What’s Working Best Now: Fund Managers Reveal Their Top Capital Raising Strategies

In this powerhouse episode of the Hero Capital Raising Show, host Tim Mai sits down with a panel of elite fund managers to uncover the strategies that are delivering the highest returns in today’s market. Jennifer Simeon (HERO Wealth Fund), Maria Zonnevin (Blue Viking Capital), JC Hearn (JCH Equity), and Shirley Xu share their hard-won insights on syndications vs. funds, negotiating high-yield deals, and scaling investor capital with strategic partnerships. From navigating tax benefits and bonus depreciation to leveraging SPVs for greater returns, this conversation is packed with expert knowledge you won’t find anywhere else. Tune in now and discover what’s working best in capital raising today!

Five key takeaways from the podcast episode:

1. The Power of Funds Over Syndications

Fund managers like Maria Zonnevin and Jennifer Simeon highlighted the advantages of pooling investor capital into funds rather than syndications. By doing so, they negotiate better terms, secure higher returns, and minimize individual investor risk while gaining access to institutional-level deals.

2. Relationships Drive Capital Raising Success

JC Hearn and Shirley Xu emphasized that capital raising is a long-term relationship game. Investors take time to build trust, and fund managers who consistently provide value, education, and personalized engagement are the ones who successfully raise funds year after year.

3. Diversification & Investor Preferences Shape Deal Flow

Fund managers adapt their strategies based on investor needs. Maria Zonnevin shared how she polls her investors annually to align deal structures with their goals—whether they seek short-term liquidity, long-term appreciation, or tax advantages.

4. The Due Diligence That Separates Winning Deals from Risky Bets

JC Hearn, a CCIM-certified real estate professional, walked through his rigorous underwriting process, including analyzing market demand, asset class profitability, and operator experience. The panelists reinforced the importance of vetting sponsors and structuring deals with investor protection in mind.

5. Bonus Depreciation & Tax Strategies Still Matter in 2025

While bonus depreciation is phasing down (60% in 2024, 40% in 2025), Jennifer Simeon reassured investors that strategic tax planning remains essential. Investors can still benefit from cost segregation studies, depreciation advantages, and fund structures designed to optimize tax efficiency.

About Tim Mai

Tim Mai is a real estate investor, fund manager, mentor, and founder of HERO Mastermind for REI coaches.

He has helped many real estate investors and coaches become millionaires. Tim continues to help busy professionals earn income and build wealth through passive investing.

He is also a creative marketer and promoter with incredible knowledge and experience, which he freely shares.

He has lifted himself from the aftermath of war, achieving technical expertise in computers, followed by investment success in real estate, management skills, and a lofty position among real estate educators and internet marketers.

Tim is an industry leader who has acquired and exited well over $50 million worth of real estate and is currently an investor in over 2700 units of multifamily apartments.

Connect with Tim
Website: Capital Raising Party
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Twitter: @timmai
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