Accredited Investor Edge is the podcast for high-income professionals and accredited investors who want to build wealth through passive investing. Host Jared Benson interviews fund managers, syndicators, and deal sponsors to uncover real-world strategies in private real estate, debt, and alternative investments—without the fluff. Get the insights you need to invest smarter, preserve capital, and gain your edge.
The Investor’s Guide to Capital Raising | Marketing, Messaging and Major Red Flags
What really happens behind the scenes when sponsors raise capital?
Lauren Brychell, founder of Equity Elevated Consulting, has raised over $75M and now helps general partners communicate better with investors. In this episode, she explains what investors should pay attention to — from communication patterns and transparent fee structures to red flags like outsized returns and “deals for fees.”
We also talk about trends in alternatives — small business acquisitions, build-to-rent, oil & gas, and even marinas — and how to vet operators as these niches grow.
If you’re an accredited investor new to alternatives, this episode helps you separate good marketing from good management.
Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU (https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU)
Guest: Lauren Brychell, Equity Elevated Consulting
Guest Contact: Equity Elevated Consulting (http://equity-elevated.com/) | lauren@equity-elevated.com (mailto:lauren@equity-elevated.com) | LinkedIn: @LaurenBrychell
26 Dec 2025
Ep 13: The Truth About Bitcoin Mining | On-Grid vs Off-Grid Explained for Investors
Private investing rewards discipline—but only if investors know what to look for. In this episode, Jared talks with Kristine Cranley about underwriting, risk, and why patience is often the most underrated investment strategy.
Kristine shares lessons from multiple market cycles, explains how weak assumptions show up when markets shift, and offers a grounded framework for evaluating private deals without chasing trends. We also discuss why communication, transparency, and alignment matter as much as returns for long-term investors.
This episode is especially useful for accredited investors who want to build confidence in their decision-making and avoid avoidable mistakes in alternative investments.
Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU (https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU)
Connect with Kristine CranleyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristinecranley/Website: kristine@pmsquaredfinancial.com
11 Dec 2025
Ep 12: Why Investors Are Moving from Multifamily to Retail for Better Living & Cash Flow Returns
What happens when you take a cash-flow-first mindset from single-family to multifamily—and then into neighborhood retail? Brian Ferguson (Furgmar Capital) walks through two decades of cycles: why SFR stopped penciling, how he approached multifamily, and why retail centers with the right tenant mix can produce durable income if you plan for TI dollars, leasing commissions, and lease conversions to triple-net.
We also talk about today’s 12–24 month opportunity set in multifamily distress, equity wipeouts that surprised LPs, and the underwriting changes Brian made to protect investors—like aiming for double-digit stabilized cash flow and avoiding floating-rate traps.
📞 Connect with Brian Ferguson:
📧 Email: bferguson@fergmar.com (mailto:bferguson@fergmar.com)
🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ferguson-05b4328a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ferguson-05b4328a/)
🌐 Website: Real Estate Solutions in Victoria, TX | Fergmar (https://fergmar.com/)
28 Nov 2025
Ep 11: How Freestanding ERs and Auto Dealership Investments Really Work for Passive Investors
Most investors stay in their lane — stocks, multifamily, maybe a little private credit. But in this episode, Jared sits down with Chihiro Kurokawa to explore two categories most people never think about: freestanding emergency rooms and franchise auto dealerships.
Chihiro shares how he went from corporate analytics to syndicating nearly 600 multifamily units, and why he ultimately transitioned into private equity at ZT Corporate. He explains the business mechanics behind ER clinics, what drives dealership profitability, and why leverage creates more volatility than people realize.
This episode is especially useful for accredited investors who want to understand operationally complex businesses — and how to evaluate opportunities outside the usual real-estate-heavy path.
Guest Contact: Instagram @CGKurokawa | LinkedIn.com/in/chihirokurokawa (http://linkedin.com/in/chihirokurokawa)
Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU (https://bit.ly/4o5xFGU)
13 Nov 2025
Ep 10: Two Ways High Earners Can Legally Reduce Taxes (with Adam Penn, Bidwell Capital)
Can you really reduce your taxes without owning a business?
Adam Penn, founder of Bidwell Capital, explains how high-income earners can legally and effectively cut their tax bills using real estate and oil & gas investments.
We talk about the short-term rental tax rules, oil and gas deductions, and red flags to avoid in private placement deals.
Adam also shares his path from software engineer to fund manager, and how everyday investors can follow the same playbook.
Guest: Adam Penn, Founder of Bidwell Capital
Guest Contact: linkedin.com/in/adamjpenn (linkedin.com/in/adamjpenn) | adam@bidwellcapitalfund.com (adam@bidwellcapitalfund.com) | bidwellcapitalfund.com (bidwellcapitalfund.com)
Download the free investor guide at accreditedinvestoredge.com (https://www.accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt-dd-guide) and subscribe for new episodes.
