James Dawson and Melissa Fisher on why waiting to invest is costing you big

Introduction

  • James Dawson introduces Melissa Fisher, founder of Property Inc and a commercial property mentor.
  • Melissa has over 30 years of experience and has completed over $800 million in property deals.
  • They discuss Melissa’s journey, investments, and mentorship in commercial real estate.

Main Discussion Points

1. Commercial Storage Industry

  • Melissa started with self-storage facilities, which remain a strong part of her portfolio.
  • The self-storage industry is booming due to limited residential space and increased business use.
  • Cap rates have changed significantly, from 11% to below 8%, reflecting strong industry growth.

2. High-End Wellness & Airport Development Project

  • Melissa is developing a 374-acre airport and farming land in Yarra Valley into a health & wellness hub.
  • The project integrates aviation, wellness, and education sectors.
  • Extensive planning and collaboration with architects and designers are ongoing.
  • She is excited about setting new trends in health and aviation.

3. Market Conditions & Investment Timing

  • Many people hesitate to invest, waiting for “perfect conditions.”
  • Melissa emphasizes that there is never a perfect time—opportunities always exist.
  • Commercial real estate is less volatile than residential, focusing on demand-driven investments.
  • Understanding market changes helps investors adapt and find opportunities.

4. Case Study: Carrie’s Success in Commercial Real Estate

  • Carrie purchased a sub-$1M shopping center, negotiating it down to $706K.
  • She filled vacancies strategically, increasing its value to over $3M and generating $252K in net income.
  • The investment was life-changing and reshaped how she approaches business deals.

5. Other Investor Success Stories

  • Several mastermind members have transformed their portfolios:
    • Sulyn: Bought industrial property in Geraldton, WA, then moved into a larger project in Melbourne.
    • Adam: Sold underperforming assets, boosting his annual cash flow by $100K.
    • Julie & Team: Took on a $1M industrial renovation project, secured a national tenant, and resold for $2.3M.

6. The Power of Networking

  • Networking has led to unexpected deals and solutions, including tenant placements and cost-saving advice.
  • Attending bootcamps and mastermind events provides direct exposure to real estate professionals, lenders, and investors.

7. Upcoming Bootcamp & Coaching Opportunities

  • Next Bootcamp: March 28, 2025, in Brisbane (3-day event with live deal analysis and site visits).
  • The Commercial Investing Academy offers structured coaching for beginners.
  • Portfolio Reviews & Strategy Calls help investors optimize their property holdings.

Key Takeaways

  1. Act Now – Waiting for the “perfect market conditions” means missing out on opportunities.
  2. Commercial is Less Volatile – Unlike residential real estate, commercial investments rely on business demand rather than market fluctuations.
  3. Networking is Crucial – The right connections lead to better deals and faster problem-solving.
  4. Investing is a Learning Process – Coaching, mentorship, and structured guidance fast-track success.
  5. One Deal Can Change Your Life – Proper planning and execution can lead to financial freedom with just one well-structured commercial deal.

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