Why Student Housing and Private Credit Are Booming in Today’s Market with Greg Bronson | 021

In this episode of Accredited Investors Only, I sit down with Greg Bronson, Senior Director of Acquisitions & Investments at Ashland Capital. With over 18 years in real estate and more than $2 billion in transactions, Greg brings deep expertise in student housing, multifamily, and private credit investing.We discuss how student housing differs from traditional multifamily, the unique challenges of high turnover, and what investors need to know about underwriting these deals. Greg also explains why Ashland Capital launched a private credit fund, how private credit is filling gaps in the current lending environment, and where he sees the best investment opportunities in today’s market. Whether you’re interested in real estate, private lending, or alternative investments, this conversation is full of actionable insights.Episode Highlights:[0:00] – Introduction[2:15] – Greg’s background: From Lehman Brothers to real estate acquisitions[6:45] – Key lessons from working in investment banking that still apply today[10:30] – Differences between institutional firms and family offices in real estate investing[14:20] – How student housing compares to traditional multifamily investments[18:40] – The impact of university enrollment trends on student housing demand[22:45] – Managing turnover and operational challenges in student housing[26:15] – How rent growth trends differ in student housing vs. traditional multifamily[30:50] – The role of parental guarantees in student housing lease agreements[35:10] – Investing in senior housing: challenges, opportunities, and market trends[41:25] – Why Ashland Capital launched a private credit fund and how it works[46:50] – The appeal of preferred equity in today’s real estate market[50:30] – How investors should rethink multifamily investing in the current environment5 Key Takeaways: 1. Student housing operates differently from multifamily – Properties are leased by the bed, not the unit, and parental guarantees play a crucial role in securing rental income. 2. Turnover in student housing is much higher – Unlike traditional multifamily, most leases turn over annually, making operational efficiency critical. 3. Private credit is filling gaps in the market – With tighter lending conditions, private lenders are stepping in to provide capital where banks have pulled back. 4. Preferred equity offers equity-like returns with lower risk – Many investors are using preferred equity to secure strong returns while maintaining downside protection. 5. Multifamily investing strategies are shifting – Higher interest rates mean traditional value-add approaches may be riskier, and investors should adapt to new market conditions.Links & Resources:Learn more about Ashland Capital: ashlandcapitalfund.comConnect with Greg Bronson: [email protected] Greg on LinkedIn: Greg Bronson on LinkedInIf you found this episode valuable, consider rating, following, and reviewing the show. It helps us bring more insightful conversations to you. Feel free to share this episode with anyone interested in real estate investing.