Reviews

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I asked for general advice on a financial MD Facebook group about who I could trust to invest with, within the realm of real estate. As a physician, I did not want to be taken advantage for not being an actual “business person.” Cherry Chen, MD, was one of the recommendations!

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

My whole life, I have had a strong interest in investing. I started with a savings account as a kid, then started learning about the stock market and mutual funds. I have invested in Roth IRAs, my 401K, brokerage accounts, done peer-to-peer lending, bought a dozen pre-IPO stocks, purchased cryptocurrency…. and invested in real estate. I find my preferred niche to be commercial real estate. I think the benefits of these investments vastly outweigh the benefits of single family, duplexes, etc. Passive commercial real estate keeps my headaches down while helping make passive income, reducing my overall tax burden, and while generally being occupied with stable tenants. I want a low stress way to make the most passive income with the least tax burden. Commercial real estate syndications are some of the best ways I have found.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I own 5 different real estate properties through my clinical practice, which is some of the best commercial real estate I know. These are owned with my fellow physicians and with a stable long-term tenant, my clinic. I have invested in a handful of other real estate syndications including multi-family real estate, mobile home parks, a hotel, condo/apartment development, and retail. Unfortunately, not all investments have gone well. The condo/apartment development resulted in a complete loss of capital due to the pandemic, and one of the houses being flipped with my hard money loan burned down due to arson. After losing my investment capital and experiencing personal stress from investing in some riskier/sketchier scenarios, I have come to appreciate simplicity and having the helpful eye of others to help me vet better deals. I have been willing to take risks with my investments, but I now prefer to err more on the side of safety. I truly appreciate investments which make distributions monthly or quarterly, so I can put the funds to use in other investments.

I find that The Real Estate Physician platform is outstanding! The deals have been researched by Cherry Chen and the teams she invests with and brought to me in a clear, organized format. The website is one of the best I have invested through! I have now done three deals due to the ease of the process and have finally found a place to put my capital to good use… now and in the future. I also truly appreciate investments which make distributions monthly or quarterly, so I can put the funds to use in other investments.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

I have listened to several hundreds of hours of podcasts, Audible books, and YouTube videos about investing. Learn about the benefits of commercial real estate and take a leap. I think Cherry’s podcasts are a great place to start and there are many passive real estate podcasts I really have learned from over the years.

What does financial independence look like to you?

I have worked very hard to get to a place of financial independence over the years. It takes little steps repeated over and over. Compounding interest, using money to make more money for you over time; it all leads to a point where you realize you are no longer trying to get to a point of financial safety. I am now at that point where I realize I no longer have the self-imposed stress to work as hard as I always have. That feeling of freedom takes the weight off my shoulders and brings less burden to my daily clinical and surgical practice.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I’ve known Cherry for several years from prior clinical work. She introduced me to syndication deals when she learned of my interest in real estate investing.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

I wanted to diversify my investments away from the stock market. I was looking for a reliable passive income stream that would allow me to work less and take control of my time. I also liked the ability to use depreciation to shelter my rental income from taxes. I also liked that I did not have to actively manage any properties.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I did not have prior experience investing in commercial real estate. I have seen several of my relatives become wealthy using real estate. I always wanted to own investment properties, but I did not have the experience to feel comfortable doing so. Cherry helped educate me and patiently answered all of my questions. I read her book which provided a basic understanding of how investing in real estate worked. I also read several books and blogs which helped me become more comfortable and knowledgeable about the investment process.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Take the first step and actually invest some money in a deal. I spent years wanting to get into real estate but never did anything about it. Once I put money in a deal I became very motivated to learn about syndications and real estate in general. I read several books, attended a conference, and listened to podcasts. I read the Bigger Pockets website which provided me with a wealth of information. I am now invested in a couple of properties and I have been getting distributions regularly for two years.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Financial independence means getting control of my time and not being dependent on a job. It means developing passive income streams that will pay for all my necessities. It will allow me to work on my own terms and improve my quality of life.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I started researching syndication investments a couple of years ago and came across some posts that mentioned The Real Estate Physician. Cherry would also respond to comments on some of the real estate FB groups that I participated in. Looking at all potential leads, I ended up making an appointment with Cherry to discuss syndication investments.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

