The OMC Real Estate Podcast

Most investors focus on one thing—returns. But what if that’s the wrong place to start? In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down what actually needs to happen for those high projections to become reality—and why many deals fall short when conditions change. From aggressive vs. conservative underwriting to the real role of syndications in your portfolio, this conversation will challenge how you evaluate every opportunity.

Long before spreadsheets, venture capital, or real estate funds… people had already figured out a simple way to build wealth together. Years later he realized that the same concept exists across cultures—and today it powers some of the most common investment structures in the world. In this episode, we uncover how a simple human instinct—to pool resources and trust each other—became the foundation of modern syndications. In the 1980s, Vaibhav Puranik saw this idea play out in his neighborhood in India. At the time it looked like a casual gathering. Years later he realized that the same concept exists across cultures—and today it powers some of the most common investment structures in the world. In this episode, we uncover how a simple human instinct—to pool resources and trust each other—became the foundation of modern syndications.

In this episode of the OMC Podcast, Vaibhav Puranik sits down with Adarsh “Adi” Shyamsundar — former semiconductor leader at Intel & Micron, now fiduciary advisor and founder of Polaris Capital Management. They discuss: • Why diversification is the “only free lunch” in investing • The risks of over-concentration in company stock or only real estate • How Warren Buffett’s letters shaped Adi’s investing philosophy • HSAs, 401(k)s, and backdoor Roth strategies many high earners overlook • What engineers understand about long-term market cycles Two professionals. Two different paths — stocks and real estate. One shared goal: Financial independence through disciplined, thoughtful investing. For more insights and personalised guidance, visit www.oldmoneycapital.com and click “Request a Call” to learn how you can apply this strategy.

Prediction markets are suddenly everywhere. Inside your brokerage app. On financial news. Even around football games like the Patriots vs Seahawks. Are they the future of forecasting — or just gambling dressed up as finance? In this episode, Vaibhav breaks down how prediction markets actually work, when you win, when you lose, whether you can owe more than you invest… and most importantly, whether disciplined long-term investors should even touch them. If you’ve been curious — this is the episode to hear before you click “Buy.”

Everyone talks about returns. Almost no one talks about the document that actually matters. In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM)—the legal document investors sign but rarely read properly. Why do courts rely on it instead of pitch decks? Where is real risk hidden in plain sight? And what should investors actually look for before things go wrong? If you invest in private deals, this is an episode you shouldn’t skip.

When Trump moved to curb Wall Street’s role in buying single-family homes, it sparked instant debate. Was this real relief for homebuyers—or just a symbolic move? Who is the policy actually targeting? And can restricting investors really fix housing affordability? In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down what the executive order changes, what it leaves untouched, and why the real housing problem runs much deeper than Wall Street. A must-listen for anyone watching the future of housing, policy, and real estate investing.

Everyone talks about Bitcoin and Ethereum like they’re the same thing. According to Vaibhav Puranik, that’s the biggest mistake most people make. In this episode, Vaibhav breaks down a simple but powerful idea: Bitcoin and Ethereum were built for completely different purposes. One is designed for digital scarcity. The other is built to power an entire economic system. Why does Bitcoin’s fixed supply matter so much? If Ethereum can keep being created, why does it still gain value? And why do serious investors stop asking “Bitcoin or Ethereum?” and start asking a very different question? If you’ve ever felt confused by crypto conversations—or felt like something important was being skipped—this episode will change how you see both assets.

In this conversation—originally featured on The Property Profits Podcast and reshared by The OMC Real Estate Podcast—Vaibhav Puranik joins Dave Dubeau to explain why California is actually his preferred market, and how he’s successfully closed multiple multifamily deals where others refuse to look. Vaibhav breaks down why rent control isn’t always the obstacle it’s made out to be, how California’s capped property taxes create long-term predictability, and why steady appreciation can reduce volatility. He also shares how he attracts high-earning professionals in tech by focusing on education, transparency, and long-term trust. If you’ve written off California without looking under the hood, this episode offers a grounded, experience-backed perspective on where opportunity can still exist.

