In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the job market, it's crucial to have a solid financial foundation. Goldman Sachs predicts that AI could replace 300 million full-time jobs, automating over 25% of all work tasks in the US and Europe. Even white-collar jobs, like those in the medical profession, are not immune to this revolution.

The Power of AI: A Personal Story

Our 15-year-old daughter, Aliza, recently won her high school science fair by developing a custom GPT model designed to create personalized breast cancer treatment plans. She programmed this AI in just one day and made it even more robust in less than a month by incorporating over 600 peer-reviewed breast cancer research papers into the model. An oncologist at a leading institute was blown away by its potential. This experience made me realize that an AI capable of integrating vast amounts of data to personalize treatment plans is far more powerful than any single human...

In a groundbreaking turn of events, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to a staggering $418 million settlement, sending shockwaves through the real estate industry. This seismic shift is not just about the money; it's a fundamental change in how real estate transactions will operate moving forward. As investors, it's crucial to understand the implications of this settlement and how it could impact your strategies and bottom line.

The Background
NAR, a titan of industry standards and practices, faced lawsuits that cracked the bedrock of real estate commissions wide open. The heart of the matter? Allegations that their policies kept commission rates high and competition low. The settlement isn't just a penalty; it's a declaration that the old ways won't fly in today's transparent, competitive market.

Key Points
1. NAR will pay the nearly half-billion-dollar settlement in installments, with a $197 million payment due within 90 days of final settlement approval.
2....

by Peter Halm

A Self-Directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and a Self-Directed 401(k) are both types of retirement accounts that allow for a broader range of investment options compared to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. However, there are key differences between the two:

1. Eligibility and Establishment:

   • Self-Directed IRA: Anyone with earned income can open a Self-Directed IRA. It's established through a custodian that allows for self-directed investments.
   • Self-Directed 401(k): Also known as a Solo 401(k), this is primarily for self-employed individuals with no full-time employees other than the business owner and their spouse. It’s established by the individual who acts as both the employer and the employee. So long as you meet the eligibility requirements (the presence of self-employment activities and absence of full-time employees), you can start a business to open a Solo 401(k)

2. Contribution Limits:

   • Self-Directed IRA: The contribution limits for a...

By Peter Halm

In a surprising turn of events, higher interest rates, often considered an impediment to transactions in the broader commercial real estate market, are proving to be a catalyst for significant growth in the sale-leaseback sector. Data from SLB Capital Advisors reveals a robust surge in both transaction volume and dollar value, setting new records and indicating a positive trajectory for this unconventional financing method.

Record-Breaking Performance in 2022

According to SLB Capital Advisors, the total U.S. sale-leaseback volume reached 874 unique transactions in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 789 in 2021. This represents an 11% increase from the prior highs of 2019 and 2021. The total dollar volume soared to $31.4 billion, a remarkable 14% increase over the 2019 figure of $27.6 billion.

The Trend Continues in 2023

The momentum has carried into 2023, with SLB Capital Advisors reporting an 8.3% increase in dollar volume for sale-leaseback deals, reaching $5.1...

By Peter Halm

Buckle up for a fast and furious journey through the landscape of industrial real estate. A sector robust with vitality, industrial real estate is navigating through economic uncertainties with remarkable resilience and unprecedented momentum, outpacing other property sectors with its dynamic adaptability and innovative evolution.

Essential Tenants: The Pillars of Strength

Built Ford Tough

Industrial real estate is fortified by a battalion of essential businesses, such as food production, medical manufacturing, and logistics. These sectors, the unsung heroes of the industrial realm, have been the driving force behind the unwavering performance of industrial real estate, ensuring a consistent flow of operations and productivity, even amidst the global pandemic.

E-Commerce: The Need for Speed

A Fast and Furious Transformation

The realm of online retail has undergone a transformative evolution, with consumers gravitating towards digital buying, propelling e-commerce sales...

By Peter Halm

The American manufacturing sector is witnessing a remarkable resurgence, a transformative shift that is reshaping the industrial landscape and unlocking a plethora of opportunities for real estate investors. This revival is not a mere stroke of luck; it is a well-orchestrated symphony of multiple factors playing in harmony to breathe new life into the manufacturing domain.

Driving Forces Behind the Resurgence

• Technological Advancements: A wave of technological innovation, marked by robotics, automation, and 3D printing, is revolutionizing manufacturing processes, enabling enhanced efficiency and productivity. This technological renaissance is making domestic manufacturing more competitive, aligning it with contemporary demands and global standards.

• Government Incentives: A supportive policy framework is bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem. The government is rolling out a suite of incentives, including tax breaks and grants, fostering a conducive environment for...