Value Add Network
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Value Add
Network.

A private network for people building in commercial real estate.

Work through live deals, learn from experienced operators and meet the people you can build alongside.

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Built around real people,
real deals and shared work.
440+network members
$1.2B+combined member portfolios
4live coaching calls each month

There’s more than one way to take part.

Residential investors

Explore commercial transactions and learn how larger deals are sourced and structured.

Business owners

Understand larger assets and connect with experienced real estate partners.

Experienced investors

Meet people working on capital, portfolios and repeatable execution.

A deal is only as strong as the people behind it.

The opportunity, the capital and the execution all have to come together. The network gives those conversations a place to happen.

Deal flow

Bring an opportunity into the room and pressure-test what makes it worth pursuing.

Capital

Understand the structure, the risks and what investors need to see.

Execution

Learn from operators who have sourced, financed and managed commercial assets.

Rafik Moore, founder of Brait CapitalRafik Moore · Founder & CEO, Brait Capital

Built by someone who’s done the work.

Rafik Moore started in real estate in 2003. After losing everything in the 2008 crash, he rebuilt and went on to acquire five million square feet of commercial real estate.

“One meaningful commercial deal can change your life.”Rafik Moore

What happens inside.

Bring a deal, a question or a new perspective. The work takes several forms.

01

At the table

Four live calls a month with Rafik and the Brait Capital team. Bring your questions, review deals and hear how others approach the numbers.

02

Between calls

Connect with members, share opportunities and explore Co-GP or LP participation in active projects.

03

At your pace

Use 40+ masterclasses, deal documents, due diligence kits and investor materials when the work calls for them.

Rafik Moore, founder of Brait Capital

Member results & deal records.

Ten operators. Their portfolios before joining, the deals they executed alongside Rafik Moore, and what changed.

440+network members
$1.2B+combined member portfolios
$350M+Rafik Moore portfolio
$500M+transacted

Where they started. Where they are now.

MemberBefore joiningToday
Victor KniazevychResidential only, $3M–$4M$8M–$10M commercial portfolio in under a year
Daniel Matajira2–10% passive stakes$100K profit + ~$200K equity in ~1 year
Oleksii BazhynovPassive LP, no operating role$700K–$800K personal equity projected
Sean StarkFirst-year broker, no portfolioOperating partner in ~$60M of assets
Brian ScholtenNew to CRE, no framework~24 properties, $30M–$50M portfolio
Fred RappaportResidential flips and lending~$30M portfolio, $5M–$7M equity created
Cory L. McClureFlips and private lending~$3.0M realized profit, ~$15M portfolio
Jeff SalzbrunBroker/developer, owned nothingNet worth +$10M+, ~20 properties
Carlos Zapata$15M–$20M, conservative deals$12M–$13M value creation on one asset
Saul Zenkevcius3 buildings, ~$10M–$15M12+ buildings, $100M+ portfolio

Figures are as reported by each member in their recorded interview. Some values are projected or unrealized where noted on the individual records. Individual results are not typical and are not a guarantee of future performance.

Victor Kniazevych

Victor Kniazevych

Built an $8M–$10M commercial portfolio in under a year.

$8M–$10MCommercial portfolio built
~$12K / moCash flow, first deal
5Commercial deals closed
Read Victor’s story

Where he started

Residential only — a $3M–$4M portfolio of single-family, duplex and small multifamily. No experience operating an investment-grade commercial property.

What changed

Rafik funded 80% of Victor's first commercial acquisition and walked him through structure, underwriting and execution. Within months he moved from residential operator to full commercial investor across office, hotel, industrial and retail.

Deal record

Milwaukee 307 — IllinoisFirst commercial deal · small office units
All-in basis
$825,000
Appraised 5–6 months later
$1.5M
Estimated value today
$1.6M–$1.8M
Cash flow
~$12,000 / month
Status
Long-term hold
Retail buildingSecond deal · value-add reposition
Purchase
$525,000
Renovation
~$400,000
Total basis
~$1,000,000
Refi appraisal
$1.4M
Current value
~$2M
Equity gain
~$1M
“If you want to grow fast, avoid painful mistakes, and operate like a real commercial investor, this program and this community will save you years.”In his own words — Victor Kniazevych

Daniel Matajira

$100K profit and ~$200K in equity inside roughly one year.

$100,000Profit on one deal
~$200,000Equity on another
~50×His estimated return on program cost
Read Daniel’s story

Where he started

Small deals and partnerships, almost always as a minority participant. Limited experience structuring deals independently, and no confidence pursuing larger, more complex assets.

What changed

Gained the technical framework — and, more importantly, the confidence to step into full operator control. Now owns materially larger stakes and calls the shots on his own deals.