Holding cash feels safe. Responsible. Comfortable. But what does it really cost over time? In this episode of the OMC Real Estate Podcast, Vaibhav Puranik shares a personal story that sparked a deeper realization about money sitting idle—and how often “playing it safe” quietly works against long-term wealth. We explore why high-income professionals accumulate cash without meaning to, how inflation and missed compounding slowly erode purchasing power, and why waiting for the “perfect moment” rarely pays off. This conversation isn’t about taking reckless risks—it’s about giving your money a purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how much cash is too much, or whether comfort today is costing you flexibility tomorrow, this episode will challenge the way you think about money, time, and investing. Tune in to rethink the role of cash—and the true value of putting money to work.

Most of the biggest AI companies aren’t public—and they may not be for years. So how are investors getting exposure before IPOs? In this episode, we explore secondary investing—the lesser-known market where existing shareholders sell private company stakes. You’ll learn why secondary markets exist, how they work in the AI era, where access comes from, and the real risks around illiquidity, valuation, and timing.

Curious about Decentralized Finance but never had the time — or the patience — to decode the jargon? In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down DeFi in a calm, practical, and approachable way. No hype. No crypto bro language. Just a clear explanation of what DeFi is, how it works at a high level, what people are actually using it for, and the real risks you should understand before dipping a toe in. You’ll learn how smart contracts replace traditional intermediaries, why platforms like Uniswap, Aave, and Lido matter, and how concepts like programmable money and open financial rails are slowly reshaping the language of modern finance. Whether DeFi becomes the future of finance or simply influences parts of it, this episode will give you the clarity you need to feel informed — not overwhelmed.

Amit and Seeta never expected a real estate investment form to change how they thought about family, money, and the future. In this episode, a simple checkbox leads them into discovering the truth about living trusts, wills, probate, and estate planning. Through a powerful story, you’ll learn why wills are not enough, how living trusts protect families, what probate really costs, and how to safeguard your child’s future before something unexpected happens. If you own property, invest in real estate, or have a family, this episode may change how you think about protecting what you’ve built. Because some investments grow money. Others protect your family.

In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik shares the real story of how he chose between Whole Life and Term Life Insurance back in 2014—when he had a toddler at home and another baby on the way. Whole Life sounded impressive with its “cash value” and tax perks, but the numbers told a different story. He breaks down the key differences, what actually happens to cash value, how the tax treatment compares, and which option he ultimately chose.

Ever driven past a self-storage facility and wondered why these plain, boxy buildings make so much money? In this episode, we unlock the hidden business behind America’s favorite “out of sight, out of mind” industry. From life transitions to investor returns, from oversupply challenges to apps like Clutter changing the rules — this is the full insider breakdown of how self-storage really works. If you’ve ever been curious about the business of holding other people’s stuff… this one’s for you.

What happens to real estate when cars start driving themselves? In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik explores how autonomous vehicles could reshape where we live, work, and invest. From Los Angeles freeways filled with Waymos to the suburbs poised for revival, this story dives into how self-driving technology will transform commuting, parking, industrial spaces, and even city zoning.

What happens when the American dream of homeownership meets the reality of modern living? Welcome to The Renters’ Suburb, where lawns are leased, driveways are rented, and the idea of “home” is being redefined. In this episode, we dive deep into the fast-growing Build-to-Rent (BTR) movement — the new frontier reshaping suburbs, investments, and lifestyles across the U.S. From Phoenix to Dallas, families are choosing flexibility over ownership, and investors are finding stability in rental communities built from the ground up. Join us as we unpack: - What exactly is Build-to-Rent — and why it’s booming - How it’s changing the game for renters and investors alike - Where the biggest growth hotspots are - The challenges, opportunities, and what the future holds for this modern housing model If you’ve ever wondered what the future of suburban living looks like — this is your front-row seat to the revolution. 🎙️ Listen, learn, and rethink what “home” means in 2025.