As I looked at my retirement portfolio, the vast majority of my holdings were in stocks. In trying to diversify my portfolio, I looked at various options and the most common suggestion was real estate. After reading books and doing some research into different ways to invest in real estate, I came to the conclusion that I wanted some form of ownership but needed this to be somewhat hands-off as well. I have a busy career and want to maximize time with my family, so I preferred not to actively manage properties. I felt that syndication investments in multifamily rentals and commercial real estate fit that mold very well. I currently split my real estate investments between multifamily syndications and turnkey single-family rentals that are managed by a property management company.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I participated in my first deal with The REP by investing in a multifamily syndication deal. Cherry was very helpful in being available to discuss real estate in general and was a good resource for questions I had on the deal. If she did not know the answer, she would find out and get back to me fairly quick. I did not feel pressured to invest. If I was not comfortable, I felt like I could easily just say no. Not long after, I invested in a second multifamily syndication through The REP. If there were any barriers in that first deal, it would be taking the plunge and actually going through with the investment. It was incredibly daunting. These are not small amounts to invest. But after doing the research and due diligence, as best as I could at the time, I did feel that the investment was a good opportunity. The only thing in the way were my own fears. There have been other deals I passed up in the past because I was too afraid to commit. I was starting to get a sense of FOMO. I kept reminding myself to be patient and wait for a deal to come along that I could properly vet. And once that deal came, I made the commitment to follow through.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

A lot of courses and books will start with “knowing your why” which is to have you self-reflect and understand why you want to do this. There is a lot to learn about real estate investing and being a physician, we have all gone through plenty of schooling and training that are far more difficult. However, real estate investing does require upfront work. The “passive” in passive income does not mean it just falls into your lap. You need to put in the initial effort to reap the future rewards. But there are going to be bumps in the road, so having a compass like knowing why you are doing RE investments can keep you going when challenges arise. So, know your why and get educated (read books, read blogs, get involved with real estate investment forums/FB groups, take courses, listen to podcasts, etc., find a mentor).

What does financial independence look like to you?

Financial independence for me means having choices. Part of any professional’s life is the possible threat of losing a job or decline in income. This pandemic has shown us that even doctors on the frontlines are not guaranteed a certain salary or even their jobs. That may lead us to make choices that add more stress or choose a job that is not our first, second or even third choice. Reaching financial independence affords me options that help improve my quality of life.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I stumbled upon “The Real Estate Physician” through various physician Facebook groups related to financial freedom and real estate investing.  I saw Dr. Cherry Chen posting her blog posts in some of the Facebook groups and clicked on them and read them.  And then I found her website and subscribed to her email list in May 2019 and have followed her educational content since then.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

In 2018, I got into real estate investing by buying a single family home and then a 4-plex in Tucson, AZ near the University campus and Medical Center.  I rented them out and slowly renovated them with the rents collected, and they appreciated in value due to the market growth. It was a good learning experience being a landlord for the first time in my life, but I found out I don’t enjoy having to manage property managers and dealing with problem tenants and unexpected maintenance issues from out-of-state.  I realized as a busy full-time physician with all those headaches, owning more single family rentals and small multifamily rentals was not going to make me happy and free long-term.

In October 2019, I attended a real estate conference in Phoenix where I met Robert Kiyosaki in person.  I got his autograph on a copy of his Rich Dad Poor Dad book and asked him how he got so wealthy and free.  He told me he invests in so many multifamily apartment syndication deals as a limited partner instead of owning rental properties and that’s why he can scale up to owning several thousands of apartment units and can sleep well at night.