Deal record

St. Cloud, MinnesotaValue-add reposition · remodel, re-tenant, lease-up
Purchase (September)
$700,000
Total basis post-renovation
~$850,000
Projected stabilized value
$1.2M–$1.4M
Projected monthly rent
~$11,000
“The community is filled with experienced operators willing to fund deals, collaborate and share insights. Commit fully, engage, and the upside will dwarf the investment.”In his own words — Daniel Matajira

Oleksii Bazhynov

From passive LP to active operator — $700K–$800K in personal equity projected.

$700K–$800KProjected personal equity
<50% → 94%Occupancy lift, deal one
120,000 sq ftNow under his control
Read Oleksii’s story

Where he started

No active CRE operating experience — exposure limited to passive LP positions. No framework for deal analysis, negotiation, underwriting or due diligence.

What changed

Moved from theory to execution with hands-on guidance across analysis, negotiation, structure and decision-making. Has already earned ~$20,000 in acquisition fees, with the real upside in equity created.

Deal record

Shopping Center — Cleveland, Ohio20,000 sq ft · value-add reposition and fast exit
Purchase (July)
$1.3M
Occupancy at acquisition
Under 50%
Current occupancy
94%
Renovation
~$650K (vs. $1M+ initial estimate)
Projected stabilized value
$3.3M
Warehouse / Retail Box — Canton, Ohio100,000 sq ft incl. a 36,000 sq ft bowling alley
Purchase
$2.2M ($22 / sq ft)
Renovation target
$1M
Projected stabilized value
$5.7M–$6M
Tenancy
Bowling alley retained, restaurant secured
“Time in the market and speed of action matter. The community dramatically shortens the learning curve and helps you avoid costly mistakes.”In his own words — Oleksii Bazhynov

Sean Stark

From first-year broker with no portfolio to operating partner in ~$60M of assets.

~$60MPortfolio he partners in
9–10Commercial properties co-owned
2.2×Basis to exit, Atlanta deal
Read Sean’s story

Where he started

First year in real estate selling apartments in New York. Inconsistent income, no portfolio, limited capital, and no clear path to ownership.

What changed

Progressed from assistant to broker to operating partner, taking over asset management — leasing, construction and tenant relationships — across multiple deals.

Deal record

2800 Lithonia Industrial Blvd — Atlanta, GAIndustrial · rapid value-add execution
Purchase
$1.4M
Improvements
~$200K
Total basis
~$1.6M
Exit
~$3.5M
Hold period
~6 months
Monticello dealCommercial · new roof and tenant improvements
Purchase
~$800K
Improvements
~$400K
Total basis
~$1.2M
Exit
~$3.4M
Hold period
~2 years
“That's the best way to learn — watch someone who's been through the problems already and learn from them instead of making every mistake yourself.”In his own words — Sean Stark

Brian Scholten

Roughly two dozen commercial properties, $30M–$50M in portfolio value.

$30M–$50MTotal portfolio valuation
~24Commercial properties owned
$300K–$3MEquity per property
Read Brian’s story

Where he started

New to commercial real estate and working mainly in apartment transactions. Limited understanding of commercial valuation, no structured underwriting framework, and constant uncertainty on pricing and risk.

What changed

Learned to assess value fast with back-of-the-napkin underwriting, price opportunities correctly and move decisively rather than overanalyze. That shift became his specialization in small bay industrial.

Deal record

Small bay industrial portfolio~33,000–34,000 sq ft incl. ~9,000 sq ft of office
Acquisition basis
~$65 / sq ft
Office portion sold at
~$100 / sq ft
Profit on office component
~$350,000
Net proceeds
~$900,000
Strategy
Split office from bays, sell office, retain warehouse
“Mentorship, speed, and community are what separate successful operators from those who never get off the sidelines.”In his own words — Brian Scholten

Fred Rappaport

Residential flips to a ~$30M portfolio and $5M–$7M in equity created.

~$30MPortfolio value today
$5M–$7MEstimated equity created
13–14Active projects
Read Fred’s story

Where he started

Residential flips and private lending in a saturating market. Margins tightening, scalability limited, and no durable path into commercial.

What changed

Shifted to relationship-driven deal sourcing, negotiating directly with sellers and principals, and using creative structures — seller financing and master leases — to unlock better pricing and terms.

Deal record

5301 Edina Industrial Blvd — Edina, MNIndustrial · ~25,000 sq ft
Purchase
$1.2M
Exit
$2.2M
Hold period
~2 years
877 Jefferson — South St. Paul, MNDaycare center · value-add and disposition
Purchase
~$685,000
Exit
~$1.03M
Hold period
~2 years
6002 Excelsior — St. Louis Park, MNRetail · ~6,500 sq ft
Purchase
~$700,000
Projected exit
~$1.1M
Status
Under contract to sell, Q1 2026
“The community stood out for its openness — investors actively sharing experience, lessons and capital perspectives. That trust is rare.”In his own words — Fred Rappaport

Cory L. McClure

~$3.0M in realized profits and a ~$15M jointly owned portfolio.

