Ep. 020: Rewriting the Retirement Playbook: Insights from Shawn Griffith

On today’s episode, Dustin sits down with Shawn Griffith from Craft Capital Investments. Shawn Griffith's path in real estate investing is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and continuous learning. What began as passive investing over a decade ago has transformed into an active role in multifamily syndication, driven by a desire to create a more robust retirement strategy.

In November 2021, Griffith and his wife realized the traditional Wall Street retirement model wouldn't meet their lifestyle goals. Their solution? Diving into real estate syndication. By March 2022, they had found a mentor and were actively acquiring properties, with their fifth deal set to close shortly. Focusing on the Dallas-Fort Worth mid-cities area, including Hurst, Bedford, and Arlington, Griffith looks for properties with specific criteria: 200+ units, built post-1986, in areas with strong schools and median household incomes above $50,000. His approach emphasizes risk management and thorough due diligence.

As a GP team member, Griffith primarily handles investor relations and property analysis. He's passionate about educating investors, strongly believing that while income can be passive, investors should never be completely passive. His advice to potential investors: ask tough questions, understand the risks, and diversify investments.

Griffith's learning philosophy is rooted in continuous improvement. He frequently revisits books like "Never Split the Difference" and "Influence," finding new insights with each reading. His current goal is to double his net worth in five years by acquiring 3-5 properties annually.

For those aspiring to become general partners, Griffith offers straightforward advice: understand the job's complexities, seek mentorship, and most importantly, take action. "No matter how much you learn," he emphasizes, "if you don't take action, the knowledge means nothing." With a background in math and computer science and experience in problem-solving, Griffith brings a unique perspective to real estate investing. His journey demonstrates that with the right approach, strategic thinking, and willingness to learn, investors can create meaningful wealth outside traditional investment paths.