What if you could buy your first rental property... during your lunch break? In this episode, Amit shares a true story from his time in tech — how a few busy colleagues, working 60-hour weeks, quietly bought five homes without ever visiting them. No endless calls with agents. No late-night tenant drama. The secret? A new wave of real estate tech — platforms like Roofstock and Stessa — that are making investing as simple as shopping online. Discover how they turned paychecks into passive income, how Roofstock changed what it means to “buy remotely,” and why Zillow’s tools still don’t go far enough for serious investors. By the end, you’ll start wondering: 👉 If they could do it with no extra time… what’s stopping me?

Crypto isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. From stablecoins now under federal law to 401(k)s and mortgages opening doors to digital assets, the financial system is quietly being rewired. In this episode, we explore how regulation is transforming crypto from a rebellious experiment into a core part of mainstream finance. If you’ve ever wondered how digital dollars and blockchain could impact your investments, this is the episode to listen to.

It was just another calm Sunday morning in Fremont — sunlight, coffee, and a full inbox. But one email stopped Amit mid-sip. “9% Fixed Return — Debt Offering.” Wait… Debt? Not equity? Not ownership? That single word sent him down a rabbit hole that would quietly change how he thought about investing forever. In this episode, you’ll listen in as a simple coffee chat between two friends turns into a powerful lesson about risk, reward, and the surprising side of “being the bank.” Because sometimes, the smartest financial insights don’t come from spreadsheets — they start with curiosity. Tune in. This one might just make you rethink how you invest. #RealEstatePodcast #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #WealthMindset #MultifamilyInvesting #OldMoneyCapital

Sometimes, life doesn’t wait for your permission to change. One quiet Los Angeles condo. A vanished neighbor. And a chain of events that turned a simple homeowner into a full-blown investor—without a plan, a mentor, or even a clue. This episode unpacks how chaos, curiosity, and one bold decision in the middle of a financial meltdown rewired Vaibhav Puranik’s life forever. Because some doors don’t open to opportunity—they open to destiny.

In this episode of High Returns, Higher Risks, we dive into a real-life syndication that promised impressive returns but ended in disaster. We unpack a $15 million mezzanine loan on a luxury Manhattan condo project, exploring how rising interest rates, ballooning costs, and an overly optimistic exit plan turned a seemingly safe investment into a total loss. Learn why appraisals can be misleading, how accrued interest silently compounds risk, and why even prime locations aren’t immune to market cycles. This episode highlights the lessons investors must know about leverage, capital stack positioning, and stress-testing assumptions before chasing high-yield deals. Tune in to see why high returns often come with hidden risks—and how steady, moderate investments can offer better long-term outcomes.

In this episode of High Returns, Higher Risks, we unpack the collapse of a highly touted investment in downtown Nashville: the YieldStreet and Flow luxury tower deal at 2010 West End Avenue. What looked like a “can’t-miss” Class-A multifamily project—backed by $158 million in financing and a big-name partner—ultimately turned into a wipeout for retail investors. From an oversaturated rental market to crippling rent concessions and skyrocketing interest rates, this deal became a perfect storm of broken assumptions. We’ll explore: Why supply and demand matter more than glossy pro formas. How occupancy rates can mask weak cash flow. The dangers of floating-rate debt in a rising-rate environment. Why equity investors are always the most exposed. And why throwing in more money often can’t rescue a flawed deal. This cautionary tale shows that even luxury assets in booming cities can fail when the fundamentals don’t add up. For investors, the lesson is clear: question the hype, stress-test the numbers, and remember that “too good to be true” often is.

In this episode of our High Returns, Higher Risks series, we break down the story of Alterra Apartments in Tucson—a 416-unit “can’t-miss” value-add deal that ultimately went into technical default and is now likely a full write-off for investors. We’ll unpack: How heavy leverage and $64M of senior debt left little protection for equity investors Why optimistic rent growth assumptions and renovation timelines unraveled in a softer Tucson market The impact of higher-for-longer interest rates on refinancing and operating costs Key lessons investors can apply to avoid similar traps This isn’t just about one failed deal—it’s a cautionary guide to understanding the risks behind glossy projections. By dissecting what went wrong, we reveal practical strategies to stress-test assumptions, evaluate capital stacks, and protect your capital before committing to any syndication.

