Marc Gilbert, Managing Partner of Twin Oaks Group, owns and manages a diverse portfolio of property across Northern New Jersey, including multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties. Marc directed financing at New City Management, covered REITs and financials at ING and Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities at Fitch Ratings. Marc specializes in financing and structuring real estate syndicates. On this episode, Marc tells his story of joining the Israeli army and how those lessons shaped how he looks at life. They discuss why Marc buys properties with major environmental issues and the value he creates. Chris and Marc also chat about lessons learned from the 2008-2009 GFC and how Marc creates win/win situations.  Follow Chris on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/FortWorthChris Learn more about Chris Powers and Fort Capital: www.FortCapitalLP.com Follow Chris on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrispowersjr/ Follow Fort Capital on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fort-capital/ Twin Oaks Group Marc on Twitter Marc on LinkedIn (02:30) - Marc’s Travels to Israel and How it Shaped His View of the World (06:41) - Marc’s Journey Into RE (09:05) - Bringing a Depression Era Mindset to Real Estate (11:46) - Marc’s Career Prior to Starting Twin Oaks (20:44) - Do you think the bank system learned anything from the ’08 crisis? (25:07) - Operating in the Northeastern New Jersey Market (28:59) - Why do you take one these gas station deals that 99% of people pass on? (36:24) - What’s the process of cleaning these sites that requires a 5-10 year timeframe? (40:13) - Do you raise capital to clean these sites or use your own capital? (44:47) - Is there any government or tax incentive to de-contaminate these properties? (46:25) - What are you looking for in multi deals and how do you find deeper value in them? (50:19) - Thoughts on Rent Control (52:31) - As a long-term holder, should a building be 100% leased? (56:13) - Providing Housing For Ex-Felons (1:01:31) - How do you deal so well with your local government? (1:09:43) - Why could it be smart to overpay for a 1031 exchange? The Fort is produced by Johnny Peterson