Active vs. Passive Real Estate: Chris Lopez’s Strategy in 2025 | Bigger Pockets Video

Episode #228

Join the Active to Passive Cohort (Starts July 28):
link

Passive Pockets members save $100!

Find your promo code here:
link

Contact Chris Lopez:
[email protected]

Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust: link

Invest Smarter with PassivePockets! Start Your FREE 7-Day Trial:
link

Episode Show Notes:
link

Join BiggerPockets for FREE 👇
link

Buy the Book, “Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing”: link

Sign Up for the Passive Investing Newsletter:
link

Join Our Thriving Network of Passive Investors:
link

Connect with Jim:
link

Connect with Paul:
link

Is your real estate portfolio truly aligned with your goals or is it just what you've accumulated over time? Chris Lopez, investor, educator, and founder of the Active to Passive cohort, joins Passive Pockets to share why he pivoted away from being a hands-on landlord and how he's helping others rethink their equity, their time, and their strategy.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to evaluate return on equity versus return on investment, what it means to “optimize” your portfolio in today’s market, and when selling, refinancing, or simply holding might be the smartest move. Chris also shares his step-by-step framework for running an annual diagnostic on your portfolio and how to use that analysis to decide if a shift toward passive investing makes sense.

Plus, stick around as Chris breaks down the five pillars of passive investing diversification and offers a sneak peek into his upcoming July cohort for experienced landlords exploring a hands-off path forward.

🞄 Why Chris sold off half his Denver portfolio despite great returns
🞄 The difference between return on investment and return on equity
🞄 How to run an annual “portfolio diagnostic” to evaluate performance
🞄 When a 1031 exchange might not be the most efficient move
🞄 How to diversify across operators, strategies, markets, and capital stack
🞄 The mental shift required to give up control—but gain peace of mind
🞄 What Chris’s Active to Passive cohort includes, and who it’s for

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.

00:00 Introduction to Passive Investing
03:12 Chris Lopez's Journey into Real Estate
06:00 Transitioning from Active to Passive Investing
09:10 Understanding Return on Equity
11:54 The Importance of Portfolio Evaluation
15:02 Framework for Active to Passive Transition
17:47 Community and Collaboration in Investing
20:50 Vetting Sponsors and Operators
23:49 Diversification Strategies in Real Estate
26:47 Cohort Program Overview
29:58 Conclusion and Call to Action