CrowdStreet and Nightingale – How $63M Went Missing In this episode, we unpack one of the biggest real estate investment scandals in recent history: the $63M that vanished from two highly publicized CrowdStreet offerings tied to Nightingale Properties. What started as “institutional-quality” deals quickly unraveled into bankruptcies, SEC charges, and a DOJ guilty plea. We break it down in plain English: What investors thought they were funding vs. what really happened How weak controls let sponsor-controlled accounts drain millions The fallout—lawsuits, regulatory changes, and criminal convictions The critical lessons passive investors must take away More importantly, we share the guardrails every investor should demand—escrow safeguards, operator due diligence, proof of use-of-funds, and diversification strategies. If you’ve ever considered real estate syndications, this cautionary tale is essential listening. It’s not about fear—it’s about building the discipline to invest smarter, safer, and with confidence. Listen now to learn how to spot red flags before wiring your money.

High Returns, Higher Risks: When “Can’t-Miss” Real Estate Deals Go Wrong In this first episode of our new series, we break down one of the biggest cautionary tales in private real estate investing: Yieldstreet’s real-estate losses. Once known for “investing like the 1%,” Yieldstreet promised ordinary investors access to premium real estate deals—until rising rates, falling property values, and aggressive assumptions sent multiple projects into default. We’ll unpack: What really happened in deals like the Nashville high-rise and the $1 New York sale. Key red flags: floating-rate loans, thin equity cushions, and optimistic underwriting. The investor’s checklist: 7 questions to ask before committing to any private deal. Lessons learned so you can avoid the traps and focus on sustainable, risk-adjusted returns. Whether you’re new to real estate syndications or already investing, this episode gives you a front-row seat to what can go wrong—and how to protect your capital next time.

Amit and Seeta thought they knew how to plan for their daughter Isha’s education—until their advisor John revealed just how many changes came this year. From higher K–12 withdrawal limits to career-focused programs, 529 plans are no longer just about college. Add in the new option to roll unused funds into a Roth IRA, bigger gift limits for family contributions, and the upcoming MAGA accounts designed to give kids a financial head start, and the landscape looks completely different.

After learning the basics of syndications and fund models, Amit is still curious about the shifting landscape of real estate. When he hears about a meetup in San Francisco focusing on the newly passed GENIUS Act, he goes to learn how digital currencies could reshape property investing. With Seeta at home watching their daughter Isha, Amit is on his own as he listens to Vaibhav—a well‑known commercial real estate syndicator with a tech background—explain why the law matters. After the talk, Amit grabs dinner with Vaibhav and dives deeper through a candid QandA. This episode continues Amit’s journey from cautious techie to informed investor.

Evictions are never fun—but in multifamily investing, they’re sometimes unavoidable. In this episode, we share real-life eviction stories from California, explain the state’s legal process step-by-step, and bust common myths (including the truth about Section 8 tenants). You’ll learn when to take action, how to stay compliant with AB 1482, and ways to approach evictions with empathy while protecting your investment. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting out, this episode gives you the practical, legal, and human sides of handling evictions.

What do samosas, backyard parties, and tax codes have in common? In this story-rich episode, Amit stumbles onto one of the most powerful real estate tax tools—100% bonus depreciation, revived by the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Join us as we break down how cost segregation works, how syndications pass bonus depreciation to investors, and why these “paper losses” can create real income advantages. Whether you’re a solo investor or part of a multifamily syndication, this is the tax insight you didn’t know you needed—served with a side of chaat and charm.

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) just introduced sweeping tax changes—and real estate investors need to know how these updates affect their cash flow, investment strategy, and long-term planning. This is not just another tax reform. For real estate investors, the OBBB offers powerful advantages if you understand how to use them. In this comprehensive video, we break down exactly what the bill means for multifamily investors, syndicators, landlords, and developers. Whether you’re running syndication deals, owning rental properties, or building a real estate legacy for your family, these tax changes will shape your strategy for 2025 and beyond. 🎥 What’s inside this full-length guide? 1. How the new SALT deduction cap helps (or limits) real estate owners in high-tax states 2. Why 100% bonus depreciation is back, and how to fast-track deductions using cost segregation 3. The new estate tax exemption limits—and how they make passing down real estate easier 4. Expanded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for affordable housing developers 5. What’s changing with Section 8 housing vouchers and why you should diversify your tenant mix 6. Updates to Opportunity Zones and how to use them for long-term tax deferral 7. The phase-out of green energy credits and what that means for your renovation plans 8. Action steps for real estate investors to stay compliant and optimize tax savings 9. If you’re serious about real estate investing, this isn’t optional knowledge—these changes directly impact your bottom line and your estate planning.

