Author: Terence Critchlow

People often use the terms saving and investing interchangeably. This creates real problems. When you treat fundamentally different concepts as the same thing, you make decisions based on faulty assumptions about risk, return, and control. Understanding the distinctions between saving, investing, and speculating is not academic. It is the foundation for building a portfolio that…

Through consulting calls and networking conversations with newer investors, one pattern emerges consistently. Many investors lack clarity about what they are looking for in a deal. Some pursue impossible deals: 30% IRR, 10% cash-on-cash returns, complete liquidity, and zero risk. These opportunities do not exist. If they did, institutional investors would jump on them before…

As 2025 draws to a close, I reflect on a year defined by meaningful connections and growth. While it may be cliché to acknowledge, the most valuable moments this year emerged from relationships, including my ongoing conversations with many of you. Highlights Several highlights stand out as I look back on 2025. I began publishing…

As the year draws to a close, this is the natural moment to pause. To reflect on what you have accomplished over the past twelve months. To consider what you want to create in the year ahead. Before you rush into setting New Year’s, I suggest you first consider the question: What would you do…

Last week I was talking to someone who is struggling to get started in syndications. Conceptually, they understand the attraction of getting cash flow from an investment while that investment continues to appreciate in value. But they are having a hard time making a decision on what to invest in. They asked the question: “If…

This week, Amazon announced layoffs affecting 14,000 employees. These are not underperformers or redundant workers. They are people who show up every day, contribute meaningfully to the company mission, and believed their positions were secure. Having spent over a decade at Amazon myself, I understand the shock and uncertainty these individuals now face. But this…

As most of you know by now, I am a strong advocate for investing in syndications. After 30 years of studying real estate investing and transitioning from active property ownership to passive investing, I credit my syndication investments with allowing me to retire just six years after I began investing in them. However, you may…

Assuming that the sponsor has passed your review [1] and the property meets your investment criteria [2,3],  you have reached the final steps in your due diligence journey. The opportunity looks promising. The sponsor may be encouraging you to commit quickly. You may feel excitement about the projected returns. This is precisely when you must…