Baltimore RE full circle

Real estate investor and Micasa Title partner Jacob Benzaquen joins Yaakov to break down the realities of investing in Baltimore. From surviving the 2008 housing crash and managing multifamily properties to tackling city bureaucracy, vendor hurdles, and regulatory red tape, Jacob shares hard-earned lessons on risk management, vendor relationships, and building lasting success. Whether you’re an out-of-state investor sizing up Baltimore or a local professional facing the city’s unique challenges, this episode offers practical strategies, candid insights, and long-term vision for navigating one of the most complex—but opportunity-filled—markets in real estate.

In this timely and urgent discussion, I sit down with Tibor Wilhelm , Managing Partner at Mount Wilson Capital, to explore the recent wave of foreclosures impacting both large-scale single-family and multifamily properties in the local Baltimore market. While many have pointed to fraud as the primary cause of these foreclosures, Tibor brings to light a groundbreaking idea: the real issue may be something entirely different. Don’t miss out on understanding the true factors driving these foreclosures and how many property owners could be directly affected.

In this episode, Steve Verstandig shares how his family journeyed from Holocaust survival to grocery stores, then built a real estate empire starting at age 18. We dive deep into why he pivoted from multifamily to retail, the realities of doing business in Baltimore, and what Maryland must do to stay competitive. If you’re serious about real estate, business strategy, or Baltimore’s future, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Matthew Cooper to explore how auctions work in the Maryland real estate market. Matthew dives deep into various case studies from the rich, 100+ year history of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, shedding light on the strategies and tactics that have made them a staple in the industry. Tune in for valuable insights into the auction process and learn how it can be a game-changer

In this episode, we sit down with Lawrence Reif, a seasoned real estate investor with deep roots in Baltimore. He shares his journey from growing up in a real estate-focused family to shaping the local property landscape through value-add investments. We discuss his early exposure to real estate, transition into commercial and industrial properties, and partnership with Continental Realty. Lawrence provides insights into Baltimore’s evolving real estate market, the resurgence of retail post-COVID, and strategies for scaling investments. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, structure, and creativity in real estate, along with his current focus on mentorship and philanthropy. Packed with valuable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for investors, brokers, and entrepreneurs.

NYC multifamily legend Bob Knakal joins us to unpack the rise of rent stabilization in NY and its growing impact in MD. We dive into vacant unit trends, investor shifts, construction hurdles, and Bob’s bold 2025 market predictions. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of real estate!

Join Charles Mader as he shares his journey from flipping houses during the 2008 crisis to owning multifamily properties in Baltimore. He discusses property management strategies, navigating rent control regulations in Tacoma Park, and using refinancing to scale investments. Charles also offers cost-saving tips like water conservation and insights from his current renovation projects, providing valuable advice for hands-on investors adapting to market challenges.

Dive into the fascinating journey of Chris Taylor, a Baltimore-based real estate investor with over two decades of experience. From his early days as a teacher navigating the “Teacher Next Door” program to becoming a seasoned investor, Chris shares raw, unfiltered insights about building a real estate empire, the challenges of market crashes, and the importance of financial freedom. Perfect for aspiring investors and seasoned professionals alike, this episode is packed with practical tips, cautionary tales, and a wealth of knowledge about the realities of the real estate world.

In this episode, Adam Rutherford, title attorney and VP of Operations at Real Estate Settlements in Escrow—a national title company licensed in all states—shares tips to help you navigate title challenges like lien delays and ground rents in Baltimore. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, thoroughly reviewing your documents, and working with experienced title companies to ensure smoother and more secure residential and commercial real estate transactions.

In this episode, we talk to Kriss Garen, a multifamily investor with an extensive portfolio across Maryland and multiple states. Kriss shares his unique approach to acquisitions, highlighting how he tailors creative strategies to make the process more beneficial for the sellers he works with. By focusing on collaboration and building mutual value, Kriss is setting new standards in the real estate industry—don’t miss this insightful conversation!