In this episode of Chronicles of an Investor, Amit uncovers a concept that surprises many first-time real estate investors: the fund model. After receiving a sample deck from Sameer, Amit expects to see photos of a specific property—but instead, he finds a fund pitch with no property under contract. Confused, he picks up the phone again. Sameer walks him through why multifamily syndicators often raise capital before finding a deal, how funds give sponsors a competitive edge in hot markets, and why trust in the team matters more than the specific asset at the start. This episode breaks down key concepts like: 1. Why some real estate syndications raise first, buy later 2. How pre-committed equity makes offers stronger 3. Loan-to-value (LTV) vs. Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) 4. Startup vs. real estate investing mindsets If you’re curious about how multifamily funds work—and why they’re becoming more common—this episode will give you the clarity you need.

What do startups and real estate have in common? More than you think. Join Amit, a curious tech professional, as he dives into the world of real estate syndications after a Diwali conversation sparks his interest. In this story-driven episode, Amit and his friend Sameer break down the essentials—LLC ownership, SEC exemptions (506b vs 506c), how syndicators make money, and what limited partners actually own. If you’ve ever wondered how syndications work but felt overwhelmed by the jargon, this episode is your clear, beginner-friendly guide—served with a side of relatable humor, startup analogies, and pour-over coffee. 🎙️ Perfect for first-time investors, side hustlers, or anyone who's ever said, “Wait, what exactly is a syndication?”

Amit and Seeta were living the high-income tech dream in the Bay Area—until tax season reminded them how much of their success they were handing over to the government. While on a vacation in Maui, a chance encounter at a Luau with a savvy CPA named Maria revealed a powerful truth: the tax code isn’t built for W2 earners—it’s built for investors. In this episode, we explore the real-life conversation that changed everything for one couple, uncover the difference between earned income and capital gains, and explain how real estate investing offers powerful tax advantages that can reshape your financial future. If you're a high earner looking to keep more of what you make, this story might be the shift you didn’t know you needed.

Meet Amit — Stanford grad, data science lead at a unicorn startup, and spreadsheet wizard. From family vacations to real estate deals, nothing escaped his analytical eye. But when it came to investing in multifamily syndications, analysis became paralysis. Dozens of tabs, countless variables, and endless “what ifs” kept him stuck — until a chance conversation at TechConnect SF with a legendary founder changed everything. In this episode, we explore the tension between logic and action, risk and reward, and why the perfect decision made too late is often worse than a good one made in time. Whether you're a fellow spreadsheet strategist or just someone stuck in overthinking mode, Amit’s journey might be exactly what you need to hear. 🎧 Tune in to learn why wealth isn't built in Excel — it's built in motion.

In this episode, we follow the real-life journey of Amit—a Bay Area techie who took the plunge into real estate investing by buying his first rental property. Fueled by spreadsheets, podcasts, and hustle, Amit thought he could DIY his way to financial freedom. But what started as a smart investment quickly became a slow mental drain—leaky faucets, midnight tenant calls, and frustrating property management. Join us as we explore: ✅ Why self-managing a rental isn't always worth the savings ✅ The hidden costs of being a hands-on landlord ✅ The emotional toll that real estate can take—especially from across the globe ✅ How a casual Diwali conversation opened the door to truly passive investing ✅ What real estate syndications are—and why they might be a better fit for investors seeking freedom, not just cash flow Whether you're thinking about buying your first rental or you're already knee-deep in clogged toilets and tenant texts, this episode will make you think twice about what "passive income" really means.

