Stay updated about the current trends and future opportunities in real estate in this episode with Ben Fraser!

Ben walks us through his career, from the financing and lending side to investing and capital raising. He also provides some strategies for building trust with potential investors, data-driven market insights, and thriving amidst rising interest rates. 

Key Points & Relevant Topics

• Ben’s background in the commercial space specifically as a Commercial Credit Underwriter and Commercial Lender
• Ben’s journey to the investing side and raising capital, his thought process, and mindset shift
• How to attract investors and gain their trust
• Current trends and opportunities in today’s real estate market
• Ben’s perspectives on what to expect in the market and the impact of interest rates on the current trends
• Investors’ sentiments and how their decision is impacted by the distress in the market

Resources & Links
Apartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive Investor

About Ben Fraser

Ben Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds, where he combines his analytical nature with a passion for delivering outstanding client service and strong returns through out-of-the-box investments. With a professional background that spans over a decade, Ben has become an expert in the field of investment management and has worked for several reputable financial institutions. 

Ben is the co-host of the Invest Like a Billionaire podcast, where he joins his father, Robert, co-founder and CFO of Aspen Funds, along with co-founder Jim Maffuccio, to discuss economic trends and best practices for alternative investing. 

Prior to joining Aspen, Ben served as a Commercial Lender at First Business Bank, one of the top SBA lenders in the nation. There, he specialized in government-backed loan originations, specifically SBA and USDA loans. Before that, he worked as a Commercial Credit Underwriter for Crossfirst Bank, where he personally underwrote over $125MM in C&I and CRE loans across various industries. 

Ben also has experience working in the asset management industry, having served as a key member of the team at Tortoise Capital Advisors. At Tortoise, he helped grow institutional managed accounts from ~$3BN AUM to ~$7BN AUM. 

Ben holds an MBA from Azusa Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Kansas, where he graduated magna cum laude. Ben’s commitment to excellence and his ability to deliver strong returns for clients make him an invaluable asset to the Aspen Funds team.

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