this might prevent the distressed wave many expect. They break down recent deals. Specifically, one is a 24-unit Arvada property. It’s structured as a master lease option. Another is a Thornton retail acquisition at a 7 cap. In fact, that deal has 30 percent below-market rents. Kevin and Matt explain why this downturn feels harder than 2007. Essentially, it’s the perfect storm. First, rising rates went from 3% to 6.5%. Second, there’s oversupply with 18,000 deliverable units. Additionally, expenses are spiking. Also, insurance is chaotic. Finally, unfriendly legislation is hitting Denver multifamily simultaneously. But unlike the Great Financial Crisis, properties aren’t flooding back to banks. Instead, Denver multifamily 2026 is stabilizing at healthier fundamentals. Cornerstone Property Management’s data shows renewal rates just increased 14 percent. This is after two years of decline. Moreover, NOI is steadying. Therefore, buyers who purchase Denver multifamily 2026 properties at today’s 6+ cap rates can expect realistic returns. Those are 7-8 percent annually. As a result, they’ll likely look back in 18 months satisfied with their timing. In This Episode We Cover: Why Denver multifamily 2026 cap rates returning to 6-6.5% signals a healthy market (not a crisis) How NorthPeak Commercial Advisors closes double the Denver multifamily transactions of any competitor The insurance crisis that pushed costs from $500 to $1500 per unit and why relief is coming Recent showing with 12 buyers proves Denver multifamily 2026 market is waking up Creative deal structures: master lease options, seller financing, and assumption deals Why North Aurora won’t sell at any price while core Denver stabilizes at 6 caps Cornerstone data shows 14% renewal rate increase—first positive rent signal in two years Proper expectations for Denver multifamily 2026 buyers: 7-8% returns are the new normal Kevin and Matt built NorthPeak by surviving the 2007 crash, unwinding a $15 million condo conversion empire, and grinding through survival mode to become Denver’s top multifamily brokerage. Their 17 brokers make hundreds of calls daily, giving them real-time market data that generic reports miss. Whether you’re holding assets wondering if you should sell or sitting on capital waiting for the perfect entry, this episode provides the data-driven analysis Colorado investors need to make informed decisions in 2026. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/KrXKPX5Nylc Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:55 Kevin & Matt’s 30-Year Partnership Origin 09:09 – Starting NorthPeak in 2020 13:23 – 2025 Market vs 2007 Comparison 15:43 – Market Bottom Indicators 19:02 – Perfect Storm (Rates, Oversupply, Insurance, Legislation) 23:18– Insurance Crisis ($500 to $1500 Per Unit) 27:26– Buyer and Seller Expectations Closing 28:47 – Creative Deal Structures That Work 32:27 – Recent Deals and Creative Structures 34:00 – Master Lease vs Seller Carry Explained 35:40 – Retail Deal in Thornton at 7 Cap 40:21– North Aurora Completely Frozen 44:53– Where to Find Value in 2026 48:56 – Working with NorthPeak CRE Links in Podcast NorthPeak Commercial Advisors Email Kevin Calame kevin@northpeakcre.com Email Matt Lewallen matt@northpeakcre.com Carleton H. Sheets ‘No Down Payment’ Real Estate Program
Transcribe →#600: What 600 Episodes Taught Me About Building Wealth In Real Estate
Jan 2700:12:32Tap to summarizeAfter 600 episodes and nine years of interviewing Colorado’s most successful real estate investors, podcast host Chris Lopez shares the five most important Colorado real estate investing lessons he’s learned—lessons that fundamentally changed how he builds portfolios, navigates market cycles, and adapts investment strategy. Since launching July 7, 2017, Chris has interviewed hundreds of Colorado investors: deca-millionaires who built massive portfolios, investors who survived the 2008 crash and rebuilt stronger, and specialists in lending, insurance, and property management who understand market mechanics better than anyone. This milestone episode distills nearly a decade of accumulated Colorado real estate investing lessons into actionable insights for investors at any experience level. The biggest revelation? Real estate moves far slower than most investors anticipate. Chris shares why he called the 2022 market top correctly, sold multiple residential properties, and shifted capital into multifamily and private lending—but still underestimated how long market corrections take to play out. He