On this episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan Greene sits down with Ash Patel, a commercial real estate investor with more than 15 years of experience investing beyond multifamily. Ash shares how an early mixed-use deal opened his eyes to the advantages of commercial assets and ultimately reshaped his entire investing approach.

The conversation explores why many commercial assets are misunderstood or overlooked, including office, retail, medical, and mixed-use properties. Ash explains how changing work patterns, suburban growth, and market cycles are creating rare opportunities to acquire high-quality commercial buildings at deep discounts, often well below replacement cost.

Jonathan and Ash also dig into the mindset required to succeed in real estate, the dangers of chasing trends promoted on social media, and why newer investors may benefit from escaping overcrowded asset classes. This episode offers a grounded look at how flexibility, curiosity, and long-term thinking can open doors to less competitive—and often more resilient—investment opportunities.

• How Ash transitioned from residential and mixed-use into commercial real estate

• Why office, retail, and medical assets are misunderstood by many investors

• How market cycles create opportunities across different commercial asset classes

• The risks of following social-media-driven investment trends

• Why parking, location, and tenant mix matter more than asset labels

• How mindset plays a larger role than mechanics in long-term success

If you enjoy the show, please follow Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing on Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review. It helps other listeners discover these conversations and supports the show's growth.

Connect with Ash:

Website: http://www.investbeyondmultifamily.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashpatel_official

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ash.patel.58118

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashpatel_official/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-patel-95b1a25/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashpatel_official

Connect with Jonathan:

Website - www.streamlined.properties

YouTube - www.youtube.com/c/JonathanGreeneRE/videos

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/streamlinen​j

Bigger Pockets - www.biggerpockets.com/users/jonathangreene

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - info@streamlined.properties

This episode was produced by Outlier Audio.