🎙️ Introduction
In this episode of The Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever Show with host Joe Fairless, guest Neal Bawa shares how he approaches real estate not as a traditional investor, but as a technologist. With a background in building tech companies, Neal applies process, automation, and data-driven systems to multifamily and commercial real estate. He reveals how he uses virtual assistants, lead generation hacks, and advanced marketing to optimize occupancy, increase NOI, and create millions in investor value before rehab even begins. Neal also provides his timeless advice for 2018: proceed with caution in an overheated market.
📌 Key Takeaways
✅ Technologist Mindset: Neal runs his business like a technology company, not a real estate company.
✅ Virtual Assistant Leverage: Seven full-time VAs in India and the Philippines generate massive lead flow at low cost, optimizing occupancy and NOI.
✅ Value Creation Before Rehab: Even small rent bumps (+$25) or occupancy gains (+2%) can create millions in equity on large properties.
✅ Craigslist Hacking: Posting 48 unique ads per property in staggered time slots keeps units visible and drives steady tenant leads.
✅ Caution in 2018: After years of nonstop growth, Neal advises investors to recognize the risks of “irrational exuberance” in the market.
⏱️ Chapters
-
00:00 – Introduction – Joe Fairless welcomes Neal Bawa and introduces his real estate background.
-
02:15 – Neal’s Start in Real Estate – From technologist to building six campuses across California.
-
06:40 – Running a Technology Company Masquerading as Real Estate – Why Neal prioritizes systems, data, and outsourcing.
-
10:30 – How VAs Drive NOI – Increasing occupancy and rent through tech-enabled leasing processes.
-
15:00 – Craigslist Advertising Hack – Posting 48 staggered ads to maximize visibility and leads.
-
21:30 – Cost vs. Value – Spending $100k/year on VAs generates millions in property value.
-
27:10 – Market Research Process – Neal’s annual data-driven approach using Flipboard, Costar, and presentations.
-
33:00 – Best Investing Advice of 2018 – Why investors need to be cautious in an overheated market.
-
38:00 – Lightning Round – Favorite book, best deal, biggest mistake, and giving back through education.
-
42:00 – Closing – Where to find Neal’s data-driven presentations: MultifamilyU.com.
