260: Why The Biggest Threat To Housing is Government Interference with Mark Shuler

In today’s episode of Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing, Jonathan speaks with architect and multifamily syndicator Mark Shuler of SGRE Investments about how government regulation continues to hamper housing development across the country. With over 40 years of experience in architecture, urban infill, and multifamily project management, Mark brings a unique dual perspective that blends design expertise with investment strategy.

Mark outlines the real-world consequences of permitting delays, inconsistent local regulations, and overreaching planning departments. From Seattle’s 16-month permit timelines to the thousands of dollars in pre-construction fees and reports required, Mark argues that many jurisdictions have made building housing a process only the wealthy can afford. He explains how regulations originally intended to promote equity and safety have often been weaponized by neighborhood groups and local politicians to block development altogether.

The conversation also touches on Mark’s early passion for architecture, his transition into real estate investing, and the lessons he has learned from both fields. He discusses what separates smart flippers and operators from amateurs, and how investor capital is best deployed in value-add multifamily projects, especially in markets like Houston, where his firm now manages over 5,000 units.

Mark’s take is clear: meaningful housing reform starts with streamlining regulation, not adding more layers. For real estate professionals, investors, and policymakers alike, this episode provides a frank look at what’s stalling housing production and how experienced operators can still build successfully in today’s environment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How excessive permitting timelines stall development

• The role of urban planners and their disconnect from real-world construction

• What developers face in highly regulated markets like Seattle

• Lessons from Mark’s pivot into real estate investing

• Common missteps flippers make with permitting and renovation

• The economics behind value-add multifamily projects

• How SGRE Investments creates scale and efficiency in competitive markets

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Supporting Resources:

SGRE Investments website - sgreinvestments.com

SGRE Investments on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@SGRE_Investments

SGRE on Facebook - www.facebook.com/sgreinvestments

Mark Shuler’s Instagram - www.instagram.com/markshul1

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/shulerarchitecture

Shuler Architecture website - www.shulerarchitecture.com

Website - www.streamlined.properties

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

Instagram - www.instagram.com/trustgreene

Instagram - www.instagram.com/streamlinedproperties

TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@trustgreene

Zillow - www.zillow.com/profile/StreamlinedReal

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

Facebook - www.facebook.com/streamlinedproperties

Email - [email protected]

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.