After about 2.5y ears of headaches and sleepless nights of being an active landlord, I finally sold both properties making a great profit overall in October 2020.  I moved that profit from the sale of my rentals into multifamily apartment syndication deals as a passive investor.  I have networked with many syndicators in the past year through conferences, real estate investor retreats, online summits and Facebook groups.  So far, in 2020, I have invested in 8 syndication deals in multifamily apartment complexes in AL, TX, GA, NC and a self-storage facility in TN.  I enjoy the economy of scale and recession-resistant nature and tax benefits of multifamily and self-storage syndication real estate investments as a limited partner.  Above all, I enjoy the sound of cha-ching in my bank account while I get to sleep well at night as a hands-off passive investor in commercial real estate syndications.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No.  Dr. Cherry Chen has been a great influence in my decision to switching from single family rentals and small multi-family real estate investing to commercial real estate investing.  By listening to multiple podcasts where Dr. Cherry Chen was a guest interviewee talking about her successful experience in commercial real estate investing and by directly talking to her through a series of phone calls and zoom calls during which she connected with me on a personal level and answered all my questions, I gradually gained more confidence about taking action towards investing in commercial real estate syndications.  Based on her previous experience as a successful passive investor, having vetted all the sponsors and deals, she introduces solid investment opportunities to other physicians through her platform.  Since she has already done all the heavy lifting of networking with the trustworthy sponsors, performing the due diligence of each deal and streamlining the process of investing, she makes it easier for other physician investors to jump into syndication investments.  By leveraging her knowledge and network, I believe you can fast-track your way to success, which is smarter than spending months and years going through slow trials and errors on your own.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Dr. Cherry Chen wrote an eBook called “The Physician’s Definitive Guide to Commercial Real Estate”.  It’s a very clear, concise and well-written book explaining the benefits of real estate syndications.   I love the way it had lots of pictures and diagrams to make it easy to understand a syndication and compare it to other types of investments.   It also explains various complex real estate syndication terminology so it’s easy to understand for the dummies.  I finished reading it in a couple of evenings.  I highly recommend reading it first it if you are a newbie and need to understand the concepts!!!!!

In addition to connecting with Dr. Cherry Chen, I would attend a lot of real estate conferences, listen to lots of real estate podcasts and connect with as many commercial real estate syndicators as possible.  Schedule calls with them and network with many sponsors to see if your investment goals aligns with their goals.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Financial independence means being able to live an abundant life, having options to do only the things I love to do, having options to spend time with only the people that I want to spend time with and having options to be generous in giving back to the society according to my own intention.

When I was a poor premed college student in 2004, I was blessed with an opportunity to receive a merit-based scholarship which covered all my tuition and living expenses.  This was awarded by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.  As a result, I was able to graduate from college not having to work but fully focused on academics without any student loan debt.  This foundation has financially supported several hundreds of college students like me every year since 2004.  Since then, it has always been my goal to become a wealthy person like Mr. Jack Kent Cooke who could give back to the society by creating a scholarship foundation for future medical students.

I realize that the earned income from working as a physician alone will not be enough to enable me to do big charity work such as this.  However, I believe consistently investing in commercial real estate for the next several years will get me to the level of wealth where I can have the financial freedom to create such legacy.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I had heard Dr. Chen on a podcast, and was intrigued to hear about a physician involved in real estate syndication.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

After having been a landlord for a few properties for over a decade, I found it increasingly difficult and time consuming.  Commercial real estate investing, with fellow physicians seemed more efficient in achieving our goals, and less stressful at the same time.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I did have some experience investing with other firms, as well as the popular crowd funding and peer to peer lending resources.  However, after discovering The Real Estate Physician community, I felt more comfortable investing along with fellow physicians.  Also, I was impressed that I was able to contact Dr. Chen at any time, with any questions about any particular opportunity presented.  She is responsive, clear and concise which I appreciate.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Do your homework & ask questions.  As with anything, it is a learning process.  Fortunately, with The Real Estate Physician, I feel comfortable knowing that they are doing their due diligence, just as we are, when evaluating an opportunity.  We have had a great investing experience over the last few years, and I look forward to many more to come.

What does financial independence look like to you?

What financial independence means to us, is all about having the work-life balance.  We love what do for a living, and want to continue doing it, while having the ability to spend a lot of time with our family.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I heard Cherry Chen being interviewed on a podcast and was impressed by her knowledge, investment experience and personal nature. I then set up a time to speak with Cherry on the phone and was more convinced that she was a reliable, honest and smart person to learn from and invest through.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

I have owned and operated several single-family rental properties and reached a point where I was tired of being a landlord and always needing to fill vacancies, etc. But, more importantly, I was excited about the better returns with passive investment opportunities.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No, I had no prior experience with commercial real estate syndications. In fact, I was unaware that they even existed! I had dabbled in the stock market for more passive investing but never really understood it and was always very skeptical of it. I have, since finding these real estate opportunities, completely exited from the stock market. And, the Big Brother Brokerage did not make it easy to exit with all of their “rules!” After finally jumping through all of their hoops and successfully moving my money (not theirs as they make it seem) to several commercial real estate syndications, it made my decision completely remorse-free.

