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