In this powerful episode of the Generations of Wealth Podcast, host Derek Dombeck sits down with Mike Zlotnik, also known as "Big Mike," to unpack the realities of fund management, real estate market cycles, and investment strategy. From dissecting debt vs. equity funds to analyzing when and why to invest in down markets, this episode delivers both technical insights and philosophical wisdom for investors and fund managers alike.
The importance of timing and market cycles when raising capital and deploying funds.
How to structure and manage a real estate investment fund, including legal considerations.
The difference between REITs and private funds, and how investors can benefit from depreciation and tax strategies.
Why investor communication is key to long-term trust and capital growth.
Mike's view: Now is the time to act, not sit on the sidelines — "Courage means acting despite fear."
You'll learn how to build and manage a real estate fund — from someone who's been doing it successfully for over a decade.
You'll hear real-life stories about negotiating creative deals, even when markets seem frozen.
You'll gain confidence to take action in uncertain markets with real-world logic behind the advice.
If you're considering raising capital, starting a fund, or investing passively, this is your blueprint episode.
Market cycles & timing
Passive vs. active investing
Starting and structuring a fund (506B vs 506C)
Private credit vs equity funds
Risk assessment in real estate
Tax benefits through funds (bonus depreciation, SDIRA)
Communication & investor relations
Warren Buffett's mindset in downturns
Courage in capital deployment
00:00–02:00 — Intro and Mike Zlotnik's background
02:00–10:00 — Understanding market cycles & sector-specific trends
10:00–16:00 — Creative deals in down markets and opportunity spotting
16:00–22:00 — Fund structures: debt vs equity, REITs vs private funds
22:00–27:00 — Fund compliance, 506B vs 506C, investor communication
27:00–30:00 — Why act now? Market dislocation and value opportunities
30:00–32:00 — Final thoughts: learning, books, mindset
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