reveals why “I’d rather be a day late than a day early” became his investing mantra and what Brian Burke’s quote about “time to sit on the beach” taught him about patience. Chris also addresses the Colorado-specific challenges reshaping local investing: property insurance costs now rank second-highest in the nation (behind only Florida), legislative headwinds continue reducing investor demand, and the growth wave from 2012-2023 has definitively ended. These trends require completely different strategies than what worked five years ago, making these Colorado real estate investing lessons more relevant than ever. In This Episode We Cover: Why consistency over 15-20 years beats trying to time perfect market entry How market cycles never repeat exactly—multifamily crashed while residential held in 2022-2025 The five-step framework for adapting strategy when both markets and personal life change Why looking at 50-year interest rate trends reveals patterns 10-year data misses How Chris’s portfolio strategy evolved from single investor to family man with three daughters What diversifying across asset classes and capital stack positions protected during volatility Why Colorado insurance and legislative trends now require different underwriting than 2019 Whether you started listening in 2017 or discovered the podcast recently, this episode offers perspective you can’t get anywhere else: the accumulated wisdom of 600 conversations with the people who’ve actually built wealth through Colorado real estate. Chris shares not just what worked, but what he got wrong and how he adapted—delivering Colorado real estate investing lessons that only come from nine years of interviews and real market experience. Share your story: Email chris@propertyllama.com or fill out the survey link to tell us how this podcast has impacted your investing journey. We’d love to hear which episodes helped you buy your first property, avoid a bad deal, or connect with the right resources at the right time. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next 600 episodes of helping Colorado investors build long-term wealth through real estate. Watch the YouTube Video https://youtu.be/-JoxdgN0sTg Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Episode 600 – Milestone Reflection 01:31 Why I Started This Podcast – Using the Microphone to Get Smarter 02:53 Lesson 1: Consistency Wins – Why Staying in the Game for 15-20 Years Matters 03:37 Lesson 2: History Doesn’t Repeat, But It Rhymes – Market Cycles Never Play Out the Same 04:51 Lesson 3: Adapting to Market AND Life Changes – From Single Investor to Family Man 06:06 Lesson 4: Real Estate Moves Slower Than You Think – Brian Burke’s “Beach Time” Quote 08:43 Lesson 5: Look at 50-Year Trends, Not Just 5-Year Data – Interest Rates Since the 1970s 10:01 Colorado Insurance Now 2nd Most Expensive in US – Legislative Headwinds Impact 10:45 Thank You to 600 Episodes of Guests and Listeners – Share Your Story Links in Podcast Property Llama: https://propertyllama.com Envision Advisors: https://envisionadvisors.com Colorado leads the nation in home insurance premium increases Podcast #1: Accidental Denver Landlord to 80 Properties Share your feedback here
Transcribe →#599: 2026 Denver Small Multifamily Listings Jump 300% In One Week
Jan 2000:43:50Tap to summarizeThe Denver December 2025 market update reveals a shifting landscape for real estate investors. Inventory ended the year at 7,600 active units – up 10% from December 2024 but down sharply from November’s 10,500 units as sellers pulled listings heading into the holidays. The bigger story? Attached properties (condos and townhomes) surged 20% year-over-year while detached homes stayed relatively flat, signaling where market pressure is building. Then the new year arrived and everything accelerated. Chris Lopez hosts Troy Howell from Nova Home Loans and Jeff White from Envision Advisors to cover Denver’s December 2025 market update. The panel covers Denver metro year-end trends, interest rate movements, and what just happened in the first week of the new year. Over 20 small multifamily properties hit the market in just the first 8 days of January – an unusual flood of inventory during the worst season to sell. Troy reveals interest rates dropped nearly a full percentage point year-over-year (from 7.04% in January 2025 to 6.16% in January 2026) with predictions for continued decline, while data shows 6%+ mortgages now outnumber sub-3% loans nationwide, signaling the lock-in effect may finally be breaking. The