I am currently invested in seven different syndications. My investment strategy perfectly lines up with The Real Estate Physician’s model: multifamily apartments, self-storage and mobile home parks. I plan on investing more with The Real Estate Physician as my hard assets sell off relieving me of landlord responsibilities.

I only began this journey this past November in 2019 and already the distributions are coming in as proposed. It’s very exciting and easy!

Cherry is always there when I have questions or concerns. She almost always has answers, but when she doesn’t, she finds them and gets back to me. Her new book, “The Physician’s Definitive Guide to Commercial Real Estate Syndications” is excellent! It’s clear, concise and totally understandable.

I have the utmost confidence and trust in Cherry Chen as my mentor in passive investing. What she does is to surround herself with proven, experienced and trusted sponsors and operators. She only deals with the best! These folks have remarkable track records and integrity and passion for what they do. And, these professionals are careful in choosing their projects and laying out the strategies for all market conditions. I’m proud to be a part of these teams!

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

My ways and methods of investing (and, for that matter, of living life) are not necessarily how some would choose. I tend to study, research and explore and when it “feels” right, I jump in – completely with no hesitation. I’ve lived this way for the past 71 years, and it’s always been fun and worth it!

What does financial independence look like to you?

Financial independence for me is to not have to worry or waste time thinking about whether there is “enough.” “Enough” for me is having sufficient funds to pay my obligations and for having a good life – not an extravagant life – but, a good life. Financial independence means having enough to help those less fortunate and helping to keep our planet and healthy for our successors. Financial independence means security for me and my family and for as many as I can help.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I first heard about REP through a facebook group and several trusted physicians who invested in syndications with them. I was instantly drawn to REP since it was founded by a physician, and I feel a higher level of trust when working with other physicians that I don’t feel in general in the investing/finance worlds.

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

Commercial real estate (CRE) is so resilient and offers so many advantages as part of a well-rounded and diversified portfolio. Generally speaking, CRE has a low correlation to global markets and is protected from much of the volatility of the equity markets. 15% or more of high net worth portfolios are typically going into real estate for good reason. CRE also has the advantage of depreciation which can offset taxes. I also like the longer leases, cash flow, and ownership of an actual hard asset.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

Yes! Several, in fact. None have had the level of professionalism, communication and education that I have experienced with REP. These deals all went well, but I was in the dark most of the time and generally felt out of the loop. With REP, I feel like an owner/investor, and I always know where our deals are at.

What suggestions do you have for physicians who are interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Syndications are a great way for you to dip your toes in the water. The Real Estate Physician is the best possible place for a physician, or anyone else for that matter, to do so. As a physician, $50K is a pretty easy starting point, and I would just close your eyes and jump in and do a deal. We don’t live forever and the sooner you get your money working for you, the quicker you can become financially independent.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Complete freedom from concerns or thoughts about money in all aspects of my life. It’s easy to make money they say and hard to keep it. I am financially independent by the numbers but still manage our investments and like to be involved in the day-to-day management of our monies. Therefore, we are not actually financially independent since this is somewhat of a psychological goal. I have no idea what it would be like to actually not think about money at all, and I am not sure if we will ever achieve that ability. But I can tell you one thing, when your money is working for you, instead of the other way around, you are moving in the right direction. I enjoy doing syndications with and through The Real Estate Physician and look forward to many more deals together.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I heard about The Real Estate Physician through a Physician FB group.

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

As a physician in mid-career, I was looking for ways to accelerate my savings and make my money work harder for me, especially as we seem to have a lot more obstacles in the current physician practice climate.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No. The barrier was simply lack of knowledge and lack of engagement. The Real Estate Physician has been a great resource in getting my foot in the door.

What suggestions do you have for physicians who are interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

You need to be willing to engage, apply yourself earnestly, and to take it as seriously as you do your scientific career. Do not be afraid to ask questions. We have all the tools we need to be successful in this endeavor; it is a matter of applying ourselves with a positive and growth mindset.

What does financial independence look like to you?

