Meet the Experts: AAOA Rental Housing Conference 2024 Speaker Lineup

The AAOA Rental Housing Conference is just days away on October 16, offering a powerhouse lineup of expert speakers ready to share vital knowledge for property owners and managers. These professionals bring real-world experience and innovative solutions to the challenges landlords face, from tax-saving strategies to managing emotional support animal (ESA) requests and tackling the insurance crisis. Let’s dive deeper into the speakers and their unique insights for this year’s sessions.

Click here to register for the online OR in-person event! 

Defer Taxes WITH or WITHOUT a 1031 Exchange 

Property investors often look to a 1031 Exchange to defer capital gains taxes, but Scott Varney offers lesser-known strategies that can be equally effective. In this session, Scott will detail several approaches that go beyond the traditional 1031 Exchange, providing you with the flexibility to maximize your tax benefits. Whether you’re in the midst of a transaction or planning for future sales, you’ll leave with actionable tax strategies to save money.

Scott Varney
Tax Strategist, SV Consultants

Scott Varney’s unique perspective combines his experience as a top-producing real estate agent with his deep understanding of financial services. His track record of helping clients defer, reduce, or eliminate capital gains taxes sets him apart as a leading voice in tax planning for real estate investors. Scott’s presentations are known for being comprehensive, engaging, and focused on immediate takeaways.

 

How to Combat the Multifamily Insurance Crisis 

With insurance premiums continuing to skyrocket, especially in the multifamily sector, Lauren Lieb will help you navigate this crisis. Learn what’s driving the rising costs and how you can protect your properties while mitigating premium hikes. Lauren will also highlight specific actions you can take now to prevent further cost increases and provide practical insights into the future of multifamily insurance.

Lauren Lieb
Sr. Commercial Risk Advisor, InsuranceHub

Lauren Lieb has over nine years of expertise advising clients on multifamily insurance risks, helping landlords nationwide save thousands on premiums. Her deep understanding of the unique risks in multifamily housing, paired with her ability to reduce costs without sacrificing coverage, makes her a sought-after speaker on insurance matters. Lauren’s commitment to helping property owners overcome insurance challenges extends beyond the conference, where she regularly consults on the best practices for risk mitigation.

 

CA Evictions: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

In California, evictions can be fraught with legal complications. Tracey Merrell, Esq., will provide an in-depth overview of the eviction process and reveal common pitfalls that can cost landlords significant time and money. With her extensive experience in eviction trials, Tracey will show you how to prepare effectively for court and avoid costly mistakes that could derail your case.

Tracey Merrell, Esq.
Managing Partner of Education, Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP

As a legal expert specializing in landlord-tenant law, Tracey Merrell is dedicated to helping landlords stay compliant with California’s complex eviction process. Her experience in trial preparation and execution has saved countless property owners from lengthy and expensive legal battles. Tracey’s sessions are known for their practical legal advice, ensuring landlords know exactly how to avoid the most common eviction traps. 

 

Complying with California’s Balcony Laws SB 721 and SB 326

With the deadline for SB 721 and SB 326 compliance fast approaching, David Atkins will walk you through the inspection and repair processes required for rental properties with balconies, decks, and other elevated structures. Understanding and complying with these laws is crucial for avoiding fines and ensuring tenant safety. David’s session will cover the ins and outs of the law and how to streamline the compliance process.

David Atkins
Senior Account Manager, DrBalcony

David Atkins brings over 20 years of experience in insurance, compliance, and property management. His expertise has helped countless landlords navigate California’s evolving legal landscape, particularly the new laws surrounding elevated structures. David’s ability to simplify complex regulations makes him an invaluable resource for property owners facing SB 721 and SB 326 compliance.

 

The Future for Landlords in California: Legal Shifts and Survival Strategies

As California continues to implement new laws affecting landlords, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. This panel will break down the latest legal shifts and offer strategies for surviving and thriving in a more regulated environment. Topics include rent control, eviction protections, and legislative changes that could impact your bottom line.

Speakers:

Christian Walsh

Broker-Associate, WIRE Associates

Christian is a YouTuber and broker-associate with almost two decades of experience selling real estate throughout Southern California. His team, WIRE Associates, is positioned under Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in Beverly Hills, CA and Newport Beach, CA. He works with investors in 1031 Exchanges, tenant occupied properties and traditional residential buyers and sellers, and he leverages his background in construction to help sellers remodel for top money, including his own property.

Kenny Lim

Managing Partner, California Property Law Group

Kenny’s experience with landlord tenant law stems from his work with one of the biggest landlord tenant firms in Southern California. He has worked on over hundreds of eviction cases simultaneously and has been successful in obtaining judgments for possession as well as assisting in collecting on any money judgments. His legal career focuses on helping landlords comply with ever-changing state and local regulations. Kenny’s expertise in rent control, eviction law, and property rights makes him a valuable guide through California’s legal landscape.

Rafael Azizyan

Partner, California Property Law Group

Rafael specializes in representing landlords in complex litigation cases, including wrongful evictions and tenant disputes. His extensive courtroom experience ensures that landlords are prepared for the worst-case scenarios while staying compliant with California’s stringent regulations. Rafael’s insights into tenant protection laws offer landlords peace of mind in an uncertain environment.  Specializing in unlawful detainer cases, he has successfully represented countless individuals and businesses facing challenging legal battles.

