JF 3968: Small Units, Big Returns, and What Most People Get Wrong About Financial Freedom ft. Derek Peterson

On this episode of Beyond Multifamily, Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Derek Petersen, a former civil engineer turned real estate developer focused on adding value through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in San Diego. Derek shares how he transforms garages, carports, and storage spaces into high-demand micro-apartments near SDSU, maximizing returns by building for under $100K and renting for $1,500–$2,000/month. He dives into the nuances of California's ministerial approval process, lending strategies, and how compounding capital—even through operational cash flow—drives his long-term wealth strategy. The episode also explores Derek's candid lessons from a challenging Lexington multifamily deal and his views on financial freedom and the psychological barriers many face in pursuing it. Derek Petersen Current Role: Founder of Aviara Capital Investments, real estate investor and developer specializing in ADU conversions Based in: San Diego, California Say hi to them at: [email protected] | www.AviaraCapitalInvestments.com | www.linkedin.com/in/derekpetersen Go to https://zbiotics.com/BESTEVER  and use BESTEVER at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It’s free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices