REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
REAL ESTATE INVESTING LEARNING FROM THE BEST By Esther Reizes-Lowenbein
recently had the privilege of talking to two mega real estate investors. It was enlightening to hear about their motives for taking on real estate investing, their journey, and present-day status. Rod Khlief and Brian Burke are two of the top investors in today’s market, both brilliantminded and kind, generous souls. ROD KHLEIF Rod began investing in single-family homes at the age of 18. Years passed, and after acquiring 500 rental homes he lost them, and approximately 70 percent of his portfolio, adding up to 50 million dollars in the 2009 crash. He reemerged to realize that multi-family investments were safer, more stable, and cash-flowing assets. Rod attained a luxurious living and while relaxing one day just two months after moving into his magnificent mansion, realized he was depressed. He soon discovered that true happiness emanates from giving to others less fortunate. Rod explained that focusing on what he wanted and envisioned got him through difficult times. He believes that one can flow through any crisis with the proper mindset. As a follower of Tony Robbins, Rod lives with a sense of gratefulness, a strong focus on his goals, with a room adorned with positive affirmations. Today, with well over two thousand multi-family units, managed by a third party, under his belt, Rod gives back to the community by teaching what he knows to the next person; he runs a large Facebook group, hosts meet-ups, and teaches in his online classes. Rod also attributes his success to his outgoing personality, coupled with his CPA partner and the ability to figure out systems. His success is evident in his office room decorated with thank you notes from so many that have been fortunate to learn from Rod.
Rod Khlief
BRIAN BURKE Brian is a veteran real estate investor with over 30 years of experience. He has dealt with every class asset, including self-storage, single-family housing, hospitality, etc. He cannot imagine doing anything else, as this is his niche. In 1989, he began acquiring foreclosed homes until 2004. He laid low and decreased his purchases. The 2009 crash was the greatest blessing for Brian, as he had not invested too much. Brian started without a dime but with much determination and hard work to succeed. He encountered many setbacks along the way. It is only recently that he has seen his hard work pay off, and people are reaching out to him instead of him reaching out to others. This is a credit to his good track record and the great relationships he has built. He now has over 50 employees and property managers and has raised over $100 million from investors. Brain relates that he was in law enforcement for many years while investing in real estate on the side. One day he announced to his law enforcement buddies that he would be presenting a talk about investing in a space he had rented out. He had spoken about creating a pool fund for single-family homes with a split of 50-50. At the end of the night, he had walked out with $500,000 from 28 investors. Some of those investors are still with him today. He usually gains investors through word of mouth and speaking engagements. His book The Hands-Off Investor explains who to invest with, how to invest, and how to protect oneself. Navigating real estate investing is like a sea that meanders through a meadow; one ought to follow the current and successfully navigate the market cycles. Brian Burke
Brian enjoys traveling, especially to Hawaii, going to concerts and flying his private plane. •
54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020
