This episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing features Eric Burns, a former firefighter who transitioned from managing duplexes and student rentals to raising capital for commercial real estate deals. In this conversation, Jonathan and Eric explore how that evolution happened and why capital raising became a natural extension of his mindset and experience.
Starting with Student Rentals and a Firefighter’s Schedule
Eric didn’t come from a finance background. Like many first responders, he started investing in real estate as a side hustle. His first deal was a student rental near a college campus. He figured things out as he went, handling property management, maintenance, and tenant issues while working 24-hour fire shifts. The strategy worked for a while, but it wasn’t sustainable.
The time and energy needed to manage rentals began to pull Eric in too many directions. That’s when he realized he needed to rethink his model.
Discovering Syndications Through Masterminds
Eric credits his shift to capital raising with joining mastermind groups and investing in coaching. Those environments introduced him to syndications—pooled real estate investments run by experienced operators—and opened the door to a more scalable, aligned investing model.
Instead of taking on every responsibility himself, Eric started building relationships with proven operators. His role shifted from investor to educator and connector, helping others enter passive deals with strong fundamentals.
Building Trust, One Investor at a Time
Capital raising, Eric explains, is more than matching money with deals. It’s about building trust. He shares how he evaluates sponsors, looking for consistent communication, integrity, and a clear track record. It’s not enough to deliver returns; operators need to be transparent and reliable.
Jonathan and Eric talk about how education plays a central role in attracting and retaining investors. From explaining deal structures to setting realistic expectations, Eric approaches every conversation with the goal of clarity, not pressure.
Making the Leap from Active to Passive
For Eric, capital raising isn’t just a business—it’s a way to create long-term impact without burning out. He saw firsthand how managing rentals could lead to frustration and fatigue. By focusing on passive investing, he has developed a role that’s both financially rewarding and personally aligned.
This episode serves as a blueprint for anyone considering a shift from active investing to a more strategic, relationship-driven approach.
Eric’s journey shows that with the right mindset, network, and intention, capital raising can become more than a business—it can become a way to help others build lasting wealth.
If you want to learn more about Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing Podcast, check out https://zenandtheartofrealestateinvesting.com/podcast/252/.