Pulse Check: 2025 Updates, Latest Trends & Real Talk on Bad Deals | Bigger Pockets Podcast
How do serious LPs sharpen due diligence, avoid shiny objects, and stay liquid enough to pounce? In this PassivePockets Pulse Check kickoff, Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon welcome new co-host Chris Lopez to go behind the scenes on community-powered due diligence, share their written investing theses, and walk through real deals they’ve funded, across equity and debt, plus the wins, misses, and lessons that are guiding allocations right now.
You’ll hear why sponsors and deals must be vetted on separate tracks, how to post in the forums to actually get useful feedback (do the work first), and what a one-page annual plan looks like when timing is uncertain. Paul breaks down his barbell strategy, favoring newer assets with day-one cash flow, fixed-rate debt, and positive leverage, while Chris lays out “Don’t bet against America,” lots of small checks for diversification, and building both an equity ladder and a debt ladder to solve liquidity timing. We also cover why Class A, Build-to-Rent, and select development fit today’s supply picture, plus portfolio updates: debt funds, self-storage development, A-class multifamily, BTR in Ohio, Colorado development, and a distressed multifamily buy in Omaha.
Finally, we unpack hard lessons from deals gone wrong- GP infighting, alleged commingling/investigations, and a multi-layer ATM Ponzi - and the practical guardrails we’re using now (limit per sponsor, avoid overly broad operators and multi-layer structures, and lean on the community). We close with a sentiment check: more LOIs, hard earnest money returning, and early buyout interest on BTR - why we’re cautiously optimistic (call it a yellow light) and still keeping cash optionality.
Key Takeaways:
How to use the community for real due diligence (and the posting format that gets responses)
The separation between sponsor vetting and deal analysis and why both matter
A simple one-page annual investing plan for capital, asset classes, and operator targets
Paul’s “all-weather” barbell: newer assets, day-one cash flow, fixed-rate/positive leverage
Chris’s “Don’t bet against America,” many small checks, and building equity + debt ladders
Why Class A, Build-to-Rent, and select development can shine as new supply falls off
Recent allocations: debt funds, self-storage development, A-class MF, BTR Ohio, CO development, distressed MF Omaha
Pain points & lessons: GP disputes, alleged commingling/FBI actions, and a multi-layer ATM Ponzi
Risk controls that help: limit exposure per sponsor, start with small first checks, consider fund diversification
Market pulse: more LOIs, hard money back on the table, early PE interest, why it’s still a yellow light for now
Disclaimer
The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult with qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Remember that past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any of the advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.