The Dinner That Changed Everything From Renters to Regret to Resolve—A Journey Toward Homeownership Amit and Seeta, Indian-American tech professionals in the Bay Area, have always done things “by the book”-stable jobs, smart savings, and a focus on their daughter’s future. But one thing kept eluding them: a home of their own. This episode follows their deeply relatable story of hesitation, spreadsheets, school districts, and market timing-until a dinner with old friends reframes everything. What if waiting for the “right” moment costs you the most important things? Tune in to hear how one conversation changed the course of their family's journey-and why there may never be a perfect time to buy, only the time you take action.

When Amit dismisses a real estate deal offering "just" 12% returns, he's convinced his hedge fund promising 25% is the smarter play. But a conversation over coffee with an experienced syndicator in Mountain View flips his perspective. In this episode, we explore why the highest return on paper isn’t always the best investment — and how understanding risk-adjusted returns can protect your future. If you’ve ever been tempted by flashy numbers or felt unsure about how to evaluate different investment opportunities, this one’s for you. Grab your coffee — espresso or filter — and tune in.

In This Episode: Host Vaibhav Puranik chats with Luis Mejia, a multifamily real estate broker in Sacramento and California’s Central Valley. They discuss Luis’s journey from small-town roots to real estate, key differences between brokers and agents, and what makes a great broker. Topics include: • How integrity builds long-term success• The value brokers bring to real estate deals• Market trends in California’s Central Valley• Insurance challenges and investor advice Perfect for new investors and anyone curious about California real estate. Subscribe for more real estate insights!

Looking to earn steady, passive income from real estate—without becoming a landlord? In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down real estate debt investing, a powerful and often overlooked way to build wealth by acting as the lender instead of the owner. You’ll learn what real estate debt investing is, how it differs from equity investing, and why it offers more predictable returns and lower risk. We’ll also explore practical ways to get started, including mortgage notes, peer-to-peer platforms, private lending, and debt funds, along with key risks like borrower default, market downturns, and illiquidity—and how to manage them. Whether you're a high-earning professional, a conservative investor seeking stable returns, or just exploring passive income strategies, this episode will give you a clear path to investing smarter by thinking like a bank.

Before we ever make an offer on a multifamily property, there’s a detailed process we follow to separate great deals from risky ones. In this episode, Vaibhav Puranik breaks down Old Money Capital’s approach to pre-offer due diligence—how we assess location, financials, value-add potential, property condition, and the tenant base.You’ll learn how we use simple observations like the “Starbucks Test,” dig into broker-supplied financials, and identify red flags that don’t show up on spreadsheets. This is the behind-the-scenes look at how we protect investor capital by avoiding deals that don’t meet our standards.If you’ve ever wondered what goes into evaluating a multifamily deal the right way—this episode is for you.

In this episode, VP (Old Money Capital) and Abe Sharma (AV Brokerage) discuss how to manage a single-family rental without a property manager. They cover prepping the property, listing it, screening tenants, ongoing management, and useful tools. Plus, they share top book recommendations for self-managing landlords.

Boost your multifamily property's value with proven strategies! In this episode, we cover unit upgrades, curb appeal, RUBS, and operational efficiencies to maximize NOI. Whether you're an investor or operator, these insights will help you make smarter, data-driven decisions.

This episode provides an in-depth look at the multifamily syndication process, covering key concepts such as the roles of general and limited partners, SEC regulations, and the qualifications for accredited investors. Whether you're new to real estate syndications or looking to deepen your understanding, this serves as the perfect introductory guide.

Join Vaibhav Puranik (VP), as he dives into the complexities of real estate taxes with Maria Rosero, a seasoned CPA specializing in real estate from Orange County, California. With over 20 years of experience, Maria brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion, covering everything from basic tax implications of owning and selling your home to advanced strategies in multifamily syndication taxes.

Vaibhav Puranik chats with Brett Synicky from Sense Financial to uncover how a Self-Directed IRA can unlock real estate investments. Learn the setup process, key pitfalls to avoid, costs, and crucial tax implications. A must-listen for anyone looking to grow their retirement wealth!