~$3.0MRealized profits
$100K–$120KAnnual cash flow
~$15MCommercial portfolio
Read Cory’s story

Where he started

Background in residential flips and private lending. Limited access to trustworthy, creative commercial partners, and deal structures locked into traditional acquisition models.

What changed

Access to creative structures — contract for deed, seller financing — and a high-trust partnership with complementary skill sets. Roughly 90% of his deal flow now comes through Rafik's relationships.

Deal record

Lake Street & Bloomington Ave — Minneapolis, MNMixed-use · restaurant, salon, four residential units
Purchase
~$1.0M
Exit
~$1.25M
Structure
Five-year contract for deed
Outcome
Operator seasoned, refinanced via SBA, took full ownership
Replication
Repeated on two further Bloomington properties
Inver Grove Heights, MNMixed-use commercial · ~14,000 sq ft · acquired through bankruptcy court
Purchase
~$900K
Rehab
~$100K
Total basis
~$1.0M
Current appraised value
~$1.6M
Equity created
~$600K
“He's one of the best mentors I've had. Anyone serious about commercial real estate would be well served working with him.”In his own words — Cory L. McClure

Jeff Salzbrun

Net worth up $10M+ and $30K–$50K a month in cash flow.

$10M+Net worth increase
~$30K–$50KMonthly cash flow
~20Commercial properties owned
Read Jeff’s story

Where he started

Decades as a broker and developer — and he had never personally owned commercial real estate. His income was tied entirely to fees, commissions and developing for others.

What changed

Shifted from earning fees to building equity and cash flow, structuring deals creatively and leveraging relationships instead of waiting for perfect conditions. Now acquires 3–5 buildings a year and employs a team of ~15.

Deal record

Vestioz — Dinkytown, Minneapolis, MNHistoric mixed-use · first deal with Rafik
Purchase
~$1.0M
Exit
~$1.2M
Profit
~$80K–$100K per partner
Blaine Industrial Condo — Blaine, MNRolled into a larger asset via 1031
Purchase
$400K (listed at $450K)
Exit
$850K, ~1 year later
Profit
~$400K
France Avenue North — Brooklyn Park, MNMulti-tenant industrial · acquired via 1031 exchange
Purchase
~$1.2M–$1.3M
Exit
~$3.0M
Hold period
~3 years
Reposition
Added granite company, car storage, portable bar service
VFW BuildingCreative financing · $400K seller carryback plus $500K bank loan
Under contract after ~2 years
~$1.5M
Outcome
Seller paid off, refinanced, distributions taken, ongoing cash flow
“Certain deals achieved 600%+ returns — driven by seller carrybacks, outside investors funding down payments, refinancing, and strategic repositioning.”In his own words — Jeff Salzbrun

Carlos Zapata

$12M–$13M in projected value creation on a single 530,000 sq ft repositioning.

$12M–$13MProjected value creation
530,000 sq ftFlagship industrial park
$15M–$20MPortfolio before joining
Read Carlos’s story

Where he started

The limitation was vision and confidence at scale. Deals were smaller and more conservative; large commercial projects felt inaccessible, and financing complexity created hesitation.

What changed

Adopted clear systems for underwriting, structuring and execution, and learned to think like an operator rather than a buyer or broker — moving from incremental growth to step-function scaling.

Deal record

799 East 73rd Street — Cleveland, Ohio~530,000 sq ft industrial park · warehousing, storage, co-working, truck parking
Acquisition (January 2024)
~$9.0M
Planned construction & parking
~$7M–$8M
Expected total basis
~$27M–$28M
Projected value creation
$12M–$13M
Plan
Lease-up across verticals, refinance at stabilization
New Jersey Retail PlazaRetail · disciplined value-add over a long hold
Purchase (2021–2022)
~$850K
Current value
~$3.0M
Development pipeline
Focus
Ground-up multifamily at 20–60 units per project
Also
Two more Cleveland commercial assets under contract
“Rafik's mentorship and the community made a 500,000+ sq ft deal feel executable rather than overwhelming. There is little downside and significant upside — just try it.”In his own words — Carlos Zapata
Saul Zenkevcius

Saul Zenkevcius

Three buildings to 12+ and a $100M+ portfolio.

$100M+Portfolio value today
12+Commercial buildings
~10×Growth from starting portfolio
Read Saul’s story

Where he started

Owned three commercial buildings, all with partners — a portfolio he estimates at $10M–$15M. Constrained by limited experience, confidence and resources to scale into larger deals.