To simply have the choice, and to be able to buy our time back.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I heard Cherry Chen on a podcast. (Hippocratic Hustle – Investing in a Real Estate Syndicate)

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

Frustration with the lack of control over the stock market and poor returns over time. I was also concerned about the lack of diversity in the markets especially as the markets become increasingly interconnected. I was also looking for a smart and more tax efficient vehicle that may allow a greater degree of control over my financial independence at hopefully a younger age!

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No. The biggest barrier was the learning curve with this new investment vehicle. Six months ago, I would not have even known what a syndication was (probably would have thought it was a Ponzi scheme). Cherry has been incredibly open and transparent with the process and also very willing to share and give information with no expectation of anything in return. She has been both realistic and very encouraging.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

It is probably worth reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” to help set your mind frame before you begin this process. Read broadly on real estate investing, listen to real estate podcasts, and remember so much out there is free. Next, when you are comfortable with the mind set and the basics, set up a phone call with Cherry, which goes a long way in getting you comfortable with the process. Consider partnering up with another physician. I formed an LLC with one of my partners for real estate investments, and it has been a really rewarding process for both of us. Lastly, get off the sidelines and start screening deals. You will very quickly get a sense of what looks right to you. The first investment is the most challenging but also the most important. Physicians need to understand the difference between wealth and income. Our financial education has to be sought out because they for sure don’t teach it in medical school.

What does financial independence look like to you?

The ability to gain control over my time and to be able to prioritize my family above my work as a physician. I always knew that physicians make an excellent income, but only recently did I recognize how tightly that income is tied to your work. If we stop working, that goes away. Real estate investing allows the development of true passive income at a low tax rate, and it’s a game changer for control of how we live our lives and focusing on what really matters.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us and our members.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I was introduced to The Real Estate Physician through a Facebook group.

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

While we are already investing in stocks and bonds, I wanted to find another vehicle that would provide income in a passive manner before typical retirement age. We have one accidental rental property, but our local economy doesn’t support most single family rentals as being income producing properties. Working full-time (which for me is 60+hrs/week) and family obligations made real estate syndications more attractive to us than finding and managing income-producing single family rentals outside of our region.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

Investing with The Real Estate Physician was my first involvement in real estate syndications. Of note, The Real Estate Physician was not the only person I contacted with prior to making an investment, but I appreciated her willingness to walk me through the process and answer questions as I evaluated the deals presented. The Real Estate Physician is the only partner I am currently investing with. Investing what for us is a large sum of money was a little daunting, and finding the information and strategies to evaluate deals didn’t seem “easy” to us. The Real Estate Physician made the process low-stress and ensured I understood and was comfortable with the numbers the deals presented.

What suggestions do you have for physicians who are interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

My suggestions for physicians interested in getting started with syndications would be to educate yourself, know your risk tolerance and goals, and determine if syndications are right for your investment strategy. Then take action.

What does financial independence look like to you?

We are fans of the FIRE philosophy. If defined by currency terms, then having enough money saved that we don’t need to work is financial independence. But from a lifestyle perspective, we aren’t the type of people who could “not work.” We need to stay busy. From that side, financial independence is the ability to cut back on the rat race and focus more on family, self-development, and exploration.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us and our members.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I heard about The Real Estate Physician via podcasts and my own research.

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

After evaluating many asset classes including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, private investment opportunities and multiple real estate options, I felt syndications checked all of my boxes. For us, wealth preservation and taxes are the most important factors in evaluating an investment. In my opinion, passive, tax-free cash flow and appreciation make for the optimal investment vehicle for physicians.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

Yes, I own a SFR property and a portion of my practice building. Cherry has been great in answering all of my questions (and there were a lot). All investments have risk, but having someone who has researched the opportunity and helps me in doing my own diligence is such a time saver.

What suggestions do you have for physicians who are interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

I am a busy clinician with kids at home and the last thing I wanted was another job to take time away from my family. Commercial real estate is daunting in that there are big players who do this everyday, and I couldn’t compete with them by going at it alone. So, passive syndication was a great option to avoid an increased workload while leveraging the experience of proven teams. My recommendation would be to listen to podcasts and go to Bigger Pockets to try to learn more.

What does financial independence look like to you?

My wife and I both have family overseas, and we would like to be able to take extended vacations with our kids for language and cultural immersion. For us, that means six weeks off twice a year. Inevitably, that means taking a hit in my clinical income. I would like to have passive income to offset these trips. If I can do that and still maintain my practice, that would be great.

