Real Estate Investing and Fundraising Synergies
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Eric Burns, founder of Flowers Capital, dives into his journey from a finance major and firefighter to a real estate entrepreneur and capital raiser. Eric shares how his background in finance and real estate helped shape his approach to investing, managing projects, and raising capital. He discusses the transition from residential to commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning. Eric also offers insights on evaluating investments, risk management, and the essentials of cultivating trustworthy business relationships.

Guest Bio 

Eric Burns is the founder of Flowers Capital, a private equity firm specializing in real estate investment. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Eric’s path was shaped by the values instilled by his family and mentors. After majoring in finance at Miami University, Eric joined the Cincinnati Fire Department, where he spent 17 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant. While firefighting, he ventured into real estate, initially investing in residential properties before pivoting to commercial real estate. His experiences inspired him to focus on helping others achieve financial freedom through strategic investments. Today, Eric dedicates himself to connecting investors with top-tier operators through Flowers Capital, a company named in honor of his grandfather.

Chapters:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to Eric Burns and Flowers Capital

[00:01:19] - Eric’s Background and Career Evolution

[00:04:33] - From Finance Major to Firefighter: Eric’s Career Pivot

[00:08:00] - Economic Outlook and Real Estate Market Dynamics

[00:12:00] - Role as a Capital Raiser and Partnering with Operators

[00:16:00] - Building Trust and Relationships in Capital Raising

[00:23:00] - Evaluating Risks and Returns in Real Estate Investments

[00:30:00] - Key Investment Benchmarks and Time Horizons

[00:34:26] - Horror Stories: Lessons from a Bad Contractor Experience

[00:37:30] - Importance of Vetting and Building Contractor Relationships

[00:39:35] - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Contact Information:

Visit Flowers Capital), where you can download Eric’s free eBook on real estate syndication basics.

LinkedIn) for further networking and insights.

To contact Eugene Gershman, visit https://giscompanies.co/podcast)