Ep 7: What Makes a Good Commercial Real Estate Investment

About this Episode:

What Makes a Good Commercial Real Estate Investment

1. What factors should investors prioritize when evaluating a commercial property’s potential?
2. How do location, tenant quality, and lease terms impact the success of a commercial investment?
3. What’s the difference between investing in office, retail, industrial, and multifamily properties?
4. What financial metrics or ratios do you consider essential when analyzing a commercial deal (e.g., cap rate, ROI, NOI)?
5. How can investors assess market trends to identify lucrative opportunities?
6. What role does risk tolerance play in choosing the right commercial investment?
7. How do you evaluate a property’s future appreciation or redevelopment potential?
8. What red flags should investors look out for when considering a commercial property?
9. How important is diversification within a commercial real estate portfolio?
10. Can you share an example of a highly successful commercial investment and what made it work?

About the Guest: Karl Niehaus

Founder & CEO - Commercial Real Estate Broker - DRE# 01450751

Karl Niehaus, an award-winning Los Angeles broker, is president of Commercial Real Estate Investments (CREI). Karl has specialized in retail and office sales & leasing in Los Angeles County since 2003.

Commercial Real Estate Accomplishments:

2006 - Promoted to Senior Advisor – NEA

2007 - Promoted to Head of Leasing department

2010 - #1 Broker for Closed Transactions

2011 - President of Commercial Property Sales & Leasing - CREI

2012 - #1 Leasing Broker in LA County & Bronze Award for Closed Transactions

2013 - #1 Broker for Closed Transactions & #2 Broker for Listings signed

2014 - #1 Producing Agent - Double Gold

2015 - #1 Producing Agent - Quadruple Gold

2016 - #1 Producing Agent - Platinum

2017 - #1 Producing Agent - Platinum

2018 - #1 Producing Agent - Triple Gold

2019 - #1 Producing Agent - Quadruple Platinum

2020 - #1 Producing Agent - Double Platinum

2021 - #1 Producing Agent - Double Platinum

2022 - #1 Producing Agent - Platinum

2023 - #1 Producing Agent - Double Gold

Languages: German, French, English & Afrikaans

Karl grew up in real estate, assisting his father who started one of the most successful development companies in South Africa. They worked together on multiple development projects over summer breaks, sparking his interest in real estate. His family still owns and manages retail & automotive properties in South Africa. Karl moved to California in 2001 to attend and play water polo for Pepperdine University. He has represented South Africa in 3 Water Polo World Championships and was selected for All-American honors while playing for Pepperdine. Graduating from Pepperdine with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Karl moved straight into commercial real estate.

In 2003, Karl started with Marcus & Millichap. At the same time, he also worked as an apartment manager, managing various apartment buildings from 20 - 63 Units. In 2006, Karl was recruited to join National Equity Advisors, Inc (NEA), where he was promoted to a Senior Advisor and headed up the leasing department. In 2011, Karl became president of CREI, where he heads up retail and office sales & leasing. 

Outside of real estate, Karl continues to play water polo and founded Santa Monica Water Polo Club helping elementary, middle & high school kids learn the sport. Karl lives in Brentwood with his wife and two children.