Interested in learning more? Sign up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us and our members.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I have been exploring different investment opportunities, and I was just beginning to create a real estate investment club in New York City for my small circle of friends. I heard a podcast on Doctors Unbound featuring Cherry Chen, MD, who presented an opportunity for people who wanted to start investing in real estate but didn’t fully understand the financial picture. I reached out to her directly, and she shared her experiences with me. I then started investing and made my first investment in syndications with The Real Estate Physician.

What made you want to diversify your real estate portfolio with commercial real estate?

The timing was actually incredible as I had just finished reading a book by Grant Cardone titled, “The 10X Rule.” I started to listen to podcasts on commercial real estate investing and began to analyze financial statements and offerings, but honestly, I was a little overwhelmed with the amount of information out there. However, I knew that I wanted real estate, and more specifically, commercial real estate to be part of my portfolio. It was not until my interaction with The Real Estate Physician that this goal became a reality.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I had some experience with this type of investment vehicle as I started with crowdfunding and peer to peer lending in 2010 when these opportunities were first coming to market, but my first commercial real estate syndication was with The Real Estate Physician.

What suggestions do you have for physicians who are interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

The reality is that many of us have formal education and training on what it takes to be a physician. As part of the commitment to lifelong learning, we often educate ourselves on many different topics from investment opportunities to retirement planning. The Real Estate Physician is more than just a service that connects third parties. It truly is a wealth of resources and education for those who want to not only invest in commercial real estate but also learn about the financials and become more knowledgeable and experienced in creating passive income streams.

What does financial independence look like to you?

To me, financial independence is the ability to work as much or little as I choose to be a physician in order to provide for my family. As a physician and clinician, the vast majority of my time is tied to seeing patients. The opportunity to spend more time with my family, traveling, and enjoying new experiences is largely dependent on my passive income. Not all income is equal. By participating in tax-advantages investments through real estate syndications, I am one step closer to my goal of becoming financially independent.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

Dr. Chen is one of my partners at work.  I had expressed interest in real estate investments. I was also interested in a “hands off” approach and with the opportunities provided by the REP, it met my needs of being invested in real estate without getting into the details of managing the property.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

Commercial real estate made the most sense because of better returns.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No, I have always been interested in investing in commercial real estate, but I did not have time or the chance to research about how to get started.

What suggestions do you have for physicians in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

I will advise physicians interested to talk to other physicians who are already involved in real estate to get advice and to be able to make informed decisions about how they choose to invest.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Having passive income available to me to pursue my other interests while being able to control my working hours.

Interested in learning more? Sign-up for the Physician Investors Circle to connect with us and our members.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I first heard about The Real Estate Physician on a Facebook group and was really impressed with the knowledgeable answers provided by Cherry Chen, MD regarding evaluating different real estate investment options.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

My husband and I are both in medicine and recently paid off our super-sized student loans (best day ever!).  As we moved forward, we started to look beyond traditional retirement plans for portfolio options that provide passive income. Multi family commercial real estate is a great way to help us move toward financial freedom.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

The Real Estate Physician provides much more than a connection to the commercial real estate world. Having started my education with books and podcasts on investment options in real estate, I looked through everything from single family rentals to crowd funded real estate but felt I didn’t have to tools to evaluate the investments. The Real Estate Physician provided the material to help improve my knowledge base. I now feel much more confident when a commercial real estate syndication opportunity arises.

What suggestions do you have for physicians in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

For physicians who are interested in commercial real estate syndications, I would suggest starting with close look at your individual goals for investing. Determine whether you are looking for capital gains or passive income. Then get educated about your options such as commercial real estate syndication at The Real Estate Physician.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Financial Independence will be the freedom to work on my own terms, providing for my family now and in the future. It’s something that is, for now, a goal but one that we are closer to today.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I first learned about The Real Estate Physician through a friend who invested in a deal with with Dr. Cherry Chen previously.

What brought you to diversifying your investment portfolio with commercial real estate?