Zachary Miller

Partner, California Property Law Group

Zachary’s focus on property litigation and compliance helps landlords navigate California’s challenging rental market. Zachary’s practical approach to landlord-tenant disputes ensures that property owners are well-prepared to handle any legal challenges that come their way. He has been at the forefront of landlord-tenant litigation in LA County, interpreting and litigating over the Los Angeles County Tenant Protections Resolution, the COVID-19 Rental Housing Recover Act, Pasadena’s Rent Control Charter Amendment, and the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance. 

 

Multifamily State of The Industry Roundtable

This dynamic roundtable brings together industry leaders to discuss the biggest trends affecting multifamily housing in 2024. Moderated by Julie Anne Peterson, the discussion will cover everything from economic challenges and financing trends to market predictions for the coming years. Whether you’re already investing in multifamily properties or looking to get started, this session will provide you with invaluable insights.

Speakers:
Gary Lipsky
CEO, Break of Day Capital

Gary Lipsky is a real estate entrepreneur focused on Multifamily Syndications and has acquired 3000+ units with a total value of $250MM. Gary is the host of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, where he interviews real estate experts to educate investors. He is also the best-selling author of Best In Class, founder of the Asset Management Summit and has spoken at countless conferences. Gary has built several companies, co-produced 3 independent films and started a non-profit organization for underprivileged children. 

Taylor Avakian
Founder, The Group CRE

Taylor Avakian is one of LA Times’ Commercial Real Estate Visionaries of 2023, and is one of the most active commercial real estate brokers in Southern California. In less than six years, he has sold more than $300 million worth of commercial real estate, evaluated over 1,000 properties, and has set himself apart in the industry through his unrelenting dedication to his clients. His expertise spans across various asset types, enabling him to consistently deliver exceptional results for property owners and investors alike.

Ryan Patap
Director of Market Analytics, CoStar Group

Ryan Patap is a Senior Director of Market Analytics for CoStar, where he is responsible for Costar’s coverage of Los Angeles’ commercial property markets. Ryan has a decade of experience in real estate research, most recently with CBRE investment Management, CBRE’s investment management business, where he was a director on the Research and Strategy team. He has also held research roles with Chicago-based real estate investment manager Heitman, as well as Hines and flexible office startup Knotel.

Moderator:

Julie Anne Peterson
Senior Director, Old Capital

Julie Anne Peterson, affectionately known as The First Lady of Lending is a Senior Director at Old Capital Lending boasting 33 years in Real Estate transactions. She’s not just a debt provider; she’s a strategic consultant. With personal investments as General and Limited Partner in Commercial and Multifamily assets across several states, Julie is well-versed in 1031 Exchanges and Self-Directed/Solo 401K accounts. Capital Raising has become her most recent addition to partnerships – bringing in over $8 Million. Beyond finance, Julie’s virtual platform, ZOOM at 8, unites investors to help grow their knowledge and network.

 

Squatter Prevention and Tips from the Squatter Hunter

Landlords everywhere face the threat of squatters taking over vacant properties, but Flash Shelton, known as “The Squatter Hunter,” has a proven method to deal with these unwanted tenants. Flash will walk you through his successful approach to squatter removal, including how to legally and humanely regain control of your properties.

Flash Shelton

The Squatter Hunter, SquatterHunters.com
Flash Shelton’s unconventional but highly effective approach to dealing with squatters has made him a national figure. His experiences and successful removals provide landlords with a practical and legal pathway to solve squatter problems. Flash’s passion for protecting property owners’ rights makes him a must-see speaker for any landlord dealing with these difficult situations.

 

Navigating Emotional Support Animal Requests

In this essential session, Kelly Stanaway and Kristen Smith, Co-Presidents of Fertig & Gordon, will guide you through the complexities of handling Emotional Support Animal (ESA) requests in multifamily properties. Drawing from their firsthand experience managing hundreds of rental units and dealing with not-so-cooperative tenants, Kelly and Kristen will share practical strategies for accommodating ESA requests while maintaining property policies.

Speakers:

Kelly Stanaway
Co-President, Fertig & Gordon

Kelly Stanaway serves as the Co-President of Fertig and Gordon, leveraging her extensive background in real estate property management and business accounting. Kelly is also a licensed California real estate broker. During her tenure at Trammell Crow, a prominent national development and property management firm, Kelly played a pivotal role in the management of industrial and commercial buildings across the greater Los Angeles area. Her proficiency in business accounting was honed at Arthur Andersen, a leading national accounting and consulting company. 

Kristen Smith
Co-President, Fertig & Gordon

As Fertig and Gordon’s Co-President, Kristen Smith assumes a pivotal role in overseeing the management of our diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Her responsibilities encompass guiding on-site managers, coordinating maintenance staff, liaising with property managers, and fostering positive relationships with our valued tenants. Moreover, as a licensed California real estate agent and possessing the prestigious CCAM designation for HOA management, she brings a comprehensive skill set to her leadership role. 


With such an outstanding speaker lineup, the 2024 AAOA Rental Housing Conference is set to deliver critical insights to help landlords and property managers thrive. Be sure to reserve your spot for a day full of knowledge, networking, and actionable takeaways!