30 Oct 2025
Ep 9: You’re Not a Passive Investor - LP Responsibilities, Fees, and Real Risk Controls
Most “passive” investors don’t need more hype—they need a checklist and a stance. In this conversation, Shawn Griffith (Craft Capital Investments) lays out how to think like a limited partner who actually protects their capital. We cover the fee ranges that make sense (and when they don’t), how to use a PPM without getting overwhelmed, what questions to ask a GP about debt and downside, and simple portfolio rules of thumb (e.g., cap your exposure per deal and per sponsor). Shawn also shares how his team approaches heavy value-add in DFW, why broker relationships matter for certainty of close, and the debt moves that helped keep distributions flowing while others paused.
Guests: Shawn Griffith
Guest Contact: craftcapitalinvestments.com | shawn@craftcapitalinvestments.com | linkedin.com/in/shawn-griffith
Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/ChatGPTDD.
16 Oct 2025
Ep 8: Are Marinas the New Multi-Family? An Inside Look with New Haven Marinas
Marinas can look complicated—multiple business lines, seasonality, moving parts. New Haven Marinas argues that’s the opportunity. Dallas Hayden (ex-Bear Stearns, PE) and Josh Conley (Amazon, oil & gas) walk through buying mom-and-pop marinas in destination lakes with full occupancy, waitlists, and limited new supply. We get into buying at wider cap rates than apartments, adding slips to meet demand, cleaning up operations, and underwriting the mix of long-term slip revenue vs. short-term (fuel, ship store, rentals). We also talk diligence questions for LPs and the real risks to watch.
Guests: Dallas Hayden and Josh Conley
Guest Contact: newhavenmarinas.com | info@nhmarinas.com
Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/ChatGPTDD.
Last chance for Passive Investor Event 2025 Tickets Here: https://bit.ly/PieTickets
2 Oct 2025
Ep 7: Beyond Track Records - What LPs Should Read Before Wiring Money
How do you vet a sponsor when everyone’s marketing looks the same? Pat Zingarella, CEO of Invest Clearly, explains how verified LP reviews and public GP responses can help investors see what really happens between acquisition and exit. We talk about why communication is the most common complaint, how Invest Clearly verifies reviewers and adds just enough friction to filter noise, and how GPs benefit without controlling reviews.
We also get practical on due diligence: build an LP network, separate deal vs. operator, align risk with operator experience, and maintain enough deal flow to avoid forcing a mediocre “yes.”
Guest: Pat Zingarella, CEO, Invest Clearly
Guest Contact: investclearly.com | pat@investclearly.com | linkedin.com/in/pasqualezingarella
CTA: Subscribe and download the free guide at https://bit.ly/ChatGPTDD.
18 Sept 2025
Ep 6: Multifamily in 2025 - Dustin Miles on Tax Abatements, Debt Lessons, and the Future of Multifamily Syndications
What’s it really like to invest in multifamily right now? In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Miles, co-founder of Momentum Multifamily, to talk through the lessons he’s learned after more than a decade in the business. Dustin shares how he started as a passive investor, what it was like to buy deals with huge spreads between debt and cap rates, and how the recent market shift has forced operators to adapt.
We dig into the dangers of floating-rate bridge loans, the rising cost of insurance and taxes, and why tax abatements are becoming a lifeline for some properties. For accredited investors newer to alternatives, Dustin explains what questions to ask when reviewing a sponsor’s track record and why communication is just as important as returns.
Learn about the Passive Investor Event Here: https://bit.ly/passiveinvestorevent
🎯 Free Guide for Accredited InvestorsDownload the “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” guide here:👉 bit.ly/ChatGPTDD
Guest: Dustin Miles - Co-Founder Momentum Multifamily
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dustin-miles/
Email: dustin@momentummultifamily.com
Website: momentummultifamily.com/
5 Sept 2025
Ep 5: Former IRS Auditor Reveals Tax Strategies High Earners Miss
Ever wondered what a former IRS auditor thinks about your tax strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Gabe Hogan, a tax attorney who spent years inside the IRS before moving to the private side. Gabe shares hard earned insights on where most high earners miss opportunities and how to legally cut your tax bill without crossing the line.
We cover everything from the Augusta Rule and paying your kids to advanced plays like oil and gas and short-term rentals. Gabe also opens up about the inefficiencies inside the IRS, what really triggers an audit, and why good planning beats last-minute write-offs every time.
If you’re a doctor, attorney, or business owner tired of paying more than your fair share, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and a new way to think about taxes.
Learn about the Passive Investor Event Here: https://bit.ly/passiveinvestorevent
🎯 Free Guide for Accredited InvestorsDownload the “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” guide here:👉 bit.ly/ChatGPTDD
Guest: Gabe Hogan, Tax Attorney & Former IRS Auditor
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabehogan/
Email: gabe@palmettostax.com
Website: palmettostax.com
22 Aug 2025
Ep 4: First Position Lien + Equity Upside: Dave’s Safer Way to Invest
Dave Kotter explains how he combines the security of debt with the upside of equity in his hybrid loan strategy. By securing a first-position lien, he ensures strong downside protection. By adding equity participation, he captures growth potential.