Investing on my own is hard a tough real-estate market. This option offered me good returns without having to actually buy the properties and hire managing companies as I have done in the past

What is your prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I didn’t have any prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndication. Dr. Cherry Chen really helped me understand everything from A-Z. She is very well informed and has been able to help me understand how the process works. As a current investor with a deep portfolio in other investments, I was having a hard time finding anything that was worth investing in, and she really has a vast knowledge on the current markets and thorough understanding of syndications.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

I think being informed is always a good start. Ask a lot of questions and invest in something you are confident in after you have done your research. Also, if you have the capital don’t let in just sit there not earning some sort of income

What does financial independence look like to you?

Hopefully good

Would it be ok for potential physician investors to contact you about your experience with The Real Estate Physician?

Yes. Please contact The Real Estate Physician, Dr. Cherry Chen, if you would like to connect.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

Through finance groups on Facebook mainly composed of fellow physicians

Do you have prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No – my main barrier was knowledge. I simply was not familiar with real estate and had done investments through a financial advisor (whom I no longer use) that consisted of a couple of annuities (Yikes! I know – a mistake) and mutual funds/IRAs.

After reading several books on real estate and the path to FIRE (financial independence, retire early) as well as learning from several social media finance groups and BiggerPockets, I was interested in passive real estate investments. I started to further expand my knowledge base to cover real estate syndications and was pleased at the returns, tax benefits from depreciation, and the lack of having to deal with headaches of being a landlord.

What advice or suggestions do you have for physicians interested in commercial real estate syndications?

I strongly suggest reading a lot about it and talking to other investors who have had experiences with syndications (both good and bad). There are a lot of crowdfunding opportunities online, but I prefer the customer service of a private syndicator/sponsor rather than a website.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I am a personal friend and colleague of Dr. Chen.  She reached out to me after I expressed interest in becoming involved with real estate Investing.  She was able to provide guidance on a deal that was being put together around the time I was ready to start.

Did you have prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I have not invested in any syndications previous to my first investment with REP.  Dr. Chen provided detailed educational resources and ongoing publications that are useful in learning the ins and outs.  I ended up investing in an apartment complex syndication earlier in 2018.

Since it is an SEC requirement that syndications cannot advertise specific deals, you need to have someone you can trust to help introduce you to opportunities.  The REP was that source for me, and so far my investment experience has gone well.  I have even started to receive my distributions from the initial investment.

What advice or suggestions do you have for physicians interested in commercial real estate syndications?

Start by reading blogs and sign up for newsletters.  Learning the vernacular is just as important as learning our familiar anatomic descriptions. Once you have a handle of how syndications work, express interest in opportunities that are presented to you.  Once you see how a deal is being put together and what you will be actually investing in, you can put the prior knowledge into assessing if a syndication deal is right for your investment plan.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I was introduced to Cherry through a mutual friend after I mentioned that I was interested in investing in real estate in Texas.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

I wanted to diversify into commercial real estate in particular because it is more landlord-friendly and has a higher barrier to entry than residential real estate. The tax benefits are appealing, and syndications are one of the most passive approaches you can take.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

No, I was interested in buying commercial property but the entry price for a decent commercial building is relatively high. When I learned about syndications, I was excited to be able to participate in high quality transactions without investing so much capital up front. Cherry has been very helpful in introducing me to deals and walking me through the syndication process. It’s been fun and educational for me, and I am grateful that Cherry has been so generous in sharing her knowledge and experience.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Find friends who are interested in real estate and participate in a deal together. Put in the minimum amount, discuss the pros and cons with each other, and learn as you go. You won’t learn anything on the sidelines so just get started.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Building enough diversified passive income streams so that I’m not dependent on the income from my day job.

How did you hear about The Real Estate Physician?

I met Dr. Chen at a real estate seminar. After sharing ideas during lunch, we kept in touch and Cherry provided me the link to the REP website.

What made you want to diversify your portfolio with commercial real estate?

To develop another source of cash flow and income as well as taking advantage of the tax benefits.

Have you had prior experience investing in commercial real estate syndications before signing up with The Real Estate Physician?

I started investing in commercial real estate syndications around the same time I met Dr. Chen. A few discussions with Cherry led me to invest in 2 syndications she was working on. She is knowledgeable, approachable, efficient and responsive.

What suggestions do you have for physicians interested in getting started in commercial real estate syndications?

Educate yourself, review some deals, attend some real estate seminars and meet up with other investors.

What does financial independence look like to you?

Have the freedom, time and means to do whatever your heart desires now and in retirement.