panel digs into what December’s inventory patterns mean for 2026 buying opportunities, examining why motivated sellers are listing in winter and how this creates negotiation leverage. Jeff conducts live underwriting of a $750K 4-plex near South Broadway that dropped $139K in price, walking through actual spreadsheet analysis comparing house hacking (5% down, 9.39% cash-on-cash return) versus traditional investing (25% down, 5.75% return). Both strategies dramatically outperform the 1-2% market average most investors are seeing, proving cash flow still exists in Denver’s current market conditions. Watch the Youtube Video https://youtu.be/zKNDot-SdjE In This Episode We Cover: December 2025 inventory recap: 7,600 units (up 10% YoY from Dec 2024), why attached properties jumped 20% while detached stayed flat Why 20+ small multifamily listings flooded Denver in January 2026’s first 8 days during the worst selling season Interest rate trends: Down from 7.04% (Jan 2025) to 6.16% (Jan 2026), with VA loans reaching low 5% range How the lock-in effect is ending as 6%+ mortgages now exceed sub-3% mortgages nationwide Live underwriting showing $750K 4-plex delivering 9.39% returns for house hackers vs 5.75% for investors Colorado Springs new construction duplex deal with 100% VA financing and 12-month occupancy flexibility Why properties are selling at 2018-2019 price levels and what this means for long-term investors December’s data confirms inventory is building but hasn’t reached problematic levels – we’re still well below the 15,000-30,000 units seen during the 2008-2012 period. The seasonality cliff from 14,000 summer units down to 7,600 by year-end is normal, but what’s not normal is the January 2026 surge of motivated sellers listing during peak winter. Troy explains how current rates make deals pencil again after years of struggle, while Jeff’s spreadsheet analysis proves the math works for both house hackers and traditional investors. Subscribe to our reactivated deal alert emails and join our February 2026 webinar for deeper small multifamily analysis as we track how this inventory surge plays out through the year. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & New Year Market Update Introduction 01:43 – December Inventory Analysis: 7,600 Active Units Up 10% Year Over Year 04:15 – Why Attached Properties Jumped 20% While Detached Stayed Flat 07:15 – The January Flood: 20+ Small Multifamily Listings in 8 Days 12:47– Live Deal Analysis: $750K 4-Plex Near South Broadway (Dropped $139K) 16:23 – House Hacking Numbers: Live in Your Unit for $1,338/Month 19:20 – Investor Analysis: 5.75% Cash-on-Cash vs 1-2% Market Average 25:28 – New Construction Duplex Deal: 100% VA Financing in Colorado Springs 27:19 – VA Loan Occupancy Rule: 12 Months vs 60 Days for Conventional 33:12 – Interest Rate Update: 6.16% Down from 7.04% One Year Ago 35:06– Mortgage Lock-In Effect Ending: 6%+ Loans Now Exceed Sub-3% Mortgages 36:38 – Trump Proposes Ban on Institutional Single-Family Home Buyers Connect with our Guests: Jeff White: jeff@envisionrea.com Troy Howell: troy.howell@novahomeloans.com LinkedIn: Troy Howell Website: https://www.novahomeloans.com/loan-officer/troy-howell/ Links in Podcast For the First Time in Years, More Homeowners Have a 6% Mortgage Rate than a 3% One Subscribe to our Reactivated Deal Alert Emails Download the Free House Hacking Spreadsheet Who is Keyrenter? Keyrenter Property Management Denver provides rental solutions for homeowners and real estate investors in the metro area who are interested in transforming their properties into passive income. It offers various services, from property marketing and thorough applicant screening to tenant placement and 24/7 maintenance services. Keyrenter Denver’s team of experts can take the clients’ burden of managing their rental off their hands so they can get back to what matters to them. Who is Nova Home Loans? For over 40 years, we’ve been focused on helping homeowners find the perfect loan to fit their financial needs and personal goals. Working with NOVA is a personalized experience from initial application to final loan closing and beyond. We will be with you every step of the way toward successful homeownership. Start working with NOVA & Troy Howell today! NOVA FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT CORPORATION, DBA NOVA HOME LOANS NMLS 3087/ EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY/8055 EAST TUFTS AVENUE, SUITE 101/DENVER, CO
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