What changed

Plugged into existing operational infrastructure — property management, construction, leasing execution, capital relationships — and internalized that CRE is a team sport. That enabled immediate scaling into institutional-size projects.

Deal record

Milwaukee Tech CenterTwo buildings · ~165,000 sq ft on ~15 acres · fully stabilized
Purchase
$4.5M
Additional investment
~$3.5M
Total basis
~$8.0M
Current value
~$14.0M
NOI growth
~$450K → ~$1.1M–$1.2M
Rush Technology Innovation CenterEight buildings · ~193,000 sq ft on ~29 acres · acquired from Ohio University
Purchase
$4.5M
Additional investment
$3.0M+
Current appraisal
~$13.0M
Status
Near end of stabilization
Earlier exits — Archer & Tinley ParkTwo commercial assets repositioned and sold
Archer
$750K → $1.4M
Tinley Park
~$900K–$950K → $1.8M
Status
One sold to its tenant in ~12 months
“Rafik is in the trenches, not a theorist. He holds your hand and goes through the project and the process with you. It's repeatable and proven — not magic.”In his own words — Saul Zenkevcius

What actually produced these outcomes.

Ten different operators, ten different markets, ten different starting points — and the same four mechanics show up in every account.

Find — deal flow that isn't on the market

Cory sources roughly 90% of his deals through the network's relationships. Jeff bought at the courthouse. Cory took a building out of bankruptcy court. Saul acquired a campus from a university. None of these came off a public listing.

Structure — terms beat the biggest checkbook

Jeff's VFW deal used a $400K seller carryback behind a $500K bank loan. Cory used a five-year contract for deed to solve a buyer who couldn't qualify. Fred built on seller financing and master leases. Structure is what makes the deal possible before capital ever shows up.

Fund — other people's capital, aligned properly

Rafik funded 80% of Victor's first commercial acquisition. Jeff had outside investors fund down payments. Daniel found operators inside the community willing to fund deals. Capital follows a credible operator with a structured deal — not the other way around.

Scale — forced appreciation, then recycle

Saul took NOI from ~$450K to ~$1.1M–$1.2M and the asset from an $8M basis to ~$14M. Oleksii moved occupancy from under 50% to 94%. Jeff rolled a $400K profit into a 1031 that exited at ~$3.0M. Improve the income, refinance or exit, repeat.

These are individual past experiences as reported by each member in their recorded interview, not representative results. Individual results vary. No outcome is guaranteed.

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From a deal on paper to a deal worth discussing.

Live feedback connects the work of sourcing, underwriting, structuring and presenting to capital.

  1. 01

    Define your buy box

    Focus on assets, markets and deal profiles that match capital demand and lender appetite.

  2. 02

    Build credibility

    Develop broker and owner relationships that bring real opportunities.

  3. 03

    Create a deal funnel

    Source through brokers, off-market conversations and referrals.

  4. 04

    Underwrite like capital does

    Study downside, sensitivity, CapEx risk and debt structure.

  5. 05

    Structure aligned deals

    Work through LP, JV and partnership structures.

  6. 06

    Pitch with clarity

    Communicate risks, returns and execution to investors.

  7. 07

    Close and execute

    Plan due diligence, stabilization and the path to an exit.

A working library, not just a lesson plan.

Explore masterclasses on deal sourcing, underwriting, capital and operations when you need them.

Find deals

  • Cold Calls: How to Find Off-Market CRE Deals
  • Underwriting Mastery
  • Pitching Deals Like a Pro
  • Real Strategy for Off-Market Deals

Raise capital

  • How to Raise Capital Like a Pro
  • Blueprint: Build a Powerful Investor List
  • Creative Financing Masterclass
  • Understanding IRR & Investor Returns

Execute value-add

  • Due Diligence Deep Dive
  • Lease Vacancies Like a PRO
  • Stabilization & Repair Costs
  • The Playbook to Stabilize and Scale

Mindset & strategy

  • Negotiation Mastery
  • Charlie Munger’s Mental Models
  • Value Add 10X: Mindset & Vision
  • Asking the Right Questions

Find your people in the room.

A broker, an operator, an investor and a first-time dealmaker can see the same opportunity from very different angles. Those perspectives make the conversation useful.

“The fastest way to grow is to find your mentor and your tribe.”

A view inside the Value Add Network member community
A look inside the member community

The first step is a conversation.

On a private tour, meet our team, see how the network works and talk about what you’re building.

Book a Private Tour
  1. 01

    Book a private tour

    Tell us about your goals and what you’re working on.

  2. 02

    Explore the network

    See the calls, deal conversations and member community.

  3. 03

    Discuss next steps

    Talk through how you could take part.

Take a look inside.

See the conversations, training and community from the network.