Why Smart Developers Never Buy Land

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Episode Introduction & Guest Welcome
5:33 - The Difference Between Being a Builder vs Developer
11:11 - Why Development Projects Take 7 Years to Complete
16:07 - Using AI Tools to Speed Up Permitting & Code Review
19:06 - Construction Costs Rising: Why They Won't Come Down
22:00 - Education Recommendations & Vistage Mastermind
24:01 - Best Advice for Younger Self: Master Fundraising
27:40 - The Foreclosure Deal That Almost Destroyed Everything
31:39 - $3M Property Bought for $1.25M Success Story

🏗️ DISCOVER THE LAND DEVELOPMENT SECRETS THAT CREATE MASSIVE WEALTH 🏗️
In this eye-opening episode of The Real Estate Investing Club podcast, host Gabe Petersen interviews Eugene Gershman from GIS Companies, who reveals the insider strategies for partnering with landowners to create million-dollar development projects without buying land! 💰 Eugene shares his journey from avoiding his father's construction business to becoming a successful real estate developer who helps landowners unlock hidden value through strategic joint ventures and complex development projects.

FROM CONSTRUCTION FAMILY TO DEVELOPMENT EXPERT 📈
Eugene takes us through his fascinating transformation from studying economics and getting an MBA to reluctantly joining his father's construction company and eventually transitioning into full-time real estate development. He explains the crucial difference between being a general contractor who builds projects versus being a developer who orchestrates the entire process, manages risk, and captures the majority of profits. His story demonstrates how proper education and strategic thinking can transform a reluctant participant into a development expert.

INNOVATIVE LAND PARTNERSHIP STRATEGIES REVEALED 🤝
Learn Eugene's groundbreaking approach to partnering with landowners who want to develop their property but lack the expertise, capital, or experience to navigate the complex development process. He explains how landowners can contribute their property as equity into joint ventures, becoming either passive limited partners or active co-developers depending on their preference. This strategy allows property owners to potentially multiply their land value several times over compared to simply selling at market price.

THE REALITY OF DEVELOPMENT TIMELINES AND COSTS ⏰
Discover why development is truly a long-term game, with projects typically taking seven years from initial contact to final sale. Eugene breaks down the extensive feasibility study process required before any development begins, including market analysis, utility connections, permitting costs, and construction estimates. He reveals why construction costs continue rising and won't come down, making smaller unit developments the key to profitability in today's market environment.

AI TOOLS REVOLUTIONIZING DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES 🤖
Get insights into how Eugene uses artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Grok to analyze municipal codes, create legal arguments for city planners, and streamline the traditionally slow permitting process. He shares specific examples of feeding entire land use codes into AI systems to generate interpretations and arguments that help navigate complex regulatory environments more efficiently than traditional methods.

LINKEDIN MARKETING FOR DEVELOPMENT DEALS 📱
Eugene reveals his unique approach to generating development opportunities through LinkedIn content marketing, focusing on educating landowners with his motto "do not sell your land, develop it." He explains why LinkedIn's professional environment makes it ideal for reaching property owners who are considering selling but could benefit more from development partnerships that create significantly higher returns.
This episode is essential for anyone interested in real estate development, land investing, or creating joint venture partnerships that unlock hidden value in underutilized properties.

Want to learn more about the REI Club Podcast, how to invest with Gabe at Kaizen, or our community of RE investors on Skool? Click here: https://linktr.ee/gabepetersen