We cover how he chooses deals, vets operators, and negotiates terms that work for both sides. If you’ve been looking for an investment approach that delivers predictable income without capping your upside, Dave’s model is worth understanding.
Learn about the Passive Investor Event Here: https://bit.ly/passiveinvestorevent
🎯 Free Guide for Accredited InvestorsDownload the “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” guide here:👉 bit.ly/ChatGPTDD
Connect with Dave KotterLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dave-kotter/Email: dave.kotter@hybriddebtfund.comWebsites: hybriddebtfund.com
8 Aug 2025
Ep 3: How the Wealthy Use Oil & Gas to Reduce Taxes and Create Income
Steve Blackwell isn’t just raising capital—he’s building communities of passive investors who want better access, better deals, and better alignment. In this episode, we talk through how he evaluates operators, the red flags investors should look out for, and how he structures investments to protect downside while leaving room for upside.
We also cover tax strategies in oil and gas, the difference between exploratory drilling and proven production, and how Steve approaches risk when reviewing offerings. If you're curious about how seasoned investors do due diligence—and how capital raisers earn trust the right way—this is one of those episodes you’ll want to revisit.
Plus, we talk about the Passive Investor Event (PIE) , and why it’s one of the few conferences that actually delivers value to limited partners.
🔗 Connect with Steve:
• invitoep.com (https://www.invitoep.com/)
• linkedin.com/in/steveblackwell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveblackwell/)
• passiveinvestorevent.com (https://passiveinvestorevent.com/)
🎁 Get the free guide: “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” at accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt (https://accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt)
8 Aug 2025
Ep 2: From Pro Hockey to Private Equity: Building Passive Income with Triple Net Leases
Zane Schartz has built a 500+ unit real estate portfolio—and he did it without chasing flashy returns or taking wild risks. In this episode, we dig into how Zane approaches investor relations, evaluates sponsors, and chooses solid, long-term deals over hype.
We also get real about the friction that exists between GPs and LPs, how to avoid getting burned in private placements, and why Zane believes in “relationship-first capital raising.” If you’re an accredited investor, this episode is packed with insights on how to protect your capital and partner with people who know what they’re doing.
Zane also shares his personal investing filters and what he looks for when deciding whether to bring a deal to his network.
Come to PIE: passiveinvestorevent.com (https://passiveinvestorevent.com/)
🔗 Connect with Zane:
• freedomcre.net (https://www.freedomcre.net/)
• zane@freedomcre.net (zane@freedomcre.net)
• linkedin.com/in/zaneschartz (https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaneschartz/)
🎁 Get the free guide: “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” at accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt (https://accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt)
8 Aug 2025
Ep 1: Red Flags Most Passive Investors Miss — and How to Avoid Them
What happens when a high-income CPA sells his firm and goes deep into alternative investments? Keith Blackborg did just that, and in this episode, he joins Jared to unpack the strategies that helped him reach financial freedom by age 33.
You’ll hear how Keith helps other high-net-worth investors navigate the maze of private placements, passive income, and tax planning. The conversation covers the mindset shift it takes to leave the W-2 world, the pros and cons of different investment types, and the exact filters Keith uses to vet sponsors and deals.
If you’re an accredited investor or a high earner new to alternatives, this episode will give you practical frameworks and real-world stories that make the space feel a whole lot less intimidating.
Check out the Passive Investor Event HERE (https://passiveinvestorevent.com/)
Get Tickets HERE (https://events.passiveinvestorevent.com/PIE-2025-attendee-checkout?am_id=jared6283)
👉 Download the free guide: “How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence” at: accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt (https://accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt)
Ways to get in contact with Keith:
Find Keith on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithblackborg/)
Talk to Keith about Discounted Rollovers (https://discountedrollovers.com/)
8 Aug 2025
Ep 0: Why This Podcast Exists
Welcome to Accredited Investor Edge — the show that cuts through the noise. If you’re a high-income earner or accredited investor looking for smarter ways to grow your wealth without the sales pitches, this is the podcast for you.
I’m Jared Benson, real estate broker, fund manager, and investor, and I launched this show to help you make better investment decisions by pulling back the curtain on how top investors actually think. You'll hear from experienced fund managers, deal sponsors, and GPs about real estate, oil & gas, land development, private credit, niche funds, and more.
But this isn’t a pitch-fest. It’s real talk, long-form interviews, and real insights to help you avoid costly mistakes and build your own edge.
🎧 Subscribe now — and if you want early access to the best opportunities I come across, visit AccreditedInvestorEdge.com/chatgpt (accreditedinvestoredge.com/chatgpt) and grab my free guide: How to Use ChatGPT for Investment Due Diligence.
If you are new to investing and want a crash course, the Passive Investor Event in Dallas is the best place to be. See more details here: passiveinvestorevent.com (https://passiveinvestorevent.com/)
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